Broadcasting
Unique Selling Point in the Den
Dragons Den Nigeria has empowered young entrepreneurs across the country with business advice from five experienced and successful businesspersons selected from various sectors of the economy.
However, only two entrepreneurs – Yusuf who got an investment of 10 million naira in his business "
Naijacities.com"and Alsu Odewinge who got 3 million naira investment for her "Start-Up City" business – have been able to convince the dragons enough.
The first entrepreneur in this episode, Idowu Oluwakayode, came to the den seeking a 15 million naira investment (for 40% equity) from the dragons to boost his product "H2Jo"- which according to him was a new idea developed to fizzle out the production of water in sachets.
He was to package table water in 50cl plastic cups, an idea that put him under the dragons’ fire. The last straw however was when he stated he was going to recycle the containers to which Ishmael was quick to point out the health implications – he got no investment.
Martin the second entrepreneur had come to the den seeking 50 million naira in exchange for 20% equity in his business "Doctor-on-Phone" which would offer assistance during medical emergencies via the telephone.
The dragons considered the idea a high-risk one since he was not sure of the availability of medical doctors at the time of distress, the absence of physical contact between the doctors and patients to be able to make diagnosis and lastly, the legal implications of falling short of service.
Martin got no deal.
The third entrepreneur, Oluwaseun Kayode needed 2 million naira for his business of designing books in African fabric covers and was ready to part with 30% equity. His current unit production cost was estimated at about 550 naira, and he intended to retail the books at 700 naira.
However, Awosika and Parkes observed that the prototype he presented was not well done and so, the dragons lost faith in that venture.
Ibrahim Jairo was the fourth entrepreneur who came with a proposition to establish a computer gaming arcade in Abuja, and was looking for N9,995,000 (nine million, nine hundred and ninety-five thousand naira).
The idea raised serious copyright issues. This coupled with the fact that he did not conduct an extensive feasibility study of the business sent him out of the Den without a deal.
The fifth entrepreneurs, Frank and Erastus wanted 4.5 million naira to give up 20% equity in their business, "Nigerian Sales Genie", a site where people can come buy and sell products and services. In other words, an online-classified advert portal.
On close examination, the dragons discovered they had not laid any foundation for this business and Amosu’s final comment decided their fate.
They had lost out but with words of encouragement from Momoh.
Babajide Oyeleye, the sixth entrepreneur came seeking 18 million naira for "Emergency Kits for Cars" in exchange of 40% equity in the business.
He came to display towing ropes assembled in Nigeria, to help motorists when they experience vehicle breakdowns. But the dragons aptly pointed out that the business had no uniqueness and no testimonial from any monitoring organization like the Road Safety Commission of Nigeria – they opted out.
The last entrepreneurs for this episode were the siblings Nuyin and Damilola, who came to raise 30 million naira in exchange for 40% equity in their "24-hour Electrical and Electronics Repair Centre," that could provide solutions to every electrical need within Lagos once the customer dials their company.
Well, the dragons did not invest but the trio of Awosika, Parkes, and Ishmael offered them an opportunity to return for more talks when they have prepared a more functional business plan. .
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has withdrawn its criminal case against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its top executives after both parties reportedly reached an amicable settlement.
Recall that the FCCPC and MultiChoice have been at odds for months since the pay-TV operator hiked the pricing of its DStv and GOtv services in March.
The FCCPC then summoned the company to explain the rationale for the increases and submit supporting papers, after which it said MultiChoice failed to comply.
Viewing this as a violation of the FCCPC Act’s regulatory directives, the Commission filed a seven-count criminal lawsuit accusing MultiChoice and several of its top officials of hindering investigations and failing to comply with summons.
Nonetheless, the parties informed Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday that they had reached an amicable agreement, bringing the legal dispute to a conclusion.
Daniel Amadi, lawyer to the FCCPC, informed the court that a notice of withdrawal had been filed on August 16, following the resolution of all outstanding issues.
With no objections from the defence, Justice Omotosho dismissed the case, effectively ending the proceedings.
The commission underlined that compliance and transparency are still critical for sustaining trust between firms and regulators in Nigeria’s consumer market.
More than 700 Nigerians have successfully transitioned from renters to homeowners within six months, following the implementation of landmark mortgage reforms spearheaded by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
The milestone, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s housing sector, which has long faced challenges including high interest rates, limited financing options, slow mortgage processing, and a housing deficit exceeding 28 million units.
Central to this transformation is the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered ₦1 trillion fund designed to provide long-term, affordable mortgages to ordinary Nigerians.
The fund offers interest rates as low as 9.75 percent per annum and repayment periods of up to 20 years, making homeownership more accessible than ever.
At full utilization, MREIF aims to enable at least 12,000 Nigerians to own homes, with additional refinancing support planned through the Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company.
For decades, many Nigerians have been trapped in a cycle of rent payments, often described as “funding their landlord’s retirement.” Now, with MREIF, homebuyers can secure loans and move into their own homes within weeks.
Since its launch, MREIF has disbursed funds to over 700 homebuyers through 11 Eligible Financial Institutions across five regions of the country.
These institutions, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and preapproved by MREIF, include Abbey Mortgage Bank, Access Bank, AG Mortgage Bank, FCMB, FHA Mortgage Bank, Gateway Mortgage Bank, Globus Bank, Homebase Mortgage Bank, Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank, Living Trust Mortgage Bank, Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank, Providus Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and Union Bank. Each mortgage represents a family moving from rent into ownership, building equity, stability, and generational wealth.
The Federal Government committed ₦150 billion under Series 1 funding, fully subscribed in December 2024, while private sector investors added another ₦100 billion under Series 2. Additional tranches could scale the fund to ₦1 trillion, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The fund is professionally managed by ARM Investment Managers, with a structure anchored in public–private collaboration to ensure affordability, transparency, and efficiency.
Wale Odutola, CEO of ARM HoldCo, said MREIF embodies the kind of partnership Nigeria has long needed—government resolve combined with private sector rigour.
He added that together with MOFI, they are laying the structural foundation for a housing sector that rewards citizens, unlocks investor confidence, and drives inclusive growth.
Beyond individual mortgages, MREIF also offers offtake guarantees to developers, encouraging new construction projects, creating jobs, and strengthening the housing supply chain. Nigerians in the diaspora now have a transparent, government-backed platform to invest in secure homeownership.
Despite challenges such as inflation, forex volatility, and high construction costs, MREIF’s long-term financing model is designed to withstand economic shocks. As more financial institutions, pension funds, and developers join the initiative, thousands more Nigerians—both at home and abroad—are expected to benefit.
The message is clear: the era of affordable homeownership has arrived in Nigeria. With Federal Government backing and private sector management, MREIF is not just a housing scheme—it is a national economic reform poised to reshape lives and communities across the country.
By Terry Kunle
Nigeria’s first-ever podcast festival is almost here, and it promises to be a cultural moment you won’t want to miss. From powerful voices to vibrant experiences, 40 storytellers, six stages, one innovation session, two live podcasts, one masterclass, the unveiling of the next big podcaster, cultural showcases, and brand activations.
Here are five reasons this first-of-its-kind festival deserves a spot on your calendar:
1. 40+ Storytellers Taking the Stage
Get ready for an incredible lineup of Nigeria’s most influential voices. From Chude Jideonwo and Seun Okinbaloye to Tunde Onakoya, Adaora Mbelu, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Rufai Oseni, and many more, the festival brings together podcasters, creators, and cultural icons who are shaping conversations across the nation. Expect powerful storytelling, fresh perspectives, and voices that inspire.
2. Live Podcast Shows You Can Experience in Person
PodFest Naija brings your favorite shows to life. Watch live podcast recordings happen in real-time, engage with hosts and guests, and be part of the audience that shapes these conversations. It’s podcasting like you’ve never experienced before.
3. Brand Activations and Interactive Experiences
Major brands including Coca-Cola, Sterling Bank, UAC Foods, Bet9ja, Crown Flour Mills, and others are creating immersive activations throughout the venue. Explore interactive booths, participate in brand experiences, and discover how storytelling intersects with innovation and business.
4. Gifts, Freebies, and Exclusive Surprises
Who doesn’t love free stuff? PodFest Naija is packed with giveaways, freebies, and surprise gifts for attendees throughout the day. From branded merchandise to special goodies from sponsors, there’s something for everyone who shows up ready to celebrate stories.
5. A Thriving Community of Creators and Podcast Lovers
PodFest Naija isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. Connect with 1,500+ storytellers, creators, brands, and podcast enthusiasts who share your passion. Network, collaborate, and be part of a community that’s shaping the future of podcasting and storytelling in Nigeria.
Important: Free Entry, But First Come, First Served!
PodFest Naija 2025 is completely FREE to attend, but space is limited. With expected attendance of 1,500 people, you’ll need to arrive early to secure your spot at Harbour Point. If the venue reaches capacity, don’t worry—you can still join the action virtually and experience the festival from wherever you are.
PodFest Naija 2025 takes place on Friday, October 10, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. Don’t just hear about it, be part of the story.
Terry Kunle is the media manager, AT3 Resources
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