In the Grandiose Parlor…

I just tried Google’s Business Sitebuilder created for Get Nigerian Businesses Online (GNBO) initiative. Swift and easy to use. It even offers custom “com.ng” registration for just N1200 per year (about $7). Google hosts the sites free. I must say I like it!

Google’s strategy in Nigeria is primarily directed at getting people online, and creating and growing local content. This makes a lot of sense. At about 150 million, Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa, with the second largest economy after South Africa, and with at least 24 million Internet users (as of 2009), about 17% of the population. And of more than 1 million registered businesses in Nigeria,  only 17,000 have presence online. Continue reading…

The Nigerian Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji  said “about $50 billion worth of investment is needed to reactivate the power sector. I say $50biliion is not an insurmountable amount to raise from the capital market, as long as there is a good return and security on investment.

What worries me is the government’s wholesome approach to electrical power supply; perhaps triaging supply to industrial/business areas does make more sense. These areas need it the most and can best afford the increase in tariffs such investments demand. Continue reading…

Nigeria’s Afrinolly won Google Android Developer Challenge, and will receive about US $25,000. Afrinolly is an application that enables users to view and share movies and videos, and entertainment news on mobile phones. The app was launched by FansConnectOnline earlier this month.

While Afrinolly won in the Entertainment/Media/Games category, two Kenyans, David Lemayian of Capefield Ltd and Gerald Kibugi of Elan Telemedia , won the prize for Social/Communication and Productivity categories.

Afrinolly is available for download on Android market

WorldRemit, an international online money transfer business, has launched a new online money transfer service that enables the Nigerian diaspora to send money back home using a wide variety of payment options including debit cards, credit cards and Interac Online (Canada).

https://www.worldremit.com/en/nigeria

The problems in the Nigerian health sector are in most part driven by the combination of limited funding, poor oversight and lack of innovation. In my opinion, the limitations and barriers seen in the health sector can be tackled by innovative leadership much more than increase in funding.

For instance, there are creative ways access to clean water can be improved beyond just drilling boreholes. Would it help if village health centers, market squares also provide people with clean water? Continue reading…

Tarzan – A marine service provider in Lagos: car ferry and passenger transportation business in Lagos makes a load of sense. Those familiar with the chaotic traffic will understand why. Kudos! The service needs to be scaled up. Watch video:
Continue reading…

Marketing Ondo State to investors—as the present administration is keen on doing—requires a more creative use of the official website; it is the most globally accessible item the government has in its toolbox. Sadly, those that should know are busy snoozing on the job! Continue reading…