Nigerian girl-child education advocate and filmmaker Zuriel Oduwole spoke alongside Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Ndaba Mandela at an event organised by one of France’s largest social development NGO’s Printemps Solidaire.

The event brought more than 500,000 youths to the Champs Elysees, in celebrating the power of youths in changing the perception of social issues across the globe.

Zuriel shared her experiences as head of Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up (DUSUSU) Foundation. She spoke about balancing being a youth, with her interests such as Girl Education advocacy and Filmmaking. Ndaba Mandela, the Grandson of the South African icon Nelson Mandela and head of Africa Rising Foundation, spoke about the importance of a good Legacy, having come from one himself – Mandela.

Melinda Gates commended Zuriel for finding her passion early, and working to make a difference in the lives of girls across the globe. Zuriel shared her idea of building an e-school platform for girls in the rural parts of Africa.

At 27, he is already the CEO of two companies in Nigeria worth millions of naira. His clothing line, Owambe Clothings, is a well-known brand that promotes both indigenous African styles and western styles. 

After graduating from the university, Ola-Abraham Emmanuel, decided to go into fashion designing after picking interest in the business during the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and has not looked back. He has styled personalities like former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, the current Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, and many others. He has about 18 full time staff in his workforce.

His second company is agriculture-based. The young entrepreneur has acquired large acres of land in the South western part of the country, which he subsidises to youths and adults who want to go into farming. He does not only sell the land to would-be farmers, he also has a team that helps the individuals with the farming; all they need to do is acquire the land and his team will do the farming,

In a chat with Olamide Babatunde, he speaks of his engagement in both industries.

Excerpt:

Meeting the man
My name is Ola-Abraham Emmanuel, a 27-year-old Nigerian and I am the CEO of Owambe Clothings. I am one of the few entrepreneurs who changed the face of fashion and agriculture in Nigeria. I am a trained journalist but found love in agriculture at childhood and fashion designing from NYSC orientation camp.

After my NYSC, I established my company, Owambe Clothings, with 18 employees. In less than a year, the company has sewn over 3,000 Nigerian attires. I also design clothes for former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, top celebrities, civil servants and government officials. Three years ago, I organised Africa’s largest fashion show, a show where I featured 112 models from Nigeria, Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana to exhibit my designs in one show and one event. That show had more than 800 guests in attendance, and the Governor of Ogun State was represented.

I also initiated an agriculture initiative called “Own a Hectare with 80k.” I have  encouraged over 50 young Nigerians to go into farming by providing lands at affordable rate and instalment  payments.

Entrepreneurship rather than journalism
The media communicates to the people in a bid to change their perceptions. Fashion is the same. Our designs change trends, speak to people’s attention, affection and create attraction or repulsion. My love for fashion is to change the way we see the world and what we wear. I want Nigerians to wear Nigeria Monday to Friday. Therefore, in my fashion, I’m still doing my media work, which is agenda setting. So, as you can see, it is a different field but the same objective.

Start-up capital
I had initially approached one of the Federal Government’s SME funds in 2011 but along the line it stopped. Then I raised money with the most important currency in the world. Integrity! Because I possess a tangible amount of integrity I could get sufficient funds from friends, families and even enemies.

Dealing with omo-nile (land grabbers)
I think the omo-nile issue is worse in Lagos. This is because there are a lot of people and limited land. In other places, it is not like that. Some of our lands are bought from government; some are bought from people who inherited it. We meet them, tell them our passion and make them believe and buy into it, we negotiate and pay. And about the fundraising, before I bought lands, my other business had raised a reasonable amount of money then I also met with friends and families again. Remember, I have never disappointed them. So it was easy for them to part with their money too. Some gave their money as investors, others as loan. Whichever way, we are getting close to our dream.

Response to agric project, especially the youth
The Nigerian youth needs help. Tell them to work, they say no job. Give them job they say it is too difficult and time consuming. 80 per cent of the people who have bought into this idea are adults. The young constitutes only about 20 per cent. They are not ready to do anything. They want quick and fast money. Nothing comes easy. Not even dying.

Managing the workforce
I don’t interact personally with all of them and some of them are not in Lagos. We only get to interact twice in a year at our end of year party and sales/or any other event. To lead them, each department has its head and each head reports to me directly. They all have tasks they execute. From my experience, I learnt that to best deal with staff, you must motivate them, threaten them and also punish them. So that is what I do when necessary.

Since graduation, have you ever worked for anyone?
Since graduation I have not worked for anyone.

Family/business
Marriage has changed my work routine because it has made it better. Before now, it was almost like I live and work in the office because most of the time, I sleep in the office and work round the clock. Getting married made it more effective. I get more organised, get home to think more and effectively with my partner. Then come to work the following day to effect the plans and the thought we had. Aside that, I write a lot and my wife also helps me with the editing. She does that better than I do.

An SS3 art student of Community Staff Schools Asokoro told newsmen that he invented the motorcycle to ease the mode of transportation in Nigeria and Africa at large.

He stated that he has been riding the prototype as a mode of transportation from his house to the school for more than three months without any problems.

His words: “I like things that involve mechanical, assemble and dissemble. This made me perceived I can do something different to better the means for transportation.

“My motor-bike has features that are partly bicycle and partly motorcycle,’’ he said.

On his part, the principal of the school, Sa’idu Ahmed said that it was a thing of joy for such one of the art students to use his talent for such a discovery. “I have gone to his house to encourage him and he later told me that he had finished the project".

Nigerian Senior Secondary School student, Miss Chinemenma Emma-Ugoji, has emerged the first female President of the General Assembly of Nigerian International Secondary Schools Model United Nations (NISSMUN).

The student of Premier Academy, Lugbe in Abuja, was elected at the  won the 12th edition of NISSMUN annual conference.

The conference held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja from Oct. 22nd to Oct. 26th, 2016.

Ten candidates contested for the position and close to 1,000 students drawn from International Schools across the country attended the conference.

The conference which had the theme: “Engaging Youths in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’’ was organized by the Nigerian Model United Nations Society which has been conducting NISSMUN conferences since 2005.

Chinemenma said: “I wanted to be the first girl to occupy the position and I want to play a leading role in efforts to prove that young people have something to offer in terms of achieving the SDGs.’’

Contesting for the position was interesting because we were asked general questions about the UN, its General Assembly and the organization’s rules and procedures before we were asked to present individual manifesto.

Chinemenma who represented Belgium in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) committee at the conference, said that the experience she gathered during deliberations has given her the hunch to study Maritime Law in the University.

She added that her target is to study at the American University of Nigeria AUN.

She said that the Leadership training conducted during the conference has emboldened her to take on issues of SDGs with more confidence.

“ I even walked bare feet while presenting my manifesto because I had to remove my high heel shoes which were a bit discomforting. This is one manifestation of confidence,’’ she said.

“Bringing schools from all over Nigeria to come together to understand the ways of the UN in making decisions, especially the 17 SDGs is so rewarding.


The 36 committees and the designation of delegates as representative of member countries of the UN brought out the best in them,’’ she said.

On how young people could contribute to the achievement of the SGDs, she said that young people have ideas on what is peculiar to their generation and they can talk about those issues and proffer solutions to their problems.

She reasoned that since the SDGs were plan to transform the world into a better place, young people are critical in taking decisions on the goals since they are the ultimate beneficiaries.

Ambassador Matthew Adeyemi Adeniyi has emerged the substantive President-General of the World Youth Organization, an affiliate of the United Nations. Adeniyi was elected and inaugurated on Saturday in New Delhi, India as the first elected President-General of the WYO after a keenly contested election.

He defeated contestants from eight countries.
These are US, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Yemen, Palestine, Albania, Sudan and Nepal. According to Davies Johnson from Austria, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Adeniyi polled 1,679 votes to defeat his closest rival, Jack Adraka of the United States, who scored 511 votes. Adeniyi, who was proclaimed as an ambassador in 2013 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA, clinched the coveted seat in a clean win at te venue of the event in Vigyan Bhawan.

Prior to the election and inauguration of the Ambassador Adeniyi-led executive, which will run the affairs of the world youth body for the next four years, the WYO was run by a transition committee headed by Max Goodwin Kieran from Romford, the United Kingdom. Other executive members who would steer the ship of the organization with Ambassador Adeniyi for the next four years are Karla Sugey Rodriguez (Mexico), Secretary General; Claire Pace (Malta), Treasurer; and Vice Presidents Devjyoti Dutya (North America), Rochana Richardson (Europe), Emmah Musenyah (Africa), Fursan Mohammed (Asia), Junior Menezes (South America), Elvana Shala (Australia).

All other countries of the world are represented at the executive committee level. Adeniyi, who hails from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has been involved in youth projects and empowerment activities since his days as a student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and The Western University of Ontario, Canada. Notable among the achievements of Adeniyi as a youth leader and diplomat are the establishment of the global Youth Trust Funds and the passage of Youth Empowerment Schemes Bill into law when he was the President of the United Nations Global Youths and the Convener of the Confederation of the United Nations Youth during the tenure of Ban Ki-Moon, the immediate past Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Addressing the delegates at the assembly, Adeniyi said he would uphold the tenets of the WYO and work towards the achievement of the main objectives of the biggest global youth organization, which was primarily founded for the welfare of youths across the globe and promotion of awareness on the importance of participation in the leadership process of every nation of the world.

Speaking further, Ambassador Adeniyi stated that he, with his other executive members, would work towards the WYO’s goals using the organisation’s ideology of friendship and unity. World leaders and dignitaries at the event included Vice President of India, Mohammed Hmid Ansariof; Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations; India’s Minister of External Affairs, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna; Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ajay Maken; National Security Adviser, Shivshankar Menon; Ambassador Almad Alhendawi, Special Envoy on Youth Affairs to the United Nation’s Secretary-General; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; and Ministers of Youth Affairs across the world.

Just few days ago the amazing story of Dike Onyebuchi Raphael and his darling bride Blessing Chinwe Akubuilo broke the internet.

What is more fascinating is that both love birds are bloggers from Nigeria.

Dike who met his beautiful Blessing last year, August 15th, according to his facebook timeline, owns the fast rising thereportersng.com while Blessing is the owner of nuellagist.com.

You can just see the love in both their faces. Africa is so proud to have this young enteprising couple. They are set to tie the knot on Nov. 5th in Anambra state, Nigeria.

When you have a blogger couple, well, i thinkl Africans should expect more Mark Zuckerberg from this amazing couple.


Africafuturestars.com wishes you both a successful marital life as you both continue to lift and promote the Africa spirit with your ideas and innovations.


See more images below...

Just few days ago the amazing story of Dike Onyebuchi Raphael and his darling bride Blessing Chinwe Akubuilo broke the internet.

What is more fascinating is that both love birds are bloggers from Nigeria.

Dike who met his beautiful Blessing last year, August 15th, according to his facebook timeline, owns the fast rising thereportersng.com while Blessing is the owner of nuellagist.com.

You can just see the love in both their faces. Africa is so proud to have this young enteprising couple. They are set to tie the knot on Nov. 5th in Anambra state, Nigeria.

When you have a blogger couple, well, i thinkl Africans should expect more Mark Zuckerberg from this amazing couple.


Africafuturestars.com wishes you both a successful marital life as you both continue to lift and promote the Africa spirit with your ideas and innovations.


See more images below...

Africans are now alive, alive to their innate capabilities. 

A young Nigerian from Bida in Niger State, recently construct a 'convertible' car, which he drove from Bida to Abuja, a distance of about 200km.

Surprisingly, the car engine was constructed using a mini generator set popularly known as 'i pass my neigbour'.

Africa future stars is proud to associate itself with Africans like this. It is an indication that Africa is now ripe and we are taking over.

See more images...

A Nigerian orphan named Islamiyat Oluwatoyin Abdulkadir has emerged the best graduating medical student at the International University of Africa in Khartoum, Sudan in yet another accolade to the country.

The Cable quotes her as telling the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview from Sudan that not just her academic achievements but also her life in general is a massive miracle since her father died when she was around three years old and her mother when she was six years old.

“My academic achievements so far, till today, seem like a miracle to me. Not only that, my life as a whole is a pack of miracles,” she said. With no hope of going further in her education after her mother’s death, Abdulkadir was saved by helper called Alhaja Sekinat Adekola.

“Thinking that was the end of schooling for me, my grandmother withdrew me from the school but the founder, Alhaja Sekinat Adekola, gave me scholarship for my primary and secondary education. 

“I emerged best student in my primary and secondary schools and even in my WASC, and I had a high score of 274 in my UTME examination. “I have always had passion to be a medical doctor, but because I was not sure of my chances I filled Bio-Chemistry in my JAMB form and came out with a high score of 274.

New York-based Farai Simoyi is one of the rising stars of the catwalk with her self-titled clothing line. Born in London, raised in Zimbabwe and educated in the United States, she has caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts around the world.

When she first moved to New York City, she was hired as a Senior Denim Designer for House of Dereon, the clothing line by mega-artist, Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles. Simoyi recalls one day, standing on the 17th floor of a building in Times Square, the heart of Manhattan and having an epiphany; “look at how far I have come and how much I have accomplished; I am a Zimbabwean designer on the design team TISI +1.02% for Beyonce’s clothing line and my parents were raised in huts in Zimbabwe, Africa,” she said, awed by the trajectory of her life.



Having worked with pop star Beyonce, she is currently the senior designer for hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj's fashion collection.

Much like her boss Nicki Minaj, the only woman on the FORBES’ Hip Hop Cash Kings list (since 2011) who once told a Forbes contributor, “I am not going to fall back from something because it’s never been done before by a woman,” Simoyi’s foray into fashion took the same tone and tenacity. “Building my own fashion label from scratch has been a major challenge on it’s own, but building a brand in one of the most unstable industries is even tougher,” said the Zimbabwean fashion designer, “but I don’t see myself doing anything else,” she emphasized, resolutely.




Hear her, "Working with #Beyonce and #NickiMinaj has been such an eye-opener and such an amazing experience because I always tell people, you know, you can't get to that level of stardom without being brilliant and without being a genius".

Meet Asnath Mahapa. She has become the first black woman to drive an airplane in South Africa. It’s a real victory for gender and race equality for this country. However, the path there was not easy for Asnath.

In the childhood, she used to stare at the sky and see those huge planes crossing it. One day she realized a small person could drive a giant aircraft. Why could not that be her?

She became very determined to become a pilot, but fulfilling the dream was almost impossible in the country being a black woman.

Against the will of her father Asnath left her school and entered the flight courses. She was the only woman in the class. She had to work the hardest among the new pilots to finish it. Many times she felt extremely sick in the air. But she did not give up and in 1998 she became the first black female pilot in South Africa.



She was only 22 back then. 14 years later she has opened a flight college for women. She had enough experience to make the path a lot easier for her sisters, the girls with the dream of the sky. Here is what she says:

“The boys must accept that the girls can become anything they want, and girls must believe in themselves that they can become anything they want.”

“Gender equality” are not just words for her. She worked hard to make a dream come true and inspires others to do so, too.

Ijeoma Abiakam name might not ring a bell to some but to many she is indeed a rising young African star to watch out for. She is focused, resilient and a true definition of an African woman. She is the CEO Of Footstool productions, a media outfit  situated in Abuja which is about 5yrs old and has created and produced both TV shows and beauty pageant shows such as Thumbs up Africa Munachi and Miss island beauty pageant show (a.k.a taking the girls off the street). Though they are other productions she is involved in but these two are the most obvious works. 

Recently, we caught up with her and in an interview with Emmanuel Aniagoh,  Chief Editor at Africafuturestars.  Munachi, as she is fondly called bare it all, taking us to her world of many surprises. Her story will surely dazzle you

Below are excerpt from the interview;

Who is Munachi?
My names are Vera Ijeoma Abiakam. Yes I christened myself Munachi when it became obvious to me that God has a special duty for me. I am the fourth child of my parents blessed with 5 lovely siblings. 
I was born in Delta State of Nigeria, the very year all my mates were born. I attended the prestigious Holy family Nursery School Ikom in Cross rivers State of Nigeria. My Father's job kept taking us around the Country, so I had my primary education at the Santa Maria primary School Aba(a.k.a constitution crescent primary school Aba). 

After my Primary education we were forced to leave Aba because armed robbers had turned G.R.A Aba into a horror zone.  In fact it was so bad that every family always kept enough money in the house in case the ‘dangerous friends’ showed up. They did show up so we left the next morning to Enugu. The first term had long started when I was asked to go for the usual interview for Jss1, on arrival I was told that the interview was over but my Dad insisted on seeing the principal of the school and I was opportune to have a VIP's interview in Mrs Emehelu's office(laughing), who was the Principal of Queen’s School Enugu.  I attended both Queen's school Enugu and Federal Government Girls' College Owerri respectively.          

My school mother was shocked to realize that I couldn't even wash my stockings, I was a domestic nuisance but I was active in Sports and social activities plus I had a knack for taking care of students in the sick bay. I am glad and proud to have experienced these schools, they exposed me positively and moulded me. I am a graduate of Theatre arts ,Nnamdi Azikiwe university Awka. 

Are you a religious person?                                        
You may not believe it but I gave my life to Jesus Christ in Jss 2 after I was invited for students fellowship, I still remember vividly. I started preaching from class to class and conducting fellowships and the result was awesome. And so yeah, am closer to my maker.

How did your journey into the entertainment industry start? 
I started my entertainment journey so many years ago,my first gospel tracks were programmed by Wizboy and Oke Oku(Sele bobo's elder brother)at the Golden gate Studio at Enugu I performed in Schools and Churches I started the first Theatre troupe in my department with the help of Professor Tracy utoh Obiajulu and the Fatherly approval of our wonderful H.O.D Dr Dan Nwedo Uwandu . 



What are the highlights of your career as an entertainer
Well, these highlights which turned out to be my happiest moments are many but I will talk about just few. The first was when I performed at star trek in Yola Adamawa State alongside D'banj,Dr Sid,Muma Gee,Ruggedman, Da'diva and other artiste. Surprisingly, I was a corps member, but people took note of my talent. 

Another was when I was introduced to Kennis Music by Uncle Gbenga Adeyinka(shine shine bobo). I insisted I was a gospel Artiste so that meeting was put on hold. Kennis saint brown remains the only gospel act they have. However, D1 remains one of my best friends on earth. I would also remember my happiest moment to be when I was called upon by the Abti American University to perform for the then Vice President of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar . It was a grand opening of Abti American  University club.

The last but not the least was when I was recommended by the national troupe of Nigeria to sing the National Anthem for the Ford foundation Company who were promoting one of their numerous programmes at the Eko hotels and suites. 

Munachi and her team after her performance

You are also active on TV shows, what was the motivation behind that?
I delved into TV by chance…(laughed). The ITV's executive director Mr Isiaku Aliyu back then watched an interview where I was promoting one of my tracks and decided that TV was my calling. Together we created an entertainment TV show titled Kalangu the talking drum. This show featured great Artiste like Denrele Edu,P.square,Jude Okoye, Suam Pam Kevin(big brother Africa ,Samsong , Hon Hilda Dokubo Nrakpo and the list goes on.                                   

At some point I worked with the National troupe of Nigeria, resigned and worked as a Cabin Crew in Arik, resigned and started my very own media out fit  Footstool productions . footstool has produced shows such as why I love Nigeria, Thumbs up Africa, and a beauty pageant show tagged Miss Island. 



We all have challenges in our various careers, how has yours affected you and career?
I have made so many business decisions that didn't end well but I find myself moving on. Also a menstrual disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder(PMDD), which is not only peculiar to me, has been a concern but thanks to good medical care, the disorder is well managed. Medically speaking only 3-8% of women suffer from this but many people in Africa are aware of it and it is a cause for concern.



You are all about Africa, you are passionate about the youth and you showcase to the world what Africans are capable of. What is the reason behind this?
I enjoy celebrating the efforts of Africans, especially the youths because I have toiled for long too and I pray that the celebration never ends. Africa has come of age, at this time we must promote our culture and heritage. So many young Africans with great skills and talents abound, it is high time we harness such skills and showcase them. That is what I am all about.  I had a show called Do la la nite it was in partnership with the Nicon Hotel in VGC. I always create something for the youths.



Any special people in your life, who you had contributed positively to what you have become today?
Yeah, first and foremost, my family, they are the most important thing in my life. I have  Professor Julius Okojie  he is  the reason Footstool productions is a reality. I will never forget General Dr Ovadje, for praying earnestly for me as if I were his daughter.
I appreciate Mr Isiaku Aliyu for introducing me to  Tv production. I want to say a big thank you to the following important people;  Father Celestine Eze, Dr Dan Nwedo Uwandu, Prof Tracy Utoh Obiajulu, Prof Emma Ebo, Prof Obadiegwu, Prof Asigbo, Father Professor Bonachristus Umeogu , Mr Imoni Amarere and  Chief Philip Udi

More photos below...

Kwadwo Safo Jr, CEO of Katanka cars.

The African continent has come to be viewed as only interested in consuming what Asia and the western world manufactures. This is quite true in some ways. Almost all electronics and cars used in Africa are imported from other continents. Yet this is not to say there are no manufacturers in Africa. Only that they are not enough yet.

One of the few companies changing the face of manufacturing in Africa is the Kantanka Group. The Kantanka Group is split into two parts: An electronics division and a car manufacturing company. Kantanka Cars is Ghana’s first car-maker and one of the few on the African continent. It is  is an Ashanti privately held electric car manufacturing company founded by Kwadwo Safo and headquartered in Kumasi the capital of Ashanti City-State with an assembly plant in located at Gomoa Mpota in the Central region of the Ashantiland Peninsula.

Kwadwo Safo strangely enough is a pastor, the founder of the Christ Reformed Church, and is known locally in Ghana as the “Star of Africa”. His nickname comes from his achievements, which truly are legendary. His son, 30-year-old Kwadwo Safo Jr. is now the CEO of Kantanka.

In a recent interview with CNN, The young CEO revealed that his father had the knack for building things as a child. He also revealed that his father started the family business, Kantanka, 20 years ago, making electrical devices from TVs and sound systems to musical instruments and sewing machines in a country with virtually no history of manufacturing.

He said: “(My father) had ambition and foresight. He thought of everything in preparation of Kantanka.” The young man who said he trained as a pilot but had put that dream on hold to face the family business, also said: “We are expanding our current production line to include a lower-end model which we will launch before the end of the year. We have made quite significant sales, including a very important one to the office of the president.” He also said operating in Ghana came with its own difficulties. ranging from power cuts and getting fuel needed for the back-up generators used to run the business.

He also revealed that people find it difficult to trust the ‘Made in Ghana’ cars. “People think the doors will come off or the tires will blow off or something,” he said, during the interview. According to him, they are able to produce 150 cars a month, and with high production costs at home, the cheapest of its three models costs about $20,000. “We need to be able to produce at a more affordable rate. There are high import charges in Ghana,” he said. Despite the difficulties however, the young CEO is determined and sure the car company will grow. “We have a plan to build sports cars, buses and really expand in Africa with more models,” says Safo Jr, from his headquarters just outside the capital of Accra. Once you are determined and you want to do it, it’s not hard,” he said.

See more photos of their vehicles:

Katanka Jeeps

Katanka Police Van

Source: Naij.com

This is the first Made in Nigeria food flask made by Nso Ephesian from Nigeria

This what we called innovation at the highest. Hopefully,his invention will be noticed by the Nigerian Government and becomes a commercial success.

Nice design...below are more pics...