Made In Nigeria

A quiet revolution is happening across Nigeria, one not driven by slogans or speeches but by vision, grit, and the unwavering belief that greatness can be homegrown. From industrial centres to creative hubs, a new era of Nigerian entrepreneurship is taking root, bold, resilient, and globally ambitious.

This isn’t just about survival in a tough economy. It’s about reinvention. Nigerian businesses are no longer content with merely existing; they are expanding, innovating, and competing on the world stage. Whether it’s in hospitality or the digital space, these companies are building with long-term impact in mind, providing jobs, driving local value chains, and changing how we define African excellence.

These ventures are built by Nigerians who understand the nuances of the market and the needs of the people. They are redefining what it means to be Made in Nigeria, transforming it from a label into a badge of innovation, quality, and pride.

This cover story is a celebration of that evolution. Of the builders, the thinkers, the creators, and the risk-takers. Of those who are crafting futures rooted in possibility, not permission. It’s about the people who, every day, prove that Nigeria doesn’t need to wait to be discovered; it’s already building its legacy from the ground up.

Welcome to a new chapter of Nigerian enterprise: confident, self-defined, and unmistakably world-class.

 

Mark Essien – Hotels.ng

When people speak of Nigerian tech pioneers, Mark Essien is a name that commands respect. As the founder of Hotels.Ng, Nigeria’s leading online hotel booking platform, Essien revolutionised the travel industry by providing local and international travellers with easy access to accommodations across Africa. But long before tech became trendy in Nigeria, Essien was already building and betting on local potential.

Interestingly, while Wakanow is often seen as a giant in the online travel space, it was Hotels.ng, under Mark Essien’s leadership, that focused on curating African hotel listings and booking infrastructure from the ground up. His work created the blueprint for trust and convenience in an industry previously marred by uncertainty and offline hassles.

A trained software engineer, Essien returned to Nigeria from Germany with not just technical skills but a clear mission: to build for Africa, in Africa. Through Hotels.ng and later HNG Internship (a remote internship program for aspiring developers), he has empowered countless young Nigerians to find footing in tech.

Mark Essien represents a new wave of builders, those not just looking to be successful but to create systems that scale, solve real problems, and spotlight Africa’s tech potential.

Funke Bucknor-Obruthe – Zapphire Events

When you think of luxury events and flawless experiences in Nigeria, one name comes to mind: Funke Bucknor-Obruthe. As the founder and creative force behind Zapphaire Events, Funke didn’t just enter the events industry—she created a blueprint for what professional event planning could be in Nigeria. Since launching Zapphaire in 2003, she has transformed it into one of Africa’s most respected event companies, producing everything from high-profile weddings to landmark corporate activations.

With a background in law and a natural flair for creativity, Funke built Zapphaire into a full-scale experience brand. Her dedication to excellence and detail has earned her both local and international accolades, including a place on the BBC’s 100 Most Inspirational Women list in 2016. But her legacy isn’t just in beautifully executed events—it’s also in people. Through the Zapphaire Training Academy, she has mentored hundreds of event professionals, shaping an entire industry from the ground up.

Her influence goes beyond décor and logistics—she represents innovation, mentorship, and Nigerian excellence on a global stage. In the growing economy of experience, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe is proof that building unforgettable moments can become a world-class enterprise.

Dr Bukky George-Taylor – Robert Taylor Media

In the world of luxury PR and brand communications, Dr Bukky George-Taylor is a standout force. As the Founder and CEO of Robert Taylor Media, she has carved a niche for herself as the go-to strategist for companies looking to tell powerful, premium, and purposeful African stories. Over nearly two decades, Bukky has worked with high-profile brands like Disney, MAC Cosmetics, Clinique, and Johnnie Walker, positioning them to thrive in Africa’s dynamic consumer landscape.

But Bukky is more than a publicist; she’s a brand architect. Her impact extends into tech as co-founder of CRAWL Africa, a lifestyle and events discovery app that’s reshaping how Africans experience culture and tourism. She’s also the author of Born to Stand Out, a guide to personal branding that reflects her mission to help young professionals find their voice.

In 2024, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Communications and Strategy, solidifying her legacy in Africa’s media and branding space. Through her mentorship, public speaking, and thought leadership, Bukky champions innovation and excellence, especially among women.

With global affiliations and a heart for storytelling, Bukky George-Taylor is a Made in Nigeria powerhouse whose influence is as polished as it is profound.

Dr Yetty Ogunnubi – The YD Company

Dr Yetty Ogunnubi has spent the past two decades defining what strategic, creative, and impactful public relations should look like in Nigeria. As the Founder and CEO of The YD Company, she leads one of the country’s most dynamic communications firms, offering PR, brand strategy, media relations, and event support across various industries, including fashion, technology, government, and entrepreneurship.

Her career began in the UK, where she worked in fashion journalism and styling before transitioning into brand communications. In 2016, she launched her agency in Nigeria with a mission to elevate local voices and brands through storytelling that resonates globally. Since then, she has worked with a diverse range of clients, crafting narratives that foster both visibility and trust.

Beyond her agency work, Dr. Ogunnubi is a fierce advocate for youth empowerment and women in business. She leads The YD Foundation, sits on the G100 network as Nigeria’s Chair for Brand Creation, and mentors young professionals through programs like the U.S. AWE initiative.

Her accolades—including a recent Honorary Doctorate in Brand Strategy— reflect a career built on consistency, innovation, and heart. Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi is not just a brand expert; she is a builder of legacy.

Obinna Okwodu – Fibre

Obinna Okwodu is the founder and CEO of Fibre, a trailblazing real-estate tech startup that revolutionised housing in Lagos. Armed with dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Management Science from MIT, and early career experience at Morgan Stanley in real estate finance, Okwodu returned to Lagos in 2015 to tackle a pervasive challenge: mandatory 12–24 months’ rent upfront, a barrier for many young professionals.

Launched in 2016 alongside co-founders Demi Ademuson and Olatunde Garuba, Fibre offers flexible monthly rent payment plans, guaranteeing landlords steady revenue while easing tenants’ cashflow burden. After proving the model with an initial 12-unit pilot, the startup earned trust from landlords and rapidly scaled across Lagos.

Under Okwodu’s leadership, Fibre earned acclaim, including inclusion among Forbes’ 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa (2018). Today, the platform boasts 99% occupancy, addressing core issues in Nigeria’s rental ecosystem.

Okwodu’s vision extends beyond rent. Fibre recently launched Secure, a residential real estate investment product, with the ambition to scale across Africa once the model is perfected in Nigeria.

Combining engineering precision, financial acumen, and empathetic design, Obinna Okwodu is transforming how Nigerians live and pay for their homes.

Ewaen Sorae – E’sorae

Ewaen Sorae launched E’sorae Luxury in 2010 after returning from the UK, transforming a personal insight into Africa’s premier homeware brand. What started with premium towels and bathrobes is today a comprehensive range, including duvets, mattresses, luxury bedding, aromatherapy, and hospitality uniforms—from modest beginnings to 80+ SKUs and the trust of over 350 hotels across Nigeria.

Driven by quality and wellness, Sorae built local manufacturing at Lekki, scaling production to 800 duvets daily and working toward 2,000 mattresses per day. During COVID-19, he pivoted to diversify into hospitality garments, table linens, and hot-plate carriers—now over 63% locally sourced.

Raised in Benin City, Ewaen honed his skills working in his father’s civil‑engineering business and then in the UK’s Providence Financial Group, managing credit facilities above £1 million. Today, E’sorae is expanding beyond Lagos to cities like Benin City and Accra, with a vision to become “the White Company of Africa,” blending luxury and wellness.

Under his leadership, E’sorae isn’t only raising standards in African hospitality—it’s redefining them, proving that quality, locally made home essentials can thrive on both continental and global stages.

Obinna Ekezie – Wakanow

Obinna Ekezie, a former NBA player turned tech entrepreneur, is the visionary behind Wakanow, Nigeria’s foremost online travel platform. After a successful basketball career in the United States with teams like the Washington Wizards and the LA Clippers, Ekezie returned to Nigeria determined to tackle a major challenge in the African travel space: access, transparency, and ease of booking.

Founded in 2008, Wakanow became a game-changer by offering Nigerians a seamless way to book flights, hotels, and holiday packages online at a time when such services were fragmented and heavily reliant on offline agents. Under Ekezie’s leadership, the company quickly became one of Africa’s leading travel platforms, with operations extending to Ghana, Kenya, the UK, and the UAE.

Ekezie combined global business insight with a deep understanding of local consumer needs, building a brand that revolutionised travel for millions of Africans. His vision helped democratise travel and made tourism more accessible to the middle class.

Today, Wakanow stands as a proudly Nigerian innovation—built locally, scaled internationally. Through it, Obinna Ekezie has not only created a tech success story but also proven that world-class businesses can grow from African soil with the right blend of vision, strategy, and passion.

Tope Adekoya – 7-Fifteen Capital

Tope Adekoya is the Co-founder and CEO of 7‑Fifteen Capital, a cutting-edge real estate development firm redefining luxury residential and hospitality spaces in Nigeria. With dual academic qualifications—an MA in Advertising and Marketing from Coventry University and an MBA from Oxford’s Said Business School, along with a BSc in Economics from Covenant University- Tope brings a powerful combination of business acumen and strategic vision.

Before venturing into real estate, he garnered diverse professional experience. He served as Managing Partner at Bilateral Data and Communications (BiComms), led corporate communications at GTBank, drove SME growth through SME100 Nigeria, and co-led Verdant Homes, a property development brand. In 2020, he assumed the role of Director, Nigeria, at Elephant Healthcare, signalling his commitment to social-impact ventures.

Under his leadership, 7‑Fifteen has launched signature projects like the Lakeside Estate in Abuja, showcasing modern architecture, premium finishes, and prime location living. He also oversaw the launch of Husk Collections, a boutique hospitality arm offering serviced apartments with relaxed luxury. Tope’s multidisciplinary expertise across real estate, marketing, fintech, and health‑tech reflects a holistic approach to development.

Through a lens of quality, reliability, and innovation, Tope Adekoya is crafting more than spaces—he’s establishing lifestyle benchmarks that reflect a confident, modern Nigeria.

Kehinde Smith – The Smiths

Kehinde Smith and her twin sister, Taiwo, have made a remarkable impact on Lagos’ fine-dining scene through their trio of upscale venues: Maple, Cafeteria, and their flagship, The Smiths. Since launching The Smiths in 2023 on Victoria Island, the sisters have redefined luxury dining with a unique fusion of global flavors, Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin American, in a refined yet inviting atmosphere.

As Co-founders, Kehinde (co-owner) and Taiwo (executive chef) bring elegance and culinary expertise to every plate. Their establishments emphasise attention to detail, cultural fusion, and the joy of savouring moments, traits that have earned The Smiths a stellar 5.0 rating across review platforms.

The Smiths stands apart with its live acoustic jazz, cocktail-forward philosophy, and thoughtful service. Its reserved “quiet-corner” vibe in bustling VI offers a polished yet cool experience, perfect for business lunches, date nights, or intimate gatherings.

Through Maple, Cafeteria, and The Smiths, the Smith twins are not just serving meals—they’re curating lifestyle experiences that signal a new era of Lagos hospitality. Their work exemplifies how Made in Nigeria brands can seamlessly blend creativity, culture, and premium positioning, from the kitchen to the cocktail lounge.

Nasir Yammama – Verdant Agri-Tech

Nasir Yammama is the founder of Verdant Agri-Tech, a social enterprise that uses simple mobile technology to uplift rural farmers across Nigeria. Born in 1990 in Katsina State and raised on his father’s farm, Yammama deeply understands agricultural challenges. He holds a Master’s degree in Creative Technology from Middlesex University, UK, and has represented Nigeria in global tech competitions from a young age.

Founded in 2015, Verdant Agri-Tech started with just 50 farmers in Katsina but scaled rapidly to serve over 25,000 farmers across northern Nigeria. Its mobile-based platform delivers weather forecasts, market pricing, crop advice, and access to credit—empowering farmers to increase yields, manage resources, and improve incomes. Recognised by Forbes Africa’s 2018 “30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs,” Yammama has since been appointed Senior Special Assistant on Innovation to Vice President Kashim Shettima, cementing his role as a key voice in Nigeria’s national tech strategy.

Driven by empathy and innovation, Nasir Yammama represents a new generation of Nigerian changemakers, building scalable solutions that transform lives and agricultural systems across Africa.

Liz Osho – So.Me Solutions Group

Elizabeth “Liz” Osho is a distinguished PR strategist, author, podcast host, and the founder of So.Me Solutions Group, a communications agency with bases in Lagos and Washington, D.C. After launching her career as online manager at Genevieve Magazine, she founded So.Me Solutions in 2016 and quickly became the go-to partner for brands like Netflix, Disney, Marvel Studios, Unilever, Lancôme, Maggi, and South African Tourism.

In June 2024, Liz released her Amazon‑bestselling memoir, Who Do You Think You Are?, publicly exploring childhood trauma, infertility, marriage, and healing through vulnerability. She followed it with a podcast of the same name produced by Pulse Nigeria, providing a space for open conversation and emotional empowerment. She’s also recognised by CNN as a leading woman in digital media and has received acclaim from Leading Ladies Africa and The Guardian’s “100 Most Inspiring Women” list.

Liz Osho doesn’t just manage reputations, she invests in resilience. Through storytelling, she helps brands and individuals alike speak with authenticity, clarity, and heart. Her blend of global experience and personal transparency makes her a powerful example of what it means to lead courageously and compassionately in today’s Nigerian creative economy.

Kola Oshalusi – Insigna Media

Kola Oshalusi is a pioneering Nigerian photographer, visual storyteller, and Creative Director at Insigna Media, based in Lagos. Transitioning from a medical and computing background in 2006, he followed his passion into full-time photography, capturing everything from weddings and red carpets to architecture, fashion, and lifestyle across Nigeria and international assignments.

In 2019, he launched the Business of Photography Conference (BOP), now West Africa’s largest annual photography gathering. Through BOP and year-round “cottage” workshops, he addresses both creative and business skills, empowering 30,000+ attendees since inception. In 2024, he focused the theme on “Culture Exchange – The Art of Business,” urging creatives to monetise Nigeria’s soft cultural power.

As a thought leader, he champions continuous learning, resilience, and team collaboration—viewing challenges as opportunities to evolve.

Driven by a vision to professionalise photography in Africa, Kola is transforming individual practice into a thriving, economically sustainable creative ecosystem, making a case that capturing moments can also build industries.

Emmanuel Oyeleke – EOP Studios

Emmanuel Oyeleke is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated visual artists and storytellers. As Creative Director at EOP Studios and a Canon Ambassador, he has built a career driven by a love for beauty, culture, and visual narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. His shift from a tech-savvy computer programmer to full-time photography demonstrates a dedication born from passion, leading him to win awards like the Future Awards Photography Prize (2018) and *ASFA Africa Fashion Photographer of the Year (2018)*.

With an expansive portfolio that includes campaigns for Coca‑Cola, Zaron, GTBank, Samsung, Unilever, and UNICEF, Emmanuel has locked in his reputation across fashion, lifestyle, and corporate brands. His artistic expression extends beyond commercial work; his solo exhibition, “The Huemanist,” at Terra Kulture explored narratives of human resilience, with proceeds supporting the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF).

In 2019, he founded Zen Studios in Lagos, a multidisciplinary creative hub and workspace that supports photographers, videographers, and artists in realising large-scale productions. Emmanuel is also the driving force behind the Zen Archery Club, promoting archery as a sport and a personal development tool, having even earned medals for Nigeria at African championships.

Blending cultural insight with creative excellence, Emmanuel Oyeleke is not just documenting Nigeria; he’s cultivating its creative future.

Emmanuel Okoro- Emmy Kasbit

At the intersection of tradition, craftsmanship, and modern design stands Emmy Kasbit, the luxury fashion label founded by Emmanuel Okoro in 2014. More than just a brand, Emmy Kasbit represents a movement, one that honours Nigeria’s rich textile heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary African fashion.

Rooted in Akwete cloth, a traditional Igbo handwoven textile made by women, the brand reimagines indigenous fabrics into bold, architectural pieces worn on runways from Lagos to Paris. By using these historical textiles, Emmy Kasbit not only preserves cultural heritage but empowers the local artisans, particularly women, who craft them. Through his Emmy Kasbit Initiative, Okoro has committed to training young people in textile production and expanding opportunities within rural communities.

The brand has earned international acclaim, including the Lagos Fashion Week Fashion Focus Fund, the Africa Fashion Up Prize in Paris, and features in global publications like Vogue Italia. Emmy Kasbit’s success is not just about fashion; it’s a testament to how Nigerian design, when nurtured with purpose and pride, can influence global conversations on sustainability, culture, and identity.

In a sea of fast fashion, Emmy Kasbit stands tall as a Made in Nigeria story woven with soul.

Lanre Da Silva Ajayi- LDA

Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA) is more than a designer, she’s a curator of elegance, a torchbearer of Nigerian luxury fashion. Since launching her brand in 2005, LDA has become synonymous with sophisticated couture that fuses African identity with vintage European charm. Her signature use of lace, metallic fabrics, and structured silhouettes pays homage to femininity while challenging global fashion norms.

LDA’s creations have graced runways from Lagos to New York, and featured in fashion powerhouses like Vogue Italia. Her pieces, often adorned by A-list celebrities like Tiwa Savage and Bonang Matheba, reflect the confidence and grace of the African woman. Yet, beneath the glamour is a commitment to craftsmanship and heritage. Lanre’s work reinvents traditional Nigerian textiles through a global lens, bridging cultural legacy with high-end fashion.

Through the years, LDA has grown beyond clothing to include accessories and bridal lines, making it a full-fledged fashion house. Her voice in Nigeria’s creative economy is one of consistency and grace, inspiring a new generation of women-led fashion entrepreneurs. Lanre Da Silva Ajayi is not just a name on a label, she’s a symbol of how Nigerian creativity can sit confidently on the world stage.

Oke Maduewesi- Zaron Cosmetics

Since its launch in 2011, Zaron Cosmetics, founded by Oke Maduewesi, has grown from a passion project into one of Nigeria’s most influential homegrown beauty brands. Conceived during her MBA studies in Leeds and rooted in her personal and professional insights, Zaron set out to offer high-quality makeup solutions tailored specifically for women of colour.

Today, Zaron is more than lipsticks and foundations, it’s a beauty ecosystem: 25 franchise outlets, 800+ distributors, and availability in over 10 African countries, North America, and the UK. Its signature SKUs blend consumer insight with premium formulation, including SPF‑infused compacts, hypoallergenic serums, and the new Skin by Zaron skincare line.  The recent launch of the Vitamin C skincare range underscores its commitment to climate‑smart, melanin‑friendly products.

Beyond commerce, Zaron is grounded in social purpose: from its Widow’s Day to hunger relief initiatives, its ethos balances empowerment with enterprise. Zaron proves that Nigerian beauty brands can be global in reach, local in impact, and unapologetically elegant.

Banke Meshida Lawal- BM Pro

One of Nigeria’s most enduring voices in beauty, Banke Meshida Lawal built her legacy from artistry to enterprise. Born in Ife in 1978 and with an English degree from the University of Lagos, Banke began her journey in makeup while still in school, eventually founding BMPro Makeup Group, now a benchmark in the Nigerian bridal and glam industry.

From winning Make‑Up Artist of the Year awards (City People, ELOY, FAB) to building a brand synonymous with quality, Banke’s influence extends beyond brushes and palettes.

While her artistry has made countless African brides shine, her entrepreneurial journey has empowered a generation of Nigerian makeup artists. Her brand continues to set standards in bridal glam, runway makeup, and high‑end consultations.

Banke exemplifies the beauty of legacy: craftsmanship honed, skills scaled, and a homegrown brand that’s become a national treasure in the world of aesthetics.

Chioma Ikokwu – GoodHair

Chioma Ikokwu, popularly known as Chioma GoodHair, is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and influential style icon. Born on June 25, 1989, in Lagos, she holds an LL.B from the University of Birmingham and an LL.M (distinction) in Environmental Law and International Arbitration from the University of London, before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013.

At just 18, Chioma Co-founded Good Hair Ltd in the UK with university friend Kika Osunde (aka Kika GoodHair), launching premium hair extensions in 2009 and later relocating to Lagos in 2014. She also co-owns Brass & Copper, a lifestyle restaurant and lounge within the space.

Beyond her beauty and hospitality ventures, Chioma is a renowned motivational speaker and coach, empowering female founders and offering executive mentorship through initiatives like Fund My Startup. Through her Good Way Foundation, she champions health causes, funding breast and cervical cancer screenings, especially within underserved communities.

Also, a reality TV personality on The Real Housewives of Lagos, Chioma merges authenticity, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. Her journey exemplifies how talent and tenacity can build