Business
AfrocentOCL CEO, Juwon Lawal Razaq’s Recipes for Entrepreneurial Success
AfrocentOCL CEO, Juwon Lawal Razaq’s Recipes for Entrepreneurial Success
Sahara Weekly Reports That A young Nigerian and one of emerging big players in global business clime, Juwon Lawal Razaq, is a businessman who exudes confidence, an essential feature that steadily earns him respect, trust with clients as well as netting a solid reputation.
Juwon Lawal is a passionate serial entrepreneur who is dedicated to the cause of small and medium businesses in Nigeria. With a track record of founding and investing in numerous businesses and startups, Juwon Lawal brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to building a sustainable SME ecosystem.
A division of his business outfit, AfricentOCL UK, was recently honoured as a beneficiary of the 2023 edition of Greater London Enterprise Awards in the category of ‘Best Maritime Materials and Vessel Chartering Provider’.
AfricentOCL is a leading global physical commodities and vessels chartering brokerage company, with a strong track record of success in trading a wide range of products and services covering oil, shipping, mining & minerals, chartering, real estate and infrastructural development.
Recognizing the pivotal role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economic growth, Lawal Razaq has joined the movement to contribute his voice and expertise, and by leveraging his entrepreneurial journey, he aims to empower budding entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and catalyze the development of a thriving SME sector.
“You have to really want something if you’re going to succeed. And you should never settle for second best. Always strive to push forward. That is our philosophy at AfricentOCL,” Juwon Lawal states, adding that he is succeeding as a businessman because he believes in his dream with such a passion that it becomes a reality. “We are on a mission to strengthen the fabric of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and unlock the full potential of small and medium businesses.”
With an unwavering passion for entrepreneurship, Juwon Lawal Razaq understands the challenges faced by small businesses and startups firsthand. Through strategic investments, mentorship, and a collaborative approach, he strives to create an enabling environment for aspiring entrepreneurs to succeed. By sharing valuable insights and lessons learned, he is actively working towards building a sustainable SME class in Nigeria. His dedication to empowering local businesses and driving economic progress sets an inspiring example for all.
One of the qualities that set apart AfricentOCL UK from its competitors is its extensive experience and expertise in the physical commodities trading market. It is noted that, clients benefit from AfricentOCL’s deep market knowledge and extensive network of contacts, which helps to ensure that they get the best possible prices for their commodities.
Juwon Lawal believes there is no point in starting a business unless one possesses a strong sense of purpose. You must desire to make a difference, and difference you must make once you have plunged into business, he posits. Starting a business, he cautions, is one thing; keeping it going is another matter. “We are where we are because we were persistent and we never gave up,” Juwon Lawal Razaq says of the honour of AfricentOCL UK winning the Greater London Enterprise Awards, which annually celebrates and displays the achievements of the very best of world’s capital’s businesses and enterprises.
Outside of his business achievements, Juwon Lawal is an official member of the Forbes Business Council; and was also elected a UN Eminent Peace Ambassador for the Year 2020. He is a global ambassador and member of the Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club, London.
In the rapidly evolving world of marine logistics, AfricentOCL UK has emerged as a trailblazer. Juwon Lawal says that winning a plaque at the 2023 Greater London Enterprise Awards is a testament to his company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation in providing top-notch marine logistics support services in English ports and African waters.
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
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