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MARKHACK 2.0 CLIMAXES AS ORGANIZERS SPLASH $50,000USD SEED CAPITAL ON TOP 5 FINALISTS

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MARKHACK 2.0 CLIMAXES AS ORGANIZERS SPLASH $50,000USD SEED CAPITAL ON TOP 5 FINALISTS

 

 

 

 

MARKHACK– Three months of innovative pitch sessions, workshops, masterclasses and mentorship sessions aimed at helping participants develop skills and provide them with the resources needed to transform their ideas into market-ready products, climaxed with the emergence of Aremu as the winner of MarkHack 2.0.

 

 

 

 

 

Aremu, a robo-marketing tool that helps businesses run experiments to improve their product metric and conversion rate, beat nine (9) other startups to clinch the grand prize of $5,000 at the grand finale of the event in Lagos, Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

Ozi, a web application that helps businesses acquire, engage and manage customer conversions all from one place emerged as the first runner-up, carting away the sum of $3000 while Zander, a web-enabled and user-customized response AI tool for automating social media marketing/management and all brand campaign processes emerged as the second runner-up with a prize of $2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The top 5 finalists will undergo a 3-month incubation program at the Eko Innovation Center, and receive a seed capital of $50,000 USD. Mentorship and free working space at the Eko Innovation Center and other consolation prizes also await the other finalists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Themed ‘Unlocking the Power of the Creative Economy’, with focus areas on Immersive Experience (XR), Content Creation and Robo Marketing, MarkHack 2.0 is the second edition of Nigeria’s first and biggest marketing and media hackathon, MarkHackcurated by GDM Group and Eko Innovation Center. It climaxed on a disruptive note with 10 startups engaging in an innovative pitch contest of ideas before industry experts.

Tosin Adelowo, co-founder of Aremu stated that the win serves as a validation of the enormous potential in Nigeria’s creative sector, and commended Eko Innovation Center for the MarkHack platform. “Indeed, this win is a validation that team Aremu can bring this great idea and vision to life with the potential of becoming a global brand in a few years”, Mr. Adelowo remarked.

He further expressed appreciation to the organizers of MarkHack for creating the platform that provides an opportunity for new ideas to be birthed in the creative space.  

Victor Afolabi, the curator of MarkHack and Founder of Eko Innovation Center and Art of Technology Lagos, reiterated his vision for disrupting Nigeria’s creative industry with MarkHack 2.0 by capitalizing on the huge economic potential that abounds in the sector.

“The creative industry drives innovation and growth, which makes it a powerhouse for the Nigerian economy; and MarkHack 2.0 aims to disrupt the creative economy by providing a landing space for marketing and media professionals, tech enthusiasts, creators, innovators and industry leaders to collaborate and explore new and innovative ways to steer us into a future fit creative economy”, Mr. Afolabi stated.

With the rise of digital media, social platforms, and the increasing use of technology, the creative industries stand among the most dynamic sectors in the world economy, thereby providing new opportunities for developing countries Like Nigeria to leapfrog into emerging high-growth areas of the world economy.

The event gathered innovators, techies, entrepreneurs, policymakers, media mavens, marketing professionals and corporate moguls who collaborated to create innovative solutions to real-time marketing and media challenges. It was characterized by igniting imaginations, unleashing tech’s potential, crafting creative marvels, illuminating the media sphere and revolutionizing innovation.

It was an unforgettable evening of discovery, collaboration and boundless excitement. The event’s second edition recorded over 1,365 applications from 92 locations across Europe, Asia and Africa, all of which were judged by 22 industry experts.

The curator of MarkHack, GDM Group is a leading marketing and media technology company renowned for bespoke service offerings ranging from marketing tech solutions, big data management and 360 integrated marketing services.

With MarkHack 2.0, GDM Group and Eko Innovation Center have yet again reaffirmed their purpose of supporting enterprises by leveraging innovation and technology at the heart of businesses.

 

 

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Global Trailblazers to Be Honoured as Expatriates Business Awards 2025 Unveils Grand Celebration in Lagos

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Global Trailblazers to Be Honoured as Expatriates Business Awards 2025 Unveils Grand Celebration in Lagos

Global Trailblazers to Be Honoured as Expatriates Business Awards 2025 Unveils Grand Celebration in Lagos

The stage is set for the 2025 Expatriates Business Awards (EBA), a prestigious celebration of global enterprise and diversity shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. Scheduled for Sunday, July 6th, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event promises to be a night of elegance, culture, and recognition of foreign excellence driving local growth.

Speaking at the unveiling, Miss Odunola Abayomi, Director of Awards, highlighted the event’s bold vision: to honour the transformative contributions of expatriates, foreign businesses, and migrant communities in Nigeria.

“Today, we celebrate a vision that transcends borders,” she said. “This award is a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to those who have invested, innovated, and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy.”

Now in its fifth year, the Expatriates Business Awards—originally launched in 2020 as The Ethnic Business Awards (TEBA)—has evolved into a premier platform spotlighting global entrepreneurship within Nigeria’s borders. Past editions have featured high-profile hosts like media personality Daddy Freeze and Ghanaian actress Ella Mensah, setting a benchmark for excellence and inclusivity.

This year’s ceremony will feature a vibrant mix of exhibitions, music, comedy, and cultural performances, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and celebrating shared economic progress. The selection process is already underway, combining public nominations, opinion polls, and independent research to ensure transparent, merit-based recognition.

Powered by Pun Communications Ltd. and presented under the TEBA Foundation for Humanity, the event continues to uphold values of integrity, excellence, and impact.

“Nigeria is not just a destination; it’s a global opportunity hub,” Miss Abayomi added. “We invite the media, diplomatic corps, business leaders, and the international community to join us in celebrating the global heartbeat of Nigerian enterprise.”

For sponsorships, media inquiries, or ticket information, visit: www.theethnicbusinessawards.com

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BUA Group Donates Headquarters to NWDC, Boosts Tinubu’s Regional Development Agenda

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BUA Group Donates Headquarters to NWDC, Boosts Tinubu’s Regional Development Agenda

BUA Group Donates Headquarters to NWDC, Boosts Tinubu’s Regional Development Agenda

 

In a bold gesture of private-sector support for regional growth, BUA Group has officially handed over a fully equipped multipurpose building to the newly created North-West Development Commission (NWDC) to serve as its temporary headquarters in Kano State.

The handover ceremony, held at the facility on Court Road, Kano, drew prominent figures from the public and private sectors, including Commission officials, community leaders, and BUA representatives.

Speaking on behalf of the Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, his son Khalifa Abdul Samad Rabiu described the gesture as a practical show of BUA’s commitment to inclusive national development.

“At BUA, we believe inclusive development starts with providing institutions the tools to succeed,” Khalifa said. “This donation by my father is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about laying a foundation for people-centred growth in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Chairman of the North-West Development Commission, Alhaji Lawal Sama’ila Abdullahi, hailed the donation as “strategic and timely,” adding that it would help the Commission hit the ground running in its mandate to accelerate infrastructure and economic growth across the North-West.

“This support from BUA is not just generous—it is strategic. It gives us the necessary momentum as we commence the Commission’s work to transform lives and unlock the immense potential of the North-West,” he said.

The donation complements an earlier ₦3 billion land parcel provided by the Kano State Government for the Commission’s permanent headquarters, underscoring a growing coalition of support for the NWDC.

With this move, BUA Group continues to champion public-private collaboration as a critical driver of sustainable development in Nigeria.

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Elite 18 global golfers honours Aare Adetola Emmanuelking with Nigeria’s first ever Noble Golfer award

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Elite 18 global golfers honours Aare Adetola Emmanuelking with Nigeria’s first ever Noble Golfer award

In a landmark celebration of sportsmanship, leadership, and vision, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, the esteemed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties, has been honored with Nigeria’s inaugural Noble Golfer Award. This prestigious accolade was conferred upon him by the renowned Elite 18 Global Golfers during a high-profile event that brought together key figures from the sports, real estate, and business sectors.

The Noble Golfer Award recognizes individuals who have shown steadfast dedication to advancing the game of golf and promoting sports culture in their communities. Aare Emmanuelking’s nomination exemplifies his exceptional commitment to enriching the golfing landscape in Nigeria, alongside his broader initiatives aimed at fostering sports development across the nation.

Aare Emmanuelking is not merely a business leader; he is a pioneer in integrating golf into modern lifestyle experiences. Currently, he is leading the ambitious development of a state-of-the-art golf course in Nigeria a monumental project that aspires to redefine leisure, tourism, and sporting excellence within the country. This golf course aims to provide a premier playing experience while also serving as a social hub for golfing enthusiasts and the community at large.

In a bid to make golf more inclusive and accessible, Aare Emmanuelking has also initiated the construction of advanced golf driving ranges in all Adron Homes Estates across Nigeria. This visionary project is designed to encourage participation in the sport among Nigerians of all ages and backgrounds, fostering wellness, recreation, and community engagement as integral parts of Adron’s residential developments.

At the award presentation, Aare Emmanuelking conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing his belief in the transformative power of sports as a vehicle for national development and youth empowerment. He remarked, “Golf is not just a game; it exemplifies discipline, a distinct lifestyle, and a pursuit of excellence. Through Adron Homes, we are not merely constructing houses—we are nurturing communities built on the foundations of wellness, unity, and opportunity.”

The Elite 18 Global Golfers commended Aare Emmanuelking’s innovative approach, highlighting how he effectively merges real estate advancements with world-class sports infrastructure. They acknowledged that his efforts have the potential to inspire a new generation of golfers and to position Nigeria as a premier destination for international golfing events.

As Aare Adetola Emmanuelking continues to break new ground in both the real estate and sports development arenas, receiving this award serves as a testament to his lasting influence—not only in the realms of business but also in cultivating a legacy of excellence, one fairway at a time. His contributions are poised to create lasting change, inspiring future generations and fostering a vibrant culture of sport and community in Nigeria.

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