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Coven Works Inc Becomes Official Startup Partner for the Annual Investment Meeting 2022
Coven Works Inc has been announced as the Official Startup Partner for the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) 2022.
This partnership is aimed at providing veritable platform for startups in Nigeria to participate in the 11th edition of the Annual Investment Meeting scheduled for 29 – 31st March 2022 at the Dubai Exhibition Center, EXPO 2020 Dubai, UAE themed Investments in Sustainable Innovation for a Thriving Future.
Excited about the partnership and the opportunities the collaboration will birth for the Nigerian Startups ecosystem, Sola Amusan, founder of Coven Works said that “Partnering with AIM was a highly welcome idea when it came to seeking a partner and organization that is a well-known investment platform in Dubai, one that supports small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) and startups to maximize their potential, expand their network, and grow globally. Our shared belief is to empower startups, especially those in Nigeria, to achieve more”.
Startups play a significant role as engines of innovation, growth, and employment. One of the goals of AIM is to serve as a strategic platform to support startups from around the world in connecting them to potential partners and investors from other parts of the world.
With this, AIM will run a Startup Pitch Competition. The pitch competition is open to all the startups from different sectors and is categorized as per the following stages: Pre-seed, Seed, and Series A.
The pitch competition would be held virtual and physical, and startups will pitch to an audience of potential investors, partners, government officials, and industry experts.
AIM 2022 will be the first hybrid edition using the powerful and most flexible combination of live and virtual environments. The hybrid event will utilize digital technology, and at the same time, provide an in-person event for participants who wish to have more physical interactions with fellow attendees.
Coven Works will be responsible for the accreditation of startups from Nigeria for the pitching competition.
“In these challenging times, it is imperative to provide startups and SMEs with the maximum support they need, as they contribute so much to economic strength and development globally.
“Through our partner Coven Works Inc, we are expanding this opportunity to the vibrant startup ecosystem in Nigeria.
“Their participation will serve as a vital tool to receive support from the global investment community and investors,” said Walid Farghal, director-general of the Annual Investment Meeting.
“At AIM, startups get the opportunity to learn about growth strategies, and promote their products, services, and ideas.
“AIM is picking winners in every vertical on every continent and making them powerful enough to take on the giants in their fields,” he added.
Some of the Benefits of Participating in the AIM 2022 Startup Pitching competition Include:
● Live pitching in front of an audience comprising of Angel Investors, VCs & Govt officials.
● Exposure to organizations exhibiting at the EXPO 2020 Dubai (opportunity to interact with potential stakeholders from over 192 pavilions)
● Access to all EXPO 2020 venues & features.
● Get featured by international top media outlets.
● Exposure from marketing campaigns by the AIM Social media channels
● Chance to win up to 110k AED in cash prizes from the Pitching competition
● Join the Vesti Yacht Party in Dubai that week for discounts off the price
To sign up for the AIM pitching competition as a startup https://bit.ly/aim2022 or aim2022@covenworks.com
AIM 2022 will offer an extensive investment promotion program that aims to create a dynamic roadmap to economic recovery by unlocking opportunities, reshaping strategies, and building key partnerships to accelerate global progress.
Over three days, participants of the program will have the chance to be knowledgeable about the latest investment trends, exhibit information on their investment opportunities, conduct Investment Destination Presentations, and organize specific meetings with targeted investors through the various AIM Networking functions.
Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has launched an exciting new lottery service — Glo Play Up — designed to blend fun, anticipation, and the prospect of life-changing rewards for its subscribers.
Glo Play Up offers Nigerians a simple yet thrilling opportunity to turn small predictions into multi-million-naira wins. The game invites subscribers to pick a lucky number between 1 and 9 for a chance to strike gold.
To participate, Glo customers simply dial *400# or send their chosen number via SMS to 400. Each entry costs just ₦100, and players can either subscribe daily or play on demand — whenever inspiration strikes.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom described the initiative as more than just a game of chance, but a celebration of hope and possibility.
“We understand the optimism and adventurous spirit of Nigerians,” the company explained. “People love to dream, play, and believe in the power of that one big win. Glo Play Up makes that dream more attainable — it’s easy to play, affordable, and truly rewarding.”
Every Friday at 4 p.m., a weekly draw will take place at Glo’s Head Office, where ten lucky subscribers will each receive ₦1 million. In addition, a grand prize winner will be announced monthly, walking away with an impressive ₦10 million. Winners will be hosted at their nearest Glo Regional Office, and all cash prizes will be credited directly into their MoneyMaster Wallet accounts.
With Glo Play Up, entertainment meets empowerment — reinforcing Globacom’s commitment to innovation, connection, and customer delight. The service not only promises excitement but also the possibility of transforming lives through rewarding experiences.
For more information, visit https://www.gloworld.com/ng/glo-play-up-lottery
In an era where organisations are redefining leadership and equity, MTN Nigeria continues to set the pace with its growing cadre of women in senior leadership positions. The company’s consistent recognition of female excellence, both within and beyond its walls, reflects a deep, deliberate culture of inclusion and empowerment.
L-R: Katuka Halilu, Regional General Manager, MTN Nigeria; Ajibola Opeoluwa-Calebs, Senior Manager, Reward, MTN Nigeria; Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria, and ThankGod Otorkpa, General Manager, Regional Operations (Northwest), MTN Nigeria at the Award Ceremony and Gala Night of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Most recently, Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at MTN Nigeria, was conferred with the Fellowship Award of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) at the CIPM Gala Night and Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025.“This recognition is truly fulfilling, it represents the culmination of years of passion and perseverance. To be honoured by the leading institute for HR professionals in Nigeria is a remarkable achievement. I look forward to applying my experience and insight to continue strengthening MTN’s people strategy and driving excellence in human resource management,” Akinnukawe said following the honour.
Her recognition adds to a growing list of milestones achieved by MTN Nigeria’s female leaders in recent years. In July 2025, Uto Ukpanah, the company’s Company Secretary, made history as the 30th President and Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), becoming only the second woman to hold the role in nearly six decades. According to the company’s 2024 Annual Report, women now represent 41.4% of the total workforce, 34.7% of management, and 21.4% of the board. These figures reflect a steady rise in gender representation across all levels, supported by a range of internal programmes focused on inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development.
In the first half of 2025, MTN Nigeria’s strong financial and operational performance further reinforced the strength of its diverse leadership. The company recorded a 54.6% increase in service revenue to ₦2.4 trillion and an impressive EBITDA growth of 119.5%, reflecting its resilience, innovation, and effective people strategy.
This performance culture, anchored on inclusion and excellence, is reflected across the company’s leadership team. Beyond Ukpanah and Akinnukawe, several women occupy influential positions shaping the company’s vision and social impact. They include Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation and recipient of the 2024 CSI Personality of the Year Award at the Nigeria Tech Innovation & Telecoms Awards; A’isha Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer; Oby Ugboma, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer; Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer; and Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer.
Her journey, from teaching and consulting to leading human capital strategy for Africa’s leading TechCo brand, exemplifies MTN’s belief that empowered women empower organisations.
MTN’s ongoing success story, both in its financial results and in people development, demonstrates that diversity is not just a metric, it’s a growth strategy. As the company continues to invest in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and social impact programmes, its commitment to elevating women into positions of influence remains resolute.
Senate has confirmed the appointment of Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), following a successful screening by its Committee on Communications.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, the Senate adopted the Committee’s report and also confirmed the appointments of Maryam Bayi (North East), Senator Ramoni Olalekan Mustafa (South West), and Ikechukwu Ugwuegede (South East) as Commissioners on the NCC Board.
Other members confirmed include Princess Oforitsenere Emiko and Christopher Sandy Okorie, both representing the South South region.
The newly confirmed Chairman and Commissioners will join previously confirmed members of the Board, including Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida (North West); Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Engineer Abraham Oshadami (North Central); and Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini H. Makama (North Central).
The confirmation marks a significant step in strengthening the leadership of the NCC, Nigeria’s apex telecommunications regulatory body.
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