Broadcasting
NCC, Customs Impound Two Containers of Over 80,000 Pirated Books Worth N80M at Tincan Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) have impounded two shipping container-loads of 80, 882 pirated educational books, valued at N80 million, belonging to different publishers.
The imported pirated books were intercepted at the Tincan Port in Lagos during a joint operation by the NCS and NCC.
Speaking at a press briefing during the handing over of the confiscated containers at the Lagos Office of the Commission on May 11, 2021, Dr. John Asein, Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Council stated: The seizure should send a clear message to importers of pirated copyright materials and other copyright predators on the resolve of Government to fight piracy on all platforms using every available legislative, regulatory, administrative and policy initiatives.
He continued: “I assure publishers and other copyright owners of our commitment to this campaign, I also implore stakeholder groups, particularly those of publishers, printers, and booksellers to join hands with the Commission to guarantee safe corridors for their works.
“We are aware that many pirates are taking undue advantage of the zero duty on books as these unscrupulous importers now make false declarations either to evade duty or as cover for smuggling.
“Without jeopardizing Government’s policy on ease of doing business, it might therefore be a good time to address the call from some stakeholders for 100% inspection of consignments of books and stationeries in order to check their illicit imports of into the country.”
The seized pirated books include: Macmillan’s Champion Primary Mathematics Books 3 and 4, Fully Revised Edition, Pearson’s New General Mathematics for Junior Secondary School Students, Books 2 and 3 by M. F. Macrea; Learn Africa’s New Concept English Book 3 for Junior Secondary School (Fourth Edition); Learn Africa’s New Concept English Books 1 and 3 for Senior Secondary School (Fourth Edition) by J. Eyisi, A. Adekunle, B. Adepoju, F. Ademola, Q. Adams and J. Eto; Learn Africa’s Nigeria Primary English Book 1 (Third Edition); as well as Children’s Bible Stories, The Beginner’s Bible Stories, a publication of Specialty Books, New York.
Dr. John O. Asein disclosed that about 30 years ago, the Management of the Commission (then the Nigerian Copyright Council) conceived the National Anti-Piracy Campaign.
In his words, “It was a campaign that drew support from individual right owners, right owners associations, relevant State authorities, the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Customs.
The idea was to harness the collective goodwill, resources and experience of critical stakeholders in tackling what had then been identified as an economic nuisance. Today, the menace of copyright piracy and other abuses have increased significantly into a humongous economic crime and a serious threat to the entire creative industry.”
He added: “It is in light of this that the Nigerian Copyright Commission has, in the last decade, deployed more of its resources to enforcement activities and continues to intensify its anti-piracy operations around piracy hotbeds across the country. This effort has led to the removal of millions of illicit materials –books, software, CDs, DVDs etc. – worth billions of Naira from the channels of commerce, but there is still more ground to conquer.”
The Director-General disclosed further, “Through the combined efforts of NCC and the Nigeria Customs Service, these consignments totaling 80, 882 copies of pirated books belonging to different Nigerian publishers with a market value of over N80 Million, were intercepted at Tincan Port.”
Dr. Asein stated, “Aside from adopting more wholesome business practices, right owners should also embrace proactive business solutions to make it easier for the consuming public and enforcement agencies to identify illicit materials. They should also take advantage of the boarder measure provisions under the Copyright Act and share credible intelligence with the Commission.”
The Director-General reassured right owners, investors and stakeholders across all copyright sectors of Government’s resolve to protect their rights and interest, while promoting congenial business environment to guarantee return on their investments.
“The Commission is committed to strengthening the copyright system for wealth creation, employment generation and ultimately for national economic development as part of a broader Federal Government policy to leverage on the creative and knowledge industry. This is particularly needed in view of the disruptions that have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright piracy remains a real threat to the nation and it must not be allowed to thrive”, he stated.
Speaking during inspection and handing over of the intercepted imported pirated books, the Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Nigeria Customs Service Tincan Port, Mr. B. N. Obiakulusi re-emphasised NCS commitment to the fight against contraband goods, particularly pirated books being imported into the country through the ports.
Mr. Obiakulusi explained, “Before now, people deal in all these books and like the DG said, you could not differentiate between the original and the pirated copies. However, through our collaboration with NCC, we are able to intercept the pirated books.
“I assure you no pirated book will escape our watch. We are working earnestly to make sure we bring all these things to a stop. I commend NCC DG for his efforts at fighting piracy and his staff for their aptness in searching for pirated books”.
Broadcasting
The Silent Killer of Great Companies: A Guide To Why Your Processes Will Break (and How to Fix Them)

By Tolulope Obianwu
Every high-growth company experiences a moment when its engine sputters—quietly at first. Emails slip through cracks, customers wait too long, and once-smooth systems start breaking under pressure. This rarely looks like failure; it feels like chaos.

Tolu Obianwu
The truth? Your team didn’t fail. Your process did.
More accurately, the process you never designed to scale.
I’ve led operations and strategy at some of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech companies, building teams and systems that power complex payment infrastructure. And I’ve seen it repeatedly: velocity hides inefficiency—until it doesn’t.
This isn’t just a fintech problem. It’s a scaling problem. And if you’re a founder, operator, or builder, this article is your early warning: poor process doesn’t announce itself. It accumulates, silently, until your best people are fighting fires they didn’t start.
So, before things break, let’s talk about what makes processes fail, and what it takes to build operational structures that scale with your ambition.
DO NOT Confuse Speed with System: Startups are built on hustle. That’s part of the magic. But hustle without design leads to fragile outcomes. What works when you’re a 5-person team becomes a burden when you’re 50. Manually sorting payments, ad-hoc decisions, Slack approvals; these shortcuts become operational debt.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Build systems early. They don’t have to be perfect, but they must be repeatable. Even lightweight process maps give your team breathing room and build investor confidence.
DO NOT Build Around Individuals: We romanticise “indispensable” team members; the only person who knows how X works. But hero-driven execution is unsustainable. When your process depends on one person being online, awake, or available, you’re not building a company. You’re gambling on burnout.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Document workflows, spread context, and make knowledge transfer part of your onboarding and offboarding. Structure should outlive talent.
DO NOT Mistake Micromanagement for Control: I’ve seen it too often: leaders respond by inserting themselves into every decision when processes start breaking down. It’s understandable, but counterproductive. Micromanagement is not a fix. It’s a symptom.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Create trust frameworks. Use process audits, not pressure. Empower teams with clear guardrails, not constant approvals. The goal of an exemplary process isn’t control – it’s clarity.
DO NOT Design for the Happy Path Only: Most processes look beautiful on paper until real users, real edge cases, and real stress tests come in. If your refund process fails when the volume spikes or your reconciliation breaks on public holidays, that’s not a people problem. It’s a design flaw.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Anticipate failure. Ask “What could go wrong?” Run simulations. Processes must bend without breaking. That’s true resilience.
DO NOT ignore the Role of Culture: Even the best-designed processes die in hostile environments. If your culture rewards shortcuts, ignores documentation, or treats processes as bureaucracy, nothing will stick.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Make ‘process’ a language, not a punishment. Celebrate people who fix broken steps. Tie operational excellence to career growth. Culture is what makes a process sustainable.
DO NOT Launch Processes Without Data Loops: If you’re not tracking turnaround times, errors, or usage, you’re not managing a process; you’re just hoping it works.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Instrument every stage. Set KPIs that matter. Let data flag inefficiencies before customers feel them. A great process isn’t just followed – it’s monitored.
Final Thoughts
The truth is: every fast-growing company outgrows its old ways of doing things. There comes a time when velocity alone can’t carry the vision anymore. That’s inevitable. What isn’t inevitable is being caught off guard when it happens.
If you’re building for scale, process isn’t a bottleneck; it’s your runway. The best systems don’t slow people down; they let good teams move faster, with clarity and confidence.
Don’t wait for failure to expose what structure could have prevented it. Build deliberately. Review often. Automate what you can. And above all, make sure your process is strong enough to carry the weight of your ambition.
Because in the long run, it’s not speed that wins.
It’s the ability to move fast, without breaking yourself.
Tolulope Obianwu is a highly experienced professional in operations and technology strategy and currently is Head, Core Operations at TeamApt Ltd
Broadcasting
The Rave Revolution: How Gen Z and EDM Are Rewriting Nigeria’s Nightlife

In the heart of Nigeria’s ever-pulsing music scene, a quiet rebellion is unfolding. While Afrobeats remains the dominant sound echoing from car radios to club speakers, a parallel movement is rising; electronic dance music, championed by a new generation of Nigerian DJs, collectives and ravers. This isn’t just a shift in sound; it’s a cultural rewire.
EDM in Nigeria is more than beat drops and strobe lights. It’s a form of resistance; a way to build inclusive, community-first spaces in a nightlife landscape often defined by social hierarchy. Through underground raves and carefully curated experiences, Gen Z is rejecting the velvet-rope exclusivity of traditional clubs and creating something that feels real, raw and theirs.
And it’s working. According to Spotify data, EDM streams in Nigeria have grown by an astonishing 403% over the past three years, with user-generated EDM playlists rising by 353%. Over a million playlists now feature electronic tracks curated by Nigerian listeners alone. The genre is resonating and fast.
Afrobeats Meets EDM: A Sonic Cross-Pollination
But this isn’t a genre turf war. In fact, the data suggests a symbiotic relationship: Afrobeats remains the most streamed genre among EDM listeners in Nigeria outside of electronic music itself. That connection shows up on the dancefloor, where genre-fluid sets seamlessly blend Afro rhythms with electronic sound..
Take Particula, the genre-bending hit by Major Lazer featuring Patoranking, Ice Prince, Nasty C, Jidenna, and DJ Maphorisa. It’s one of the top five most-streamed EDM tracks in Nigeria. At number one? Marshmello and Khalid’s Silence, followed by Project Dreams with Marshmello and Roddy Ricch. These tracks reflect the hybrid sound Gen Z is embracing: emotionally resonant, rhythmically bold, and globally aware.
Building a Tribe, Beat by Beat
Collectives like Group Therapy, Element House, Sweat It Out, and Activity Fest are not just hosting events, they’re creating cultural hubs. These spaces, driven by intention and sound, have become sanctuaries for young Nigerians looking for connection over clout. The ethos is clear: come as you are, dance as you feel.
The increasing prominence of EDM in Nigeria was demonstrated when Spotify recently partnered with Group Therapy for their May Edition on Friday, the 23rd. The event, packed to the brim, showcased the community’s surging energy and deep love for electronic music. With performances by Dlala Thukzin, Frigid Armadillo, Aniko, Abiodun, Billy’s Room, and Jarlight, it was clear from the moment the first beat dropped that this was a thriving movement rooted in rhythm, intention, and real human connection.
Spotify data backs this shift. Listeners aged 18–24 account for nearly half (48%) of EDM streams in Nigeria, with men making up 76% of listeners. Lagos leads the movement, followed by Abuja and Port Harcourt. EDM is now among the top 40 most streamed genres by Gen Z Nigerians.
Friday Nights, Reimagined
EDM’s rise syncs perfectly with how Gen Z engages with nightlife. Fridays are peak streaming days, aligning with some rave schedules where events crescendo around midnight and spill deep into the night. These aren’t just parties, they are rituals, freeing attendees from the performative pressures of conventional nightlife.
“This is a scene that trades bottle service for belonging,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa. “One that prioritises joy over status. For many young Nigerians, EDM offers the rare chance to be fully present, immersed in sound, unbothered by social posturing.”
She adds: “EDM’s explosion in Nigeria is no accident. It’s the result of a generation hungry for new rhythms—of life, identity, and expression. DJs are the architects, Spotify is the amplifier, and Gen Z is the beating heart. Together, they’re reshaping not just how Nigerians party, but what nightlife can mean.”
So here’s your cue: the lights are low, the beat is rising and the revolution is already on the dancefloor.
Broadcasting
5 Must-Have Fresh Foods to Supercharge Your Child’s Nutrition

By Diana Tenebe, Chief Operating Officer, Foodstuff Store
Proper nutrition is fundamental for the well-being and development of our young ones. It provides the essential building blocks they need to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Unfortunately, many Nigerian children face significant nutritional challenges.
In 2024, UNICEF reported that approximately 11 million Nigerian children under five are experiencing severe child food poverty. This alarming figure means that one in every three Nigerian children under five falls into this category. This substantial burden is attributed to a combination of factors, including conflict, climate change, and inequity.
There’s also a tendency for parents to prioritise a limited number of food items in diets for their children, often due to economic factors, historical influences, and cultural preferences. This can lead to less diverse diets and potential nutritional deficiencies. Surprisingly, the food items that can help supercharge a child’s nutrition are not always the ones you would initially consider.
Here are five readily available fresh foods in Nigeria that are perfect for boosting your child’s health:
Oranges (and other Citrus Fruits): Bright, juicy, and sweet, oranges are a favorite among children, and for good reason! They are packed with Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that boosts the immune system, helps the body absorb iron, and is crucial for healthy skin and gums. Beyond oranges, consider other local citrus fruits like tangerines and grapefruits, which offer similar benefits. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a few segments as a snack are fantastic ways to incorporate this vital vitamin into their day.
Spinach (Efo Tete) and other Leafy Greens: Often referred to as ‘power foods,’ leafy green vegetables like spinach (efo tete), fluted pumpkin leaves (ugu), and African basil (efirin) are nutritional goldmines. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. These nutrients are vital for healthy vision, strong bones, proper blood clotting, and preventing anaemia – a common concern among children. Parents can incorporate them into soups, stews, or even a delicious vegetable smoothie to make them more appealing to their children.
Sweet Potatoes: A versatile and naturally sweet root vegetable, sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, dietary fiber for digestive health, and beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A in the body). Unlike white potatoes, their higher nutritional profile makes them an excellent choice for growing children. They can be boiled, roasted, mashed, or even made into healthy fries as a wholesome alternative to processed snacks.
African Pear (Ube): This seasonal favorite is more than just a tasty snack; it’s a nutritional powerhouse! African pear (ube) is rich in healthy fats, which are essential for brain development and energy. It also contains good amounts of fiber, potassium, and calcium. Often boiled or roasted with corn, ube is a convenient and nutritious whole food that children would enjoy, providing healthy fats without the need for processed alternatives.
Garden Eggs (A Nwa Anyara): Widely consumed across Nigeria, garden eggs are a humble yet highly nutritious vegetable. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, helping to manage healthy weight. They also contain vitamins B1 and B6, potassium, and magnesium. Whether eaten raw with groundnut paste, added to stews, or incorporated into a child-friendly sauce, garden eggs are a great way to boost nutrient intake.
These fresh, local foods, when regularly included in a child’s diet, are key to providing the energy, boosting their immune system, and supplying the crucial nutrients required for them to flourish into healthy, vibrant individuals ready for the future.
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