Olubayo Adekanmbi, originally a biochemist, has transitioned to pioneering financial inclusion through an AI-based financial chat service called Finchat, aimed at helping rural women and small-holder traders in Nigeria. Finchat, which provides financial advice in local languages, is set to pilot in February 2024 with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The initiative has garnered positive reactions from local women and organizations, highlighting its potential to bridge financial gaps and empower women economically.

Onoja Jacob, an artist from Jos, Nigeria, uses his art to promote peace and community therapy. Through his exhibitions and the Diadem Art Gallery, he brings people together to discuss peace. His work has been influential, leading projects like the Zaman Tare peace partnership and incorporating digital innovations like NFTs. Onoja's efforts have been praised for their healing impact on communities affected by instability.

African shoemakers are gaining recognition and success across the continent, with Nigerian brothers Daniel and Gyang Dung-Gwom leading the charge through their brand Jmofs. Their initiative includes a social-media-led academy aimed at training aspiring shoemakers globally. The brothers' journey from childhood cobblers to entrepreneurs reflects a broader trend of African-made footwear gaining international appeal. Other notable brands include South Africa's Bathu Shoes, Ethiopia's Sole Rebels, and Kenya's Swaheelies. The African footwear industry is expected to surpass $1 billion in value by 2023, driven by local materials and a growing preference for trendy, African-made shoes. The Dung-Gwom brothers aim to be remembered as pioneers of African industrialization through their academy and brand.

Onoja Jacob, an artist and lecturer from Jos, Nigeria, uses his art to promote peace among communities in Plateau State. Through his Diadem Art Gallery and annual exhibitions like 'Landscapes and More,' he brings people together to discuss peace. His work has also led him to lead the Zaman Tare project, a peace partnership with CANFOD and the European Union. Onoja's art, inspired by nature and the divine, has gained international recognition and patronage. He is also leveraging digital platforms and NFTs to reach a broader audience and aims to grow his gallery into a major enterprise focused on peace and co-existence.

Daniel and Gyang Dung-Gwom, two brothers from Jos, Nigeria, are building an African luxury shoe brand, Jmofs, with a vision to compete against Chinese and European market dominance. With backgrounds in cobbling and shoe design, they started their shoe-making journey as children and have since established Jmofs Academy to train the next generation of African shoemakers. Their brand, which stands for 'Just men on fire', reflects their passion for creating footwear and building an African luxury brand with global appeal. They offer both online and in-person training, with the goal of training about 2,000 young people. Jmofs competes with local brands like Abba Shoes and has gained attention on social media, expanding its market beyond Nigeria. The article also highlights other successful African shoe brands, such as Bathu Shoes in South Africa and Sole Rebels in Ethiopia, as part of a growing trend of local producers tapping into the African and global markets.

A 70-year-old woman named Mama Hamsatu, who has spent over 30 years crushing stones for a living in Jos, Nigeria, has found unexpected fame through her music. Discovered by music producer Caleb Balasa, also known as Mr Kleb, Hamsatu released her first song 'Takama,' which has become a digital hit. Despite her newfound celebrity status, she continues her stone-crushing work while preparing to release more music. Her story highlights resilience and the transformative power of music, resonating deeply with many, especially women.

Images of rice pyramids in Nigeria have sparked debate over whether they are a genuine sign of agricultural progress or a publicity stunt ahead of the 2022 elections. Critics argue the government is grandstanding amid rising food prices, while supporters highlight efforts to boost domestic production and reduce import dependency. Nigeria has a history of significant agricultural output, and recent initiatives like the Central Bank of Nigeria's anchor borrowers program aim to support farmers and increase yields. Despite challenges, Nigeria remains one of Africa's top food producers, with potential for further growth in the agricultural sector.

Tungchamma Lengdung, a 25-year-old bibliophile from Jenta Adamu in Jos, Nigeria, is challenging stereotypes about Africa's reading culture. A graduate of Computer Science, Lengdung reads two to three books weekly and has established a community library, Jenta Reads, to promote reading. His efforts gained traction during the Covid-19 lockdown, proving that access to books is a significant barrier. Lengdung's passion for books also led to his role as Director of Volunteering and Networking at Books for Africa. He aspires to work with the United Nations to foster peace and social-economic change in Africa.

Kyenpiya Deshi, a lecturer in plant science at the University of Jos, Nigeria, turned her hobby of growing grapes into a commercial venture due to high local demand. Her success has been amplified by social media, leading to increased interest in local grape farming. Deshi and her husband also grow a variety of other fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and breed animals. She encourages local youth to engage in farming by providing seedlings and marketing support. Deshi believes Nigeria has significant potential for local and export-oriented agriculture.

Kyenpiya Deshi, a lecturer in plant science at the University of Jos, has turned her hobby of growing grapes into a thriving business due to high local demand. Initially starting in her back garden, Deshi now sources grapes from outgrowers and sells both the fruit and seedlings. Her passion for farming, inspired by her late parents, extends to a variety of fruits, vegetables, and even livestock. Social media has played a significant role in boosting demand for her produce. Deshi believes there is significant potential for grape farming in Nigeria, which could reduce reliance on imports and provide economic opportunities for young people.

Dr. Rose Gidado, Country Director for Nigeria’s Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa, is a leading advocate for genetically modified (GM) crops, particularly the Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea (PBR Cowpea). Her efforts have led to significant increases in crop yields and reduced production costs for Nigerian farmers. The Nigerian Biosafety Management Agency approved the commercial release of GM cowpea in 2019, and the new variety, SAMPEA20-T, developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research at Ahmadu Bello University, is expected to help Nigeria achieve food self-sufficiency. Gidado's advocacy extends across Africa, aiming to combat food insecurity and promote the acceptance of GM crops.

Tungchamma Lengdung, a 25-year-old Nigerian bibliophile from Jenta Adamu, reads two to three books weekly, challenging stereotypes about Africa's reading culture. His passion for books led him to establish a community library and secure a role with Books for Africa. Lengdung aspires to work with the United Nations to foster peace and socio-economic development in Africa. His efforts during the COVID-19 lockdown demonstrated a latent interest in reading within his community, debunking myths about Africans' reading habits.