Email isn’t dead. Sure, email marketing might not work for everyone, but it’s still crucial for many businesses and personal communication.
Matt: All Roads Lead to Om
Yesterday, my best friend and brother from another mother, Om Malik, passed away.
They say that blood is thicker than water, and what we had was way thicker than blood. — Bob Weir
Om’s request was for a small family prayer ceremony. In mourning, that will be all there is. In celebration and tribute, I love that everyone is sharing their Om stories online, like the writing and photography Christopher Michel shared, which very much embody the OG spirit of blogging that Om pioneered.
A Renaissance Man
I knew Om contained multitudes, but sitting by his side these last few weeks, I’ve been amazed to learn how many deep and completely separate communities he was part of. He meant so much to so many, in so many different ways.
Om loved putting on a good conference, and I’d like to celebrate his life with an awesome event on September 29, 2026 (his 60th) in San Francisco, like an OmFest. I’ll find a space where every community from the many facets of Om can come together. In the spirit of Open Source and co-creation, we can have some booths, flash talks, a gallery of his photography, pen showcase, and whatever other fun ideas people want to contribute. I can’t wait for the beautiful collision of his tech / journalism / Indian party planner / pen / coffee / shoes / photography circles, and probably some niches I couldn’t even imagine.
A Few Vignettes
I have so much to say about Om, but right now I’m working on moderating comments and keeping his website tip-top, so here are a few snippets:
Fundamentally, Om was a lover of humanity. He became a fast “regular” everywhere he went. He wouldn’t just buy coffee, he would also learn the name and story of every barista, the dogs and people in South Park. His deep curiosity and respect weren’t just for the fine and famous. It extended to every soul that crossed his path. His encyclopedic knowledge and photographic memory created connections not just in San Francisco, but all around the world wherever we traveled. (I need to pull the stats, but we went to five continents together, including Antarctica.)
He loved people and their stories.
Om and I were an odd couple. We met online through forums and email because Om was one of the earliest adopters of WordPress. We finally met in person in 2004 when I was 20 and he was 38. He connected me to the first investors I ever spoke to, Phil Black, who formed True Ventures, and Tony Conrad, and introduced me to Toni Schneider, my business soul mate, who became like a co-founder as the CEO of Automattic in our first 8 years.
And of course on the internet. I don’t know how we would count, but I would guess Om read at least 1 or 2% of the whole thing.
Om was a voracious learner. I was there when he first used chopsticks, and only a few months later, he knew every sushi restaurant in San Francisco and exactly what he liked at each.
Om is probably in the top ten in the world for finding things incredibly early. That’s why he has the best usernames! How does one guy get the @om username on WordPress.com in 2005 (user ID 719), Twitter in 2006, Instagram in 2010? The first WordPress meetup was at Chaat Cafe (now Corner) in 2005, 8 people showed up, and Om was one of them.
One of the biggest lessons I learned from Om is the deep appreciation of craft. When he took an interest in photography or pens, he would somehow find his way to the most obscure, highest-quality expression of that form. “What Would Om Want?” is a question I will always ponder. I want to craft products that would make Om proud.
Om’s last word was “love.”
Nothing Gold Can Stay, by Robert Frost
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
Digital Pay Expo 2026: PalmPay Calls For Trust, Infrastructure And Responsible AI To Drive Payment Ecosystem Innovation
Industry leaders, regulators, and payment experts have called for stronger infrastructure, responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and deeper cross-sector collaboration to unlock the next phase of growth in Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem.
The stakeholders made the call during the 2026 Digital Pay Expo held in Lagos on June 17 and 18, 2026. This year’s event focused heavily on the transformative role of AI, cybersecurity, cross-border transactions, and deepening financial inclusion across Africa.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rekiya Yusuf, Director of the Payment System Supervision Department at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), represented by Chika Ugwueze, Deputy Director, stated that Nigeria’s payment ecosystem is rapidly evolving beyond digital adoption into deeper digital transformation.
According to Yusuf, artificial intelligence is emerging as a critical driver of this shift, particularly in real-time fraud detection and expanding access to underserved populations. “The goal is to make financial transactions seamless. AI is now driving innovation, helping in real-time fraud detection and helping to expand access,” she said.
She noted, however, that important gaps remain, particularly around infrastructure and inclusion. Building a resilient digital market system in the AI era requires reliable connectivity, robust infrastructure, intentional talent development, and sustained capacity building.
Echoing the regulator’s call for robust ecosystem support, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, said trust, access, and practical financial support remain critical to helping small businesses participate more meaningfully in the formal economy.
He noted that while micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute an impressive 40 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), limited access to credit and reliable payment infrastructure continues to slow their ability to grow and scale.
To drive true innovation, Nwosu argued that financial inclusion must move beyond simply opening accounts and enabling basic transactions; it requires building a foundation of trust and tangible economic empowerment.
“SMEs contribute 40 per cent of the country’s GDP. For us at PalmPay, we don’t just provide payment solutions to them, we also support them with financial tools they need to expand and create jobs,” he said.
Nwosu further emphasised the importance of digital literacy, noting that stronger understanding of digital tools and AI-enabled systems will be essential to buildling long-term trust and participation across the ecosystem.
The discussions at Digital Pay Expo 2026 reflected a growing consensus across the industry: the future of African digital payments will depend on getting the fundamentals right. That means stronger infrastructure, responsible use of AI, better cybersecurity, and closer collaboration between regulators, fintechs, and other ecosystem players.
For PalmPay, the event reinforced the importance of building a payments ecosystem that is more resilient, more secure, and better equipped to support inclusion and growth at scale.
NiMRA Calls For Stronger Data-Driven Governance And Social Intelligence In Nigeria’s Policymaking In 2026
The Nigerian Marketing Research Association (NiMRA) has urged government institutions to deepen the use of data, consumer insights, and social intelligence in policymaking, arguing that evidence-based decisions are critical to improving governance outcomes and delivering policies that reflect citizens’ realities.
The call was made during NiMRA’s international conference held in Lagos, where stakeholders examined the growing role of research, behavioural insights, and emerging technologies in shaping public administration and business strategy in Nigeria.
According to discussions at the conference, stronger integration between public institutions and research professionals would enable government agencies to evaluate programmes more effectively, improve policy outcomes, and strengthen public trust through informed decision-making.
Participants also advocated closer institutional cooperation among research bodies and national agencies responsible for data generation and economic planning. Brandspur Politics gathered that the proposed approach seeks to establish a broader intelligence ecosystem capable of supporting sustainable national development and improving policy responsiveness.
NiMRA maintained that social intelligence should not only guide policy formulation but also be applied during implementation and post-intervention evaluation to ensure programmes remain relevant to citizens and deliver measurable impact.
The association further noted that changing consumer behaviour and shifting social realities have made reliable data increasingly valuable to both public institutions and private organisations seeking long-term sustainability.
Attention was also directed toward the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in research and decision-making processes. Stakeholders at the event described AI as an emerging force capable of accelerating analysis, improving forecasting capabilities, and supporting more effective organisational planning when combined with professional expertise and contextual understanding.
Industry leaders stressed that organisations that fail to understand evolving consumer expectations risk weakening competitiveness and reducing their ability to adapt in increasingly dynamic markets.
Conference discussions highlighted the importance of consumer and social intelligence in helping organisations design better services, improve engagement, and make more strategic investments.
International perspectives at the event also focused on maintaining ethical standards and strengthening transparency as artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in research practices worldwide.
Stakeholders emphasised that future growth in Nigeria’s research ecosystem will depend on stronger local and international collaboration, responsible innovation, and greater investment in data quality and professional standards.
The conference concluded with renewed calls for research-led governance and wider adoption of intelligence-driven frameworks as Nigeria seeks to improve public outcomes, strengthen economic planning, and build institutions capable of responding more effectively to changing societal needs.
WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart Steps Down After Nearly Seven Years As Leadership Transitions To Kunal Shah
WhatsApp is entering a new leadership phase following the announcement that Will Cathcart will step down after nearly seven years leading the messaging platform, marking a significant transition for one of the world’s largest digital communication services.
The leadership change comes after a period of sustained global growth for WhatsApp, during which the platform expanded its reach to billions of users and strengthened its position across personal communication, business messaging, and secure digital interaction.
Cathcart confirmed the transition through public updates, stating that he will move into a new product-focused role within Meta rather than exit the company completely. The development signals a strategic internal shift as Meta continues investing in messaging, digital services, and product innovation.
Industry attention has now turned to Kunal Shah, the Indian entrepreneur selected to assume leadership responsibilities for the platform. Brandspur Brand News understands that the appointment places a recognised technology builder at the centre of one of the most influential communication products in the world.
During Cathcart’s tenure, WhatsApp evolved beyond a conventional messaging application into a broader communications ecosystem serving individuals, businesses, and organisations globally. The platform strengthened capabilities around encrypted communication, commercial messaging solutions, and tools designed to support large-scale digital interaction.
His leadership period also coincided with rising competition across global messaging markets, increasing regulatory attention on digital platforms, and growing demand for secure and reliable communication infrastructure.
The transition arrives at a time when technology companies are increasingly focusing on product expansion, artificial intelligence integration, monetisation opportunities, and stronger business utility across messaging services.
For users and business operators who rely on WhatsApp for everyday communication and customer engagement, the leadership handover is expected to maintain continuity while opening a new phase of product development and strategic direction.
Market observers will monitor how the platform evolves under its incoming leadership, particularly as competition intensifies across digital communication and fintech-connected ecosystems.
With billions of users worldwide and expanding commercial relevance, WhatsApp’s next chapter is expected to remain closely watched across the global technology industry as leadership responsibilities formally shift and long-term product priorities continue to develop.
OPay And Dolly Children Foundation Launch Clean Future Initiative To Improve Sanitation And Learning In Ogun School
OPay Digital Services Limited has partnered with Dolly Children Foundation to launch the Clean Future Initiative at Ebenezer Grammar School, Iberekodo, Abeokuta, introducing new sanitation infrastructure and environmental education programmes aimed at improving learning conditions for students in Ogun State.
The initiative, unveiled on 18 June 2026, combines school infrastructure support with awareness campaigns designed to strengthen hygiene culture, encourage environmental responsibility, and create safer educational spaces for children in public schools.
At the centre of the intervention is the delivery of a newly constructed gender-sensitive four-unit toilet facility intended to provide students with improved access to clean and dignified sanitation services. The project responds to challenges commonly affecting underserved schools where inadequate facilities can negatively influence attendance, health outcomes, and classroom performance.
Beyond infrastructure development, the programme introduced environmental learning activities focused on sanitation awareness, responsible waste management, and long-term behavioural change among pupils and members of the school community. Brandspur Brand News gathered that the organisers view the initiative as both a health intervention and an educational support programme.
Students also received educational and personal hygiene materials to encourage participation and improve access to basic learning resources. Outstanding pupils recognised for academic performance and positive conduct were rewarded with school essentials including bags, footwear, and other support materials.
Representatives from government, the school community, development partners, volunteers, and local stakeholders attended the launch event, signalling broader interest in collaborative approaches to improving public education infrastructure.
According to the organisers, the project reflects growing private sector participation in addressing challenges affecting learning environments across Nigeria, particularly in communities with limited access to essential school facilities.
Officials present at the launch highlighted the importance of partnerships between institutions, civil society organisations, and businesses in supporting educational development and promoting responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
School leaders described the intervention as timely, noting that improved sanitation facilities are expected to contribute to healthier school conditions and provide students with a more supportive environment for academic growth.
The event also celebrated community impact and youth development, with reflections on how educational opportunities and sustained support can inspire future generations to contribute positively to society.
For students at Ebenezer Grammar School, the initiative represents more than physical infrastructure. It introduces access to improved hygiene standards, stronger environmental awareness, and a more conducive atmosphere for learning.
The sanitation facility is expected to serve hundreds of pupils while reducing sanitation-related challenges and supporting better health outcomes within the school environment.
The Clean Future Initiative aligns with broader development goals centred on quality education, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing, while reinforcing OPay’s corporate social responsibility objectives and Dolly Children Foundation’s continued focus on empowering underserved children through sustainable interventions.
Since inception, Dolly Children Foundation has implemented programmes across multiple communities, focusing on education, mentorship, child welfare, health awareness, and social development.
The latest collaboration marks another milestone in efforts to expand access to healthier and safer learning environments, supporting the long-term goal of ensuring that more Nigerian children can learn and thrive under improved conditions.
Daya Secures $2.4 Million Pre-Seed Funding To Expand Stablecoin Cross-Border Payments Across Africa In 2026
Nigerian fintech startup Daya has secured $2.4 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate the expansion of its stablecoin-powered payment infrastructure and strengthen cross-border financial services for businesses operating across Africa.
The investment signals growing investor confidence in blockchain-backed financial infrastructure as African companies increasingly seek faster and more efficient alternatives for moving money internationally. The round was led by Hivemind Capital, with backing from Lattice Fund, Alliance DAO, Aptos Foundation, and Singapore-based Globelink Investment.
Founded in October 2025, Daya is positioning itself as a financial infrastructure provider focused on helping businesses receive international payments, manage treasury operations, and settle transactions using stablecoin technology. Brandspur Banking News Desk understands that the company intends to use the new capital to deepen market reach and strengthen operational capacity.
The startup’s model combines regulated banking partnerships with blockchain-enabled settlement systems, allowing businesses to receive funds through foreign currency accounts before converting, holding, or distributing value across different markets. The approach targets longstanding pain points around delays, foreign exchange inefficiencies, and high transaction costs associated with conventional international payment channels.
Daya’s latest funding comes shortly after completing participation in Alliance DAO’s accelerator programme and places the company among a new generation of African fintech firms developing alternative payment rails built around digital assets.
The company has also moved to strengthen international settlement capability through partnerships designed to connect African businesses with overseas markets. One of its recent initiatives includes collaboration with Aptos Foundation and crypto exchange HashKey MENA to test payment corridors linking Africa and the Middle East.
Through its infrastructure, businesses are expected to gain access to virtual foreign currency accounts denominated in United States dollars, Hong Kong dollars, and Chinese yuan while maintaining the ability to convert, store, and deploy liquidity through a unified platform.
The funding reflects broader momentum behind stablecoin adoption globally as digital assets increasingly move beyond trading activity into practical financial services including payments, treasury management, remittances, and international business operations.
Industry data referenced by blockchain analytics firms indicates that stablecoins processed significant global transaction volumes in 2025, reinforcing investor belief that digital settlement infrastructure may play a larger role in future financial systems.
For African businesses facing liquidity constraints and complex cross-border banking processes, stablecoin-enabled settlement models are emerging as a potential solution to reduce friction and improve transaction speed.
Daya said it intends to channel the fresh capital into expanding payment corridors, strengthening compliance frameworks, and increasing collaboration with domestic and international financial institutions as competition intensifies within Africa’s rapidly evolving fintech ecosystem.
The startup also reported sustained monthly growth during 2026 and indicated that businesses already rely on its platform for payment processing and treasury management functions.
The latest raise highlights continued investor appetite for African fintech innovation and reinforces expectations that infrastructure companies simplifying global commerce could become an increasingly important layer in the continent’s digital economy.
Exemplary Nigerian School Named In Top 10 Shortlists For World’s Best School Prizes 2026
- Slum2School Green Academy named in Top 10 shortlist for World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action
An exemplary Nigerian school has today been named in the Top 10 shortlists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2026. The five World’s Best School Prizes, founded by T4 Education in the wake of COVID in 2022 to share the best practices of schools that are changing lives in their classrooms and far beyond their walls, have been described as the ‘World Cup for Schools’. They are the world’s most prestigious education prizes.
Slum2School Green Academy – a charity-run kindergarten and primary school in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria, which is advancing learning for 250 underserved children from eight riverine communities through a first-of-its-kind, climate-smart school with an experiential, inquiry-based learning model that helps students gain up to three years of learning in one school year – has been named in the Top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action.
The winners of the five World’s Best School Prizes – for Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives – will be chosen by an expert Judging Academy based on rigorous criteria. The Top 3 finalists and winners will be announced in November. In addition, all 50 shortlisted schools across the five Prizes will also take part in a Public Vote, which opened today, to determine the winner of the Community Choice Award.
The winners and shortlisted schools will then be invited to the World Schools Summit in London, UK, on January 16-17, 2027, where they will share their best practices and unique expertise and experience with policymakers and leading figures in global education.
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said:
“Congratulations to Slum2School Green Academy on being shortlisted for the fifth annual World’s Best School Prizes. It has shown that Nigeria’s schools truly stand among the best in the world.
“Each one of these exemplary schools shortlisted for this global schools prize has, in its own unique way, helped prepare young people for a world that has never seemed so uncertain. It is more important than ever that our schools grow the leaders we’ll need to face massive challenges from rising conflict and inequality to populism and climate breakdown.
“In their classrooms, every day, these institutions show what works. And governments and schools across the world should learn from their shining examples.”
About the school:
Slum2School Green Academy, a charity-run kindergarten and primary school in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria, is advancing learning for 250 underserved children from eight riverine communities through a first-of-its-kind, climate-smart school with an experiential, inquiry-based learning model that helps students gain up to three years of learning in one school year. Located in Saga in Western Nigeria, one of the most remote water-locked settlements about an hour from land, the school exists in a place where formal education was, for generations, effectively out of reach. Children would need to travel long distances by canoe to attend school, a journey that made daily learning impossible. Most never learned to read or write, while families faced deep, intergenerational poverty compounded by the absence of clean water, electricity, healthcare, and basic infrastructure.
Realising that a conventional school model would not be viable because of the environmental and logistical constraints, the school built a Green Academy using locally sourced natural materials such as bamboo and wood, allowing it to integrate with the environment and withstand local conditions. Designed as a climate-smart, eco-friendly system that is largely self-sustaining, it is a living ecosystem where students learn in classrooms cooled by natural ventilation, drink clean water harvested on-site, participate in waste management and recycling, and grow food in school gardens.
The school’s pedagogy is built around the reality that most students are starting from little or no prior exposure to formal learning, with teaching structured around a blend of project-based, play-based and hands-on learning that allows students to build literacy and numeracy through experience instead of books. Lessons are intentionally designed to connect what the learners live in their day-to-day lives, using visual, physical and experiential approaches. The curriculum deliberately introduces global perspectives through digital tools, storytelling and guided exploration, giving children the chance to see themselves in a wider world, which builds their confidence and curiosity.
Students actively engage in the school’s environmental systems, which helps them practically understand concepts like water conservation, renewable energy and waste management, and classroom-led peer projects like building a school garden that includes composting and harvesting, and converting water hyacinth into usable and marketable products, are teaching them skills which they can use beyond the classroom. Older students are also given the opportunity to mentor younger learners, helping them understand sustainable practices while building their leadership skills.
Additional resources within the school include a digital lab for computer learning and coding, as well as a library to support reading development.
The model is strongly community-driven, with parents and community members playing an active role in the school’s design and construction. They are encouraged to participate through regular PTA meetings and open days, and to get involved in school-led initiatives that have increased interest in education among adults in the area.
Through the reimagined model, 96% of students have improved at least one proficiency level in literacy and more than 70% in numeracy. Over 90% are now reading at or approaching grade level despite the majority starting without foundational skills. Attendance reached 80% within the first academic year.
In terms of environmental impact, the campus operates entirely on solar energy, generating approximately 28,000 kWh annually and eliminating an estimated 10–15 tonnes of carbon emissions. Rainwater harvesting systems provide up to 160,000 litres of clean water each year, waste-to-biogas systems are producing around 1,400 cubic metres of clean cooking gas annually, and student-led stewardship has reduced unmanaged waste on campus by 80%. More than 700 families now benefit from improved water access, sanitation practices and environmental awareness.
What makes the Slum2School Green Academy truly unique is its replicability as a scalable blueprint for Africa’s first network of sustainable, community-centred schools, where educational equity, climate action, and innovation can coexist even in the most challenging contexts.
ABOUT T4 EDUCATION:
We believe every child, everywhere, deserves a good education. We are building the world’s largest community of teachers and schools to achieve this. Together. Our digital media platform provides opportunities for educators to network, collaborate, share good practices, and support each other’s efforts to improve learning and school culture. We work to amplify teachers’ voices because the world we want to see will only be built by listening to those at the heart of education.
Creative Leaders Advocate Strategic Investment In Women To Accelerate Sector Growth
LAGOS, Nigeria, June, 2026 — Creative industry leaders have called for greater investment in women as Nigeria works to unlock the full economic potential of its creative economy, warning that limited access to funding, leadership opportunities, infrastructure and visibility continues to hold back one of the country’s most important growth sectors.
The call was made at the Women in the Arts: Power, Voice and Economic Impact convening, organised by the National Delphic Council Nigeria in partnership with Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR). The gathering brought together leading voices across film, theatre, visual arts, cultural enterprise, public policy and development to examine how women are shaping Nigeria’s creative sector and what must change for them to participate more fully in its growth.
The conversation comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to position its creative and tourism sectors as major drivers of economic diversification. In 2025, the Federal Government outlined a roadmap targeting $100 billion in GDP contribution by 2030 and the creation of over three million jobs across the creative economy and tourism sectors.
Nigeria’s creative sector already holds significant global relevance, with Nollywood recognised as the second-largest film industry in the world by output, producing over 2,500 films annually. The National Bureau of Statistics also classifies motion picture, sound recording, music production, broadcasting, arts, entertainment and recreation as measurable contributors to national output.
Speaking at the convening, Mrs Amina Oyagbola, President of the National Delphic Council Nigeria and Founder of WISCAR, said Nigeria cannot build a globally competitive creative economy while women continue to face barriers to funding, leadership and market access.
“Nigeria’s creative economy will not reach its full potential if the women driving culture, storytelling, enterprise and innovation remain under-supported. This is no longer just a gender conversation. It is an economic imperative. When we invest in women in the arts, we are investing in livelihoods, stronger industries, cultural preservation and the future competitiveness of Nigeria’s creative economy.”
She noted that women continue to shape Nigeria’s creative life across film, music, fashion, visual arts, literature, theatre and cultural enterprise, but stressed that their contribution must be matched with deliberate support systems, including financing, mentorship, infrastructure, policy inclusion and access to platforms that connect them to wider markets. Her speech specifically framed the arts as instruments for identity, connection, peacebuilding and economic impact, while calling for practical action to expand women’s participation and leadership in the sector.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mr Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, delivered a goodwill message reaffirming the importance of elevating female voices within Nigeria’s arts and culture ecosystem.
The event featured contributions from respected creative leaders, including Veteran Actress and Director, Joke Silva; Founder and CEO of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters; Executive Producer and Media Entrepreneur, Temidayo Makanjuola; Founder of the Christopher Okigbo Foundation and Member of the National Delphic Council Nigeria, Obi Okigbo; and Managing Director of Quintessence Nigeria Limited, Jude Oni-Okpako. Speakers shared insights on leadership, visibility, resilience, creative entrepreneurship and the support required to build a more inclusive sector.
The convening also brought together senior leaders from the global Delphic movement, including President of the International Delphic Council, Davina Bautista; Secretary General of the International Delphic Council, Ramesh Prasana; Vice President of the International Delphic Council, Roberta Williams; President of Delphics Rajasthan, Sreya Guha; and Founder of Mbarikola and Vice President of the National Delphic Council Nigeria, Ugoma Ebilah.
The discussions also reflected global concerns around gender inequality in the cultural and creative industries. UNESCO has noted that although women make up almost half of the workforce in culture and entertainment, they remain underrepresented in leadership and overrepresented in precarious work.
Participants called for stronger collaboration between government, private sector organisations, cultural institutions, development partners and creative entrepreneurs to ensure women are not only visible within Nigeria’s creative economy, but positioned to lead, own, scale and benefit from its growth.
The convening concluded with a call to move beyond celebration to intentional investment in women as creators, business leaders, employers, cultural ambassadors and drivers of national development.
About the National Delphic Council Nigeria
The National Delphic Council Nigeria is an affiliate of the International Delphic Council (IDC), the global body dedicated to promoting the arts and cultural expression. Founded in 1994 in Berlin, the IDC revived the Delphic Games of antiquity, inspired by the ancient Pythian Games of Delphi, as a forum for fostering peace and harmony among people, cultures and nations through the arts. Nigeria was among the twenty founding nations represented at the IDC’s inaugural congress. Today the movement spans a global network of Delphic Councils and Clubs across more than 80 nations on five continents, working across six core art categories: musical, performing, visual, literary and social arts, and crafts. The National Delphic Council Nigeria champions this vision locally, creating platforms for Nigerian artists and cultural leaders to be seen, supported and connected to a worldwide creative community.
About WISCAR
Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) is a Nigerian non-profit organisation focused on empowering and developing professional women to contribute to development and growth in Nigeria and across Africa. Established in 2008, WISCAR has built a reputation for convening a formidable network of focused women who are reshaping the workplace and their organisations. Its mission is to elevate women into impactful roles through mentorship, career development and advocacy, driving gender-equitable policies across sectors, anchored on three focus areas: leadership and capacity building, mentoring and role modelling, and advocacy for gender diversity, inclusivity, equity and parity. Learn more at https://wiscar.ng/
The Ultimate Guide To Hacking Lagos Romance Without Ending Up In The Trenches (The AI Edition)
Dating in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt is basically an extreme sport.
Between the unpredictable traffic, the pressure to maintain a certain
lifestyle, and the sheer chaos of modern talking stages, trying to find
love can feel like a full-time job. Nigerian Gen Z is actively
redefining romance on their own terms, seeking connections that are
genuine, fun, and most importantly, kind to both their mental health and
their bank accounts.
Fortunately, you do not have to navigate this wild terrain alone. By
combining the smart capabilities of Google Search and Gemini with some
classic, old-school human intuition, you can easily upgrade your dating
game without losing your composure or your hard-earned cash.
1. BUDGET-FRIENDLY DATE PLANNER
Lagos is notoriously expensive, and nothing kills the romantic mood
faster than opening a menu and realizing a plate of pasta costs the
equivalent of half your house rent. You want a date that feels like the
soft life but respects your bank account. To pull this off, you need to
rely on Google Search and Google Maps.
Open Google Search and use specific, highly targeted keywords rather
than broad searches. Filter by price using the single dollar sign and
look for user reviews specifically mentioning affordable aesthetic. For
the best search hack, type “aesthetic pocket-friendly cafes in Ikoyi” or
“art galleries in Lagos with free entry” into Google Search. Use the
Updates or Reviews tab on Google Maps to see real-time photos taken by
everyday Lagosians, ensuring the vibe matches the internet hype before
you step out.
2. SMART WARDROBE PLANNER
You have a date in two hours, your wardrobe looks like a textile market
casualty, and you are convinced you have nothing to wear. Instead of
panic-buying a new outfit and putting yourself in debt, it is time to
shop your own closet with creative styling by using Gemini Live.
Open the Gemini app on your phone, tap the waveform icon to start a
Gemini Live session, and turn on your camera. Pan your camera over the
clothes laid out on your bed and ask Gemini to assemble them into a
cohesive, high-fashion look. You can say something like this to Gemini
Live:
I am going on a first date at a casual rooftop cafe in Lekki. I want to
look stylish, comfortable, and put-together without buying new clothes.
I am showing you my bed right now. Look at this plain white oversized
t-shirt, these dark blue cargo pants, this black blazer, and these white
sneakers. How can I style these items together to give off an effortless
steeze vibe? Give me some distinct styling options in real-time.
3. PUT AWAY YOUR PHONE
This tip requires absolute zero technology. In fact, it requires you to
actively ignore your devices. When you sit down at the table, place your
phone face down, or better yet, keep it deep inside your bag.
True charisma is not about having the latest phone, it is about giving
your date your undivided attention. Looking someone in the eyes,
reacting to their stories, and being physically present is the ultimate
flex in a world dominated by screen-addicted scrolling.
4. CONVERSATION STARTERS
The first fifteen minutes of a date can be terrifying. After the initial
greetings and complaints about the traffic, the conversation can easily
dry up, leaving both of you staring at your drinks. Avoid the temptation
to ask deep, heavy questions too early, and instead opt for light,
humorous banter.
Use Gemini to generate playful, culturally relevant icebreakers that
spark funny debates rather than awkward interviews. Copy and paste this
prompt into Gemini before your date to get some fresh ideas:
I am on a first date with a Nigerian Gen Z who loves pop culture and
Afrobeats. Give me five quirky, lighthearted, and funny conversation
starters or debate topics that are specific to Nigerian life, such as
funny food debates or Lagos quirks, to keep the conversation flowing
naturally. Avoid anything boring, corny, or related to politics.
5. DECODE TEXT MESSAGES
We have all been there. You send a long, thoughtful paragraph, and they
reply with a single “K,” “fine,” or “cool.” Before you start
overthinking, drafting a five-hundred-word essay in response, or
deleting your WhatsApp account, let AI give you a calm, objective
translation of the subtext.
Paste the confusing or dry text message into Gemini and ask for a
humorous, realistic breakdown of what it might mean, keeping you from
overreacting. Use this prompt to keep your peace of mind:
My talking stage just replied to my paragraph explaining my day with a
single “Ah, nice.” Translate this message through the lens of Nigerian
Gen Z text dynamics. What are the possible meanings behind this, and how
can I reply in a way that keeps my composure and steeze intact without
sounding desperate?
6. BACKYARD PICNIC
If your romance requires a constant stream of transactions to survive,
it is not a relationship, it is a subscription service. Take a break
from commercial venues entirely.
Grab a simple woven mat, a bottle of water, and some homemade snacks,
even if it is just chin-chin and plantain chips. Sit under a tree in a
quiet yard or a public park, and just talk. If you can survive a
three-hour date without spending a single Naira and still have fun, you
have found someone worth keeping.
7. LOCAL LANGUAGE COMPLIMENTS
If your crush is from a different part of the country and you want to
show them you have range, dropping a beautifully structured compliment
in their native tongue is a surefire way to stand out. However, direct
dictionary translations are often incredibly stiff or, worse, completely
wrong.
Ask Gemini to draft a culturally authentic, poetic compliment that
captures the nuance of the language without sounding like a textbook.
You can use this prompt:
I want to write a sweet, smooth, and authentic compliment to my crush
who is Yoruba. I want to tell them that their smile brightens up my day,
but I want it to sound poetic and natural in Yoruba, not a literal
translation. Provide the Yoruba text, the English meaning, and a guide
on the pronunciation tones so I don’t sound robotic.
8. USE PHYSICAL REMINDERS
In the era of digital calendars and automated push notifications, we
often forget to perform basic human acts of kindness. Do not rely on an
app to tell you to check on your partner.
Put a small, handwritten sticky note on your mirror, or place an
old-school token, like a specific coin or a small souvenir, on your
desk. Every time you see it, let it be a physical prompt to send a quick
text to check on their day. It builds a natural, un-automated habit of
thoughtfulness.
9. DRAFT SMOOTH RESPONSES
When the talking stage gets intense, they might drop a risky text like
“What are we?” or “Are you free this evening?” Drafting a response that
is polite and honest, but does not compromise your boundaries, is an art
form. You want to avoid sounding too eager, but you also do not want to
sound like a cold corporate email.
Feed the message to Gemini and ask it to draft a reply that perfectly
balances warmth with boundaries. Try this prompt:
My crush just texted me: “I feel like we’ve been talking a lot but I
don’t really know what your intentions are.” I like them, but I want to
take things slow and get to know them properly before rushing into a
relationship label. Draft a reply that is honest, warm, reassuring, but
firmly sets a boundary that I want to take our time. Keep the tone very
natural, modern, and respectful.
10. CENTER YOURSELF BEFORE LEAVING
Before you walk out the door, stop. Do not check your reflection to see
if your outfit looks like an Instagram filter.
Instead, close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and relax your
shoulders. Steeze is not a product you buy, it is a state of mind. If
you enter a date carrying anxiety, no amount of technology or expensive
clothing can mask it. A calm nervous system is the ultimate green flag.
Breathe in, smile, and step out with confidence.
