A majestic figure rides gracefully atop his horse during the vibrant celebration of the annual Kano Eid Durbar
FROM THE EDITOR
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BashirSuleiman
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In this special issue, we dive into the stories, challenges, and triumphs of the next generation of Nigerian business leaders, exploring how they are shaping the future of the country’s economy and culture
SPECIAL ISSUE: NIGERIA’S YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP REVOLUTION
BY MERIT IKECHIKWU
They say the streets are tough, the economy is unpredictable, and the job market is tighter than a closed fist But if there’s one thing young Nigerians have mastered, it’s turning pressure into diamonds.
Welcome to the new hustle codewhere youth entrepreneurship isn’t just a backup plan, it’s the plan
From Side Hustle to Main Mission
For years, “What do you do?” was a simple question Today, it’s layered A typical answer sounds more like, “I’m a digital marketer, I run a thrift store on Instagram, and I’m building a skincare line on the side ” Nigerian youth are not waiting for opportunities they’re building them
The post-pandemic era, fueled by rising internet access and social media platforms, opened a floodgate of innovation Instagram stores, TikTok marketing, WhatsApp business catalogs, virtual assistants, and online tutoring are now thriving industries Gen Z and Millennials are no longer thinking “get a job” they’re thinking “create one.”
courtesy: meeteverydaypeople com
Why This Shift Matters
The stats don’t lie With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under 30 and a youth unemployment rate that’s nothing short of alarming, entrepreneurship has become the solution, not the last resort
What makes this wave special isn’t just the businesses it’s the mindset Today’s young entrepreneurs are problem-solvers They’re asking, “How can I make money and still create value?” That’s why we’re seeing businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven from eco-friendly packaging brands to tech startups solving real social issues
Hilda Effiong Bassey (Hilda Bachi) is a Nigerian chef, restaurateur, actress, and the former holder of the Guinness World Record for marathon cooking (cookathon) with 93 hours 11 minutes in May 2023,
courtesy: X com
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Fred Oyetayo is the founder of Fresible, a digital agency specializing in web development and branding He’s also the curator of Law Repository, aiding Nigerian law students and professionals
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The Real Challenges
Let’s be real t’s not all vibes and business wins Many young entrepreneurs still face huge barriers: poor access to funding, limited mentorship, infrastructure challenges, and sometimes, discouragement from society. Not everyone understands the hustle at first
But here’s what’s amazing: they keep going They pivot, rebrand, restock, and repost until it works That resilience? That’s the real Nigerian spirit
What’s Next?
The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of these innovators Imagine if youth entrepreneurs had more structured support: government grants that actually reach them, access to lowinterest loans, shared workspaces, skill hubs, and mentorship networks
We’re already seeing micro-accelerators and community-based incubators popping up in places like Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna It’s just the beginning
Final Thoughts
Youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria isn’t just a trend it’s a movement It’s redefining success, reshaping the economy, and proving to the world that when given the right tools (or even without them), Nigerian youth will find a way to win
Abdulrahman Alkali Abubakar an Abuja-based real estate entrepreneur
Temitope Okeseeyin – Founder of Outnovately Africa and the University of Freelancing, Temitope is revolutionizing HR in Africa.
In a world where style is often just about looking good, SHEEP dares to be different It’s not just another streetwear label it’s a bold declaration, stitched into cotton and culture With a name that flips the narrative on its head, SHEEP stands for Superior Human Elevating Everyone’s Potential a mission, a mindset, and a movement
Born from the streets, inspired by purpose, and designed for elevation, SHEEP is where fashion meets inner greatness
S.H.E.E.P: SUPERIOR HUMANS ELEVATING EVERYONE'S POTENTIAL
“True strength is quiet. Real power lifts others. SHEEP isn’t meek it’s mighty”
Flipping the Script
Traditionally, the word “sheep” evokes images of conformity, of blindly following the herd But this brand reclaims and redefines it In the SHEEP universe, to be sheep is to be superior not above others, but within yourself. It’s about elevation lifting yourself while pulling others up with you
Every hoodie, tee, or cap isn’t just a fit; it’s a conversation starter, a mindset check It says: I see greatness in myself, and I see it in you too.
The mission behind SHEEP is rooted in one idea: potential is collective True elevation isn’t about one person winning it’s about the whole crew rising together. Whether you’re on the come-up in tech, music, art, or just figuring life out, SHEEP is your armor and anthem
“We want people to wear purpose,” says the founder “Not just wear us for the look, but for what it represents: self-awareness, and unstoppable growth.”
he New Roar
hasing clout, SHEEP is ng It’s not here to follow ere to start waves For every man out there quietly grinding, d elevating this brand was u.
time you throw on a SHEEP ember: you’re not just wearing re wearing a purpose
It started as a drumbeat in the dust, a whisper in the wind
Now, it’s a tidal wave crashing on global shores
From smoky Lagos nights to neon-lit world stages
Afrobeats didn’t arrive It erupted
AFROBEATS TO THE WORLD: THE EVOLUTION OF NIGERIAN MUSIC
Burna Boy dazzled his audience at his soldout concert in the iconic Stade de France, making history as the first Nigerian artist to achieve this remarkable feat
BY SHAHID ABDULLAHI
“Afrobeats is freedom a sound that lets me be raw, real, and fully myself.” — Tems
You hear that rhythm? That’s not just a beat that’s history in motion Nigerian music has gone from smoky dance halls in Lagos to headlining stadiums in London, LA, and Tokyo
From Fela’s fearless anthems to Tems on a Black Panther soundtrack, Afrobeats isn’t trending it’s taking over
In this piece, we trace the journey from local sound to global takeover This is not just a vibe this is Afrobeats to the world
“If you no gree dance, you go gree nod your head ” That’s the law when Nigerian music hits your ears From dusty speakers in Surulere to sound systems in New York clubs, Afrobeats has become a force not just a sound, but a global language
Rema lit up Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on May 11 with a sold-out show on his HEIS World Tour thrilling fans with hit songs, high energy, and a standout performance featuring creative stage elements
Then came Fela Anikulapo Kuti A rebel, a genius, and the founding father of what we now recognize as Afrobeat (with no “s”). His fusion of jazz, funk, and fierce political lyrics changed the game Fela didn’t just make music he made movements
Enter the Afrobeats Era (With an “s”)
Fast-forward to the late 2000s. A new generation was rising D’banj, Wande Coal, P-Square, and 9ice brought swag, rhythm, and something new digital beats, street vibes, and global energy
Then came the titans:
• Wizkid, the starboy who broke into the Billboard charts
• Davido, with global collabs and massive anthems
• Burna Boy, the African Giant who took home a Grammy and made sure the world put respect on our sound
Afrobeats became more than music it became identity
Tems performing at the Dreamville Festival.
UNFOLD AFROBEAT
Think Nigeria is all hustle, traffic? Think again From waterfalls to ancient hills a beaches, Nigeria is hiding destinations that deserve bucket list
CRUISE CONTROL: DREAM DESTINATIONS YOU CAN’T MISS IN NIGERIA
Let’s be real, you don’t need a visa to escape. Sometimes the adventure you’re craving is right within reach. Nigeria isn’t just home to vibes and hustle, it’s full of gems that feel like they were plucked from another world. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or just someone who wants to chill with coconut juice in hand, we’ve got you.
Here are dream destinations across Nigeria that prove “na home we dey,” but vacation dey too.
Zuma Rock in Niger State
Obudu Mountain Resort, Cross River
Imagine waking up in the clouds Literally Obudu offers lush greenery, cable cars gliding above valleys, and mountain air so fresh it feels like therapy Perfect for couples, solo escapes, or even squad retreats. And the view? Chef’s kiss
From hidden waterfalls to ancient hills, Nigeria is the adventure the world hasn’t discovered yet.
Kajuru Castle, Kaduna
Yes, Nigeria has a castle. And no, it’s not a fairytale l it’s real.
Perched in Kaduna’s quiet hills, Kajuru Castle is a medieval-style fortress complete with towers, dungeons, and drawbridge vibes Ideal for weekend getaways with a royal twist.
Breathe in the calm. Almat Farms blends rustic charm with refined comfort from scenic rides to luxury stays, it’s Nigeria’s countryside reimagined ”
Almat Farms, Kuje
LUME DIARIES:
FACES OF THE FUTURE: YOUNG NIGERIANS LEADING THE WAVE
In a world that moves fast, these are the faces setting the pace Young Nigerians who are defining today and shaping tomorrow they are the innovators, the creators, and the visionaries leading us into a new era Here in the Lume Diaries, we spotlight six remarkable individuals making waves in their fields, lighting up paths that others will follow.
BY AARON AHMADU
Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, he turned a board game into a movement and recently made global headlines with a 60-hour chess marathon in Times Square
Tunde Onakoya – Chess Activist & Record Breaker
Olamide Olowe – Beauty Mogul & CEO
Founder and CEO of Topicals, a skincare company
She is known for being the youngest Black woman to raise over $10 million in venture funding for her business
Abubakar Nur Khalil - Bitcoin Core Contributor CEO of the Bitcoin VC fund Recursive Capital He is a board member and CEO of Btrust, a non-profit focused on training African bitcoin developers via Btrust builders and growing the African Bitcoin ecosystem
She uses her art to advocate for peace, maternal health, and youth empowerment, performing on global platforms including the UN and Global Citizen Live
Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) - Singer-SongwriterDancer
Her music has gained significant recognition, including being named Spotify Africa Equal Ambassador She also features on Apple Music's Rising Class of 2024 alongside other notable artists
In 2023, he
Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam) - Spoken Word Artist & Activist
Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale (Olaolu Slawn) - Designer and Artist
became the youngest person to design the Britannia statuette for the annual BRIT Award
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Photograph by Bashir Suleiman
UNFOLD
MAY 2025
Unfold the vibe
Live the moment. Own your story. This is just the beginning.
We’ve only scratched the surface From bold voices to fresh perspectives, Unfold Magazine is here to celebrate culture, cruise, creativity, and the unstoppable spirit of a new generation
Stay curious Stay inspired Stay unfolded
Follow the journey Share the energy See you in the next issue
