Tony Elumelu Foundation Opens Applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) —  an African private-sector-led philanthropy dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs has opened it's portal (www.tefconnect.com) to accept applications for the 2024 cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on Saturday, January 1, 2024.

This was made known in a statement via the official website of the foundation.  Applications are to be made through TEFConnect, the digital networking hub for the African entrepreneurship ecosystem, created by the Foundation.

This year’s intervention prioritises the economic recovery of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and young African entrepreneurs, following the Covid-19 disruption to economic activities.

To address the unique challenges arising from the pandemic, lift millions out of poverty and create sustainable employment across the continent, the foundation’s entrepreneurship programme will empower 1,000 young African entrepreneurs, selected from the 2020 cohort. The foundation will also open applications to an additional 2,400 young entrepreneurs in collaboration with global partners.

Successful TEF applicants receive world-class business training, mentorship, non-refundable seed capital up to $5,000, and global networking opportunities. The programme is open to entrepreneurs across Africa, both new start-ups and existing young businesses, operating in any sector.

CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu stated: “The Tony Elumelu Foundation now more than ever is demonstrating our commitment to unleashing the potential of young African entrepreneurs, the key to Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

“The pandemic has created challenges across the continent, but we know that with the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s tried and tested Programme, we can execute the largest Covid-19 economic recovery plan for African SMEs and break the cycle of poverty in Africa.”

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)  Entrepreneurship Programme is open to entrepreneurs from across Africa, either with new startup ideas or existing businesses of less than 3 years existence, operating in any sector. 

Read: Numerous NGOs exist due to Government's Laxity- Interview with Bolu Okunlola

According to the release,  successful applicants will join the over 9,000 current beneficiaries, from 54 African countries, and receive business training, mentoring, a non-refundable $5,000 of seed capital and global networking opportunities.

In 2019, the Foundation received about 216,000 applications, with 42% coming from women entrepreneurs, from every country on the continent.

The Programme is a 10-year, $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 young African entrepreneurs. The goal is to create millions of jobs and the revenue required for the sustainable development of the continent, implementing the philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the growth engine for Africa and emphasises the importance of creating social and economic wealth.

According to the Foundation's 2018 Impact Report, 70% of the total number of businesses in its alumni network were still operational two years after benefitting from the Programme. The report also identified an increase of 189% revenue generated and 197% increase in the number of additional jobs created by beneficiaries post-graduation from the Programme, as well as a 100% commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The programme, which launched in 2015 to empower 10,000 entrepreneurs over 10 years, is now entering its seventh year and has empowered to date over 9,000 young African entrepreneurs from 54 African countries.

Source: TEF.

Tsion Academy Celebrates 2nd Year of Free Tuition, Publishes Impact Report

Tsion Academy, a tuition free school located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria will on 18th September, 2025, mark its second anniversary.

Born out of a desire to see out of school children in low income communities, the founder of Tsion Academy, Adeola Nelson Della (Nee Abayomi)

According to the impact report, Tsion Academy has in the last one year, positively 

Read: Biography of Actress Kehinde Bankole

Moving on, Tsion Academy remains poised to

How 9jaFinds is Bridging the Social Gap by Connecting People

The world is a small place and the little things we do really count. This is one of many reasons why 9jaFinds, the Ultimate Online Hub For Nigerians Worldwide was founded in London, UK.

 

About 9jaFinds

9jaFinds is a subsidiary of GLOBALDISCOVERIESINC LIMITED 15478871, which was Incorporated on 10th February, 2024. 85 Great Portland Street, London, England, W1W 7LT. It is a groundbreaking online platform dedicated to connecting Nigerians worldwide. With its array of features, including social networking, marketplace, housing, and community bulletin, 9jaFinds serves as a central hub for Nigerians to come together, engage, and thrive. 

9jaFinds was formally launched on February 24th, 2024, as a dynamic online hub designed to unite Nigerians everywhere, fostering connections, commerce, and community engagement. With a mission to bridge geographical boundaries and empower Nigerians at home and abroad, 9jaFinds offers a comprehensive platform for socializing, buying and selling, sharing resources, and finding essential services.

At the heart of 9jaFinds lies the commitment to provide a one-stop destination for all Nigerians, regardless of their location. Whether you're in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, 9jaFinds offers a virtual meeting place where individuals can connect, interact, and build meaningful relationships. From reuniting with old friends to networking with professionals across various industries, 9jaFinds opens doors to endless possibilities.

 

Features of 9jaFinds

The social gap in our different societies is a large one. These is why 9jafinds has unique features to help tackle this social problem. The key features of 9jaFinds.com include:

1. Building Social Connectivity

With 9jafinds, users can create unique profiles, join groups, and engage in discussions on topics ranging from culture and entertainment to business and education among others. The platform is built with intuitive networking tools, and as such, forging relevant connections has never been much easier.

 

2. Common Marketplace

If you are looking to buy or sell goods and services, then you should think 9jaFinds which provides a user-friendly marketplace where individuals can browse listings, negotiate deals, and complete transactions seamlessly and securely. This marketplace is a common one which connects people of all kinds and statuses through their wants and needs.

3. Housing and Rental Services

Another societal bridge which 9jafinds covers is in the housing sector. With its premium, dedicated house search and rental portal, finding accommodation is simplified. So whether you're searching for a new apartment, looking to rent out a property, or seeking someone to share rent with, 9jaFinds has you covered.

 

4. Periodical Community Bulletin

9jafinds publishes a periodic community bulletin to help you stay informed about local events, job opportunities, and important announcements with 9jaFinds' community bulletin board. From upcoming concerts to volunteer opportunities, never miss out on what's happening in your area.

 

To complement its online presence, 9jaFinds can also be found on various social media platforms, including Instagram, X, and Facebook (@9jafinds). By leveraging the power of social media, 9jaFinds aims to reach a broader audience and further amplify its impact within the Nigerian community.

 

"We are thrilled to introduce 9jaFinds as a pioneering platform that transcends borders and brings Nigerians together," said Samuel, the country director of 9jaFinds. "Our goal is to create a



vibrant online ecosystem where Nigerians can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Whether you're searching for a job, promoting your business, or simply looking to make new friends, 9jaFinds is here to empower you every step of the way."

 

Join the 9jaFinds community today and experience the future of Nigerian connectivity. Visit www.9jafinds.com to sign up and embark on a journey of endless possibilities.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

 

Name: Samuel, London, UK

 

Email: [email protected]

 

Phone: +234 811 981 8323

 

Name: Tobiloba, Nigeria

 

Email: [email protected]

 

Phone: +234 810 615 5905

 

Connect with 9jaFinds on all social media platforms (@9jafinds) and join the movement today.

Exposure to Pesticides causes low sperm count – Health Expert

 

Prof. Suleiman Ambali of the Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ilorin, has warned that continuous exposure of humans to pesticides causes a decline in male sperm count.

Ambali disclosed this in his paper presentation at the 192nd Inaugural Lecture of the University, entitled: "Preventing pesticides from poisoning away our health and future – the oxidative approach".

The don, who lectures in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the university, warned that there was evidence that human species was approaching a fertility crisis based on trends in male reproductive health.

He said based on the troubling data from laboratory, clinical epidemiology studies, it was obvious that the world would witness fertility crisis.

To corroborate his reports, he explained that some Danish scientists' research had also indicated that sperm counts of men have declined by about 50 per cent since 1940 worldwide.

"The researchers analysed the result of sperm counts between 1938 and 1991. Since then several other studies have confirmed the decline.

"Environmental causes including pesticides especially those that cause endocrine changes in fetal and pre-puberty life prior to birth or during childhood or during breastfeeding are involved in the decline of semen quality," he said.

According to him, the effect of chemical pesticides on 'birth sex' is in favour of more females than males.

He explained that this trend was worrisome as human activities continue to change the natural demography in favour of women, as a lesser number of male births occur.

Ambali said that the use of pesticides by people had led to a reduction in the quantity and quality of food available.

The expert in Toxicology who quoted WHO said about three million workers in agriculture in the developing world experience pesticide poisoning annually with about 18,000 deaths.

He also disclosed that there were estimated 250,000 deaths annually from pesticide self-poisoning worldwide, accounting for about 30 per cent of the suicide rates globally.

Twin Sisters Impregnated by Same Man in Akwa Ibom Dedicate Children

Twin sisters who were impregnated by the same man in Akwa Ibom have dedicated their children in church. According to a Facebook user, FearGod Akpakpan, who posted the story in a Facebook group (Sitippe Akwa Ibom), he said the dedication took place on Sunday, June 25, at Christian evangelistic church Ikpe Akpa Ewe, Oruk Anam LGA in Akwa Ibom State.

Read also: Biography of Actress Kehinde Bankole

 

The post, however, has caused an outrage as members of the group are accusing the church of promoting polygamy while others celebrating the man and his family. See more photos and reaction from people after the cut..

The Law of Value - For or Against The Naira?

When you meet some handicapped begging, you would be quick to contain the realities of his physical state and give him whatever your good mind can. On the other hand, when you see a full grown, body abled man, begging for money, what happens? 

 

I dipped my hands into my wallet and got the worst, tattered Naira notes and gave it out to them. You know what? They accepted it with great ecstascy. Right there, they taught me value!

 

Water is free (except you choose to buy packed water) and can be gotten almost everywhere but Coca Cola is expensive. At the same time, Air is free but Air Conditioner is expensive. A heart is free but a kidney transplant is costly, and so I have noticed that the most precious things in life are either free or cheap. The Salvation of Jesus is free but to get a herbalist to work for you isn't free. Tim Berners-Lee invented the world wide web (www) and made it free for everyone but Bill Gate's windows softwares aren't free. Android OS is free for all but Apple OS isn't. Newspapers aren't free but reading news online is free. These are just few...
The Law of Value says that "If you want to create an awesome value born out of a great vision, CONSIDER the PRICE, make it cheap so that even a fool can afford it and gain wisdom."

Anything that is much more smaller has value; whatsoever we feel has no value, has much more value than we can ever imagine

Participants Hail SLWC Organisers, Dedicate to Wholesome Development

On Saturday, the 26th of April, 2025, the Sierra Leone Women Conference 2025 held at the

The participants, thrilled at the organisation of the event expressed their gratitude to Annie's Chatroom, the organisers of the

 

 

 

Speaking with Sia Annie, the founder of Annie's Chatroom, she

 

 

See more photos from the event below