Business

iHUB Digital Hosts 6th PIBC to Drive Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Plateau

Published

1 year ago

May 12, 2025

vicky

iHUB Digital Solutions hosted the 6th edition of the Plateau Innovation and Business Conference (PIBC) and Awards on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Crispan Suites and Event Centre in Jos, Plateau State. Themed “Reimagining Plateau’s Economy Through Entrepreneurship,” the event brought together a diverse mix of tech leaders, CEOs, economists, policymakers, scholars, investors, and entrepreneurs.

In his remarks, Sir Kim Musa Ndoh, Managing Director of iHUB Digital Solutions, emphasized the role of technology in shaping Plateau State’s economic future.

“The theme of this conference reflects our commitment to driving conversations on how technology can bridge the gap between economic challenges and opportunities in the state. PIBC 2025 is about harnessing the power of innovation to create economic stability, enhance productivity, and improve livelihoods,” he said.

A key highlight of the conference was the unveiling of Discover Plateau Magazine Vol. 1, anchored by Dr. Fish and themed “Beyond Highlands: Discover, Experience, and Invest in Plateau.” The magazine seeks to promote Plateau State as a destination for tourism, investment, and enterprise.

“Discover Plateau Magazine is your ultimate platform to connect with travelers, investors, and professionals exploring the beauty and opportunities in Plateau. Whether you run a hotel, resort, real estate firm, or tour agency, this is your chance to increase visibility and grow your brand,” Dr. Fish added.

The event also recognized outstanding entrepreneurs, innovators, and organizations contributing to Plateau State’s economic development through a series of award presentations.

Barr. Olivia Dazyam, Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, was represented by Nene Dung, Director of Media and Investigation, who also serves as Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Plateau State. She advocated for greater gender inclusivity in business.

“Gender inclusivity provides access to a wider talent pool. But it doesn’t end with equal employment — workplace policies must consider the unique needs of each gender. Women are the highest spenders globally. Why not employ them to help bring in ideas that attract fellow spenders? It’s time women not only consume but own the market,” she stated.

Datong Dominic Gwaman, Director General of the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), stressed the importance of digital transformation tailored to local realities.

“Digital inclusivity in business goes beyond tech gadgets. It’s about reaching markets beyond your locality. We must stop blindly adopting foreign ICT models and start creating solutions for our unique challenges,” he said, encouraging partnerships between entrepreneurs and the agency.

Prof. Emmanuel Oki, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, urged the government to invest in human capital and equip graduates to become job creators. He also called for stronger financial support for key sectors to strengthen Plateau’s competitiveness on a global scale.

Other notable speakers included:

Caroline Dafor, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development
Samson Ishaku Bugama, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources
Nde Ezekiel Gomos, Executive Director, Jos Business School
CEO of Closet for Queens

Entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to pitch their ideas during the conference, with standout presentations from:

Jos Carry Hub – for its work in manufacturing and training in school, laptop, and travel bags
Go Gas Nigeria Enterprise – offering safe and timely gas delivery services
Blessing Fashion World – providing fashion design and training services

The 6th PIBC concluded on a hopeful note, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth as critical drivers of Plateau State’s economic future.

Business

Afrinvest CEO recalls how Elumelu’s $1 million loan helped salvage firm from crisis

Published

5 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Tony Elumelu played a supreme role in getting investment bank Afrinvest back on track in 2011 after the global financial meltdown pushed the investment bank to the brink, its chief executive recalled in a letter to the tycoon seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

The multisectoral magnate, who is the top shareholder of United Bank for Africa, the Transcorp Group, and Seplat Energy, granted a soft loan of $1 million to Ike Chioke, the CEO of the financial institution, as a mark of urgent support when the firm direly needed the cash to recapitalise, the latter said.

“Fifteen years ago, Afrinvest was navigating one of the most challenging periods in its history, as we struggled to rebuild and recapitalise the business in the aftermath of the global financial crisis,” Mr Chioke said.

“At that critical juncture, when the future was far from certain, you made the remarkable decision to lend me US$1 million of your personal funds. You placed your confidence not simply in the prospects of a business but in me as an individual, my integrity, my determination and my conviction that Afrinvest could emerge stronger from adversity.”

This June, Mr Chioke eventually completed the repayment of the credit, according to the letter, describing the gesture as an extraordinary act of friendship, generosity and trust.

READ ALSO: Afrinvest repays undocumented $1 million from Elumelu with interest

Mr Elumelu, whose economic vision is anchored on what he calls “Africapitalism” – an investment philosophy that prioritises the private sector’s role in democratising the wealth Africa needs to power large-scale growth, has been involved in active philanthropic initiatives on the continent.

In March, his foremost charity project, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, turned sixteen, and he said the initiative had disbursed over $100 million in seed capital to 24,000 entrepreneurs in Africa and created more than 1.5 million jobs over the period.

The foundation expects to fund an additional 3,200 entrepreneurs this year, it said in September.

Mr Chioke applauded the profound impact Mr Elumelu’s financial assistance has had on Afrinvest, notably transforming it into a diversified regional financial services group with an expanding universe of clients and operations in asset management, investment banking, research & consulting, and securities trading.

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Business

FG Backs Risk-Based Capital, Urges Insurance Directors to Move Beyond Passive Compliance

Published

13 hours ago

November 5, 2026

PlateauReports

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind risk-based capital in the insurance industry and urged insurance company boards to move from passive regulatory compliance to active oversight.

The government made its position known through the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, at the 2026 Insurance Directors’ Conference, themed “Recapitalisation to Resilience: Leading the Risk-Based Capital Era.” The conference was organised by the College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM).

The minister, who was represented by Dr. Greg Ugochukwu Ezeilo, Special Adviser on Fiscal Risk Management and Sustainability, said a resilient insurance industry is indispensable to the country’s economic transformation.

He described insurance as more than a mechanism for compensating losses, calling it an instrument for mobilising long-term capital, enabling productive investment and protecting livelihoods. He said the economy needs an insurance sector able to underwrite emerging risks, support infrastructure financing and strengthen agricultural productivity.

On the transition to risk-based capital, he said insurers must align their capital with the nature, scale and complexity of the risks they take on. He also called for a more forward-looking approach to governance, investment decisions, underwriting practices and enterprise risk management.

“Capital without governance is vulnerable,” he said. He added that governance without accountability is ineffective, and that insurance without public confidence cannot fulfil its economic value.

According to him, the transition places heightened responsibility on insurance company boards. He said directors must move beyond passive regulatory compliance to active oversight and ensure that risk appetite, capital allocation, corporate strategy and institutional capacity are consistently aligned.

He set out five priorities for the industry. The first is strong governance, with visible leadership at the top, independent oversight and transparency, noting that public confidence remains the industry’s most valuable capital. The second is wider access, with affordable, accessible and relevant products for households, small businesses, farmers and underserved communities, so that insurance becomes an everyday instrument of economic security rather than a privilege of a limited market segment.

The third is directing the industry’s long-term funds, under prudent investment frameworks, towards productive investment, infrastructure financing and sustainable economic growth. The fourth is technology and innovation, including big data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and innovative underwriting models, supported by robust cyber security, consumer protection and operational safeguards. The fifth is building capacity to handle emerging risks such as climate-related disruptions, cyber threats, changing demographics and increasingly interconnected financial markets.

He said the Federal Government remains committed to a stable, competitive and inclusive financial ecosystem in which insurance contributes meaningfully to national economic development. He recognised the National Insurance Commission’s role in strengthening regulatory standards, protecting policyholders and guiding the industry through the transition.

He said sustainable reform requires collaboration among regulators, operators, investors and government, and urged stakeholders to see the transition not simply as a regulatory exercise but as an opportunity for strategic transformation.

The ultimate measure of success, he said, is how effectively the industry helps Nigerians absorb shocks, builds confidence and finds progress.

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