Wednesday, 4 February 2026

What Mintslate Media’s No One Wants Me Reveals About Feeling Unwanted And Finding Strength Anyway

Feeling unwanted is not always loud. Often, it settles quietly into how people see themselves, shaping their expectations, choices, and sense of worth long before they realise it.

Mintslate Media’s upcoming drama No One Wants Me explores this experience with emotional honesty and restraint. Written and directed by Seyi Oluwatimilehin, the film examines how abandonment and silence can leave lasting marks, while also revealing the quiet strength people develop in order to survive.

What Mintslate Media’s No One Wants Me Reveals About Feeling Unwanted And Finding Strength Anyway


Founded in February 2025 by filmmaker Seyi Oluwatimilehin, Mintslate Media was created to tell stories rooted in lived experience. No One Wants Me reflects that mission by focusing on characters who are not defined by grand gestures, but by the ways they endure.

“One of the reasons I founded Mintslate Media was to tell stories that are real, stories that are relatable, honest, and true to our time and existence,” Seyi Oluwatimilehin says. “Every one of these films carries a piece of my story, from feeling unwanted, to living through and understanding racism, to the quiet horrors of job seeking.”

The film centres on Daniel, a sixteen year old boy played by Kale Louie, who arrives at a stranger’s apartment under false pretenses, carrying a document he barely understands. Beneath his cautious optimism lies a deep belief that he is responsible for the neglect he has experienced.

“I think Daniel starts off with a terrible childhood, he basically thinks everything bad that's happened to him is his fault,” Kale Louie says. “When the film begins, he's holding what he thinks is his last glimmer of hope and he's optimistic but also naive to what he may be expecting to meet.”

That fragile hope becomes one of the film’s most powerful elements.

 Rather than portraying Daniel as helpless, No One Wants Me shows how resilience often forms alongside pain. Survival becomes a quiet act of persistence rather than defiance.

Emily, portrayed by Hannah Klamann, reflects another dimension of that strength. Her character has lived through trauma of her own and has learned to compartmentalise pain in order to function.

“I would describe Emily as a very complex character,” Hannah Klamann says. “She went through intense emotional trauma at such a young age and carried that trauma into adulthood even though she tried to separate herself from it as much as she could.”

For Hannah, the film’s realism is what allows audiences to connect deeply with the characters. “What makes this film unique or exciting is the realism within it. Life is never linear and every character's story, fictional or not, shouldn’t have to be either.”

As both producer and director, Seyi Oluwatimilehin approached the story with a strong sense of care for its emotional truth. “As a producer and creator of these projects, I almost feel like a parent to all of these characters,” he says.

Through No One Wants Me, Mintslate Media presents strength not as triumph, but as endurance. The film suggests that finding strength does not always mean overcoming pain completely. Sometimes, it means continuing to exist with honesty, even when the feeling of being unwanted lingers.

As an upcoming release, No One Wants Me positions Mintslate Media as a film company committed to stories that honour vulnerability without sensationalising it. The film invites audiences to recognise themselves in moments of quiet resilience and to reflect on the strength it takes simply to keep going.


Friday, 30 January 2026

Samini Announces 8th Studio Album “ORIGIN8A” for February 2026 Release

 Ghanaian music icon and multiple award-winning artiste, Samini, has officially unveiled plans for the release of his eighth studio album titled ORIGIN8A, scheduled to drop globally on February 12, 2026.

Samini Announces 8th Studio Album “ORIGIN8A” for February 2026 Release


The forthcoming project marks a significant milestone in the veteran musician’s career, symbolising both artistic maturity and a return to his musical roots. The album title draws meaning from the 8-ball imagery featured on its cover, which represents destiny, alignment, completeness and purpose.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, Samini described ORIGIN8A as a deeply personal body of work shaped by reflection, growth and reconciliation.

“This album represents my journey coming full circle. ORIGIN8A is about remembering where I come from, reconnecting with my roots and celebrating the people who shaped my story,” he said.

Beyond music, the album also represents a symbolic homecoming. It reunites Samini with several artistes he mentored and supported during the early stages of their careers. Featured collaborations include Mugeez of R2Bees, Stonebwoy, Kofi Kinaata and Kaakie — a move widely regarded within the industry as a statement of unity, respect and shared history in Ghana’s music landscape.

The project further boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators such as the internationally acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir, renowned Ghanaian lyricist M.anifest and Afropop sensation Kuami Eugene, blending diverse generations and cultural influences into one cohesive body of work.

Musically, ORIGIN8A explores a rich pan-African soundscape, fusing traditional African rhythms with Highlife, Afrobeats, Afropop, Amapiano, African Dancehall and Reggae. The album reflects Samini’s evolution over the years while remaining firmly anchored in the sounds that defined his early career.

Explaining the deeper symbolism behind the album, the artiste noted that the 8-ball represents more than aesthetics.

“After all the years of experimenting, touring and evolving, I believe this is the moment where everything aligns again. ORIGIN8A is purpose-driven music,” he added.

The album will be distributed globally by Prime Music Partners, ensuring availability across major digital streaming platforms worldwide.

Commenting on the partnership, Akeju, founder of Prime Music Partners, expressed confidence in the project’s global impact.

“Samini is one of Africa’s most authentic musical voices. ORIGIN8A is not just an album; it is a cultural statement. We are proud to be distributing this project and taking its message to audiences across the world,” he said.

ORIGIN8A is set for release on February 12, 2026, marking another defining chapter in Samini’s enduring legacy within African music.

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Sineli Telecoms Launches “Detty December” eSIM Initiative to Support Travellers

 Sineli Telecoms Launches “Detty December” eSIM Initiative to Support Travellers

Sineli Telecoms Launches “Detty December” eSIM Initiative to Support Travellers


Sineli Telecoms, a global travel-tech company, has rolled out a seasonal connectivity initiative designed to address mobile data challenges commonly experienced during the December peak travel period, popularly known as Detty December.

The initiative comes amid a surge in international travel during the festive season, a time when many travellers struggle with immediate connectivity on arrival due to high roaming charges, unreliable public Wi-Fi, and delays linked to purchasing physical SIM cards.

Speaking on the initiative, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sineli Telecoms, Ayo Afonja, explained that the programme was created in response to a recurring challenge faced by travellers worldwide.

“December is one of the busiest travel periods globally, and it consistently exposes how difficult it can be for travellers to stay connected immediately after landing,” Afonja said. “Reliable connectivity has become a basic travel expectation, yet it is still not guaranteed in many destinations.”

As part of the Detty December initiative, Sineli Telecoms offered complimentary 1GB eSIM data packages to up to 100 travellers at no cost. The offer enabled beneficiaries to access mobile data instantly upon arrival, eliminating the need for roaming plans or physical SIM card purchases.

The service was powered by eSIM technology, which allows users to activate mobile data digitally, often before departure. At the time of the initiative, Sineli Telecoms supported connectivity in over 170 countries, allowing travellers to remain connected across multiple destinations using a single digital solution.

Afonja noted that the initiative was conceived as a practical solution to a seasonal travel challenge rather than a conventional marketing campaign.

“If we can remove one point of friction during peak travel, that improves the overall travel experience,” he added.

The initiative highlights a growing trend within the travel-tech industry, where mobile connectivity is increasingly viewed as essential travel infrastructure rather than an optional add-on.

As global travel continues to rebound and peak travel periods become more concentrated, digital connectivity solutions are expected to play an increasingly critical role in shaping seamless travel experiences.

About Sineli Telecoms

Sineli Telecoms is a global telecoms technology company providing digital eSIM connectivity solutions that enable international travellers to access mobile data instantly across multiple countries without the need for physical SIM cards.

More information about Sineli Telecoms and its services is available at www.sinelitel.com

Instagram: @Sinelitel

Friday, 9 January 2026

Arogundade: “I Resigned, I Was Not Terminated” — Former CIG Motors Executive Clarifies Exit

   Jubril Arogundade, a former senior executive of CIG Motors, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his departure from the company, following recent media reports and public commentary that inaccurately described his exit as a termination.

CIG Motors Exit: Jubril Arogundade Clarifies Voluntary Resignation, Reaffirms Integrity


Mr. Arogundade stated that he voluntarily resigned from his position on December 2, 2025, in full compliance with his contractual obligations and established internal procedures. He explained that his resignation was submitted in writing, formally acknowledged by management, and included an agreed notice period and structured exit timeline.

He stressed that any public representation of his departure as a termination is false and does not reflect the actual sequence of events.

“I resigned from my position at CIG Motors after careful consideration and in line with due process,” he said. “It is concerning that my voluntary exit has been mischaracterised. I believe strongly in transparency and professionalism, and I am compelled to set the record straight.”

Reasons for Resignation

Arogundade explained that his decision followed prolonged concerns relating to corporate governancefinancial discipline, and regulatory compliance within the organisation. He noted that these issues were raised through appropriate internal channels over time, in keeping with his responsibilities as a senior executive and his commitment to ethical business conduct.

According to him, the key concerns included gaps in corporate governance, weak internal controls, an expanding and unsustainable debt profile, and unresolved regulatory and compliance issues.

He added that his decision to step aside was guided by principle and professional responsibility, particularly where continued association could compromise his personal standards of accountability.

“As a Nigerian professional, I take governance, compliance, and institutional responsibility very seriously,” he said. “When sustained internal efforts failed to yield the necessary corrective action, I chose to resign rather than compromise on standards essential to sustainable business.”

Response to Allegations

Arogundade firmly denied any allegations of financial misconduct, stating that he has nothing to hide and welcomes any lawful, independent review of his conduct.

He clarified that he has not been contacted by any law enforcement or regulatory agency in relation to the claims and remains fully available to cooperate should any legitimate inquiry arise.

“I have conducted myself with integrity throughout my career,” he said. “I am confident that any objective review will affirm this.”

Professional Record and Achievements

During his tenure at CIG Motors, Arogundade played a significant role in strengthening the company’s operations in Nigeria, with a focus on local capacity development, employment of Nigerian professionals, operational expansion, and enhanced brand visibility.

Under his leadership, the company earned several industry accolades, including Most Innovative Automotive Brand of the Year (Brandcom Awards 2024), Most Innovative Automobile Brand of the Year (Brandcom Awards 2023), 2023 Auto Company of the Year (Champions Award 2024), Most Innovative Automobile Company in Consumer Engagement, Outstanding Distributor (GAC China, 2023), Best in Business (National Daily Awards), Automobile Manufacturer of the Year (Peace Legend Awards 2022), and Fastest Growing Automobile Company of the Year (Brandcom Awards 2022).

He also supported initiatives aligned with Nigeria’s industrial development goals, strengthening strategic partnerships and contributing to the company’s national and international recognition. He noted that these achievements reflect a professional record anchored on credibility, competence, and service.

Call for Responsible Reporting

Arogundade disclosed that he has taken appropriate legal and professional steps to protect his reputation and address the spread of inaccurate or misleading information. He called on media organisations and commentators to uphold fairness, balance, and responsible journalism.

“Reputations are built over years and should not be undermined by inaccuracies or trial by media,” he said. “I am confident that the truth, when properly examined, will speak for itself.”


Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Siilvaar Makes His Official Debut with “Stand Attention” Featuring Niphkeys

 Siilvaar Makes His Official Debut with “Stand Attention” Featuring Niphkeys.

Siilvaar Makes His Official Debut with “Stand Attention” Featuring Niphkeys

The unveiling of Stand Attention was more than a release; it was a declaration of intent. Created on November 4, 2025 coinciding with the birthday of Valentine Luiz—the single stands as both a tribute and a defining moment. In every sense, it marked the official arrival of Siilvaar as a commanding presence within the Voltte universe.

Officially titled “Stand Attention” – Siilvaar feat. Niphkeys, the record positions Siilvaar not simply as a new artist, but as the symbolic Commander of the Voltte army. The role embodies leadership, discipline, and purpose—qualities reflected in the song’s confident, almost ceremonial energy. Authority meets melody as the track establishes the sonic identity and ambition of Voltte Records.

The collaboration with Niphkeys extends beyond production. Appearing on the track, Niphkeys brings his signature polish and rhythmic precision, transforming the song from a debut statement into a strategic alliance. The chemistry is deliberate and immediate: Siilvaar’s commanding delivery paired with Niphkeys’ refined soundscape produces an anthem that demands attention rather than seeks approval.


The decision to create the record on Luiz’s birthday was far from incidental. It symbolized alignment—the founder’s vision manifesting through sound, and the artist fully stepping into his role. Stand Attention plays like a ceremonial roll call: the moment Voltte Records steps forward, banner raised, identity defined.

With this release, Siilvaar does not ask to be heard he commands it. And with Niphkeys beside him, the Voltte army advances with clarity, confidence, and intent.

Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Vant Is Building the Infrastructure Powering Cross-Border Trade for African Small Businesses

  Vant Is Building the Infrastructure Powering Cross-Border Trade for African Small Businesses

Vant Is Building the Infrastructure Powering Cross-Border Trade for African Small Businesses


African small and medium-sized businesses produce goods that the global market wants. From fashion and food to manufactured and creative products, demand exists well beyond local borders. Yet for most African entrepreneurs, international trade remains out of reach, not because of quality or ambition, but because the infrastructure required to trade globally has never been built with them in mind.

Vant, a Nigeria-founded technology company, is working to change that.

Vant was co-founded by Paul Akolade (Chief Executive Officer), Raphael Abayomi (Chief Technology Officer), and Ayomikun Okorodile (Chief Operating Officer), a multidisciplinary founding team combining strengths across business strategy, engineering, and operations. Together, they are building a cross-border commerce platform that enables African small businesses to sell locally and globally through export-ready digital storefronts, embedded payments, and operational tools designed for scale.

“For many African entrepreneurs, the problem is not demand,” says Paul Akolade, CEO and co-founder of Vant. “The problem is access to trusted storefronts, international payments, reliable records, and the infrastructure that global trade requires. Vant exists to remove that friction.”


For most small businesses across Africa, selling internationally means navigating disconnected tools, one for storefronts, another for payments, another for foreign currency management, and another for record-keeping. This fragmentation increases costs, delays payouts, and exposes businesses to unnecessary risk. As a result, many remain stuck in informal or local markets despite having globally competitive products.

Vant collapses this complexity into a single platform.

Under the technical leadership of Raphael Abayomi, Vant’s Global Storefront infrastructure enables merchants to create professional, export-ready storefronts, list products online, accept both local and international payments, and sell to customers across Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Transactions are processed seamlessly, allowing businesses to receive funds transparently without relying on informal intermediaries or workaround solutions.

“Our focus has been to build infrastructure that works in real conditions across borders, currencies, and regulatory environments,” Abayomi explains. “Small businesses shouldn’t need a patchwork of tools to trade globally. The technology should simply work.”

Operationally, the platform is supported by systems and processes led by Ayomikun Okorodile, COO and co-founder, who oversees execution, internal operations, and coordination across product, compliance, and customer support. Her role ensures that the platform not only functions technically but operates reliably at scale for thousands of small businesses navigating complex trade environments.

By embedding payments, transaction records, and financial visibility directly into the commerce experience, Vant enables small businesses to operate with the structure, credibility, and clarity required for cross-border trade.


Small and medium-sized enterprises account for over 90 percent of businesses in Africa, yet they contribute only a small fraction of global exports. The gap is not talent or production capacity; it is infrastructure.

Without access to reliable digital commerce systems, many African businesses are unable to meet the operational standards expected by international buyers. Vant is designed to bridge this gap by making global trade operational, not aspirational.

Since launch, the platform has processed over ₦1.4 billion in transactions, supporting thousands of users, many of whom are engaging in structured digital trade for the first time. For these businesses, selling beyond borders is no longer a distant goal; it is part of their day-to-day operations.

The platform also unlocks access to working capital. By transforming trade activity into structured, verifiable data, Vant enables businesses to gain clearer insights into revenue, manage cash flow more effectively, and position themselves for growth financing.


Vant was designed by a founding team with firsthand experience working alongside African entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved and informal markets. Rather than building from assumptions, the platform was shaped by real operational challenges encountered by small businesses attempting to scale, formalise, or export.

Beyond product development, the founding team is actively involved in ecosystem building and mentorship. Paul Akolade is a recognised startup ecosystem leader and community organiser, while the team collectively engages with accelerators, innovation programmes, and entrepreneurship initiatives across Africa and internationally.

“Our goal is not to replace African entrepreneurs’ ambition,” Akolade adds. “African businesses are already capable. What they need is infrastructure that allows them to compete globally on equal footing.”


As global trade becomes increasingly digitised, platforms like Vant play a critical role in ensuring African businesses are not left behind. By lowering barriers to entry and formalising cross-border commerce, Vant is helping transform local enterprises into globally competitive businesses while opening new markets for international buyers and partners.

The company’s long-term vision is to become foundational infrastructure for African trade, enabling millions of small businesses to participate in global commerce with confidence, transparency, and scale.


For African entrepreneurs looking beyond borders, Vant represents more than technology. It represents access.


Tuesday, 30 December 2025

RIF Africa Opens Doors to Field Researchers and Interns for Agricultural Innovation Programme

 RIF Africa Opens Doors to Field Researchers and Interns for Agricultural Innovation Programme

RIF Africa Opens Doors to Field Researchers and Interns for Agricultural Innovation Programme


Aquaculture, agricultural technology, and homegrown solutions tackling local challenges

By 2030, RIF Africa plans to be a major frontier of agricultural innovation on the continent.

That's not empty ambition. It's a roadmap already in motion.

The organisation's Agricultural Extension Project represents a core pillar of this vision. A dedicated research arm focused on practical agricultural development, building the knowledge base and technical capacity needed to transform how Africa feeds itself.


The Problem With African Agriculture

Nigeria imports billions of naira worth of fish annually despite having the natural resources for domestic production. Crop yields remain below global averages despite fertile land. Post-harvest losses destroy food that could feed millions.

These are not new problems. They've persisted for decades while foreign consultants cycle through, deliver reports, and leave. The solutions proposed are often expensive, impractical, or designed for conditions that don't exist here.

What Africa needs is not more imported frameworks. It needs innovation built from the ground up by people who understand local challenges because they live them.

RIF Africa's Agricultural Investment

The Agricultural Extension Project is RIF Africa's answer to this gap.

Rather than waiting for external institutions to solve African problems, the organisation is investing directly in research infrastructure, technical capacity, and knowledge development across key agricultural sectors.

Aquaculture Development

Fish farming is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in Nigeria. The demand is there. The market is there. What's missing is systematic knowledge transfer and technical improvement.

The Extension Project is developing improved systems for pond management, feeding optimization, and disease prevention. Work that can be adopted by farmers at various scales, from backyard ponds to commercial operations.

Agricultural Technology

From soil monitoring to harvest tracking, technology has the potential to transform African agriculture. But only if it's designed for African contexts.

The project explores low-cost, practical tech solutions that work even in areas with limited infrastructure. Innovation that makes sense for the farmer in Oyo State, not just the agribusiness executive in Lagos.

Homegrown Innovation

The best solutions to local problems often come from local minds. The Extension Project creates space for Nigerian and African researchers to develop innovations tailored to the specific challenges of tropical agriculture, local markets, and regional supply chains.

This is where long-term value is built. Not in importing solutions, but in developing the capacity to create them locally.

Building Toward 2030

RIF Africa's agricultural vision doesn't exist in isolation. It connects to the organisation's broader ecosystem.

The Agricultural Extension Project adds the research and innovation layer. Together, these create an integrated system for African agricultural development, from funding to technology to market access.

By 2030, RIF Africa aims to be recognized not just as a technology company or a partnership network, but as a genuine contributor to African food security and agricultural progress.

About RIF Africa

RIF Africa is a research and development organisation focused on technology and agriculture, with operations across the African continent. Its platforms, including Bigisub, Subpadi, and the REGA partnership network, are designed to provide accessible, reliable solutions for everyday Africans.

Engage: rif.africa/engage