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.

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 governance, financial 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.”

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.

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.

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

Turn your Logistics ideas into profitable services : join the service creation free Masterclass

 Building a strong logistics business goes beyond moving goods from one place to another. It also means creating clear, valuable services that customers are willing to pay for. This is the focus of the Live Masterclass: Service Creation, a free online webinar designed for people in the logistics industry.

The session will guide logistics business owners and professionals on how to create profitable services for their companies. It is a practical learning opportunity for those who want to structure their ideas, improve what they already offer, and stand out in a competitive market.

The masterclass will be led by Omon Iyere, a logistics professional with hands-on industry experience. She will share simple and practical insights that participants can apply directly to their businesses.

This free live webinar will take place on January 17, 2021, at 7:00 pm WAT. It is open to logistics entrepreneurs, startups, and anyone interested in growing a sustainable logistics service.

If you are looking for a clear step toward building profitable logistics services, this masterclass is a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and connect.

8 Years, 500 Projects, Zero Funding: The Bootstrap Story of Gsoft Interactive and Its Founder Gift Edegware

Lagos-Based Software Developer Redefines Government Website Standards with Enterprise-Grade Technology and AI Solutions.

 Gsoft Interactive Systems Ltd, a foremost technology solutions provider and artificial intelligence company operating from Lagos, has successfully deployed a transformative digital platform for the Rivers State House of Assembly at https://hoa.rv.gov.ng/, marking a significant milestone in government digital transformation across Nigeria.

The newly launched website represents far more than a conventional government portal. Built on enterprise-grade architecture, the platform seamlessly integrates advanced web technologies with sophisticated backend systems, enabling the Rivers State House of Assembly to modernize citizen engagement, streamline legislative operations, and enhance transparency in governance.

"We didn't just build a website—we engineered a digital governance ecosystem that empowers citizens, legislators, and administrative staff," says Mr. Gift Edegware, CEO and Lead Software Engineer at Gsoft Interactive Systems Ltd. "It's about creating infrastructure that makes democracy more accessible and responsive to the people it serves."

ENTERPRISE-GRADE CAPABILITIES DRIVING GOVERNMENT MODERNIZATION

The Rivers State House of Assembly website consolidates critical legislative information, provides intuitive access to assembly proceedings, facilitates constituent petitions, and enables real-time communication between representatives and citizens. Key features include comprehensive member profiles, committee structures, legislative tracking systems, and accessibility frameworks designed for Rivers State's 32 constituencies.

With over 8 years of proven expertise in custom software development, Gsoft Interactive Systems has successfully completed over 500 projects spanning diverse sectors—from government platforms to financial technology, logistics systems, and enterprise resource management. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking technology solutions that drive measurable impact.

COMPREHENSIVE TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE: ERP, CRM, FINTECH, AND AI SOLUTIONS

Gsoft operates at the intersection of enterprise software and artificial intelligence innovation. The company specializes in developing enterprise-grade solutions built to international standards:

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems integrate financial management, supply chain operations, human resources, and analytics into unified platforms. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems enable organizations to manage customer interactions and sales pipelines at scale. Financial Technology (Fintech) Solutions serve banks, payment processors, and fintech startups with secure, compliant systems.

Beyond traditional software development, Gsoft operates as a foremost LLM and artificial intelligence company in Nigeria, specializing in large language model implementations, intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and advanced natural language processing. These capabilities have been deployed across fintech, healthcare, e-learning, and customer service sectors.

"When we discuss AI with clients, we're discussing practical implementations that solve real problems," Edegware explains. "We've built AI-powered e-learning systems that adapt to student learning patterns. We've developed intelligent customer service platforms handling complex queries across multiple languages. These are business-critical systems our clients depend on daily."

VERSATILE TECHNOLOGY STACK AND EXPERIENCED DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Gsoft's capabilities span the complete technology stack required for modern digital transformation. The company excels in web development using React, Node.js, and PHP, crafting responsive, performance-optimized platforms. Mobile application development extends across multiple frameworks—Flutter, native Android, and iOS development—allowing organizations to choose technologies best suited to their requirements.

The Rivers State House of Assembly website exemplifies this comprehensive approach, combining elegant design, robust backend architecture, mobile responsiveness, and strategic information architecture unified under a coherent vision of democratic governance.

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP ADVANCING NIGERIAN DIGITAL CAPABILITY

Mr. Gift Edegware's tenure in technology spans over 8 years of continuous innovation architecting solutions for government institutions, financial institutions, startups, and large enterprises. Beyond commercial development, Edegware operates exclusive mentorship programs teaching software development skills to aspiring technologists, demonstrating commitment to building Nigeria's technical talent pipeline.

"There's a myth that world-class technology solutions must be imported," Edegware reflects. "The Rivers State House of Assembly website disproves that narrative. We are building systems that rival international standards. We understand Nigerian business context, understand local challenges, and can architect solutions that are both technically sophisticated and deeply relevant to our communities."

Gsoft Interactive Systems operates as a comprehensive technology partner rather than a narrowly-focused vendor, enabling organizations to access integrated solutions—ERP systems, CRM platforms, fintech applications, web and mobile development, AI implementations, and digital marketing services—from a single trusted partner built to international standards.

 

ABOUT GSOFT INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS LTD

Gsoft Interactive Systems Ltd (RC: 1843734) is a Lagos-based software development company specializing in enterprise-grade ERP systems, CRM platforms, fintech solutions, web and mobile applications, artificial intelligence implementations, and digital marketing services. With over 8 years of industry experience, 500+ completed projects, and clients spanning government, fintech, logistics, and healthcare sectors, Gsoft has established itself as a trusted technology partner for complex digital solutions.

Contact: info@gsoftinteractive.com | +234 816 180 6959 | https://gsoftinteractive.com

Datamellon targets growth in Sub-Saharan Africa moves office to Victoria Island, Lagos

   Datamellon targets growth in Sub-Saharan Africa moves office to Victoria Island, Lagos

Datamellon, a top artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and data consulting company, is expanding its presence in Sub-Saharan Africa with a new office in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of its growth strategy in the region.

Datamellon, which currently operates in 11 markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, opened a new office in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday and is keen to take a bigger share of Nigeria’s growing demand for AI, cloud, and data, said Adewale Adedeji, Chief Executive Officer.

The company plans to help millions of businesses move from experimentation with AI to real, scalable outcomes that make them scale faster and operate more efficiently.

“We have come a long way from our early beginnings in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and later our global headquarters in London. It became clear to us that we needed to do something meaningful back home, both for Africa and for Nigeria. That is what inspired our decision to expand our presence and deepen our roots here,” Adedeji explained.

“We began our journey in Nigeria as the foundation of our Sub-Saharan operations, and today we are proud to establish our home here on Adeyemo Alakija.” he said.

He noted that AI holds tremendous promise and reaffirmed his organisation’s belief in the potential of every country and its economy.

According to him, there are abundant opportunities to support small and medium-sized businesses—helping them become more efficient, scale their operations, and compete more effectively.

The CEO stressed that Al and cloud platforms reduce the need for expensive physical infrastructure, eliminating large upfront investments and enabling businesses to pay for only what they use. He explained that this significantly lowers both capital and operational costs for businesses.

Adedeji highlighted some of Datamellon’s products, such as the MellyGuard and MellySense.

According to him, as digital payment platforms rapidly expand, fraudsters have unfortunately seized the opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities in the system.

He stressed that with Datamellon’s MellyGuard — a Generative AI–powered Fraud Detection Agent already deployed across several commercial banks in the country — the era of unchecked fraud is coming to an end.

MellyGuard’s ability to detect patterns, flag anomalies in real time, and prevent fraudulent transactions before they occur marks a significant turning point in the industry’s fight against financial crime.

“AI transformation is crucial to businesses that would survive a fast-paced and ever-evolving AI digital economy,” he said.

He explained that what truly differentiates Datamellon from other AI, cloud, and data service providers is its unwavering commitment to data sovereignty.

According to Bashir Aminu Dantata, the Deputy Managing Director, the company is dedicated to ensuring that Nigerian customer data is stored securely within Nigeria.

“Arab countries do not permit their national data to be stored outside their borders. We are working to give Nigeria that same level of sovereignty — ensuring that Nigerian data is stored securely within the country.”

He added that Datamellon’s deep technical expertise, combined with its strong domain knowledge across cloud, data, and AI, uniquely positions the company ahead of competitors in delivering secure, scalable, and locally relevant solutions.

He added that while AI will inevitably automate repetitive and labour-intensive tasks—leading to the transformation or elimination of certain roles—it will also open up entirely new categories of work.

These emerging opportunities will span areas such as AI supervision, ethical governance, digital operations, technology enablement, and specialised industry-focused roles that require human judgment, oversight, and creativity.