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How Tech Is Enhancing Recruitment: An Interview With Sandy Simagwali, Co-Founder Of Graft Africa

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Sandy Simagwali, Co-Founder of Graft Africa

The Human Resource (HR) industry is undergoing major transformation, and African startups have been catching up by building platforms that reflect this evolving nature of the workplace and workforce. Graft Africa, a Zambian HR tech startup is well positioned in championing this process, currently working with Pepsi Zambia and Lamasat International Zambia. To learn more about the company, its disruptions in the HR space and future plans, Alaba Ayinuola did an interview with Sandy Simagwali a Co-Founder and CEO. Excerpt.

Alaba: Can you tell us about Graft Africa and the gap it’s filling in the current HR landscape in Zambia?

Sandy: Graft is a recruiting software company that helps people find jobs they love, and helps companies find great talent that helps drive to their success. We researched and found out that most recruiters still use manual processes during their hiring workflow which include key things like tracking candidates in their emails/inbox, manual posting of job openings to multiple platforms e.g company career page, social media, job boards, and manually scheduling interviews.

At Graft, we built a platform that would help hiring managers, manage candidates easily through the dashboard with functions like sorting and searching e.g by institutions, skills, qualifications, location, etc. Automate interview and interview reminder notifications, a click to post jobs to all major portals helping increase reach.

Alaba: How did it all start and what attracted you into staffing and recruitment?

Sandy: While I was head of Sales at Musanga Logistics, I was given a task to onboard someone within my department, and carrying out the most of the recruiting process which involved receiving applications, filtering out candidates, interviews and onboarding the talent in the organisation was pretty much of overwhelming task whilst trying to meet sales objectives. Cut the story short the hire we made was not what we were looking for. He did not meet expectations so resigned after 2 months. A huge blow to the company’s productivity and revenue.

The idea to build Graft was born after that incident. At that point I was running a business called WinningCV, a resume building platform that used to build high visual resumes for candidates, while working at Musanga I met my very good friend and Co Founder Mulenga Bowa, who was working as full stack developer at Musanga Logistics and was part time building a Job Board which was going to help candidates find their dream job. We had a discussion that led to multiple research and meetings with key recruiters.

Mulenga and I decided to become Co-Founders and started Graft after an amazing journey of growth at Musanga. July 2019 we decided to make the huge jump, we quit our jobs and went in full time with Graft.

Alaba: What does the process entail both for a talent and a hiring firm?

Sandy: Our process aims to benefit both the talent and the hiring firm in the sense that: For candidates, we believe that leaving candidates in the dark not only hurts the chances of building a relationship for the future, but has a probability of tarnishing the brand as well, and our goal at Graft is to ensure that candidates are highly engaged throughout the hiring journey.

Our process also entails that candidates are able to learn more on company culture and values throughout the hiring process, enabling candidate to measure if they fit and would want to be part of the organisation. For hiring firms, the process is mainly helping them reduce the time it takes for them to source, screen, onboard and hire talent.

Alaba: Why should a hiring company choose your company over other recruiting firms?

Sandy: As highlighted in the previous question, our platform helps hiring companies reduce the time it takes source, screen and onboard talent in this regard. With Graft, hiring managers are able to filter and screen candidates with ease and make much more data driven selection of candidates that will help meet their company goals and needs. Our platform allows hiring firms have enough time to focus on other important tasks (e.g evaluating employee relations, orientation and training program and implementing employee benefit programs e.t.c).

Alaba: What are the challenges Graft Africa is facing and you as an entrepreneur?

Sandy: Building a product that users will love has been one of the major challenges we have faced. Another challenge has been most recruiters do not want to make the huge jump to adapt new technology. Also, for a startup, there is a little receptiveness from organisations to entrust a key aspect as recruiting to a software created by young people. Other challenge has been raising capital.

As for me as an entrepreneur, the ability to balance on growing as a person and running a company and ensuring we have users who are using our product, has been a constant battle I have struggled with. This is due to the fact that am mostly all things, apart from product technology.

Also Read: Interview: Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy For Girls Executive Director, Gugulethu Ndebele On Girls And Leadership

Alaba: How does your company measure its impact? What’s the future for your business?

Sandy: How we measure impact is by our ability to help create jobs in Zambia and across Africa. With the unemployment rate in Zambia slowly dropping from 7.21% in 2018 to a 7.15% in 2019. Our goal is to help create more jobs for young people and add up to national economy by ensuring everyone has a better standard of living. We also aim to measure impact through organisations that use our platform to carry out their recruiting needs, onboard great talent that meets company’s goals and needs. Seeing a company onboard great talent is our very mission that is at the heart of everything we do.

Our measurement is based on companies succeeding with great people (e.g reduced turnover, onboarding great talent that drives to their success). That for us is impact. Providing candidates with tools that enable them get Jobs they love and having an amazing experience per every application sent, to us is labelled as another form of impact. The future for Graft is to be a Leader in HR technology in Africa.

Alaba: The HR industry is moving from a human-driven to a more data-driven approach. How’s your startup enhancing this shift?

Sandy: With some key tools we have built, recruiting managers are able to make much more data driven decisions, e.g who to invite for an interview, have a talent pool that they can easily revert to, enabling them reduce the time and costs to fill out a new role. In regards to data, it is a tool and not a be all and end solution. To make an effective hire, a mixture of data and human judgement is key, no matter how technology makes the process much more efficient, we believe recruiters could become much more data driven whilst keeping the human aspect intact.

Alaba: What in your opinion is the best solution to the high unemployment rate in Africa?

Sandy: Well in my view there are a vast and a number of challenges across Africa, we just need more people that will stop complaining about the problems they see and aim to create solutions that will branch off into Global brands that will create more jobs. With a lot of problems that are surfacing Africa, lies a gem of bold Africans that will face the problems head on and create solutions that will enable job creation for many Africans.

Alaba: Can you share some insights into the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Zambia?

Sandy: Its quite exciting that we are in an era where a lot of Zambians are starting amazing companies that are truly solving peoples problem’s. From startups like Zazu that is helping people manage their finances, Emsika an agriculture online platform that is helping connect suppliers and buyers in agriculture related products, Musanga a transportation marketplace that connects shippers to drivers to improve delivery efficiency, cost and provide data visibility, Spotless Africa, whose aim is to rethink, reimagine, and reshape the way cleaning services and products are delivered in Africa. Just to mention but a few entrepreneurs and a whole lot more that are stepping up to help solve key problems is an amazing period that will help us change the whole dynamic of challenges we face as a nation.

Alaba: How is the Zambian government supporting entrepreneurs in your country?

Sandy: Well, *clearing throat*. I have not seen much support to be honest, maybe other entrepreneurs can correct me if am wrong. But based on the ecosystem of entrepreneurs that I network with, not much has been done from my view. Agriculture entrepreneurship at a minimal rate has received some form of support. The future is bright, I believe with more support from the government we could see a lot of growth in our country in regards jobs, etc.

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Scott C Eneje on bridging the gap in tech empowerment in Africa

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Scott C Eneje is a tech expert with over a decade and a half of experience in the technology space. Throughout his career, he has worked with various teams across the globe, building products that shape Data, Customer Experience (CX), and innovative technology. Scott has helped numerous businesses bring their ideas to life through website development, structural setup, product management, team training, and advisory support. Currently, Scott serves as the Senior Product Manager at Hark Inc., a US-based startup that recently raised $3.5 million in seed funding. In this interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Scott shares his career path in the tech industry, how he is empowering African talents with tech skills and resources, and much more. Excerpts.

 

Alaba: Could you share your personal experience in the tech industry and how it informs your work? 

Scott: My journey in tech has been about constantly building and refining. I have had the privilege to contribute to and build some great products in e-commerce, fintech, web3, animation, real estate tech, artificial intelligence, and many others, over the past 15-plus years of my career in the industry. I currently practice as a product manager in the industry, and I always say that your first product is yourself. The journey is about continual growth, and building credibility and capacity as you go. 

Through my experiences, I’ve seen how emerging technologies can solve problems and empower individuals and organization for greater impact especially across Africa, where we have seen technology drive meaningful social and economic change, create sustainable impact, help us build stronger relationships across borders and open doors for growth on a much larger scale. I have a natural drive to solve problems, and I want to bring technology as a solution tool to diverse industries. This is because I understand that solving problems at the industry level utilizing technology, also solves problems at the individual grassroot level. 

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Alaba: What inspired you to focus on tech talent education and empowerment? 

Scott: Africa needs more builders. We need more Africans who will commit to understanding technology for the purpose of building solutions for Africa. There is a visible gap in tech empowerment in Africa, where we see initiatives focused on rewarding people for choosing to learn a tech skill, rather than equipping them with the resources and support to learn and build with the African context in mind. 

We have so much untapped potential, and when we empower our talent in the right way, then we can start to bridge the gap. I am very passionate about seeing more young Africans building solutions, I have committed myself to empowering them with the knowledge and resources I have at my disposal to help them explore and express themselves in the African technology industry.

 

Alaba: How do you identify and develop talented individuals from diverse backgrounds? 

Scott: Two years ago I founded The Morpheus Academy to train individuals looking to learn tech skills, and some who were looking to transition from different industries. My initial goal was to give many of the young people something that could help them build skills to secure a source of income. But just like any great idea, it quickly evolved and became serious business. 

The Morpheus Academy has now successfully trained over 1000 people, with a large percentage of this number placed in rewarding job roles. Identifying these talented individuals has become a lot easier, because we have re-imagined the impact that we want to create. Just as minds attract, our application systems now see a lot of applicants who are passionate about driving change across diverse industries, and building solutions.

 

Alaba: What strategies do you employ to promote inclusion and diversity in tech? 

Scott: Promoting inclusion and diversity for me is about enriching the learning experience for everyone who is a part of The Morpheus Academy. We are intentional about creating an atmosphere and fostering a culture where everyone can engage with people who are like-minded and thrive. We encourage collaborations and partnerships, even as a part of our course curriculum. 

One key highlight of our training cohort is that students are encouraged to come together as groups to collectively decide on building a solution based on the learnings from the academy. While we are testing their skills and capacity to become a valuable part of any team, we are also training them to learn to work with people from different backgrounds who have a different ideology from them. This also promotes intercultural communication, and mutual respect. 

 

Alaba: Can you share success stories or case studies demonstrating the impact of your work? 

Scott: The success of my work is reflected in the impact across multiple ventures. From The Work Haven, an idea turned to reality, to the companies I’ve worked with, including Coresight Research and Hark Inc. At Coresight Research, my work in product management contributed to several publications. Similarly, at Hark Inc., I played a crucial role in innovative solutions, further reinforcing my belief in using emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges. 

One of the success stories from The Morpheus Academy is Erica Ogbebor, who enrolled in the Business Development and Finance Management course, after which she was promoted to become the business lead for her team, delivering outstanding results. Her experience highlights how our programs equip individuals with the skills and resilience to succeed. They’re many more testimonies on our website, with over 500 students securing global jobs. It’s incredible to witness the broad impact. 

 

Alaba: What challenges have you faced in driving innovation and inclusion in tech talent education? 

Scott: Bridging the access gap is one big challenge in tech talent education. I’ve put real effort into breaking down these barriers. This means easy and accessible education, flexible learning structures, empowerment, and employment opportunities. Another challenge is building a curriculum that’s relevant, forward-looking, and inclusive of new technologies. It’s crucial to keep the content up-to-date to prepare for a rapidly evolving industry. 

However, incorporating advanced tech while making it accessible requires a fine balance. Inclusion and innovation go hand in hand, and I see them as necessary steps to create a meaningful impact in tech education.

Scott C Eneje (Photo: Supplied)

Alaba: What policy changes do you advocate for to support tech education and inclusion?

Scott: I advocate for policies that expand access to technology and training, especially for underrepresented communities. What, why, and who are we building for? This includes government incentives for tech-focused education programs, funding for initiatives in underserved areas, and partnerships between public institutions and private tech firms. 

Additionally, we need policies that encourage flexible, skills-based learning pathways, allowing individuals to gain relevant tech skills regardless of their educational background. We need a fostering environment. By prioritizing these changes, we can build a more diverse talent pool, which is essential for driving innovation and growth across the industry.

 

Alaba: Lastly, How do you see the tech talent landscape evolving in the next 5-10 years? 

Scott: Technology is evolving rapidly, as we have seen in the last 5-10 years. In the near future, I believe that we will experience a surge in demand for specialized skills, especially in AI, machine learning, AR/VR, and cybersecurity. The demand for capacity to manage and harness these technologies will only intensify. However, it won’t be just about technical skills. Adaptability, creativity, and the ability to work across teams will become just as important. 

As tech integrates more into everyday life, professionals need to bridge technical knowledge with business strategy, user experience, and even ethics. Inclusion will continue to grow as a priority, especially with the rise of remote work and online learning, which opens doors for diverse talent. Preparing for this future means staying agile, proactive, and committed to lifelong learning.

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Jennifer Okpechi: Making financial education accessible and relatable to all

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Jennifer Okpechi is an experienced Scrum Master, Financial Adviser and Founder of The Savvy Money. With a passion for blending digital transformation and agile methodologies, she helps organizations streamline processes and drive growth. And as a financial adviser, Jennifer provides strategic insights to empower individuals and businesses to make sound financial decisions. In this exclusive interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Jennifer speaks on her journey into finance and how she is empowering economically empowering people with financial education through her platform, the savvy money. excerpts.

 

Alaba: What inspired you to pursue a career in finance, and how did you get started?

Jennifer: My journey into finance was deeply influenced by growing up as a girl child in an all-girl household within a traditional African culture, where financial assets were typically passed down to male heirs. I heard it countless times: properties, wealth, and even certain opportunities weren’t “meant” for girls because, one day, we’d supposedly “go to our husband’s house.” In other words, investing in daughters was seen as a waste of resources.

Yet, my father didn’t fully conform to this mindset. He was different; he’d take me along when buying land or properties, sometimes putting assets in my name or in my sisters’ names, and that made a huge impact. Watching him make these choices against the grain ignited something in me. It highlighted the power of ownership and the possibility of claiming financial independence in a culture where, traditionally, daughters were expected to rely on husbands for security. 

My first steps into finance were small but intentional. I immersed myself in books, blogs, and courses, learning everything I could about personal finance and investing. Over time, I developed my own strategies, beginning with stocks and eventually exploring income-generating assets like REITs. Building a multiple six-figure net worth as a young woman has been empowering, but more than that, it’s been about reclaiming what others said I couldn’t have. 

Today, as a project manager and financial adviser, I’m passionate about breaking down financial barriers and showing others, especially women, that they can build wealth regardless of cultural expectations. For me, finance isn’t just a career; it’s a way to empower myself and others to claim our own futures. 

 

Alaba: How has your career evolved, and what led you to found your financial education platform?

Jennifer: My career has taken an unconventional path, from starting out as a microbiologist working in labs to switching into business development, and now finance. I’ve always had this drive to find smarter ways to make money. Even back in university, I was experimenting with side hustles like online tutoring, paid surveys, and blogging. Finance and investing became more than just a skill set, it became a lifestyle. 

When I began my investment journey, I was self-taught. I quickly realized how little some people, even those in banks and financial institutions, knew about investing, which shocked me. That’s when I saw the importance of financial education and how necessary it is for people to have access to it. I wanted to change that. 

I launched my financial education platform because I wanted to share what I’ve learned through my own experiences. I started investing at just 16, with zero prior knowledge, and over the years, I’ve managed to build a multiple six-figure portfolio, even earning five-figure dividends. All of this, without a mentor or coach just the will to prove that as a girl from a background where women were often overlooked for financial assets, I could still achieve great things. 

My platform is here to show people that if I could transform my life through investing, they can too. I want others to know it’s possible and easier than they think, as long as they have the determination to get started. 

 

Alaba: Why is financial literacy important to you, and how do you promote it?

Jennifer: Financial literacy is incredibly important to me because I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of financial knowledge can limit opportunities and create cycles of dependency, especially for women. Growing up, I was surrounded by cultural norms that suggested financial assets weren’t meant for daughters, and that shaped my understanding of just how crucial financial independence truly is. Financial literacy is more than just managing money, it’s about empowerment, breaking barriers, and taking control of one’s future. 

I promote financial literacy by creating resources that make investing and money management approachable and relatable. Through my financial education platform, I offer e-books, online courses, and social media content tailored to beginners and anyone seeking to grow their knowledge. I share my own experiences and I also engage directly with my audience, using polls, Q&As, and discussions to address their questions and fears. 

I’m passionate about sharing this knowledge with others, whether it’s with colleagues at work, friends, or even people I meet daily. I make it a point to bring up financial education in conversations, and these interactions often turn into learning moments for me as well. Hearing other perspectives keeps me grounded and continuously learning, which helps me serve my audience better. 

My goal is to show people that financial literacy isn’t out of reach; it’s possible for anyone to start building wealth, even if they’re completely new to the world of finance. It’s about inspiring others to believe in their potential and equipping them with the tools to make it a reality. 

 

Alaba: What role do you think financial education plays in promoting women’s economic empowerment?

Jennifer: Financial education is fundamental to women’s economic empowerment because it not only enables them to take control of their own lives but also provides the tools for creating stability and security. For many women, financial independence can mean the freedom to leave an abusive relationship, walk away from an unsatisfying job, or simply make choices that align with their values. It’s also about being a better parent. Financially secure mothers can cater to their children’s needs more confidently and set an example of independence and resilience.

Beyond providing a safety net, financial literacy empowers women to contribute to family wealth in ways that build legacies for future generations. A financially successful and independent woman can support her husband in achieving shared financial goals, creating a solid foundation for their children’s future.

According to statistics, women are often better at managing money and investing, yet they’re less likely to receive financial education. By addressing this gap, we can unlock a powerful potential for women to not only secure their own futures but also to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. Through my platform, I’m committed to showing women that financial independence is within reach, equipping them with the skills to thrive on their own terms and redefine what’s possible. 

 

Alaba: How do you balance entrepreneurial pursuits with professional responsibilities?

Jennifer: Balancing my entrepreneurial pursuits with professional responsibilities requires a lot of planning, discipline, and time management. I use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring that I focus on what truly moves me forward in both my career and business. I break tasks down into manageable chunks and allocate specific time blocks for each, while also factoring in my long-term goals. 

Sometimes, I also use the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused and productive, especially when I need to dive deep into specific tasks without distractions. This helps me maintain momentum, whether I’m working on a project at my full-time job or developing content for my platform. 

Being strategic with my time and setting realistic goals helps me stay on top of everything, but I also remain flexible to adjust when priorities shift. Self-care is crucial too, so I make sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s a constant juggling act, but the passion I have for both my career and entrepreneurial pursuits keeps me motivated and on track. 

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Alaba: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced and lessons learnt as a female founder in finance?

Jennifer: As a female founder in finance, one of my biggest challenges has been overcoming stereotypes and navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry. Finance, particularly investing, is often viewed as a man’s world, and breaking into it as a woman comes with its share of biases. I’ve had to work harder to prove my credibility and expertise, especially when addressing audiences or collaborating with industry professionals who may not expect a woman to be so knowledgeable about investing. 

Another significant challenge has been building my platform from the ground up without the guidance of mentors. Financial literacy wasn’t something I inherited or was taught growing up. I had to teach myself, taking risks and learning through experience. Without a roadmap, I made mistakes along the way, but each misstep taught me something valuable. I learned the importance of persistence, resilience, and the power of community, as I connected with others who believed in my mission and supported my work. 

Through these challenges, I’ve learned that authenticity and transparency are key to building trust. By sharing my own journey both the successes and setbacks, I’ve been able to inspire others to start their financial journeys, showing them that anyone can achieve financial freedom with the right mindset and commitment. Being a female founder in finance has taught me to embrace my unique perspective and to never underestimate the value of my voice in this space. 

 

Alaba: What impact do you hope to achieve through your platform?

Jennifer: Through my platform, I aim to make financial education accessible and relatable to everyone, regardless of their background or financial status. One of my biggest goals is to break the misconception that investing is only for the rich. Many people believe that building wealth through investing is a privilege reserved for a select few, but I want to show that it’s a tool available to anyone willing to learn and take action. 

I hope to empower people, especially women by providing them with the knowledge and confidence to manage their finances, make informed investment decisions, and build wealth over time. My mission is to help others take control of their financial futures, whether they’re just starting out or looking to expand their knowledge. 

Ultimately, I want to create a ripple effect where financial literacy spreads beyond my platform, leading to a broader cultural shift where more people understand that financial independence is within their reach. By offering practical resources and sharing my own journey, I hope to inspire others to embrace investing, improve their financial literacy, and create lasting financial security for themselves and their families. 

 

Alaba: What fuels your passion for financial education and empowerment?

Jennifer: My passion for financial education and empowerment is fueled by my personal experiences and the desire to break barriers for others, especially women. Growing up, I saw how financial dependency could limit opportunities and reinforce inequality, particularly for women. In my own life, I’ve experienced how crucial financial independence is, not just for security, but for the freedom to make choices without being tied down by cultural expectations or financial limitations. 

I also know how transformative financial literacy can be. I started investing at a young age with no prior knowledge, and through self-education, I built a multiple six-figure portfolio. The impact of taking control of my financial future has been life-changing, and I want others to experience that same empowerment.

I’m passionate about helping people, especially women, realize that they don’t need to be wealthy to start investing or managing their finances wisely. Financial education is the key to unlocking opportunities and breaking the cycle of financial dependency. When people are financially literate, they can take control of their lives, leave limiting situations, and build legacies for their families. Seeing others transform their financial lives, just as I did, is what fuels my passion and drives me to keep sharing this knowledge. 

 

Alaba: Lastly, How do you envision your platform evolving in the next 5-10 years?

Jennifer: In the next 5-10 years, I envision my platform becoming a global force, with plans for international expansion and continued innovation. I aim to create a lasting legacy of empowerment and positive change, especially for women in finance. My vision is to build a financial academy and community where young girls and individuals from all backgrounds can learn not only about investing but also about creating multiple sources of income and tapping into digital technology to build and grow wealth. 

I want the platform to be a space where financial education is accessible, practical, and inspiring. It’s not just about teaching people how to invest—it’s about changing mindsets, showing that financial independence is achievable, and equipping them with the tools to make it a reality. I aspire to be a champion for women in investing, inspiring women everywhere to take control of their financial futures. 

Through this global community, I hope to inspire generations of women to confidently step into the world of finance, break through barriers, and create opportunities for themselves and their families. My mission is to leave a legacy of empowerment and positive change, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive financially.

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BAO Exclusive with Emmanuel Itoto, Executive Producer of Engraced Campus Tour

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Emmanuel Itoto is the Creative Director of Engraced Events and Entertainment, Managing Director of The Engraced Mindset Company, and the visionary founder and executive producer of the Engraced Campus Tour. A seasoned event producer within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. He leads a team of skilled professionals focused on creating transformative campus tours that engage and inspire students across the country. In this exclusive interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Emmanuel speaks about his company Engraced Campus Tour, the impacts and why it was created to inspire students to pursue their dreams and discover new talents and much more. Excerpts.

 

Alaba: What inspired you to start a campus tour and entertainment company? 

Emmanuel: Our inspiration to start the Engraced Campus Tour comes from a powerful vision: to bridge enlightenment, empowerment, and entertainment for young people. We believe that to truly reach students in an organized and impactful way, entertainment is a natural channel. Students are seeking more than just academic achievements—they crave real-world experiences and meaningful connections with popular culture. 

The Engraced Campus Tour was created to fulfill this desire, inspiring students to pursue their dreams and discover new talents. Through our events, we aim to unlock the potential within each student by providing access to valuable resources, such as grants for small businesses, internships, and talent development opportunities, all made possible through strategic partnerships. 

This combination of inspiration and tangible support is what drives us to make a difference on campuses across Nigeria. By blending education  with entertainment, enlightenment and empowerment we’re creating an environment where students feel encouraged to grow, connect, and pursue their aspirations in ways that are both engaging and transformative.

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Alaba: Can you share your personal experience with campus events and entertainment?

Emmanuel: One of my most memorable experiences comes from seeing the reaction of my audience—the laughter, the smiles, the pure joy radiating from them. Those moments of connection are what I enjoy the most, and they fuel my passion to keep going. Every event brings that energy, reminding me why I do what I do and encouraging me to keep creating memorable experiences. These reactions not only inspire me to do more, but they also motivate me to network with like-minded individuals who share the same vision of creating meaningful and uplifting experiences. It’s that shared joy and impact that make these moments truly unforgettable for me.

 

Alaba: What are your offerings, and how do you aim to impact tertiary institutions?

Emmanuel: Our offerings go beyond just entertainment; we provide a range of experiences designed to make a positive impact on students’ lives. In addition to comedy performances featuring top comedians and music concerts with popular artists, we collaborate with companies to bring students unique opportunities. This includes talent discovery, access to grants for small businesses (SMEs), internship placements, and resources that support their career development.

We’re also committed to tackling important social issues. Through interactive and live sessions, we engage students in conversations about combating social vices such as drug abuse, cultism and other corrupt practices, helping them make informed choices and fostering a supportive campus environment. These comprehensive offerings allow us to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of students, combining entertainment with empowerment and practical support.

 

Alaba: What role do you think campus events play in enhancing student life and experience?

Emmanuel: Campus events play an essential role in enhancing student life and creating a holistic experience that goes beyond academics. They provide a break from routine, allowing students to relax, connect, and engage with their peers in a vibrant environment. Through events like comedy shows, music concerts, and interactive sessions, we create a sense of community, where students can share joy and laughter, fostering strong social connections that contribute to personal growth. In this way, we’re not just creating moments of joy but also shaping a positive, supportive campus culture that encourages students to explore their potential and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

 

Alaba: How do you foster partnerships with tertiary institutions, student unions, and other stakeholders? 

Emmanuel: To foster partnerships with tertiary institutions, student unions, and other stakeholders, we have built an organized structure that enables us to connect and engage effectively across campuses nationwide. This structure includes dedicated state representatives in all 36 states, as well as campus representatives in many universities and colleges. These representatives serve as liaisons, helping us understand the unique needs and interests of each campus community and building strong, trusted relationships with student bodies and university administrations. By maintaining this network, we’re able to coordinate events seamlessly, tailor our offerings to each campus, and establish meaningful partnerships that support both our goals and the aspirations of the students we serve.

 

Alaba: Are there any notable investors or funding initiatives supporting your growth?

Emmanuel: We’re fortunate to have developed strong partnerships with several reputable companies that support our vision and come on board for various projects. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with brands like New Age, Malta Guinness, Mini Mie, Betfuse, Smile, and Colonny, among others. These partnerships not only provide valuable resources that enhance our events but also allow us to deliver additional value to students through brand-sponsored initiatives.

We continue to reach out to more brands that align with our audience, looking to establish partnerships with companies that are committed to empowering and engaging young people. These collaborations are essential in helping us expand our impact and offer even more opportunities and experiences to students across the nation.

 

Alaba: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a founder and executive producer? 

Emmanuel: As a founder and executive producer, some of my biggest challenges have been navigating the logistics of organizing large-scale events and securing consistent sponsorships. Managing resources across multiple campuses and coordinating with diverse teams—state representatives, campus reps, performers, and corporate partners—requires a great deal of planning and adaptability.

Securing sponsorships also presents its own challenges, especially in a competitive market where many brands are selective with their investments. Building trust with partners, demonstrating our impact, and showing the value we bring to the student community has been essential in overcoming this. Despite these obstacles, each challenge has strengthened my resilience and pushed me to find creative solutions to continue making a difference.

 

Alaba: Could you share a memorable event that perfectly reflects your values as an event producer?

Emmanuel: One of the most memorable events I’ve produced was the Shallipopi Homecoming Concert. This event was incredibly special, as it marked Shallipopi’s first performance in his hometown as a raving artist. The anticipation and excitement in the crowd was electric; you could feel the energy building as fans eagerly awaited his entrance. When he finally took the stage, the audience’s joy and pride in seeing one of their own make it big was palpable.

This event truly reflected my values as an event producer: creating memorable experiences that connect deeply with audiences and celebrate talent. The Shallipopi Homecoming Concert was a perfect example of the impact that meaningful, well-executed events can have, both on the artist and the community.

 

Alaba: The Engraced Mindset, your umbrella company, goes beyond event management. What other types of projects do you work on?

Emmanuel: The Engraced Mindset Company Ltd, our umbrella company, encompasses several branches, including Engraced Events and Entertainment, the Engraced Campus Tour, and Myevent.com. We have a broad focus, offering services in talent management and agency representation, brand management, content production, advertising and marketing, flight bookings, online ticketing, and event production

Our long-term goal extends beyond becoming a household name in Nigeria. We aim to position ourselves as a major player on the global stage, known for delivering impactful and memorable experiences, innovative brand strategies, and exceptional service across all areas of entertainment and event management. This broader vision drives us to constantly evolve and expand our offerings, ensuring we’re prepared to meet the demands of an international audience.

 

Alaba: Starting out as a founder in Benin City and growing to become one of Nigeria’s leading event producers working with top talents, how has this journey shaped your understanding of the entertainment industry?

Emmanuel: My journey, starting as a founder in Benin City and growing to become one of Nigeria’s leading event producers working with top talents, has taught me that every success has a starting point. It has reinforced my belief that with dedication, resilience, and focus, anyone can reach the peak of their career, no matter where they begin. 

Along the way, I’ve faced numerous challenges and obstacles, but these have only strengthened my resolve. Each hurdle has provided valuable lessons, shaping my understanding of the entertainment industry and helping me navigate its complexities. This journey has shown me that growth is a process, and as long as you remain committed to your vision, success will follow.

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