Afripreneur
Lola Okunola – Disrupting The Popsicle Food Industry
Lola Okunola is the Founder, Royal Pops. A financial, technology and public health expert, an entrepreneur. She shared her passion and vision with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online on how she intends to make Royal Pops a household brand name born out of Nigeria, Africa. And her brand’s expansion to Atlanta, Georgia in N.A. Excerpts:
BAO: Tell us about yourself and your business(Royal Pops)
Lola: I’m a 20-year industry executive with experience developed from corporate and entrepreneurial positions. A Nigerian,happily married with two amazing children. I studied Business Management for my Bachelor’s degree and I have an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems.
Before becoming an entrepreneur,I had worked in the financial services, technology and public health sectors. I moved back to Nigeria from the USA after my husband was offered a job hoping to find a role in the Nigerian public health sector, but there was nothing suitable at the time.
I saw a need when I moved to Nigeria and I decided to fill it. At the time there weren’t any healthy frozen treats that were locally made. I was coming out of a bout with stomach issues and was in the process of changing my diet to a healthier one. I started to make small batches of popsicles as a treat for my family and friends and through word of mouth people started calling me to order them. I realized that there was a real demand and opportunity so I decided to get some training, purchase equipment to produce large quantities, and apply for a NAFDAC license.
Popsicles are refreshing because of their frozen nature. Especially our popsicles because they are made of fresh fruits and natural ingredients.
My background in Public Health sparked my interest in wellness. I learned the importance of healthy eating and gained my overall hard working ethic from years of working in IT and Public Health.
Our pops are healthy and are less than 100 calories so they are a great snack if you’retrying to stay fit. They are great after a meal and just whenever you feel like. Some people have them stocked up in their freezers at home too. They are also a great night time snack.
BAO: What was your startup capital?
Lola: I started my business with $20,000 from my savings. Most of it went towards machinery, rent, and licensing.
BAO: What are the biggest challenges running Royal Pops and how have you overcome them?
Lola: The biggest challenge we face with running Royal Pops in Nigeria is the issue of power. Our product has to be kept frozen and if they melt they lose their shape. Keeping the popsicles frozen take us having power 24 hours a day. This means we have to run our generators often and the cost of diesel definitely increases our expenses. It also means we have to be selective about the stores that carry our popsicles. They have to be stores that keep their power on.
BAO: Where do you see your business in 5 years from now?
Lola: I see Royal Pops expanding into other major cities in Africa. My vision for Royal Pops is to make it a household brand name born out of Africa. Already I have expanded to Atlanta, Georgia in N.A with Royal Pops and also have introduced a new product -Royal Wholesome Foods, a healthy grab and go meal company.
BAO: Any Advice for entrepreneurs willing to invest in Africa?
Lola: Entrepreneurship is fun and rewarding however, it takes a lot of hard work, determination, and persistence to become successful in it. Never be afraid to start small, just start, and grow organically. Africa has many challenges but also many rewards. It’s fertile ground for new products and services and a lot of the continent is ready for new things. Africa is a great continent to invest in for many reasons. The population, growth in general and enlightenment. More and more global companies are setting up in Africa bringing people from all backgrounds. Most products and services are no longer unique to the West. It’s a great time to introduce new things to Africa. Stay focused and do not get discouraged.
BAO: How is your business contributing to the development of Africa?
Lola: Asides from providing employment to 20 people and their families. We are helping people to indulge in healthier treats and also creating another buy product of fruits, which we have in abundance. Sourcing our fruits locally helps reduce importation of our raw materials and importation of foreign frozen treats. All this will in turn help our economy.
Kindly Visit:
Website: www.royalpops.com
Afripreneur
BAO Exclusive with Emmanuel Itoto, Executive Producer of Engraced Campus Tour
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.
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.
Afripreneur
Shina Memud: Building the go-to digital platform for email and sms campaigns
Shina Memud is a brand designer and marketing professional with over 10 years cognate experience in product design, marketng technology, brand communication, strategy and brand management in Africa and Europe. He is currently the Founder/CEO of Yournotify, a marketing platform for customer communication and engagement. In this interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Shina speaks about his brand, Yournotify and how its helping businesses manage their digital marketing campaigns when it comes to email and sms. Excerpts.
Alaba: Could you share your entrepreneurial journey and what inspired you to create a marketing platform for emails and SMS?
Shina: I started as a software engineer, then moved to product design. These experiences gave me a great opportunity to work on interesting projects, from eBay to Daimler where we built marketing products for in-house communication.
When I moved back to Nigeria 2018, I was running a marketing agency where we discovered first hand painful experience on how businesses manage their digital marketing campaigns when it comes to email and sms. From paying in foreign currency to inefficiency in managing multiple-channel campaigns on different platforms. We knew this wasn’t scalable, hence why we built Yournotify in-house before we opened it to the public in 2023.
Alaba: Can you walk us through the key features and benefits of your platform?
Shina: Yournotify provides the following benefits;
- Businesses can create and manage their email campaigns.
- Businesses can create and manage their sms campaigns.
- Payment in local currency.
- We offer pay-as-you go pricing model.
- We offer API and SMTP integration option.
Alaba: How does your platform differ from existing marketing automation tools and competitors?
Shina: What we are solving is affordability and efficiency. Affordability to us means that both small and medium size businesses can now get more value from their email and sms campaigns because of our pricing model (pay-as-you-go) and also the efficiency and ease of managing multi-channel campaigns under one platform.
We also know there are more services that can be offered to increase customer engagement such as reward programs to boost customer loyalty and content creation using AI. All these vertical products put us in a unique position to support businesses in the African market.
Alaba: Who is your target market, and how do you reach them?
Shina: We focus primarily on digital marketers, content creators and brand comms professionals. We do lots of partnerships, collaboration (offering email marketing trainings) and building community in the marketing technology space through our MarTech Africa event (second edition 22nd February 2025) (LINK)
Alaba: What are the biggest challenges you face in the market, and how do you overcome them?
Shina: Early on when we just launched, people compared us a lot with tools and features of the existing platform they are using, so it was hard to migrate customers. We simply had to keep building and adding features based on customer demands. We are in a better stage now because we have built enough competitive features and values for the market.
Alaba: What are your growth plans, and how do you intend to scale your business?
Shina: Our strategy so far has been simply:
- Create lots of educational contents on email and sms marketing and the values.
- Build partnership with organisations in the education space (trainings, hubs, schools e.t.c).
- Boost our MarTech community for more engagement and awareness for bigger organisations
Alaba: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a founder, and how have you overcome them?
Shina: Nigeria is still very much a trust-first business thinking, especially if you are targeting businesses (B2B). They want to trust you are a reliable business and see few validations to proof that. That has been challenging as it takes time to build trust and revenue needs to be made to run your business. We are also in a very unique sector (marketing) where mentioning Martech isn’t the same as mentioning Fintech, so access to support and funding is quite challenging but we are building momentum on that.
Alaba: Lastly, How do you see your platform evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Shina: We believe strongly in the opportunity ahead, digitisation is growing across Africa and businesses are taking advantage of online tools and resources to increase their customer base.
The opportunity email services offers is cheaper and the most affordable means of building customer communication and engagement — we are strategically prepared and positioned to be the top marketing platform in Africa as we increase our offerings based on market demand.
Afripreneur
Great Amadi, Co-Founder of Splitam on building a destination for smart cost-sharing
Great Amadi is a seasoned professional and registered engineer with over a decade of experience in the corporate sector. Also, he is the Co-Founder of Splitam, an online platform that lets you team up with people around you to split costs on products, transportation, accommodation, and more. In this interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Great speaks on how Splitam is encouraging people to team up with like-minded individuals to divide the costs and unlock incredible savings on a wide range of products, accommodation options, transportation, and so much more. Excerpt.
Alaba: What inspired you to create a cost-sharing platform?
Great: The inspiration behind creating Splitam was deeply rooted in the economic challenges faced by Nigerian households. Rising food prices, driven by persistent inflation, have left many struggling to afford essential food items. My co-founder, John Okore, and I saw an opportunity to address this issue through collaborative purchasing. By enabling individuals to team up and share costs, we could make quality food more accessible and affordable.
Food inflation in Nigeria has averaged 13.72% since 1996, with a historic high of 40.87% in June 2024. In this environment, the average Nigerian household spends 59% of its income on food—markedly higher than the global average of 11%. Splitam was born from this urgent need, offering a platform that alleviates financial pressure and empowers people to save money while enjoying the convenience of quality, fresh produce. Starting organically, we worked closely with our early users, iterating based on their feedback to ensure a product that truly meets their needs.
One of the stories that keeps us inspired is that of Mrs. Ngozi, an early adopter of Splitam. A school teacher and mother of three, Mrs. Ngozi was searching for ways to reduce her monthly grocery expenses as prices continued to climb. Through Splitam, she found a community of buyers and purchased a share in a bulk deal for 10 tubers of yam at 2,200 naira per tuber—a significant savings compared to the market price of 3,500 to 4,000 naira per tuber. This experience was transformative for her household, allowing her to keep her family well-fed on a tighter budget.
Her success story is just one of many, where we’ve witnessed the impact of collaborative purchasing firsthand. Helping countless homes like Mrs. Ngozi’s reduce their food costs reinforces our mission every day. It’s this real, tangible relief we’re bringing to people that drives us to keep building and improving Splitam.
Alaba: How does your platform facilitate cost-sharing, and what features make it unique?
Great: Splitam’s platform is designed to facilitate cost-sharing through innovative community features, making it easier for users to collaborate and share expenses safely. At the heart of our platform, the community section on the Splitam mobile app offers peer-to-peer collaborative functionality. This feature empowers users to team up for shared rides, subscriptions, co-renting, and group purchases. By utilizing Splitam’s advanced KYC system and escrow-protected group wallet, users can confidently team up with others—even complete strangers—while significantly reducing the risk of financial loss.
One powerful example of the impact of this feature is Abdulahi’s story. He needed a way to reduce his commuting costs from Abuja Airport to the city center. Using the Splitam community co-ride feature, he was able to connect with other verified community members heading in the same direction. By sharing the ride, Abdulahi successfully reduced his travel expenses from ₦21,000 to ₦7,000—achieving substantial savings through safe, collaborative cost-sharing.
This community-driven feature is a free service on the Splitam platform, designed for individuals who want to make life more affordable by working together to manage the rising cost of living. Abdulahi’s experience is just one of many, illustrating the potential of Splitam’s unique platform to make a real difference in people’s everyday expenses
Alaba: Who is your target audience, what types of expenses can users split, and what’s your go-to-market strategy?
Great: Our primary target audience comprises urban dwellers, particularly those residing in cities where the cost of living is notably high. These individuals often seek innovative ways to manage their expenses, making Splitam an ideal solution for their financial needs. By focusing on this demographic, we aim to address their unique challenges and provide practical tools to enhance their financial well-being.
Types of Expenses Users Can Split:
Splitam empowers users to split a wide array of expenses, facilitating collaborative financial management. This includes everyday costs such as food items, transportation fares, software subscription, and even entertainment expenses. Whether it’s sharing the cost of groceries, splitting rideshare fares, or co-purchasing discounted services, Splitam offers a versatile platform that makes financial collaboration simple and accessible.
Go-to-Market Strategy:
Our go-to-market strategy centers on creating a seamless collaborative consumption platform that enables users to collectively reduce their expenses and lower their overall cost of living. We focus on fostering a vibrant community where users can connect, collaborate, and share resources, enhancing their purchasing power. By leveraging targeted marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships with local businesses, and community engagement initiatives, we aim to build brand awareness and attract users to the platform. Our commitment to user experience and community-building not only helps individuals save money but also fosters a sense of shared success, ultimately leading to greater loyalty and growth within our user base.
With Splitam, we envision a future where urban dwellers can thrive together, turning collective consumption into a lifestyle that promotes financial wellness and community cohesion.
Alaba: Can you walk us through the user experience and onboarding process?
Great: User Experience and Onboarding Process
Potential users can start utilizing Splitam to cut costs in three simple steps:
Step 1: Download the App
Begin your journey by downloading the Splitam mobile app from our website at splitam.co/download. The app is designed for ease of use and provides all the tools you need to manage your expenses collaboratively.
Step 2: Sign Up and Complete KYC
Once the app is installed, sign up for an account and complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. This process ensures a secure and trustworthy environment for all users, protecting your personal information while allowing us to serve you better.
Step 3: Start Collaborating
Now you’re ready to explore the exciting features of Splitam! You can begin purchasing discounted food items in bulk alongside other community members. Take advantage of our community co-ride, co-rent, and co-subscribe features, allowing you to team up with others to split costs on various products and services. Whether it’s sharing a ride, renting a property, or subscribing to services, Splitam makes collaborative consumption simple and effective.
By following these three steps, you’ll not only save money but also connect with like-minded individuals in your community, fostering a sense of shared success and collective financial empowerment. Join us today and experience the benefits of collaborative living with Splitam!
Alaba: How do you ensure security, transparency, and accuracy in transactions?
Great: At Splitam, we prioritize the security, transparency, and accuracy of transactions to foster trust and confidence among our users. Here’s how we achieve this:
Security Measures:
We implement a strict Know Your Customer (KYC) process that all users must complete before they can begin collaborating with other community members. This step helps verify identities and enhances security. Additionally, users can rate each other and leave reviews, providing a feedback mechanism that promotes accountability. Any negative reviews or reports can lead to blacklisting or suspension from the platform, ensuring that only responsible and trustworthy users are active within the community.
Group Wallet Management:
To facilitate seamless group contributions, we utilize an escrow system to manage the Splitam group wallet. This system grants full control to group members over their funds, ensuring that money is only released to other members when they have received the agreed-upon value. This safeguards against any potential misuse and maintains financial integrity among participants.
Transparency and Accuracy:
Splitam is committed to showcasing the transparency and accuracy of all transactions within split groups in our community. We provide clear transaction histories and reporting tools, allowing users to track their contributions and expenditures effortlessly. This commitment to transparency ensures that all parties are informed and can verify their transactions, further enhancing trust within the platform.
By implementing these robust measures, Splitam creates a secure and transparent environment where users can confidently collaborate and share resources while enjoying peace of mind.
Alaba: How do you encourage user engagement and retention on your platform?
Great: Splitam’s customer retention strategy is centered around value, timing, and community-driven cost savings. Here’s how we encourage user engagement and foster long-term loyalty on our platform:
Proactive Engagement:
We actively track purchase data to predict when a user’s supply of products may be running low. This allows us to send timely refill reminders, coupled with special incentives for returning customers. By anticipating their needs, we create a seamless experience that encourages users to engage with the platform consistently.
Community-Driven Features:
Our in-app community features, such as ride-sharing, subscription sharing, and co-renting, foster a culture of cost-cutting and shared spending. These features not only help users save money but also encourage collaboration and interaction among community members. This sense of belonging and shared purpose keeps users returning to the platform.
Ongoing Savings:
Splitam is designed to offer users ongoing savings on everyday services. By positioning the platform as the ultimate cost-saving community, we create a compelling reason for users to return frequently—not just for purchasing products but also for accessing various cost-saving opportunities.
Through these strategies, we strengthen user loyalty and drive high retention rates, ensuring that Splitam remains a valuable resource for our community members as they seek to optimize their spending and enhance their financial well-being.
Alaba: What are your plans for expanding your platform to new markets or industries?
Great: Splitam’s strategy for expansion begins with establishing a strong foundation in the food and livestock consumer collaborative market. By focusing on building a robust community of “splitters,” we aim to create a loyal user base that appreciates the value of collaborative purchasing. As we gain traction and grow our community, we will leverage customer feedback to identify additional sectors for expansion, such as group travels and live events.
Alaba: Lastly, How do you see the cost-sharing landscape evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Great: The cost-sharing landscape is poised for significant evolution in the next 5-10 years, particularly as the world increasingly embraces communal and collaborative living principles. Historically, Africa has long been a champion of communal lifestyles, rooted in concepts such as Ubuntu. These philosophies emphasize collective responsibility, interconnectedness, and the belief that one’s well-being is tied to the well-being of the community.
As we move forward, these age-old practices are becoming even more relevant in addressing contemporary challenges, particularly in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Addressing Hunger (SDG 2):
Collaborative consumption can significantly contribute to food security by enabling communities to pool resources for bulk buying, thus reducing individual costs and ensuring access to nutritious food. Initiatives that foster group purchasing and sharing can combat hunger and malnutrition, particularly in urban areas where food prices are rising.
Reducing Inequality (SDG 10):
Collaborative models can help mitigate inequality by providing access to shared resources and opportunities for individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. By promoting group ownership of assets and community-driven projects, we can create pathways for economic empowerment that elevate marginalized groups and promote inclusivity.
Looking ahead, the future belongs to collaborators in a world of rising consumerism, high cost of asset ownership, and rising cost of living. As technology advances, platforms like Splitam will facilitate seamless connections among individuals, enabling them to co-own assets, share services, and collectively navigate the cost of living. This evolution will not only foster economic resilience but also strengthen community bonds and promote global harmony.
In conclusion, the cost-sharing landscape is evolving toward a model that values collaboration and community, echoing Africa’s rich history of communal living. By embracing these principles, we can work towards achieving the SDGs, ultimately paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.