Fola

Fola

Startup & Innovation Editor

58 Published Articles
Fola is SStore’s Startup & Innovation Editor with a strong focus on lifestyle-tech and women-led startups. A UNILAG Mass Communication graduate and former Techpoint contributor, she uncovers emerging Nigerian startups, founder stories, funding rounds, and how technology is reshaping culture, fashion, beauty, and daily living across the country.

Latest from Fola

Dangote Refinery IPO LIVE: Africa's Biggest Share Sale Kicks Off – Here's How to Invest!
Investment

Dangote Refinery IPO LIVE: Africa's Biggest Share Sale Kicks Off – Here's How to Invest!

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery IPO, targeting ₦2.15 trillion, launched today, September 14, 2026, offering 4.1 billion shares at ₦525 each via invest.ngxgroup.c

Sep 14, 2026
3 min read • •
Troops Save Traders, Arrest Thieves in Katsina
News

Troops Save Traders, Arrest Thieves in Katsina

Nigerian troops rescue kidnapped traders and arrest car theft suspects in Katsina, highlighting ongoing security challenges and the impact on local communities

Sep 12, 2026
7 min read • •
Gush AI V9.0: Transforming Conversations into Professional Documents
Technology Innovation

Gush AI V9.0: Transforming Conversations into Professional Documents

Gush AI Workspace V9.0 transforms AI conversations into professional documents, leveraging real-time data and advanced capabilities. The global AI market hits $

Sep 9, 2026
4 min read • •
The AI Scramble: Gush AI vs. N-ATLAS & Grace AI – Who Leads Nigeria's Tech Revolution?
Tech Innovation

The AI Scramble: Gush AI vs. N-ATLAS & Grace AI – Who Leads Nigeria's Tech Revolution?

Explore Nigeria's burgeoning AI landscape in mid-2026, comparing ambitious projects like Gush AI, N-ATLAS, and grace ai lab. Discover how Gush AI's broad platfo

Sep 8, 2026
5 min read • •
Tech Dreams Priced Out: Nigerian Youth Face Steep Hurdles for Camera Gear
World

Tech Dreams Priced Out: Nigerian Youth Face Steep Hurdles for Camera Gear

Nigerian youth struggle to afford professional camera gear due to high import costs and currency depreciation, despite global deals. This impacts creative indus

Sep 2, 2026
7 min read • •
Our Super Falcons: Champions, But What About the Girls Back Home?
Development

Our Super Falcons: Champions, But What About the Girls Back Home?

Explore Nigeria's women's football glory beyond the trophies. This article delves into the struggles of grassroots players, governance issues, youth survival, a

Jul 28, 2026
6 min read • •
Our Own Medicine: Ooni Leads Fight for Global Recognition
Development

Our Own Medicine: Ooni Leads Fight for Global Recognition

Ooni of Ife leads Nigeria's efforts to partner with Brazil for global recognition and scientific validation of African traditional medicine, aiming to make heal

Jul 27, 2026
7 min read • •
New Help for Nigeria's Small Businesses is Here
Development

New Help for Nigeria's Small Businesses is Here

A new project by GEF-SGP and UNDP is launching a platform to help Nigerian small businesses get vital support, tackle daily struggles like finance and power, an

Jul 26, 2026
6 min read • •
America Puts Big Tax on Nigerian Goods
Politics

America Puts Big Tax on Nigerian Goods

The US has imposed a 12.5% tariff on Nigerian imports, citing forced labor concerns. This move could significantly impact Nigerian businesses, increase daily st

Jul 24, 2026
7 min read • •
Sowore's Court Case: What It Means For Your Social Media Posts
Politics

Sowore's Court Case: What It Means For Your Social Media Posts

Activist Omoyele Sowore's cybercrime trial in Abuja sees him seeking to subpoena top government officials, including the DSS DG and Bayo Onanuga. This case rais

Jul 23, 2026
10 min read • •
When Dreams Falter: Nigeria's Daily Struggle for a Better Tomorrow
World

When Dreams Falter: Nigeria's Daily Struggle for a Better Tomorrow

Explore the daily struggles and governance challenges facing Nigerians, as promises of progress often crumble, leaving youth to fight for survival and a stable

Jul 23, 2026
6 min read • •
World Cup Big Plan: Good News or Bad for Our Streets?
World

World Cup Big Plan: Good News or Bad for Our Streets?

A deep dive into FIFA's 64-team World Cup proposal and its potential impact on Nigeria, focusing on local economics, governance, youth opportunities, and inter-

Jul 21, 2026
7 min read • •
Why Are Nigerians Still Not Safe?
Politics

Why Are Nigerians Still Not Safe?

A seasoned Nigerian journalist explores the persistent insecurity in Nigeria, detailing its local impacts, daily struggles, governance realities, and the profou

Jul 18, 2026
6 min read • •
Train Vandalism: Why Your Daily Commute is Suffering
Politics

Train Vandalism: Why Your Daily Commute is Suffering

Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) steps up security against vandals, recovering N200 million in stolen materials. Learn how railway vandalism impacts daily lif

Jul 17, 2026
7 min read • •
Ekiti Kidnap: Our Daily Fear and Hope
Politics

Ekiti Kidnap: Our Daily Fear and Hope

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji visits freed kidnap victims from Eda Oniyo after 66 days in captivity, highlighting Nigeria's ongoing struggle with insecur

Jul 5, 2026
6 min read • •
Providus Bank Customers Lose Money After Hack
Politics

Providus Bank Customers Lose Money After Hack

ProvidusUnity bank customers report unauthorised transactions after a data breach. Learn about the impact on Nigerians, government's slow response, and the urge

Jul 3, 2026
9 min read • •
When Loud Voices Divide Us: A Nigerian Call for Responsible Media
World

When Loud Voices Divide Us: A Nigerian Call for Responsible Media

A Nigerian journalist discusses how amplifying divisive voices, similar to the US case of Marjorie Taylor Greene, impacts local communities, governance, and you

Jul 1, 2026
8 min read • •
Nigeria to Borrow More: What It Means For Your Pocket
Politics

Nigeria to Borrow More: What It Means For Your Pocket

Nigeria is seeking advisers for a new Eurobond sale. This article explores how government borrowing impacts the daily lives of Nigerians, from rising inflation

Jun 29, 2026
7 min read • •
Hero's Burden: When Saving Lives Brings Family Trouble Back Home
World

Hero's Burden: When Saving Lives Brings Family Trouble Back Home

A hero's story turns complicated as Bondi Beach shooting survivor Ahmed al Ahmed faces family assault charges and extortion attempts. This article explores the

Jun 24, 2026
8 min read • •
Indian Youth Fight Back: A Lesson for Nigeria?
World

Indian Youth Fight Back: A Lesson for Nigeria?

Nigerian youths watch as Indian students protest widespread exam fraud, demanding ministerial resignation. This story highlights global youth struggles against

Jun 21, 2026
7 min read • •
Tinubu Approves N10 Billion for Ebola: What It Means for You
News

Tinubu Approves N10 Billion for Ebola: What It Means for You

President Tinubu approved N10 billion for Ebola prevention, sparking debate among Nigerians about the overall state of public healthcare and daily struggles in

Jun 18, 2026
7 min read • •
Global Chip War: How It Hits Your Pocket in Nigeria
World

Global Chip War: How It Hits Your Pocket in Nigeria

China and the US are in a tech fight over computer chips. This article explains how this global tension could make your phones and gadgets more expensive, affec

Jun 13, 2026
9 min read • •
State Police & Tax Reforms: Governors' Big Push for a New Nigeria – But What About Your Pocket?
Nigeria Politics & Governance

State Police & Tax Reforms: Governors' Big Push for a New Nigeria – But What About Your Pocket?

Nigerian governors endorse state police and tax reforms, effective June 2026. This report examines the implications of these changes on security, cost of living

Jun 10, 2026
8 min read • •
Africa's EV Charge: Battling Chinese Dominance and Fueling Local Innovation by 2026
EV Tech

Africa's EV Charge: Battling Chinese Dominance and Fueling Local Innovation by 2026

As of May 2026, Africa's EV market is surging, with Chinese manufacturers dominating. Explore funding rounds, government policies in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeri

May 23, 2026
7 min read • •
Diaspora Tech Titans Launch $1 Billion Africa Challenge Amidst Nigeria's Economic Headwinds
Global African Tech Diaspora

Diaspora Tech Titans Launch $1 Billion Africa Challenge Amidst Nigeria's Economic Headwinds

As African diaspora tech titans launch a $1 Billion Innovation Challenge for Africa, Fola analyzes Nigeria's economic realities in May 2026, including 15.69% in

May 22, 2026
7 min read • •
AI's Seismic Shift: How Frontend & Backend Roles are Merging for Nigerian Developers in 2026
Developer World

AI's Seismic Shift: How Frontend & Backend Roles are Merging for Nigerian Developers in 2026

Explore how AI is reshaping frontend and backend developer roles in Nigeria by 2026. This deep dive for Nigerian tech professionals, led by Editor Fola, analyze

May 17, 2026
8 min read • •
Windows 11's Meteoric Rise: Redefining the Global OS Landscape in 2026
Hardware & OS World

Windows 11's Meteoric Rise: Redefining the Global OS Landscape in 2026

Windows 11 has dramatically surged in market share by early 2026, driven by Windows 10's end-of-life and Microsoft's AI integration. Explore the data, impact on

May 1, 2026
6 min read • •
Mobile Market Meltdown: AI Costs and Component Shortages Rattle Q1 Smartphone Sales Globally!
Mobile App Wars, Mobile World, and Gaming, samsung, apple, redmi, and more, tecno

Mobile Market Meltdown: AI Costs and Component Shortages Rattle Q1 Smartphone Sales Globally!

Global smartphone sales plunged in Q1 2026 due to soaring AI-driven component costs and memory chip shortages. Discover how Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vi

Apr 17, 2026
6 min read • •
Nigeria's Looming Youthquake: Unemployment Fuels Desperation Ahead of 2027 Elections
nigeria 2027 election trendy and campaign, governors, president, youth, unemployment, and more

Nigeria's Looming Youthquake: Unemployment Fuels Desperation Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nigeria faces a deepening youth unemployment crisis fueling desperation ahead of the 2027 elections. Discover expert analysis, conflicting statistics, and polic

Apr 12, 2026
7 min read • •
Finally! Nigerian Regulators Force Telcos to Pay YOU for Bad Network Service – A Game Changer?
Cybersecurity & Tech Policy

Finally! Nigerian Regulators Force Telcos to Pay YOU for Bad Network Service – A Game Changer?

Nigerian regulators have ordered telcos to compensate users directly with airtime credits for poor network service, marking a major shift in consumer protection

Apr 4, 2026
7 min read • •
Cognichip's $60M Infusion: African Tech Eyes the AI-Designed Chip Revolution
AI, Deep Tech, Machine Learning breakthroughs

Cognichip's $60M Infusion: African Tech Eyes the AI-Designed Chip Revolution

Cognichip secures $60M Series A funding, spearheaded by Seligman Ventures and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, to revolutionize AI chip design with its ACI platform. Disco

Apr 3, 2026
6 min read • •
AI's Golden Handcuffs: Why Niche Innovation is the New Black for Startups in 2026
Startups

AI's Golden Handcuffs: Why Niche Innovation is the New Black for Startups in 2026

As of April 2026, AI startups face a commoditization threat. While funding soars, capital concentrates in foundation models. Discover why niche specialization,

Apr 1, 2026
7 min read • •
The 'Green Divide': Why Climate Tech Funds are Bypassing Africa's Urgent Needs (March 2026)
Business

The 'Green Divide': Why Climate Tech Funds are Bypassing Africa's Urgent Needs (March 2026)

As of March 2026, global climate tech funds see a rebound, but a stark investment gap persists in emerging markets like Nigeria. Explore the shift to debt finan

Mar 31, 2026
6 min read • •
Wahala in Washington: White House Battles States Over AI Control While Naija Leads the Pack!
Tech

Wahala in Washington: White House Battles States Over AI Control While Naija Leads the Pack!

As of March 2026, the White House pushes for federal AI preemption over state laws, creating regulatory tension in the US. Simultaneously, Nigeria leads Africa

Mar 30, 2026
7 min read • •
Agentic AI: Reshaping the Global Workforce by March 2026 – A Deep Dive into Automation, Displacement, and New Opportunities
Tech

Agentic AI: Reshaping the Global Workforce by March 2026 – A Deep Dive into Automation, Displacement, and New Opportunities

As of March 2026, Agentic AI is rapidly transforming global job markets. This report analyzes its impact on job displacement and creation, economic shifts, and

Mar 29, 2026
6 min read • •
Fintech's Grand Comeback: African Innovators Score Big, But Regulatory Gauntlet Looms Large in 2026
Startups

Fintech's Grand Comeback: African Innovators Score Big, But Regulatory Gauntlet Looms Large in 2026

Discover how Africa's fintech sector is rebounding in March 2026, with surging innovation and a significant shift towards debt funding, despite persistent regul

Mar 26, 2026
6 min read • •
Beyond Huawei: FCC Extends 'Covered List' to All New Foreign Routers in Pivotal Cybersecurity Move
Cybersecurity & Tech Policy

Beyond Huawei: FCC Extends 'Covered List' to All New Foreign Routers in Pivotal Cybersecurity Move

U.S. FCC bans new foreign-made routers effective March 2026, citing national security risks and cyberattack involvement. China controls 60% of the U.S. home rou

Mar 24, 2026
6 min read • •
Nigeria's Digital Battleground: How AI is Fueling a Cyber Arms Race, Leaving Citizens Vulnerable in 2026
Tech

Nigeria's Digital Battleground: How AI is Fueling a Cyber Arms Race, Leaving Citizens Vulnerable in 2026

As of March 2026, Nigeria is at the forefront of an escalating AI-driven cyber arms race. Discover how sophisticated AI attacks are targeting Nigerian organizat

Mar 24, 2026
6 min read • •
Africa's AI Showdown: Regulation vs. Innovation in a $1 Trillion Race
AI & Deep Tech

Africa's AI Showdown: Regulation vs. Innovation in a $1 Trillion Race

Africa is at an AI crossroads in March 2026, debating regulation amidst a surge in innovation. Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are leading policy efforts to go

Mar 21, 2026
7 min read • •
African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2026: Catalyzing Innovation and Inclusive Growth from Silicon Valley
Global African Tech Diaspora

African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2026: Catalyzing Innovation and Inclusive Growth from Silicon Valley

The African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS26) in March 2026 will bridge Africa and Silicon Valley, focusing on innovation, investment, and inclusive growth

Mar 20, 2026
6 min read • •
The Quiet Revolution: Bolt's Electric Keke and the Future of African Ride-Hailing
Mobility Tech

The Quiet Revolution: Bolt's Electric Keke and the Future of African Ride-Hailing

Bolt launched electric tricycles in Lagos in April 2025, expanding its EV footprint. These green kekes offer private, affordable rides (₦2,000) with battery swa

Mar 19, 2026
4 min read • •
The African Tech Revolution: How Games and Apps Are Reshaping the Continent's Economic Future
Digital Economy & Innovation

The African Tech Revolution: How Games and Apps Are Reshaping the Continent's Economic Future

Africa's gaming market hit $1.8 billion in 2024, projected to reach $10 billion by 2033. Mobile app development fueled $4.1 billion in tech startup funding in 2

Mar 18, 2026
5 min read • •
How X Transformed: Key Factors Behind the Loss of Verification Credibility
Mobile World

How X Transformed: Key Factors Behind the Loss of Verification Credibility

X.com (formerly Twitter) in March 2026 faces financial swings, with 2024 revenue at $2.5B and 2025 projected at $2.9B. Advertising revenue is set to hit $7.2B i

Mar 17, 2026
4 min read • •
GSMA Coalition to Pilot $40 Affordable 4G Smartphones in Nigeria and Five African Markets.
Mobile World

GSMA Coalition to Pilot $40 Affordable 4G Smartphones in Nigeria and Five African Markets.

The GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition is piloting $30-$40 4G smartphones in Nigeria, DRC, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, aiming to connect an additi

Mar 17, 2026
4 min read • •
Zimbabwe Launches National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030 to Drive Digital Transformation
Tech Development

Zimbabwe Launches National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030 to Drive Digital Transformation

Zimbabwe launched its National AI Strategy 2026–2030 on March 13, 2026, aiming to drive digital transformation and economic growth. The strategy focuses on six

Mar 16, 2026
4 min read • •
Nigeria's Tech Retail Landscape Grows with New Apple Authorised Reseller Hub in Lekki
Tech Retail & Consumer Electronics

Nigeria's Tech Retail Landscape Grows with New Apple Authorised Reseller Hub in Lekki

iStore Lekki has upgraded to an Apple Authorised Reseller in March 2026, bolstering Nigeria's tech retail landscape. The Nigerian consumer electronics market, v

Mar 15, 2026
4 min read • •
African Startup Funding Trends Show Shift to Debt, Nigeria Reports Slower January Inflows
Funding & Startups

African Startup Funding Trends Show Shift to Debt, Nigeria Reports Slower January Inflows

African startups raised $4.1 billion in 2025, a 25% jump, with debt financing surging 63% to $1.6 billion. In early 2026, total funding for Jan-Feb reached $575

Mar 15, 2026
5 min read • •
Nigeria's External Reserves Surpass $50 Billion, Highest in 13 Years, Citing Economic Reforms
Business & Ecosystem

Nigeria's External Reserves Surpass $50 Billion, Highest in 13 Years, Citing Economic Reforms

Nigeria's external reserves hit a 13-year high of $50.45 billion by February 2026, driven by economic reforms, orthodox monetary policies, and a 200% surge in c

Mar 14, 2026
3 min read • •
Nigeria's Creative Tech Boom: Female Voices Lead Skit Industry, AI Transforms Lagos Nightlife
Entertainment

Nigeria's Creative Tech Boom: Female Voices Lead Skit Industry, AI Transforms Lagos Nightlife

Nigerian entertainment thrives in March 2026 with female skit makers driving a ₦50 billion industry and AI-powered innovations transforming Lagos nightlife, whi

Mar 14, 2026
4 min read • •
West Africa's Digital Revolution: ECOWAS Unleashes Open Data Power & Unified Identity in 2026
Tech Development, Politics & Business

West Africa's Digital Revolution: ECOWAS Unleashes Open Data Power & Unified Identity in 2026

As of March 2026, ECOWAS is accelerating its digital transformation, establishing a regional open data ecosystem and advancing identity integration through the

Mar 14, 2026
7 min read • •
Nigeria's Financial Sector Soars: Historic Recapitalization Drive Bolsters Capital Adequacy and Attracts Billions in Fresh Investment
Business

Nigeria's Financial Sector Soars: Historic Recapitalization Drive Bolsters Capital Adequacy and Attracts Billions in Fresh Investment

Nigeria's financial sector demonstrates strong capital adequacy in March 2026, with 30 banks meeting the CBN's N500bn minimum capital requirements. Investment i

Mar 14, 2026
7 min read • •
Nigerian Fintech Nomba Enables Direct UK Bank Payments for Businesses Through New Partnership
Fintech Innovation

Nigerian Fintech Nomba Enables Direct UK Bank Payments for Businesses Through New Partnership

Nigerian fintech Nomba partners with UK's Volume to enable direct GBP bank payments for businesses, slashing transaction fees from 7% to ~1%. This Open Banking

Mar 13, 2026
5 min read • •
Beyond Borders: Nigeria, Ghana Prioritise Sahel Security Amid Escalating Threats and ECOWAS Reforms
Politics & Government

Beyond Borders: Nigeria, Ghana Prioritise Sahel Security Amid Escalating Threats and ECOWAS Reforms

Nigerian and Ghanaian Foreign Ministers met in March 2026 to discuss West African security, ECOWAS, and the escalating Boko Haram threat. Over 100 Nigerian sold

Mar 13, 2026
4 min read • •
Beyond Foreign Aid: Falana Calls on Nigeria to Emulate Iran's Indigenous Defense Strategy
Policy & Tech Innovation

Beyond Foreign Aid: Falana Calls on Nigeria to Emulate Iran's Indigenous Defense Strategy

Femi Falana advocates for Nigeria to emulate Iran's indigenous defense strategy, urging reduced reliance on the US for security. Nigeria's 2026 budget allocates

Mar 13, 2026
4 min read • •
Nigeria Joins INTERPOL-Led Worldwide Crackdown On Fraud Networks, 45,000 Sites Shut Down, 94 Arrested
Cybersecurity & Digital Security

Nigeria Joins INTERPOL-Led Worldwide Crackdown On Fraud Networks, 45,000 Sites Shut Down, 94 Arrested

Nigeria played a key role in INTERPOL's Operation Red Card 2.0 (Dec 2025 - Jan 2026), contributing to 651 arrests, $4.3M recovered, and over 1,000 fraudulent so

Mar 13, 2026
4 min read • •
Nigeria's CBN Writes AI into its Anti-Money Laundering Rules in a Historic First
AI & Automation

Nigeria's CBN Writes AI into its Anti-Money Laundering Rules in a Historic First

Nigeria's CBN has issued new guidelines on March 10, 2026, mandating all financial institutions, including banks and fintechs, to integrate AI and Machine Learn

Mar 12, 2026
3 min read • •
Africa's Cloud Frontier: The Scramble for Local Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Growth
African Tech Infrastructure

Africa's Cloud Frontier: The Scramble for Local Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Growth

Explore Africa's booming data center market, the push for digital infrastructure, and how local cloud solutions are driving economic growth and data sovereignty

Mar 12, 2026
3 min read • •
Nigerian Tech Startups: Is Fintech the Only Game in Town?
Nigerian Fintech Innovation & Investment

Nigerian Tech Startups: Is Fintech the Only Game in Town?

Explore why fintech dominates Nigeria's tech ecosystem. Discover the drivers behind its rapid growth, massive funding, and the innovative founders shaping its f

Mar 10, 2026
2 min read • •