10 Young Nigerian Web Celebrities To Watch
I’ve been wanting to write about this for some time now, but haven’t got the time. Trust me, I got my eyes everywhere, but haven’t decided to take a dive. Suddenly, I got the motivation to search and showcase Nigeria’s ten young web celebs to watch.
These people (guys and girls) are the sort I would be recommending to VCs and investors, should I by any chance be contacted by them. The list is an interesting mix of young Nigerian web entrepreneurs, start-up founders and social media players who are making a huge impact in Nigeria’s web/digital space.
So in no particular order, here comes my 10 Young Nigerian Web Celebrities To Watch:
Sokari Ekine
If you’re talking about who uses technology as a tool for social justice and human rights in Africa, Sokari would probably be mentioned in every citizen journals around the world. She has worked as Sub-Saharan Editor for Global Voices and more recently as Online Editor for Pambazuka News.
She is the founder of Black Looks, an award winning Pan-African feminist blog covering a range of Africa related issues. Sokari is quite rampant on the web, even on Kabissa, but doesn’t have a personal website. Hmm, just like Micheal Brock in John Grisham’s The Street Lawyer, advocating for the homeless, while he’s homeless.
Francis Oghuma
If Francis where to sell all of his ideas, he’d be a billionnaire by now. No kidding. He makes me feel like I have AIDS - Articulate Ideas Deficiency Syndrome. Just 23, he’s got the greatest PR skills I’ve ever seen. You need to see the crowd that follows him and his projects on Facebook.
When I first met him, I felt like I was sitting in front of Steve Jobs or Richard Branson. Francis is founder of Qubestreet, an emerging media empire that sure could compete with the world’s best. He’s just formidable. Find him on Facebook.
‘Gbenga Sesan
Profiled as one of the 35 icons of ICT in Nigeria, Gbenga has recieved all the ICT awards that exists, which means he would probably be nominated for the Crunchies soon.
I don’t know how Gbenga would spend time with his newly wedded wife, Temi, as his speaking engagements could probably take him to another planet or galaxy. As far as I know, he has spoken in over 20 countries both locally and globally where he expresses his passionate belief in the potentials that ICTs hold for developing economies.
With all of these, I still feel he hasn’t achieved all of his dreams. Just wait until he launches a web application that would get the world talking. I bet Google would be the first to make an offer, and that would definitely get Micheal Arrington to focus his posts more on African start-ups, which he rarely does. And then bring the first Crunchies Award home to Africa.
Temi Kolawole
Babcock University bred, Temi loves work so much that his girlfriend might soon leave him. That’s if she hasn’t already. Oh…Don’t worry dude, she’ll come back. Ha ha…
He founded Sturvs, Nigeria’s version of Digg and pulls a lot of amazing web design stunts at Antigravity Inc,. Temi has done some incredible websites that left my mouth open and dripping with saliva. And sure he’s made himself a fortune out of them high-profiled individuals and organisations.
I’m hoping to meet him at BarCamp Nigeria (re-scheduled for February 13th) and probably discuss his plans for a University of Web 2.0 (or was it an Institute for Open Source Applications?) in Nigeria which he promised us in my interview with him just after BarCamp Africa.
You’ll find his blog an exciting read!
Uche Eze
Uche might not be a web celebrity, but Bellanaija definitely is. Whatever you call her, she has probably become what Perez Hilton is to the Hollywood scene. Not the paparazzi part, though. But the celebrity & entertainment gists, event reviews, and a good dose of fashion and style tips that makes her fans get hooked to her site more than DSTv.
I wouldn’t be surprised if her fans have tatoos like “bellanaija” brandished on their bodies. To me, that’s how much of a celebrity she’s become in less than 3 years. With fancy eyes and a lovely face, Bellanaija reminds me of Nigeria’s ex-beauty queen, Bianca.
Uche owns Bellanaija.com, the most popular celebrity & entertainment website in Nigeria.
Seun Osewa
I hope Seun wouldn’t be offended if I say he has a seemingly cocky nature in the virtual world. Ok maybe he’s not that cocky in person unlike Micheal Arrington, who as some feel is arrogant, but Seun demonstrates ruthless confidence in his opinions and has a rare and radical view about most things.
Even though he’s been criticized by some people (I guess those he’s kicked their asses), he’s still a web icon to many others. Perhaps the most popular Internet celebrity, Seun has been hovering around the web like a spider even before Bill Gates sold those software chips to IBM. And he’s just 26? He must be 62.
Seun founded Nairaland since 2005 which has today become Nigeria’s largest online forum. Sometimes, I feel he knows everything on the web.
Paulette Erijo
Perhaps not very popular within Nigeria’s web space, Paulette is an emerging expert on Enterprise 2.0 and works as Beezbox Business Development Manager for Africa, an european-based start-up that provides unique social media platforms to business enterprises.
Paulette 2.0 (as I prefer to call her) prides herself as a professional person - by that I mean with the way she talks, walks, looks and works. I won’t be surprised if she eats professionally too. And here comes the best part - she knows every social media hide-out on the web.
Even though her laptop takes the better part of her, she’s still a huge fan of the NBA and stays up late to watch the games. Maybe she can get them to implement E2.0 tools into the game. Find her at her blog.
Lateef Olajide
Known as an Internet Marketing guru, Lateef knows his onions. I don’t know him too well as I’d like, but I love what he’s doing with his blog, InternetMarketingNigeria.com which provides tips and advice on the best web/email marketing practices ever and usually makes for excellent reading.
He has inspired so many people to become Internet stars through his speaking engagements and what’s more - Lateef has been recommended by Dr. Sunny Obaze, Nigeria’s renowned success and motivation expert and publisher of Success Digest Magazine.
Oreoluwa Somolu
If there was an award for the best rambling blog in Nigeria, Ore’s Notes would probably have won it several times since 2005. Oreoluwa is one of Nigeria’s early bloggers who shares her interests in books and the arts, life in lagos, non-profits, information technology, feminism and women’s rights, hair styles as well as travelling.
Ore’s recent pet project which I believe will make her famous and earn her ICT awards is W.TEC, an NGO that trains women to use web 2.0 technologies (or social media) to facilitate knowledge gathering and sharing for economic and social empowerment.
You can find her at her blog.
Samuel Odofin
You know that breed of billionnaires you never get to know about? The kind that buys companies, properties and stuff secretly? That’s what Sam is gradually becoming. In case you didn’t know, Sam owns Naijapals.com, Nigeria’s most popular social network.
Another dude I don’t know too well as I should, but he seems smart, innovative, ambitious and here comes the best part - simple. I like that.
***I hope you found this list an interesting read. Please understand if you’re not mentioned on the list. That’s cos I’m human:-) However, if you know anyone that should be on the list, don’t hesitate to add them in your comments***
Wow,Mr startups! thanks for the kind words….Papa Qube
Yes Boss Francis Oghuma!!!!!!…..I agree with you Mr Loy Okezie……Francis would soon burst out as a big name…..ts jus a matter of time ….QubeStreet Representing..One Luv
Interesting list you have here. While I have no idea the methodology used to select ‘who is who’, I have a few thoughts myself:
First, what does this statement mean: “Sokari is quite rampant on the web, even on Kabissa, but doesn’t have a personal website”? Hasn’t blogs taken over the role of personal websites?
2. Gbenga Sesan is perhaps the most authentic name on the list - whether one is looking at real IT skills or practical achievements.
3. What about Emeka Okafor of Timbuktu Chronicles or African Unchained? If there is somebody that has a staying power, and has used the web to advance the Pan-African cause, Emeka’’s the one.
4. The Nigeria web realm has the Nigeria Village Square, AfricanLoft and Shara Reporters — these sites are in their own ways authorities in what they do. They are multiauthored sites that have in place some web 2.0 functionality, good traffic and a page Rank of 5 or more. Disclaimer: the owner of AfricanLoft is a blood relative and active on his site, but that doesn’t mean I can’t mention him.
5. Kayode at Nigerianbloggers.com has a web hosting business — though on the quiet side lately — can be described as one of the pioneers of the Nigerian web community. He needs to be on the list.
NOTE: There should be little room for subjectivity, knowing the selection criteria you used will give the listing more authenticity, I think.
I feel honoured to be counted among this group. Thanks!
good info on all these guys.. 9ice one Loy… I see that you are still going strong..
still to come the very best of Francis Oghuma…..watch out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes the list is cool but it is not complete without the inclusion of Mr.Femi Lawal founder/Ceo of Mega Points International the Africa’s first independent A&R and promotion company.He has many great post and teaching about the music industry which we young Nigerian musicians have gain from also he has promoted many independent and unsigned musicians from Africa especially Nigerian. log on to google and type in his name or the company name Mega Points International or Africa’s first independent A&R company.To me he is a pan africa music entrepreneur to keep an eye on mark my word.He is a great brain to any one who have met him before and had any interaction with him.
pls find out about him and write something about him too.
LOL. Victor u dey vex gon o. It seems you didn’t see the phrase “young” in the title.
LOL. That was very funny Loy.
Loy…Francis Oghuma’s facebook page has nothing except his image (crowd & projects)????????
@Everyone - Thanks for your contributions.
@Victor - The methodology? Loy’s Webonomics. Haha…just kidding. Just my pick of people to watch in Nigeria’s web space (esp. those who have or who are creating an impact in the new media space)
You’re right about Emeka Okafor, but I hardly know him, though I see his impact with TED Conferences. But tell me - Is he someone to watch, or he’s already there?
“what does this statement mean: “Sokari is quite rampant on the web, even on Kabissa, but doesn’t have a personal website”? Hasn’t blogs taken over the role of personal websites?”
You’re right about this. But I meant a personal website/blog where she blogs her thoughts, interests, etc
@Temi - Yeah, some tonic to cool off your techy brains;-)
@Muzi - Yeah, that’s where he’s breeding his soldiers. His interview will be up here soon:-)
well, i praise all the above mentioned, but the fact remains that 90% of webmasters on that list are bloggers or forum security guards or should i say C.E.O…..Let me start with seun… i never knew nairaland exist until last year march 2008, and since then i have made researches on nairaland and why they have so many users, mehn i must say i respect the orginator(seun) he did a good job calling and keeping stubborn nigeria users, i even went to the extent in writing about Nairaland in my final year project at Portsmouth uni., its not that i love the site, but its the fact that the forum remains the only place where you find nigerians ( do you know nigerians are the hardest people on earth to convince?)
As for temi, hmm….i have been developing my company for the past 4 years,and since then i have had one mind “nigeria webmasters arent worth it, they are dull” the day i came across antigravityinc, mehn !! FOrget the fact that they have millions of client, am not even bothered about that, but what i love is the fact that they are consistent, reliable and focused on that goal { stomp the web world}…WHAT A RIVAL !! Gobbleaba is always watching !
These are the only 2 people i support on that list ! But i trust Loy’s judgement sha !! If they are worth been on startups nigeria, then they are worth been champions…..
Special advice to the top ten …keep ur head tight (the game is getting harder harder)
Wale - They are not “the top ten”, as you described. The post was meant to recognise their contributions to the Nigerian web industry.
Well….I believe this post would only encourge & motivate young web entrepreneurs.Thanks once again loy and other contributors.the best is yet to be seen.
adios
[...] (listed as one of Nigeria’s Young Web Celebrities to Watch) and I met up recently in Lagos where he shared with me his craze for social media, his stints for [...]
Loy, it’s great making your list. I felt honoured to be listed among great guys you have on your list here. But I think you flatter me. I am not a internet marketing ‘guru’. And never pray to be GURU. I am a specialist. My focus is on result.
Just to comment on what others are saying here.
List like this is expected to be controversial. And that’s the joy of a marketer. More debate means more exposure for your idea. Because people can not resist controversy.
Hope we meet soon.
Good posts saw you listed today on naijagal’s site excellent work
Hi Muzi, I am guessing you trying to connect? if so
francis.oghuma@qubestreet.com
Kind regards
Great list. Great ideas. Hope to make the list soon.
interesting post. def gotta keep my eyes on these folks. i can def vouch for temi of sturvs.com.
The list is ok although i really can only comment on a couple of them but i know loy is worth all of his reputation for mentioning them and just like somebody said the web / blog consciousness in nigeria is just catching up, a lot of guys ( and gals too) are really rearing to go so these group should not rest on their oars.
Kudos Mr Lateef the world is watching, just keep it up there.
I thank God we have people like theses whom we can see as mentors in this country. I am advising them to borrow a leaf from latife olajide so that in time to come they can look back and fill honored when they remember that there are people there they helped to be what they are. with that there is hope for us in this country.
Thanks for this post. But i want to remind you tha lot of work goes into digging out who truely are to be among the top ten. Anyway, you don a great work to have gone to extent exposing some brains in Naija.
Thanks for the post
Wonderful list, we are waiting for volume II. By the way, who owns LegWork.com.ng
The list really reveal the authorities in web/blog of a thing. However, i can assure you that the best is yet to come of Mr. Olajide Lateef.
Bravo ! Mr. Olajide Lateef keep the flag flying.
Missing out Emeka Okafor is a big one. Interesting list, not one that many will come up with. I like your work though and I am a big fan.
All of you don’t realize the title of Loy’s post has the word “young” in it. Emeka isn’t exactly young.
[...] I wrote about 10 Nigerian web celebrities to watch and that post drew a lot of mixed reactions from readers. I’m not sure if there’ll be a [...]
feeling this
`Its interesting how some people i know showed up on the list. Its a good source of encouragement for young web developers. Well don mr startup
wow! Thanks. The rest of the people on the list rock. Yeah, Emeka Okafor definitely deserves a mention. He has been a pioneer and visionary in the African web movement.