The Pitch for Grants & Support contest is set to showcase two ambitious entrepreneurs, Boluwatito Hector and Ogunlana Gift, as they compete for the ₦250,000 cash prize in an intense LIVE WhatsApp pitch event on March 15, 2025, at 10 AM Nigerian time. Each contestant will answer five key questions, with three minutes to respond per question, as they try to convince the audience and judges that their business deserves the funding.

Meet the Contestants

Boluwatito Hector is bringing innovation to the food industry with his Food Delivery App, a seamless platform connecting customers with vendors, restaurants, marts, pharmacies, and even local farmers. The app allows users to browse, order, and manage carts across multiple vendors, ensuring transparent pricing and convenience. With the growing demand for digital food services, Hector’s business is positioned to make a significant impact on the market.

Ogunlana Gift, on the other hand, is a roadside food vendor who has built a thriving business by providing affordable and delicious local meals. With a strong focus on fast service, accessibility, and quality home-cooked meals, Gift’s business serves working-class individuals and commuters daily. Her pitch will highlight the importance of scaling small food businesses, creating employment, and preserving Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage.

How the Winner Will Be Decided

The winner will be determined based on public comments and private judges' evaluations, with the official announcement set for April 1, 2025. Audience engagement is key, as every comment will contribute to selecting the most compelling pitch.

Note: A 10% administrative fee will be deducted from the ₦250,000 cash prize, meaning the final winner will receive ₦225,000.

Who will capture the judges' and audience’s hearts - Hector’s tech-driven food solution or Gift’s grassroots food business? Join the WhatsApp LIVE event and witness the battle for funding!

* Date: March 15, 2025
* Time: 10 AM (Nigerian Time)
* Platform: WhatsApp LIVE

Let the best pitch win! 

Get ready to experience the most dynamic business show of the year, Cruising with CEOs, launching in November 2024. This innovative show takes you on a journey like no other - literally! Each episode will feature top-tier CEOs from various industries, interviewed while cruising through town. These influential leaders will share their personal stories, entrepreneurial insights, and business expertise, offering an unparalleled look into what it takes to succeed in today's competitive world.

At Cruising with CEOs, we don’t do interviews in boardrooms. Instead, we hit the road and create a relaxed, engaging environment where CEOs can open up and share their stories in a candid, informal setting. Each episode is a 30-minute ride with a top executive, discussing key skills that employers are looking for, the latest trends in business, and their personal journey to success. This isn't just a show about business - it’s about leadership, resilience, and how to thrive in challenging environments.

The show is part of the Jobshow brand and is set to air on radio, satellite TV, YouTube, and social media platforms, reaching a wide and diverse audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals eager to learn from the best.

Benefits for CEOs and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For CEOs:

Share Your Story: CEOs get the opportunity to talk about their business journey in a unique and engaging way, connecting with an audience that’s eager to learn from their experiences.
Brand Exposure: Featured CEOs will gain visibility across multiple platforms—TV, radio, YouTube, and social media—expanding their personal and corporate brand.
Networking and Collaboration: Cruising with CEOs offers a platform for collaboration with like-minded business leaders, fostering partnerships and new opportunities.
For Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

Real-Life Insights: Learn firsthand from top CEOs about the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business. Gain insights into leadership, decision-making, and industry trends that can help you grow as an entrepreneur.
Practical Advice: Each episode offers takeaways on the skills that employers are looking for, how to build a business, and tips on how to navigate the ever-changing market.
Opportunities and Resources: The show will also spotlight hybrid/remote job opportunities and provide information on grants available for startups, helping you take actionable steps toward your business goals.

Why Follow Cruising with CEOs?
Inspiration for Growth: Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Cruising with CEOs will give you actionable advice from leaders who have made it to the top.

Unique Format: Our show goes beyond traditional interviews, taking viewers on a fun, candid ride with CEOs. This format encourages honest conversations, full of valuable insights.

Opportunities for Job Seekers and Startups: In addition to business tips, the show will advertise hybrid and remote job opportunities, giving viewers access to career advancements. Aspiring entrepreneurs can also learn about grant programs that support startup growth.

Exclusive Content: Each CEO brings something different to the table, from insights on leadership to stories of overcoming adversity, making every episode a must-watch for anyone interested in personal and professional growth.

Cruising with CEOs will launch in November 2024 and run through November 2025. Be sure to follow us on YouTube, social media, and stay tuned for broadcasts on satellite channels and radio stations. We’re excited to have you along for the ride—whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a business leader looking for inspiration.

Subscribe to our channels and be the first to know when we’re hitting the road with top CEOs from around the world!

Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, a Chinese company embroiled in the contentious seizure of Nigerian assets, has recently confiscated another Nigerian jet, this time in Canada. This latest action follows the seizure of three Nigerian presidential aircraft by a French court in favour of Zhongshang, stemming from a dispute with the Ogun State Government.

In a surprising move, Zhongshang decided to release one of the three seized aircraft as a goodwill gesture, coinciding with a scheduled meeting between President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron. On Monday, Tinubu travelled to France aboard the Airbus A330 business jet that was returned by the Chinese firm, amid ongoing controversies surrounding its acquisition.

Recently, Zhongshang also received documentation from Canadian authorities in Montreal, authorising a change of custodian for a Bombardier 6000 BD-700-1A10 aircraft. This follows a Quebec court ruling empowering Zhongshang to seize the jet from Nigeria.

The company has been aggressively enforcing arbitration awards exceeding $70 million against Nigeria, resulting in the confiscation of numerous Nigerian assets abroad. These include two properties in Liverpool, a Dassault Falcon 7X in Paris, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus A330 valued over $100 million, with the Bombardier 6000 in Canada being the latest addition.

On March 21, 2024, Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec rejected Nigeria’s bid to retain ownership of the Bombardier 6000 jet, which was purchased for $57 million by Dan Etete, a fugitive, following his receipt of over $350 million from the corrupt sale of the OPL 245 oil field in 2010.

With the ongoing asset seizures and legal battles, will this latest confiscation by Zhongshang exacerbate the diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and China?

Qatar Airways Group has taken a significant step in expanding its influence across the African continent by acquiring a 25% stake in Southern Africa's leading independent regional airline, Airlink. This move aligns with Qatar Airways' ongoing strategy to enhance its operations and cement its position as a key player in Africa's economic and business landscape.

Airlink, which services over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, will see its existing code-sharing partnership with Qatar Airways further strengthened by this investment. The collaboration is set to advance Qatar Airways’ growth strategy in Africa, underscoring the airline’s commitment to driving economic progress on the continent.

Commenting on the acquisition, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, stated: "Our investment in Airlink underscores the crucial role Africa plays in our future growth plans. This partnership not only reflects our confidence in Airlink as a resilient and financially robust company but also highlights the immense potential of the African market, which we are eager to help unlock."

Airlink's Chief Executive, Rodger Foster, welcomed the partnership, saying: "Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a strong endorsement of Airlink's business model and the markets we serve. This investment will accelerate our growth by enhancing operational efficiencies, increasing capacity, and expanding our marketing reach. It will also strengthen the partnerships Airlink has cultivated over the years."

The partnership will also align the loyalty programs of both airlines, integrating Qatar Airways Privilege Club with Airlink Skybucks.

Qatar Airways currently operates flights to 29 destinations in Africa and has seen considerable growth in the region, with new routes added to its network since December 2020, including cities such as Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt, alongside the resumption of services to Cairo and Alexandria.

The Jobshow Billionaires Index offers a comprehensive look at the world's wealthiest individuals, updated daily at the close of trading in New York. Here’s the latest ranking of the top billionaires, detailing their net worth, recent changes, and primary industries.

Elon Musk - $244B
Elon Musk tops the Jobshow Billionaires Index with a staggering net worth of $244 billion. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has seen his fortune rise by $6.91 billion recently and an impressive $14.6 billion this year. Musk’s wealth is propelled by the soaring value of his technology ventures, including advancements in electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. His leadership in revolutionary sectors continues to drive his net worth upward, reflecting his substantial impact on the tech industry. Musk’s innovative pursuits and ambitious goals keep him at the pinnacle of global wealth.

Bernard Arnault - $201B
Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, holds the second spot on the Jobshow Billionaires Index with a net worth of $201 billion. Despite a recent $2.16 billion increase, Arnault’s wealth has decreased by $6.31 billion year-to-date. As the leader of the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate, Arnault’s fortunes are closely tied to the consumer market's performance. His influence spans high-end fashion, cosmetics, and fine wines, with his wealth reflecting both market fluctuations and the enduring appeal of his luxury brands. Arnault remains a key player in the global consumer sector.

Jeff Bezos - $200B
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, stands at $200 billion on the Jobshow Billionaires Index. His net worth grew by $770 million recently and by $23.4 billion this year, driven by Amazon’s continued dominance in e-commerce and cloud computing. Although Bezos stepped down as CEO, his substantial holdings in Amazon and Blue Origin, his space exploration company, ensure his place among the richest. His investments in various tech-driven ventures and his philanthropic efforts further contribute to his considerable wealth, underscoring his significant influence on both technology and retail industries.

Mark Zuckerberg - $188B
Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), ranks fourth with a net worth of $188 billion. Despite a recent drop of $1.38 billion, his wealth has surged by $59.5 billion this year. Zuckerberg’s fortune is largely derived from Meta’s success and its ambitious investments in virtual reality and the metaverse. His leadership in social media and technology innovation continues to shape digital communication and online engagement. Zuckerberg’s financial trajectory reflects both the challenges and opportunities within the tech sector, solidifying his position among the world’s wealthiest.

Bill Gates - $159B
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, holds a net worth of $159 billion, making him the fifth wealthiest person on the Jobshow Billionaires Index. Recently, Gates’s wealth decreased slightly by $95.6 million, but he has seen an $18.6 billion increase this year. Gates’s fortune is predominantly linked to his significant Microsoft shares and his extensive philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His impact on technology and global health initiatives remains profound, with his financial position reflecting both his enduring success in tech and his commitment to social causes.

While the top spots on the list are dominated by tech giants from the United States, notable shifts in wealth distribution and industry dominance reveal intriguing trends.