By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The desire to expand access to clear energy for millions of Nigeria has spurred Baobab Plus Nigeria to partner with LAPO Microfinance Bank.

With this collaboration, Baobab+ solar products such as Solar Home Systems, Solar Generators and Solar Power Stations will be available to more Nigerians through flexible financing plans provided by LAPO Microfinance Bank.

With this reach extended to over 100,000 local communities in rural and peri-urban areas, including individuals, families, and small business owners, who face energy insecurity and high electricity costs, can now enjoy reliable and renewable energy at affordable rates.

Baobab+ Nigeria is a leader in solar energy and digital inclusion. It is committed to accelerating access to clean and affordable energy solutions across the country.

Joining forces with LAPO Microfinance Bank is strategic because the small lender is the largest microfinance institution in Nigeria with over 500 branches in 34 states, including the FCT, Abuja, and 6 million active clients.

With over three decades of experience in providing financial services to low-income individuals, LAPO Microfinance Bank boasts of an expansive branch network and deep community trust.

Through this collaboration, customers will be able to walk into any LAPO branch and finance Baobab+ solar products through convenient repayment plans tailored to their income level.

“At Baobab+, our mission has always been to democratize access to clean energy and digital technology, especially for underserved populations.

“Through this partnership with LAPO Microfinance Bank, we are bringing that mission to life by offering more people the opportunity to power their homes and businesses sustainably and affordably,” the chief executive of Baobab+, Mr Kolawole Osinowo, stated.

On her part, the Managing Director of LAPO MFB, Ms Cynthia Ikponmwosa, said, “LAPO Microfinance Bank began its journey into the sustainability space as far back as 2012, with initiatives focused on financial inclusion and environmental responsibility.

“This partnership marks a new phase in that journey, enabling us to finance clean energy solutions that improve livelihoods, reduce carbon footprints, and close the energy access gap for millions of Nigerians.”

Business Post reports that this launch comes at a crucial time when over 86 million Nigerians continue to face the challenges of inconsistent electricity supply, fuel price volatility, and rising energy costs.

Baobab+ solar solutions not only provide an environmentally friendly alternative but also help reduce daily operational costs for small businesses and improve the quality of life for households.

Baobab+ and LAPO Microfinance Bank partnership reinforces both organizations’ commitment to empowering Nigerians with innovative solutions that bridge the energy access gap and drive inclusive growth. Essentially, access to energy is also a foundational driver of economic development, health, education, and social inclusion.

The 2025 edition of the iconic Ojude Oba Festival has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most impactful cultural events in terms of media performance, with strong local resonance and measurable international interest. A comprehensive report released by P+ Measurement Services, a Lagos-based independent media intelligence consultancy, offers a data-driven audit of the media footprint of the festival based on media data harvested from June 1 to June 23, 2025.

Analysis reveals that the Ojude Oba Festival maintained a healthy media sentiment profile. 60% of the coverage across print, broadcast, and digital platforms was classified as positive, citing the festival’s vibrant cultural displays, its economic impact on Ijebu Ode, and the successful coordination of high-profile participation. Thirty percent of the content was neutral, focused on news reportage and factual event summaries. Only 10% of total coverage recorded negative sentiment, primarily tied to logistics such as congestion, travel delays, and crowd management.

Geographically, 85% of media exposure originated from Nigerian media, driven by extensive coverage from national and regional outlets such as Channels TV, The Guardian, Arise News, Tribune Online, and Ogun State Television. The remaining 15% of the coverage came from international outlets including CNN, BBC Africa, Africa News, and Reuters, signifying a growing appetite for Nigerian cultural content on the global stage. The United Kingdom, France, the United States, Ghana and South Africa were identified as key foreign media sources contributing to the international spread of the festival’s image.

In terms of media distribution, online and digital platforms led by a wide margin, accounting for 70% of total media mentions. The near-real-time amplification of festival highlights via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and blogs significantly shaped the public conversation. Print media retained relevance with 20% of the total share, focusing on pictorial storytelling and editorial features, while broadcast channels, including live event coverage and cultural documentaries, made up the remaining 10%.

The cumulative global media reach of Ojude Oba 2025 was recorded at 124,833,210 individuals, according to analytics pulled from social listening and media database indexing. This figure indicates substantial public engagement and a rising interest in Yoruba traditions, particularly among diaspora communities and heritage tourism advocates.

Among the most visible search terms and hashtags that drove engagement during the festival period were #OjudeOba2025, #IjebuHeritage, #AwujaleLive, #IjebuOde, #FestivalOfColors, #CulturalHeritage, and #AfricanCulture. These were not only driven by official media coverage but also by influencer marketing, user-generated content, and brand activations tied to the event.

Corporate sponsorship played a key role in shaping the visibility and tone of the media narratives. The top five most-mentioned brands during the festival period were Globacom, Goldberg (Nigerian Breweries), Orijin (Diageo Nigeria), FCMB, and Rite Foods (producers of Fearless and Bigi). Their presence was amplified through branded installations, promotional giveaways, community initiatives, and high-visibility event partnerships, reflecting the festival’s growing significance as a strategic marketing platform.

Ojude Oba’s media performance in 2025 points to three key outcomes: the event is not only a vibrant cultural expression but also an evolving asset for cultural diplomacy, brand storytelling, and heritage-based tourism development. The favorable sentiment score (60%), significant audience reach (124 million+), and expanding global footprint suggest that the festival is well-positioned to attract more structured public-private investments.

From a strategic communication standpoint, P+ Measurement Services recommends that the festival’s PR team prioritize four core focus areas going forward:

1. Advance Digital Integration: Strengthen cross-platform storytelling using influencers, vlogs, and immersive content formats (e.g., 360° video, virtual parades).
2. Global Syndication Strategy: Deepen relationships with international media correspondents and diaspora cultural platforms to drive sustained coverage before and after the event.
3. Media WatchDog Sentiment Monitoring: Implement near-real-time crisis response frameworks with media monitoring services support for managing potential risks like crowd control incidents or political hijacking of narratives.
4. Data-Driven Brand Partnerships: Encourage sponsors to activate with community-focused narratives and measurable ROO outcomes to build long-term association equity.

As Nigeria continues to redefine its cultural exports and tourism offerings, Ojude Oba Festival stands out as a case study in leveraging tradition for modern relevance, media amplification, and brand alignment. The 2025 media footprint confirms its status not just as a celebration of heritage, but as a powerful soft power tool with growing international appeal.

In the world of jewelry wholesaling, Wholesale Beads Charms are like sparkling pearls, connecting designers’ creativity with customers’ excitement. However, with countless suppliers out there, how do you find the “right” partner? A high-quality supplier isn’t just a guarantee of jewelry quality—it’s the foundation of your business success. Many buyers face a dilemma: low-priced sources often compromise on quality, while high-priced suppliers may not deliver value for money. Is there a way to strike the perfect balance? Don’t worry! This article shares 5 practical tips to help you lock in a top-notch Wholesale Beads Charms supplier!

925 Sterling Silver Crystal Bead Charm

Issue 1: Unclear Supplier Credentials, Making Quality Hard to Trust?

Newcomers to jewelry wholesaling are often overwhelmed by the flood of supplier information. Some suppliers have flashy websites but lack proper credentials; others offer tempting prices but deliver subpar products. How can you cut through the confusion and find a trustworthy partner?

Solution: Thoroughly Vet Supplier Credentials

A reliable supplier is like a sturdy tree—only a strong foundation yields thriving branches. When choosing a Wholesale Beads Charms supplier, prioritize checking their business license, industry certifications (like ISO certification), and export qualifications. Request relevant documentation through their official website. Additionally, review customer feedback and case studies, especially those involving high-value jewelry like engagement rings. A supplier with transparent credentials ensures the quality of your jewelry.

Issue 2: Limited Product Variety, Unable to Meet Diverse Needs?

The jewelry market changes rapidly, and consumer demand for Wholesale Beads Charms is incredibly varied—from minimalist engagement ring pendants to vintage-style beads, everything needs to be fresh and unique. If a supplier offers limited products, how can your inventory keep up with trends?

Solution: Choose Suppliers with Diverse Product Lines

An exceptional supplier is like a treasure trove, brimming with creative inspiration. Prioritize suppliers with broad product lines that cover not only Wholesale Beads Charms but also rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other accessories. These companies typically have robust design and production capabilities, allowing them to quickly adapt to market shifts. For example, some suppliers regularly launch jewelry accessories themed around engagement rings, helping you tap into the lucrative wedding market. Before placing an order, request a product catalog to confirm their inventory meets your diverse needs.

Issue 3: Balancing Price and Quality, with Profit Margins Squeezed?

In jewelry wholesaling, price and quality are like two ends of a scale—tip too far one way, and you lose balance. Low-priced Wholesale Beads Charms often lack quality, while high-priced sources can erode profit margins. How do you find a cost-effective supplier?

Solution: Compare Multiple Quotes and Test with Small Orders

Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, explore several options. When screening suppliers, contact 3-5 companies, request quotes, and compare their prices, materials, and craftsmanship. For instance, with 925 sterling silver Wholesale Beads Charms, suppliers may vary widely in plating techniques or gem-setting methods. After reviewing quotes, select 1-2 suppliers for small-batch test orders to evaluate product quality and shipping speed. Think of test orders like trying on a wedding dress—only by experiencing it firsthand can you know if it’s the right fit for your jewelry business.

Issue 4: Unstable Delivery Times, Disrupting Sales Plans?

Picture this: your new engagement ring collection is about to launch, customers are eagerly waiting, but your supplier fails to deliver on time. Such delays not only derail your sales plans but can also cost you customers. How do you ensure stable delivery schedules?

Solution: Define Contract Terms and Assess Supply Chain Strength

Time is money, especially in jewelry wholesaling. Choose a supplier as carefully as you’d select an engagement ring, thoroughly evaluating their supply chain capabilities. Ask about production timelines, shipping methods, and whether they support rush orders. Before signing a contract, clarify delivery deadlines, penalties for delays, and return/exchange policies. Top Wholesale Beads Charms suppliers typically have stable production facilities and logistics networks to ensure timely deliveries. Also, inquire about their performance during peak and off-peak seasons to avoid disruptions during busy periods.

Issue 5: Poor After-Sales Service, Increasing Procurement Risks?

Jewelry wholesale orders often involve thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Without solid after-sales support, quality issues or shipping disputes can leave buyers in a tough spot. How can you reduce procurement risks and partner with confidence?

Solution: Prioritize Suppliers with Robust After-Sales Systems

After-sales service is like a jewelry warranty—it reflects a supplier’s commitment. When selecting a Wholesale Beads Charms supplier, prioritize those with clear after-sales policies. For example, do they offer a 7-day no-questions-asked return policy? Is there a dedicated customer service team to handle quality issues? Do they provide quality inspection reports for high-value items like engagement rings? Test their responsiveness and problem-solving attitude by reaching out via phone or email. A supplier with a strong after-sales system makes your procurement process smooth and stress-free.

14K Gold 6mm Flower Belly Button Ring

About JewelryODM

JewelryODM is your trusted online jewelry wholesale marketplace, dedicated to providing global buyers with high-quality jewelry accessories and one-stop procurement solutions. Whether you need wholesale sterling silver charm bracelets, wholesale body jewelry, or other trendy pieces, our extensive product line offers exceptional quality and competitive prices. Backed by a robust supply chain and comprehensive after-sales service, JewelryODM empowers your jewelry business to soar!