By Adedapo Adesanya

Brand strategist and member of the ForbesBLK Community, Mr Emmanuel Dairo, has joined Huemaine Media Consult as the firm’s Brand Manager.

Huemaine Media Consult is a media/public relations agency and creative firm based in Lagos and represents three of the world’s most recognizable brands exclusively in West Africa: Forbes Africa, Emirates, and Ethiopian Airlines, along with several other remarkable brands.

According to Mr Dairo, this new chapter marks an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a team of forward-thinking professionals to elevate brands, craft compelling narratives, and drive impactful strategies that resonate with audiences.

“I am honoured to contribute to such a prestigious portfolio and excited to help these brands continue to thrive in the region.”

With over five years of experience in creative marketing, PR, and brand building, he will bring a mixture of integrated marketing techniques to position the businesses for effective delivery.

“I’m eager to bring my expertise to this innovative organization. Together, we’ll push boundaries, deliver measurable results, and create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences,” he said.

“A heartfelt thank you to the management of Huemaine Media Consult for believing in my vision and abilities. I am truly honoured to take on this role and excited for the journey ahead. Here’s to creating, inspiring, and growing!” the statement added.

Mr Dairo was awarded the winner of the professional services category at the 25under25 Awards held in October 2022 and joined ForbesBLK, a platform and community that amplifies the voices of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders, and creators in 2023.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigerian human resources management company, SeamlessHR, has raised a $9 million Series-A extension round, three years after it raised $10 million Series A funding.

The company plans to use the new funding to drive its expansion across Africa, which may include acquisitions.

The fresh funding was backed the Gates Foundation and Helios Digital Ventures. This is a change from the norm as the raise in 2022 was led by TLcom Capital, with significant contributions from Capria Ventures, Lateral Capital, Enza Capital, Ingressive Capital, and some private investors.

The startup builds world-class cloud solutions to help organisations manage most HR processes on one platform, will be looking to acquire a firm in Nigeria and set its sight on new frontiers in Southern and East Africa.

The new round of funding brings SeamlessHR’s total fund raised to about $25 million.

Before it raised the $10 million in 2022, it raised an undisclosed seed round from the same investors and Consonance Investment Managers in 2020. SeamlessHR, founded in 2018, raised a $150,000 pre-seed round from Tofino Capital and Ventures platform in 2019.

Announcing the raise, Mr Emmanuel Okeleji, SeamlessHR’s Co-founder and CEO said the raise will allow it to continue serving both private and public entities.

“Over the last 5 years, we have expanded across the continent to become the dominant HR and Payroll Software for medium to large enterprises in Africa.

“While we continue to accelerate our work to optimize workforce productivity in both the public and private sectors across the continent, much of our attention will also be on empowering hardworking Africans with responsible credit products that will help them use their employment as collateral to enjoy a better life,” he said.

SeamlessHR comprehensive suite of tools covers everything from core HR functions and performance management to payroll and recruitment. In 2024, they added an e-procurement platform to their product offerings.

Among some of its customer base including PwC, Sterling Bank, and Lagos Business School as well as entities in Ghana and Tunisia.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday named four new principal officers, following the impeachment of the former Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday.

Mr Obasa, who was ousted as Speaker in absentia, a position he has held for the last nine years, was replaced by Mrs Mojisola Meranda (APC-Apapa 1).

Mr Obasa was impeached on Monday over alleged gross misconduct by 32 out of the 40 members.

The Clerk of the House, Mr Lekan Onafeko, was also suspended over alleged gross financial impropriety.

The House also dissolved all the standing committees inaugurated by the former speaker.

On Friday, Mrs Meranda, while presiding over plenary as Speaker, said the appointment of new officers arose from the change in the leadership of the House.

“The House has named Mr Temitope Adewale (APC-Ifako-Ijaiye 1) as the new Majority Leader, while Mr Adedamola Kasunmu (APC- Ikeja 1) is the new Deputy Majority Leader.

“This House has also named the Chief Whip, Mr Setonjo David (APC-Badagry 2), while the Deputy Chief Whip is now Mr Babatunde Saani (APC-Kosofe 2),” she said.

Before Mr Obasa’s impeachment, Mr Mojeed Adams was the Majority Leader, while Adedamola Kasunmu was the Deputy Leader.

Mr Mojeed Adams, the new Deputy Speaker, was the former Chief Whip, while Mr Setonji David was the Deputy Chief Whip.

Business Post reports that three lawmakers, primarily Mr Obasa, Mr Adams and Mr Akinsanya, were absent at the first plenary presided over by the new leadership.