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The Product Odyssey: Oluwafunke Akingboye’s Leadership in Tech

Oluwafunke Kofoworade is a dynamic and passionate Product Manager with five years of experience in driving product innovation and delivering human-centered solutions. She is currently the Lead Product Manager at Regaleon, a Lagos-based technology and creative powerhouse revolutionizing how digital services are built and experienced in Africa. At Regaleon, Oluwafunke plays a central role in aligning digital product strategy with user needs, leading cross-functional teams, and crafting delightful user experiences across web, mobile, and enterprise platforms.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Product Management, and what keeps you passionate about it?

I’ve always been fascinated by how people interact with digital products. Initially, it started with analyzing mobile apps—figuring out what made some intuitive while others felt clunky. That curiosity evolved into a mission: to create experiences that solve real-world problems. As a Product Manager, I find immense joy in the impact we create. At Regaleon, we build products that help businesses operate more effectively while leaving a human touch—something we call “putting a smile” on the user’s face.

What challenges have you faced as a Gen Z building your Product career in Africa, and how did you overcome them?

One major challenge was access to mentorship and structured learning opportunities early in my career. I turned to online resources, communities, and side projects to gain experience. It also wasn’t easy to be taken seriously in executive conversations, but I learned how to lead with value, present data, and always let the product speak for itself. With time and consistent delivery, I earned the trust of stakeholders.

What makes a great Product Manager, and what advice do you have for aspiring young professionals?

A great Product Manager is empathetic, data-informed, and outcome-driven. Empathy lets you connect with your users, data helps you validate decisions, and a focus on outcomes keeps you aligned with business value. My advice? Start small—build things, break them, learn fast. Join communities, seek feedback, and never stop being curious. Your soft skills matter just as much as your technical abilities.At Regaleon, you work in a very dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment.

How do you align product strategies with such diverse verticals?

Regaleon is truly unique. Our entrepreneurial culture means we’re constantly innovating across IT, engineering, and digital media. It requires staying agile and deeply listening—to users, clients, and the market. I begin every product with discovery sessions that cut across departments and industries. The goal is always the same: identify pain points and solve them in a way that feels intuitive and impactful. Whether we’re designing an app interface or launching a video ad tech product, we ensure the solution creates a moment of delight—a smile.

What tools or trends have significantly influenced your product practice?

Tools like Jira, Figma, and Notion have become staples—they make collaboration seamless. I also stay tuned to trends like no-code/low-code platforms, AI-assisted product development, and accessibility-first design. These have enabled me to deliver faster and more inclusive solutions, particularly useful in an emerging market context.

How do you balance creativity and functionality in your role?

Balancing both starts with understanding the user’s core need. At Regaleon, we never create for the sake of aesthetics alone. My approach is “function-first, delight-second.” Once the backbone is solid, I work with our designers to inject beauty into usability. For example, in one recent logistics solution, we simplified the UI while retaining backend power—resulting in 40% faster onboarding for SMEs.Collaboration is crucial in product development.

How do you work with engineers, marketers, and designers?

Collaboration is where the magic happens. I make it a point to involve all stakeholders early. Engineers help validate technical feasibility, designers bring in empathy and creativity, while marketers ensure messaging is aligned. At Regaleon, we function more like a startup incubator—agile, quick to pivot, and driven by feedback loops. I facilitate cross-functional meetings, retrospectives, and design sprints that promote transparency and collective ownership.

What’s your next goal as a Product Manager?

My next goal is to lead Regaleon’s expansion into AI-driven digital products. I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of product leaders in Africa. There’s so much raw talent on the continent, and I want to help create the platforms and resources that empower them to thrive.

What’s your vision for the future of product leadership in Africa?

I envision Africa not just as a consumer of tech but as a creator of world-class digital solutions. The challenges we face here are unique, and solving them requires localized thinking and bold innovation. I see product leadership evolving into a strategic function, with PMs driving change not just in startups, but in government, education, and infrastructure too.

Lastly, any advice for young Nigerians looking to get into Product Management?

Learn by doing. Start with side projects, internships, or volunteering. Study products you love—reverse-engineer them. Build your communication and stakeholder management skills. And most importantly, believe that your ideas matter. Africa needs builders, and the time to start is now.

Burna Boy: Arrested Police Escorts Speak On Cubana Club Shooting

The Police escorts attached to Nigerian Grammy award-winning singer Damini Ogulu popularly called Burna Boy have broken silence over firing shots at fun-seekers at the Cubana Club in victoria Island, Lagos.

This comes barely a week after the married woman involved in the shooting incident gave her own version of the details of what transpired at the club in a series of social media posts.

Speaking with Vanguard, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said the arrested police escorts, during interrogation, denied firing shots at the party and insisted that the bullet fired was not from their rifles.

The policemen were said to have argued that there were other uniformed policemen within the premises of the club when the incident happened.

The Police Public Relations Officer added that they have resorted to carrying out a ballistic investigation on the escorts’ riffles to know if they fired any shots or not.

Muyiwa Adejobi said: “Policemen attached to Burna Boy are under investigation because of the shooting at the club. Detectives have not been able to get the person who pulled the trigger because the policemen denied doing so.

“We have resorted to carrying out ballistic investigation on their rifles, to know if they fired any shot or not. They said they did not fire a shot but we just can’t believe the claim. We need an expert opinion to determine that. The outcome of the result will determine either to exonerate them or to nail them.”

SAHARA REPORTERS PUBLICATION ON LT GENERAL T.Y. BURATAI (RTD) IS A SMEAR AND FABRICATED TALE

MY attention has been drawn to a recent publication on webpage of sahara reporters titled “EXCLUSIVE: Anti-graft Agency, ICPC Uncovers Billions In Cash Meant For Arms, Ammunition To Fight Boko Haram In Abuja Home Of Ex-Chief Of Army Staff, Buratai”which was published on23/06/2022.

I have gone through the said Publication and have interfaced with Ambassador T.Y.Buratai and can authoritatively say the content of the publication is false, concocted and malicious.

It is on record that on or about 5th April 2018 President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the purchase of equipment worth $1bn for the military through the Ministry of Defence.It is a fact that first batch of Six Super Tucano fighter jets arrived Nigeria July 22, 2021 while final batch of the 12 A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets arrived October 18, 2021. No Arms fund is ever missing contrary to some previous mischievous publications.

For the records no such amount (#850M or any similar sum) was found with Ambassador Buratai nor does he have any Aide bearing such name. Ambasador Buratai has no office or house in Wuse Abuja(address not supplied by SR) nor does he have any bulletproof cars, BMW, G-Wagon (Particulars of vehicle not also supplied by SR) worth N450m and neither is ICPC investigating any such.

We view this as an orchestrated act aimed at tarnishing the image of LT General T.Y Buratai and we shall take all legal steps to hold the publishers accountable for such grievious character assassination on the image of LT.T.Y Buratai(RTD).

Sgd

OSUAGWU Ugochukwu ESQ

Legal Advisor to LT General T.Y Buratai(RTD)

FG Move To Enforce NIN Linking On Sports Betting AccountsSports Betting in Nigeria

Online sports betting customers in Nigeria may henceforth have an additional hurdle to cross as the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to ensure gamers link their accounts with their National Identity Numbers.
Naija News understands that the resolution was reached on Thursday, June 23 after the lower chamber of the National Assembly read and assented to a motion by the member representing Ifo/Ewekoro constituency in the 9th National Assembly, Ibrahim Isiaka.

The Ogun State lawmaker explained in the motion that the global gaming market is undoubtedly a huge one estimated to generate between $400 to $500 billion yearly and with the consistency of the current trends, by 2022.

He observed that the platform is set to be worth around $565 billion with increasing amounts of revenues coming from online gaming in its many forms.

Isiaka expressed concerns that the customers are mostly anonymous, noting that with the level of transactions, it is risky to have poor data.

“Mindful that with age-restricted businesses like casinos and online gaming platforms, the critical barrier to entry for customers is age and identity verification, therefore there is an increased need for such verifications in virtual situations in order to secure both the customers and the operators.

“Imperative for regulators to place a premium on data security of gamers and gaming operators and one readily available way to achieve this is to integrate the National identity Numbers (NIN) into the data collection of both new and existing customers,” the lawmaker was quoted as saying during a plenary.

Naija News understands that Isiaka’s motion was received by his colleagues without hesitation.

The House has since directed the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to ensure that all gaming operators in Nigeria integrate the National Identity (NIN) in their data collection.

The House also mandated the Committee on Governmental Affairs to ensure compliance.

Naija News recalls that the Federal Government had sometimes in May through the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), vowed to weed out some Sports betting companies in the country.

The decision was taken following the discovery of some sports betting companies operating in Lagos State with forged permits.

NLRC Director-General, Lanre Gbajabiamila, in a statement made available to newsmen through the commission’s spokesperson, Magnus Ekechukwu, said some officials of the defaulting companies have been arrested and would be made a scapegoat to their likes still ghosting around.

Gbajabiamila said that the Commission will deploy every available legal instrument to weed out all criminal elements operating within the Nigerian gaming industry.

He reiterated that the arrested criminals are being prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who could be nursing similar ideas.

Tragedy As Flood Sweeps Student into river In Ikare, Ondo State

A student of Mount Carmel Girls’ Secondary School in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Motunrayo John, has been swept away by flood at a location close to a river called Dada.

The incident happened after the victim, who is in Junior Secondary School 3, had left the school premises after closing hours. She was said to have dipped her legs into the heavy flood in an attempt to know the depth.

According to an eyewitness account, the victim had lost balance and was already carried away by the flood into the river before help could reach her.

Read Also: President Buhari Sends Ministerial List To Senate For Screening

The spokesperson of Ondo State Police Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with Channels Television.

Odunlami described the incident as very unfortunate, noting that parents and guardians should always caution their children and wards from taking such dangerous acts.

She, however, disclosed that a search and rescue operation for the student has commenced, expressing hope that she would be found.

Akeredolu begs International Bodies For Help – Says terrorists lurking in Nigeria forests

The Governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu has said that terrorists have taken over the forest in Nigeria.
Akeredolu, while receiving members of the Council of All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan, who came on a condolence visit, called on the international community to come to the aid of the country.

The governor said: “We have terrorists in Nigeria. We need the world to assist Nigeria.

“If Nigeria doesn’t want it, Ondo State wants it. They still attacked somewhere in Ogun State recently. There are terrorists lurking in our forests.”

Akeredolu tabled his complaint on the same day President Muhammadu Buhari directed increased kinetic and non-kinetic efforts to trace and bring back the 51 or more kidnapped railway passengers still being held by terrorists.

Families of the released victims have also complained that their loved ones are mentally unstable, sick, traumatized and hospitalized due to harsh conditions faced while captured.

Nigerian Army releases statement on Major who committed suicide

The Nigerian Army (NA) has said that late Major Udiandeye Jeremiah Udiadenye who recently committed suicide had “an unblemished career” and was “never court-martialed” before his demise.

In a statement on Tuesday evening by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, authorities said the late officer who sadly terminated his life in Kaduna State, never needed to face any disciplinary process.

“The Nigerian Army (NA) has observed an obnoxious insinuation making the rounds on social media, alleging that late Major Udiandeye Jeremiah Udiadenye, terminated his life through suicide, because he was being interrogated or investigated by a military court martial in 1 Division, Kaduna,” the statement reads.

“Having lost one of its finest officers, the authorities of the Nigerian Army feel deeply concerned that unscrupulous persons under whatever guise would employ such sad occurrence to malign their own Army. Nevertheless, for the sake of posterity, it needs be mentioned that the late senior officer had an unblemished career in the military and never needed to face any disciplinary process.

“Until his demise, he was the Commanding Officer of 167 Special Forces Battalion at Giri in the FCT from where he led special operations to various commands including 1 Division.

“An appropriate Board of Inquiry has been instituted to ascertain what led to the tragic incident and its report will guide the NA on subsequent actions and measures to take to forestall a recurrence.

“The NA belongs to the Nigerian people and remains obligated to work along established guidelines as a responsible corporate entity. The general public is urged to disregard the ignorant piece making the rounds please.”

Outrage As Anambra Education Commissioner Calls Jobseeker ‘Idiot’, Government Reacts (Audio)

Government of Anambra has disclosed that an insulting statement made by Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the commissioner for education, was provoked by an applicant’s “uncouth” language.

TRIXX NG recalls that there were reports over the weekend that there was chaos in Nnewi, one of the venues for the second phase of the teacher recruitment exercise examination, which held on Saturday.

A voice recording, which has now gone viral, is said to be that of the commissioner speaking to an applicant for the teaching position on the exercise.

“Madam, you’re an idiot. You mean the computers are doing what? I received a report by 12 noon that you people refused to stand in line; you refused to be identified; you mobbed and you were all trying to get into the hall at the same time,” the voice said.

“You refused to be disciplined, up till this moment. And you have the effrontery, you stupid woman, to call me on the phone to talk rubbish. Will you get out of my phone, you filthy thing?

“You really want to be a teacher? How will you tell your students to conform to instructions when you cannot stand in line and move into the hall? You came for a test that will make you a teacher and you’re behaving like hooligans.”

Listen to the audio here.

Reacting, the governor’s spokesperson identified as Christian Aburime via a statement said Udeh’s remarks were provoked by the language of the said applicant.

“While the applicants at the Nsugbe Center sat for and ended their own examination at about 4:00 pm, those at the Unizik Center ended theirs by 3:30 pm, with some candidates joining them from the IDK learning Center, Awka,” the statement reads.

“Nnewi candidates did not commence their examination at the appropriate time owing to all manner of inappropriate conduct exhibited by some of the applicants. Not withstanding, they were eventually allowed to write the examination late in the evening.

“In respect to the video making the rounds on the social media space, members of the public need to be aware that it was an edited excerpt from a private phone conversation by an applicant who obviously failed the examination and out of frustration resorted to cursing and abusing the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and the Commissioner for Education.

“The Commissioner’s comments were as a result of the uncouth language used by the applicant against the person of the Governor of Anambra State and other unprintable words hurled at the Commissioner.

“As public officers operating in the public space, the Commissioner has apologised for her inappropriate choice of words used in the said voice note.

“However, it is pertinent to reiterate that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo remains committed to the well being of Ndi Anambra and will not be distracted in availing deserving qualified teachers the opportunity to serve Anambra State and contribute in shaping the future of our children.

Fred Chukwuelobe wrote

Still on the audio tapes of Anambra State Commissioner for Education…

We always expect so much from our public officers, but we are willing to give less.

Bloomberg Interview: Buhari Evades Question On Blasphemy Killings In North

President Muhammadu Buhari may have missed an opportunity to assure the international community and Nigerians that the Federal Government is capable of quelling the recent rise in blasphemy-related killings and attacks and its threat to the country’s unity.

Buhari failed to satisfactorily respond to two questions posed to him by Bloomberg on how he feels about the killings and whether or not the country’s long-standing religious divisions could be worsened by them.

Bloomberg had asked “Are you concerned that people accused of blasphemy still get stoned to death on the streets in northern Nigeria?” and “What do these long-standing religious divisions mean for Nigeria’s future?”

The medium asked the questions against the backdrop of the lynching and burning of a Christian girl, Deborah Yakubu Emmanuel, a second-year student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto in May 2022.

A Muslim man, Ahmad Usman, was also recently stoned and burnt to death in Abuja over allegation that he blasphemed against Prophet Muhammad.

Two weeks ago, a sex worker in Lagos State was killed by one of her patrons for keeping the Quran in her room. A nurse, Rhoda Jatau, was also reported to have escaped lynching in Warji, Bauchi State, in a suspected blasphemy case.

These and other similar incidents are believed to have worsened the underlying ideological differences that the northern and southern parts of the country have struggled to close since the country gained independence in 1960.

Buhari, in the interview, avoided talking about the blasphemy killings which had triggered an outpouring of anger from religious and civil associations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, Amnesty International, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, and the Northern States Christian Elders Forum, amongst others.

The president merely repeated an earlier statement about citizens’ responsibility for law and order:

Bloomberg had asked: “Are you concerned that people accused of blasphemy still get stoned to death on the streets in northern Nigeria? What do these long-standing religious divisions mean for Nigeria’s future?

Buhari’s response: “No person has the right to take the law into his or her own hands.

“Christianity and Islam, our two Great Faiths and their Great Books have far more in common than they have apart. Nigeria has a long tradition of tolerance that we must draw on, and we must strive to find common ground. What comes out of this tragedy is to cherish what we share, while at the same time respect our differences.”

The president’s response to Bloomberg was no different from his reaction to the killing of Deborah Samuel contained in a statement issued by the State House on May 13, 2022.

Ex-Emir Of Kano, Sanusi Announces Change Of Name

Ex-Emir Of Kano, Sanusi Makes ‘Big’ Announcement After Alleged Support To Peter ObiHH Muhammad Sanusi II
Deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll has declared officially that he no longer goes by the name Sanusi Lamido Sanusi but HH Muhammad Sanusi.
The former Central Bank Governor made the clarification in reaction to a viral statement credited to him that endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

The viral post reported in some quarters had Sanusi hailing Obi as the best candidate to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari come 2023.

The report also had the elite downgrading the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, and his counterpart from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, describing the duo as unfit to rule Nigeria.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, by the Chief of Staff to the 14th Emir of Kano, Munir Sunusi Bayero, Sanusi warned that he did not write the viral post.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to an article circulating the online media space analysing the motives of the three presidential candidates in the 2023 elections.

“We would like to emphatically state that this was not authored by His Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II as is being widely attributed.”

Bayero noted that the former CBN Governor does not bear Sanusi Lamido Sanusi anymore.

“Consequently, given the need to set the records straight, we hereby state for the benefit of those unaware that the Khalifa is not officially called Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, but as HH Muhammad Sanusi II.”

The statement further urged citizens to scrutinise any information on social media, stressing that Sanusi has no affiliation with the viral article which carries his former name.

“We staunchly continue to place our faith and trust in Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) to continue guiding His Highness Sanusi as an elder statesman in his socio-economic Advocacy for all Nigerians, Africans and humanity in general,” the statement added.