Skip to main content

International Ideas Month

March is International Ideas Month, and if there’s one thing we humans have in abundance, it’s ideas! From the roadside mechanic who can fix a Mercedes engine with just a spanner and determination, to the tech bros in Yaba building the next billion-dollar startup

In this blog, we’ll take a hilarious and insightful dive into how Nigerians contribute to the world of ideas. This creative madness fuels our daily lives, and how you can turn that random idea in your head into a global phenomenon.

Ideas come in different forms. Some are revolutionary, some are just vibes, and some will make you laugh till you cry. Let’s explore the different types:

 The "We Move" Ideas
Nigerians are the kings and queens of “we move.” Your business idea didn’t work? No wahala, we rebrand!
Selling clothes not working? You become a fashion stylist.
Uber business too stressful? You start selling the car parts instead.
Started a tech startup but no funding? No problem, you pivot to selling data bundles.
We don’t dwell on failure; we turn it into the next opportunity.

 The “Eureka!” Business Ventures
Nigeria is the home of problem-solving ideas. Think of pure water, keke napep, and Indomie joints—these things weren’t global innovations, but they were perfect for the Nigerian environment.
Power bank rentals – Because PHCN (NEPA) is not your mate.
Mobile tailors – Because nobody has time to sit in a shop waiting for measurements.
Jollof rice home delivery – Because who has the patience to start cooking when hunger is already doing high jump in your stomach?
Nigerians take everyday struggles and turn them into serious business!

The "This One No Be Business, Na Scam" Ideas
Let’s be honest, some ideas floating around in Nigeria are just straight-up hustles gone wrong. You know those people who sell “magic rings” that will make you rich overnight or those Instagram vendors that disappear with your money? 😂
We also can’t forget the legendary “investment platforms” that promise 300% ROI in one month—Nigerians love a good Ponzi scheme until it crashes!

Turning Your Idea Into Gold (Legitimately)
So, you’ve got an idea? Great! Here’s how you can make sure it actually works and doesn’t end up as just another abandoned project:
1. Solve a Real Problem
Don’t just copy what’s trending. Think about a real issue people face and find a creative solution.

2. Do Small Market Research (No Be By Vibes Alone)
Before you start, ask people if they actually need your product or service. If no one will pay for it, it’s just an expensive hobby.

3. Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Instagram, TikTok, Twitter—these are your free advertising tools. Nigerians love a good trend, so make your business catchy!

4. Find Partners or Sponsors
Nobody makes it alone. Find people who believe in your idea and can help push it forward.

5. Don’t Give Up (Even When NEPA Takes Light Mid-Zoom Meeting)
Resilience is key. Keep refining your idea, improving your business, and pushing forward. Success no be one-day thing!

Since March is International Ideas Month, let’s take a moment to celebrate all the brilliant Nigerian minds that have changed the game:
Chinedu Echeruo – Founded HopStop, which Apple bought for $1 billion.

Opeyemi Awoyemi – Co-founder of Jobberman, Nigeria’s biggest job site.

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji – Co-founder of Flutterwave and Andela, making payments seamless across Africa.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Not a businessperson but full of world-changing economic ideas!

International Ideas Month is the perfect time to reflect on your own creative genius and push that idea you’ve been procrastinating on. Whether it’s a new business, a tech startup, or a fresh take on an old industry, just start!

Do you have a crazy idea you’ve been thinking of? Share in the comments, and let’s see if we can turn it into the next big thing!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

February: A Gentle Reset

February arrives without noise. No rush. No pressure. Just a soft reminder that beginnings don’t always have to be loud. It’s the shortest month, yet it carries a quiet invitation: to slow down, to reflect, to choose differently. This month asks us to pay attention—not just to our goals, but to ourselves. To notice what drains us. To return to what grounds us. To let go of the weight we’ve been carrying unnecessarily. Growth doesn’t always look like dramatic change. Sometimes it looks like rest. Sometimes it’s saying no. Sometimes it’s choosing consistency over perfection. As February unfolds, may you move with intention. May you give yourself grace. May you trust that even the smallest steps are shaping something meaningful. A new month is here. Not to pressure you—but to remind you that you’re allowed to begin again. Welcome to February.
Post a Comment
Read more

Unending Joy for a New Year: Cultivating Happiness Beyond Resolutions

As the clock resets and a new year begins, it’s common to reflect on the past while looking forward to the future with hope and determination. While discussions often focus on resolutions, goals, and to-do lists, the greatest gift we can give ourselves is the pursuit of enduring joy. This is not just a fleeting happiness, but a deep-rooted contentment that sustains us through every season. Understanding Joy Beyond Momentary Happiness Joy and happiness are distinct yet interconnected experiences. While happiness often arises from external circumstances, people, or accomplishments, joy is a deeper, enduring state characterized by well-being and optimism. It remains resilient in the face of life's challenges and fluctuations. By cultivating joy, we can create a reservoir of strength, hope, and gratitude that supports us through both good times and bad. Embracing joy can significantly enhance our overall quality of life. Psychologists characterize joy as a positive emotional reaction t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Celebrating National Physicians’ Day: Honoring Our Everyday Heroes in White Coats

National Physicians’ Day is a special occasion dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the invaluable contributions of doctors to society. It's a day to celebrate the dedication, compassion, and expertise of physicians who work tirelessly to keep us healthy In Nigeria, the celebration often extends into a week-long event known as Physicians’ Week, organized by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). This week is filled with various activities, including: • Medical Outreach Programs: Doctors provide free medical consultations, distribute medications, and offer health education to communities, especially targeting the elderly and underserved populations. • Educational Seminars and Workshops: These sessions focus on current health issues, medical advancements, and strategies to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria. • Fitness and Wellness Activities: Recognizing the importance of doctors' health, events like indoor games and exercise sessions are organized to promote their well...
Post a Comment
Read more