From the business of medicine to the intricacies of the legal profession and the budding local enterprises proudly showcasing premium ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods and services, BusinessDay, Nigeria’s foremost business and economy newspaper, continues to enlarge the scope of its coverage.
Through initiatives like the Frontline Health Facilities in Nigeria report, the Legal Business Dinner, and the Go Local Project, BusinessDay demonstrates an unwavering commitment to championing untold stories that drive Nigeria’s economy forward.
The Business of Medicine: Transforming Healthcare Narratives
Four years ago, in April 2021, BusinessDay pioneered a groundbreaking publication titled The Business of Healthcare in Lagos: 20 Frontline Hospitals. The objective was two-fold: to assess the durability of Lagos’ healthcare industry as a business prospect and to evaluate the quality of healthcare delivery within the state.
Femi Olugbile, a distinguished expert in healthcare, aptly described this initiative as an exploration of the ‘business of medicine.’ The 2021 report was a revelation, offering an in-depth analysis of healthcare facilities—from their business prospects to their service quality—and inspiring conversations about the future of healthcare in Nigeria’s economic capital.
Fast-forward to December 2024, BusinessDay, in collaboration with Olugbile, has taken this vision nationwide. The launch of the Frontline Hospitals in Nigeria report marks a pivotal moment in reshaping the healthcare discourse in the country.
Unveiled at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, this much-anticipated report x-rays the operational realities of 38 healthcare facilities across Nigeria, including general hospitals, specialist centres, diagnostic clinics, pharmacies, and ICT service providers.
This ambitious project moves beyond surface-level aesthetics to uncover the strengths, challenges, and opportunities within Nigeria’s healthcare sector. By spotlighting stories of resilience, innovation, and excellence, the report provides actionable insights for stakeholders—from policymakers to private investors—seeking to transform healthcare delivery.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
- Quality Assurance Mechanisms: There is a pressing need to integrate quality assurance frameworks into healthcare operations to ensure consistent and reliable services.
- Health Insurance Expansion: Universal health coverage can only be achieved through the expansion of compulsory health insurance schemes.
- Private Sector Participation: Increased investment and participation by private entities are crucial to bridging gaps in infrastructure and service delivery.
In an exclusive interview, Olugbile emphasised that the report serves as both a mirror and a roadmap for Nigeria’s healthcare sector. “We are not just documenting the state of healthcare; we are inspiring improvements and innovations,” he said.
By shedding light on these critical issues, BusinessDay’s report is not just a call to action but a beacon of hope for a more equitable and efficient healthcare system in Nigeria.
Legal Business: Partnering for Progress
The maiden edition of the Nigerian Legal Business Dinner, hosted by BusinessDay Media Limited in December 2024, was equally a groundbreaking event that underscored the interconnectedness of law, business, and media in fostering national growth.
Held in Lagos, the dinner brought together a distinguished audience of legal professionals, business leaders, media influencers, and thought leaders to explore the theme: Partnering for Progress. This initiative highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in driving ethical governance, economic development, and societal progress.
The headline sponsor of the event was Sparkle, a digital bank and others were Perchstone and Graeys, a commercial law firm and Eterna PLC, an integrated energy company
In his opening remarks, Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay, articulated the vision behind the event. “Sustainable economic growth relies on strong legal frameworks, ethical business practices, and responsible media. These pillars must work in harmony to drive progress,” he said.
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Keynote Address by Odein Ajimogobia, SAN
One of the evening’s highlights was the keynote speech by Odein Ajimogobia, SAN, a renowned legal expert and former minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Drawing from his extensive experience, Ajimogobia’s address, titled The Business of Law: How Media Shapes Legal Practice and Corporate Governance in Nigeria, spoke to the media’s pivotal role in upholding accountability, transparency, and justice.
“The media is not just a watchdog; it is a partner in ensuring that legal and corporate entities operate within ethical boundaries,” Ajimogobia remarked, commending BusinessDay for its dedication to journalistic integrity.
The event also provided a platform to celebrate excellence in the legal profession, with awards presented to outstanding individuals and organisations making significant contributions to Nigeria’s legal landscape. Networking opportunities abounded, fostering collaborations that promise to drive impactful changes in the coming years.
Go Local: Amplifying Made-in-Nigeria
The Go Local Project is BusinessDay’s flagship initiative aimed at promoting the ingenuity and craftsmanship behind Made-in-Nigeria goods and services.
From fashion and leatherworks (shoes, bags, bracelets) to agro-processing (cocoa-to-chocolate), adire textiles, Nollywood films, Afrobeats music, and local tourism destinations, this project shines a spotlight on Nigeria’s rich cultural and economic potential.
Why Go Local Matters:
- Economic Diversification: By promoting non-oil exports, the project contributes to diversifying Nigeria’s economy and easing the pressure on the naira.
- Job Creation: Supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) helps create jobs and foster local entrepreneurship.
- Global Recognition: Many Nigerian products are already gaining international acclaim. Go Local amplifies these successes, positioning Nigerian brands for greater global impact.
Success Stories:
- A Lagos-based chocolatier exporting premium cocoa products to Europe.
- An Abuja-based fashion designer whose adire creations are featured on international runways.
- Local tourism startups showcasing Nigeria’s hidden gems, from Yankari Game Reserve to Obudu Mountain Resort.
Through features, events, and campaigns, Go Local is not just a project; it is a movement that celebrates Nigeria’s potential while inspiring citizens to support homegrown businesses.
Conclusion: Pioneering a New Narrative
BusinessDay’s initiatives—from healthcare and legal business to Go Local—are more than journalistic endeavours. They are acts of nation-building, aimed at driving progress, fostering innovation, and amplifying untold stories.
By pushing boundaries and championing underrepresented narratives, BusinessDay is not just reporting on Nigeria’s economy; it is actively shaping its future.
As Nigeria navigates a rapidly changing global landscape, initiatives like these remind us of the power of storytelling to inspire change, build connections, and propel a nation toward its full potential. BusinessDay’s commitment to excellence ensures that these stories are not just told but heard, remembered, and acted upon.
With each report, dinner, and project, BusinessDay reaffirms its role as a leader in journalism, a catalyst for progress, and a champion of Nigeria’s untapped possibilities.
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