The Science of Trade Conference 2025, organised by Dr. Inya Lawal, Founder of the Ascend Studios Foundation, concluded an impactful three-day gathering at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos. This event brought together government officials, trade experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers from across Africa and the diaspora, emphasising the theme “Access to Market” and highlighting Africa’s potential as a global leader in innovation, sustainable production, and inclusive economic growth.

The conference commenced with a significant ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the 7th anniversary of NICERT, Nigeria’s certification body. Annabel Kamuche, Group Managing Director of NICERT, emphasised the importance of certification for African products in the global market, stating,

We started NICERT because we believed African products could compete globally if they met the right standards. Today, our accreditation is a bridge—connecting small businesses to the world.

NICERT also offered three free HACCP certifications and provided essential guidance at their exhibition booth throughout the conference.

During the launch and official opening of the Nexus of Nature Hub, Ms. Bisola Olusanya, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, highlighted the urgent need for urban-centered agricultural solutions. She emphasized Lagos State’s commitment to building resilient food systems, stating,

Nature-based solutions and regenerative farming are no longer a luxury but a necessity in cities grappling with population growth and climate change. We must reimagine food production in a way that is climate-smart, tech-enabled, and community-driven. The Nexus of Nature is a prototype for the future of food in African cities.

Ms. Olusanya praised The Nexus of Nature Hub founder Olusola Sowemimo for fusing innovation with sustainability and reiterated the government’s support for private sector partnerships that empower smallholder farmers, women, and youth in agribusiness. 

On the second day, Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council, delivered a keynote address, stressing the importance of strategic partnerships and private-sector collaboration in expanding market access. JoEllen Gorg, Acting U.S. Consul General in Lagos, followed with a powerful message on “Strengthening U.S.–Africa Trade Ties,” reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting African small and medium enterprises.

Ayo Sotinrin, Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, delivered a keynote address during the Public-Private Synergy session, passionately discussing the need to unlock capital for Africa’s small-scale farmers and producers.

“The continent cannot scale trade without first empowering the base of its production pyramid,” he remarked. He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of African economies, yet financing gaps and infrastructure deficits continue to hinder value-chain development. 

Grassroots trade leaders also played a vital role in the discussions. Alhaja Adiat Apena, Iyaloja General of Ikeja, passionately advocated for women’s inclusion in trade, stating, “Market is money, and money is market. If we don’t open up access to women in trade, we’re shutting the door on half of Nigeria’s economy.”

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Her message resonated throughout the conference, underscoring the need for inclusive market access.

Another key highlight was the official unveiling of Chow Noodle Bar’s Ultimate Sauce, a flavour-packed innovation designed to elevate Africa’s fast-food experience. Victoria Ajayi, founder of Chow Noodle Bar, shared her inspiration behind the product, stating, “We created the Ultimate Sauce as a bridge between tradition and convenience. It’s bold, rich, and rooted in the flavours we grew up with—brought into every modern kitchen.” The session, themed “From Kitchens to Markets,” underscored how food entrepreneurs can scale authentically African brands that meet global demand without compromising cultural identity.

Also making its debut was Oyin Ade, a premium honey brand founded by actress and entrepreneur, Ade Laoye. The product launch captivated attendees with its story of purity, sustainability, and African pride. “Oyin Ade is more than honey; it’s a celebration of nature’s finest gift, packaged to global standards but inspired by our roots,” said Ade Laoye. With growing interest in clean, organic products, Oyin Ade signals a strong future for African wellness exports, positioning itself as a luxurious yet accessible staple in both local and international markets.

A standout feature of the conference was the inaugural Digital Trade Protocol Hackathon, launched by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr. Olusegun Olutayo, Senior International Trade Policy Expert, encouraged participants to think locally and build globally, stating, “What Africa needs for Africa is already in Africa. We must simply unlock it through strategy, partnerships, and belief.” After three days of intense collaboration and mentorship, the team Export PLUG emerged victorious, winning ₦20,000,000, 2nd Runner-Up Team GET AI won ₦10 Million E-Commerce Regulatory Sandbox Innovation Prize (courtesy of NITDA), while the most innovative team received an additional ₦10,000,000. Amazon Web Services also presented a special prize to the winning team.

Kryptr, led by CEO Emmanuel Tarfa, hosted two sold-out business masterclasses and a Business Support Grant Pitch Session, awarding ₦250,000 each to eight entrepreneurs, totalling ₦2,000,000. Winners included: SundryAgro Ltd, Mom and Me Whole Foods, Londya Foods and Farms Ltd, Unique Hybrid Agro Enterprises, Oyine Special Enterprise Ltd, Kayp Kehindephilp, Flinks Food and Beverage Industries Ltd, and  Sherrine Lynne Boseman-Rives.

Fashion entrepreneurs also made a significant impact during the FashionEVO session in collaboration with Olorisupergal and Made in Africa. FashionEVO is a platform for fashion business leaders and creatives. Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, the founder, highlighted the importance of African fashion, stating, “When we discuss African fashion, we’re addressing jobs, exports, identity, and legacy.” The session featured a fireside chat with Adenike Ogunlesi of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, who shared her inspiring journey in the fashion industry. Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi, Kola Kuddus, and a host of other panelists

Discussions included a provocative debate on the effectiveness of “Dancing Reels” in marketing, with judges awarding the FashionEVO grand prize of ₦500,000 to the Legs Apparel Fashion School team for their compelling arguments.

Adding to the conference’s focus on women’s empowerment, Mrs. Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Head of SheVentures, one of the conference sponsors, stated, “Supporting women entrepreneurs is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for economic growth. At SheVentures, we believe that empowering women in trade will unlock immense potential for innovation and job creation across Africa. The Science of Trade Conference provides an essential platform for these voices to be heard and celebrated.”

As Dr. Inya Lawal remarked, “Trade is the engine, but people are the power. What we’ve built here is a new trade ecosystem that puts Africans at the centre of their economic destinies. And this is just the beginning.” The Science of Trade Conference 2025 not only highlighted the importance of trade but also activated it, demonstrating that with certification, creativity, collaboration, and courage, Africa’s entrepreneurs can lead global conversations on their terms.

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The joy of relocating abroad is one thing, but the fear of losing your local number is another.

Losing a number can hurt, especially if you’ve been using it for years and it’s already connected to important aspects of your identity.

Relocating abroad shouldn’t cost you a number you’ve memorised and even shared with key figures in your network.

Here’s what to do if you’re worried that the network provider can disconnect you permanently for inactivity after an extended period of time — let’s say, two years.

READ ALSO: How to Share & Gift Data on MTN, Airtel, and Glo: Step-by-Step Guide

How to keep your number for different networks

Nigerian network providers have a service called ‘Keep My Number’. You need to subscribe and keep renewing the subscription so that your number will not be recycled.

Since there are different network providers, you’ll need to know the unique code for the network your number is registered on.

Check below for the main networks.

RECOMMENDED: MTN vs Glo Data Plans: Which Offers More Value?

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1. For MTN

If you are an MTN user, do these:

• Dial code *365#;

• Select your preferred option from one to three years;

• Pay.

Don’t forget to renew it when the due date is near.

EXPLORE: The Japa Dream: 5 hilarious struggles Nigerians face abroad

2. For Airtel

As an Airtel user, do these:

• Dial the code *494#;

• Select an option from one to three years;

• Pay with your airtime.

Ensure you have sufficient airtime to buy your preferred option.

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3. For 9mobile

If you have a 9mobile number you would like to keep, do these:

• Dial *539#;

• Select your preffered option;

• Pay.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer service line if there are any issues you encounter during the process.

READ ALSO: Thinking of moving back to Nigeria? Here’s how to reverse-japa

4. For Glo

And if it’s Glo you are using, follow these steps to keep your number active:

• Dial *312#;

• Select the Always On option;

• Pay.

It currently costs ₦500 for 365 days.

Always remember to link to your mobile number to your National Identification Number (NIN) for easy reconnection.

READ MORE: 7 Top reasons many Nigerians ‘Japada’—return home

We eat chicken eggs all the time, and turkey meat too, so what happened to turkey eggs?

Turkey eggs are perfectly edible, and according to those who’ve tried them, they taste quite similar to chicken eggs. They’re just a bit larger, with thicker shells and membranes. So why is it not readily available?

Well, it mostly comes down to practicality, cost, and supply.

1. Turkeys Don’t Lay as Many Eggs

One of the biggest reasons we don’t eat turkey eggs is that turkeys simply aren’t prolific layers. A healthy hen can lay an egg nearly every day, amounting to about 250 to 300 eggs per year. In contrast, a turkey lays just two eggs per week, which adds up to about 100 eggs per year at most. That’s a big difference if you’re running a farm and trying to make a living off egg sales.

ALSO READ: Never put eggs in the refrigerator – This is why

2. They Take Longer to Mature

Turkeys also take longer to reach egg-laying age, about seven months, compared to five months for chickens. Those two extra months mean more feed, more space, and more care without any return until later. For poultry farmers, that delay translates to added costs, making turkeys a less appealing option for egg production.

3. They’re Expensive to Raise

Turkeys aren’t just slower, they’re also bigger and more demanding. They need more room to roam and eat more than chickens. Turkey eggs are one of the unusual animal eggs you can eat, and for turkey, it means higher overhead costs for housing, feeding, and managing the birds, especially on a large scale.

4. Most Turkey Eggs Are Reserved for Breeding

There’s also the fact that turkey meat is in high demand. Turkey is the fourth most popular meat after chicken, beef, and pork. Since turkeys lay so few eggs, most of those eggs are used to breed more turkeys, not for consumption. Farmers are more focused on raising turkeys for meat than for egg production.

5. Cultural and Culinary Habits

Let’s not forget that habit and familiarity play a role, too. Chicken eggs have been a dietary staple across cultures for centuries. They’re the standard in baking, breakfast, sauces—you name it. Most people are used to the size, taste, and cooking behaviour of chicken eggs, and turkey eggs simply never had the same exposure.

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In conclusion, turkey eggs are edible, nutritious, and even enjoyable to eat, but they’re not practical for mass production. Chickens are cheaper to raise, lay more eggs more often, and are better suited to the scale of modern egg farming. That’s why, even though turkey eggs exist, they would be too expensive for most consumers.

ALSO READ: How to easily tell if an egg has gone bad