In a significant boost for Nigeria's entrepreneurial ecosystem, Traxis Magazine has emerged as a powerful platform championing indigenous innovation and economic growth. The publication, founded by Ijeoma Okonkwo, recently launched in Lagos with a clear mission: to amplify the stories of homegrown businesses transforming local resources into world-class products.
Spotlighting Indigenous Innovation
During the recent launch event in Lagos, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Ijeoma Okonkwo revealed that Traxis Magazine was conceived to provide sustained visibility for entrepreneurs who often struggle with limited access to funding and exposure. "As someone who has seen the hard work that goes into building a business, I realized that many entrepreneurs, after participating in exhibitions or trade shows, gain visibility only for a short period," Okonkwo explained.
She emphasized that the magazine specifically focuses on businesses that are 100 percent indigenous, sourcing raw materials locally and transforming them into competitive products. "Nigeria is a blessed nation with immense resources, and people are turning these into beautiful things. Our job is to make sure the world sees them," Okonkwo stated.
Strategic Expansion and Global Reach
The magazine has ambitious plans to extend beyond print media into digital storytelling and strategic partnerships. Okonkwo disclosed that Traxis will launch documentaries on YouTube and is working on collaborations with airlines to feature stories of African entrepreneurs during in-flight entertainment.
"We're also distributing Traxis across embassies, airports, high-end hotels, and lounges to reach high-net-worth individuals who understand and can invest in these brands," she added. This multi-channel approach aims to connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with global markets and potential investors.
Women Leading Economic Transformation
The event highlighted the crucial role women play in driving Nigeria's entrepreneurial landscape. Okonkwo noted that women have become key economic contributors through their ingenuity and perseverance. "Women do a lot of work. They are resourceful and able to create something out of nothing," she stated.
Princess Adeyinka, Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Happy Coffee, reinforced this message, emphasizing the importance of women entrepreneurs as role models. "It's very important for women to see role models who are working hard and building. Being Nigerian is the best thing in the world. What good would it do for us not to build the Nigeria of our dreams?" Adeyinka encouraged entrepreneurs to remain steadfast and mentally prepared for the challenges of business building.
Solving Real Problems Through Indigenous Entrepreneurship
The event also featured Chibueze Obinwanne, Co-founder of The Milkbooster, who demonstrated how indigenous entrepreneurship addresses critical national issues. His company, established to support breastfeeding mothers and reduce infant mortality, represents the broader potential of homegrown solutions.
"It's painful for a mom to carry a baby for nine months only for the child to have no food. That's the problem we solve," Obinwanne explained. He noted that since launching Nigeria's first human milk bank in 2022, the company has overcome infrastructure challenges, including electricity and cold-chain logistics issues.
The collective message from the Traxis Magazine launch was clear: Nigeria's entrepreneurial spirit is thriving, with indigenous innovators creating sustainable businesses that contribute significantly to national development while solving real problems faced by communities across the country.
