Several digital platforms have been launched to bring the world of tech closer to Nigerians in the world of education, sports and others as OGUNTADE ISMAILA reports.
In a landmark event that has been hailed as ‘Africa’s Silicon Valley moment’, Arigo Technologies, an indigenous firm founded by Dr Arinze Madueke, has made global history by simultaneously launching seven new digital platforms.
This unprecedented feat, a culmination of five years of work, is not just a business story; it is a declaration that Africa is no longer just a consumer of technology but a powerful creator and leader in the global digital economy. The launch, which drew top dignitaries, investors and media executives to Lagos, was a showcase of ambition and innovation.
The platforms are designed to tackle a diverse African challenges, ranging from commerce to sports and mental health. It also goes to proof that homegrown solutions can compete on the world stage.
A vision to solve real problems
According to Dr Madueke, the entire project was built on the foundation of solving what he called ‘real problems’ for people in Africa and the diaspora.
“I have been to places like San Francisco and London and I have never seen where what is happening today has happened before. We are particularly excited that this is coming from Nigeria, from Africa,” he said.
Each platform is a piece of a larger ecosystem with its own unique mission; for instance, MyArigo.com is a professional network and business marketplace created to build trust in online commerce. It verifies businesses to ensure that people buy from real sellers, whether in a remote market in Nigeria or anywhere. It also includes AI-integrated tools to help businesses with planning.
There is also FutbolConect.com which helps to overcome the struggle for young talent to gain visibility. It is an AI-driven scouting hub that connects aspiring African footballers directly with scouts, coaches and clubs in Europe and beyond. Miamour.me is another one built to address the alarming rate of divorce and mental health issues. The platform provides a confidential space for individuals and couples to seek therapy and counseling from professionals.
Ijeuwa.com: is a social media platform designed for real-time, authentic story-telling. Unlike platforms that thrive on controversy, this one focuses on sharing inspiring, genuine experiences and providing real-time information to users both in Nigeria and abroad.
There is CribsAndRides.com for luxury real estate and automobiles and Twy.app, an Agentic AI brand seamlessly integrated across all of Arigo’s platforms.
Combating ‘School is a Scam’ mentality
The launch also introduced a new online education platform, Able Global with the specific mission of revolutionising the education system and combating the growing sentiment that ‘school is a scam’ among many young people.
According to Mrs Madueke, “We believe that a person’s passion to learn should not die because they lack the funds.”
She said, “Able Global makes education pocket friendly with the only core requirement for entry being a stable internet connection.” This low-cost, high-accessibility model is presented as a crucial alternative to traditional schooling. The platform’s business model is centred on connecting students directly with reputable institutions.
“The institution will teach you by themselves,” the spokesperson said, highlighting that students are not receiving generic online content; instead, they are enrolled in and taught by the specific schools they choose, ensuring that the quality and credibility of their degrees are never compromised.
Mrs Madueke, while talking to Blueprint said, “Able Global is more than just an online learning space; it is a movement to empower people.”
She emphasised that the platform is a gateway to credible, world-class education, giving everyone the power to actualise their dreams, fueled by passion and unhindered by barriers.
A key feature that distinguishes ‘Able Global’ from conventional distance learning is its marketplace approach which allows users to choose the school of their choice from a variety of partner institutions from Bachelor to Doctorate.
Applauses and challenge to government
The launch drew immense praises from attendees who were astonished by the sheer scale of the achievement. Raph George, a sports journalist was completely blown away as he called the feat ‘unprecedented’. He specifically highlighted FutbolConect.com and EduGlobal.international for their potential to revolutionise their respective industries using AI and blockchain.
Mrs Ukah Medina of National Institute for Sports echoed this sentiment, stating that the launch proves Africa is no longer just a consumer of technology.
“This is a clear signal that we are now a creator and a leader in the global digital economy.” Uka added that the ambition of the project would inspire countless other entrepreneurs to think bigger and build for a global audience.
Dr Madueke, who said the platforms were developed over five years with intense testing, intellectual property, unquantifiable investment and personal sacrifice, praised the government’s current efforts to support the tech ecosystem.
However, he also called for more government involvement in technology events and a more enabling environment, including improved infrastructure and policy frameworks to help innovators and start-ups thrive.
The event concluded with a standing ovation, celebrating a moment that marks a significant step forward for Nigerian and African innovation on the world stage.