Nation-state actors have discovered that synthetic information campaigns can move markets faster than missiles. New intelligence reveals the scale, sophistication, and economic impact of AI-driven disinformation—and what organizations are doing to defend against it.
The Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria (IBMN), an institute designed to promote branding excellence and professional brand management in West Africa, is set to hold the 15th edition of the West Africa Brands Excellence Awards and West Africa Brands CEOs Awards 2026 on 27 February 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Event aims to identify and reward […]
The post IBMN holds West Africa Brands Excellence, CEOs Awards 2026 first appeared on Brand Network.
Several subsectors within the materials and chemicals industries (excluding pharmaceuticals, which we’ll cover in another blog post), are experiencing robust growth with a forecasted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) near 10% or greater. These high-growth areas are largely driven by a global push for sustainability, advanced technology, and evolving consumer demands.
Smartphones have quietly become the most valuable personal devices people own today. Beyond communication, they now function as wallets, offices, entertainment hubs, health trackers, and identity vaults. As their role in daily life has expanded, so too has the financial risk associated with damage, loss, or theft. This shift has propelled the mobile phone insurance market from a niche add-on into a rapidly scaling global industry.
According to BIS Research, the global mobile phone insurance market was valued at $41.15 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $126.24 billion by 2035, reflecting the growing need to protect increasingly expensive and indispensable devices.
Valentine’s Day is on Saturday. Everyone is looking extra nice this week and smiling. Nails done, outfits on point. Some people are mysteriously falling sick and taking some off days…
Someone has worn red too early. Someone is suddenly very helpful. Flowers will start arriving by Thursday. HR will pretend not to notice. And you, a focused and responsible 9–5 professional, are now unreasonably aware of one particular human being in the building.
Your office crush.
Before you do anything dramatic this week, let us offer gentle but urgent advice:
Ghost them!
(cue Show Dem Camp’s No love in Lagos)
Why Ghost Your Office Crush This Week?
Here’s the business case for ghosting them this week. Can you see my screen? Great.
1. We Are Still Recovering from January. Funds Are on Low Power Mode.
Let’s start with the economy.
I don’t know about you but January was long. The bills came with a vengeance this time. Data subscriptions increased without apology. And your bank app is still recovering emotionally.
Now is not the week to add:
Thoughtful Valentine’s gifts
Surprise lunch plans
“Let’s sit out after work” expenses
Romance is lovely but if you took our Financial Literacy Course, you will know that financial stability is lovelier.
2. Office Love 101: You Do Not Shoot Your Shot on Valentine’s Day
Except you’re a JJC, you should know that you cannot “declare” your intentions on Valentine’s Day.
That’s too much pressure. Your deliverables cannot even make your chest that tight. Besides, you know that if they don’t accept your “proposal” your Q1 and even Q2 will suffer.
If you confess feelings on a random Tuesday in March, it’s a conversation. If you confess on Valentine’s Day, it becomes an event.
Office love requires tact and patience. So, wait.
3. This Is the Week to Confirm Whether They Are Actually Single
Valentine’s week reveals truths.
Here’s how you can do your due diligence:
Make sure you can see their Whatsapp status. Monitor it more than your KPIs (after work hours o)
Check if they just got a haircut or hairdo. Are the nails done too? New shoes or perfume?
Observe any mysterious breakdowns. Are they suddenly down and need to take leave from Thursday to Friday?
Watch and see if they’re excusing themselves to answer calls in the corridor or if they’re smiling at their phone too much. KPIs have been set. There’s nothing to smile about now.
Data before drama. Assumption is expensive. Investigation is free.
Can you still see my screen? Okay. I’ll be faster.
4. You’re Not Even Sure You Like Them Yet
Have a one-on-one with yourself. Do you actually like them?
Or do you just like their aura, style, ideas or work efficiency or maybe how they say your name during meetings:
It could also be that they make work not so boring and tiring. Think about it well. When your week feels repetitive, anything slightly exciting feels like destiny.
Pause before you turn convenience into commitment.
But on the other hand, it is now VERY convenient to “sharply” apply for jobs on Jobberman. Less than 2 mins and you’re done. Try this one first.
Moving on…
5. Everyone is Watching and Screenshots Travel Fast During Peak Seasons
Nothing is ever truly “low-key” in a workplace. Your chats on teams or Slack are not private. This is peak season and people are looking for hot gossip. If you shoot your shot now even on Whatsapp, your office crush and their office bestie will exchange screenshots. Next week, your feelings may become public and everyone will start noticing how you always hug your crush differently.
Professional perception is long-term. If the relationship does not make it to the next stage, your walks around the office will be the walk of shame for a while. Protect your name.
I’m almost done with my presentation. Just two more points.
Besides, if you’re new to this whole corporate thing or you’ve decided that this year, you won’t cower for anybody, build your confidence with our Soft Skills Course. 2 hours only and you’re done. Good way to refocus, yes or no?
6. Don’t Play With Your Emotional Health. Think About Your KPIs.
Performance reviews do not care about your love life. Your company did not employ you to find love in the office.
Valentine’s week is still a work week. If anything, it is the week to double down on visibility, output and professionalism.
Let your excellence be louder than your crush.
7. Sometimes the Crush Is Just a Symptom
Here’s the real plot twist. Sometimes you don’t actually like them.
You’re just unchallenged, slightly bored, possibly feeling stuck and looking for a win or craving something new.Before you romanticise a colleague, ask yourself: Is it them… or is it that you need change?
If it’s the latter, look for courses to take on Jobberman
What to Do Instead This Week
Redirect the energy.
Update your CV.
Complete or refresh your Jobberman profile.
Apply for at least one opportunity that stretches you.
Sign up for a soft skills training that strengthens your confidence and communication.
Volunteer for a project that gives you visibility.
Again, it is now easier to apply for jobs on Jobberman. Exploring new opportunities no longer feels like a second full-time job. If what you are truly craving is excitement, growth or a better work environment, you can act on that.
And if your office crush is meant to be? It will survive one week of professional discipline.
But what do I know? I could be wrong. This is the end of my presentation. Any questions, comments or suggestions?
The post Tales from the Office: Why You Should Ghost Your Office Crush This Week appeared first on Jobberman Nigeria.
For decades, electricity grids were designed around a simple assumption: power flows one way, from large centralized plants to passive consumers. That assumption is now breaking down.
Climate volatility, aging infrastructure, electrification of transport, and the explosive rise of AI-driven digital infrastructure are forcing a fundamental rethink of how power is generated, distributed, and governed. In this transition, microgrids are no longer peripheral technologies. They are becoming core infrastructure assets—the control layer of a decentralized, resilient energy system.
Customer experience (CX) has moved far beyond a buzzword or a set of performance metrics. Today, it is one of the most powerful drivers of loyalty, advocacy, and long-term profitability. Brands that truly understand how customers feel, not just what they do, are the ones that succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Take Amazon and Starbucks as just two examples. Amazon consistently focuses on exceeding customer expectations. This dedication to optimising customer experiences has propelled Amazon to unparalleled success, with increased customer retention and substantial revenue growth.
The home services industry is huge and diversified, employing millions of workers and thousands of contractors and service providers. The market does feel the effects of recessions, but growth from 2025 to 2030 looks promising as the American housing stock ages.
From routine maintenance to complex renovations, the demand for professional home services is expanding, offering significant opportunities for businesses in this sector.
As the global push toward decarbonisation accelerates, renewable energy is no longer just about installing more solar panels or wind turbines. Behind the scenes, a quieter but powerful market mechanism is enabling this transition at scale — the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) and Credit Market. Often described as the “currency of clean energy,” RECs play a crucial role in monetising renewable attributes, ensuring transparency, and helping governments and corporations meet ambitious climate goals.
For most people, January is not a month of execution. It is a month of recovery, reflection and planning. Budgets are being set. Teams are finding their rhythm. Individuals are still figuring out what they actually want from the year.
That is why, for many careers, the year does not truly begin on January 1st. It begins when clarity replaces noise. And that moment is usually right about now.
If you are ready to reset, refocus and move forward intentionally, this is how to start the year after January has passed, and still make 2026 count.
Why January Isn’t The Only Time To Start The Year Right
There is a lot of pressure around the idea that January determines how the rest of the year will go. In reality, that pressure is misplaced.
The start of the year is often a time for reflection, planning, and preparation rather than immediate execution. Employers worldwide use this period to review budgets, assess skills gaps, and align hiring priorities with strategic goals, before ramping up recruitment later in the year.
Globally, the labour market is evolving rapidly: the World Economic Forum projects that 170 million new roles will be created by 2030, even as some jobs are displaced, and nearly 40% of the skills required in today’s roles will shift within the decade. This highlights why careful planning and understanding which skills will matter and where opportunities are emerging, is more important than rushing into action in January. Taking the time to reflect and prepare now positions you to take advantage of opportunities as they open up later in the year..
So if January felt quiet, slow or unfocused for you, that is not a personal failure. It is how the system works.
What Job Trends 2026 Mean for Talent
Before jumping into action, it helps to understand the job trends shaping 2026, especially those that directly affect talent and jobseekers. In the UK, a study was carried out and this is the report on 2026 hiring trends. While this may not be directly reflective of the Nigerian job market, the insight is useful to get a feel of what recruiters are doing this year.
Here are the most relevant job trends 2026 for talent, based on global and regional research.
Skills-based hiring is accelerating
According to recruitment insights from global hiring platforms, employers are placing greater emphasis on demonstrable skills rather than just qualifications or job titles. This means practical experience, certifications and transferable skills matter more than ever.
Digital and hybrid skills remain in high demand
Roles that combine technical ability with communication, problem-solving and adaptability continue to dominate hiring needs. This applies even in non-tech roles, as digital tools become standard across industries. So, this means that digital, tech and AI skills are leading areas of growth worldwide.
Candidates are being more selective, and employers expect the same
Research published by Axios and Indeed highlights a growing expectation for better role fit on both sides. Employers want candidates who are intentional and prepared, while candidates are prioritising meaningful work and growth.
For you as a talent, the message is clear. 2026 is more about having a clear goal and direction, not just rushing to do many random things. We don’t “form” activity over here, now, do we?
This year, bye to aimless rushing and yes to being ready.
Where to Focus Now As a Talent
Once January planning fades, this is the phase where thoughtful action makes the difference. These are not random career tips. They are steps backed by how hiring actually works.
1. Get clear on your direction
People who set specific career goals are more likely to follow through with consistent actions. This clarity helps you avoid panic applications and unfocused searching.
What you can do now
Define the type of role you want to find in 2026
Identify the skills or experience gaps holding you back
Decide what progress looks like in the next three months
Clear direction and goals will help more than any other thing this year.
2. Set up your Jobberman profile properly (or complete it)
Recruitment platforms work best when your information is complete and accurate. A well-filled profile improves visibility and matching. Besides, sign-ups now take less than 3 minutes!
What you can do now
Sign up or log into Jobberman
Complete all profile sections, including skills and work history
Update your CV and upload the latest version
If you want to find jobs in 2026, this step is not optional.
Sign Up Now!
3. Subscribe to job alerts
Timing matters. Being early to an opportunity increases your chances.
What you can do now
Create your job alerts on Jobberman
Select your preferred roles, industries and locations
Check alerts consistently and act quickly.
Remember, you can’t wait for the mountain to come to you this year, you have to run to it yourself most times, and fast!
4. Apply consistently, not randomly
Hiring trends show that tailored applications outperform bulk submissions. And guess what? Applying on jobberman is now straightforward! No long forms, no stress!
What you can do now
Set a realistic weekly application target
Apply to roles that match your skills and goals
Track your applications so you stay organised
Start applying now
Why Hold Jobberman Tight at This Stage of the Year?
It is important to say this clearly. Jobberman is no longer just a job board.
We are a career development and recruitment solutions company, supporting talent like you through every stage of their journey. From job matching to employability training, career resources and employer connections, the goal is both to help you grow and get hired.
We have several courses you can take to upskill, especially the Soft skills that employers are now looking out for.
Check Out Our Courses
If for you, January was about planning, Jobberman is where execution begins.
Wrapping Up: Starting Late Is Better Than Starting Unprepared
The idea that you must have everything figured out by January is one of the biggest myths in career growth. The reality is simple. Momentum built with intention beats rushed action every time.
As job trends continue to evolve, the people who succeed will be those who understand the market, prepare properly and take steady steps forward.
If you are reading this now, you are not late. You are entering the year at the moment it actually starts (Don’t say this outside though).
And if you are ready to move, Jobberman is ready to move with you. So, happy new year to you! Say it back…
The post How to Start Your Year After The January Rush appeared first on Jobberman Nigeria.
