NaijaBoRn.com is an African based custom built social networking engine that creates a searchable, detailed, user-generated database of the global Nigerian community. It is the place to find Nigerians and their creations. It features profiles of active members, a public user-generated blog; status updates features, and a place for users to upload music, art and other media from their experiences. So far, thousands of members have joined the budding site from places such as New Zealand, Japan, Poland, Oyo, Ore, Ogbomoso, Texas and of course Lagos, Nigeria.
Tell me about NaijaBoRn?
NaijaBoRn is a professional network that allows Nigerians globally to showcase their creation and also connect with like minded Nigerians.
Where did the inspiration come from?
Inspiration came from the fact that we noticed the high level of intellectuals coming from Nigeria and are not celebrated or noticed, so we decided to create a platform that Nigerians would come to and showcase them selves, get noticed and also do business with each other.
When did you start and do you think you're on the way to realizing that aim?
NaijaBoRn as a brand was conceived in may 2007, we did a lot of marketing but we didn’t kick off the project until April 2009 when I partnered with a technology company in Cameroon (Afrovision Group) to develop it and it was officially launched to the public 29th of May
Who are the masterminds of NaijaBoRn?
Francis Omokhape Oghuma (CEO/President product) Mambe Nanje Churchill (CTO/President Technology)& Adekunle Samuel Owolabi (VP Product & Design) I am in charge of business activities, Mambe is in charge of technology when Adekunle handles the whole multimedia part of the campaign.
So like many other new ages organizations, NaijaBoRn is using the online platform to promote an industry that is otherwise not promoted, are there any plans to do some ground work outside of the online platform in promoting an appreciation for creativity in Nigeria?
Definitely, NaijaBoRn is not an exclusive online brand, we got campaigns focused on offline markets e.g Our ‘Show Ya Sef’ campaign would be major across Nigeria to expose talents in Arts i.e. crafts, music and writing and also we got Naijaborn Finest Ambassadors that would promote the platform in universities and colleges across the continents. We are also working on our NAIJABORN SINCE 1960 project this October in Johannesburg
That sounds interesting, tell us more about NAIJABORN SINCE 1960?
Wow, NAIJABORN SINCE 1960 is a project that celebrates Nigerians and their achievements through series of activities. But this year we are celebrating Nigerian Youths because they have being part of this struggle and we decided to do it in Johannesburg as we studying here.
Can you give us a taster of some of these activities?
Creativity showcase, Braai , Music and cultural display. The activities are general picnic styled event with creative displays of work and music behind and networking of Nigerian youth and their friends
You said the NaijaBoRn idea didn't kick off immediately why so and what kept you going?
The launch was delayed due to logistics for growth e.g. capital and human capital. I had to research more and develop lasting partnerships which we did and that’s why finally launched in 2009.
What kept you going? Was it a love for the cause or are you a natural born entrepreneur?
I would say yes and the passion I have for my country.
Since you’re studying in SA, do you have a plan for SABoRn?
I am studying communications science with the University of South Africa.
I don’t have plans for SABoRn, but I have something cooking for South Africans and Africa in general, I just like to take on projects one after the other.
Interesting, can IQ4news get a little peek at this thing that's cooking for South Africans?
Hmm not yet we would unveil later!
Ok, I understand. Can you tell us a bit more about Francis Oghuma, Mambe Churchill & Adekunle Owolabi?
We are all young innovative entrepreneurs with keen interests e.g. I am keen on Media & very serial in entrepreneurship, Mambe Nanje is Cameroonian and a very ambitious software entrepreneur & Adekunle is one of the best hands in digital arts ...the unique thing about us all is we were born in the same year, 1985!
What a coincidence, so I guess NaijaBoRn was marked from Heaven?
Yes o! And Nigerians too deserve something from the youth and we putting African entrepreneurs on the map
That’s definitely the way to go. So what are your plans beyond NaijaBoRn? Where do you see NaijaBoRn in 10 years time?
My plans beyond NaijaBoRn is to grow my company Qubestreet Media & entertainment as a household name in Africa and beyond and for Naijaborn we see all Nigerians being part of the NaijaBoRn movement in 10 years.
Do you think NaijaBoRn can help in fixing the bad image Nigerians have abroad?
Definitely, we think it has already started to do that! Since NaijaBoRn's goal is to expose creators people from other parts of the globe would be very informed about the activities of Nigerians beyond the ''bad ones'' and would be encouraged to do business and be friends with us, as the image thing is really on agenda as a private thing.
