Startup HalfHour

Francis Onuk

A tech and business radio show/Blog for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs to inspire, motivate & teaching business owners or those thinking of starting. From Ibom Plaza to global game changers, hear how they did it, what they did right & wrong, and why they are so passionate about their business.

  1. Jul 13

    Garri Wey Go Harvard: How Local Products Can Win Global Markets | Ft. Blessing Akpan (Inyene Agro) And the Host Francis Onuk

    What makes one bag of garri sell in a local market while another finds its way onto supermarket shelves across the world? In this episode of Startup HalfHour, Francis Onuk sits down with Blessing Akpan, Founder of Inyene Agro, to explore the power of branding, packaging, and storytelling in transforming local products into globally competitive brands. From garri and palm oil to spices, dried foods, and other agricultural products, this conversation reveals why quality alone is no longer enough in today's marketplace. Learn how entrepreneurs can add value, build trust, attract premium customers, and position their products for local and international markets. Whether you're an agripreneur, product-based business owner, creative entrepreneur, or someone looking to start a business, this episode offers practical insights on building brands that stand out. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why branding is more than just a logo• The role of packaging in customer perception• Common mistakes local producers make• How storytelling increases product value• What it takes to prepare products for export markets• Hidden opportunities in Nigeria's agricultural value chain• Practical advice for young entrepreneurs starting with limited capital Guest: Blessing Akpan, Founder of Inyene Agro Hosted by Francis Onuk on Startup HalfHour—bringing you conversations with innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers building the future of Africa. Subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode.

    Garri Wey Go Harvard: How Local Products Can Win Global Markets | Ft. Blessing Akpan (Inyene Agro) And the Host Francis Onuk
  2. Jun 13

    Social Media in 2026: Trends Every Young Person and Business Owner Should Know With Blector Victor and the host Francis Onuk

    Social media is evolving faster than ever before. Artificial Intelligence is transforming content creation, communities are becoming more valuable than followers, and personal brands are increasingly shaping business success. In this episode of Startup HalfHour, Francis Onuk sits down with social media consultant and marketing strategist, Blector Victor, to explore the trends that will define social media in 2026 and what they mean for young people, entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners. Blector shares insights from her work at the intersection of art, culture, and commerce, discussing how ideas travel online, how audiences engage with content, and how businesses can remain relevant in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. In this episode, you'll learn: • The biggest social media trends shaping 2026• How Artificial Intelligence is changing content creation and marketing• Emerging opportunities for young people to build careers online• Why engagement matters more than follower counts• The rise of social commerce and digital communities• Common mistakes businesses make on social media• The future of personal branding, creators, and online influence Whether you're a student, startup founder, content creator, marketer, or small business owner, this conversation provides practical insights to help you stay ahead of the curve and make better use of social media in the years ahead. Guest: Blector VictorHost: Francis OnukProduced by: Startup HalfHour on XL106.9FM Listen, learn, and discover how to turn social media from a distraction into a tool for growth, opportunity, and impact.

    Social Media in 2026: Trends Every Young Person and Business Owner Should Know With Blector Victor and the host Francis Onuk
  3. May 16

    Skills or Excuses? The Future of Nigerian Talent with the Host Francis Onuk

    A comment by the CEO of Moniepoint about struggling to fill over 500 job vacancies sparked a nationwide conversation and nearly broke the Nigerian internet. But beyond the outrage and hot takes, what is the real issue? Are Nigerian youths truly under-skilled, or are employers disconnected from reality? Are companies expecting global talent while offering local salaries? Or are young people failing to prepare for the realities of today’s workforce? In this special episode of Startup HalfHour, Francis Onuk dives deep into the founder’s perspective versus the employee’s reality, unpacking reactions from X/Twitter and exploring what this conversation means for Nigeria’s future. This episode covers:• Why many graduates struggle with employability• The expectations founders and employers have today• Salary realities vs skill expectations• The impact of AI on jobs and careers• The most valuable digital and future-ready skills to learn• Practical advice for young Nigerians trying to stay relevant and globally competitive Francis also shares actionable steps young people can take immediately and introduces The Roothub Google Career Certificates Program — an opportunity to learn in-demand digital skills online from anywhere. If you are a student, entrepreneur, founder, creative, job seeker, or professional navigating today’s changing economy, this episode is for you. The future belongs to prepared people.

    Skills or Excuses? The Future of Nigerian Talent with the Host Francis Onuk

About

A tech and business radio show/Blog for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs to inspire, motivate & teaching business owners or those thinking of starting. From Ibom Plaza to global game changers, hear how they did it, what they did right & wrong, and why they are so passionate about their business.