Wakanow acquires NairaBox to expand into entertainment and lifestyle, appoints Tobi Andero as Head of Business for NairaBox.
Wakanow acquires NairaBox as part of a major strategic move to broaden its footprint beyond travel into entertainment and lifestyle experiences, in a deal that marks a defining step in the company’s evolution as Africa’s leading travel tech brand.
The acquisition brings NairaBox, Nigeria’s fast-rising lifestyle and entertainment platform, under the Wakanow Group umbrella.
This integration aims to deliver seamless experiences that blend travel, events and entertainment on a single platform.
Announcing the acquisition, Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, said the move underscores the company’s vision to create richer, more connected experiences for its customers.
“We see tremendous opportunity in the intersection of travel and entertainment,” Adedeji said.
“This acquisition allows us to offer deeper, richer experiences to our customers not just where they travel, but how they live, enjoy, and engage with culture. We are excited about what the future holds as we combine Wakanow’s strength and reach with the lifestyle energy of NairaBox.”
Adedeji added that the expansion represents both geographical and sectoral growth. “Entertainment and lifestyle are natural extensions of our business,” he noted.
“They enhance our value proposition and align with evolving consumer trends. The synergies between Wakanow and NairaBox will unlock new opportunities for our customers and stakeholders.”
As part of the transition, Wakanow appointed Tobi Andero as Head of Business for NairaBox.
Andero, who joins from the experiential marketing sector, brings strong experience in brand engagement, strategy and business leadership; qualities expected to drive NairaBox’s next phase of growth.
NairaBox, founded by Ugochukwu Jay Chikezie, is widely known for its seamless digital platform offering access to concerts, movie tickets, and live events. Chikezie expressed confidence in the merger, calling it a “transformative chapter” for entertainment in Nigeria.
“Joining forces with Wakanow marks an exciting new chapter for NairaBox and for entertainment in Nigeria,” he said.
“Over the years, we’ve built a platform that connects people to the experiences they love. Together with Wakanow, we’re creating a future where access to unforgettable experiences becomes simpler, smarter, and more connected than ever.”
Wakanow reaffirmed its commitment to preserving NairaBox’s innovative and consumer-centric identity while enhancing its digital-first approach.
The acquisition now adds NairaBox.com to Wakanow Group’s growing portfolio, which already includes Wakanow.com, Kalabash54.com, Roomde.com, Onburd.com, Pointview Travels, and Trip Merchant.
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With this bold move, Wakanow positions itself as not just a travel leader, but a lifestyle brand redefining how Africans experience the world; on the road, at the show, and everywhere in between.
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