Words by- Josephine Agbonkhese
The visionary Executive Producer of The Next Titan Nigeria, Nigeria’s foremost business reality TV show, Mide Kunle Akinlaja is a trailblazer in Nigeria’s media and entertainment industry.
With an extraordinary passion for empowering young innovators and a keen eye for transformative ideas, Akinlaja has, over the past decade, been instrumental in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria.
Through The Next Titan Nigeria, a platform that not only showcases entrepreneurial talent but also inspires millions across the nation, Akinlaja is raising business giants and redefining what’s possible.
Currently the Director of Bravopoints International Limited, a business media production company, he has on his sleeves almost two decades of career experience spanning banking, financial publishing, marketing communications, media productions and entrepreneurship development.
A graduate of Business Administration and Management with an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability from the University of Cumbria, United Kingdom, he has continued to attract awards and recognitions from across the globe for his contribution to socioeconomic development in Nigeria.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into his journey, the impact of The Next Titan Nigeria which is currently in its 10th Season, his vision, lifestyle and much more.
What inspired you to create The Next Titan Nigeria, and how has the show evolved over its 10 seasons to fulfill that vision?
It was as a result of seeing young people, including fresh graduates, roaming the streets without knowing that they have potentials. A whole lot of people have potentials which they, unfortunately, do not know about. It dawned on me that we could have a reality show that centres on entrepreneurial initiatives, like trying to ignite entrepreneurship spirit in young people; letting them know that they have much more on the inside than they think. When we are able to bring youths together on a competitive platform for entrepreneurship and showcase them as models on TV, we believe it goes a long way in shaping their mindsets from being job seekers to people who will start thinking about how they themselves can create jobs. So, The Next Titan Nigeria is about changing the mindsets of job seekers to become job creators. Now that there are different reality shows, why can’t we have the one that can ignite entrepreneurial spirit in young people and teach them to look inward? That inspired this show ten years ago and in the last ten years, we have seen mindsets changed, people creating jobs for themselves and others, many being moved to design business proposals which turned out successful, and business capitals being successfully raised. Generally, interest in entrepreneurship has risen sporadically because the show has continued to demystify entrepreneurship and make it more appealing to young people who now want to go into tech, fashion, etc. Now they see entrepreneurship as a viable career option.
How do you measure the impact of the show on Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and youth empowerment?
People who have participated and viewed over the years continue to share their testimonies. The winner of Season 1, Iroghama Ogbeifun, is now a successful lady in her industry. We have several other winners that are also excelling in their respective businesses. Apart from these winners, most of our participants are also now successful entrepreneurs. Several other people who never thought they could create businesses are now running successful businesses.
This season is tagged “The Unconventional.” What makes it stand out compared to previous ones?
This is our Season 10 and one of the interesting things is that we were able to put 50million naira in place for winners. The overall winner will go home with 40million naira and the remaining 10million naira will serve as consolation prices for the three other runner-ups. In the last season, our grand prize was 20million naira. Another remarkable thing about this season is that we are on Africa Magic Showcase for the first time. We’ve always been on other TV stations but this time around, we’re also airing on Showcase.
With the ongoing inflation in the country, in what practical ways will the N50 million prize pool support the eventual winner’s entrepreneurial journey?
It’s better than none. I agree that the rate of inflation is alarming but any young entrepreneur who can lay his hands on that kind of money should be able to start from there. Like I said, the show itself is not about the prizes but about change of mindsets, learning to look inward, learning to put your proposal together properly, and having the confidence to approach those you’ve never met before to raise capital. So, it’s not actually about the people who will win the prizes but about the millions of other young people whose mindsets will be changed by the show. Not everything is about capital; people can also start with creativity.
Let’s talk about the selection process. How did you and your team select the top 20 finalists for this season with thousands of applications?
Yes, we have a very tedious selection process which first of all allows the contestants to send in their applications from allover the nation. After this, we review all applications using various parameters. One of them is that you must be a graduate to be part of the competition and must also be between the ages of 21 and 39. After that, we invite successful applicants for auditioning in Enugu, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Lagos. This takes a whole lot before we arrive at the selection of top 60 contestants for our bootcamp. By the end of the bootcamp, our judges would have picked out 20 finalists from among the sixty. These 20 eventually move into the main house for the reality competition which is aired live across the country.
So, what qualities or traits do you prioritise in contestants during the audition process?
Aside from the fact that they must be graduates and mature minds, we heavily consider their business ideas. They must be ideas which can be easily executed successfully. The business idea must be scalable, implementable and not be full of bottlenecks.
How do the judges—Kyari Bukar, Tonye Cole, Chris Parkes, and Lilian Olubi—contribute to shaping the contestants’ entrepreneurial skills?
When you look at these people, you’ll notice that they are already captains in their industries. They are successful entrepreneurs in their own rights. It is said that what a child cannot see standing on an Iroko tree, an elder will clearly see it even while sitting under the tree. That’s why we have put together people from various industries that have seen it all in their own respective businesses which are now successful conglomerates.
Can you share a success story from a past contestant that exemplifies the transformative power of the show?
I will rather share the story of someone who never won the money but whose life was transformed by the show. There’s a lady who is into paint manufacturing. Along the line when she was evicted, one of the sponsors of the show reached out to her and asked her to start producing paints for their company. You can see the kind of transformation that happened to the life of this lady just by being a participant. That has also been the story for many others. Now, about winners, our winners have all stood out as exemplary successes in their different paths. What they learnt from the show must have contributed to their ways of thinking because during the show, they will be given some difficult tasks to execute within 48 hours. I remember that during Season 1, the contestants had to sell cars live because one of the sponsors, Ford Motors, gave them a task to sell cars within 48 to 72 hours. These guys went all out and they got it done.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in producing the show over the last decade and how have you overcome them?
The two major challenges are sourcing for sponsors and finding the right people to employ as members of staff to drive the vision. You hire people who come across as talented individuals during interviews but by the time they resume, you are disappointed to find that they are not as good as you thought they were.
We are extremely grateful to our main sponsor and partners for this ongoing Season 10.
What trends do you see in the entrepreneurial ideas presented by contestants this season, and what do they reveal about Nigeria’s economic future?
This season, the ideas cut across diverse industries including technology, agriculture, fashion, food production, and media. What excites me most is their scalability. Young people are leveraging technology in ways that allow them to build impactful businesses right from their rooms. In the last three years, we have seen how tech has transformed the entire business landscape. The ideas on The Next Titan reflect a bold, tech-driven, and innovative future for Nigeria’s economy.
How do you envision The Next Titan Nigeria contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth in the next decade?
Nigeria is facing tough economic challenges, and the ultimate solution is entrepreneurship. The Next Titan Nigeria is helping to redirect the energy of young people away from waiting endlessly for jobs, to creating opportunities for themselves. The show ignites the entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring participants to dream big and start building. Over the years, we have seen our contestants create value, jobs, and businesses that make real impact. In the next decade, I believe The Next Titan will stand as one of the strongest platforms that nurtured the entrepreneurs who changed Nigeria’s economic story.
As a seasoned entrepreneur yourself, what personal experiences drive your passion for fostering entrepreneurship through The Next Titan Nigeria?
I believe Nigeria can be better if entrepreneurs develop the mindset of resilience; of not waiting for government before creating change. Personally, I have always believed that our destinies are in our own hands. Even with the current economic challenges, we are running the 10th season of The Next Titan Nigeria because I refuse to give up. My passion is fueled by the conviction that a positive mindset, backed by strategies and determination, can transform not just one life, but an entire nation.
Tell us about your childhood; what city did you grow up and what was growing up like?
I grew up in Ikire-Ekiti, in Ekiti State, and attended Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, one of the best schools in the state. My mother, who owned a restaurant, was my earliest inspiration. She was a hardworking entrepreneur who would rise as early as 5 a.m., long before others, to grow her business. I saw her resilience, creativity, and her impact in the community, helping women financially and inspiring others. Watching her taught me discipline, courage, and the value of entrepreneurship from a very young age.
How did your personal experiences shape your commitment to driving The Next Titan Nigeria?
My philosophy is simple: believe in God, believe in yourself, and never be lazy about your vision. I have always been someone who thinks in terms of strategies, no matter the situation. I live by the law of averages—understanding that not everyone will like, support, or accept you, but equally, not everyone will reject you. That mindset has kept me resilient. Even when I hear “no,” I keep moving because I know I only need a few “yeses” to achieve impact. Beyond human effort, I also believe God is the greatest strategist, and tapping into His power has been a constant source of strength. These personal values are what continue to drive my passion for building The Next Titan Nigeria.
Which personality or personalities have influenced your life the most?
The first person who deeply influenced my entrepreneurial drive is Dr. Myles Munroe. I still remember reading his book, Understanding Your Potential, during my NYSC days. That book transformed my mindset; it made me realise that life is not about waiting passively for God to act— sometimes, God is actually waiting for us to step out in faith, set goals, and pursue them. That revelation was the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey. Beyond that, I wouldn’t say there is any one personality I follow religiously; I draw inspiration directly from God, and I also push myself daily. I’m an avid reader; both Nigerian and foreign authors have shaped my perspectives through their works.
What takes your time when you aren’t busy searching for Nigeria’s next potential titan?
The Next Titan is just one of the projects of our company, Bravopoints International Limited. We are a media production powerhouse, and we run several other projects that demand my attention. Honestly, even when I close from the office, I still find myself working at home brainstorming, planning, strategising on what can be done better the next day. For me, creativity doesn’t switch off at 5 p.m.; I’m constantly refining ideas and seeking ways to create more impact.
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
To be honest, business has always felt like my biggest vacation because I truly love what I do. That said, I still take time to travel and unwind, but even then, I often find myself opening my laptop and working. It has become second nature. My vacations usually turn into a mix of relaxation and brainstorming for expansion. That’s why I believe passion is everything: when you genuinely love what you do, work doesn’t feel like work.
Describe your style?
My style is all about being different and original. I don’t like to blend into the crowd; I want my fashion to reflect my personality—bold, youthful, and distinct. Once I put on something and it feels too common, I quickly lose interest in it. I enjoy experimenting, whether it’s with a well-tailored suit, a sharp kaftan, or casual smart wear. My fashion statement is simple: I dress to stand out, to look confident, and to express the energy of a young man with big dreams as always.
What inspires you daily?
I’m always chasing a goal. I’ve never lived a day without one. Waking up each morning, I brainstorm, strategise, and push myself because my determination to achieve my goals is what fuels me daily.
Your two cents to young Nigerians who aspire to turn their business ideas into reality?
Don’t give up. Stop waiting for the government—since I was born, people have complained about leadership, and it hasn’t changed. Young Nigerians must become their own government—the alpha and omega of their dreams. Set clear goals, create strategies, and pursue them with determination until they are accomplished.