Economy Government Technology Technology Trends Telecoms July 16, 2024July 16, 2024

NCC Inaugurates Centre of Excellence with Nokia, Aiming to Upskill Youth in Telecommunications

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated its Centre of Excellence, powered by Nokia, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector. The event, attended by Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, and the Hon. Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, celebrated this new initiative aimed at empowering youth with engineering and technical backgrounds.

Dr. Maida highlighted that the Centre of Excellence will serve as a training hub for aspiring telecommunications professionals, with a strong focus on 5G and other advanced radio technologies. The partnership with Nokia will facilitate the Omnia Youth Entrepreneurship Program, which is set to provide high-quality training to 200 youths from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“This initiative, though a small step, marks the beginning of something significant—a turning point for developing a new pool of radio engineers in our country,” Dr. Maida stated. He emphasized that the Centre of Excellence will be a safe space for young engineers to experiment and explore new perspectives, thereby adding value to the telecommunications industry.

Dr. Maida expressed gratitude to Dr. Bosun Tijani for his vision and drive that brought the partnership to fruition, and to Nokia for their collaboration. “I eagerly anticipate the opportunities this collaboration will bring,” he added.

The inauguration of the Centre of Excellence represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s efforts to upskill its youth and strengthen its telecommunications sector.

TONY EMEKA NWOSU

“This initiative, though a small step, marks the beginning of something significant—a turning point for developing a new pool of radio engineers in our country,” Dr. Maida stated. He emphasized that the Centre of Excellence will be a safe space for young engineers to experiment and explore new perspectives, thereby adding value to the telecommunications industry.

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Afrimash Launches USSD Code 349791# to Combat Adulterated Chicks and Boost Poultry Farming in Nigeria

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In a bold move to curb the menace of adulterated day-old chicks in Nigeria’s poultry industry, leading agritech firm Afrimash has launched a dedicated USSD code, *349*791#, aimed at empowering farmers to verify the authenticity of their chicks and access premium poultry products — all without the need for internet access.

Developed in collaboration with global non-profit Acumen, the USSD platform represents a significant leap in the fight against substandard poultry products, a persistent challenge that has cost farmers millions in losses and productivity.

A Simple Solution to a Growing Problem

For years, Nigerian poultry farmers have grappled with the growing threat of adulterated chicks, often purchased unknowingly from unverified sources. The new 349791# code offers a user-friendly and mobile-based verification process that ensures chicks come directly from certified hatcheries.

Business Economy Finance Fintech Investments News Opinion April 4, 2025April 4, 2025

Sterling Bank Did the Math—and Still Chose the People.

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Yes, They Abolished Transfer Fees.

This Friday morning, I will walk into a Sterling Bank branch in Abuja—not just to open a bank account, but to make a statement. A statement in support of a bank that chose compassion over corporate greed, and the people over profits. Sterling Bank has made a bold move—eliminating transfer charges that other banks have stubbornly held onto. And for that, they deserve to be celebrated.

Let me be clear: this is not just about ₦10 or ₦50 per transaction. This is about principle. This is about justice.

In 2020, and again in 2023, I publicly called on the Central Bank of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians by eliminating the stealthy, exploitative charges embedded in our banking system. I received no response. No action. Just silence.

But then came Sterling Bank.

They listened. They acted.

They willingly walked away from ₦13.56 billion…

Business Economy Government International April 4, 2025April 4, 2025

GLOBAL DEBT WATCH: ARGENTINA, UKRAINE, EGYPT TOP LIST OF MOST INDEBTED NATIONS TO THE IMF

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— By Anthony Nwosu | April 2, 2025

As nations across the globe grapple with fiscal imbalances, inflation, and post-pandemic recovery challenges, a new report has spotlighted the top 15 countries most indebted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), revealing Argentina as the largest debtor with a staggering $31.10 billion obligation.

According to data released by Statisense on April 2, 2025, the list underscores the growing reliance of struggling economies on IMF support amidst global economic instability, currency devaluation, and domestic policy constraints.

Top 5: Heavily Reliant and Highly Indebted

Argentina leads the chart with a monumental $31.10 billion owed to the IMF. The South American giant has long struggled with chronic inflation, currency depreciation, and successive debt restructuring negotiations. The country’s reliance on IMF support intensified in recent years following a series of bailouts and economic reform packages.

Ukraine ranks second with $10.86 billion in IMF debt, a reflection of ongoing war-induced fiscal…

Business Government Opinion Security Society April 2, 2025April 2, 2025

NDPC Highlights Critical Role of Data Security in Economic Growth at Elevate Summit 2025

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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) reiterated the vital importance of data security in modern business operations during its keynote address at the Elevate Summit 2025 in Lagos. The National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, represented by Barrister Babatunde Bamgboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulation, emphasized that robust data protection measures are essential for project management and national economic development.

With businesses increasingly relying on data for decision-making, performance tracking, and resource management, Dr. Olatunji underscored the need for organizations to prioritize privacy and compliance. He outlined key considerations in data protection, including risk assessment, legal frameworks for processing data, and upholding the rights of individuals.

“In today’s interconnected business landscape, failing to safeguard data erodes trust and credibility,” he stated. “Organizations must embed data privacy principles into their operations to maintain stakeholder confidence.”

The NDPC also highlighted the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s data protection sector, aligning…

Business April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

Zenith Bank Leads Gender Equality in Nigeria’s Banking Sector Under Female CEO

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Nigeria’s most profitable bank, Zenith Bank, has achieved a historic milestone in gender representation, with women now making up the majority of its workforce. According to the bank’s 2024 financial report released this week, 53% of its employees are female, while men account for 47%.

The figures mark a significant shift from 2023, when male staff outnumbered women. The change followed the appointment of Adaora Umeoji as CEO, underscoring the bank’s commitment to gender inclusivity in leadership and employment.

With a total workforce of 7,704, Zenith Bank employs 4,090 women and 3,614 men, making it the only Tier-1 Nigerian bank with a female-majority staff. The institution, which reported over ₦1 trillion in profit last year, is now predominantly run by women—a development hailed as a testament to societal progress.

Industry analysts say the achievement reflects broader efforts to close gender gaps in Nigeria’s corporate sector. “This speaks volumes,” said financial expert Tunde…

Business Economy March 30, 2025March 30, 2025

Ebehijie Momoh, CEO of AfriGOPay to Deliver Keynote at PAFON 2.0

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…Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO SANEF is the Special Guest

Ebehijie Momoh (Mrs), the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited (AFSL), a subsidiary of NIBSS, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the second edition of Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0).

PAFON 2.0 will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Function Room 1, Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos by 9am (WAT).

Register here to attend: https://shorturl.at/IPOjA

The keynote speaker alongside the special guest, Uche Uzoebo, the MD/CEO of SANEF, and others lined-up for the Forum, will focus on the theme: “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI”, which underscores the urgent need to safeguard digital transactions against emerging threats while ensuring seamless financial inclusion and innovation.

Mrs Momoh is leading AfriGO vision to deliver a seamless, secure and efficient payment card scheme which facilitates faster transactions, reduces card operating costs to enhance the overall user experience for stakeholders, partners, and…

Business Culture Economy March 29, 2025March 29, 2025

Nigeria Engages EU on Deforestation Regulation Compliance

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Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as the Minister of Environment hosted the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mignot Gautier, and his delegation for a high-level discussion on the subject.

During the meeting, Nigeria emphasized its efforts to align agricultural and forestry practices with global standards, particularly through initiatives such as the National Forest Policy and agroforestry programs aimed at reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable land use.

To ensure seamless compliance with the EUDR, Nigeria has established a National Task Force (NTF), which includes EU representation, to coordinate stakeholders and mitigate risks associated with key agricultural commodities, particularly cocoa. In addition, the Technical Working Group (TWG), chaired by the Minister,…

Business Economy March 27, 2025March 27, 2025

We Need More than CNII Order to Secure Telecom Investments – Experts

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Industry leaders have identified important measures to secure telecommunications infrastructures in the country and ensure that investments in the telecoms space are protected.

They argued that as much as the effective implementation of the Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is important, the Order cannot solely guarantee infrastructure safety except certain internal and standardisation issues are first resolved by operators.

Speaking at the 7^th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) Summit on CNII implementation held Thursday in Lagos, the industry leaders highlighted pressing issues such as infrastructure vandalism, unauthorized installations, and cable theft, while proposing actionable solutions to safeguard the country’s critical national infrastructure.

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), stressed the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and installation to prevent vandalism and theft.

He highlighted the widespread issue of stolen manhole covers and poles, attributing the problem to poor maintenance practices….