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Information Minister Warns: Without Media Literacy, Public Officials Are Vulnerable to Fake News

Information Minister Warns: Without Media Literacy, Public Officials Are Vulnerable to Fake News

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has sounded a strong warning to public officers on the dangers of lacking media and information literacy, stating that in today’s complex media environment, ignorance makes individuals susceptible to fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

The Minister gave this charge on Tuesday at the second Spokespersons Summit held in Abuja, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

In his keynote address, Idris emphasized the growing necessity for public officials and communicators to develop competencies in media and information literacy, a composite concept pioneered by UNESCO in 2008.

“Today, in a world where everyone is a spokesperson – whether a PR practitioner or a chief executive – the imperative for media literacy becomes ever more paramount,” he said. “It equips individuals with the tools to decipher, analyze, and evaluate messages conveyed through various media channels, enabling them to make informed decisions and engage responsibly.”

He noted that the increasing circulation of misleading information across digital platforms has left many public officers vulnerable, primarily due to their inability to verify the authenticity and context of the content they encounter.

“Lately, due in effect to the lack of media literacy… public officers, and indeed the general public, have become prone to the cankerworm of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation,” he warned.

To address this challenge, the Minister disclosed that plans are at an advanced stage for the establishment of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, to be sited within the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja.

“In fact, I have just returned from Paris, France, where I held a meeting with senior UNESCO officials, in which the impending take-off of the Institute featured prominently,” Idris revealed.

In a significant policy update, the Minister announced the successful cadre restructuring of Public Relations roles within the Federal Civil Service, achieved in 2023. With this development, PR has become a recognized standalone cadre, transitioning from the traditional “Information Officer” designation to “Information and Public Relations Officer” and “Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations)”.

He commended the NIPR for its pivotal role in this milestone, which aims to strengthen professional communication in the public sector.

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to free speech and creative expression, Idris said the government will continue to expand Nigeria’s dynamic media landscape and unlock economic opportunities within it.

The Minister also applauded NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, for introducing the Information Ministerial Clinic to this year’s summit. The Clinic featured former Ministers of Information—Prof. Jerry Gana, Chief John Nwodo, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr., Labaran Maku, and Lai Mohammed—who shared valuable insights from their time managing national communication challenges.

“This is an outstanding initiative that brings institutional memory and firsthand experience into the learning process for present and aspiring government spokespersons,” he said.

The Spokespersons Summit continues to serve as a vital platform for strengthening professional standards and equipping Nigeria’s communicators with the tools needed to navigate an ever-evolving media environment.

14% increase in spyware attacks on businesses in Africa: Kaspersky presents a cyberthreat report at GITEX Africa

14% increase in spyware attacks on businesses in Africa: Kaspersky presents a cyberthreat report at GITEX Africa

As part of the company’s participation at the GITEX Africa conference, taking place in Morocco on 14-16 April 2025, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) will address the dynamics for cyberthreats in the African region as per the latest anonymised data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN)[1]. From 2023 to 2024 businesses in Africa were targeted by web threats, on-device threats, and attacks aiming to steal data, including spyware and password stealers. Phishing and ransomware continue to be significant threats in the region, with 66 million phishing link clicks seen by Kaspersky in the African region in 2024, including over 14.8 million phishing link clicks by corporate users.

 

Web-based threats, or online threats, are a category of cybersecurity risks that may cause an undesirable event or action affecting users browsing the Internet. According to Kaspersky data, there were 131 580 587 web threats detected in 2024 in the African region, including almost 20 million attack attempts in Kenya, almost 17 million in South Africa, and 12.6 million in Morocco. Businesses were targeted by web threats more often in 2024 than in 2023, with threat detections increasing by 1.2%.

 

Local (on device) threats include malware that is spread via removable USB drives, CDs and DVDs, or that initially makes way onto the computer in non-open form (for example, programs in complex installers, encrypted files, etc.). According to Kaspersky telemetry, local (on device) threat detections in organisations in the African region in 2024 increased by 4% compared to 2023. Among the countries that saw growth in local threats detected in organisations were Nigeria (169% increase), Ethiopia (86%), South Africa (32%), Senegal (11%), and Morocco (9%).

 

There has been a spike of threats related to data theft. According to Kaspersky data, there was a 14% growth in spyware attack detections on businesses in the African region from 2023 to 2024. Spyware is secretly installed on a user’s computer to monitor their actions and collect their data. Apart from that, there has been a 26% increase in password stealer detections. Password stealers are a type of malware designed to harvest login credentials and other sensitive data.

 

“Our statistics show an increase in attack detections for several types of cyberthreats, and the factors driving these increases are multifaceted. In the B2B sector, the continuing shift toward hybrid work models and the rush to digitise operations — often outpacing cybersecurity investments — may leave businesses in Africa exposed to advanced persistent threats. In the B2C space, the explosion of digital financial services, coupled with low digital literacy rates, makes individuals prime targets for opportunistic attacks,” comments Maher Yamout, Lead Cybersecurity Researcher with Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team. “Organisations in Africa should prioritise a unified approach by enhancing collaboration, investing in specialised cybersecurity training, and promoting digital literacy to effectively combat the rising tide of cybercrime. Initiatives like the African Cyber Surge operation and targeted educational programs can serve as blueprints for building a resilient digital ecosystem across the continent.”

 

In the B2C space, the explosion of digital financial services, coupled with low digital literacy rates, makes individuals prime targets for opportunistic attacks

To stay protected, Kaspersky suggests following the recommendations below.

 

Individual users:

  • Do not download and install applications from untrusted sources.
  • Do not click on any links from unknown sources or suspicious online advertisements.
  • Always use two-factor authentication when available. Create strong and unique passwords, using a mix of lower-case and upper-case letters, numbers, and punctuation. Use a reliable password manager to help to remember them.
  • Always install updates when they become available; they contain fixes for critical security issues.
  • Ignore messages asking to disable security systems for office or cybersecurity software.
  • Use a robust security solution appropriate to your system type and devices, such as Kaspersky Premium (apo-opa.co/3G2yjUZ).

 

Organisations:

  • Always keep software updated on all the devices you use to prevent attackers from infiltrating your network by exploiting vulnerabilities.
  • Do not expose remote desktop services (such as RDP) to public networks unless absolutely necessary and always use strong passwords for them.
  • Use solutions such as Kaspersky NEXT EDR Expert (apo-opa.co/4ifQ8NV) for comprehensive visibility across all endpoints on a company’s corporate network to get superior defense, automate routine EDR tasks, enable analysts to speedily hunt out, prioritise, investigate, and neutralise complex threats and APT-like attacks.
  • Use the latest Threat Intelligence (apo-opa.co/3XVFTa3) information to stay aware of actual TTPs used by threat actors.
  • Back up corporate data regularly. Backups should be isolated from the network. Make sure you can quickly access the backups in an emergency if needed.

 

The Kaspersky stand at GITEX Africa (https://GITEXAfrica.com) in Morocco will be located in Hall 13, 13C-20, while a keynote titled “When AI/ML fails in cybersecurity, humans are the last line of defense” will take place at the Dark Stage on April 15 at 2:10 PM.

Nigeria’s Cross River State second to commence construction of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone

Nigeria’s Cross River State second to commence construction of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone

Nigeria’s Cross River State became the second to mark construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone after the country’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina broke ground at the project site on Thursday 10 April.

 

The SAPZ aims to tackle food insecurity, enhance local production, and position Nigeria as a food export leader by leveraging Cross River’s ports and research assets to boost global trade, reduce food imports, and drive prosperity through the agro-industrialization of crops like cocoa and cassava.

The groundbreaking in Cross River follows that of Kaduna (http://apo-opa.co/42Mquvu) which took place few days earlier. Six other states – Kano, Kwara, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory – are included in Phase 1 of the $538 million SAPZ program, with plans to expand to the remaining 28 states this year pending the African Development Bank’s Executive Board approval for Phase 2 funding.

Shettima emphasized the project’s priority and need for national collaboration: “The SAPZ program has been recognized as a national priority for food security in Nigeria.” He noted, “There is no better time than now for the federal and state governments, development partners, the private sector, and our communities to work hand in hand to ensure the success of the SAPZ project.”

Adesina celebrated the milestone, saying, “Today is a big day for Nigeria,” and added, “The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones is bringing good news to Nigeria, State Governments and Local Governments. Good news to farmers, agribusinesses, and all rural areas of Nigeria. Good news of jobs, wealth, and prosperity with agriculture as a business.

“With the abundant arable land, cheap labor and vast agro-ecological areas, Nigeria should not be importing food,” said Adesina who was accompanied by his wife Grace Yemisi Adesina.

The Bank Group president highlighted Cross River’s export potential: “Bakasi deep seaport will turn the state into a logistics hub in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, enabling trade with Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau.”

Bakasi deep seaport will turn the state into a logistics hub in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, enabling trade with Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau

The 130-hectare Agro-Industrial Hub in Adiabo will leverage the Calabar Sea Port, Bakassi Deep Sea Port, a 23 kVA power plant in Tinapa, and a 630 kVA Calabar Power Plant. Its Agricultural Transformation Centre, supported by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and the University of Calabar, lies less than 45 minutes from Ikom, Etung, and Boki, boosting cocoa production for global markets.

Governor Bassey Otu outlined the state’s vision, saying, “For us in Cross River State, the establishment of clusters of smallholder farmers focused on staple and cash crops such as rice, cassava, millet, cocoa, and oil palm is a vital step toward agro-industrialization.”

“These initiatives are aimed at strengthening food security, diversifying our state’s economy toward export-oriented agriculture, and boosting our GDP,” added Governor Otu, saying the state should expect to see a big difference in two years.

The African Development Bank Group is investing $210 million, including $50 million from its Africa Growing Together Fund. The Islamic Development Bank is contributing $150 million, the International Fund for Agricultural Development is contributing $100 million, the Green Climate Fund is contributing $60 million, and the government is contributing $18 million.

Speaking during the occasion, the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s Country Director, Dede Ekoue, noted that the SAPZ will build on the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project which has empowered 26,000 youth and women agripreneurs in the Niger Delta, including 4,000 in Cross River, with plans to scale to 100,000 by 2028.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said, “The SAPZ program is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and import substitution. By investing in agro-processing development, we are investing in the future of our communities.”

The African Development Bank Group has committed $934 million to SAPZs in 11 African countries. The 2024 Africa Investment Forum (http://apo-opa.co/42eqx33), held in Morocco, recorded $2.2 billion in investor interest for 28 Nigerian states, which make up the second phase of the project.

Adesina explained that with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, Nigeria will reduce food imports, conserve foreign exchange, expand local production and processing of food and agricultural commodities, strengthen the Naira, and attract significant private investment into the development of agricultural value chains.

The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones will also revive and transform rural economies and create millions of jobs.

Adesina was accompanied by the African Development Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development Dr Beth Dunford, the Director General for Nigeria Dr Abdul Kamara, Prof Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation, Director Richard Ofori-Mante, Director of the Agricultural Finance and Rural Development Department, and Dr Yusuf Kabir, National Coordinator for SAPZ, Nigeria.

The Rise of Contemporary African Art in a Global Market

The Rise of Contemporary African Art in a Global Market

By Marelize van Zyl, CEO at Aspire Art

 

The art historical narrative, traditionally skewed towards Western perspectives, has long undervalued African art, limiting its global visibility and appreciation. This trend, however, has changed as collectors from around the world increasingly appreciate African art’s rich history and significance.

While the contemporary African art market’s dollar value remains small compared to other regions, it has experienced remarkable growth in the past decade with ultra-contemporary art pieces by African-born artists – under 45 years of age – accounting for the highest sales volume in the market.

The global art market is estimated to be worth around $68 billion. London-based research firm ArtTactic says work by African artists currently exceeds a combined annual value of $72 million, more than double its 2016 value.

According to Artnet’s 2025 Intelligence Report, postwar and contemporary art was the most lucrative art-market category for the second year running in 2024, generating just under $4 billion. In 2024, the Artnet report revealed that sales surged by 46% between 2013 and 2023, peaking at $101.3 million in 2021. The postwar and contemporary genre led sales in 2023, with the ultra-contemporary category, driven by its affordability and online accessibility helping to attract a younger generation of collectors, growing significantly in recent years.

Africa is the only region globally where ultra-contemporary art – typically the smallest genre by sales total – has ever surpassed all other genres during the decade under review.

Sales of ultra-contemporary works by African-born artists jumped from $16.2 million in 2020 to $40.6 million in 2021. It’s estimated that the African art market could reach around $1.5 billion this year, driven by a growing number of collectors, patrons, investors, international art fairs and events interested in African art.

As interest in African contemporary art continues to rise, its market value is expected to see a corresponding increase, positioning it as a lucrative investment opportunity. According to ArtTactic, demand for young emerging contemporary artists has remained strong, with their presence in the market growing to the third highest level since 2015.

Specialising in handling contemporary art from Southern Africa, Aspire Art was the first auction house since its inception to actively promote what it perceives as undervalued 20th-century Black artists and the first to present a genuinely pan-African offering of modern and contemporary art to a global audience.

There is no question that Africa has much to offer in the way of highly collectible contemporary works. A good example is Ugandan artist Joseph Ntensibe whose large-scale canvases are regarded as rare and highly collectable. Ntensibe has made it his life’s work to put the spotlight on the rampant deforestation that has taken place in Uganda as a result of mining, war, drought, urbanisation and downright ignorance regarding the value of what was once the country’s most prolific resource. Although Ntensibe’s shimmering forest scenes have been likened to Cezanne and Klimt for their luminosity, in reality, this artist’s work is in a league of its own. Aspire Art currently holds the record for the highest achieved hammer price at auction of a Ntensibe artwork. Earlier this year, Aspire Art debuted the artist in South Africa and his impressive Forest Scene (2020) sold for R924,200.

This is far from the only record Aspire Art has achieved for contemporary African art. We hold the South African and world auction records for numerous other artists including multiple award-winning South African artist Nicholas Hlobo whose artwork, Intlambo yochulumanco, sold at an Aspire Art Auction in 2021 for R1,479,400 and Sam Nhlengethwa, whose portfolio titled Glimpses of the Fifties and Sixties sold for R967,300 in 2019.

We also currently hold the South African and world auction records for South African contemporary artist Mary Sibande. A multi-media artist, Sibande’s work interrogates the intersections of race, gender and labour in South Africa. Her work A Terrible Beauty is Born – from the artist’s Long Live the Dead Queen series – sold at the Aspire X Piasa auction in 2020 for R341,400. This record was again achieved in 2022 for Caught in the Rapture.

Partnerships and collaborations with international auction houses have extended the reach of African art from the 20th– and 21st centuries. Growing interest in this category saw Aspire Art partner with Paris-based auction house Piasa in 2020 to present some of the best examples of modern and contemporary African art, introducing several new African artists including Uche Okeke (Nigeria), Gareth Nyandoro (Zimbabwe), Salah Elmur (Sudan), Michael Musyoka (Kenya), Marc Padeu (Cameroon), Peter Ngugi (Kenya), Cyrus Kabiru (Kenya) and Cristiano Mangovo Brás (Angola) to a global audience.

The resounding success of the first auction in Cape Town in February 2020 was followed by a second auction in Paris in May that same year.

However, fast forward five years, and it is real-time online auctions that we believe will most successfully expand the reach of African contemporary art beyond the continent’s borders. Offering convenience, cost savings and broader reach for both sellers and buyers, online auctions streamline the bidding process and allow buyers to participate from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection.

By bridging the gap between traditional African aesthetics and modern art practices while offering a rich diversity of talent, contemporary African artists have an exciting future ahead.

For more information on Aspire Art’s next real-time online auctions and to view its current collection of carefully curated contemporary African artworks, please visit www.aspireart.net

Mateo Support Foundation Launches Free Medical Outreach for Widows and Orphans in Nasarawa State

Mateo Support Foundation Launches Free Medical Outreach for Widows and Orphans in Nasarawa State

 

In a bid to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable communities, particularly widows and orphans, the Mateo Support Foundation (MSF), a non-governmental organization, has partnered with Richlance International to organize a four-day free medical outreach in Masaka, Nasarawa State.

Slated to hold from April 23rd to 26th, 2025, the outreach will take place at Zebra Hotel, Masaka, starting from 10:00 a.m. daily. The event will combine free health screenings with wellness seminars, all aimed at educating the community on basic healthcare practices and offering direct medical support.

Speaking on the initiative, Maria Ene Onoja, founder of Mateo Support Foundation, emphasized the importance of the program in uplifting marginalized groups, especially those facing financial difficulties.

“We are passionate about reaching people in need, especially the indigent ones. Many in these communities suffer from preventable health issues due to a lack of awareness and poor access to healthcare services. Our goal is not just to treat them, but to educate them on maintaining good health and creating wealth,” she stated.

According to Maria, the outreach will feature a wide range of health services including blood pressure and diabetes tests, HIV screening, free eye examinations, and counseling services. All services will be rendered at no cost to participants.

“This initiative is also about awareness and empowerment. We want to enlighten these individuals, many of whom have low literacy levels, on how to take control of their health and economic well-being,” Maria added.

The outreach will also benefit from the expertise of healthcare professionals such as Wisdom Benson and Jenifer Godwin, who are set to play active roles in ensuring the success of the program. Their professional input is expected to significantly enhance the impact of the services provided.

As the date draws near, the organizers are calling on community members and stakeholders to take advantage of this rare opportunity for free healthcare and wellness education.

“This will be a life-changing event for many families in Nasarawa State. We encourage everyone to participate and help spread the word. Health is indeed wealth, and a healthy community is a thriving community,” Maria concluded.

The Mateo Support Foundation and its partners remain committed to fostering sustainable community health through outreach, education, and compassionate service.

Boifiok Unveils Vision to Disrupt Africa’s Food Supply Chain Through Group Buying and Digital Innovation

Boifiok Unveils Vision to Disrupt Africa’s Food Supply Chain Through Group Buying and Digital Innovation

 Boifiok, a fast-rising player in Africa’s agri-tech and e-commerce space, has announced bold plans to revolutionize the continent’s food supply chain by leveraging digital group buying solutions. The company aims to make food more affordable for millions of urban households while accelerating growth for local vendors.

Speaking at a recent industry event, a spokesperson for Boifiok emphasized the urgent need to address food affordability across sub-Saharan Africa, where rapid urbanization has intensified economic pressure on households.

“We are improving food affordability through group buying,” the spokesperson stated. “In sub-Saharan Africa alone, rapid urbanization has presented both opportunities and challenges. Macroeconomic instability and the absence of a digital group-buying platform have led to inconsistent food prices, straining family budgets.”

Boifiok’s digital model aims to connect urban households directly with affordable groceries while empowering vendors through streamlined access to buyers and markets. By digitalizing the food supply chain, the company is positioning itself to become a key player in the future of commerce on the continent.

The company projects that by 2029, it will hold a $14 billion share of the African market. Highlighting Africa’s growing appeal to global investors, Boifiok’s spokesperson declared: “Africa is now the final bus stop for global investors to make successful investments. The timing is perfect for us to disrupt this industry.”

As Boifiok opens its doors to partners and stakeholders, the company is calling on investors and innovators to join in unlocking what it describes as “limitless growth possibilities” for more than 90 million urban households and vendors across Africa.

With its ambitious roadmap and tech-driven model, Boifiok is poised to transform the way Africans buy and sell food—making essential goods more accessible, and commerce more inclusive.

Tony Elumelu Celebrates Launch of Avon Medical’s New 25-Bed Facility, Reinforces Commitment to Transforming Africa’s Healthcare

Tony Elumelu Celebrates Launch of Avon Medical’s New 25-Bed Facility, Reinforces Commitment to Transforming Africa’s Healthcare

In a bold demonstration of commitment to improving healthcare access across the continent, Heirs Holdings Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., has announced the launch of Avon Medical Practice’s newest 25-bed state-of-the-art medical facility. The unveiling, which took place alongside his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, O.F.R., Chairperson of Avon Medical, marks a major milestone in the group’s mission to drive private-sector-led transformation in Africa’s healthcare sector.

The new facility represents the latest addition to Avon Medical’s growing network, which began as a modest work-site clinic and has now evolved into a 50-bed hospital network complete with a Dialysis Centre. This growth, Elumelu emphasized, reflects the group’s broader Africapitalism philosophy—an ideology that places the private sector at the heart of sustainable social and economic development.

“This unveiling is not just a facility opening; it is a statement,” Elumelu said. “It is our response to the glaring realities: 48% of Africans still lack access to quality healthcare. Africa accounts for over 20% of the global disease burden but has access to just 1% of the world’s healthcare resources. Too many mothers still die in childbirth. Too many children never make it to their fifth birthday—not due to lack of love, but due to lack of care.”

Quoting from Dr. Awele Elumelu’s remarks at the event, he reinforced the urgency of tackling these issues head-on through sustainable investments and inclusive health solutions. “This facility is a response to that. This is what Africapitalism looks like in action. We believe Africans hold the key to solving Africa’s problems.”

Tony Elumelu also praised his wife’s visionary leadership of Avon Medical, noting her compassion, resilience, and relentless pursuit of healthcare equity. “Women are not just participants in Africa’s development,” he said, “they are the leaders.”

Special recognition was also given to the Avon Medical team led by CEO Dr. Gabriel Akinbiyi Oke, as well as to the frontline doctors, nurses, and administrative staff whose dedication helped make the project a reality.

With this new milestone, Heirs Holdings and Avon Medical reaffirm their long-term commitment to delivering quality healthcare services across Nigeria and beyond, as part of a broader vision for a transformed, self-reliant Africa.

#TOEWay #Africapitalism #TransformingHealthcare #AvonMedical #HeirsHoldings #PrivateSectorForDevelopment

NDPC Partners with ISACA Abuja on 2025 National Code4Privacy Hackathon 2.0

NDPC Partners with ISACA Abuja on 2025 National Code4Privacy Hackathon 2.0

In a move set to further Nigeria’s digital innovation and data protection efforts, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abuja chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) for the successful hosting of the 2025 National Code4Privacy Hackathon 2.0.

The formal agreement was sealed during a strategic engagement that reaffirmed both organisations’ shared commitment to enhancing privacy rights and building capacity within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration and lauded ISACA as a consistent strategic partner since the Commission’s inception. He specifically acknowledged ISACA’s efforts in mentoring winners of the inaugural edition of the Code4Privacy Hackathon, describing such initiatives as vital to advancing the priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Dr. Olatunji emphasized Nigeria’s rich pool of young tech talent, stating, “This Hackathon offers an international stage for our youth to display innovative solutions that can address global digital challenges. The MoU not only deepens our collaboration with ISACA but also contributes to strengthening the digital ecosystem for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

Representing ISACA Abuja, President Emmanuel Omoke praised the NDPC under Dr. Olatunji’s leadership for its consistent support and proactive advocacy for data privacy awareness across sectors. He noted that the Hackathon would spotlight Nigeria’s tech brilliance, adding, “Nigerians have never lacked talent. What we need are platforms like this to showcase our digital capabilities to the world. ISACA remains fully committed to making the Hackathon a resounding success.”

The 2025 edition of the National Code4Privacy Hackathon is expected to build on the momentum of its maiden edition, encouraging innovation while promoting best practices in data privacy and protection.

#ChampioningPrivacyRights #NADPA20

Chinese TikTok Exposé Reveals European Luxury Brands’ Open Secret: “Made in China, Packaged in Europe”

Chinese TikTok Exposé Reveals European Luxury Brands’ Open Secret: “Made in China, Packaged in Europe”

 

A wave of TikTok videos in China is pulling back the curtain on Europe’s most prestigious luxury brands, revealing a truth many consumers may find unsettling: the vast majority of high-end handbags, clothing, and accessories sold under iconic European labels are actually manufactured in China—before being shipped to Europe for final packaging and branding.

The viral trend, driven by Chinese influencers and factory insiders, showcases how products from brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada are often produced in Chinese factories, only to be given a “European-made” aura through assembly or finishing touches abroad. According to these exposés, over 80% of luxury goods sold at exorbitant prices share this supply chain reality.

The Illusion of European Craftsmanship

For decades, luxury brands have marketed themselves on the promise of unparalleled European craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity. Yet, as these TikTok videos demonstrate, much of the actual production happens in China’s highly specialized manufacturing hubs, where skilled labor costs a fraction of what it does in Italy or France.

One viral clip shows a factory worker stitching a near-identical version of a €2,000 designer handbag, with the only difference being the final label and packaging. Another reveals how luxury brands outsource production to China but maintain legal loopholes—such as adding a single button or zipper in Europe—to justify “Made in Italy” or “Made in France” labels.

Consumer Backlash or Business as Usual?

While the revelations may shock some buyers, industry insiders argue this has been an open secret for years. Luxury brands rely on perception, not transparency, to justify their pricing. A 2018 report by The Guardian already found that many “Italian-made” luxury goods were largely produced overseas, with only minor finishing work done in Europe.

Chinese consumers, however, are now pushing back. Comments on these TikTok videos range from outrage (“Why are we paying 10 times the price for a Chinese-made product?”) to amusement (“So the real luxury is the European packaging?”). Some argue that if the quality is high, the origin shouldn’t matter—but others feel deceived by the marketing myth of European exclusivity.

What’s Next for the Luxury Industry?

As the TikTok exposés gain traction, brands face a dilemma: admit the reality and risk diluting their prestige, or double down on the “craftsmanship” narrative. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly launching their own high-end labels, challenging the notion that luxury must come with a European stamp.

One thing is clear: in the age of social media, the luxury industry’s best-kept secret is out. Whether consumers will still pay thousands for a “Made in China, Packaged in Europe” product remains to be seen.

What do you think? Should luxury brands be more transparent about production origins, or is the illusion part of the appeal? Let us know in the comments.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu 

NDPC Hosts Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA), Offers Free Data Protection Training

NDPC Hosts Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA), Offers Free Data Protection Training

The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, recently received a delegation from the Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA), led by its President, Mr. Emeka Ezekwesili, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The courtesy visit comes on the heels of compliance orders issued to some HOFA members by the NDPC. Mr. Ezekwesili applauded the Commission’s efforts in raising awareness about data privacy, acknowledging the critical role of data protection in today’s digital economy. He emphasized the importance of the engagement, noting that many in the hospitality sector were still coming to terms with the implications of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023.

“We felt it necessary to visit the Commission to better understand the compliance expectations and seek collaborative ways to educate our members,” Mr. Ezekwesili said. He also reiterated HOFA’s willingness to work closely with the NDPC in advancing data protection best practices across the hospitality industry.

In his response, Dr. Olatunji lauded the leadership of HOFA for proactively engaging with the Commission. He provided a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of data protection and stressed the sensitivity of personal data routinely handled by hotels, which, if breached, could result in serious risks to individuals.

“Hotels process vast amounts of personal and sometimes sensitive data. Compliance with the NDPA is not only a legal necessity but also a business imperative,” Dr. Olatunji stated. He further highlighted the NDPC’s readiness to support stakeholders in the hospitality sector with the tools and knowledge necessary to meet compliance standards.

As a key outcome of the meeting, Dr. Olatunji announced that the NDPC would provide free data protection training for HOFA members. Additionally, a working group has been established between the Commission and HOFA to foster ongoing collaboration and sector-specific guidance.

This development marks another milestone in NDPC’s ongoing efforts to promote data protection awareness and compliance across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

#ChampioningPrivacyRights #NADPA2025 #PrivacyInAction #DataProtectionAwareness