In honor of International Women’s Day, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) organized a specialized digital training program aimed at equipping women with critical skills for economic advancement and leadership in the tech sector.

Representing the Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Mr. Dejo Olawunmi emphasized the agency’s dedication to bridging the gender-digital gap through the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS).

This initiative reflects the global call for gender equality, ensuring women have equitable access to opportunities in the digital landscape.

 

Vertiv™ Unify delivers real-time visibility, comprehensive control, and advanced analytics

 Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, today announced the launch of Vertiv™ Unify, a unified control platform designed to simplify, standardise, and streamline data centre operations by integrating visibility, management, and reporting of critical power and thermal infrastructure while providing scalability and flexibility. As the only leading provider of the full suite of power train and thermal chain equipment, Vertiv now enables seamless integration and coordination across systems through Vertiv Unify.

As AI-driven workloads and hyperscale data centres expand, operators face growing challenges in maintaining efficiency across power and thermal infrastructure. The Vertiv Unify consolidated management platform provides convenient monitoring, management, and control of critical digital infrastructure for enhanced system performance. This decentralised system is available to approved users from virtually any device, empowering facility and data centre managers with access to actionable insights for improved decision-making.

“Data centres require an integrated approach to infrastructure management that reduces complexity and enhances performance,” said Andrew McClintock, global offering manager at Vertiv. “Vertiv Unify accelerates system deployment with plug-and-play functionality, offers unlimited scalability, and provides real-time visibility into power and thermal infrastructure for more informed decision-making.”

The system provides plug-and-play configurations, simplified energy usage reporting, and global and site-specific scalability. It also offers an unlimited licensing model for unlimited clients, screens, tags, connections, and devices, allowing access and information to all required stakeholders. Vertiv™ Unify is backed by Vertiv’s industry-leading support and lifecycle services, a global organisation trained to provide end-to-end support to protect and optimise critical operations.

Learn more about Vertiv Unify software and Vertiv’s portfolio of power, cooling, and services solutions at Vertiv.com.

 

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 7th 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. “When properly installed, these components are difficult to remove. However, due to negligence, they are often left unsecured, making them easy targets for theft,” he said.

Adebayo also pointed out that community resistance to infrastructure projects has significantly hindered progress. He recounted instances where local communities prevented trucks from accessing sites due to previous unaddressed damages caused by contractors.

“A diesel supplier was blocked from entering an estate because a previous contractor had damaged their property and failed to make repairs. This lack of accountability breeds distrust and delays crucial projects,” he explained.

He urged stakeholders to foster better relationships with communities to prevent such conflicts.

Another critical issue Adebayo identified was the unauthorized installation of infrastructure without government approval, leading to inadvertent damage during road construction projects.

“Government agencies often damage unregistered infrastructure simply because they were not documented in official records. Proper approvals and collaboration with authorities will ensure accountability and protection of critical infrastructure,” he noted.

He called for improved industry coordination to resolve these challenges internally before seeking external solutions that are promised by the CNII provisions.

Echoing these concerns, Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), emphasised the need for standardisation and better coordination among stakeholders.

Tony Emoekpere

He pointed out that Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges go beyond technical issues, extending into environmental and moral concerns.

“We are dealing with a moral challenge. An engineer who switched from diesel to gas generators encountered a new problem—workers began stealing engine oil instead, as they could no longer siphon diesel. These issues require both technical and ethical solutions,” he explained.

Emoekpere argued that standardisation is the key to long-term sustainability. “If infrastructure is deployed in a suboptimal manner, failure is inevitable. We need to establish proper standards that all stakeholders—government, private sector, and the public—can align with,” he stated.

He also emphasized that Nigeria has strong policies, such as local content policies, but implementation remains a major challenge. “We must move beyond discussions and focus on actionable steps, follow-ups, and policy enforcement,” he added.

The importance of addressing cable theft and vandalism was further stressed by Wale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited.

He described the alarming frequency of cable cuts, which disrupt network operations and drive up maintenance costs.

Wale Owoeye

“Cable theft is a serious issue. Airtel representatives told me they experience a cable cut every six minutes. The assumption that all black cables contain valuable copper leads to reckless vandalism,” he explained.

To combat this growing problem, Owoeye proposed three key approaches, including reorientation, enforcement, and proactive measures.

“We need to engage local communities in their native languages, educating them on the consequences of vandalism. Strict legal penalties, including long-term imprisonment, should be enforced to deter offenders,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for preventive strategies rather than reactive responses. “Prevention is always more effective and cost-efficient than restoration,” he noted.

As a proactive measure, Owoeye proposed the creation of a dedicated fund to support advocacy and awareness campaigns across Nigeria.

To demonstrate his commitment, he pledged to contribute N500,000 quarterly as a seed fund and encouraged other industry players to follow suit.

“This is like planting a seed. With collective effort, we can grow it into a sustainable solution for protecting Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure,” he said.

The speakers collectively emphasised that addressing these challenges requires collaboration among industry players, government agencies, and local communities.

They called for a concerted effort to enforce policies, engage stakeholders, and implement practical solutions that will ensure the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunication infrastructure.

 

Hope Nwosu, a Nigerian author based in Finland, has reaffirmed the power of taking initiative in achieving success, stating, “You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you ask.” This sentiment echoed the core message of the Business Seminar organized by Ceci Educare Oy last weekend, where thought leaders and entrepreneurs gathered to inspire and empower attendees.

A key speaker at the seminar, Seth Ndayishimye, emphasized the importance of dreaming big and taking concrete steps toward achieving goals. He shared the success story of Hill Connect, a consultancy firm founded by himself and three fellow Rwandans to bridge business opportunities between Finland and Africa.

Birgit Nevala highlighted the immense talents and richness that immigrants bring to Finland, encouraging newcomers to embrace their contributions despite the conservative nature of Finnish society. Similarly, legal expert Nora Haapala provided insights into Finland’s business landscape, explaining tax structures and corporate laws while urging entrepreneurs to navigate bureaucracy with confidence.

The event was expertly moderated by Kamilla Sultanova, who ensured engaging discussions throughout the seminar.

The gathering concluded with the Prestigious Global Award Ceremony, where entrepreneurs and change-makers from different countries were recognized for their outstanding contributions to society. Among the award recipients was Hope Nwosu, who received the Paragon of Excellence Award in recognition of her remarkable achievements.

Expressing her gratitude, Nwosu described the honor as a testament to the journey of success, stating, “Success is a process and a journey to fulfilling your dream.”

Other notable awardees included:

  • Osita Ifezue
  • Takura Matswetu
  • Hanne Nuutinen
  • Conrad Lyaruu
  • Christina Amal Abbass Saal
  • Prof. Edet Ekpenyong
  • Mst. Samiul Sultana
  • Aria Arai, among others.

The success of the second edition of this prestigious event was attributed to the dedication of Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie and her team of volunteers, who ensured a grander and more impactful experience.

With its growing influence, the event continues to celebrate global changemakers, reinforcing the message that “we are stronger together.”

Standard Chartered Bank has hailed Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as a catalyst for renewed investor confidence and long-term growth. A high-level delegation from the global banking giant met with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, in Abuja, to discuss the country’s evolving financial landscape and explore potential investment opportunities.

During the meeting, the delegation commended key reform measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies and market liberalization, which they described as “extraordinary” steps towards stabilizing and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

One of the central topics of discussion was investor confidence in Nigeria’s debt market, with Standard Chartered officials noting a renewed appetite for Eurobonds and local debt instruments. Minister Edun highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce the budget deficit, control inflation, and lower interest rates, all aimed at creating a more stable and predictable economic environment.

“Nigeria’s economy is currently growing at 3.84%, but to drive significant poverty reduction and job creation, we are targeting a 7% growth rate,” Edun stated, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to achieving long-term economic stability.

The Standard Chartered delegation also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s proactive engagement with international financial institutions and development agencies, noting that such collaborations are fostering a more investment-friendly climate.

As Nigeria continues to position itself as a hub for economic resilience and financial reform, the partnership between the government and Standard Chartered Bank is expected to open new doors for investment, innovation, and economic expansion.

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, at the State House, Abuja, as part of ongoing engagements with traditional leaders across the country.

The meeting, held behind closed doors, underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to fostering collaboration between the federal government and traditional institutions in addressing national development and cultural preservation.

Details of the discussions remain undisclosed, but sources indicate that key issues, including regional development, cultural heritage, and governance, were part of the deliberations.

Prof. Azinge, a respected legal scholar and custodian of Asaba’s cultural heritage, is known for his advocacy on peace, unity, and development within the region. His visit to the Presidency reflects the crucial role of traditional institutions in national discourse.

The engagement comes amid the administration’s broader consultations with traditional rulers and stakeholders, aimed at strengthening national cohesion and sustainable development.

 

 

EFT Corporation (EFTCorp), a trusted partner in modern banking, was honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Fintech Enablement’ award at the 15th Africa Bank 4.0 Summit – West Africa, held in Accra, Ghana, on 26-27 February 2025. The award recognises EFTCorp’s role in advancing fintech innovation and expanding financial inclusion across Africa by providing cutting-edge payment solutions and infrastructure for banks and financial institutions.

 

As a lead sponsor of the summit, EFTCorp actively contributed to key discussions around West Africa’s digital banking evolution, tackling issues such as interoperability, open banking, and the role of fintech in bridging financial gaps. The company’s commitment to innovation was highlighted in various panel discussions and presentations, including:

 

  • Carlin Wicomb, Chief Sales Officer, who delivered a presentation on Empowering Banks through Fintech Collaboration: Unlocking Innovation in Payments and Merchant Services.
  • Catherine Korsten, Chief Commercial Officer, who moderated a panel on Securing the Future: Biometric Authentication in West Africa’s Digital Transformation.
  • Farai Tigere, Managing Director for Zimbabwe, who joined a panel on Beyond Mobile Money: Building a Broader Financial Inclusion Strategy for West Africa.
  • Carlyn Commey, Regional Head of Business Development for West Africa, who contributed to a discussion on Supercharging West Africa’s Economy: The Real-Time Payments Revolution.

 

EFTCorp’s commitment to West Africa’s digital finance evolution

Receiving the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Fintech Enablement’ award reinforces EFTCorp’s role in West Africa’s payments modernisation journey. The region has seen a surge in neobanks, mobile money adoption, and real-time payments – the company’s solutions have been instrumental in helping financial institutions modernise their operations while ensuring secure, efficient, and scalable payment infrastructure.

 

Carlyn Commey, who represented EFTCorp at the awards ceremony, emphasised the company’s dedication to financial inclusion in the region. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to supporting banks and fintechs with innovative, tailored solutions that drive financial access and economic growth. West Africa is a priority growth region for EFTCorp, and we are excited to continue working alongside local partners to build a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.”

 

Expanding EFTCorp’s footprint in emerging markets

With West Africa’s fintech market projected to grow significantly in the coming years, EFTCorp is expanding its presence to support banks and fintechs with modern payment solutions. The rise of regulatory sandboxes, digital identity initiatives, and mobile-first financial services across the region presents vast opportunities for financial institutions to scale. Through its expertise in API-driven payment processing, mobile money interoperability, and secure transaction platforms, EFTCorp is solidifying its role as a leading fintech enabler on the continent.

 

“Our goal is to bridge the gap between legacy banking infrastructure and next-generation payment solutions,” says Commey. “By working closely with banks, regulators, and fintechs, we ensure that our technology meets market needs while driving seamless financial services for businesses and consumers alike.”

 

As West Africa accelerates its digital banking transformation, EFTCorp remains a key player in shaping the region’s payments landscape.

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has taken a decisive step toward finalizing Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture, launching a Physical Drafting Exercise in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reflecting his administration’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s cultural sector.

The National Policy on Culture, last reviewed in 1988, has remained in draft form for nearly four decades, despite its critical role in guiding Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries. Recognizing the urgency for reform, the Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., initiated a comprehensive review to ensure Nigeria’s cultural framework meets global standards and reflects the rapid evolution of the creative economy.

A Long-Awaited Policy Overhaul

The journey to update Nigeria’s cultural policy began in July 2024, when the Minister inaugurated a Cultural Policy Drafting Committee—a 100-member team tasked with researching, developing, and refining the policy’s framework. After completing a virtual drafting process in December 2024, the Ministry moved to the current physical drafting exercise, consolidating the final document for stakeholder validation before its submission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

Mrs. Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of the Entertainment and Creative Economy Department, emphasized the significance of this review:

“The National Policy on Culture provides the legal framework for preserving, promoting, and developing Nigeria’s cultural heritage. This update will reflect contemporary trends, particularly the shift from a creative industry to a creative economy. Through this exercise, we are setting the stage for Nigeria to assert its cultural identity on the global stage.”

Speaking on behalf of NESG, Dr. Ikenna Nwosu highlighted the urgent need for reform:

“For 37 years, this policy remained stagnant, while the creative and cultural sectors evolved at an unprecedented pace. Ideally, such policies should be reviewed every 5 to 10 years. What we are witnessing today is a long-overdue correction. This process will align governance with the economic potential of Nigeria’s cultural sector. The Honourable Minister’s leadership in driving this review is highly commendable.”

UNESCO’s Role in Cultural Policy Reform

UNESCO has played a crucial role in supporting the review process, ensuring its alignment with international cultural governance standards.

Speaking on UNESCO’s involvement, Mr. Ifeanyi Ajaegbo, a UNESCO representative, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment:

“UNESCO fully supports Nigeria’s efforts to update its National Policy on Culture. This policy aligns with our 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which ensures fair access to cultural goods and services. By strengthening cultural governance, Nigeria will create a more structured, inclusive, and globally competitive creative economy.”

Strengthening Nigeria’s Creative Economy

The Ministry’s collaboration with NESG has ensured an inclusive and technically sound review process. Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024, NESG has provided research, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure the new policy meets both national and international benchmarks.

Additionally, UNESCO has conducted training sessions, workshops, and expert consultations, equipping Ministry staff with global best practices for fostering cultural sustainability and economic growth.

Next Steps: Validation and Approval

The Physical Drafting Exercise, taking place from March 20–24, 2025, at Blue Spring Hotel, Abuja, marks the final stage before the Stakeholder Engagement and Validation Exercise. Once validated, the policy will be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for final approval.

With this milestone, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy is taking a bold step toward repositioning Nigeria’s cultural sector. Beyond preserving heritage, the policy aims to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and position Nigeria as a leader in the global creative industry.

In a significant step towards enhancing data protection and privacy compliance in Nigeria, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI).

The agreement, formalized at a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, aims to deepen collaboration between both organizations in promoting awareness, compliance, and privacy protection across the country.

Speaking at the event, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, described the MoU as a historic milestone for the Commission. He acknowledged Mr Tokunbo Smith, President of DKIPPI, for his unwavering support since the Commission’s inception. Dr Olatunji highlighted Mr Smith’s key contributions to the development of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP), and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID)—all of which serve as foundational frameworks for data protection in the country.

“This partnership formalizes our shared commitment to advancing data privacy, compliance, and awareness across Nigeria. As data protection takes center stage globally, this collaboration will further strengthen Nigeria’s stance in the digital economy,” Dr Olatunji stated.

On his part, Mr Tokunbo Smith reaffirmed DKIPPI’s dedication to supporting the Commission, pledging even greater efforts in shaping Nigeria’s data privacy ecosystem. “Data protection and privacy are becoming increasingly critical worldwide. We remain committed to making a lasting impact in ensuring compliance and security within Nigeria’s digital space,” he said.

In recognition of Dr Olatunji’s leadership in spearheading data protection initiatives in Nigeria, Mr Smith presented him with an honorary award, naming him an Ambassador of the Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative.

The MoU marks another step in Nigeria’s journey towards robust data governance, ensuring that the country aligns with global best practices in information privacy and security.

 

Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, is witnessing a new wave of transformation as industry professionals seek to refine their expertise and elevate the sector to global standards. In a major development, Tayo Folorunsho, a renowned edutainment entrepreneur and filmmaker, has successfully completed a professional program at the prestigious KAP Film and Television Institute in Lagos.

As the Founder of The Big Break Moment Africa. Folorunsho has been instrumental in bridging education and entertainment, empowering young creatives, and shaping the future of Nollywood. His latest academic pursuit signals a shift towards business-driven filmmaking, which is crucial for Nollywood’s sustainability and competitiveness on the global stage.

Speaking on his motivation for enrolling at KAP, Folorunsho emphasized the need for filmmakers to go beyond creativity and embrace the business aspects of filmmaking.

“I was desirous of knowing the rudimentary part of the business aspect of filmmaking, beyond just creativity. Nollywood is expanding, and for it to remain competitive globally, we need to understand the financial and structural backbone of the industry. I got that knowledge here at KAP, and I am thoroughly impressed,” he stated.

With Nollywood ranking as the second-largest film industry in the world by output, industry stakeholders are increasingly focusing on enhancing production quality, securing better distribution models, and maximizing revenue streams. Folorunsho’s training at KAP has provided him with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of global entertainment, positioning him as a key player in Nollywood’s next growth phase.

“This is a milestone for me. It has prepared me to be an all-around movie executive, not just a filmmaker. The experience at KAP has provided me with an A-to-Z understanding of movie-making, positioning me to contribute meaningfully to Nollywood’s future,” he added.

Folorunsho’s graduation reflects a growing trend in Nollywood, where professionals are seeking formal education to refine their craft and improve the industry’s global reputation. With streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime increasing their investment in Nollywood content, there is a greater demand for well-structured, high-quality productions that meet international standards.

As Nollywood expands its influence beyond Africa, the industry must adopt sound business models, better intellectual property protection, and strategic partnerships to maximize its potential. Folorunsho, through his works, The Big Break Moment Africa, is at the forefront of this new movement, inspiring and mentoring emerging creatives.

With his newfound expertise, Folorunsho is expected to spearhead innovative film projects, edutainment initiatives, and strategic collaborations that will shape Nollywood’s future. His approach to filmmaking—one that blends creativity with business intelligence—sets a new standard for how Nollywood professionals should position themselves in a rapidly evolving industry.

As the Nigerian film industry continues to gain recognition on the global stage, leaders like Tayo Folorunsho are proving that education, innovation, and strategic business knowledge are essential to Nollywood’s long-term success. His recent achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to Nollywood’s ongoing transformation into a world-class entertainment powerhouse.