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Why managed services have become a necessity, not a luxury

Why managed services have become a necessity, not a luxury

 

 

Despite global economic uncertainty, one field that’s set to keep growing steadily is that of managed IT services. By some estimates, it’s expected to grow by 12,7% worldwide – far surpassing the estimated 3,5% growth in overall IT spending.

 

In South Africa, this trend looks much the same, says Petre Agenbag, Service Delivery Manager at Dariel Software. “And with good reason. Modern IT is evolving from a supportive role to an enabling and even entrepreneurial one. Gone are the days when IT performed a maintenance function. Today, IT is a strategic enabler, playing a crucial role in defining the business itself.”

 

According to Agenbag, this shift has been driven by the ever-increasing complexities of the modern business world. IT forms part of almost every single aspect of a business, performing core functions companies can no longer neglect if they want to keep their competitive edge. “Businesses face increasing IT complexities, from cybersecurity threats to regulatory compliance. Managed services provide the expertise and tools to navigate these challenges efficiently.”

 

The benefits

A KPMG CIO survey found that 51% of CIOs plan to increase managed services, with the top reason being access to skills not available in-house (48%), followed by the ability to free up resources to focus on the core business (41%).

 

And that’s the crux of the matter, says Agenbag – the right managed services provider transforms IT from a necessary expense to a strategic advantage. “In South Africa, the challenges businesses often struggle with include compliance such as POPIA, outdated systems, and a lack of in-house expertise. Managed services offer tailored solutions to these issues.”

 

As demand has grown, the role of managed services has changed, he adds. “Modern managed services providers have evolved into Managed Service Professional Providers (MSPPs), transitioning from reactive support to proactive, strategic IT partners. This shift addresses growing demands for robust security, cloud management, and IT alignment with business goals. MSPPs mitigate challenges like the IT skills shortage, regulatory compliance pressures, and hybrid work complexities by offering cost-effective, enterprise-grade solutions. By offloading critical but non-core functions like tax, compliance, and cybersecurity to specialised providers, businesses can reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and improve agility.”

 

Dariel, for example, has made it its mission to exemplify the role of the modern MSPP, offering unparallelled critical services such as advanced security and threat detection, tailored cloud solutions, virtual CIO (VCIO) guidance, proactive monitoring across the IT ecosystem, and strategic IT alignment. “This security-first approach with advanced analytics and monitoring tools prevents issues before they even arise, while also providing access to advanced tools and talent without the burden of upfront capital investment. This approach not only addresses immediate operational challenges but also frees leadership to focus on innovation and long-term growth, ensuring competitiveness in a fast-paced business landscape,” says Agenbag.

 

How to choose a provider

When looking for an MSPP, it’s important to have a long-term outlook. When approached as a strategic choice rather than a reactive expense, you’ll get the most benefit out of managed services – and the most bang for your buck. “The right provider can proactively drive innovation, reduce risks, and align IT with your business goals. The wrong provider, on the other hand, is employed as a short-term stop gap, which doesn’t deliver any of the above-mentioned advantages even though it might seem like a cost-saving measure,” says Agenbag.

 

Here’s what to look out for when choosing a provider:

 

  • Local expertise

Your provider should have knowledge about local regulations as well as the local business landscape, including ways to save money on systems. Personalised service is also essential – you should be able to reach them easily to answer technical questions.

  • System revitalisation

While it’s not always necessary to do a complete overhaul, you want to find a provider who looks toward the future and makes sure to enhance legacy infrastructure and applications, extending its value and aligning it with current business needs.

  • A security-first approach

Support should be proactive and not reactive, with constant monitoring to prevent issues before they arise. Look for robust security measures such as managed SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), managed firewall, advanced threat detection, and AI-driven analytics for actionable insights.

  • Tailored solutions

Lastly, a good provider will have the ability to tailor its solutions to your specific business needs, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s not just about keeping your systems running, but about transforming your IT into a true strategic advantage.

 

NCC and FCCPC Join Forces to Protect Consumers and Promote Fair Competition

NCC and FCCPC Join Forces to Protect Consumers and Promote Fair Competition

 

In a groundbreaking step to safeguard consumers and ensure fairness in Nigeria’s fast-evolving telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ceremony, held on January 14, 2025, symbolized a commitment to collaboration between the two key regulatory bodies.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, expressed excitement over the partnership. “Today is not just the signing of an MoU—it’s a testament to our shared vision of putting consumers first. As technology continues to shape our lives, this collaboration ensures we can protect Nigerians while fostering innovation and fair competition,” he stated.

Mr. Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the FCCPC, echoed these sentiments. “Regulations often overlap by design, allowing agencies like ours to step in when gaps appear. This partnership ensures that no Nigerian consumer falls through the cracks,” he said.

The MoU aims to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry, streamlining oversight and resolving consumer issues with a unified approach. Both leaders agreed that this collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of leveraging partnerships to drive economic growth and prioritize consumer welfare.

The ceremony celebrated months of diligent work by teams from both commissions, and there was a shared optimism about the benefits the partnership would bring. “By working together, we’re creating a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable telecommunications industry,” Dr. Maida added.

This initiative sets a precedent for collaboration across regulatory bodies, ensuring consumers across all sectors enjoy greater protection and fair market practices.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

A booming continent needs a new payment infrastructure

A booming continent needs a new payment infrastructure

Africa is an exciting, vibrant and creative place to do business. But make no mistake, it has its challenges. Currency devaluation, political instability, and service disruptions are endemic. Africa is not for sissies, as the saying goes.

 

In navigating those challenges, relationships matter. It’s not so much about throwing money at a problem, it’s about investing time, building trust, meeting with partners and regulators, and understanding each other’s needs.

Africa offers an enormous upside for those prepared to make this time investment. The continent’s population is set to reach 2.5 billion (http://apo-opa.co/3W7Kp4w) by 2050, and Africa’s people are embracing digital technology, as the World Bank (http://apo-opa.co/3Waln4F) confirms. They are leveraging digital connectivity to improve their lives, educate themselves, send remittances, and start small enterprises. There is value in investing in that level of human development.

The payments opportunity

Running through this African growth trajectory is a particular business thread: payments (http://apo-opa.co/3WawLxk). There are opportunities for anyone who can simplify, rationalise and standardise payments for the continent’s dynamic financial economy.

An organisation in just such a position is MultiChoice (www.Multichoice.com/), the leading pan-African video entertainment provider for almost 40 years. In building a pay-TV network across the continent, with up to 23.5 million (http://apo-opa.co/3WawOJw) customers across 50+ markets, and 100 million+ monthly viewers, MultiChoice also built relationships across the continent to collect payments, for DStv, GOtv, and Showmax – potentially the only large enterprise to need such enormous breadth.

The Group has converted the opportunity that this represents, partnering with global venture-capital firm General Catalyst and payments company Rapyd to launch Moment (http://apo-opa.co/4ad1H5N), which aims to be the broadest, deepest payment network across Africa.

Launching with Showmax and DStv as initial clients, Moment started processing payments for parts of the group in January 2024. By November 2024 MultiChoice was already collecting around 35% of its revenue through Moment rails, and those numbers are rising quickly. Services to other enterprises were rolled out in August.

Moment already collects and disburses across 44 African countries, accepting 200+ local payment methods – spanning in-person payments at over 1 million store and agent locations, mobile money, credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets.

Enabling consumers and businesses to move from cash to digital, Moment and its network offers users access to better financial opportunities, lower prices, higher quality goods and services, and full access to the digitally enabled economy.

Expanding the ecosystem

To access the initial target market of large enterprises that will benefit from the reach, breadth, and high performance needed by MultiChoice, Moment has built out a fully cloud-native infrastructure. The platform can deliver on the high daily and weekly loads needed for one of the largest billing bases on the continent, and also smoothly deal with the potential for network outages, power cuts, and other disruptions.

In order to ensure businesses have access to the daily cash flow they need, Moment has built a robust financial reconciliation and settlement system capable of automating and simplifying the daily reconciliation process for enterprises and enabling them to spend tight staffing budgets efficiently, while getting fast, accurate financial reporting and access to their receivables.

To help these enterprise customers expand their customer bases, Moment opens up the largest mass-market suite of payment channels through its network, enabling businesses to fully tap into the mass market’s buying power for the first time with a single API connection – providing access to more than a million in-person payment locations across spaza shops, modern retail locations, and a host of online payment options tuned to the needs of each local market.

To ensure that Moment’s clients and the market are ready for the future, Moment is building a “coalition” around real-time payments, to educate consumers on the benefits of PayShap and other real-time payment methods that can significantly reduce cost and increase payment speed. DStv and Moment launched PayShap payments in South Africa as the first “consumer to business” real-time payment option built on South Africa’s RPP payments system. Moment has developed partnerships with similar systems in the SADC countries and Nigeria to expand real-time payments as the market evolves.

Simplifying the process

One of the reasons MultiChoice first looked at the payments space was precisely because it is a complex environment, characterised by multiple service agreements, commission rates and exchange rates. It made sense to try to simplify the payments landscape, for everyone’s benefit.

Africa is a challenging territory, but Africans are agile and innovative. Trends and new solutions emerge constantly. Any platform entering this space must recognise that there isn’t one answer; there are many. By partnering with MultiChoice, Moment has built out technology with the flexibility to configure the right solution for each market.

The upsides of building for the challenging scale of MultiChoice as a launch client are significant – other enterprises Moment is working with have built unwieldy daily financial operations to manage their own complexity. Anecdotally, one merchant maintains a staff of 75 people doing reconciliations for their business – operations that can be automated and streamlined leveraging the Moment platform. Moment presents a vast opportunity in simplifying that process, automating it, while enabling customers to focus on their core business and customer relationships.

Africa is the largest single opportunity in the world. As our population booms over the next 20 years, many new business foundations will need to be laid across the continent – especially in the area of payments.

Payments are the lifeblood of Africa’s economy. Enabling them efficiently and cost-effectively, across the continent, ensures Africa performs to its full potential. Through the partnership with MultiChoice, Moment is well positioned to be at the core of this transformation for decades to come.

Nigeria Data Protection Commission Partners with Civil Service to Advance Privacy Practices

Nigeria Data Protection Commission Partners with Civil Service to Advance Privacy Practices

 

The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The visit, held in Abuja, was aimed at fostering collaboration, promoting privacy awareness, and enhancing data protection practices within Nigeria’s civil service.

During the meeting, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the importance of data protection in the digital era and commended Mrs. Walson-Jack for her unwavering commitment to the rule of law, especially in advancing digitalisation and data protection in Nigeria. He delivered a detailed presentation on the NDPC’s establishment, outlining its strategic roadmap and its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, particularly in governance and job creation.May be an image of 5 people, dais and text

Achievements and Plans Shared by NDPC

Dr. Olatunji noted the Commission’s significant milestone of creating over 15,000 jobs through its initiatives. He underscored the importance of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model adopted by the NDPC, which has been instrumental in driving compliance across various sectors. However, he expressed concern about the low compliance levels within the public sector and stressed the need for increased participation in the Commission’s Data Protection National Certification process. This process is designed to produce globally competitive Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in Nigeria, providing an essential resource for safeguarding sensitive data.

Dr. Olatunji extended a generous offer of free data protection and privacy training for the staff of the Office of the Head of Civil Service and a workshop for permanent secretaries, aimed at building capacity and fostering a robust culture of privacy in governance.

Head of Civil Service Responds Positively

In her response, Mrs. Walson-Jack expressed gratitude to Dr. Olatunji and the NDPC for their proactive efforts in promoting data protection. She praised the Commission’s role in advancing digitalisation, including its contributions to the Civil Service War Room Strategy and the broader transformation agenda for the civil service.

Acknowledging the immense benefits of data protection training for prospective DPOs and permanent secretaries, Mrs. Walson-Jack warmly accepted the offer. A working team was subsequently selected to facilitate the proposed collaboration between the NDPC and the civil service. She assured the National Commissioner of her office’s full support in embedding privacy practices and fostering a culture of compliance within the public sector.May be an image of 11 people, table, newsroom and text

Strengthening Data Protection in Governance

The visit marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the NDPC and the civil service. With a shared commitment to advancing digitalisation and promoting privacy, the collaboration is expected to enhance governance and contribute to Nigeria’s broader transformation goals.

As the NDPC continues to champion data protection and privacy compliance, its partnership with the civil service is poised to drive positive change, ensuring a safer and more efficient digital environment in Nigeria.

Margaret Olele Shares Vision for 2025 with Focus on Empowering Women and Driving Change

Margaret Olele Shares Vision for 2025 with Focus on Empowering Women and Driving Change

 

Margaret Olele, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, has highlighted her aspirations for 2025, drawing on the impactful activities she engaged in last year. While some may advocate for leaving the past behind, Olele emphasized that certain initiatives from 2024 have laid the groundwork for her plans to make a significant impact this year, particularly in empowering women and fostering meaningful collaborations.

“Some may suggest we completely shut the door to last year. For me, some activities last year serve as the foundation that will shape the critical part of my 2025 plans. One is involvement with purposeful women-led activities,” Olele stated.

Her efforts included a week in December dedicated to initiatives aligned with her vision. Among them was her collaboration with Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, on the Weelevate Africa project. This initiative hosted a dinner themed “Women Allying Women: Strengthening Bonds for a Brighter Future,” moderated by renowned journalist Stephanie Busari. The event explored strategies for empowering women constructively across Africa.No alt text provided for this image

Olele also contributed as a panelist at the 13th Inspiring Woman series event, convened by Kemi Ajumobi. Alongside Isi Igenegba and Temitayo Lore Dada, CITP®, she explored the theme “She Said She Would and She Did,” a mantra Olele acknowledges as close to her heart and reflective of her daughter’s inspiring determination.

Furthering her commitment to women’s causes, Olele joined Women in Film and TV Nigeria to tackle the critical issue of the casting couch. The event featured Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, who shared insights on her agency’s efforts to combat violence against women. Olele expressed her intention to advance this cause further in the coming year.

Her reflections and experiences from these engagements have solidified her hope for a transformative 2025. “I am hopeful for a great 2025,” she concluded, underscoring her optimism and determination to drive change for women across Africa and beyond.

Margaret Olele’s proactive approach to building on the successes of the past year exemplifies her dedication to creating a brighter future through purposeful initiatives and collaborations.

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

Change is the only constant for the cloud ecosystem in 2025

Change is the only constant for the cloud ecosystem in 2025

 

The global cloud ecosystem experienced significant upheaval in 2024 with 2025 bringing more of the same

 

Significant shifts in the cloud ecosystem occurred in 2024, driven by factors such as repatriation, sovereignty, and market consolidation. As we kickoff 2025, the cloud landscape can expect to witness further change – meaning that readiness, reassessment, and resilience are the watchwords for all players in this ecosystem.

 

Lee Syse, Director of product and go-to-market at Routed, notes that in 2024, the Broadcom acquisition of VMware probably had the single biggest impact on the cloud ecosystem.

 

“This acquisition caused a massive rethink across industries. Although Broadcom is ultimately encouraging a view of the right horse for the right course – or the right workload for the right cloud – the changes implemented in the partner market are making customers and partners think more carefully about the cloud,” he says.

 

“And it is not only VMware customers that have had to rethink certain strategies and approaches. For partners, the challenge has been around uncertainty over contract terms, and fear over possible price increases.”

 

This, adds Syse, has led them to ask whether they will move across to other vendors, and whether VMware still makes sense as a technology of choice, or does the market footprint they address require additional technologies to be adopted?

 

“Essentially, what we faced in 2024 was an enforced maturity of people’s understanding of cloud and their approach to cloud. You could say the Broadcom acquisition of VMware has shaken up IT the industry’s infrastructure plans, creating an inflection point in the cloud computing and virtualisation space.”

 

The repatriation issue

Andrew Cruise, Routed’s MD, notes that there were other focuses in 2024, besides VMware’s acquisition. There was also a shift back towards on-premise and away from the hyperscale clouds.

 

“We have seen not just cloud service providers, but also end-customers, resellers, service providers, OEMs, and vendors mature their thinking about where various clouds fit in. Remember, every global cloud vendor has its own place, as they don’t all do the same thing.”

 

“A key trend for 2024 was this realisation that certain clouds are good for certain things and other clouds are not, with this recognition reinforced by the Broadcom acquisition and the changes that have been implemented,” states Cruise.

 

He explains that repatriation is mostly driven by concerns around performance and cost, with many players not getting the kind of value and efficiency out of the cloud that was expected.

 

“At the same time, fears around who has access to your data also drive this trend. If your data is hosted with a foreign company, can you be certain of its security? Thus, a lack of trust is also a driver of the repatriation trend.”

 

Sovereignty and consolidation

Cloud and data sovereignty is closely tied to repatriation, he continues. It’s a global phenomenon as organisations increasingly focus on what the right thing is to do when it comes to cloud – and sometimes the right thing to do is to stay on-premise.

 

“With data sovereignty, it’s about more than just where the data resides. It’s also about how your business operates and where the staff sits – for example, do you have any staff based in the US? Ultimately, there’s a lot of elements of your shared metadata that influences your overall data sovereignty approach.”

 

“We expect data sovereignty to remain a critical focus in 2025, as more legislation is introduced governing this issue, just as we anticipate more consolidation in the market.”

 

In fact, he notes, all indications are that Broadcom wants the cloud service provider market to consolidate. This is something that Routed has also encouraged, and we certainly expect significant consolidation of the cloud service provider market in 2025.

 

“Routed has already anticipated most of the above, and we are already prepared for it. We believe 2025 will bring even more changes, and if companies aren’t prepared, executives will again be tearing their hair out in concern.”

 

Looking ahead

Syse adds that it should be evident that there are additional changes coming, not only from a commercial, but also a technical and an architectural perspective. These changes are going to require businesses to make different commercial decisions, if they hope to remain afloat.

 

“I don’t think the disruptions in 2025 are going to be much different than in 2024 – businesses can expect more, and quite dramatic, change. This will likely include a reassessment from small and large cloud providers as to how they should be doing business; what kind of business they should be doing; who they should be engaging with; and who their end-customers should be.”

 

In the end, he continues, businesses will need to be more independent and utilise their own critical thinking, rather than simply following the crowd, or listening to what their vendor says.

 

“Customers will need to become more self-sufficient, by analysing the impact a particular vendor or hypervisor has on their organisation – such as considering what it actually does for you, and its knock-on effects within your business – and then leveraging this knowledge to make a more informed choice.”

 

“This is the real benefit of partnering with Routed: we never stagnate and are always preparing for what comes next. You will clearly benefit from our forward-thinking approach, readiness for change, and commitment to helping partners and customers navigate the transforming cloud landscape,” concludes Syse.

Ethnos IT Solutions Ltd Honors CEO Peter Ejiofor for Prestigious Recognition Among Nigeria’s Top CEOs

Ethnos IT Solutions Ltd Honors CEO Peter Ejiofor for Prestigious Recognition Among Nigeria’s Top CEOs

 

Victoria Island, Lagos – Ethnos IT Solutions Ltd, a leading cybersecurity firm located in the bustling heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, has expressed immense pride and admiration for its CEO, Mr. Peter Ejiofor, who has recently been featured in Vanguard’s renowned “Special Focus on 50 Chief Executive Officers of Distinction in Nigeria.”

This exclusive recognition celebrates Nigeria’s most influential and exceptional business leaders who have demonstrated unparalleled vision, commitment, and success in their respective fields. Mr. Ejiofor’s inclusion in this esteemed list is a testament to his daring and ambitious leadership, and his remarkable impact on the cybersecurity industry both within Nigeria and beyond.

As the driving force behind Ethnos IT Solutions Ltd, Mr. Ejiofor has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking initiatives aimed at strengthening the digital security landscape. Under his leadership, the company has gained a reputation for providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to businesses, government organizations, and individuals, ensuring that they remain protected in an increasingly interconnected and vulnerable digital world.No photo description available.

“Being recognized among the top 50 CEOs in Nigeria is not only a personal achievement for Peter, but also a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and collective efforts of the entire team at Ethnos IT Solutions,” the company stated in a press release. “His forward-thinking approach, innovative mindset, and relentless pursuit of excellence have been crucial in positioning Ethnos as a leader in the cybersecurity space.”

Mr. Ejiofor’s leadership is characterized by his ability to navigate challenges with a solution-driven approach, while maintaining a keen focus on fostering growth and development within the company and the broader industry. His strategic direction has enabled Ethnos to remain at the forefront of cybersecurity, continually adapting to emerging threats and advancing technological trends.

In addition to his contributions to cybersecurity, Mr. Ejiofor is also recognized for his mentorship and role in shaping the next generation of leaders in the tech industry. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the corporate world, as he actively participates in various initiatives designed to empower young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Ethnos IT Solutions Ltd’s celebration of Mr. Ejiofor’s accomplishment highlights not only the company’s pride in his leadership but also its deep commitment to its mission of providing state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions that protect critical assets and foster a secure digital ecosystem.

“We are incredibly proud of his impactful strides and the inspiration he provides to all of us,” the company concluded. “His recognition as one of Nigeria’s top CEOs solidifies his position as an authority in the cybersecurity space and serves as a guiding light for our continued growth and success.”

This distinguished acknowledgment further affirms Mr. Ejiofor’s place as one of Nigeria’s most admired and respected business leaders, and his ongoing contributions will undoubtedly continue to inspire those around him.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

Mr. Ejiofor’s leadership is characterized by his ability to navigate challenges with a solution-driven approach, while maintaining a keen focus on fostering growth and development within the company and the broader industry. His strategic direction has enabled Ethnos to remain at the forefront of cybersecurity, continually adapting to emerging threats and advancing technological trends.

NITDA, AUDA-NEPAD Explore Collaboration to Drive Agricultural Development Through Technology

NITDA, AUDA-NEPAD Explore Collaboration to Drive Agricultural Development Through Technology

NITDA, AUDA-NEPAD Explore Collaboration to Drive Agricultural Development Through Technology

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, welcomed the newly appointed National Coordinator of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Hon. Jabiru Abdullahi Tsauri, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to NITDA’s headquarters.

The high-level meeting centered on exploring partnerships aimed at leveraging modern technology to boost agricultural development and enhance workflow efficiency through the strategic use of NITDA’s robust data resources.May be an image of 2 people, dais and text

In his remarks, Kashifu Inuwa underscored NITDA’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, highlighting the critical role of integrating technology with precise knowledge for effective project implementation. “Technology provides the platform, but combining it with accurate information is essential for achieving digital empowerment and driving inclusive economic growth in Nigeria,” he stated.

Hon. Jabiru Abdullahi Tsauri commended NITDA for its strides in advancing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and emphasized the potential impact of applying these advancements to agriculture and other critical sectors. He expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to transform agricultural productivity and bolster economic resilience.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing mutual readiness to work together in advancing Nigeria’s digital and agricultural landscapes, ensuring sustainable growth and economic inclusion.May be an image of 6 people, dais and text

Airtel Nigeria Named Most Preferred and Admired Telecommunications Brand at Nigerian NewsDirect Awards

Airtel Nigeria Named Most Preferred and Admired Telecommunications Brand at Nigerian NewsDirect Awards

 

Airtel Nigeria has emerged as the “Most Preferred and Admired Telecommunications Brand” at the 14th Nigerian NewsDirect Awards, solidifying its position as a leading player in the nation’s telecom industry.

The prestigious recognition was conferred at a glamorous gala held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel over the weekend. The award celebrates Airtel Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and its mission to inspire Nigerians with “A Reason to Imagine.”

In response to the accolade, Airtel Nigeria expressed gratitude to the organizers, Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper, and its dedicated team for their relentless efforts in delivering exceptional service.

“This remarkable recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for Nigeria. We’re honored and humbled,” the company stated.

The Nigerian NewsDirect Awards are designed to spotlight organizations and individuals driving impactful contributions across industries. Airtel Nigeria’s win underscores its reputation for customer-centric services, technological advancements, and contributions to the socioeconomic development of the country.

With this award, Airtel Nigeria continues to cement its legacy as a brand of choice for millions of Nigerians, reaffirming its commitment to building a connected and prosperous nation.

NIPR and ARCON Sign MoU to Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks and Transform Nigeria’s Marketing Communications Industry

NIPR and ARCON Sign MoU to Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks and Transform Nigeria’s Marketing Communications Industry

NIPR and ARCON Sign MoU to Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks and Transform Nigeria’s Marketing Communications Industry

In a landmark development for Nigeria’s marketing communications industry, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) have entered into a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to bolster regulatory frameworks, enhance collaboration, and create a unified Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) ecosystem in Nigeria.

The signing ceremony, held in Abuja, underscored the commitment of both institutions to advancing professionalism, innovation, and global competitiveness in the communication sector. Dr. Ike Neliaku, the President of NIPR, signed the MoU on behalf of the Institute, while Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of ARCON, signed on behalf of the Council.

The event also saw the participation of key industry stakeholders, including Idorenyen Enang, President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), and several Council Members of NIPR, who lent their support to the milestone agreement.No alt text provided for this image

A Unified Approach to Strengthening the IMC Ecosystem
The partnership between NIPR and ARCON represents a significant step toward unifying the various facets of Nigeria’s marketing communications industry under a comprehensive regulatory framework. By aligning their efforts, the two institutions aim to address overlapping challenges, enforce industry standards, and ensure adherence to ethical practices across public relations, advertising, and other IMC disciplines.

“This collaboration signifies a bold step in strengthening the foundation of our profession and building a communication ecosystem that aligns with global best practices,” said Dr. Ike Neliaku. “Together, we are laying the groundwork for a future where professionalism and innovation drive the communication industry.”

Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo highlighted the importance of the MoU in ensuring Nigeria’s marketing communications industry operates seamlessly and efficiently. “This partnership will foster a more cohesive regulatory environment, one that promotes growth, transparency, and creativity in our industry,” he said.

Implications for the Marketing Communications Industry
The signing of the MoU is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s IMC landscape. The partnership will provide a platform for collaboration on key initiatives, including capacity-building programs, policy advocacy, and enforcement of professional standards.

By fostering synergies between public relations and advertising, the MoU is poised to unlock new opportunities for professionals, organizations, and businesses in the sector. It also demonstrates a commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global communication space, ensuring that the industry remains competitive and responsive to evolving market trends.

Stakeholder Support and Industry Impact
The presence of NIMN President Idorenyen Enang and other notable stakeholders at the event underscores the broad support for this initiative. Enang commended the partnership as a much-needed step toward achieving a unified vision for the marketing communications industry.

“This agreement sets the stage for unprecedented collaboration and innovation,” Enang remarked. “It is a testament to the shared vision of NIPR and ARCON to drive excellence and professionalism in our industry.”

The MoU is expected to pave the way for future partnerships between other professional bodies within Nigeria’s marketing communications ecosystem, further strengthening the industry’s regulatory and operational frameworks.

As NIPR and ARCON chart this new course together, industry stakeholders are optimistic that the partnership will catalyze transformative growth, positioning Nigeria’s marketing communications sector as a beacon of excellence on the global stage.