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Airtel Nigeria and SMEDAN Forge Strategic Partnership to Empower SMEs

Airtel Nigeria and SMEDAN Forge Strategic Partnership to Empower SMEs

 In a move poised to enhance Nigeria’s small business ecosystem, Airtel Nigeria has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), marking the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at empowering SMEs across the country.

The landmark agreement was signed over the weekend at Airtel Nigeria’s headquarters in Banana Island, Lagos, by Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, and the Director General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii.

Effective from April 17, 2025, the MoU paves the way for Airtel to deepen its engagement with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by gaining access to SME clusters nationwide. This collaboration is expected to drive growth for Airtel Business through enhanced reach and tailored services designed for Nigeria’s vibrant SME sector.

Speaking at the event, Airtel Nigeria expressed delight in hosting the SMEDAN delegation and described the partnership as a strategic step toward strengthening digital infrastructure and support systems for small businesses in Nigeria.

With this initiative, both organizations aim to create scalable solutions that will boost productivity, improve digital inclusion, and ultimately contribute to national economic development.

Enugu Govt Seals Landmark Investment Deal with Lion Business Par

Enugu Govt Seals Landmark Investment Deal with Lion Business Par

 

… We guarantee your business, hurry and invest, Mbah urges diasporans

The Enugu State Government and the Lion Business Park Limited have sealed an investment deal with the signing of Novation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a world-class industrial and commercial hub within the Enugu Industrial Park Free Trade Zone.

This was even as the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to guaranteeing businesses through the provisions of infrastructure and enabling environment for ease of doing business, urging diaspora investors to turn their capital into Enugu State for a high return on investment, RoI.

Signing the MOU alongside top management of Lion Business Park Ltd in Enugu on Tuesday, the firm’s chairman, Dr. Okechukwu Mbonu, commended the governor for his visionary leadership, developmental strides and achievements the administration had recorded within a short period in office.

Highlighting the objective of the deal, Mbonu stressed that the company was poised to develop industrial and commercial hub that would catalyze trade, industry, economic growth and create jobs for the youth population.

“This strategic collaboration aligns with Your Excellency’s visionary economic agenda to grow the GDP of Enugu State from $4.4 billion to $30 billion (US Dollars) for the overall benefit of the people of Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.

“It is therefore, a watershed moment with this renewed partnership between Lion Business Park and Enugu State Government. It is indeed a case of a promise made and fulfilled and I have no doubt that you will continue to fulfill your promises to the people of Enugu State,” the chairman added.

Mbonu, who expressed optimism about the investment, said the project would leverage on the incentives associated with businesses in a Free Trade Zone to attract foreign direct investments, promote human capital, innovation and technology development to create jobs.

Calling on the business community, private sector leaders and global investors to maximize the perfect opportunities the park presented to them to be part of the economic revolution, Mbonu added that the project had immense benefits that spurred beyond the state, the South East zone to Nigeria at large.

Speaking, Governor Mbah reiterated the administration’s economic blueprint, which is to grow the economy and make the state the number one destination for investors in the country, saying the promise to inspire exponential growth could only be possible with investment deals such as the one executed with the Lion Business Park.

“The Enugu State Government has committed to increase their stake in this going concern by providing all the necessary infrastructure that is required in order for this business park to be fully functional. We see the business park as food that is ready. Because if we are to start the process of building a business park, we know what it will take. Procuring your licenses; getting the free trade license, getting the dry port license because we have an inland port also at the Lion Business Park,” he noted.

While harping that the location of the park was a product of strategy, innovation and due diligence conducted by a team of economic experts in the administration, the governor said, “The business park is strategically located. It is three hours from Onne Sea Port in Rivers State, less than two hours to Asaba in Delta State, and less than 25 minutes to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. We couldn’t ask for a business park at a better location”.

He assured that the administration would continue to make the state attractive to investors to set up their industries by providing the right incentives such as electricity, paved roads, and other infrastructure.

While appreciating host communities in the state for their support, the governor enjoined them to continue to cooperate with investors.

#nemakmedia

VP Shettima Inaugurates Interministerial Committee to Drive Nigeria’s Innovation Economy

VP Shettima Inaugurates Interministerial Committee to Drive Nigeria’s Innovation Economy

 In a strategic move to position Nigeria as a global innovation hub and achieve a trillion-dollar economy within the next decade, Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Interministerial Committee on Research and Innovation. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking during the event, Vice President Shettima emphasized the committee’s mandate to champion food security, energy sufficiency, and a reduction in the country’s dependence on imports. He noted that the initiative is a critical component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision to harness both intellectual and financial capital to propel Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“This is not merely the inauguration of a committee,” the Vice President said, “but the activation of a bold mission: to build Nigeria into an innovation-driven, trillion-dollar economy within a decade. The future we desire is not something we inherit; it is something we build.”

The committee, composed of key stakeholders across various ministries and sectors, is expected to drive policy formulation and implementation in research, technology, and innovation.

Adding to the conversation, Maule Usman, a policy advocate, applauded the initiative, describing it as a necessary shift toward economic diversification.

“Mashaa Allah, dynamism and innovation are key features of technological development for economic advancement and growth,” Usman stated. “A paradigm shift in this direction will diversify the revenue sources of the government and reduce overreliance on oil income sources.”

The Interministerial Committee is expected to play a central role in shaping Nigeria’s innovation landscape, promoting homegrown solutions, and unlocking opportunities for sustainable development.

PAFON 2.0: Experts Highlight Ingredients for Accelerated Financial Inclusion in Nigeria

PAFON 2.0: Experts Highlight Ingredients for Accelerated Financial Inclusion in Nigeria

 

Improved efforts at collaboration among financial service providers, telecommunication operators, and tech Startups, with conscious effort geared at consumer awareness, have been proffered as key remedies to the challenge of financial inclusion in the country.

This is the viewpoint of stakeholders that gathered for the second edition of Payment Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0) held recently in Lagos.

Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI”, Ebehijie Momoh (Mrs.), the managing director and chief executive officer of AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited, said that with 64% of Nigerian adults being financial included the country has made immense progress in that regards.

She said that between 2012 till date, the country has recorded robust regulatory reforms, especially the launch of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) in 2014 making it easier to identify and track customers across different banks.

“This initiative enhanced the credibility of the financial sector and increased confidence in formal banking systems.

The growth in adoption of smartphones has also helped the financial sector to leapfrog financial inclusion. Nigeria has 142.16 mobile internet subscriptions with an average consumption of ~7.04GB / month as of January 2025. If you juxtapose it to the 15.9% decline in shipments of feature phones to 18.8 million units in Africa as at Q1 2024, you will understand that the uptake in smartphones has helped us a great deal.

Mrs. Momoh who spoke through Mr. Munachi Duru, the head of Innovation and Strategic Partnership at AfriGoPay, said the adoption of artificial intelligence banking gave birth to solutions like smile identity, a leading KYC verification provider launches facial recognition capabilities in Nigeria as neobanks and commercial banks are deploying AI-based KYC verification tools, enabling cheaper and efficient customer acquisition and servicing.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF) Limited said that with progress made in accelerating financial inclusion to unbanked and underbanked communities in Nigeria, SANEF has leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the next step to advancement in financial services in the country.

She noted that as technology evolves rapidly within the financial ecosystem, Financial Inclusion must continue to be at the center of the nation’s progress.

According to her, agent banking has been a game-changer in expanding financial inclusion across Nigeria. “By deploying agents in underserved areas, we have brought financial services and banking products such as account opening, cash in, cash out, bill payment, transfers and other services closer to the unbanked and underserved.”

Speaking during a panel session, Mr. Ibirogba Oluwagunwa, chairman, Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Mobile Money & Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), spoke of lack of collaboration and slow institutional drive towards AI as key barriers hindering digital inclusion.

He harped on the need for information sharing among fintech operators, and improved free flow of information to consumers. “The human barrier angle needs to be addressed. Fintechs need to be pushed to move forward, AI cannot operate itself.”

In his contribution, Mr. Chika Nwosu, managing director of PalmPay, reiterated the need to reach the consumers with simple format communication and education style.

He said operators should create awareness and design consumer-centric approach in developing any products. This will not only draw the consumers towards the product, but also generate trust and ease the use of such products.

Focusing on the use of AI to ensure reach, inclusion and security, Azure Application and AI Specialist at Microsoft UK, Olusoji Solomon Adeyemo, spoke on the need for AI and Blockchain in the bid to extend services to rural communities and the unbanked.

According to him, “AI, Blockchain and CBDs are shaping the future of payment, and there is a serious need for education. We need to align with global trends in new tech adoption.”

While noting that AI can ensure reach, Adeyomo said blockchain will also create digital identity that is exclusive and will promote digital financial inclusion.

In her position, Oluwabunmi Ogunyemi, the customer support lead at Moniepoint MFB, proffered physical and digital meet with customers, even in rural areas, as a viable means of inclusivity.

Also speaking, Olusegun Afolabi, the co-founder of Face Technologies UK Ltd., called for improved collaborations among stakeholders in the financial sector.

According to him, the fintech companies must also embrace effective identification solutions, focusing on biometrics and card technologies to ensure topnotch security for users.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Peter Oluka, co-Convener of the Forum, noted that the financial inclusion journey in the country has come to a crucial juncture where over 30 million adults are still financially excluded, many of whom reside in rural areas or belong to vulnerable demographics.

He noted that despite 12% growth in access to formal financial services between 2020 and 2023, as recorded by the EFInA Access to Financial Services Survey 2023, challenges still exist that hinders the unlocking of the potentials of digital payments to drive inclusive growth in Nigeria.

He further posited: “As digital infrastructure grows and fintech innovation accelerates, we must channel these advancements toward building a more inclusive, secure, and trusted financial ecosystem. This is not just about transactions — it’s about empowerment, opportunity, and economic participation for all.

Nodding in agreement, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-Convener, PAFON, reiterated the need for all stakeholders in the financial payment industry, including regulators, to participate in forums as PAFON, to map out, growth strategies with consumers and other strata of the ecosystem.

He promised to invite security stakeholders, such as the EFCC and others in subsequent editions of the event. This will help give insight into security concerns in deployment of products and services in rural and unbanked communities.

Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON) is a platform dedicated to shaping the future of digital payments and financial services in our country.

 

 

 

….despite 12% growth in access to formal financial services between 2020 and 2023, as recorded by the EFInA Access to Financial Services Survey 2023, challenges still exist that hinders the unlocking of the potentials of digital payments to drive inclusive growth in Nigeria.

World Leaders Mourn the Death of Pope Francis, Remembered as a Symbol of Compassion and Courage

World Leaders Mourn the Death of Pope Francis, Remembered as a Symbol of Compassion and Courage
  • The world is in mourning following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who died at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death was formally announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at Casa Santa Marta.

“With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Tributes have poured in from across the globe, reflecting the Pope’s profound influence on both spiritual and political spheres.

In the United States, Vice President J.D. Vance shared an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the beautiful homily he gave in the early days of COVID. May God rest his soul.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage, expressing his grief and admiration. “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” Modi stated. He also highlighted the Pope’s dedication to the poor and his inspiring commitment to inclusive development.

The White House released a solemn tribute accompanied by photos of the Pope meeting both President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance. The message read simply: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history as the first Jesuit Pope and the first from the Americas. Throughout his papacy, he championed the causes of the marginalized, challenged global leaders to act justly, and sought to make the Church more open and inclusive.

In recent years, Pope Francis was one of the few Western leaders to speak with unwavering moral clarity on humanitarian issues, including the ongoing crisis in the Levant. As global conflicts deepened, his voice became a rare beacon, denouncing violence and advocating for peace across religious and cultural lines.

As the Catholic world begins its mourning rituals, millions reflect on the legacy of a spiritual leader whose compassion and courage resonated far beyond the Vatican walls.

May his soul find eternal peace.

Premier Records Celebrates 62 Years of Musical Excellence and Cultural Legacy

Premier Records Celebrates 62 Years of Musical Excellence and Cultural Legacy

One of Africa’s most iconic music labels, Premier Records Limited, is proudly celebrating its 62nd anniversary, marking over six decades of shaping Nigeria’s soundscape and preserving its rich musical heritage.

Founded in 1963, Premier Records has remained a trailblazer in the African music industry, championing artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural preservation. According to Michael Odiong, a senior executive at the label, “62 and still counting!” — a testament to the brand’s enduring influence and unwavering commitment to music.

As the third-oldest record label in Africa, Premier Records boasts a legacy that spans generations, having supported and promoted a diverse range of genres from highlife and afrobeat to gospel, hip hop, and contemporary sounds.

The label’s deep catalog of timeless recordings, alongside a forward-looking vision, continues to inspire both budding and established artists. Through strategic investments in talent development and genre diversity, Premier Records has ensured that every voice finds a platform and every rhythm resonates with its audience.

Now, at 62, Premier Records remains not just a symbol of the past, but a dynamic force for the future—nurturing creativity, expanding musical boundaries, and celebrating the unifying power of sound across the continent and beyond.

Lagos, Rivers, Ogun Lead Nigeria’s Domestic Debt Profile in 2024 — DMO

Lagos, Rivers, Ogun Lead Nigeria’s Domestic Debt Profile in 2024 — DMO

 

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic headwinds, new data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) has shed light on the growing financial burdens carried by state governments across the country. Topping the list is Lagos State, with a staggering domestic debt of ₦900.19 billion as of December 2024—more than double that of the second-highest debtor, Rivers State.

Rivers State’s debt stands at ₦364.39 billion, reflecting its own share of the fiscal strain, while Ogun State, another South-Western state, is third with ₦211.86 billion. Delta State follows closely with ₦199.58 billion in domestic debt, and Bauchi, the leading state from the North-East, takes the fifth spot with ₦143.95 billion.

Other states in the top 10 include Niger (₦140.74 billion), Imo (₦126.14 billion), Benue (₦122.58 billion), Akwa Ibom (₦122.19 billion), and Enugu (₦119.28 billion). These figures reflect the financial realities many governors face as they attempt to fund development projects, pay salaries, and manage recurrent expenditures in the face of dwindling federal allocations and rising inflation.

A regional analysis paints an even clearer picture: the South-West and South-South geopolitical zones dominate the list, with Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Delta collectively accounting for over ₦1.6 trillion in domestic debt. This trend speaks to the high cost of maintaining infrastructure and public services in Nigeria’s economic hubs and oil-producing regions.

Experts note that while some of these debts are tied to long-term capital projects that could boost economic productivity, the rising figures also call for stricter fiscal discipline, increased internally generated revenue (IGR), and transparency in loan utilization.

The figures, curated by data intelligence firm Statisense and sourced from the DMO, provide a critical snapshot of the country’s subnational debt landscape and highlight the urgent need for sustainable debt management practices across all tiers of government.

By

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC EXPERT TO LEAD CRUCIAL INDUSTRY DIALOGUE IN LAGOS

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC EXPERT TO LEAD CRUCIAL INDUSTRY DIALOGUE IN LAGOS

AMB Roundtable Set to Address Digital Transformation Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Booming Music Sector

Lagos, Nigeria – In a significant boost for Africa’s largest music market, the upcoming AMB Roundtable has announced the appointment of globally acclaimed music business scholar Professor Daniel Nordgård as moderator for its high-level industry discussions. The event comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s $26 million music industry as it seeks sustainable solutions to digital age challenges.

Event organizer Michael Odiong emphasized the timing’s importance, stating: “Nigeria’s music industry is experiencing unprecedented global success but still faces fundamental structural issues. From fair digital compensation to effective royalty collection, we need these critical conversations now more than ever. Having Professor Nordgård guide this dialogue brings world-class expertise to our local challenges.”

The roundtable will focus on three key areas crucial to Nigeria’s music ecosystem: digital monetization strategies adapted to Africa’s unique mobile-first economy, policy frameworks to protect creative rights while fostering innovation, and structural reforms to create sustainable career paths beyond just superstar artists.

Professor Nordgård, whose groundbreaking research on digital transitions has influenced music markets worldwide, noted Nigeria’s special position: “What’s happening in Nigeria’s music sector represents one of the most fascinating case studies globally. The direct leap from informal distribution to digital platforms, combined with Afrobeats’ international explosion, offers valuable lessons for emerging markets everywhere.”

Industry analysts highlight the event’s potential impact, particularly in addressing Nigeria’s persistent challenges with piracy, uneven royalty distribution, and infrastructure gaps in live music promotion. The discussions aim to produce actionable policy recommendations and business models tailored to the African context.

The AMB Roundtable will convene top music executives, digital platform representatives, policymakers, and leading . Expected outcomes include a comprehensive policy white paper for Nigerian legislators and best practice guidelines for digital music services operating in African markets.

 

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

About the AMB Roundtable
The AMB Roundtable is Nigeria’s premier music business think tank, facilitating strategic dialogue between African music stakeholders and global industry leaders to develop solutions for sustainable creative sector growth.

Nigeria Data Protection Commission Engages Health Ministry to Strengthen Data Privacy in Healthcare Sector

Nigeria Data Protection Commission Engages Health Ministry to Strengthen Data Privacy in Healthcare Sector

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, recently led a delegation on a strategic working visit to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate. The meeting focused on enhancing data protection compliance in the health sector under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.

During the engagement, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the critical role of data privacy in healthcare, warning that breaches could lead to severe consequences, including reputational damage, medical errors, and even loss of life. He urged health sector stakeholders to adopt robust measures to safeguard sensitive patient data and sought the minister’s support in ensuring full compliance with the NDPA.

In response, Prof. Pate commended the NDPC’s efforts and pledged the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the Commission. He assured that all 107 agencies under his supervision would adhere to the Data Protection Act and emphasized the need to extend awareness to state-level health authorities through the National Council on Health.

As part of the partnership, the NDPC proposed free training programs for health workers on data privacy best practices—an offer warmly accepted by the minister. Additionally, the Commission has been invited to address the Committee of Chief Medical Directors to further emphasize the importance of data protection in healthcare delivery.

The meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening data security in Nigeria’s health sector, aligning with global privacy standards.

#ChampioningPrivacyRights #NADPA2025 #DataProtectionInHealthcare

Tinubu Is an Asset to Northern Nigeria and the Nation — Defence Minister Matawalle

Tinubu Is an Asset to Northern Nigeria and the Nation — Defence Minister Matawalle

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a significant asset to Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole, urging citizens to dismiss what he termed “baseless and politically motivated” criticisms against the president.

In a statement released on Friday and signed by his Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Goga, Matawalle, who previously served as Governor of Zamfara State, condemned recent attacks on Tinubu, asserting that they are driven by individuals who failed to secure their political ambitions.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to addressing the challenges facing our region,” the minister stated. “Those attacking him with propaganda are only seeking relevance after failing to secure their political future.”

He accused unnamed political figures of sponsoring misinformation campaigns as a way to divert attention from their own lackluster performance while in office. “These individuals had the opportunity to lead but left no meaningful legacy,” he said. “Today, they parade themselves as defenders of the people, using falsehoods and crocodile tears to win sympathy.”

Matawalle commended the Tinubu administration for what he described as significant progress in security and infrastructure development. He pointed to Operation Fansan Yamma, a recent military offensive against terrorism in the North, as a major success, noting that over 65 notorious bandit leaders have been neutralized and more than 200 terrorist camps destroyed.

“Our security forces, backed by the President’s proactive strategies, have recorded remarkable successes,” he said, adding that recent festive seasons like Easter and Ramadan were among the most peaceful in years for northern communities.

The minister also praised the revival of previously neglected infrastructure projects under the current administration. He cited the Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway as examples of Tinubu’s dedication to regional development.

“These projects were abandoned for years, but President Tinubu has revived them. Critics deliberately ignore these achievements because they do not serve their narrative,” he stated.

Calling for unity across the North, Matawalle urged the region’s residents to reject divisive rhetoric and rally behind the Tinubu administration. “We must be part of the solution, not the problem,” he said. “The North stands to gain more through unity and support for a working leadership.”