27-year-old Trailblazer Becomes One of Africa’s Youngest Cabinet Ministers

In a historic appointment, Namibia proudly introduces Emma Theofelus as the newly appointed Minister of Information and Communication Technology. At the age of 27, Theofelus stands out as one of Africa’s youngest cabinet ministers, marking a remarkable journey of leadership and achievement.

Prior to her current role, Theofelus served as the Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, holding the position from March 2020 to February 2024. A multi-award-winning Member of Parliament, Lawyer, and Social Justice Advocate, Theofelus has demonstrated her commitment to public service and advocacy for social causes.

Theofelus holds an impressive academic background, including a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honors in Law from the University of Namibia, a Diploma in Business Management from Amity University, and a Diploma in Afrikan Feminism and Gender Studies from the University of South Africa.

Her extensive leadership roles include serving as the Secretary General of the University of Namibia Student Union, the Youngest Member of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, Legal Advisor to NANSO, Deputy Speaker of the Children’s Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, and Junior Mayor of the City of Windhoek.

Sworn in as Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology at the age of 23 on March 22, 2020, Theofelus has received numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her influential presence on the global stage. These include being honored with the Laureate in the Individual Category of the United Nations Population Award 2022, recognition as one of BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women in the World 2021, and being listed in Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential Young Africans for 2020 & 2021, among other prestigious recognitions.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve her country, Theofelus remarked, “Representation is important. It’s important to empower more women to take up these spaces in public office and political decision-making so that they’re able to overturn patriarchal systems that continue to hold women back.”

Joining the nation in celebrating this significant achievement, Namibians are applauding Emma Theofelus for her dedication to public service and her trailblazing role as a young leader in the government.

Written by Valentine Zoza

 

FPG Technologies and Solutions Nigeria, a leading IT firm renowned for its expertise in cyber protection and business agility, is underscoring the pivotal role of their FlexInfra solution in corporate settings. The company reaffirms that FlexInfra represents a prudent investment for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure.

Emphasizing the importance of FlexInfra, the company asserted, “Investing in IT infrastructure is a strategic move for any organization, and safeguarding that investment is paramount. Take advantage of our FlexInfra solutions – a cutting-edge infrastructure solution meticulously designed to protect your IT investments.”

Furthermore, FPG Technologies and Solutions highlighted the multifaceted benefits of FlexInfra, stating, “Our FlexInfra solutions ensure that organizations not only meet business objectives but also achieve cost savings. With a focus on providing options tailored to your needs, FlexInfra considers your existing investments, optimizing them for maximum efficiency. Secure your IT investment and elevate your organization’s performance while saving costs.”

FPG Technologies & Solutions Limited, a member of the FlexiP Group, stands as an Information Technology Company dedicated to assisting organizations in achieving extreme business agility with confidence.

 

 

Ethnos, a trailblazing IT firm specializing in cybersecurity solutions in Nigeria, is excited to announce the continuation of its successful partnership with Splunk Inc., an American software company headquartered in San Francisco. This enduring collaboration has spanned over six years, contributing significantly to the introduction of world-class enterprise resilience solutions to Nigerian businesses.

The partnership, officially sealed on February 12, [6 years ago], has proven to be a testament to the enduring commitment of both Ethnos and Splunk to deliver cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and innovative services to the Nigerian market.

Peter Ejiofor, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethnos, expressed his ongoing enthusiasm about the long-standing collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Splunk has been instrumental in setting new standards of innovation and service in the cybersecurity landscape. We look forward to continued success and exciting developments in the years to come.”

Ejiofor emphasized Ethnos’ steadfast commitment to providing top-notch solutions to Nigerian firms, leveraging decades of experience in the cybersecurity industry. The focus remains on offering solutions that effectively mitigate threats and breaches, ensuring the security and resilience of businesses.

Splunk’s solutions, which have been a cornerstone of this enduring partnership, continue to bring a host of features to the table. These include the ability to fend off threat actors, diminish downtime, expedite issue resolution, and prevent major business impacts. The software’s capabilities also ensure the swift restoration of mission-critical services, thereby ensuring that teams remain productive and customers are satisfied.

In addition to its prowess in cybersecurity, Splunk brings transformative capabilities to businesses operating in the cloud. This includes building resilience to address unpredictable challenges and delivering innovative and seamless customer experiences. The solutions incorporate purpose-built AI for security and observability, accelerating digital resilience with human-in-the-loop capabilities to enhance detection, investigation, and response.

Ethnos, as an indigenous cybersecurity firm, takes pride in its world-class team of security experts dedicated to keeping clients’ cyberspace safe. With over six years of collaboration with Splunk, Ethnos remains committed to delivering exceptional cybersecurity solutions to clients not only in Nigeria but also beyond.

 

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, actively participated in the “Innovate Nigeria 2024 Conference & Expo,” a pivotal event organized by Nova Tech at the prestigious Landmark Event Center in Victoria Island, Lagos.

As a strategic move aligning with the implementation of the Presidential 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to position Nigeria as a hub for digital and economic transformation, the Director General emphasized the crucial role of accelerating diversification through industrialization and digitization.

Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the Director of the Corporate Planning and Strategy Department at NITDA, the agency delivered a compelling keynote address focusing on “The Role of Government in Advancing AI Research in Nigeria.” Dr. Onumo highlighted the significance of governmental support in fostering an environment conducive to innovative breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.

During his address, Dr. Onumo underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the innovation ecosystem. He reassured the audience of ongoing efforts to allocate funds, nurture startups, and institute developmental regulations that will not only bolster AI research but also pave the way for groundbreaking innovations to thrive within Nigeria.

The NITDA’s active involvement in the Innovate Nigeria 2024 Conference & Expo exemplifies its dedication to fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technological advancements in line with the national agenda for a digitally transformed and economically robust Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration is revolutionizing agriculture to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production and a net exporter of agricultural products.
Speaking when he received a delegation from the Global Tijaniyya Movement, led by Khalifa Muhammad Mahe Niass, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Sunday, the President said his administration will support plans and efforts to give ease and succour to Hajj pilgrims.
He emphasized the importance of spiritual endeavours in nation-building, underscoring his administration’s commitment to supporting religious activities.
He highlighted the need for collaboration between political and spiritual leaders to advance the nation’s interests and promote unity among the people.
On agriculture, the President outlined plans to bolster agricultural productivity through various initiatives, including the expansion of farmlands, the provision of low-interest loans to farmers, and significant investments in irrigation infrastructure.
“We are dedicated to equipping hospitals with modern equipment, providing healthcare professionals with training, and ensuring social welfare for every citizen, including comprehensive health insurance coverage.
“Nigeria will become a net-exporter of food. We are bringing thousands of tractors. Food production will be greatly expanded through aggressive mechanization. We must be productive as a people. That is the Sunnah and the principles I grew up understanding,” he said.
President Tinubu thanked the Global Tijaniyya Movement for their support and prayers, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building a better Nigeria.
Sheikh Mahe Niass, the Khalifa of Tijaniyya, speaking on behalf of the delegation, commended President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s peace, progress, and stability.
He expressed confidence in the President’s leadership and conveyed the fervent support and prayers of members of the Global Tijaniyya Movement to the Nigerian leader.
During their visit, the delegation offered prayers for the nation’s progress, unity and prosperity, and for Almighty Allah to grant President Tinubu wisdom, strength, and success.

 

 

The award-winning blockbuster film ‘Hotel Labamba’ produced by Laide Daramola and directed by Biodun Stephen is going to Prime on February 15, 2024.

 

Starring stellar actors like Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Ademoye, Lilian Afegbai, Bolaji Ogunmola, Blessing Jessica Obasi, and Femi Adebayo among others. This movie promises to take you on an unforgettable journey from crime to suspense and comedy as it unravels the murder mystery of an influencer who died within the premises. At Hotel Labamba, everyone is a suspect.

 

 

Hotel Labamba secured its first award at the 2023 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, winning Best Comedy Friction Film. The movie also received four awards at the Global Film Festival – Best Feature Film, Best Trailer, Best Director, and Best Assemble Cast. At the Motion Picture International Film Festival, Hotel Labamba won its six award which was the Fiction Feature Film. Hotel Labamba, distributed by Cinemax, continues to receive massive accolades on the international film market.

 

Hotel Labamba will be available to stream only on  Prime Video from February 15, 2024.

 

Watch the trailer below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXqdyyMVrXc

 

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In a solemn statement today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed profound shock and distress at the untimely demise of Mr. Hubert Wigwe, a distinguished banker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, who, along with his wife Chizoba and son Chizi, tragically lost their lives in a recent crash in the United States.

President Tinubu remarked, “I am deeply distressed by the news of the passing of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, a distinguished banker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, along with members of the Wigwe family – Herbert’s wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi.”

The President described their passing as an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension. He extended heartfelt condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.

In this moment of deep sorrow, President Tinubu offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and requested God Almighty to bring comfort to the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving, as well as to the families of the deceased, during this profoundly agonizing time.

The President urged the nation to stand united in support of the affected families and collectively mourn the loss of these respected individuals. The entire country shares in the sorrow and mourns the departure of these exemplary citizens.

 

 

…renames multipurpose hall after Gamaliel O. Onosode

 

Lagos, Nigeria. February 8, 2024: Good News Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its Ruby Jubilee Anniversary. The momentous occasion culminated in a Thanksgiving service held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the church auditorium, which also saw the renaming of the multipurpose hall of the newly constructed educational and administration building in honour of Dn. Gamaliel Onosode.

 

The Guest preacher of the day, Revd Dr Sunday O. Oke, President, Charis Equip Foundations, delivered an inspiring message titled “The Silver Trumpet and Kingdom Advancement,” drawn from Numbers 10:1-10. He exhorted the congregation to press forward and not relent in their pursuit of God’s purpose, emphasizing that while the church’s history is rich with testimonies, it should serve as a springboard for greater endeavours in advancing God’s kingdom.

 

“Forty years is a sacred number and should not be taken for granted. It is a number of exodus, new beginnings, deliverance and transition unto newness. All of these should revitalize the church on all sides. The church should be regenerated and continually stand in God’s presence.” He said, as a Christian soldier, you should be ready to be summoned to worship, instruct and advance towards the Promised Land.

 

During the service, Dr. Christopher Onosode read the testimony by the late Deacon G.O. Onosode titled “The Beginnings of Good News Baptist Church,” earlier published in 2006, which recounted the humble origins of the church’s inception when the first act of corporate worship was held on Wednesday, February 1, 1984, with only three residents of the Onosode household gathered for a prayer meeting. The church began as Adelabu Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Deacon Onosode and later Pastor (now Revd Dr) Kayode Ilupeju and has led the church to grow exponentially. The article chronicles the first set of members and leaders of the assembly. In 1994, the church was renamed Good News Baptist Church.

 

In his own testimony titled “Learning by Doing: A Foundation Member’s Chronicle in GNBC”, Deacon O.K. Belo said that the forty years he has spent in the church so far represents the longest period he has spent with any human organization except his genetic family. Dn Belo, who was also the first church secretary and the first and only Chairman of the Building Committee of the church, noted the evolution of various arms of the church such as Sunday School, Discipleship Programmes, Home Fellowship Ministry, Couples Fellowship, Single Parents Fellowship amongst others.

 

Dn Belo said, “It is fit and proper to celebrate the vision that God gave to Dn Gamaliel and Mrs. Susan Onosode forty years ago today that has continued to grow and develop in the hands and lives of a new generation.

 

Good News Baptist Church has been deeply committed to missions since 1995, both locally and internationally, and remains dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, community, and purpose among its members.

 

The Ruby Jubilee celebration also featured various events, including an Anniversary Prayer Meeting, Donation and Opening of Community Projects, and a Variety Evening to commemorate the church’s rich legacy and vision for the future.


People share some of their most personal thoughts and information via messaging apps. WhatsApp safeguards all your messages with default end-to-end encryption – which means only you and the person you are chatting with can see them. However, here are a few additional steps you can take to add additional layers of security to your conversations.


  1. Use Two-step verification to protect your account: Activate two-step verification to add more security to your WhatsApp account. Once enabled, you will be asked for a 6-digit PIN when resetting or verifying your account. This safeguards your account against phishing attacks and takeover attempts by scammers.


  1. Always use the official app: Make sure you’re using the latest version of the official WhatsApp. Your messages are only secure and private when using the official app. Make sure the logo looks correct, and the name of the app is just “WhatsApp”. Fake apps pose security risks, including sending spam and scams to others without your knowledge. If you’re on Android and simply want two accounts on your phone, you can now add a second account using one official app (Learn more)


  1. Safeguard sensitive information with disappearing options: For greater privacy on your messaging experience, you can choose to send photos and media with View Once that will allow recipients to see the message only once without the option to save, forward, screenshot or share the message. View once is also available for voice notes, allowing them to be played just once.


Switching off read recipients and using disappearing messages are other features to further protect chats that are important to you.


  1. Protect your most personal chats with Chat Lock: Add another layer of security to your intimate conversations with chat lock. It places a particular chat thread in a folder that can only be accessed by you. You can also create a unique password that’s different from your device password to protect chats that mention personal or financial information. In the event someone else gets access to your phone, chat lock will keep your conversations safe from prying eyes.


  1. Be the best admin for your Group/Community: If you’re the admin for your work WhatsApp group or your neighbourhood community, you can safeguard it to ensure it’s a place for meaningful connection and conversations. You can decide who joins a group, restrict members’ permissions to make changes to your community’s subject, icon or description, even delete unwanted messages or remove members.


  1. Protect against scams: Scams can happen anywhere, via calls, email or messages. The first step to protecting yourself is to pause and think. If you receive a suspicious message that asks for personal information, verify if you know the contact, have common groups with them or is even coming from the country you’re in. WhatsApp asks if you want to Block an unknown contact right away. Even later, it is easy to report and block suspicious contacts to keep your account secure.


  1. Silence unknown callers: Calls from unknown numbers can disrupt your day. WhatsApp lets you silence unknown callers, helping automatically prevent spam and scam calls.


  1. Only link devices from trusted sources: WhatsApp lets you link up to four devices to your primary phone for an uninterrupted chat experience. However, when linking your device to a desktop using a QR code, make sure you type in the URL web.whatsapp.com or have the official app (from whatsapp.com/download or the app store). You can also review your linked devices by going to Settings>Linked Devices and logging out any device you don’t recognise.


  1. Take the Privacy checkup: Not sure about which privacy settings to use? Take the privacy check up on your WhatsApp app to know more about features that can keep your conversations protected and enable the features you need, all in one place.

 

 

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that the interconnect debt dispute between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. (MTN) and Globacom Limited (Globacom) has been amicably resolved.

 

In accordance with this resolution, the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom has now been withdrawn.

 

Following its initial Public Notice, the Commission with the aim of mitigating any potential disruptions to subscribers undertook further regulatory intervention, by mediating between the parties and facilitating the reconciliation process.

 

The Commission reiterates that strict adherence to the terms and conditions of licenses, particularly those delineated in interconnection agreements, is imperative for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees within the telecommunications industry.

 

In order to proactively address and prevent future instances of interconnect indebtedness within the industry, the Commission will be requesting relevant records and regular updates from MNOs, as well as adopting a transparent approach towards industry indebtedness.

 

This statement serves as a reminder of the Commission’s commitment to fostering a stable and compliant telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria.