BorderlessTek Launches Lifeline for Underprivileged Nigerian Children Through Coding

BorderlessTek Launches Lifeline for Underprivileged Nigerian Children Through Coding

 

In a powerful intervention against digital exclusion, a UK-based Nigerian tech entrepreneur, Wale Atekoja, is rewriting the future of disadvantaged children in Lagos, one line of code at a time.

His organization, Borderless Tek, has launched the Kids Coding Partnership — a grassroots tech education program designed to equip underprivileged schoolchildren in communities like Ikorodu and Yaba with foundational coding and software development skills, completely free of charge.

This is not just another CSR initiative. It’s a deliberate human-centered response to the growing digital divide that continues to marginalize low-income Nigerian children from the technology revolution sweeping the globe.

“We’ve been teaching Black kids in Europe how to code, but what about those back home?” says Wale Atekoja, better known as @AtexXeta on social media. “We’re not targeting the privileged. We’re starting with the forgotten — the children who have never touched a laptop.”

 

The first three-month cohort of the program is scheduled to kick off in September 2025, targeting public Junior and Senior Secondary School students across Lagos’ low-income areas. The curriculum will focus on practical, hands-on learning — from basic programming to animation, mobile app creation, and problem-solving.

But Wale is not walking this path alone.

The initiative is supported by strategic partners such as Yesding (education facilitation), Proline (internet infrastructure), and Akowe App, a credential verification startup that will ensure every certificate earned is both digitally secured and internationally recognized.

> “This is how we break cycles of exclusion,” says Olamide Busari, a representative from Akowe. “These children will walk away not only with new skills but with verifiable certificates that open doors.”Borderless Technology (@BorderlessTek) / X

 

This credibility ensures the effort extends beyond the classroom — helping students qualify for advanced training, internships, or even scholarships. It’s about real-world impact, not just inspiration.

The classrooms — to be set up in schools and libraries — are being fitted with digital infrastructure through partnerships with local governments and community stakeholders. Earlier pilot classes held this year already demonstrated tangible success: students who had never used a laptop built mobile apps and animations in just weeks.

Wale’s intervention is not just technical — it is deeply personal. Raised in Nigeria, he knows what it feels like to have the intellect but not the opportunity.

“I know what it’s like to be capable but invisible,” he says. “That’s why we’re building a new table — not waiting for a seat at someone else’s.”

 “We’ve been teaching Black kids in Europe how to code, but what about those back home?” says Wale Atekoja, better known as @AtexXeta on social media. “We’re not targeting the privileged. We’re starting with the forgotten — the children who have never touched a laptop.”

He is calling on corporate entities, public servants, NGOs, and everyday Nigerians to join the effort — by donating laptops, sponsoring training centers, or mentoring the children.

“We’ve opened the doors,” Wale adds. “But we need others to help keep them open.”

In a country where millions of young people are at risk of being left behind in the tech-driven global economy, the Kids Coding Partnership is more than a program — it is a necessary human intervention. A digital lifeline. A second chance.

And for many Nigerian children, it may be their first real shot at creating — not just consuming — the future.

Businesses Decry Harassment and Multiple Regulatory Bottlenecks in Lagos

Businesses Decry Harassment and Multiple Regulatory Bottlenecks in Lagos

 

Lagos manufacturers are raising their voices against the harassment and bottlenecks they face from multiple regulators and agencies in the state. The outcry follows a viral video showing a man destroying a delivery van loaded with sachet water, popularly called “pure water,” intended for a customer. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and concern among stakeholders in the business community.

One of the prominent voices speaking against this troubling trend is Engr. Roberta Edu, CEO of Moppets Baby Food, a Lagos-based infant food manufacturing firm. Reacting to the video, Edu described it as a reflection of the “huge regulatory gap” plaguing the Nigerian business environment.

“The viral video showing a man destroying sachet water in a van that was out for delivery highlights the huge regulatory gap we have in the country,” she lamented. “Now, NAFDAC has denied their involvement, and Lagos State Environment has also distanced themselves from this act.”

Edu shared her personal experiences at a recent program organized by Helen Keller International, where other manufacturers also voiced concerns about the challenges of navigating Lagos’s convoluted regulatory landscape.

“In Lagos, everyone seems to act as a regulatory body, and there is nowhere to report these malicious acts,” she explained. “After obtaining approvals from NAFDAC and SON to standardize a factory, local government officials often show up with conflicting demands, creating chaos and enforcing compliance through harassment and threats.”

She further criticized the lack of accountability and enforcement in such cases, stating, “We cannot be talking about the ease of doing business in Nigeria while leaving touts on the road to destroy businesses. Up till this moment, the culprit behind this incident has not been identified or held accountable for the destruction caused to the sachet water business. And this is just one out of millions of similar incidents.”

Edu’s comments echo the frustrations of many business owners struggling to operate in an environment plagued by overlapping regulations and harassment. The call for streamlined regulations and improved enforcement mechanisms is growing louder as stakeholders demand action to protect businesses and foster economic growth in Lagos.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Menxtt NG: A Tech Startup Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Digital Landscape with Premium Devices and Comprehensive IT Solutions

Menxtt NG: A Tech Startup Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Digital Landscape with Premium Devices and Comprehensive IT Solutions

 

Menxtt Technology NG, a fast-growing tech startup based in Ikeja, is making waves in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by offering a wide range of high-quality devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Specializing in reputable brands such as Dell, HP, MacBook, iPhones, Nokia, and Samsung, the company is setting a new standard for delivering premium tech products to Nigerian consumers and businesses.

With a focus on both affordability and quality, Menxtt NG operates as an online-based firm, allowing customers to browse and purchase devices seamlessly from the comfort of their homes or offices. The company sources its gadgets from Europe and the United States, ensuring they meet top-tier international standards. All products come with warranties, offering customers peace of mind and confidence in their purchases.

But Menxtt NG is more than just a tech retailer. The startup is on a mission to be a complete digital partner for businesses, offering a suite of IT solutions designed to support organizations from their inception through every stage of their digital journey. The company provides services ranging from website development, with prices as low as N150,000, to the building of mobile apps and sophisticated software solutions like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools. In addition, Menxtt NG offers comprehensive social media management services, ensuring that businesses can maximize their online presence.IT Services: Advantages and 10 helpful examples | OTRSmag

Speaking on the company’s mission, Anthony Nwosu, Partner at Menxtt NG, stated, “Our goal at Menxtt NG is to make IT support, delivery, and services more accessible and efficient for Nigerian businesses and individuals. We understand the importance of digital transformation, and we are committed to providing not only the best devices but also the essential tools and support that organizations need to thrive in the digital age.”

Nwosu further highlighted that Menxtt NG’s approach goes beyond selling devices. “We aim to be a one-stop shop for businesses that need everything from IT infrastructure to online visibility. Whether it’s building a professional website, developing a custom mobile app, or managing a company’s social media presence, we are here to ensure that businesses in Nigeria and beyond have all the tools they need to succeed,” he added.

The startup’s emphasis on customer satisfaction is also evident in its fast and reliable delivery services, which extend to all parts of Nigeria. Menxtt NG ensures that its clients receive their purchases promptly, backed by a dedicated support team ready to assist with any technical or service-related needs.7 signs your business needs IT support - Technology Solutions

As Nigeria continues to embrace digitalization, Menxtt NG is positioning itself as a key player in helping businesses and individuals stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tech-driven world. With its diverse product offerings and comprehensive IT services, the company is well on its way to becoming a leader in the Nigerian tech industry.

For more information, visit Menxtt NG at www.menxtt.com.ng or contact them at 08028931940 or menxtt.ng@gmail.com.

 

 

 

“We aim to be a one-stop shop for businesses that need everything from IT infrastructure to online visibility. Whether it’s building a professional website, developing a custom mobile app, or managing a company’s social media presence, we are here to ensure that businesses in Nigeria and beyond have all the tools they need to succeed,”

Airtel Nigeria CEO Hosts Strategic Meetings with Key Public and Professional Institutions

Airtel Nigeria CEO Hosts Strategic Meetings with Key Public and Professional Institutions

 

Airtel Nigeria recently hosted two pivotal meetings aimed at fostering collaboration and driving innovation in key areas critical to the nation’s development.

Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, welcomed Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and her team to the company’s headquarters in Lagos. The meeting took place against the backdrop of the Commission’s 6th National Identity Day, a significant event for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital identity management. During the discussions, both parties explored potential partnerships and strategies to leverage Airtel’s technological expertise to support the digital identity infrastructure of the country, ensuring that innovation continues to thrive in this sector.

Cruz emphasized Airtel’s commitment to playing a crucial role in streamlining identity management, with the ultimate goal of making life easier for Nigerians through secure and efficient digital systems. “We are eager to collaborate with NIMC to transform the landscape of digital identity in Nigeria. As a technology leader, Airtel stands ready to contribute its resources and capabilities to advance this essential national agenda,” Cruz stated.No alternative text description for this image

A day earlier, the CEO also met with leadership from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). This engagement focused on Airtel Nigeria’s people-centric policies, specifically its emphasis on employee development, diversity, and inclusion. Cruz and CIPM leadership explored ways to further solidify Airtel’s commitment to fostering a work environment that empowers individuals and promotes personal and professional growth.

“We are proud of our people-first approach,” Cruz commented during the CIPM meeting. “At Airtel, we understand that our success is driven by our employees, and we are dedicated to providing them with the support and development they need to thrive.”No alternative text description for this image

These meetings underscore Airtel Nigeria’s dedication to forging strong relationships with both public institutions and professional bodies, ensuring an environment that fosters growth and innovation across multiple sectors. The company’s leadership is optimistic about the future, particularly the impact these collaborations will have on creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians.

As Airtel continues to engage with various stakeholders, the company remains committed to its mission of connecting Nigerians and empowering communities through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

 

 

ANTHONY NWOSU

Dangote Refinery’s Clear Petrol Raises Eyebrows Amid Energy Crisis Relief

Dangote Refinery’s Clear Petrol Raises Eyebrows Amid Energy Crisis Relief

 

As Nigeria continues to face a prolonged fuel and energy crisis, the newly operational Dangote Refinery has begun supplying petrol to the domestic market, offering some relief to Nigerians. However, the introduction of a new type of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has sparked curiosity and concern among consumers. The PMS, which appears clear like water, is different from the red, green, or golden-coloured petrol Nigerians are used to seeing.

Addressing public concerns, Dangote Petroleum Refinery assured Nigerians that the new clear petrol is of the highest quality. Rolled out into the market on Tuesday, September 3, the new fuel’s distinguishing feature is its clarity, which is attributed to the use of ethanol as a refining additive.

Understanding Ethanol’s Role in Fuel

Ethanol, a renewable fuel additive, is known to offer several advantages for fuel economy and engine performance. Vehicles optimized for higher ethanol blends tend to achieve better fuel efficiency due to increased engine efficiency. Furthermore, ethanol boasts a higher octane rating than traditional gasoline, which translates to improved power and performance.

The clear appearance of Dangote’s PMS contrasts with the coloured petrol previously available in Nigeria. Typically, petrol appears red when octane is added, green when octane levels are higher, and yellow when it is unleaded. In the case of Dangote’s new fuel, the clear, water-like appearance indicates the use of ethanol. This additive not only enhances engine performance but also reduces carbon emissions. Its oxygen-rich composition reduces engine carbonation, subsequently lowering carbon dioxide emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Relief Amid Crisis

The release of this high-grade, clear PMS by Dangote Refinery comes at a crucial time as Nigerians struggle with energy shortages. The refinery’s commitment to providing cleaner, more efficient fuel is seen as a positive step towards addressing the country’s energy challenges.

While some Nigerians may be adjusting to the new look of their petrol, Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s move highlights an innovative approach in refining processes that could lead to broader acceptance of ethanol-blended fuels. This transition marks a significant development in Nigeria’s energy landscape, offering both environmental and performance benefits.

As the fuel continues to circulate in the domestic market, all eyes are on how Nigerians will respond to this new product and its potential to ease the country’s fuel woes.

Reported by Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

Celebrating the Inspiring Journey of Pastor Fred and Winnie Obetoh at Faith Cathedral International Ministries

Celebrating the Inspiring Journey of Pastor Fred and Winnie Obetoh at Faith Cathedral International Ministries

 

Faith Cathedral International Ministries proudly celebrates the extraordinary contributions of Pastor Fred Obetoh and his devoted wife, Winnie Obetoh. As Pastor and General Overseer, Pastor Fred has led the church from its humble beginnings in Ikeja to an internationally recognized ministry, with branches throughout Europe, especially in Germany.

Pastor Fred’s Leadership at Faith Cathedral International Ministries has been marked by a profound commitment to compassion and service. The church is well-known for its financial assistance programs, providing vital support to indigent members and ensuring that education is accessible by covering school fees for underprivileged children. These initiatives have significantly impacted the community, fostering hope and opportunity.

Beyond material assistance, Pastor Fred is celebrated for his spiritual guidance and the miraculous healings attributed to his ministry. Many have experienced profound recovery and renewal through his prayers, witnessing the power of faith and divine intervention. His dedication to spreading the gospel has inspired countless individuals, strengthening their faith and sense of community.

Winnie Obetoh: A Pillar of Strength and Unity

Winnie Obetoh, standing steadfastly by Pastor Fred’s side, has played a crucial role in uplifting the women of Faith Cathedral International Ministries. Through her leadership, the women’s fellowship has flourished, creating a supportive and nurturing environment. Winnie’s efforts have brought women together, fostering group love and unity, and contributing to the church’s overall sense of family and happiness.

A Detribalized and Impactful Legacy

The Obetoh family exemplifies the values of unity and selflessness, transcending tribal and ethnic boundaries. Their inclusive approach has positively impacted individuals from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating that love and compassion are universal. In an era often characterized by materialism and self-interest, Pastor Fred and Winnie Obetoh stand as beacons of how God can use devoted couples to reach out and transform lives.

Located in Egbeda, Faith Cathedral International Ministries continues to serve as a sanctuary for spiritual growth and community support. With a vision rooted in faith, hope, and charity, the church has expanded its reach, bringing its message of love and redemption to new horizons.

 

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

 

Winnie Obetoh, standing steadfastly by Pastor Fred’s side, has played a crucial role in uplifting the women of Faith Cathedral International Ministries. Through her leadership, the women’s fellowship has flourished, creating a supportive and nurturing environment. Winnie’s efforts have brought women together, fostering group love and unity, and contributing to the church’s overall sense of family and happiness.

 

 

 

NDPC and Paradigm Initiative Host Workshop on Data Protection Act in Lagos

NDPC and Paradigm Initiative Host Workshop on Data Protection Act in Lagos

 

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with Paradigm Initiative, recently hosted a Validation Workshop focused on the Nigeria Data Protection Act General Application and Implementation Directive (NDP Act – GAID). The event aimed to facilitate discussions, examine key issues, and share insights on the GAID to ensure that the concerns of all stakeholders are addressed and best practices in data protection and privacy are promoted.

The workshop commenced with a keynote address from the National Commissioner/CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who praised the GAID committee members for their dedicated efforts in crafting the directive. Dr. Olatunji emphasized the significance of understanding the NDP Act to enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global privacy ecosystem and to position the Nigeria Data Protection framework as one of the leading models worldwide. He highlighted the progressive nature of the NDP Act and encouraged attendees to provide feedback, raise concerns, and engage in constructive criticism.

The workshop featured presentations that provided an overview of the NDP Act GAID, followed by in-depth deliberations between the Commission and stakeholders on various critical issues. Topics of discussion included data retention policies, funding, the role of resident Data Protection Officers (DPOs), audit filing requirements, and data storage limits.

To ensure comprehensive stakeholder engagement, the workshop will be extended to other regions of the country. Additional sessions are planned for Rivers State in the South and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in the North, further promoting inclusive review and discussion of the GAID documents.

This initiative underscores the NDPC’s commitment to fostering a robust data protection ecosystem in Nigeria by engaging with stakeholders and promoting transparency and collaboration.

Pastor Fred Obetoh Celebrates Birthday Amidst Encomiums, Praise and Gratitude

Pastor Fred Obetoh Celebrates Birthday Amidst Encomiums, Praise and Gratitude

 

In an era where the boundaries of right and wrong often seem blurred, Pastor Fred Obetoh stands out as a beacon of faith and integrity. Recognized as a chosen vessel of God, Pastor Obetoh will be celebrating his birthday, offering a special thanksgiving for God’s mercies, goodness, and health, enabling him to continue his divine mission.

As the General Overseer of Faith Cathedral International Ministries in Egbeda, Lagos, Pastor Fred Obetoh has distinguished himself through steadfast devotion and scandal-free leadership. His commitment to truthfully following God has set him apart in the often tumultuous landscape of Pentecostalism, underscoring his divine selection for God’s work.

Tributes have already begun to pour in from congregants and well-wishers. The church, via a heartfelt Facebook post, declared: “Happy birthday to God’s general! Show me a man who loves God more than anything else and is never ashamed of the gospel of Christ. A man whose daily activity revolves around God’s service in His vineyard.”

The message continued, highlighting Pastor Obetoh’s multifaceted role: “He’s a teacher, a friend, a mentor, a father, and a philanthropist; blessed with godly wisdom and a listening ear. A terror to the kingdom of darkness; a gift to the body of Christ, here’s a giant who’s unassuming and humble to a fault.”

In a personal note to Pastor Obetoh, the church added: “Daddy, as you clock a year wiser today, we join the hosts of heaven to celebrate the gift of you! We appreciate the efforts, prayers, and intercessions; the advice, the corrections, and the many sacrifices of love towards us, your children. We love you and we pray that God’s grace will be multiplied upon your life daily and your ministry will never suffer shipwreck. You will not fail, fall, falter, nor faint in Jesus’ name. Once more, happy birthday, Daddy!”

The celebrations mark a significant moment for Pastor Fred Obetoh and the Faith Cathedral International Ministries community, reflecting on his unwavering dedication and the profound impact of his ministry.

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu
Faith Cathedral International Ministries
Egbeda, Lagos

**#PastorFredsDay #FCIM**

NASENI, NIPSS To Collaborate On Enhancing Digital Economy, Job Creation* 

NASENI, NIPSS To Collaborate On Enhancing Digital Economy, Job Creation* 
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State are set to collaborate on enhancing Nigeria’s digital economy footprints, empowering and creating jobs for millions of youths.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO),  NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, disclosed this while welcoming participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46 of NIPSS who were at the Agency on Strategic Institution Study tour on Monday, 15th April, 2024.
Halilu said he was elated that NASENI was identified as one of the federal government’s agencies that have all it takes to empower and create job opportunities for Nigerian youths, and make the country self-reliant in
manufacturing and digital economy.
Halilu said strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders in Nigeria to access, adopt and scale up technologies is an essential outcome of such cooperation and collaborations currently being undertaken by the Agency and “must be supported by the relevant offline conditions, such as an enabling policy environment, access to finance, appropriate incentives and innovation capacities.”
The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, who led the delegation, said Nigerian youths can be empowered through translation of NASENI innovations to finished products and to strengthen the collaboration between the two organizations.
According to him, various groups from the institute have been sent to different agencies to study how policies for national development can be developed, adding that the Group in NASENI will do a deep study on NASENI on how the Agency can help in creating job opportunities for Nigerian youths using some of its technological innovations.
He said “Nigeria cannot have good manufacturing without infrastructures and NASENI is very important in all the sectors in the country, especially in manufacturing industries. We need an Agency like NASENI to live up to expectations, we can work together with you to find means of transferring your innovations to effective job creation and youth empowerment.”
He noted that the Course 46 participants from NIPSS wanted to know the vision, mission and roles of NASENI and how they can be translated to job creation for youths in a digital economy.

PAFON 1.0: Experts Harp on Stricter Data Privacy Measures in Payments Ecosystem in AI Era

PAFON 1.0: Experts Harp on Stricter Data Privacy Measures in Payments Ecosystem in AI Era

·      Tasks Payments System Operators on the Need for Consumer Education

 

The Chairman of the Committee of Chief Information Security Officers of Nigerian Financial Institutions (CCISONFI), Mr. Festus Amede, has identified Data Minimization Principles, User Consent and Control, as well as Compliance with Privacy Regulations as important elements in protecting privacy in payments.

 

Amede who was represented by an executive member of CCISONFI, Mr. Olusola Odediran (also, the Chief Information Security Officer) Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), spoke during his keynote presentation at the maiden edition of Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 1.0) held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos on Thursday.

 

His presentation themed, ‘Payments: Trust, Security and Privacy in the AI Era,’ explored the critical aspects of trust, security, and privacy in payments, and provided insights into the challenges, solutions, and future trends in safeguarding transactions in the digital landscape.

 

The CCISONFI chairman stated that although the payment industry enjoys such regulatory oversights arising from the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) and Data protection laws, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and the compliance requirements for businesses, the industry has balanced security and convenience relying on user experience in payment security, seamless authentication methods, and biometric and tokenized payments.

 

On how emerging Technologies will impact the payment industry, he disclosed that while Blockchain will be deployed to ensure secure transactions, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will be used in fraud prevention even as privacy-preserving computing impact cannot be underestimated.

 

Amede called on players in the payment industry to continue to educate consumers by providing them with tips on how to secure online payments, how to recognise phishing attempts, and the importance of keeping software updated.

 

He listed some of the best practices for businesses including regular security audits and penetration testing; employee training on security protocols; and ensuring collaboration with payment security experts.

 

Speaking further on the need to build trust in payment systems, Amede, who is also the CISO of Zenith Bank Plc emphasised the importance of trust for consumer adoption, transparency in transactions, and commitment to securing the payment infrastructure.

 

He stated that the Payment Systems are exposed to such threats and vulnerabilities as Cyber Attacks and Data Breaches, Phishing and Social Engineering, and malware and ransomware.

 

Ikenna Ndugbu, the chief compliance officer, represented by Isoken Aigbomian, the regional sales Manager, Moniepoint, highlighted the evolution of Moniepoint into a leading payment processor, stating, “We started off with a virtual account service where we automated payments or transfers, allowing customers and businesses to make and receive payments seamlessly through transfers. This was what catapulted and was modified into the limelight and household name that seems to be.”

 

Aigbomian emphasized the company’s focus on providing flexible payment options to businesses across various sectors, stating, “Today, Moniepoint offers a wide variety of payment options to businesses. There is an online payment platform, in-person payments option and then there are the cash payments via our ATM network, which is almost, I think, one of the largest, as well.”

 

She explained how Moniepoint MFB identified the need for a seamless payment experience and developed innovative solutions to address it. “So, what we did was we looked inward, and we said the most popular means of payment in Nigeria is transfer. So we worked with our engineers and were able to build an infrastructure.”

 

Roosevelt Elias, the founder of Payble, noted the importance of data privacy and security in the age of digital payments, stating, “It is essential to preserve the details of such trusted transactions, as they often hold significant importance for the company’s outcomes and operations.”

 

He endorsed cautious use of data and highlighted the need for AI encryption and compliance-based companies to protect user privacy and ensure regulatory compliance.

 

On the other hand, Peter Evbota, sales director at inq. Digital Nigeria Limited, spoke on artificial intelligence (AI) and its ability to transform sectors, particularly in data analytics and security.

 

He emphasized the power of AI in processing both structured and unstructured data, highlighting its ability to detect patterns and provide valuable insights.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-founder of TechCastle Foundation, organisers of the event, while giving insight into why the forum was berthed, said payments are very critical in the economy of every country including Nigeria.

 

“Last year, before the elections, we witnessed what Nigerians faced in the payments system- ATMs were not working to dispense cash, and at merchant locations, it was difficult to make payments with banks’ PoS thanks to Moniepoint and few others that came to the rescue,” he said.

 

Onwuegbuchi noted that there had been issues of declined transactions and customers’ accounts debited, in addition to an existing systemic fraud, misinformation and lack of information that have led to customers losing their money to fraudsters.

 

“After looking at these issues and many more, we at TechCastle Foundation decided to create a platform where stakeholders could discuss these issues with the objective of making our Payments systems better,” he said.

 

He stated that the essence of the forum was to make the ecosystem better for every Nigerian as operators, regulators and end users are expected to discuss to find a way to make the system better.

 

He added that trust issues in payments, security and other industry-related issues were to be discussed at the forum by cybersecurity experts who have distinguished themselves in working with money deposit banks to ensure that cybercriminals didn’t steal money in the bank.

 

The inaugural edition of the Payments Forum Nigeria was a cross-industry platform that focused on addressing issues that require broad cooperation and coordination across many constituents in the payments industry.

 

PAFON 1.0, sponsored by Moniepoint, Digital Encode Limited, Cybervergent, inq.Digital and Payble with support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), provided participants with an inside look at the Payments industry, offering perspectives from key stakeholders, including payment networks, technology innovators, leading merchants, issuers, acquirers, and payment processors.

 

 

 

PAFON PHOTO 1:

 

L-r: Olusola Odediran, Chief Information Security Officer, NIBSS/representative of Chairman, Committee of Chief Information Security Officers of Nigerian Financial Institutions; Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-founder, TechCastle Foundation; Adekunle Ajayi, Product Manager, Cloud and Digital Solutions, inq. Digital Nigeria Ltd; Abidemi Akinola, Chief Compliance Officer, Remita; Efemena Ogie, Head, Partnership, Monipoint Inc., and Peter Oluka, Editor, Techeconomy, during, the Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 1.0) event on, ‘Payments: Trust, Security and Privacy in AI era’ held in Lagos recently.