Author: Tobi Oluwaseun Adesanya

In a significant move to strengthen ties and enhance global understanding, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has called for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the BBC World Service. During a strategic visit to the British Broadcasting Corporation’s headquarters in London, the Minister emphasized the need for balanced and hopeful narratives that reflect Nigeria’s realities and aspirations. Minister Malagi’s visit to the BBC forms part of a broader effort to build bridges between Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and international media organizations. His meeting with the BBC’s top management, led by Jonathan Munro,…

In a coordinated global crackdown, police units from 21 countries have targeted one of West Africa’s most notorious criminal networks, Black Axe. Operation Jackal III, led by Interpol between April and July 2024, resulted in the arrest of 300 individuals connected to the group, dealing a significant blow to the syndicate. Despite this success, Interpol warns that Black Axe’s technological prowess and international reach continue to pose a severe threat. Renowned for their involvement in cyber-enabled financial fraud, Black Axe has exploited advancements in money-transfer software and cryptocurrency to fuel their illegal operations. The group, deeply entrenched in cybercrime, generates…

George Akume the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has consistently shown strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He has been actively involved in programs and initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ living standards and promoting sustainable development. At a recent event in Lagos State, he participated in discussions focused on transitioning to cleaner cooking solutions. During the event, a key initiative discussed was the distribution of free cooking gas cylinders to approximately 300 women, led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo. This effort is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to provide access…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is playing a crucial role in transforming Nigeria’s technological landscape, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth through strategic initiatives and collaborations. NITDA’s commitment to strengthening the local tech ecosystem was evident at the recent Global Tech Africa (GTA) Conference 2024. This event, held from July 24th to 26th at the Landmark Event Center in Lagos, drew over 6,000 participants and featured more than 100 speakers, highlighting Africa’s growing interest in technology. The GTA Conference 2024 focused on the theme “Global Collaborations, Local Transformations,” aligning perfectly with NITDA’s mission to support local tech startups…

In a recent successful operation, 20 medical students who were kidnapped on August 15 while traveling through Benue State for a conference in Enugu were rescued. This incident, which had the potential to escalate into a major crisis, was effectively managed through coordinated efforts and tactical prowess. The kidnapping of these students, twelve from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri caused widespread concern, highlighting the persistent threat of abductions for ransom. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50 million, a common tactic used by criminal gangs in Nigeria to exploit vulnerable individuals and families.…

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has teamed up with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to introduce the AfriCircular Innovators Programme. This program will offer financial and technical assistance to 30 selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are dedicated to circular economy initiatives. This partnership demonstrates SMEDAN’s dedication to promoting sustainability while strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Given that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises make up about 80 percent of Africa’s businesses, this initiative is crucial for both individual business growth and overall economic resilience across the continent. The circular economy model, which emphasizes reusing, recycling,…

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has been actively working to position Nigeria as a global tech hub. The iHatch Startup Incubation Program, a collaborative effort between NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), recently completed its third cohort. This milestone highlights the commitment of both organizations to nurturing local startups.  The closing ceremony in Abuja was a celebration of the program’s achievements and its effectiveness in spurring technological innovation and entrepreneurship across Nigeria. Inuwa and Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, emphasized the program’s pivotal role in driving economic growth and…

In a move set to redefine Nigeria’s energy landscape, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has unveiled the Presidential CNG Initiative’s (Pi-CNG) Conversion Incentive Programme, targeting the rideshare sector. This pioneering initiative, spearheaded by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, also introduces the innovative MY-CNG App to facilitate the transition. The launch event, held at NASENI’s Compressed Natural Gas Engineering, Training, and Conversion facility in Utako, Abuja, underscores the agency’s commitment to driving technological advancements that align with Nigeria’s energy goals. Khalil Suleiman Halilu emphasized the critical role of the Pi-CNG initiative in the nation’s ongoing…

Former United States President Donald Trump has rejoined the social media platform X amid efforts to revive his campaign after a challenging period on the trail. On Monday, he marked his return by participating in a chat on Spaces with Elon Musk, the platform’s owner and a public supporter of Trump’s re-election bid. The discussion, held from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago mansion in Florida, was delayed by about 40 minutes due to what Musk described as a “massive” cyberattack on the platform. Despite the initial setback, the conversation eventually commenced, albeit with a limited audience, and a recording was promised for later…

Telecommunication giants MTN and Airtel in Nigeria are focusing on naira-based strategies to recover from substantial foreign exchange losses totaling $1.56 billion in 2023. The sharp depreciation of the naira against the dollar triggered these losses, despite strong revenue performance from both companies. In response, MTN and Airtel have taken decisive steps to minimize their exposure to foreign currency risks. By June 2024, they reduced their foreign loans from $966.6 million in December 2023 to $100 million. They have also renegotiated contracts and bulk-paid for FX-denominated inputs to stabilize their financial positions. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to unify…