The Nation Newspaper

Category: Tech

  • Fed Govt, Glo, Huawei bridge digital divide with pilot project in Abuja village

    Fed Govt, Glo, Huawei bridge digital divide with pilot project in Abuja village

    The Federal Government’s initiative to bring digital access to more than 7,000 remote Nigerian communities has taken off.

    The government launched the initiative’s pilot project at Isuanin Kura in the Ibwa 2 community of Gwagwalada, near Abuja.

    The project, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Globacom, and Huawei Nigeria Enterprises, will provide 2G/3G/4G services, free public Wi-Fi, digital healthcare, and remote learning to over 12,000 residents.

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, inaugurated the project.

    The minister praised Globacom and Huawei for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal of addressing the significant connectivity that has eluded over 20 million Nigerians.

    He said: “Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity.”

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    Tijani emphasised the ministry’s commitment to leveraging innovation to ensure that every Nigerian can thrive in the digital age, regardless of their location.

    Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director Sanjib Roy said the company worked with the ministry and Huawei to bring up the site by providing the Microwave backhaul link and access to Globacom’s full core network resources and manage the operation of the site to ensure uninterrupted voice and data services for the community.

    “The Smart Education facility allows for young students within the community to receive education remotely, with the teachers being in Abuja or any other part of the world, while  Healthcare delivery has been revolutionised through connected medical equipment that enables remote consultations between patients in Ibwa and doctors and specialists in urban-locations,” Roy said.

    The site and all the equipment are powered by solar, thereby ensuring a clean environment and uninterrupted power supply, he said.

    The project’s effectiveness was demonstrated during the launch.

    The leader of the Isuanin Kura, Ibwa 2 Community, Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, had a live medical consultation with a doctor in Abuja. Simultaneously, students at the local school were observed receiving an online video lesson from a teacher in Lagos, utilising equipment supplied by Huawei.

    Globacom’s Head of Division for the Northwest, Mr. Kazeem Kaka, reinforced the company’s long-standing commitment to democratising communication.

    “Since 2003, we have remained at the forefront of efforts to lower the barriers to connectivity—making telephony, internet, and data services more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. Today’s launch reinforces that commitment,” he said.

    The Managing Director of Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, Mr. Terrens Wu, expressed pride in his company’s participation in bringing connectivity, learning, and healthcare to rural communities through digital technology.

    Huawei also donated 120 affordable smartphones to the community to further enhance access to telephony.

  • Blockchain.com to open Nigeria office

    Blockchain.com to open Nigeria office

    A UK-based company that allows users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, Blockchain.com, plans to open a physical office in Nigeria in Q2 2025 and expand into Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

    The move, first reported by Bloomberg, marks a significant push into African markets amid growing regulatory clarity across the continent.

    The Nigeria expansion would make Blockchain.com the first foreign crypto firm to establish a physical presence in the country, a move that could reshape the competitive landscape for local players. “Nigeria has taken meaningful steps toward creating a clear framework for crypto. Applying for a crypto exchange licence in Nigeria is a top priority,” General Manager for Blockchain.com’s Africa Operations, Owenize Odia, told Bloomberg.

    The company’s African expansion comes as global crypto giants such as Coinbase make deeper inroads into Africa.

    Opera, a Norway-based company, launched an iOS version of MiniPay, its stablecoin wallet app, in May 2025 to acquire more African users. As foreign players deepen their engagement on the continent, their presence could pressurise African regulators to accelerate the development of clear and consistent frameworks for digital assets.

    READ ALSO: Celebrating President Tinubu’s remarkable two years in office

    Africa’s crypto market is expected to generate over $2.9 billion in revenue in 2025. While Blockchain.com does not disclose its user numbers in Africa, it described Nigeria as one of its fastest-growing markets. Globally, the platform has over 37 million verified users.

    If Blockchain.com applies for a cryptocurrency licence in Nigeria, it would be the first foreign crypto firm to do so since the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made such licencing mandatory for foreign companies. Nigeria’s recently enacted Investments and Securities Act (March 2025) granted the SEC authority to regulate digital assets, formally recognising them as securities. It is a long-awaited move that could attract further investment and innovation in the sector.

    Elsewhere on the continent, Ghana and Kenya are also drafting frameworks to regulate cryptocurrencies, while South Africa has already implemented rules requiring crypto platforms to be licenced to operate. These developments, combined with the entry of firms like Blockchain.com, reflect a growing recognition among African governments that regulation is crucial to the crypto sector’s development on the continent, and this will pay off.

    For Blockchain.com, establishing a physical presence and investing locally will be the clearest display of its commitment to Africa.

  • MTN inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame

    MTN inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame

    MTN Group has been inducted into the inaugural Brand Africa Hall of Fame “in recognition of its transformational impact on African consumers and its role in shaping a positive African narrative”. MTN was also recognised as the #1 Most Admired African Brand Contributing to a Better Africa; the #1 Most Admired African Brand (spontaneous recall); the #1 Most Admired Brand Doing Good for Society and the Environment; and #1 Most Admired Telecommunications Brand.

    The Hall of Fame honour, introduced this year by Brand Africa, acknowledges brands that have demonstrated sustained excellence and influence on the continent over the past decade. MTN’s induction reflects its ongoing commitment to enabling digital access, expanding financial inclusion, and contributing meaningfully to Africa’s development.

    The announcement was made alongside the release of the 2025 edition of the Brand Africa 100 rankings – an annual, independently conducted survey spanning more than 30 African countries and representing more than 85% of the continent’s population and GDP.

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    “It is an honour to be inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame and to be named the most admired African brand contributing to a better Africa, the most admired African brand by spontaneous recall, as well as the brand most admired for doing good for society and the environment,” MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, said.

    “That this recognition comes during Africa Month gives it added significance. It reflects the progress we continue to make as a continent and the role trusted brands must play in advancing inclusive, digitally enabled growth. We are grateful for the confidence placed in MTN by the people we serve and remain committed to delivering meaningful impact.”

    Mupita also acknowledged the collective effort behind the brand’s success, thanking MTNers, partners, and other stakeholders across the continent for their role in making this recognition possible.

    MTN operates mobile networks in 16 countries. Since 2021, the company has been guided by its Ambition 2025 strategic intent of Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress. This underscores MTN’s commitment to driving digital and financial inclusion and fostering innovation across the continent.

    Further validating its brand leadership, MTN was recently ranked once again as South Africa’s most valuable brand. The accolade was made in the 2025 Brand Finance Top 100 Report, which accorded MTN a brand valuation of R50.7 billion. MTN has held this position every year since the survey’s inception in 2012.

  • Stakeholders seek action on girls’ participation in ICT

    Stakeholders seek action on girls’ participation in ICT

    Stakeholders in the information communication technology (ITU) sector have called for more action to encourage the participation of girls in the sector to bridge the gender imbalance in the sector.

    The stakeholders’ who spoke during this year’s Girls in ICT Day celebration in Lagos, said young girls should be encouraged to seek roles in ICT as a means of guarding their future and contributing to the growth of all sectors in the economy.

    Secretary-General, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that ITU is committed to empowering 100 million girls with digital stills and called on partnerships to achieve this.

    She stated: “We celebrate the power and potentials of girls and young women as leaders, creators and change-makers in the digital age. 189 fewer women than men are using the internet in 2024. That is too many missed opportunities to learn.”

    She encouraged governments and corporate organisations to support the campaign to build a crop of girls of the future.

    Also speaking at the event, Vertical Head, High Net-worth Individuals, Globacom, Adeboye Adeniji, noted that Globacom believes in the power of Nigeria’s talents, especially the amazing potentials in young, vibrant, brilliant and beautiful girls.

    READ ALSO: Celebrating President Tinubu’s remarkable two years in office

    “We live in a world powered by technology, from the phones we use, to the Apps we love, to the networks that connect us, for example, Globacom. ICT is everywhere. You belong in that world, you are the future, not just as users, but as leaders, creators and innovators,” she encouraged the girls.

    She further noted that when girls have the tools, the training and the confidence, there is no limit to what they can achieve. “Whether you dream of becoming a Software Engineer, a Robotic Expert, a cyber-security Analyst, or even the next big tech CEO, everything is possible. Don’t let anyone tell you tech is only for boys. That is simply not true. You are smart and smart enough to work in tech, to build your own tech company. You are strong enough, and you have every right to dream as big as you want. So, keep learning, stay curious, ask questions, and never be afraid to try. Because the future of technology isn’t just built in Labs and Boardrooms, it is being built here in classrooms like yours. From all of us in Globacom, we believe in you, we support you, and we can’t wait to see how you change the world.”

    In her presentation, Head, Cybersecurity & Compliance Advisory, Digital Encode, Bisola Oladejo, encouraged the girls to stay on top of any career path they may choose, and to research the available options in the field of ICT, as there are so many career paths in ICT.

    Speaking on why girls matter in ICT, she said they bring uniqueness and colour, making Apps interesting.

    She also noted that ICT is important to girls because it affords and empowers them with skills, opportunities and confidence to thrive in a digital world, breaking gender barriers and unlocking social and economic potentials.

    Oladejo however noted the root causes of low female participation in ICT to include, limited STEM education in schools; social media distraction; low funding, lack of adequate access to internet and ICT gadgets; gender bias from families; cyber-bullying, among others.

    She called on governments to formulate deliberate initiatives that target female inclusivity in ICT, and to partner with NGOs and ease private sector initiatives.

    In her opening remarks, Convener and CEO of eBusiness Life Communication Limited, organisers of the campaign, which had girls from 10 different schools in and around Lagos and corporates from the ICT industry in attendance, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro noted that calls and letters from participating students from past editions of the event are testaments to the impact the campaign is having on Nigerian girls.

    “From this very platform, we have been able to raise a lot of girls. Some of them are already working. I have received a good number of mails from them thanking me for how that helped them change their perceptions, and they are now studying ICT-related causes. The numbers are getting better and it will continue to get better. We will continue to do this campaign to see it getting better. We cannot gather all the girls in Nigeria in one room, but there is a need to spread the news, even as we are streaming this activity live on YouTube and Instagram,” Mrs. Daro said.

    Reeling out the figures, she quoted an ITU statistics that showed the progress made, disclosing that since its inception in 2011, there has been 377,000 girls and young women taking up careers in ICT and 11,400 celebrations in over 171 countries. It is not just in Nigeria, but all over the world.

    While encouraging the girls to change the stereotype that bequeaths ICT careers to boys, she noted the abysmal statistics that need to change. “While women make up about 47per cent of the global workforce, they are underrepresented in STEM. Just three per cent of students joining ICT courses globally are women.”

    This year, the theme: ‘Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation’, underscored the need not just to participate, but to lead the world in digital transformation.

    Mrs. Emuophedaro called on corporate bodies, governments and other stakeholders to create a conducive environment and an inclusive tech space for girls everywhere.

    She also charged the girls to believe in themselves and take up the challenge.

    “Do girls use technology? Yes! But that is not all we want. Apart from using, we want them to create technology. Also no matter what sector you are in, you need to have some in-depth knowledge of technology,“ she said.

    The event saw the girls compete in STEM Quiz competition, Robot programming competition and Students’ Roundtable, winning prices and receiving gifts from the organisers.

    Also, Awards were also given to two deserving women in ICT – Funmilola Victoria Omojola (ICT Touch Holder Award) and Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore (ICT Advocacy Award).

  • NITDA to drive digital inclusion with 1,600 ICT centres

    NITDA to drive digital inclusion with 1,600 ICT centres

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said it is targeting the establishment of at least 1,600 ICT centres across the country over the next few years as part of efforts to deepen digital inclusion.

    The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, who spoke on the sideline of the inauguration of an ICT centre in Akesan, a Lagos suburb at the weekend, said so far the Agency has established a total of 222 ICT facilities in the last two years, and these are in three categories, which include equipping school facilities with ICT tools, building community ICT centres and building ICT hubs.

    According to him, 18 community centres have been built so far, while three ICT hubs have been established.

    “Our target is to build more than 1,600 across the country. We want every community, every Nigerian to be part of this national prosperity and inclusivity when it comes to digital economy,” he said, adding that there was a need for sustainable model of running the centres so that the communities don’t resort to the agency for every little glitch.

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    Inuwa said President Bola Tinubu, on assumption of office, made it clear that economic diversification and inclusivity were paramount to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said the President outlined seven key priority areas to achieve that vision, with number seven specifically focusing on accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative art, manufacturing, and innovation.

    According to him, this was why NITDA is establishing ICT centres to build a digitally inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen, regardless of societal or social status, gender, and affiliation, has access to digital infrastructure and skills.

    “The President wants to drive that inclusivity by directing us to design, conceptualize, and build these kinds of centers in underserved and unserved communities, so that people from remote areas, unserved communities, have access to the latest technology,” he added.

    Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the Community Centre is a strategic extension of the government’s national mission to bridge between the Federal Government’s digital economy policies and the unmatched energy, ingenuity, and innovation that Lagos represents.

    Represented by the Director, e-government at the Ministry, Johnson Bareyei, Tinaji said the Centre aligned with the goals of the President’s agenda, which is to decentralise opportunity, expand access to digital skills, and make innovation part of the everyday experience of Nigerians, no matter where they live or work.

    While noting that the Centre is also a reflection of one of the Ministry’s core missions: to bring technology and innovation closer to the people, Tijani said the Community Centre will serve as a hub for: Digital skills development through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme;

    Support for startups, creatives, and tech entrepreneurs who are building globally competitive solutions; Regulatory guidance and advisory for safe, inclusive innovation; and Collaboration with local institutions, private sector actors, and communities that are shaping the future of our digital economy.

    He added that the Ministry is committed to promoting inclusivity through capacity-building initiatives like the 3MTT programme.

    According to him, the government is also developing the National Digital Economy & e-Governance Bill, which is a robust legislative framework that will help guide Nigerians’ everyday engagement online.

    Also speaking, the Director, Akeson ICT Centre, Babatunde Nurudeen, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for making the centre happen. He said the Centre will be run sustainably by training some people basic things about computer and make another category of trainees to pay for certification. Through this, Nurudeen said the centre will be run sustainably.

  • Fed Govt to deploy 90,000 km fibre optic to boost Internet connectivity

    Fed Govt to deploy 90,000 km fibre optic to boost Internet connectivity

    The Federal Government will, from September, begin the deployment of a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic infrastructure nationwide to expand broadband access and digital connectivity, especially in underserved and rural communities.

    The government hopes to invest $2 billion in an initiative known as  Project Bridge to drive the project. 

     Also, 7,000 new telecom towers will be deployed to make the country attain  98 per cent network coverage.  

     Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, revealed this during an interview for an upcoming State House documentary to mark  President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary.

    Onanuga’s statement was titled: ‘Investment in Digital Economy Grows Ninefold, Rollout Of $2b Fibre Optic Infrastructure Begins Q4: Bosun Tijani.’

    In the documentary, Tijani also revealed that foreign direct investment (FDI) into the communications and digital economy sector surged ninefold in the first quarter of last year. It rose from   $22 million in Q1 2023 to $191 million in Q1 2024.

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    He also spoke on the three  Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme launched in October 2023,  investment in  Nigerian start-ups in Artificial Intelligence (AI)  and blockchain technologies, as well as funding of academic researchers.

    Tijani expressed optimism that the digital economy’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would rise from 16 per cent to 22 per cent.  

    The minister, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga,  special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy,  said: “We are preparing a $2 billion investment to ensure every Nigerian can access affordable, high-quality connectivity regardless of location.

    ‘’Increasing connectivity hubs by just 10 per cent could yield a 2.5 per cent Gross Domestic Product(GDP) growth.”  

    The Project Bridge initiative aligns with the goals of the National Broadband Plan, which aims to raise broadband penetration from 48 per cent in 2024 to 90 per cent in 2025.

    Tijani attributed the growth of the digital economy to sweeping reforms of the Tinubu administration, saying they aim at transforming the country into a global digital powerhouse.

    “These foundational reforms, coupled with advancements in Artificial Intelligence and the start-up ecosystem, have positioned Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy,” he said.   

    The minister revealed that over 117,000 Nigerians have been trained in digital skills, with an additional 35,000 currently undergoing training.

     “With this pace, we’re approaching 10 per cent of our three million goal. In the rest of the administration’s tenure, we intend to reach the full target,” Tijani noted. 

    Nigeria is now ranked among the world’s top 60 countries for AI readiness, with the government actively developing a home-grown large language model (LLM) and supporting AI innovation through the newly launched AI Collective platform.

     The platform is backed by prominent global partners, including Pierre Omidyar, Google and Microsoft.

    Tijani explained that  10 Nigerian start-ups are leveraging   AI and blockchain technologies to improve agricultural productivity. He also said that   55 academic researchers are being funded to explore the application of emerging technologies in agriculture, healthcare and education.

    Efforts to scale Nigeria’s start-up ecosystem, according to him,  have been bolstered by the Nigeria Start-up House in San Francisco—a strategic outpost aimed at attracting $5 billion in global investment for Nigerian start-ups.

     This initiative is part of the broader Start-up Pact and Trade Desk strategy designed to connect local tech entrepreneurs to international markets and procurement opportunities.

     “Our goal is to attract $5 billion in investments for Nigerian start-ups,” Tijani said, citing a strengthened policy environment and increasing global interest in Nigerian tech firms.

    The government has also trained over 500 technologists in AI and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), while a landmark Digital Economy Bill has passed its first reading in the National Assembly.

     The bill is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for the country’s digital transformation.

    Tijani, who described the transformation in the sector as  “a generational shift,’’ said: “If a sector can increase its contribution by three to four per cent to the GDP, we’re about to see the kind of economic growth we’ve not seen before.

    ‘’Technology allows us to break the gap between governments and the people.” 

     He emphasised that the Tinubu administration was not pursuing superficial achievements but is focused on enduring reforms that will define the nation’s future.

     “The results we want to provide for Nigeria are long-lasting reforms that will transform our economy for generations to come,” Tijani concluded.

  • Lawmakers knock NCC over insecurity, exploitative pricing

    Lawmakers knock NCC over insecurity, exploitative pricing

    Lawmakers yesterday slammed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over rising crime rate, poor quality of telecommunication services and exploitative product/service pricing.

    Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications spoke at a legislative colloquium in Lagos.

    Its theme was: “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003: 22 years after – challenges, opportunities, and future directions for a digital Nigeria.”

    It was organised ahead of a review of the law, which stakeholders say has become obsolete.

    The lawmakers accused the NCC of colluding with mobile network operators (MNOs) to allow criminals to use telecom infrastructure to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

    They took turns to express their disappointment.

    Chinedu Ogah lamented that every crime committed in the country, riding on the MNOs’ infrastructure, is known to both the NCC and the MNOs.

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    He wondered why the NCC is coming out after 22 years to talk about the limitations of the 2003 Act.

    He asked why the NCC did not come out five years ago to highlight the inadequacies of its enabling law.

    Etanabene Benedict accused the NCC and MNOs of aiding and abetting crime, adding that they needed to be prosecuted to answer criminal charges.

    Festus Adefiranye said the criminal exploitation of subscribers was worrisome.

    According to him, when calls are dropped, the MNOs make money while the subscribers lose cash.

    He also spoke about spectrum allocation, which leads to interference, adding that Nigerians are suffering in silence over poor service quality while the NCC is pretending that all is well.

    He wondered whether the Commission had a consumer protection arm because the plights of the subscribers are hardly taken into consideration.

    He said the service quality in Nigeria and how much is paid is not comparable to what is obtained in a country like South Africa.

    Eletu Olawale said the collaboration between the NCC and MNOs was only for profit.

    But, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the complaints from the lawmakers underscored the need for regular conversations between them.

    He said last year, on the insistence of the NCC, some 60 million subscriber identity modules (SIMs) were deactivated.

    According to him, every line is attached to a National Identity Number (NIN), and no MNO disallows law enforcement agents from carrying out lawful intercepts.

    He said so far, MNOs have committed over $1billion for equipment to make the network resilient.

    He denied collaborating with the MNOs negatively, assuring that things would get better.

    Also responding to the barrage of criticisms from the lawmakers, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, said when kidnappers strike, they use the mobile phone of their captives to negotiate ransom, making it difficult to burst.

    He likened telecom infrastructure to a road constructed as shared public infrastructure, adding that the engineers should not be blamed for reckless drivers.

    He challenged any security operative who has been denied a request for geo-location by MNOs to speak out.

    He said the operators are collaborating with the security agencies.

    Chief Corporate Services Officer at MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, faulted Adefiranye’s thinking that when calls are dropped, the operator makes money.

    He said when calls are dropped while the network is running, the operators lose money.

    He blamed vandalism for network service degradation, saying while MTN experienced 33 fibre cuts, Airtel Nigeria experienced over 40 by those who think the optic fibre cables contain copper.

    Okigbo said the biggest shareholder of MTN Nigeria is the Federal Government, which receives huge cash in taxation every year.

    He said any attempt by operators to charge the way South Africa, Ghana and even Benin Republic charge will lead to a protest.

    He urged the lawmakers to Google search the charges and see for themselves.

    House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, said the digital economy is rapidly growing, with financial inclusion made possible through digital banking and payment systems.

    He highlighted digital education platforms that have become an added value to those who want to become more relevant in the advancing world of change.

    “These are advantages that the world has come to know with the evolution of digital communication,” he said.

    Peter Akpatason said 22 years ago, the Nigerian Communication Act was enacted to provide a framework for the regulation and growth of our telecommunication sector.

    “We gather to reassess the Act’s effectiveness in promoting the growth and development of our digital economy.

    “In this convergence of the stakeholders, we seek to reassess the Act’s challenges, opportunities, and future directions for a Digital Nigeria.

    “Undoubtedly, exponential progress has been recorded in the last 22 years. However, a significant digital divide remains, with many Nigerians lacking access to digital services,” he said.

  • Starlink’s Gen 3 satellite internet unveiled

    Starlink’s Gen 3 satellite internet unveiled

    Starlink, the world’s leading provider of satellite launch services and a major internet service provider in Nigeria, has raised the bar with its latest Gen 3 kit. This cutting-edge hardware delivers unprecedented performance and convenience, following a significant upgrade in design to meet the demands of Nigerian homes and businesses.

    The new Starlink Gen 3 kit is available on e-commerce stores like Konga.com. It is equipped with a Wi-Fi 6 chipset. The device has also seen a significant boost in its data speed, enhanced to handle heavy data requirements. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for smart homes where multiple devices compete for bandwidth simultaneously.

    One of the most welcomed improvements is the built-in Ethernet port, eliminating the need for a separate adapter that previous generations required. This integrated solution streamlines setup and reduces potential points of failure in the system .

    Multi-floor buildings and large homes will appreciate the improved range and reliability of the Gen 3 kit. The enhanced signal strength ensures consistent connectivity throughout spacious environments, reaching areas that were previously challenging for wireless networks.

    Durability remains a priority with the Gen 3’s more efficient heat management system, which substantially extends the hardware’s lifespan by reducing thermal stress. The addition of tri-band radios delivers enhanced mesh performance. Water-resistant port covers further extend its durability, making it ideal for diverse Nigerian environments.

    However, prospective buyers should exercise caution regarding where they purchase their Starlink equipment. Last year, Starlink warned against purchases from grey market vendors, as kits acquired outside approved retailers will not be activated. They emphasized that customers should only obtain products from authorized sellers to ensure authenticity and compatibility.

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    For guaranteed authenticity and competitive pricing, shoppers can visit Konga online, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform. Starlink has an exclusive shop-in-shop on Konga’s shopping platform. So, the e-commerce giant can offer these authentic kits with full manufacturer support and guarantee, ensuring optimal performance for all users.

    Since January 2023, when Nigeria became the first African market to welcome Starlink, the service has rapidly grown to become a household name through its strategic partnership with TD Africa. According to recent data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Starlink now ranks second only to Spectranet, a 16-year-old Lagos-based ISP, in terms of market share and is projected to top the chart by 2026.

    For Nigerians seeking reliable, high-speed internet connectivity with next-generation features, the Starlink Gen 3 kit represents the pinnacle of satellite internet technology currently available in the market.

  • Ofehe to host CEOs at Dubai SOFT conference

    Ofehe to host CEOs at Dubai SOFT conference

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Diaspora Investment, Chief Sunny Ofehe, is set to host global chief executive officers (CEOs) at the two-day Sustainability, Opportunity, Future, Technologies (S.O.F.T) conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    Ofehe’s appointment as Chairman of the Organising Committee for the highly anticipated event cements his reputation as a bridge-builder between Europe and Africa.

    With his proven track record in diaspora engagement and international business mobilisation, Ofehe is already setting a remarkable tone for what is poised to be a landmark event. 

    His leadership has not only inspired confidence among stakeholders but has also galvanised top European CEOs, hedge fund managers, venture capitalists, civil society leaders, and EU government representatives into action.

    In the historic city of Rotterdam, Netherlands, Ofehe convened a powerful roundtable where discussions on the SOFT Conference, Africa’s emerging economic potentials, and the vast investment opportunities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria took center stage. 

    This strategic meeting served as a prelude to the Dubai conference and generated renewed excitement about the continent’s future.

    Speaking during the Rotterdam gathering, Ofehe emphasised his unwavering commitment to mobilising European investors and corporate leaders to not just attend the SOFT Conference, but to explore concrete partnerships that will shape the future of Africa through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.

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    “We are not just hosting a conference; we are building bridges, unlocking investment pipelines, and telling Africa’s story through the lens of opportunity, technology, and shared prosperity,” he said.

    A statement by the organisers said the SOFT Conference Dubai promises to be a melting pot of global ideas, with Dubai serving as the perfect neutral ground for high-level networking, strategic alliances, and investment matchmaking.

    “Ofehe’s efforts have already sparked anticipation among a growing list of European business leaders eager to be part of the transformative dialogue. 

    “As excitement builds, more CEOs and institutional investors are lining up to register, and the momentum is gaining global attention.

    “The SOFT Conference Dubai is not just an event—it is a movement.

    “And with Chief Comrade Sunny Ofehe at the helm, the world can expect nothing short of a powerful, purpose-driven gathering that will leave an indelible mark on Africa’s investment and innovation landscape. Stay tuned. The future is being shaped—one CEO at a time,” the statement added.

  • ‘Rack Centre’s new data centre will boost digital space’

    ‘Rack Centre’s new data centre will boost digital space’

    The newly inaugurated LGS2 12megawatt (Mw) IT Load Data Centre built by Rack Centre-West Africa’s leading Tier III carrier and cloud neutral data centre  will boost Nigeria’s digital landscape, Chairman, Rack Centre, Maher Jarmakani, has said.

    Jarmakani who spoke during the inauguration of the facility in Lagos, noted that the new facility reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, reliability and security, stating that its goal of providing premium data infrastructure such as the 12Mw IT load LGS2 was geared towards ensuring uninterrupted, energy-efficient, world-class services and providing scalable solutions for enterprises, cloud providers, and financial institutions.

    He said the company would continue to lead and play a critical role in powering Nigeria’s digital future.

    “It is important to note that Rack Centre is the only data center located on Lagos Mainland, and with its proximity to critical government apparatus, this facility provides the required connectivity that makes Alausa’s day-to-day communication and cloud services efficient and reliable. Rack Centre’s infrastructure ensures that every byte of data moves swiftly and securely, and our role as a digital switch platform will only grow—connecting people, businesses and ideas to build a truly advanced society,” he said. In his keynote, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube said the unveiling of the new 12Mw LGS2 IT Load data centre, marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards a truly digital economy.

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    While commending the management of Rack Centre for constructing a data centre infrastructure with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind, he noted that investment in such advanced technology would certainly attract investors from across the globe particularly those who see Lagos as a hub of innovation and digital transformation.

    He further described the company as a trailblaser in the tech and data infrastructure space adding that this new facility represents a leap in the shared ambition to make Lagos a smart, globally competitive digital hub.

    Also speaking on the occasion, Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson expressed profound appreciation to the state government for creating an enabling environment and providing the necessary support to deliver this landmark project.

    Johannisson explained that the facility offers best-in-class services that meet the highest international standards, offering scalable solutions to hyperscalers, enterprises, and cloud service providers.

    He described the newly commissioned facility as a significant milestone that symbolises a new chapter in Nigeria’s digital transformation, shaped by technological advancement, sustainable digitisation and AI.

    While acknowledging the company’s transformative journey over the last 12 years, he disclosed that the company had risen from a pioneering entrepreneurial venture into a cornerstone of West Africa’s digital ecosystem, thereby underlining its role in securing and enabling Nigeria’s digital economy.

    He further noted that with the facility now being utilised, the data centre capacity of the company would increase by eight-fold as this would consolidate its leadership as the digital infrastructure hub in sub-Saharan Africa.