The Nation Newspaper

Category: Technology

  • Banxso teams up with Dricus du Plessis for ‘Tour de Banxso’trading contest

    Banxso teams up with Dricus du Plessis for ‘Tour de Banxso’trading contest

    Banxso, an innovative online trading platform, is joining forces with the renowned athlete Dricus ‘Stillknocks’ du Plessis to offer Banxso’s clients exciting prizes, including the chance to win a fully restored Classic 1959 Mercedes Benz.

    This collaboration marks the launch of the Tour de Banxso trading competition, aiming to celebrate athletes and inspire Banxso’s clients to pursue their dreams with determination.

    Celebrating Client Dedication through the Tour de Banxso Trading Contest

    Manuel de Andrade, Banxso’s Chief Operating Officer, describes the Tour de Banxso as more than just a competition.

    He sees it as a symbol of the platform’s commitment to its clients and a way to enhance their trading journey.

    Read Also: Tax defaulting politicians to be barred from contesting

    “The Tour de Banxso is not merely a competition; it’s a symbol of our commitment to our clients, a token of appreciation for their loyalty, and a tool to enrich their trading experience,” he said.

    In the Web3 ecosystem, loyalty rewards are commonplace, offering tailored experiences for users and fostering engagement on platforms. Collaborations like this are dynamic in the broader tech world. Visa Inc (NYSE: V) recently partnered with SmartMedia Technologies to provide brands with a platform connecting Web2 users to Web3 innovations.

    Banxso provides a dynamic and user-friendly platform catering to traders of all levels. Novices will find a plethora of educational resources designed to simplify the intricacies of financial markets. The company operates under the strict supervision of the South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), ensuring a secure trading environment across various financial instruments, from cryptocurrencies to forex.

    Impact of Banxso’s Collaboration with Dricus du Plessis

    The South African FSCA is leading efforts to regulate digital assets as financial instruments following government notices. Their oversight includes licensing crypto trading platforms and implementing foreign exchange controls.

    Banxso’s partnership with Dricus du Plessis for the Tour de Banxso competition marks a new era in client engagement and platform innovation. The collaboration is poised to inspire Banxso’s clients and individuals worldwide to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.

  • Kwara a shining example in 3m tech talents’ campaign, says FG

    Kwara a shining example in 3m tech talents’ campaign, says FG

    Minister for Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on Thursday praised the commitment and drive of Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in making the dream of grooming three Million Technology Talents (3MTT) across Nigeria a reality in the State.

    Represented by the Community Manager for the Initiative, Ibrahim Zulkifuli, the Minister was speaking in Ilorin at the graduation ceremony for the 3MTT Cohort (1) and Launch of Kwara Digital Economy platform. 

    The Minister described the support of the State -Government as “amazingly huge” and commended AbdulRazaq’s partnership in building and transforming effective learners from the project.

    The 3MTT training programme is an initiative of the Federal Ministry which the Kwara State first keyed into. After a statewide sensitization and registration, Kwara got more than forty thousand entries early January, thereby enjoying massive commendation from the federal government.

    “We have all seen the digital transformation in the state and what the Honourable Minister envisioned is to ensure capacity building for everybody but we could see how it is transforming from Kwara through the support of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” he said.

    “The support is very huge and we could not even see it coming. Thank you very much for your support and guidance, Your Excellency.

    “Firstly, the Governor deployed the right head for the job, in the person of Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovation and Technology, Hon Ishola Kayode. He is doing an amazing job in the area of sanitation and going to underserved communities in Kwara State. That actually makes Kwara the best when it comes to 3MTT support so far. And then, the Governor is giving resources support like laptops and among support. I must say that no other state is doing that.”

    Tijani also said the Ministry has a mission of getting the right skill and building something that is going to transform the state.

    “We are going to have a lot of digital transformation when it comes to business innovation. That is why we had a stakeholders’ engagement last month. We have the synergy and collaborative efforts to ensure that everything is going on smoothly and we are going to deploy a business star hub from this initiative,” he added.

    The event was graced by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Senior Advisor Alhaji Sa’adu Salau; other cabinet members and government officials in the state; technocrats in the sector; and many entrepreneurs and tech experts, including the 3MTT Training graduates.

    The programme with the theme: “Harnessing the Unlimited Potentials of the Digital Economy,” also featured panel discussions.

    AbdulRazaq said the ceremony signposts the reality and prosperity of the commitment of the administration to transform Kwara state to a digital economy.

    “We all know that this state was regarded as a civil servants state. You know the series of multibillion naira investments we have put in place in the last five years to make sure that we transform from analogue to digital economy. This is because the preponderance of the younger generation, the youth, constitutes a major programme of this government,” the Governor said this on the sideline of the event.

    AbdulRazaq congratulated the participants and appreciated the Minister for giving the state the right support to thrive on the digitalization drive.

    “The investment essentially opens Kwara State to a lot of foreign investors in the digital economy and transforms the state from what it used to be to a digitally prepared economy in the global community. We thank Mr. President, and we thank the Honourable Minister for his leadership and support in this regard”, the Governor added, asking the graduates to make the best use of the programme.

    Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, who keynoted the event alongside another techie Engr. Taofeek Abdulkareem, said the gathering attests to how Governor AbdulRazaq is fostering a culture of innovation and supporting tech programmes that she noted are instrumental to creating opportunities for the upcoming tech professionals.

    She said the administration has created the Ilorin Innovation Hub to nurture and support tech talents, startups and innovations in the state.

    “We also have programmes such as the E-hackathon, partnership with IHS and other internal bodies which are currently ongoing, and others coming up in the areas of connectivity, data transfer, e-government, e-health, and much more”, she said.

    The Commissioner therefore advised the trainees to continue to embrace challenges and think outside the box to solve them, saying she has confidence in their potential to make significant impacts in the tech industry.

    Read Also: Kwara CJ excited as AbdulRazaq presents 12 new SUVs to Judges

    CEO Plat Technologies, Engr Taofeek Abdulkareem, said the graduates have acquired a solid foundation through that 3MTT training but enjoined them to take a step further by cultivating a digital mindset.

    Digital mindset is about thinking differently, thinking creatively, and thinking critically in the face of complexity and ambiguity, he said.

    “Remember that the journey of digital transformation is a marathon, not a sprint, and your willingness to adapt, evolve, and persevere will determine your success in the digital age”, he said.

    Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovation, Ishola Kayode said Kwara is one of the few states across the federation that have chosen to harness the potential of the 3 Million talents programme, an action he said typifies a purposeful leadership of the Governor.

    He said the administration supported the 3MTT training with laptops for participants, provision of access to internet across the training centres, as well as distribution of gadgets as reward for outstanding participants.

  • How technology with an agile mindset can improve Nigeria’s electoral process

    How technology with an agile mindset can improve Nigeria’s electoral process

    By Omotayo Olufowobi

    Introduction

    Nigeria’s recent elections have been marred by various challenges, including logistical issues, concerns about transparency, and the ineffective use of technology. Addressing these challenges is crucial for strengthening the country’s democratic processes and enhancing public trust in the electoral system. This report explores how the integration of agile principles, and the effective implementation of technology can contribute to improving Nigeria’s elections.

    The 2023 general elections in Nigeria saw the introduction and use of various technologies aimed at improving the electoral process. However, the implementation and effectiveness of these technologies were met with mixed reviews. Here’s a closer look at the role of technology in the recent Nigerian elections:

    Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS): INEC introduced the BVAS, a device designed to accredit voters through fingerprint and facial recognition technology. The BVAS was also meant to upload polling unit results to INEC’s central server in real-time. However, there were widespread reports of BVAS malfunctions, with many devices failing to authenticate fingerprints or capture images, leading to delays and frustration for voters.

    INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV): INEC developed the IReV portal to allow for the real-time uploading and viewing of polling unit results. This was intended to enhance transparency and reduce the risk of manipulation. However, the portal experienced significant delays, with many results not being uploaded in a timely manner, leading to concerns about the credibility of the process.

    Electronic Transmission of Results: INEC had initially planned to transmit results electronically from polling units to the central server, but this was later abandoned due to concerns about the integrity of the process and legal challenges. As a result, results had to be manually collated and transmitted, which increased the potential for errors and manipulation.

    While the use of technology in the 2023 Nigerian elections demonstrated a commitment to modernizing the electoral process, the implementation challenges and failure to fully leverage the potential of these technologies highlighted the need for further improvements. Stakeholders and experts have called for more robust testing, better training, and addressing infrastructural deficits to ensure the effective and reliable use of technology in future elections.

    The Role of Technology

    Technology has the potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s electoral process by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and credibility. However, the effective implementation of technological solutions has been a significant challenge. Some key areas where technology can play a pivotal role include:

    1. Voter Registration and Verification: Biometric voter registration systems, coupled with robust voter databases, can ensure accurate and up-to-date voter rolls, minimizing the risk of fraud or duplicate entries.

    2. Electronic Voting and Result Transmission: Secure electronic voting systems and real-time result transmission mechanisms can streamline the voting process, reduce human errors, and enhance transparency by providing timely access to election data.

    3. Monitoring and Observation: Technology-enabled monitoring and observation tools, such as mobile applications and data analytics platforms, can empower domestic and international observers to effectively monitor the electoral process and report irregularities.

    4. Voter Education and Outreach: Digital platforms, including websites, social media, and mobile applications, can be leveraged to disseminate voter education materials, polling information, and real-time updates, improving citizen engagement and participation.

    How can we apply Agile to improve the existing system without reinventing the will.

    Applying agile principles and practices could help improve the implementation and effectiveness of technologies like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in Nigeria’s electoral process. Here are some ways agile could be leveraged:

    1. Iterative development and testing:

    Instead of a monolithic deployment, agile methodologies would advocate for an iterative approach, where BVAS and IReV are developed and tested incrementally. This would involve releasing a minimum viable product (MVP) early on, gathering feedback from users (poll officials, voters, observers), and continuously improving the systems based on real-world experiences.

    2. Cross-functional collaboration:

    Agile emphasizes cross-functional teams, where experts from various disciplines (technology, logistics, security, voter education) collaborate closely throughout the development and deployment process. This could help identify and address potential issues early on, ensuring better integration and coordination.

    3. Continuous integration and delivery:

    Agile practices like continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) could be applied to ensure that updates and improvements to BVAS and IReV are regularly and seamlessly integrated, tested, and deployed, minimizing the risk of system failures or compatibility issues.

    4. User-centred design:

    Agile’s focus on user involvement and feedback could be leveraged to ensure that BVAS and IReV are designed with the needs and experiences of voters, poll officials, and other stakeholders in mind. This could involve conducting user testing, gathering feedback, and incorporating changes based on real-world usage scenarios.

    5. Retrospectives and continuous improvement:

    After each electoral cycle, agile retrospectives could be conducted to identify what worked well, what didn’t, and what could be improved. These learnings could then be incorporated into the next iteration of BVAS and IReV, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

    6. Scalability and adaptability:

    Agile practices emphasize building scalable and adaptable systems. This could be applied to ensure that BVAS and IReV can handle varying loads and complexities across different regions, while also being flexible enough to accommodate changing requirements or new technologies.

    7. Training and knowledge sharing:

    Agile promotes frequent knowledge sharing and training sessions. This could be applied to ensure that poll officials, technical staff, and other stakeholders are adequately trained on the use and maintenance of BVAS and IReV, minimizing the risk of errors or misuse.

    However, adopting agile principles and practices would require a shift in mindset and culture within INEC and other relevant institutions. It would also necessitate investing in training, infrastructure, and resources to support these new ways of working. However, the benefits of agile could include more responsive and reliable electoral technologies, improved stakeholder collaboration, and a system that can adapt to changing needs and challenges.

    Recommendations

    To effectively leverage technology and agile principles in improving Nigeria’s electoral process, the following recommendations are proposed:

    People n Process

    1. Establish a dedicated task force to oversee the integration of technology and agile practices into the electoral process. This body should comprise representatives from relevant government agencies, technology experts, civil society organizations, and political parties.

    2. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing technological infrastructure and identify areas for improvement or investment. This should include evaluating the scalability, security, and usability of existing systems.

    3. Implement pilot projects to test and refine technological solutions and agile practices in selected regions or constituencies. These pilots should involve stakeholder participation, continuous monitoring, and iterative refinement based on feedback and lessons learned.

    4. Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing partnerships with international organizations, technology companies, and other countries that have successfully implemented agile and technology-driven electoral processes.

    5. Prioritize transparency and public outreach efforts to build trust and awareness among citizens regarding the use of technology and agile methodologies in the electoral process.

    Technology

    1. Electronic Voting Systems (EVS). Use of Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting machines or Optical Scan Voting Systems at polling stations

    – Iterative development and user testing of EVS interfaces to ensure usability for voters and poll workers

    – Secure transmission of voting data from machines to central tallying servers using encryption

    – Agile development of tallying software with robust auditing and verification features

    – Modular architecture allowing components like voter authentication to be improved iteratively

    • Biometric Voter Registration/Authentication

    -Use of fingerprint, iris, facial recognition for voter registration and authentication at polling stations

    – Agile prototyping of biometric registration apps for mobile devices for voter enrolment

    – Integration with Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) / Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS)

    – Continuous security testing of biometric data storage and matching systems

    • Results Transmission and Viewing

    Distributed architecture for secure transmission of results from polling units to central database

    Implementation of End-to-End (E2E) verifiable voting protocols like Randomly Permuted Decryption

    – Automated auditing mechanisms to detect tampering or irregularities in results

    • Geospatial Data Integration

    – Integration of GIS data for district boundaries, polling locations into electoral management systems

    – Use of geofencing techniques to authenticate devices at legitimate polling locations

    – Interactive maps for citizens to locate their polling stations and view results

    • Monitoring & Observation

    – Apps for observers (domestic/international) to report issues, submit photos/videos as evidence

    – Dashboards aggregating observer reports, incident mapping and analytics 

    – Use of technologies like computer vision for monitoring crowd levels at polls

    • Voter Education & Outreach

    – Chatbots and voice assistants for answering common voter queries

    – Online voter information portals with polling details per constituency

    – Social media command centres for rumour monitoring and addressing misinformation

    • System Integration & DevOps

    – Use of containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes) for consistent deployment

    – Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for regular system updates

    – Comprehensive monitoring, logging, and analytics infrastructure

    – Cloud deployed for scalability and failover across multiple availability zones

    • Risk-Limiting Audits (RLAs):

    – RLAs are a type of post-election audit that provides statistical evidence that the election outcome is correct, without requiring a full manual recount.

    – RLAs can detect and correct outcome-altering mistakes in the initial tally.

    – Examples:  Several states in the USA, including Colorado, Georgia, and Rhode Island, have implemented RLAs. Denmark has used RLAs to verify parliamentary election results.

    • AI and Machine Learning:

    – AI/ML techniques can be used for tasks like voter roll data cleansing, detecting fraud patterns, and automating aspects of election monitoring and auditing.

    -Examples: Machine learning Nigeria’s election process has an excellent opportunity to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and address long-standing difficulties by embracing technology and agile approaches. Nigeria may adopting iterative development, cross-functional cooperation, stakeholder involvement, and continuous improvement to boost election efficiency, legitimacy, and transparency. However, in order for implementation to be successful, financing for the necessary infrastructure, training, and resources must be committed to by government agencies, civil society organisations, and the general public working together.

    Strong cybersecurity measures, including as penetration testing, secure coding techniques, and defence against fraud and DDoS attacks, are necessary for the solutions. Sovereignty and data privacy are important factors.
    In the end, the technological plan ought to be in line with the concepts of auditability of the election process, software agility, stakeholder participation, and transparency.

    has been used to detect potential voter roll irregularities in several US states. AI-based systems have been proposed for automated ballot adjudication and auditing.

    Conclusion

    Nigeria’s election process has an excellent opportunity to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and address long-standing difficulties by embracing technology and agile approaches. Nigeria may adopt iterative development, cross-functional cooperation, stakeholder involvement, and continuous improvement to boost election efficiency, legitimacy, and transparency. However, for implementation to be successful, financing for the necessary infrastructure, training, and resources must be committed to by government agencies, civil society organisations, and the general public working together.

    Strong cybersecurity measures, including as penetration testing, secure coding techniques, and defence against fraud and DDoS attacks, are necessary for the solutions. Sovereignty and data privacy are important factors.

    In the end, the technological plan ought to be in line with the concepts of auditability of the election process, software agility, stakeholder participation, and transparency.

    olufoo@outlook.com

  • Why Nigeria should invest in cyber security – Expert

    Why Nigeria should invest in cyber security – Expert

    Nigeria has the potential to emerge as one of the leading producers of cybersecurity professionals globally, thereby generating substantial foreign exchange and revitalising the country’s economy from its current challenges.

    The head operations of Wellspring consulting, Omowunmi Oyetinbo, made this assertion while calling on government, private organisations and individuals to partner Wellspring Consulting and invest more in the training of the Nation’s youth as cyber security professionals.

    Read Also: Lagos raises cyber security board

    According to Oyetinbo, “The consulting firm is well grounded in training cybersecurity professionals which would open doors to endless career possibilities in the ever evolving tech-industry, both locally and globally.

    “Wellspring consulting is set to partner various organisations to sponsor young Nigerians, especially young women in building a career in Cybersecurity. The firm offers training and free global certification with a globally ranked IT security organization.”

    Oyetinbo, who describes cybersecurity as the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks, said Nigeria faces a critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals while there is high demand for the profession globally.

    She assured that any investment or training in cybersecurity would yield bountifully for Nigeria.

  • My journey, by Media magnate Peace Hyde

    My journey, by Media magnate Peace Hyde

    Netflix Creator and Executive Producer, Peace Hyde, has over the years proven that she is a force to be reckoned with in the African media and entertainment space. 

    From creating pioneering business interview shows on CNBC Africa with Forbes Africa’s ‘My Worst Day with Peace Hyde’ and ‘Against All Odds with Peace Hyde’, to global award-winning documentaries like the Vice News Original, ‘Inside Nigeria’s Push to End Police Brutality’ as well as the Netflix first and only Africa original reality hit series, ‘Young, Famous and African’, which has been renewed for three seasons, Peace Hyde is consistently at the helm of telling remarkable African stories that is entertaining, inspiring and educational.

    In an interview on Arise News, the media maven spoke on her incredible journey which has culminated in her being inducted into the illustrious community of the World Economic Forum, Young Global Leaders for 2023 where she weighs in on the impact of the global business network and the future of youth leadership in Africa among other topics.

    Read Also: Netflix partners Peace Hyde for first African Reality TV series

    She called on more African Youths to strive to occupy leadership positions, especially in politics. Sharing her opinion on the recent inauguration of 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye as president of Senegal, Hyde said that it is inspiring to see youths in power, effecting change. 

    “But I do think it is important that once you occupy that seat, your experience, the value that you bring is what really is going to be the testament to whether this is the direction we should be going. 

    “He has a lot on his shoulders because the rest of the continent is looking at him as an example to see if this a fad, or it is something that is going to impact positive change. I really hope that is the result that we see because I do believe that is the future,” she said.

  • MultiChoice: Grossly Disproportionate Outrage Over Pricing

    MultiChoice: Grossly Disproportionate Outrage Over Pricing

    By Chiedu Azutalam 

    Over the last few days, a 3D animation clip of Charterhouse Lagos, a recently launched British model primary school has kept the Nigerian social media space buzzing. While the school’s eye-catching facilities blew minds, fees per session, pegged at N42 million and application fee of N2 million left jaws hanging in addition to a lot of head scratching. 

    Trawling through the comment sections of media platforms with the story, I was astounded to see a scale of support for the fees that I did not think was possible. Many commenters did not find anything wrong with the eye-watering fees charged, as they argued that the school, in addition to providing learning, also provides a viable networking. Notably, a thought leader in the education and career development space argued in a post on his X and his LinkedIn page that the school is for 1% of the population and the investment is a plus for Nigerians and the education system. 

    I found similar sentiments in the comments alluding to the fact that parents who cannot afford to send their children to the school should look for cheaper alternatives. I found two things instructive. The first is the percentage of the population fees charged by Charterhouse Lagos can possibly affect. The second is that those who find the fees way too steep (I do) are free to seek cheaper alternatives.  

    That takes me to the outrage at the just announced tariff increase by pay television company, MultiChoice. The announcement, as usual, is like headbutting a hornet’s nest. Social media platforms have been a giant broth pot of ire since Wednesday evening. There are no surprises that there have been calls for boycott, price freeze, implementation of pay as you go or pay per view billing model in addition to downright xenophobic dog whistling. All that for reviewing prices of a service used-directly-by less than five percent of the population? Stunning.

     Education, healthcare, electricity, food and fuel, cooking gas, services/products used by almost every Nigerian, have witnessed steady and sharp price increases in the last eight years. The increases became much steeper starting from last year with leaping inflation which, in March, stood at 33.7 per cent. None of the price increases provoked the kind of public ire that MultiChoice price review has provoked and has always provoked.

    If such outrage is a general response to every price increase in the country, a phenomenon which has become a norm, this writer would have not have bothered to to challenge what is selective and Disproportionate outrage by Nigerian consumers, regulators and the National Assembly. Take for example the opening story above, I am yet to find the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) embark on a protest like they did when MultiChoice adjusted its price last year. One would expect them to be more concerned in this situation considering it involves education.

    Similarly, since the removal of petroleum subsidy last May, the prices of various essential commodities have been on the rise. The price of Premium Motor Spirit has hovered between N600 and N700 across various states in Nigeria. Since January 2024, a bag of rice has been sold between the range of N75,000 and N90,000. The price of cooking gas has surged from N10,000 to N15,800. Yet, no individual or corporate organisation has attempted to sue the Federal Government for the stifling hardship the masses are undergoing  like two lawyers did when MultiChoice increased its rate in 2015.

    The two men challenged MultiChoice’s right to increase prices at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. Their suit was dismissed. Another lawyer, two years ago, did something similar when he challenged the pay TV company’s right to adjust prices at the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal. He also lost his bid for a prize freeze. 

    Read Also: FULL LIST: MultiChoice announces new prices for DSTV, GOtv packages

    Earlier in April, the Federal Government announced a 300% increment for electricity tariffs from N68 per Kilowatt-hour to N228. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission disclosed segmentation of electricity consumers into various band categories for the purpose of power distribution and tariff pricing. Distribution companies have been accused of failing to fulfil their obligations despite price increment. Still, no individual or corporate organisation has petitioned the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission like a certain Mr Festus Onifade did when MultiChoice announced price adjustments in 2022. 

    In February, Nigerian Breweries announced another price adjustment for its products, blaming the rising cost of production for its decision. One would expect the FCCPC, National Assembly and other consumer protection bodies to swoop in and attempt to halt such increments like they would do if it was MultiChoice. To my surprise, beyond social media grumblings, none of what I expected happened. This begs the question, why do we treat MultiChoice like a public enemy with our hypocritical and selective outrage when they announce price adjustments? 

    Critics usually like to claim that unlike other products and services, MultiChoice is a monopoly that has failed to allow its competitors thrive, a dishonest sentiment driven by hypocrisy. StarTimes is very much active in the market and they offer DTH and DTT services to willing customers. There are options.

    Nigerians, I am afraid, tell themselves a lie that they do not have options. That is when you can have a monopoly. But as  the Competition and Consumer Protection  Commission Tribunal ruled in 2022, no monopoly exists in the sector.  MultiChoice, for example, has exclusive broadcasting rights to the Premier League the same way StarTimes owns exclusive rights to Bundesliga and Saudi Pro League. For some strange reasons, I do not hear them accused of monopolistic conduct.

    It is also worth noting that when MultiChoice was on the brink of failing to secure broadcasting rights to the AFCON 2023 tournament and StarTimes had secured access to the matches, they did not hesitate to adjust their subscription rates to reflect economic realities. Much to my surprise, their announcement was not greeted with the same intensity of adversarial reactions that would have trailed MultiChoice’s price adjustment announcement. 

    To go a step further, aggrieved customers allege that MultiChoice offers no value beyond their exclusive rights to Premier League content. I expect that competitors will be keen to overtake MultiChoice by investing in superior local content for entertainment that customers will find irresistible. But the truth is Africa Magic has committed more investments to the production of content across various genres such as local and indigenous movies and series, reality shows, film festivals and awards among others.

    We are all aware that Nigeria has recorded 14 consecutive increases in its inflation figures, currently pegged at 33.20% in March 2024 from 31.70% recorded in February according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This means since MultiChoice last announced price adjustment in November 2023 when the inflation rate was still 28.20%, there has been at least 5% increase in the general cost of production in the market. Do customers expect their subscription prices to remain the same when the cost of production for the content they enjoy has spiked astronomically? After all, the company is not immune to the various macroeconomic factors which have made production more expensive.

    It would be out of character for the National Assembly to not set up a committee hearing aimed at directing MultiChoice to suspend the planned price adjustment or adopt a PAYG model. Unfortunately, the lawmakers seem to always jettison the resolutions reached by their predecessors when they do this. The government does not have the right to determine prices for a private entity, especially if the costs reflect the country’s true economic realities. And if they insist on doing so, they have to be ready to embark on a general price control mechanism for all commodities and services. If they attempt to do so, you and I can agree that would be a fool’s errand. Similarly, asking for PAYG in a country with a GDP Per Capita of $1011 is to be removed from reality.

    Instead, the National Assembly should be more concerned with improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria to combat inflation and to stem the tide of multinational companies leaving the country. The likes of Procter and Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventi, Bolt Food among others have already left and we are feeling the harsh impact of their exit. We should not cause self-harm to ourselves by allowing our hypocrisy to make us drive MultiChoice away too.

    Azutalam writes from Enugu 

  • Noones academy empowers next generation with digital financial education

    Noones academy empowers next generation with digital financial education

    Noones Academy has announced plans to empower new generations with comprehensive digital peer-to-peer financial training.

    Cryptocurrency trading has surged in popularity in recent years, attracting individuals eager to capitalise on the opportunities presented by this dynamic market.

     However, navigating the complexities of crypto trading requires specialised knowledge and strategic insights. 

    Recognising this need, Noones Academy curated a series of educational videos designed to demystify crypto trading concepts and empower beginners to embark on their trading journey with confidence.

    Available on YouTube and the Noones website, these videos cover a wide range of topics essential for new traders, including peer-to-peer marketing, cryptocurrency fundamentals, technical analysis, risk management, and trading psychology. Presented in a clear and engaging format, each video provides valuable insights and practical tips to help viewers understand key concepts and make informed trading decisions.

    “Our mission at Noones Academy is to democratise access to financial education and empower individuals from all walks of life to participate in the digital economy,” Ray Youssef, Founder and CEO of Noones said. 

    “By leveraging the power of video content, we can reach a global audience of aspiring traders and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the crypto market.”

    Whether viewers are looking to launch a career in crypto trading or simply expand their financial literacy, Noones Academy provides the resources and support needed to succeed.

    “We believe that education is the key to unlocking the full potential of cryptocurrency trading,” said Youssef. “Our goal is to empower individuals to take control of their financial future and achieve their goals through informed decision-making and strategic trading.”

    As Noones Academy continues to expand its video content library and enhance its educational offerings, it remains committed to its mission of empowering the next generation of traders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in the digital economy.

  • NTIC student, Miracle Ezechukwu, breaks MTN CHAMPS Record

    NTIC student, Miracle Ezechukwu, breaks MTN CHAMPS Record

    …to represent Nigeria at U-20 World Championships in Peru

    Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu, of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), Abuja, has made an explosive return in Season 2 of the School Athletics Championships.

    The sprinter raced to a stunning Personal Best (PB) of 11.75secs (+0.4) to win her U-20 semifinal heat whilst competing on Day 2 of MTN CHAMPS Jos at the New Jos Stadium, improving by almost two-tenths of seconds, the PB (11.91secs) that she ran during the heats of the competition.

    Ezechukwu who moved up from the Youth category into the junior class, broke the MTN CHAMPS outright 100m Record of 11.82secs.

    She went on to win GOLD in 11.81secs as her teammate, Chigozie Nwankwo, who broke 12 secs for the first time in her career during the semis (11.95secs), settled for Silver in 12.02secs. Ojone Akubo-Adegbe was 3rd in 12.38secs.

    Divinefavour Okisamen (10.79secs) of Real Winners, Sasere Taiwo (10.93secs) and Enoch Dabo (10.94secs) of Speed of Light were the Top 3 finishers in the Junior Boys’ 100m.

    Read Also: MTN Nigeria account returns to SO&U

    Adaeze Eze, also of Nigerian Tulip, and Mercy Ogbonna of G.S.S Township, were the standout athletes in the Youth Girls 100m category, both running new Personal Bests (PB) to win their respective heats.

    Eze ran a PB of 12.36secs, the fastest time overall to win Heat 6, while Ogbonna ran under 13secs for the first time, winning Heat 5 in a PB of 12.73secs. The latter improved on her time to win Silver in 12.67secs behind Eze who set another PB of 12.34secs in the semis, while Mwuese Zoko of Foundation Science settled for Bronze with 13.02secs.

    Kenneth Onyeji of FGC Jos was the boy to beat in the Youth category where he clocked 11.73secs for GOLD. Henry Chukwudi and Manasseh Matthew followed in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

  • The Best Slots from Fazi. Games review

    The Best Slots from Fazi. Games review

    There is something magical and mesmerizing about gambling that attracts thousands of players from all over the world. Online slots offers a unique experience and a chance to try your luck in the most exciting gambling adventures. One of the companies behind some of the most exciting games is Fazi.

    In this article, we invite you to dive into the world of the best slots from Fazi, explore their incredible features, and experience the excitement they bring. Each of these slots offers a unique gameplay and a chance to win big.

    And now, for the best part: these exciting slots are available to play on the Melbet Nigeria platform. Don’t miss the opportunity to dive into the gambling world right now! Read this article until the end, because you will be in for a pleasant surprise — a unique promo code from Melbet that you can use when registering on the site.

    About Fazi Provider

    Fazi is a leading slot machine developer that has carved a niche for itself in the entertainment market with its innovative approach and high-quality products. Founded in the early 1990s, the company began its journey by creating slot machines for physical casinos and quickly became known for its superior performance and unique themes.

    Since its inception, it has strived for continuous improvement and innovation, which has allowed it to become one of the leading players in the gambling entertainment market. Utilizing its wealth of expertise and cutting-edge technical prowess, the company persistently forges ahead, crafting enthralling gaming experiences that captivate the minds of players spanning the globe.

    Fazi’s slot machines stand out for their revolutionary design and top-tier graphics, immersing players in an unparalleled level of realism and thrill. Moreover, every game boasts exclusive bonus elements and distinctive symbols, enhancing winning prospects and elevating the overall gaming experience to new heights of excitement.

    An Overview of the Best Slots from Fazi

    Slots from Fazi are a real kaleidoscope of amazing adventures and exciting emotions. Each game is a unique opportunity to plunge into a world of fantasy and exciting winnings. Let’s look at some of the best representatives of the Fazi range.

    Book of Spells

    This is an exciting adventure in magic and mysterious spells. The gameplay is a journey through ancient tomes of spells, where every spin can bring a big win.  The graphics and soundtrack impress with their atmospheric nature and create a unique gaming environment where every spin of the reel brings new emotions.

    Turbo Hot 40

    Turbo Hot 40 is a slot that explodes the boring routine and brings excitement and adrenaline. The gameplay interface and mechanics make it particularly appealing to connoisseurs of modern technology. The main features of this slot include the unique Turbo mode, which increases the chances of big wins. Playing Turbo Hot 40 is filled with explosive energy and opportunities for exciting wins.

    Clover Coin

    Embark on a thrilling adventure with Clover Coin, where players delve into an exhilarating treasure quest alongside mischievous leprechauns and the charm of four-leaf clovers. Symbols on the reels bring luck and a chance for big wins. Unique features and bonuses available to players in Clover Coin include free spins, doubling wins, and unique symbols that increase the chances of successful combinations. This slot is the perfect combination of exciting gameplay and high winnings.

    Why Try Playing Slots at Melbet.ng?

    Playing online slots on the Melbet.ng platform is a unique experience that surpasses traditional casinos. First, the convenience and accessibility of playing online slots have made them particularly attractive to players. The ability to play at any time of the day, from anywhere, guarantees complete freedom and flexibility, which is impossible to achieve in offline casinos.

    Furthermore, Melbet.ng provides players with generous payout odds and enticing bonus functionalities, amplifying their winning potential. This aspect renders online slots particularly enticing for those in pursuit of substantial victories. With a diverse array of games sourced from premier developers like Fazi, Melbet Nigeria guarantees both variety and excellence in gaming content. This lets players enjoy exciting games with the most compelling storylines and high-quality graphics.

    In addition, the Melbet.ng platform is highly safe and reliable, which makes playing online slots even more attractive and comfortable. The bookmaker has an official license, allowing it to operate in Nigeria. Players can be confident in protecting their data and financial transactions, enabling them to focus on the game and enjoy the process fully.

    Thus, playing online slots at Melbet Nigeria is the perfect combination of exciting gambling, high payouts, a wide selection of games, and security, making this platform the ideal destination for all gambling enthusiasts.

    Conclusion

    Fazi slots are a source of entertainment and pleasure for all gambling enthusiasts. Their fascinating plots make every spin a real adventure, filled with the possibility of big wins and incredible emotions.

    However, to plunge into this exciting world, you don’t need to look for the nearest casino – visit the Melbet.ng platform. Here, you will find a wide range of games from Fazi and other leading developers, guaranteed to bring you a lot of fun and excitement.

    To start playing with even more opportunities, mention the promo code MELGIFT when registering. With its help, you can increase the maximum size of the welcome bonus up to 140%, which opens up even more opportunities for winning and exciting gaming moments.

    Spin after spin, new adventures and the opportunity to win a big prize await you. Go to Melbet.ng right now and plunge into the exciting online gambling world!

  • ‘Why we are committed to driving digital transformation, technological revolution’

    ‘Why we are committed to driving digital transformation, technological revolution’

    Leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, Huawei has reiterated its commitment to driving digital transformation and technological revolution in Nigeria. 

    At the recently held Huawei IT Day in Lagos, experts and partners gathered to discuss ICT trends, industry advancements and Huawei’s latest strides towards ushering in the intelligent era. 

    The theme of the event titled: “Unleash Data Power towards the Intelligent Era”, opened up discourse on Huawei’s  technological advancements. In his remarks, Gavin Geng, VP of Huawei Nigeria’s ICT Marketing and Solution Sales Department, highlighted the company’s pivotal role in Africa’s tech landscape. 

    Geng said: “With over 20 years of relentless innovation, Huawei has not only flourished but has also become the foremost tech economy on the continent, boasting a workforce of over 4,000 IT professionals” he stated.

    Geng also emphasised Nigeria’s significance in Huawei’s growth trajectory, citing the country’s vast potential as a catalyst for their success.

    Also, Mahmud Jubril of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) ICT, spoke on the digitalisation of FIRS activities, emphasising that Huawei played critical role in the process.

    He said: “We bought first set of servers from Huawei in 2013, and we were able to create our own private cloud. We used the first sever from 2013-2022. Huawei’s efforts cannot be overemphasised.”

    Read Also: Huawei Cloud launches startup program for Nigeria

    Delving into the technological frontiers, Mr. Dingliusheng, IT Director of Huawei’s Enterprise Business Group, shed light on Huawei’s substantial investments in storage solutions over the past two decades. 

    “These investments are geared towards empowering consumers to focus on their tasks seamlessly, without having any storage concerns” he explained.

    The Huawei Intelligent Data Storage portfolio, as outlined by Dingliusheng, encompasses an array of cutting-edge solutions, including All-Flash Storage, Data Protection Solutions, Hybrid Flash Storage, Ransomware Protection Storage Solutions, and Data Center Virtualization Solutions.

    Furthering the discourse, Mr. Chang Bang, Senior Director of Huawei’s Enterprise Storage Market Solution, unveiled the revolutionary Flash-to-Flash-to-Anything (F2F2X) feature. 

    According to Chang Bang this transformative innovation addresses contemporary challenges while charting a course towards the future. Comprising Data Performance, Reliability, Resilience, Management, and Mining, F2F2X not only enhances business efficiency but also propels enterprises into the data-centric era.