Author: ITPulse

By Martin Ekpeke The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has outlined five key strategies it is employing to safeguard the nation’s digital backbone, the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). These measures, designed to translate the Presidential Order on CNII into concrete action, were highlighted by the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, in a keynote address delivered at a recent industry conference in Lagos. The conference, themed “Critical National ICT Infrastructure and Industry Sustainability – Way Forward,” was organized by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). In his address,…

By Ivy Samuel The group behind FirstBank already has the reach, reputation and investment products. It’s harder task is turning banking familiarity into a repeated investment habit. First Edge does not face the anonymity problem that confronts many new investment apps. It belongs to First Asset Management, the fund-management subsidiary of First Holdco, the same financial group that owns FirstBank. That connection gives the app immediate recognition, but it also creates a demanding question: can the trust Nigerians place in a familiar banking name extend to mutual funds? First Asset Management is distinct from FirstBank and operates as a fund…

Trust remains one of the most significant barriers to digital asset trading. But the real issue isn’t just fraud or volatility. It’s the quiet arrogance embedded in how the industry has chosen to grow. For years, the industry has operated on a flawed assumption: If we build it, they will come. This is because over time, digital assets have transformed from a niche market into a significant player in global finance. The media buzz, online forums, and the continuous conversations have fueled Fomo (the fear of missing out on the next big thing). This has attracted new investors and grown…

By Martin Ekpeke QNET, a global e-commerce and direct selling company, recently hosted a media experience-sharing webinar as a follow-up to its flagship V-Convention (VCON) 2025. The virtual event brought together journalists who attended the convention to share their first-hand insights and experiences. Specifically, Peter Oluka of Techeconomy, Royal Ibeh of Businessday and Funmilola Gboteku of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), shared their experiences highlighting QNET’s commitment to transparency, ethical business practices, and combating misinformation. The webinar, tagged ‘Together We Rise” Media Experience Sharing Webinar,’ is part of QNET’s ongoing media engagement strategy, aimed to provide a platform for journalists to discuss…

The Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR) has announced its flagship conference for software developers, DevTribe 2025. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at The Zone in Gbagada, Lagos. The conference, themed “Trends, Tools & Tech Stacks for Modern Developers,” aims to bring together Nigeria’s vibrant community of software developers, tech professionals, founders, and key ecosystem players. It will be a day dedicated to technical exchange, innovation, and collaboration. DevTribe 2025 is a crucial part of FintechNGR’s strategy to bolster Nigeria’s software development sector. The association seeks to address the significant gaps in mentorship, tooling, and visibility for…

FirstBank of Nigeria is revolutionizing its digital banking experience with the introduction of “Fibani,” a new virtual chatbot. Designed to provide customers with round-the-clock assistance, Fibani aims to offer a seamless and secure way to manage banking needs anytime, anywhere. The chatbot is integrated across the bank’s digital channels, providing a wide range of services to both new and existing customers. The launch of Fibani aligns with FirstBank’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve customer service and operational efficiency. Key Features of Fibani Fibani is equipped to handle a comprehensive suite of banking functions, empowering users with greater control over…

Konga has officially announced the launch of its Back To School Campaign. The campaign began on August 1st and will run through August 31st. This nationwide campaign is strategically designed to support students, parents, teachers, and educational institutions with mouthwatering deals as they prepare for the new academic session. According to sources at Konga, this year’s campaign kicks off earlier than usual, enabling customers to capitalize on substantial early bird discounts ahead of the peak shopping periods. This timing offers families and educational institutions the opportunity to stock up on essential academic supplies such as backpacks, stationery, laptops, learning aids,…

PalmPay has teamed up with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development to launch a new initiative aimed at digitally empowering young people across the country. The partnership, called the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) Program, seeks to train over one million Nigerian youths in digital skills over the next three years. The program’s main goal is to give young people the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely. This is a crucial step, as over 70% of Nigeria’s population is under 30. The initiative aims to build trust, security, and innovation among the nation’s…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) recently launched the second cohort of its IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs. The initiative is a strategic effort to accelerate gender inclusion and economic empowerment through digital innovation. The bootcamp, held in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), brought together selected women entrepreneurs from across Nigeria. The participants received intensive training in digital skills, innovation management, business development, and investor readiness. Key Highlights from NITDA The NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, represented by Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s digital development with national priorities. Inuwa noted…

Recent arrests of citizens who publicly voiced grievances against service providers have reignited critical discussion around Section 24 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. In one widely circulated case, a digital influencer was detained following a petition from a real estate company he had criticised online. In another, a woman known for protest-style consumer activism—combining online and offline methods—was reportedly arrested and hospitalized after clashing with vendors over product complaints. These incidents reflect a broader legal and social dilemma: the increasing use of criminal law to punish speech in digital spaces. Section 24, while ostensibly designed to curb…