Author: ITPulse

In a surprising turn of events, the Nigerian Federal Government has dropped all charges against Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive arrested in February 2024. Gambaryan had faced accusations of tax evasion and money laundering. While the tax evasion charge was dismissed in June, Gambaryan and another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were subsequently charged with money laundering and illegal currency speculation. However, on Wednesday morning, a lawyer representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) informed the court that all charges against Gambaryan were being dropped. The lawyer stated that Gambaryan, a United States citizen, was merely an employee of Binance…

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Nigeria Office, with support from the Japan Patent Office, has launched the IP Labs 2.0 and the IP for Green Innovation Projects. This significant milestone marks a commitment to promoting intellectual property (IP) and sustainable innovation in Nigeria. The launch event, held recently in Lagos, brought together a diverse audience of innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, students, government officials, research institutes, academia, and dignitaries from both local and international sectors. Key Highlights from the Event WIPO’s Commitment to Innovation: Mr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, and Mr. Kunihiko Fushimi, Director of the International…

VAP Group, a leading Web3 and AI consulting firm, is excited to announce the second edition of the Global AI Show, taking place on December 12th and 13th, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Exhibition Centre in Dubai. Held under the patronage of the United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, this two-day event brings together C-suite executives, government officials, and industry leaders from across the globe. Themed “AI 2057: Accelerating Intelligent Futures,” the Global AI Show will explore cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence across the UAE and beyond. The show boasts…

By Martin Ekpeke As the digital landscape evolves and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, AI offers a powerful tool to protect against emerging risks. Thus, Microsoft Africa is leading the charge in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster cybersecurity defenses across the continent. Speaking during a virtual meeting organized by Microsoft with special focus on Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative and the role of AI transformation in a rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape both globally and across the African continent, Colin Baumgart, CTO and Commercial Solutions Area Director at Microsoft South Africa, shares insights into Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative and the transformative…

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the recent security situation in Sokoto State and the progress made by the Nigerian Military in combating insecurity in the region. During his operational tours, Dr. Matawalle witnessed firsthand the significant successes achieved by the Nigerian Military in neutralizing bandit leaders and restoring order. He praised the dedication, professionalism, and courage of the troops, emphasizing their vital role in safeguarding the nation. The Minister commended President Tinubu’s government for its unwavering commitment to providing the necessary resources to enhance the military’s capabilities and…

By Chinenye Anuforo As a journalist in Nigeria, travel and networking are some of the most exciting aspects of our profession. These trips not only provide opportunities to uncover news stories but also offer valuable insights into different cultures and ways of life. Unfortunately, due to Nigeria’s challenging economic situation, such travel opportunities have become increasingly rare. That is why I was overjoyed to receive an email from Edelman, a public relations firm, informing me that I have been selected as one of 22 international IT journalists for an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Given the pressures and…

MTN Nigeria, one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers, has issued a dire warning about the industry’s financial health. CEO Karl Toriola highlighted the critical challenges facing the sector, including soaring operational costs, a decade-long tariff freeze, and unpaid debts from Nigerian banks. Toriola emphasized that MTN, despite its substantial reserves, is operating on a thin margin due to the unsustainable financial pressures. The company’s operations have been significantly impacted by factors such as high diesel prices, inflation, naira devaluation, and foreign exchange losses. One of the most pressing issues facing the sector is the outstanding debt of ₦250 billion…

SeerBit, a pioneer in innovative payment solutions for African businesses, today announced a strategic partnership with Sabre, a global leader in software and technology solutions powering the travel industry. This collaboration aims to revolutionize payments within Africa’s travel sector by providing seamless, secure, and efficient payment processing for airlines, travel agencies, and global travel service providers. The partnership addresses the significant payment challenges faced by the travel industry in Africa, including cross-border transaction complexities, fragmented payment methods, and security concerns. By leveraging SeerBit’s advanced payment infrastructure, Sabre’s clients will benefit from:   Simplified payment processing: Streamlined transactions across web, mobile,…

Renowned journalist and founder of Digivation Networks, Dr. Bayero Agabi, has been recognized for his significant contributions to shaping ICT-related public policies in Nigeria. He was awarded the prestigious “Public Policy Leadership in ICT Award” at the Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN) 10th Anniversary Dinner/Award Ceremony in Abuja last week. The award, presented last week in Abuja, acknowledged Dr. Agabi’s pivotal role in driving the development of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. His expertise and insights have been instrumental in shaping policies that have fostered innovation and growth in the ICT sector. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Agabi expressed his gratitude for…

By Martin Ekpeke The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has vehemently opposed the government’s proposal to reintroduce a 5% excise duty on telecommunications services. The operators argue that the levy will place an undue financial burden on subscribers and could lead to disruptions in service. In a statement released by ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, the association expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the levy on consumers. “We believe it is insensitive to the subscriber today,” Adebayo said, noting that the industry and the economy are already facing significant challenges. The proposed levy, which would apply…