Author: ITPulse

In a recent announcement, Starlink has decided to temporarily halt a planned service fee increase in Nigeria. This decision comes as a relief to many Nigerians who were anticipating the launch of affordable satellite internet services. Starlink explained that the initial price hike was intended to address inflationary pressures and sustain operations. However, due to ongoing regulatory challenges, the company has chosen to pause the increase. Users who have already been charged the higher rate will receive a one-time credit to their accounts. This move is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s digital landscape. By offering affordable, high-speed…

Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has urged both the public and private sectors to invest more in cybersecurity training to combat the growing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria. Speaking at the National Cybercrimes Summit 2024, organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Inuwa emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative approach to address this issue. He highlighted the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, noting that they are no longer limited to traditional computers but extend to mobile devices, smart TVs, and even cars. Inuwa identified five major categories of cybercrime, including technical product…

Zoho Corporation has announced a powerful collaboration with NVIDIA. This partnership leverages NVIDIA’s AI technology to develop next-generation Large Language Models (LLMs) specifically designed for businesses. Zoho recognizes that current LLMs prioritize consumer needs, offering limited practicality for businesses. Their mission is to create business-specific LLMs that integrate seamlessly with Zoho’s existing suite of over 100 business-focused products (across ManageEngine and Zoho.com). This “full-stack” approach allows Zoho to leverage the crucial element of AI effectiveness – context. Zoho prioritizes user privacy. Their LLM development builds privacy regulations directly into the models, eliminating the need for later retrofitting. By utilizing NVIDIA’s…

Prudential, a leading insurance provider, has partnered with Google Cloud to revolutionize its medical claims processing. By leveraging Google’s MedLM language models, Prudential aims to streamline and expedite claim approvals and payouts. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the use of generative AI for medical claims processing. By harnessing the power of MedLM, Prudential is poised to deliver faster, more accurate, and more efficient claims services to its customers, setting a new standard for the insurance industry. Arjan Toor, CEO of Health at Prudential plc, expressed enthusiasm about this breakthrough, stating, “Prudential’s early tests with MedLM demonstrate the transformative…

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…