Author: ITPulse

US Representative James Hill (R-AR) has expressed concern that the continued detention of Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria could jeopardize bilateral relations between the two countries. In a statement on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Hill said: “I’m surprised Nigeria, a country considered a friend to America, is holding a US citizen in detention over a matter he’s not directly involved in. I urge President Biden to push harder for his release.” Hill, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and Chairman of the subcommittee overseeing digital assets and financial technology, highlighted Gambaryan’s contributions…

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has introduced a new feature designed to provide a safer and more positive experience for teenage users. Instagram Teen Accounts, which will automatically be activated for users under 18, come with built-in protections that limit who can contact teens and the content they see. “We want parents to feel confident that their teens can use social media to connect with friends and explore their interests without worrying about unsafe or inappropriate experiences,” said [Meta Executive]. “Teen Accounts are designed to better support parents and give them peace of mind that their teens are safe…

By Martin Ekpeke The Nigerian government has announced a significant investment of $2 billion to expand its existing fiber optic network from 35,000 kilometers to a massive 125,000 kilometers. The ambitious project, backed by the USTDA, European Union, and other partners, aims to boost economic growth and empower Nigerians to participate more fully in the global digital economy. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, unveiled the plans at the G20 Digital Economy Group (DEWG) meeting in Maceio, Brazil. He emphasized the critical role of universal and equitable access to connectivity in driving economic development, social inclusion…

Konga Health, in collaboration with global skincare leader L’Oréal, is seeking authorized professional resellers for its premium dermatological beauty products. The partnership aims to expand the availability of high-demand brands like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay in the Nigerian market. This initiative offers a lucrative opportunity for retailers, wholesalers, healthcare professionals, and online sellers to grow their businesses. L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty is renowned for its science-backed products, trusted by dermatologists and healthcare professionals worldwide. As an authorized reseller, businesses will benefit from high-profit margins, marketing support, and product training. This initiative is open to various business models, including retail stores, online…

Treepz, Africa’s leading corporate mobility startup, is marking its fifth anniversary with a series of milestones and the launch of a new, upgraded mobility app. Over the past five years, Treepz has established itself as a key player in the African mobility industry, providing cutting-edge solutions to address transportation challenges across the continent. The company has partnered with major corporations like Parallex Bank and KingMakers (owners of Betkings) to offer transportation services to over 50,000 employees monthly. One of Treepz’s significant achievements is its completion of the first-ever international cross-border rental trip between two African countries. This historic journey involved…

Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to skill development and youth empowerment shines through as the company celebrates the first graduation of 20 young graduates from its Technical Training Center (TTC) in Flowergate. Launched in 2023, the Flowergate TTC is part of Nestlé Nigeria’s broader technical training initiative, which has been running since 2011. The program has successfully trained over 200 young Nigerians, equipping them with essential technical skills to thrive in the workforce. The 18-month curriculum at the TTC combines theoretical learning with hands-on engineering experience, culminating in the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification. This rigorous training enhances participants’ employability…

Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria, has emphasized the need for ethical development and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country. Speaking to the executive of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) who were on a courtesy visit to his Lagos office, Nnamani noted the growing trend of non-ethical AI solutions being developed for profit. “While the U.S. and other developed countries are actively working on AI safety and best practices, Nigeria needs to implement similar measures to prevent abuse and ensure ethical use,” said Nnamani. He praised the Nigerian government’s efforts to regulate AI but…

By Martin Ekpeke With the September 14 deadline for linking SIM cards to National Identification Numbers (NINs) having passed, telecommunications operators in Nigeria are poised to begin disconnecting mobile lines that remain unlinked. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that no SIM card will remain active without a verified NIN from September 15 onwards. Subscribers who have yet to complete the linkage process or have faced verification issues are urged to visit their service providers promptly to update their details. As of March 2024, data from the NCC showed that 219 million active lines were in operation across major…

A recent summit convened by Digivation Networks in Lagos emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to embrace digital transformation through strong internet governance, enhanced digital literacy, and comprehensive policy reforms. The Digivation Future Summit, themed “Governance, Innovation, People and Future Economy,” brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Participants highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as underdeveloped digital infrastructure, limited internet access, and a lack of digital skills. Dr. Bayero Agabi, Founder of Digivation Networks, acknowledged the significant challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa in digital development, including infrastructure gaps, limited connectivity, and a…

Nigeria Africa’s largest economy is rapidly transitioning into a knowledge-based economy with the prospects of adopting artificial intelligence, an enabler of growth, innovation, and increased productivity. This was the focus of discussion at the 4th edition of Nigeria Information Technology Reporter’s Association (NITRA) ICT Growth Conference themed “Impact of AI on National Development: Prospects, Policies and Challenges in Nigeria” held in Lagos. At the conference, key ICT media voices from broadcast, print and online platforms including; Hilary Damissah, Editor and Chief Operating Officer at DigiVation Network TV, Justus Adejumo, ICT Editor at Daily Independent Newspapers, Peter Oluka,  Founder and Editor…