Author: ITPulse

The Chief Executive Officer of deVere Group, Nigel Green has predicted that Blockchain is set to irreversibly shake up the global payments system faster, cheaper, greener and safer.  The prediction from the CEO of one of the world’s largest financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations, is coming following the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and a flurry of global financial innovation as central banks around the world push to develop their own digital currencies (CBDCs). “Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are reaching the point of critical mass, the moment at which a new way of doing things crosses a…

The government of Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria has entered into a strategic partnership with Zipline, a logistic service provider to accelerate the movement of health equipment across the state leveraging its unmanned aerial vehicles. Announcing this, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri said the partnership aimed at leveraging Zipline’s drone technology to deliver essential medicines, blood and other medical commodities to health facilities within the state. The Governor disclosed that Zipline will establish a distribution hub in Bayelsa State for the introduction, operation, and maintenance of a just-in-time instant logistics solutions to ensure that essential drugs, blood and a…

The surge in generative AI, especially Large Language Models has transformed industries by enhancing machines to understand and generate human-like text. Leading this transformation is Glory Ikeke, a Senior Data Scientist with 5 years of experience in the field. Her work in scaling large language models for production environments  showcases the complex balance between innovation and practicality, making her a thought leader in generative AI deployment. Scaling Large Language Models in production is no small feat. While the capabilities of models like GPT-4, Gemini and similar frameworks are well-known, bringing these models to production entails beyond theoretical knowledge of AI…

As verification becomes critical business for businesses across the world, a new study from Juniper Research has found that revenue for digital identity vendors will exceed $53 billion globally in 2026; doubling from $26 billion in 2021. According to the research, tagged ‘Digital Identity: Key Opportunities, Regulatory Landscape & Market Forecasts 2022-2026’,  verification spend will exceed $16 billion in 2026, from $9 billion in 2021. This is as a result of reflection of people migrating to digital channels, the need to verify identity digitally. As fraudsters exploit opportunities, verification capabilities will proliferate to wider industries and use cases than ever…

Following the 2020 UN Report on Trade and Development, which estimates illicit losses of USD 88.6 million each year in Africa alone, of which  2,1% of all global crypto transactions globally were categorised as illicit, experts have put forward four major tips to keep cryptocurrency trading safe. The four tips are: Use a recognised, reputable exchange, as the significant investment in security will mean that your money remains safe. The weakest link is human beings. It is very rare to see actual hacking in crypto financial fraud. It is true that crypto is volatile but be aware that if something…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commended the Kwara State government for closing digital gaps through the building of the e-libraries across the sixteen local government areas of the state. The Director General of NITDA, Mal. Kashifu Inuwa, who gave the commendation, noted that the building of the e-libraries aligns with the NITDA’s agenda and the the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, (NDEPS). “Your approach towards ensuring sustainable development in the Educational sector of Kwara State coupled with striving for a digital transformation in the state is highly commendable because it identifies with three of NITDA’s seven…

Many organizations are seeking ways to offer their products and services to customers in an efficient way in order to save time, ease the processing of the orders and provide the highest quality of delivery as at the expected time. One major opportunity that most start-ups are not taking advantage of is the availability of data in the public domain as well as the internal data they are gathering to make business intelligent decisions. Organizations are drowning in an overwhelming amount of data and know little or nothing about gaining insights from the data and turning them into actionable goals…

Over a hundred years since banks came into Nigeria, services rendered to small and medium scale businesses were limited to core banking services and transactions. However, those that cared to look further were able to stand the test of time, reinventing themselves with cutting edge financial services that remain key to sustaining its relevance to not just its host communities but the global community. Based on findings from extensive engagements with customers, internal and external surveys and reports by SMEDAN, Efina and NBS, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been deliberate in ensuring that SMEs thrive and grow their businesses…

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has highlighted measures that can be taken to avoid Juice Jacking and Facebook for Android Friend Acceptance cyber vulnerability.  The NCC-CSIRT had identified the two cyber vulnerabilities, which it noted are targeted at the Nigerian telecom consumers. While Juice Jacking can gain access into consumers’ devices when charging mobile phones at public charging stations, Facebook for Android Friend Acceptance Vulnerability targets Android Operating System. The solutions to these vulnerabilities, according to NCC-CSIRT include using ‘charging only USB cable’, to avoid Universal Serial Bus (USB) data connection; using one’s AC charging…

The Director-General of Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mal. Kashifu Inuwa has challenged tech innovators in Nigeria to build solutions that can compete globally. The DG, who threw up the challenge while delievery his opening remarks at the virtual NITDA Nigerian Innovation Ecosystem Engagement held today, admitted that though innovators in Nigeria have succeeded in building the most investment appealing ecosystem in Africa, there is no passion playing small and settling for leading only in Africa. “It is amazing that you have succeeded in building the most investment appealing ecosystem in Africa, attracting over 1.5B USD representing 35% of…