General News
ICT Stakeholders Highlight Need for Sectoral Collaboration to Harness Benefits of AI

Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) and other stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have underscored the need for collaborative efforts by opinion moulders in the sector to harness the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for economic growth.

A cross section of participants at NITRA ICT Growth Conference 4.0 with the theme: “Impact of AI on National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria” held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The stakeholders stated this at the NITRA ICT Growth Conference 4.0 with the theme: “Impact of AI on National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria” held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Akinsanya who was represented by Peter Oluka, member, Executive Board of Directors, NiRA emphasized that AI has the potential to drive economic growth, improve businesses and public services, as well as enhance the quality of life in Nigeria.
He hinted that realizing these benefits requires careful consideration of the prospects, the formulation of sound policies, and addressing the accompanying challenges.
According to him, “As AI continues to evolve, it’s potential to drive economic growth and improve businesses and public services, and also enhance the quality of life in Nigeria is immense”.
Adding that the complex challenges associated with AI cannot be solved by any single entity rather it requires partnerships, shared knowledge, and collective action that can drive the kind of growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.
Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, Founder and chief visionary officer, CVO, Digital Encode, emphasized the need for Nigeria to understand the threat landscape and the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting against these threats.
Prof. Obadare represented by Mr. Oluwakayode O. Olatunji, CISO and Group Head of InfoSec & GRC Advisory, Digital Encode, underscored the importance of driving sub-sectoral digital growth through Artificial Intelligence (AI) while also decrying that many African countries lag behind in cybersecurity.
He further highlighted the potential of AI across various sectors, including finance, health, energy, transportation, defense, medical, and agriculture.
He underscored AI’s ability to predict productivity and its diverse benefits but quickly cautioned against the dangers of AI misuse, stemming from issues such as bias and fairness, security vulnerabilities, data privacy concerns, and ethical and moral dilemmas.
The cybersecurity expert discussed the use of AI in threat landscape profiling, crime detection and prevention, and reporting capabilities.
He stressed the importance of responsible AI usage and the need for continued investment in AI and cybersecurity.
Earlier, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) was displeased with the abysmally low adaptation trend by Nigerians to new technologies.
He urged stakeholders in the sector to lay more emphasizes on technology adaptation, adding that the country is number one in the usage of internet in Africa but lags in connectivity and internet penetration.
According to him, “There has been a known trend in Nigerians’ adaptation of new technology, where usage is higher than implementation.
“For instance, we are number one in the usage of internet in Africa but lags in connectivity and internet penetration.
“Artificial Intelligence has followed the same trend, Google search trends reported recently that searches for artificial intelligence (AI) have continued to rise around the world, with Nigeria experiencing a 130% increase in 2024.
He called on relevant ICT stakeholders in the sector to collaborate with government agencies to fashion out / design a curriculum for school to ensure that the study of AI is included in secondary schools.
He also warned that we should avoid the ugly trend / situation where for instance most students of computer science in our higher institutions do not have the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with a physical Computer throughout their duration in school.
Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, founder of Hyperspace and NeuRal AI, highlighted AI’s challenges and opportunities, reassuring that AI will enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
He showcased AI applications in transcription, translation, and education, demonstrating its potential to drive innovation and inclusive development.
A panel discussion composed of representatives from the NCC, private sector, and media and moderated by Mr. Hillary Damissah, explored how to navigate AI’s dangers in a developing economy.
They emphasized the need for policy frameworks, regulation, and collaboration to mitigate AI’s negative effects and ensure its benefits are equitably distributed.
The conference underscored AI’s significance in Nigeria’s development, urging stakeholders to work together to create an environment conducive to innovation, research, and tech adoption.
As AI continues to evolve, Nigeria must prioritize strategic planning, ethical considerations, and inclusive growth to harness its full potential.
General News
NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.
According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.
The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.
Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.
He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.
Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.
In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.
General News
T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.
NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.
Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”
The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.
Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.
General News
Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Ecobank Bank
Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.
He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.
According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.
“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.
“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”
Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”
He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.
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