National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that over 25 million phone thefts between March 2023 and April 2024, according to its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey 2024.

The Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey 2024, indicated that an estimated 17,965,741 people had their phones stolen during the reference period

Phone theft, which is a common individual crime in the country, shows that seven out of every 10 stolen phones happened at home or public places, with a mere 11.7% of people who reported to the police expressing satisfaction with their response.

Less than 10% of the victims of phone theft reported the case to the police, while over 90% failed to report to the police for various reasons.

“At the individual level, 21.4 per cent of Nigerians reported being victims of crime, and the most common crime was phone theft (13.8%),” the report read in part.

Airtel Nigeria has once again been recognized for its commitment to sustainable development, carting away the Partnership of the Year award at the 18th edition of the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility Awards (SERAS) held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, 14th December, 2024.

The award celebrates Airtel’s continued success with its Re-imagine Education Initiative, a ground-breaking collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) aimed at transforming education in Nigeria through technology.

Airtel’s consistent focus on creating social value through strategic partnerships reflects its position as a key enabler of progress in the Nigerian education sector.

Commenting on the award, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, highlighted the significance of the winning the Partnership of the Year award for the second time with the Airtel collaboration with UNICEF to provide digital access to quality educational resources for more than 1,200 schools in Nigeria.

“Winning this award for the second consecutive year is a reflection of our enduring belief in the transformative power of technology in education. We are deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Nigerians, and this recognition fuels our resolve to do even more,” he said.

The SERAS Awards, widely regarded as Africa’s most prestigious platform for celebrating sustainability and corporate social responsibility, brought together leaders from various industries to honour organizations driving impactful change.

Airtel Nigeria remains steadfast in its mission to foster inclusive growth, empower communities, and champion a sustainable future for its stakeholders and the environment.

In a vibrant display of culture, MoMo PSB joined the Togolese community at the Proudly Togolese Feast 2024 in Nigeria, celebrating the rich heritage of Togo while fostering unity among Togolese nationals and friends in the diaspora. The event took place on December 14, 2024, at the Multipurpose Hall, Unilag Lagos.

The event commenced with the Nigerian national anthem, honoring Nigeria’s reputation as a peaceful nation, followed by the Togolese anthem. The Proudly Togolese Feast showcases a variety of traditional dishes that highlight Togo’s culinary diversity. This year, guests savored popular foods such as fufu (a starchy side dish), akpan (fermented corn pudding), and grilled fish seasoned with local spices.

While the celebration was ongoing, Luqman Yusuf, Head, Product MoMo PSB, remarked that “One interesting thing about MoMo PSB is that we continue making services easy for people to access and now you can send money to people in Togo, you do not have to worry about changing currencies. You can transact with people in Togo via the app or USSD, transactions are totally free for now, so make use of it while it lasts”.

The feast served not only as a gastronomic experience but also as an opportunity for cultural exchange. Organizers emphasized the importance of preserving Togolese culture abroad and aimed to educate attendees about Togo’s history and traditions.

Community leaders spoke about the significance of such events in strengthening ties among Togolese people living outside their homeland. They highlighted how these gatherings foster a sense of belonging and pride in one’s heritage while promoting understanding between different cultures.

Elias Sowou, Popular Togolese musician concluded the event with a mind-blowing performance which made the Togolese community happy, as they danced, ate, and sang together.

MoMo PSB collaborated with various organizations to make this event possible. Local businesses sponsored parts of the feast, providing resources for decorations, sound
systems, and promotional materials. The partnership underscored a commitment to supporting local economies while celebrating cultural diversity.

The Proudly Togolese Feast 2024 was more than just a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of identity for many Togolese expatriates living in Nigeria. As attendees left with full bellies and joyful hearts, they carried with them not only memories but also a renewed appreciation for their roots. Events like these play a crucial role in maintaining cultural connections across borders.