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Easy Taxi, Google Train Drivers on Use of Google Map

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Bankole Cardoso, chief executive officer and founder, Easy Taxi (Nigeria), (right, standing) addressing a cross section of taxi drivers during the google map coaching session in Lagos at the weekend
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Easy Taxi, Nigeria’s leading taxi booking application and Google (Nigeria), a multinational corporation specializing in Internet-related services and products, at the weekend, trained over 100 taxi drivers on the use of Google Map.

Easy Taxi is the largest taxi hailing app in the world. Present in 27 countries and increasing constantly, there are more than 90,000 drivers registered to the Easy Taxi network and over 3.5 million users worldwide.

Mr. Bankole Cardoso, chief executive officer and founder, Easy Taxi (Nigeria), told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek that the coaching session was spurred by the desire to make operations easier for both the drivers and the customers.

“Based on our findings that taxi drivers, registered with Easy taxi, on some occasions failed to locate their ways to pick up a customer. Google map as a user-friendly application we decided to work with the Google to get them improve services to our customers by educating our drivers on how to use the Maps.

“Definitely, it will make them to work more efficiently, save some litters of fuel, time and energy”.

He said, Easy Taxi hopes to replicate such gestures in other areas of its operations like Abuja (Nigeria) and Accra (Ghana). We have plans for more cities on the Continent.

The session, the coordinator said, would not distract the drivers.

Nodding in agreement, Mr. Adepolu Abiodun, business associate intern, Google Nigeria, who lectured the drivers, said that it will not distract them while driving due to the availability of “voice bar”.

In other words, they (the drivers) do not necessarily look at the map while driving. “Of course that feature in the map will tell them when to turn left or right. Google understands safety while driving”.

On how it will impact on their operations, he said, “Everywhere is location based. As a driver you do not know everywhere in Lagos or in Nigeria, but with Maps you have the directions on your palm. Although, every nooks and crannies may not be fully mapped, you can be sure of the entry and exit of Lagos. It covers 80% to 90% of where they may want to navigate. With the map you can choice alternative route when there is traffic gridlock.

Google had recently added five new features on its Map for seamless navigating.

The features are Real Time Traffic report; Related Results; Easy-to-View Review Information; Trip-Planning Tool and Rich Media that allows users to better explore the places they want to visit before actually going there.

“You can save the Map offline so that anything you do not have internet connectivity you can pull that up for usage,” Abiodun added.

One of the participants, Mr. Akinlawon Olugbenga, also said “Although, I have been using the Google Map to locate my way, especially in Lekki where there are a quite number of streets and the Mainland too, however, with today’s coaching session I am more enlightened on the usage.

“The challenges I have been encountering in the usage is the connectivity, but during the training, we were taken on the process on offline connections. Also, when the GPS in that area is not in order, the Map, usually, do not give you the ultimate services; today also, we were told how to navigate your way right from the business area or home.

“The usage to me is seamless and very helpful in the business we are doing.  The smartness of the Map is such that it gives you directions ahead of time; measuring your journey, updating you on the distance ahead”.

He expressed delight that the application does not distract them while driving.

Speaking on other empowerment programmes the Firm had adopted to help the drivers, Cardoso said, for those who could ill-afford to purchase smartphone for easier use of the Map, Easy Taxi has provided them with options to buy on three installments through a partnership with mobile phone manufacturing company.

“We do not own any taxi, so any driver that registers with us is an Easy Taxi partner. They have identity card. We are hopeful that the process will restore customers’ confidence on the taxis, because safety is paramount to us. For any registered driver we have the plate-number, residential address, and other important bio-data; car hires number and convince it will give to people.

Another driver who was part of the training session, David Mark said, “I am glad to be part of this training. Easy Taxi and Google have actually added value to my business, because I have learnt how to use the Google Map better. Before, some of us (drivers) do not know how to operate the map to locate our way when a customer calls for services.

“With this training, I am sure Easy Taxi will be well-known within the vicinity. Also, our customers will not be disappointed as the case has been due to delays in locating the way”.

Easy Taxi was launched in Nigeria in July 2013 as leading free smartphone application that provides the safest, fastest and most convenient way of hailing a taxi in Lagos by connecting a network of registered drivers directly to customers.

Easy Taxi has become a safe and convenient way for people to book a taxi anywhere within Lagos, as it pioneered mobile taxi application services in Nigeria.

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

E-Business

Study Reveals Majority of IT Professionals Show Openness to Cyber Immunity

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The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with organisations seeking more robust ways to protect their digital assets. A recent global study conducted by Kaspersky reveals a growing shift toward proactive security strategies, particularly the adoption of Secure by Design development and Cyber Immunity – an innovative approach that embeds resilience directly into system architecture.

The study highlights that 90% of cybersecurity professionals surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region are familiar with Secure by Design development. This methodology integrates security into the very fabric of a system from its inception, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Such an approach is already employed in high-stakes industries like aerospace, where security cannot be bolted on later – it must be intrinsic. Despite its advantages, however, adoption has been slow due to challenges related to standardisation and cost.

Cyber Immunity is the next frontier in cybersecurity

Building on Secure by Design principles, Cyber Immunity takes cybersecurity a step further by creating systems that inherently resist attacks without the need for constant patching or additional security layers. The study reveals that most experts are familiar with Cyber Immunity but interpret it differently.

When asked what they associate with the term, 64% of respondents in the META region linked it to Secure by Design systems that remain resilient under attack, while 56% viewed it as a combination of technology and policy measures that block cybercriminal access. Another 48% connected it to highly skilled cybersecurity teams, indicating that while awareness is high, a unified understanding is still developing.

The growing demand for proactive security

One of the most striking findings is the optimism surrounding inherently secure systems. Over half of respondents in the META region (63%) believe it is already possible or definitely achievable to design systems capable of withstanding cyberattacks without relying on additional security solutions.

Another 32% think it might be possible, reflecting openness to this idea despite some uncertainty. This shift in mindset aligns with a broader industry trend: traditional reactive security measures are no longer sufficient.

With AI-powered threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks, organisations need solutions that do more than just detect breaches—they must prevent them by design.

Integrating Cyber Immunity into security strategies

The study emphasises that resilience, expertise, and flexibility will define the next generation of cybersecurity. While Secure by Design provides the methodology, Cyber Immunity represents the ultimate goal—systems so robust that they minimise reliance on external defences.

“For companies looking ahead, Cyber Immunity offers more than just protection — it brings clear business benefits. When systems are built to be secure from the ground up, there’s less need for constant updates, patches, and extra security tools. That means fewer costs, less strain on IT teams, and stronger, more reliable protection over time,” said Dmitry Lukiyan, Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit.

Most importantly in today’s threat landscape, Cyber Immunity offers robust protection against next-generation challenges — including AI-driven attacks capable of outmaneuvering traditional security measures.

When security becomes an intrinsic property of system architecture rather than an external addition, businesses gain more than just protection—they secure a competitive market advantage.

This proactive approach future-proofs critical infrastructure, enabling organisations to operate confidently even as threats evolve. It transforms cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a strategic differentiator that accelerates digital transformation while mitigating risk.

As the cybersecurity environment becomes more complex, Cyber Immunity is emerging as a vital strategy. Organisations that adopt it now will not only enhance their protection but also position themselves ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile digital world.

 


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Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

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Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, has launched its inaugural 2026 shopping campaign, Konga Jara, offering 25 per cent discount on Starlink internet kits alongside free nationwide delivery.

Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

Konga

The campaign, drawing from the Nigerian concept of “jara” — the extra value traders add to purchases — aims to deliver exceptional deals across categories, helping shoppers turn new year aspirations into reality through affordable technology and value-driven shopping.

To qualify for the Starlink discount, customers must purchase kits on Konga.com, activate them at starlink.com/activate, and email activation details to [email protected] for verification against Starlink’s records. Discounts are subject to terms and conditions.

Konga said spotlighting Starlink underscores reliable internet’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting work, learning, entrepreneurship and communication for households and businesses.

Mr Onochie Melvin, Head of Commercial Planning at Konga, said: “We listened carefully to what Nigerians said they needed to truly kickstart 2026 on the right footing. Reliable internet connectivity emerged as the foundation upon which other aspirations depend.”

He added: “Students need it for online learning, entrepreneurs need it to scale digital businesses, and professionals rely on it for remote work. This Starlink offer is not just about selling products; it is about removing barriers that prevent Nigerians from fully participating in the digital economy.”

Beyond connectivity, Konga Jara provides genuine products from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with transparent pricing, warranties and authenticity guarantees.

As a composite e-commerce ecosystem, Konga integrates shopping, payments and logistics for seamless nationwide access, with exclusive deals shared via its social media channels throughout the campaign.

Shoppers can explore offers at www.konga.com and follow Konga’s official pages for updates across the Konga Group.


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Firm Identifies Global Scam Activity Linked to the Release of Avatar 3

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The premiere of Avatar 3 has taken place in several countries and has been accompanied by a noticeable increase in online interest. Amid the heightened attention surrounding the release, Kaspersky experts identified an increase in cyber-scam campaigns that exploit the movie’s launch and users’ desire to watch it online. The fraudulent websites target users across multiple regions, indicating attempts by attackers to reach a global audience.

The scam operates as follows: cybercriminals create suspicious websites that offer online access to the Avatar 3 movie. Attackers place particular emphasis on localisation, publishing the sites in multiple languages to attract users from different countries. However, the translations are often poorly executed and contain grammatical errors and inconsistencies, which may serve as indicators of fraudulent activity.

When users attempt to start the video, they are presented with a fake media player and prompted to register in order to obtain “full” or “unlimited” access to the film. As part of the registration process, users are asked to provide personal information, including an email address and mobile phone number.

At later stages, scammers may request additional data, including payment details, under the guise of activating a “free trial.” This creates risks of credential compromise, particularly if users reuse passwords across multiple services, and may also lead to financial losses.

“Cybercriminals consistently exploit major movie premieres to capture users’ attention and increase the effectiveness of their schemes. We advise accessing films only through official platforms and exercising caution when encountering websites that request personal or payment information. It is also important to use reliable security solutions to protect all devices, including mobiles,” comments Olga Altukhova, Senior web content analyst at Kaspersky.

 


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