General News
Two-Way Radio offers Better Communication-Amuchienwa
Rita Amuchienwa is the senior territory manager, (English) West Africa for Motorola Solutions.
Before Joining Motorola, Rita, A graduate of University of Calabar had worked with Hewlett-Packard (HP), Lenovo, Technology Distributions Ltd, among other multinationals.
In all, she has 11 years of professional channel sales and devlopment experience in the IT Industry in Africa; having managed All English African Countries in various Sales positions.
Notably, Rita as a specialist in IT distribution and networking has great team spirit, aggressive sales managerial prowess, and professionally disciplined.
She has garnered many awards. She spoke to peter ugwu on Motorola Solutions’ Mission in Nigeria and the peculiarities of two-way (communication) radio.
Motorola Solutions
Motorola Solutions comprised of the government, public safety and enterprise mobility solutions divisions of the former Motorola, Incorporated. For more than 80 years, Motorola has helped the world be its best in technological developments.
Till today Motorola is known for introducing one of the first commercially successful car radios that delivered vital news right to user no matter your location.
Apart from that, Motorola developed the equipment that transmitted the first words from the moon, to leading a public safety revolution with the world’s first-ever handheld laser scanner.
So it is notable for its penchant interest, and historically for exploding possibility across the planet, innovating smarter, more flexible and more insightful ideas.
So when it discovered that two-way radio has become too significant in the present society the solutions were rolled out.
New Role at Motorola Solutions
Motorola as we know is a decent company and best seen for a particular product which is the two-way communication radio.
Motorola is very sophisticated in that area. And we are very strong, because I can assure you, in the whole world we are the number one on that solution.
It is very exciting being with them; I am really happy because it is a kind of new challenge and scenario. The people are amazing. The products are also sellable.
Motorola’s Mission in Nigerian Market
Our mission in Nigeria and other West African countries is to provide that solution we feel is lacking in the way of communication in Nigeria.
Today, we know that Global System for Mobile Communications originally Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM) is not to be trusted, because of the network fluctuations been witnessed, especially in Nigeria.
I am certain that the two-way radio is a solution to that network problem. For me, the few months I have been with Motorola and witnessed the efficacies of the digital radio, I believe it is the best way to go.
The solution has come to stay and equally will last long in providing the means and best way to communicate to our people.
Interest in Two-Way Radio
First of all our people (Nigerians) in different sector are aware about the need for this solution. We are also strategizing on using the media to drum on that.
We are also looking at best marketing for the solution to get to the appropriate people, or those willing to have it.
We are also expanding from Nigeria to Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone and other countries. Even before I joined Motorola I had known them as hand-held or Mobil phone manufacturing company, but when I discovered about aspect of the business I was interested on that, because it is actually their strongest point.
The Impact on Securing the Environment
The sectors that need it most include the government parastatals, security agencies talking about the army, the police, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), LASTMA, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), airport security outfits, the oil and gas, the maritime sector, and any establishment that needs uninterrupted communication channels to ensure speedy passage of information, essentially to enhance productivity, curb losses and safe human lives.
In the face of Nigeria’s security challenges, the two-way radio will creditably add value to what the security agencies are doing.
Therefore, it will impact positively on the environment hence lives will be saved and some calamities averted.
They (the agencies) have been using two-way radio and we hope to ensure they use Motorola, but there are some outside there in the market that are below standards.
We are reaching them through our partners. We also have a website where they could ascertain the credited or certified partners and the product ranges. So, through the partners and links they can reach out to us.
Measuring Market Size
Nigerian market is very dynamic and cannot be predicted, most times. You may be projecting a small gain but at the end of the day a big deal may come in that will shoot up your earning.
The percentages might just increase. Having said that, it may depend on how versatile and committed the partners are.
As a company we believe in giving people the opportunity to open the market for themselves by themselves.
They will reap the gains, of course. We can only attend to a customer that comes directly to us or direct them to partners, depending on the market projections and behaviours.
Nigeria is one of our biggest markets, even in infrastructure, IT Nigeria is quite big. We to leverage on that, put in more efforts and work, harmoniously, with our partners and be ready to grab “anything” that comes to us no matter the size. We are willing to help our partners and customers to grow in any area we can offer them help.
Stemming Fake Gadgets
In fact, it is very rare these days to see a product that does not have fake. But that goes to show there are still originals.
Every company has its strategies. We are also looking at strategies to stop these products, but Motorola is Motorola and the users know how to spot the difference.
We are not relenting on that, hoping to minimize it, because when the market is saturated with the original, definitely the fakes will hide their faces. Also, every product has its pros and cons.
Health Implication of Two-Way Radio Usage
As far as Motorola is concerned there is no medical record that shows the two-way radio has health implications. We are certain that is the best communication equipment.
Sometimes the radiations on the cell phones give one pain on the ear, but in the two-way radio it is very clear.
Similarly, Motorola is not leaving any stone unturned on its research and development (R&D). We are also giving to improve on our products.
It is one of the best gadgets to go with. In the next to five to ten years we should be looking at 50 to 100% increase in revenue of the company from the Nigerian market. It is very lucrative and dynamic.
Advantages of Two-Way Radio
Basically, you are opportune to have one-to-many communication platform at the same time, which is not possible with the cell-phone.
With just I dial you can connect fifty to one hundred people simultaneously. The other advantage is that when you press the button you can talk and control security situation.
In other words, it offers you the opportunity to have security situation in your fingers. We are also proud due to the durability of our products.
It is much more than a cell-phone, eliminating the constant recharge or subscription. But for the radio when you purchase it and pay subscription for the year, you continue to use it.
Added Value on Digitisation
It is like the tape recorder that journalist use. You have to buy cassettes and carry them around. Now you can play DVD or CD on your computer, the same way we have gone digital.
This is the trend and we are not been left out. It takes more time to implement it on the radio market than it is in the regular (consumer) market.
It takes more time, because of the huge investment. We launched it many years ago, but we are making inroad to Nigeria.
We are sure it is the trend and the people are willing to adopt it. To be honest, this is the biggest radio market for us. We have been in Africa since 50s’.
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.
Dr. Evans Woherem, an award-winning African technology researcher, analyst, and writer, has proposed a comprehensive and implementable strategy to end terrorism, banditry, and criminal violence in Nigeria, warning that the country’s prolonged insecurity has reached a critical point that demands urgent, coordinated action.
Titled “A Comprehensive Strategy for Ending Terrorism, Banditry, and Criminal Violence in Nigeria: A Pragmatic, Multi-Layered, and Implementable Framework,” the paper presents a holistic roadmap designed to reverse more than a decade of escalating violence that has claimed thousands of lives, displaced communities, weakened local economies, and eroded public trust in governance.
According to him, insecurity has become deeply entrenched in everyday life across the country. “Terrorism, banditry, and criminal violence have become so commonplace that they now dominate daily conversations among Nigerians,” Dr. Woherem noted, adding that while the crisis is most acute in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, “its effects are now being felt even in the southern parts of the country.”
Citing the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which ranks Nigeria sixth globally in terms of terrorism impact, Dr. Woherem described the ranking as “a sobering statistical confirmation that terrorism still weighs heavily on the Nigerian state.”
The paper traces the roots of the crisis to the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009 and the subsequent rise of splinter groups such as ISWAP. It recalls high-profile incidents including the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, the Dapchi and Kankara kidnappings, and a series of mass abductions and attacks on schools and places of worship recorded in 2025.
Dr. Woherem observed that banditry, largely driven by ransom payments, “has spread across the entire nation, creating fear, weakening productivity, and pushing millions of households deeper into poverty.”
While acknowledging the role of military action, the author cautioned against relying on force alone. “Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency and violent crime through arms and ammunition alone,” he said. “Any sustainable solution must confront the internal conditions that allow insecurity to thrive.”
Among the key drivers identified in the paper by Dr. Woherem, are porous borders, arms proliferation, youth unemployment, economic stagnation, and persistent conflicts over land and resources, challenges Dr. Woherem stressed can be addressed through “a deliberate, intelligence-led, and whole-of-society approach.”
At the heart of the proposed framework, Woherem noted, is a call for intelligence-driven security operations, including the establishment of a National Counter-Insurgency and Intelligence Fusion Centre. “Security operations must be guided by accurate, actionable intelligence rather than fear-led mass actions that often harm civilians and undermine public trust,” he stated.
The paper also advocates comprehensive policing reforms, including the creation of constitutionally backed state police systems supported by a more specialized federal police structure. “Nigeria’s over-centralised policing model is structurally incapable of effectively addressing widespread criminality across such a vast and diverse country.”
Recognising the realities at the grassroots, Woherem calls for the formal regulation of community-based security groups, and noted that “ignoring vigilante groups is dangerous, and banning them outright is unrealistic,” but stressed that their roles must be clearly defined, regulated, and subject to strict oversight.
On border security, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, the author warned that instability in neighbouring countries continues to fuel Nigeria’s insecurity. “No permanent solution is possible without deep regional cooperation,” he said, advocating an Integrated Border Management system supported by joint operations with neighbouring states.
The paper places strong emphasis on prevention through economic inclusion, youth employment, and skills development. “Jobs and income remain the most powerful tools for preventing recruitment into violent groups,” Dr. Woherem asserted, adding that immediate livelihood opportunities significantly weaken the appeal of extremist narratives.
He also called for structured deradicalisation and reintegration programmes, noting that “a humane, community-accepted process is essential for breaking cycles of violence and preventing relapse into extremism.”
Dr. Woherem further emphasised the need for governance reforms and accountability in the security sector. “Without transparency, oversight, and institutional integrity, even the best security strategies will fail,” he warned.
The white paper outlines a phased implementation plan from 2025 to 2030, beginning with intelligence fusion, pilot state police initiatives, community security registration, drone surveillance, and financial crackdowns on terror networks, before expanding into nationwide reforms and long-term consolidation.
Concluding, Dr. Woherem expressed cautious optimism about Nigeria’s future. “Nigeria can overcome this prolonged phase of insecurity,” he said, “but only through political will, coordinated institutions, and the active participation of society.”
He added that the proposed framework offers “a realistic pathway to restoring security, rebuilding public trust, and unlocking Nigeria’s vast human and economic potential.”
In a market where less than 3% of land is formally registered and property fraud remains systemic, infrastructure, not apps, is becoming the defining battleground for real estate innovation.
L-R: Ndifreke Ikokpu, COO, Sytemap, HRM Oba Akintoye Adeoye, President REDAN & Cholatte Odunlade-Akeji, Director, RightHome
That reality came into sharp focus on December 18, 2025, as the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sytemap Technologies Limited, signaling a major industry endorsement of Sytemap’s land and real estate transaction infrastructure.
The partnership centers on RightHOME, a jointly developed digital real estate platform powered by Sytemap’s secure cloud infrastructure, mapping systems, transaction monitoring, and fraud-prevention architecture, with REDAN driving ecosystem adoption through its nationwide developer network.
Nigeria’s real estate sector processes transactions worth trillions of naira annually, yet remains heavily manual, fragmented, and vulnerable to disputes. Industry data suggests unresolved title issues alone lock up ₦36 trillion in dead capital, limiting access to finance and slowing development.
“This MoU represents a shift from fragmented digitization to coordinated infrastructure,” said Nnamdi Uba, CEO at Sytemap. “When the industry body itself aligns around shared standards, verification, and technology, innovation can finally scale responsibly.”
Under the agreement:
· REDAN will onboard registered developers and promote adoption of the platform as a trusted digital channel.
· Sytemap will deliver secure hosting, real-time monitoring, escrow-aligned transaction workflows, and compliance with Nigeria’s data protection regulations.
· Joint standards will be developed for digital verification, transparency, and asset mapping.
From a technology perspective, the partnership reflects a growing consensus that solving African real estate challenges requires deep infrastructure, not surface-level marketplaces. Fraud detection, uptime reliability, auditability, and regulatory alignment, areas often overlooked in proptech, are central to Sytemap’s approach.
HRM Oba Akintoye Adeoye, representing REDAN noted, “This collaboration allows developers to operate in a system where trust is embedded, not assumed. That is critical for long-term growth.”
For the broader tech ecosystem, the MoU stands out as a rare example of industry-led validation, where a national association formally aligns with a technology provider to modernize an entire sector.
Ndifreke Ikokpu, COO at Sytemap signed on behalf of Sytemap while Cholatte Odunlade – Akeji, CEO of RightHome signed on behalf of the Special Purpose Vehicle.
As pressure mounts to unlock housing finance, attract institutional capital, and reduce transaction risk, the REDAN–Sytemap partnership positions digital land infrastructure not as an optional upgrade, but as a foundational requirement for the future of real estate in Nigeria.
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