Telecom
ALAT by Wema Encourages Strategic Financial Decisions in Relationships

Fostering a healthy work-life balance is one of the many concerns of young professionals across the world, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic persists.

L-R: Akah Nnani, Actor; Claire Nnani, Artist; Hannah Jonathan (Soul Spice), Sex Therapist and Funmilayo Falola, Head of Marketing Communications and Investor Relations, Wema Bank will speak at the third edition of the ALAT Talk Series.
On Thursday, October 28, 2021, a diverse group of Nigerian professionals – Gbemi O, media personality; Claire and Akah Nnani, YouTube content creators and creatives; Funmilayo Falola, head, Marketing Communications and Investor Relations, Wema Bank; Hannah Jonathan, Clinical Sexuality Coach – gathered to discuss balancing a healthy relationship and a hectic workload, while ensuring financial stability.
This discussion was held during the third edition of the ALAT Talk Series, a platform for the exchange of ideas and insights about life, relationships, technology, and finance. The virtual series themed ‘Relationship, Love and Work: How To Juggle It All’ was held via teleconferencing application, Zoom.
The latest edition of the series was aimed at providing young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge required to combine a hectic work lifestyle with a healthy sex/love life. Media personality and co-host of the OffAir Show, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, moderated the 90-minute session. Comments and questions poured in from the eager audience who watched on the Zoom app and via ALAT’s Facebook page.
Akah and Claire Nnani’s session was brutally honest as they shared their experiences as a couple, their transition into parenthood, and how they thrived as business partners while managing their demanding careers. Akah emphasised the need for trust, “trust is important in all our dealings. We trust each other in setting boundaries and understanding each other’s perspectives while managing our business together.” Claire buttressed Akah’s point with her take on the need for couples to reach an understanding, “It is hard not to see each other as competition, especially when you are working in the same space, but understanding your strengths is key.”
During the event, Funmilayo Falola, head, Marketing Communications and Investor Relations, Wema Bank, reiterated the objective of the ALAT Talk Series and the importance of addressing key financial decisions from the onset: “At ALAT we are committed to improving financial literacy among young Nigerians by providing them with the tools and services to make the right financial decisions in any situation even marriages and relationships.
This is why we advise the need to address the seemingly difficult financial decisions from the onset. Investment plans, yearly and monthly budgets, individual and joint financial goals, allowances and childcare plans, are some of the important conversations to have in any relationship,” she added.
Speaking on the sexual status of many relationships in Nigeria, Sex Expert, Hannah Jonathan spoke about boundaries and influence, “Most couples do not set boundaries early in their relationship and are easily influenced by work, friends and family, which leads to stress. This stress causes frustration that can cause further issues in the future.”
Over the years, ALAT has developed several youth-focused initiatives to support Nigerians across the country in building sustainable relationships and a healthy lifestyle – and this third edition of the ALAT Talk Series is one of such initiatives.
Telecom
PIN Pushes for Equitable Digital Governance at World Internet Forum

As the 20th Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) opens in Lillestrøm, Norway, leading pan-African social enterprise Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is championing grassroots voices in global digital policy discussions.
Running from June 23–27 under the theme “Building Digital Governance Together,” the IGF unites stakeholders from civil society, governments, the private sector, and technical communities to tackle pressing digital issues such as access, AI ethics, surveillance, and content moderation.
The discussions also contribute to the upcoming World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 review in December 2025.
PIN’s participation comes at a time when digital governance decisions are increasingly shaping the future of billions. “It is essential that grassroots solutions are heard,” said ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of PIN. “At PIN, we believe that meaningful digital inclusion requires more than just connectivity.
“It demands inclusive, progressive and sustainable policies and frameworks built taking the realities of grassroots stakeholders into consideration.”
Representing PIN at IGF 2025 are Sesan, Chief Operating Officer Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, and Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements Thobekile Matimbe. They will engage in strategic sessions on topics like connectivity in excluded communities, AI accountability in content moderation, and human rights in emerging tech.
The team will also participate in coordination meetings with partners including Meta, UNESCO, the Freedom Online Coalition, and GPD.
PIN’s presence at the forum underscores its ongoing mission to embed digital rights within grassroots realities and to ensure that global internet governance frameworks are inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of marginalised communities.
Telecom
Remmy Nweke’s “The Village Priest” garners high praise from tech community

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) stakeholders have applauded the latest in bookshelf by Remmy Nweke, the Village Priest, which was presented at the recently concluded Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) in Lagos.
The presentation and review of the book, “The Village Priest” by Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, largely described as a powerful narrative explored the intersection of tradition and innovation in rural Igboland, received widespread acclaim, with its themes resonating deeply with the event’s focus on ‘Global Digital Compact: Opportunities for Multi-stakeholders in Nigeria.’
The highly anticipated review was delivered by Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a renowned social entrepreneur and advocate for digital rights and inclusion in Africa.
Sesan lauded Nweke’s prose fiction for its insightful portrayal of “innovative technology adaptation transforming rural communities,” describing it as “a careful work of cultural documentation, offering not just a story but a chronicle—a record of transition that many rural and even urban African communities continue to live through.”
Sesan’s review highlighted the book’s central character, Ogboo AniEze, the revered chief priest of Ilimefo, whose life is dedicated to preserving his village’s customs. The narrative unfolds as “the village and its people, their traditional practices and strong cultural heritage at the crossroads!” with the arrival of GSM technology—a “strange and mysterious piece of technology” that initially challenges Ogboo AniEze’s traditional views.
The review detailed the chief priest’s journey of reconciliation, from initial fear of GSM eroding cultural heritage to a profound understanding that the technology “also offered opportunities for growth, development, and connection with the wider world.” This transformation leads to a new era of harmony in Ilimefo, where “tradition and modernity coexisted in balance.” The book beautifully illustrates how mobile phones become “a powerful tool for preserving the village’s cultural heritage” and how interfaith collaboration, particularly with Catholic priest Fada Ekie, fosters a “fusion of traditions” and a “new spiritual identity.”
“It teaches us, without preaching,” Sesan concluded, “that true innovation is not in abandoning our roots, but in strengthening them with new tools.”
This year’s Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum, was presided over by Dr. Jimson Olufuye, former President of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria and a member of the UN Secretary-General’s IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), served as a crucial platform for discussing the future of digital governance.
Olufuye also commended the author, Nweke for his perseverance in serving the ICT industry as well as endearing documentation of the sector.
For the Managing Director, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the latest book by Nweke depicts the gift of in depth creativity and urged him on, despite the challenges the sectorial environment throws at industry players.
Organized by ITREALMS Media and hosted under DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA), an At-Large Structure certified by ICANN, the forum brought together key partners including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Internet Society Nigeria chapter, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and ICANN.
The NDSF series, running since 2009, continues to “motivate public discourse and create awareness on the technological cum business benefits of rapidly advancing technologies capable of impacting on Internet Governance, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and domain name industry, access and affordability,” while offering a vital platform for industry networking.
The event not only celebrated the literary achievement of Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, a multiple award-winning journalist, but also reinforced the commitment of ICT stakeholders to fostering digital inclusion and innovation across Nigeria.
Telecom
Mastercard Drops Afrobeat and Amapiano Anthems to Power Youth Culture Across Africa

Mastercard amplifies its iconic sonic brand across Africa with the launch of two localized sonic anthems, “Wami” in the Afrobeat genre and “Amazwe” in the Amapiano genre. Featuring Nigerian star, Mayorkun, and South African sensation, Sho Madjozi, the new tracks blend Mastercard’s global sonic identity with the rhythm, emotion and culture that define the continent’s vibrant music scene.
Research by Kantar on sonic branding has revealed that it is a powerful marketing tool, enabling brands to achieve a 76% increase in brand power, a 138% boost in advertising effectiveness, and a 17% lift in ad recall. It reinforces Mastercard’s positioning from a payments brand to a culturally resonant brand embedded in people’s everyday lives.
Mastercard’s Africa anthems are crafted to connect with the continent’s young, music-loving audiences. Reinforcing Mastercard’s commitment to creativity and youth empowerment, the Afrobeat anthem was produced by LeriQ, the acclaimed Nigerian producer who participated in the 2024 season of the Mastercard Artist Accelerator, demonstrating the program’s impact in elevating local voices to global stages. The Accelerator supported emerging artists and creators with mentorship, digital tools, funding and platforms to grow their brands and amplify their impact globally.
“We’re excited to bring our sonic brand to life in a way that’s uniquely African. Afrobeats and Amapiano are not just musical genres; they are cultural movements. By collaborating with incredible talent like Mayorkun and Sho Madjozi, we’re creating a sound that connects emotionally with consumers while reinforcing trust and innovation in every transaction,” said Ahmed Abdel-Karim Hussein, Executive Vice President, Integrated Marketing & Communications, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Mastercard.
The Amapiano anthem is produced by South African hitmaker Gemini Major and performed by rap sensation Sho Madjozi alongside popular artists Mthunzi and Sfundo Ndimande, who deliver an uplifting track that radiates optimism. The eclectic performance emulates Mastercard’s progressive approach to digital payments and youth engagement across the continent.
The Afrobeat anthem, produced by LeriQ, known for his genre-defining work with Burna Boy, and performed by award-winning singer and songwriter, Mayorkun, captures Mastercard’s passion with energetic rhythms and lyrics. Mayorkun brings his signature blend of Afro-pop and R&B sound to the anthem, creating a dynamic and upbeat soundtrack.
“Having been part of the Mastercard Artist Accelerator, it’s exciting to continue the journey by collaborating with Mayorkun on this vibrant track. I am proud to keep representing Africa on the global stage through this Mastercard project,” said LeriQ.
Sho Madjozi added, “Collaborating with talented local artists and producers to fuse Mastercard’s sonic identity into a fresh Amapiano anthem was both fun and meaningful. The result is a track full of energy, rooted in the vibrant spirit of South Africa.
The Sonic anthems will launch with accompanying music videos and a TikTok dance challenge.
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