News
Co-creation Hub Plans $700,000 Investment in Edo Startups

Co-creation Hub, a technology innovation centre has announced an investment of $700,000 in tech startups based in Edo State through its Innovation Challenge and Support programs.
This initiative which was announced in a statement on Friday aims to accelerate the growth of technology-driven enterprises within the state.
Under the investment programs, a total of 30 startups are set to receive $10,000 each, while an additional 20 startups will be granted $20,000 each, aggregating to the $700,000 commitment by Cc Hub.
The programs are also being organized with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Working hand-in-hand with the Edo State Government, Cc Hub envisions strengthening the foundation of Edo State’s digital solutions ecosystem
Cc Hub was co-founded by the current Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.
The Minister said, “We are offering investment support to 50 startups through two programs – the Inclusion-Focused Support and the Innovation Challenge Program for diverse startups with underrepresented founders and teams (women) and the Innovation Challenge for all tech startups with innovative ideas and products, offering funding for those with market potential.
“Dive into opportunity with our Inclusion-Focused Support Program: 30 selected startups, each receiving $10,000 for growth and innovation!
“Innovate, transform, and thrive! with our Innovation Challenge Program: 20 startups, each awarded $20,000 to drive game-changing ideas forward!”
According to the Hub, the deadline for the applications is 12 February 2024 and interested startups based in Edo State can apply.
In 2022, the Edo State government announced that it had recorded an exponential rise in the number of tech startups and a boom in entrepreneurial activities in the state.
It said in a statement that with the surge, the state was being repositioned to become the leading startup ecosystem on the African continent, ready to contribute its fair share to the $6.6bn Africa’s startup ecosystem.
News
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria

In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
News
EFCC Witness Admits Writing Off Arik Air’s $2.3M Debt Amid N76Bn Fraud Trial


- Telecom3 days ago
Glo, Huawei, Communications Ministry Bring Digital Services to Abuja Village
- E-Financial3 days ago
SEC Alerts Public on Silverkuun, Trending Dubious Investment Schemes
- General News3 days ago
Tripoint Travels Hosts Pre-GEC Brunch for Nigerian Delegates Ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2025
- News3 days ago
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria
- E-Financial3 days ago
Africa Cross-border Payments Set to Hit $1 trillion by 2035
- Telecom3 days ago
Experts @ ABoICT 2025 Warn of Digital Disaster Risks in Nigeria Without AI Governance
- E-Financial3 days ago
SANEF, CIBN Partner to Expand Agency Banking Certification
- General News2 days ago
Uche Uzoebo, SANEF CEO Makes Case for More Financial Inclusion Strategies Targeting Women