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FG Kickstarts Construction of Emerging Technologies Institute in Kano

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Federal Government of Nigeria has marked a significant milestone on Friday, 14th February 2025, by breaking ground for the construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI).

This institute, under the aegis of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), aims to ensure the socio-economic wellbeing of future generations. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus.

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chaiman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, during the Ground-breaking ceremony held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus said the new institute sits on 30 hectares of the BUK land to be built, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs devoted to Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, complemented by reliable power supply. “NASENI will fully build and equip and support the new Institute” said the EVC/CEO.

The future of socio-economic development for nations rests on human creativity, innovation and cooperation, Artificial intelligence, robotics amongst others.

Halilu said that the establishment of SETI in Nigeria is to rapidly respond to the waves of young people globally revolutionizing world economies with unprecedented emergence of socio-economic frontiers as by-products of innovations and ingenuities of these young minds.

“We in NASENI are firm believers in the potential of young Nigerians to be the prime catalysts of the type of transformation that Nigeria requires. And we will do everything within our powers to support them to fulfil this important responsibility”

“We are gathered here today to kickstart a project that will transform the lives and careers of future generations of young Nigerians. The Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI), located at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) by NASENI. This is very much in line with our operating principles; what we call our 3Cs: Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization. These 3Cs are the principles that passionately drive us and guide the work that we do to ensure the industrialization of Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

SETI will produce innovators, technologists, entrepreneurs who will make their mark not just in Nigeria but around the world. “I’m eagerly looking forward to the day, not too long from now, when the Institute’s first set of beneficiaries will astonish the world with what they’re capable of accomplishing. These stories will put not just BUK on the global innovation map, but also Kano State and the entire Nigeria” said Halilu.

While carrying out the symbolic foundation laying ceremony of the institute as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, described the project as not only laudable but NASENI’s another way of fast-tracking the placing of Nigeria on the global map of innovation and industrialization. The minister called the project an “ace project” and a pointer to secure a veritable socio-economic development for the nation.

In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas described the new institute as a vehicle for bringing together the three critical tripods for economic and sustainable development for nations, that is, the government, academia and industry. He described the ground-breaking event as the beginning of Nigeria’s journey in pursuit of sustainable development, massive job creation opportunities for the youths, and that the BUK was delighted to be host to such laudable initiative and momentum.

There is also, in addition to SETI, a second NASENI project for BUK is an Agri-preneurship Training Hub, that will be equipped with modern greenhouses, and facilities for Soil-less Farming, and Tissue Culture; occupying 10 hectares of land at the Old Campus. These projects collectively represent what NASENI stands for, that is, building capacity, advancing industrialization, supporting economic growth and prosperity.

NASENI appreciates the Government and people of Kano State, and the Vice Chancellor, management and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK), for all the support. Special gratitude goes to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Special Guest of Honour.

NASENI thanked members of the National Assembly for their support, especially the NASENI oversight Committees in both chambers. And of course, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has given NASENI the opportunity to serve Nigeria through his unwavering demonstration of commitment to the success of the Agency.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Star Author, Chimamanda Adichie

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CNN African Voices Changemakers this week beams its light on celebrated author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The 30-minute magazine programme is sponsored by telecommunications company, Globacom.

The author was engaged by the show’s anchor, Larry Madowo, at Nsukka, where she spent her childhood at the same staff quarters of the University of Nigeria, where the legend of literature, Chinua Achebe, lived.

Arguably Africa’s most prolific contemporary writer, Adichie’s compelling story of grit and talent promises to inspire the audience, as it does her readers across the globe. The special package premieres on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with rebroadcasts on Sunday, September 21, at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Monday, September 22, at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; as well as the following weekend, Saturday, September 27, at 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.; Sunday, September 28, at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and Monday, September 29, at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Her narratives, beginning with Purple Hibiscus, query stereotypes, re-evaluate identities, and honour African traditions. Her two prose offerings, Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, as well as Dream Count, the new one in the works, confirm her deep interests in the values that make Africa and its traditions and cultures unique and relevant in a fast-evolving world. Her books also accentuate feminism, heritage, and authenticity.

Globacom’s continued collaboration with African Voices has further given credence to the programme’s celebration of the African essence, its excellence, talents, creativity, and originality.


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MultiChoice Starts Reorganising Operations to Enable Canal Plus Takeover

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MultiChoice’s plans to reorganise its operations in preparation for its deal with French media giant Canal+ have become unconditional.

MultiChoice Starts Reorganising Operations to Enable Canal Plus Takeover

According to Multichoice, the implementation of the various steps of the process will now start.

“As previously advised, the reorganisation is to be undertaken in order to enable the implementation of Canal+’s Mandatory Offer for Multichoice, and forms part of the conditions imposed by the South African Competition Tribunal when approving the Mandatory Offer,” it said.

The mandatory offer is Canal+’s move to acquire all the issued ordinary shares of MCG not already owned by the group, excluding treasury shares, from MCG shareholders for a consideration of R125.00 per share, payable in cash.

The South African Competition Tribunal approved the proposed transaction, subject to agreed conditions, in July 2025.

As the parties previously disclosed, the agreed conditions include a robust package of guaranteed public interest commitments.

The package supports the participation of firms controlled by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs) and Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises in the audio-visual industry in South Africa.

This package will also maintain funding for local South African general entertainment and sports content.

The reorganisation process will see Multichoice adopt a takeover structure, which will ensure it meets the requirements of all applicable laws, such as restrictions on foreign ownership and control of South African broadcasting licences.

The structure includes Multichoice (Pty) Ltd (previously referred to as ‘LicenceCo’), which contracts with South African subscribers, being carved out of the Multichoice Group and becoming independent.

The Multichoice/Canal+ group would own 49% of this company, with 20% voting rights, aligning with regulatory restrictions on foreign control of licences.

The rest of the control of LicenceCo will be held by various groups, including Phuthuma Nathi Investments Limited, 13th Ave Investments Proprietary Limited, Identity Partners Itai Consortium Proprietary Limited (IPIC) and the Multichoice Workers Trust.

These groups entered into several transaction agreements on 1 August to achieve this.

Under the agreements, the groups will subscribe to various classes of shares in LicenceCo, giving different economic and voting interests.

The group said that an updated timetable for the offer will be published once the implementation of the reorganisation has been concluded.

 

 


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MultiChoice Nigeria Joins NECLive 2025 as Official Sponsor to Propel Africa’s Creative Enterprise

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MultiChoice Nigeria has confirmed its participation as an official sponsor of NECLive 2025, the premier conference dedicated to advancing Africa’s creative enterprise. The event is set to take place on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.

As a leading entertainment company behind platforms such as DStv, GOtv, Showmax, and Africa Magic, MultiChoice Nigeria’s involvement strengthens NECLive’s position as a major industry gathering where visionary creatives and industry leaders converge. The partnership supports the 2025 conference theme, “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise,” reflecting MultiChoice’s dedication to showcasing authentic African stories and fostering sustainable growth within the continent’s creative and entertainment sectors.

John Ugbe, CEO of West Africa, MultiChoice, emphasized the company’s commitment to enriching the lives of professionals in Africa’s creative industries and expressed excitement about deepening relationships with stakeholders across West Africa and beyond.

Ayeni Adekunle, NECLive Convener, highlighted the significance of MultiChoice’s sponsorship, noting that their platforms have been instrumental in demonstrating the economic impact of creative enterprise in Africa. This collaboration will enhance networking opportunities and provide creatives unprecedented access to insights from MultiChoice Nigeria’s leadership.

NECLive 2025 is expected to reach over 10 million viewers globally through various platforms including DStv and GOtv. The event, organized by Netng, BHM, and ID Africa with Huce Valeris as production partner, will be hosted by popular media personalities Tee A and Bolanle Olukanni. Since its inception in 2013, NECLive has engaged over 100,000 participants, 500+ industry leaders, and more than 100 million viewers, solidifying its role as Africa’s foremost creative and entertainment industry platform .


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