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Halilu’s Next One Year in Office: NASENI to Upscale Commercialization of Technologies, Products

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By Chinyere Obiora-Ekwuazi, Henry Ukwadia, Hadiza Abdul Abubakar

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) was strategically established in 1992 as the only purpose-built intervention agency of the Federal Government, having the mandate of nurturing an appropriate and dynamic science and engineering infrastructure base for achieving home-initiated and home-sustained industrialization of Nigeria.

Without the application of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), it is difficult for any nation to optimize the benefits of her possession of both human and material resources. Against this background, NASENI has continued to make giant strides in Nigeria’s technological landscape through its eleven (11) Development Institutes, each contributing to the development of STI for economic development of the nation. Nevertheless this is not without some attendant challenges ranging from funding to human capacity building and development.

However, the Agency heaved a sigh of relief when in September 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed a young, energetic technopreneur, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu who has brought to bear his wealth of experience from the private sector to administer NASENI, giving it a new result-based orientation with market in focus.

On assumption of office, he set his goal of transforming the Agency, saying he would make it a central player in Nigeria’s technology revolution by adopting, adapting and domesticating cutting-edge technologies. To build a national brand, going forward, every household in Nigeria will have one NASENI product or the other.

Today, NASENI stands as hope for Nigeria’s indigenous technological advancement, aligning with its core mission of fostering needed dynamic science and engineering Infrastructure for national progress. The Agency under Halilu has articulated a bold vision and promoted shared management-staff philosophy hinged on 3Cs principles of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization to fuel Nigeria’s innovation and sustainable future.

This approach has indeed opened more doors to result-oriented NASENI partnerships with both national and international corporate communities to foster EVC/CEO’s commitment toward the commercialization of NASENI’s products. In just one year, KSH as he is fondly called, spearheaded unprecedented collaborations cutting across many sectors with local and international partners in both public and private sectors, resulting in numerous groundbreaking agreements, making his vision for viable commercialization and rolling out innovative products for public consumption.

Briefing newsmen recently in Abuja, in commemoration of his one year in office, Mr. Halilu reiterated his resolve to make NASENI “the number One Technology Transfer Agency in the country.” This stems from his earlier promise in 2023 to take NASENI products from the shelves to the market. So far, not less than 36 products from NASENI are already in the corporate market.

During the media briefing, he disclosed the plans to have a showroom where people can walk in and buy NASENI products in retail, explaining that there are already plans to this effect. Halilu further noted that all the products of the Agency developed in the last one year are products of collaborations with strategic partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with local content inputs.

The Agency has in the past one year introduced about 36 market-ready products which includes Solar Irrigation pumps, electric cars (EV), Android Smartphone, Solar Home System, Smart Prepaid Meters, Power Stove, Hatchbox, Pick-Up vehicle, Power Storage, Car Battery, Laptop, CCTV, Solar Street Lamp, Solar Wall Light, Electric Tricycle, Mobile Science kit, amongst others.

In addition, NASENI has established one of Nigeria’s largest CNG reverse engineering centre at Utako in Abuja to help Nigeria save cost on fuel products as well as cut fossil fuel emission in line with the SDGs on renewable energy. Also, under one year in office, the NASENI EVC/CEO made sure that the Agency carried out several administrative reform initiatives, such as Rebranding the Agency’s vision; introduced a new vision for NASENI’s brand identity, reposition NASENI with the 3Cs, increased NASENI’s valued investments to USD3.25 billion and launched the accelerated Technology Transfer Framework.

The initiatives also included the development of the Agency’s 2023-2027 strategic launchpad, reformed NASENI’s governance structure, enhanced staff welfare, established an Innovative Hub at NASENI HQ, launched Hatch Box for STEM education, digitalized Agency services and operations and positioned the Agency as Nigeria’s technology transfer agency, provided policy recommendations and contributing to economic growth, reduced dependency on imports and promoted domestic production.

Having attained these milestones, NASENI now is focusing on innovations and homegrown solutions that will contribute to the Agency’s job creation drive and the growth of the economy. Hence the mandate of NASENI to support the diversification of the Nigerian economy and strengthen the Agency’s position in the global technology and manufacturing landscape remain viable options through its accelerated technology transfer initiatives.

Moreso, NASENI has mapped out strategic plans that will upscale commercialization of the Agency’s technologies and products and drive the Nigeria economy in 2025.  Some of these upcoming projects include; NASENI Renewable Industrial Park, MTS (spare parts support), NASENI Holding Company, NASENI Technologies Limited, NASENI Asset Recovery, CGIWC – Land awarded, Lekki FTZ Partnership, Vehicles refurbishment, Small arms assembly, Ammunition production, NASENI Innovation Hub, NASENI Xceler8, Future-Makers by NASENI – 2025, NASENI Public Challenge – 2025, Global Return Programme – 2025, DELT-Her v2.0 – 2025, NASENI Governing Council and NASENI Campus. All these are geared towards economic growth, job and wealth creation for Nigerians.


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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

Broadcasting

5 Things You Absolutely Need to Know About BBNaija Season 10

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Big Brother Naija is set to make a grand return for its landmark 10th season, promising even more excitement and drama for fans across Nigeria.
As anticipation builds for a fresh lineup of housemates, viewers can also look forward to the upcoming BBNaija Season 9 Reunion, which will revisit the memorable moments and unresolved tensions from the last “No Loose Guard” season. With both the reunion and a brand-new season on the horizon, BBNaija is gearing up to deliver a double dose of entertainment that will keep audiences captivated. Here are five things you need to know about the new season:
It’s the First In-Person Audition Since the Pandemic
For the first time since 2020, BBNaija is reigniting the energy of in-person auditions. This pivotal shift echoes the fervor of pre-pandemic seasons, where aspiring housemates queued for hours, showcasing their personalities and dreams firsthand. In Season 5 (Lockdown, 2020), all auditions were virtual, a necessity that continued through Seasons 6 (Shine Ya Eye, 2021), 7 (Level Up, 2022), 8 (All Stars, 2023), and 9 (Pepper Dem Reunion & Pepper Dem, 2019). The return to physical auditions for Season 10 signifies a reconnection with the raw, unfiltered energy that defined the early years of BBNaija, potentially leading to even more dynamic and memorable personalities entering the house.
This Is the Landmark 10th Season
This is the tenth season of the biggest reality TV franchise in Africa. BBNaija continues to lead conversations across Nigeria and Africa. Each season has delivered iconic moments, from unforgettable rivalries to heartwarming alliances, drawing massive viewership. Season 10 aims to celebrate this legacy while ushering in a new era of drama, surprises, and unforgettable personalities.
Auditions Are Completely Free
Just like in previous seasons, the auditions for Season 10 are entirely free. This commitment to accessibility ensures that talent from all walks of life have the opportunity to step into the BBNaija spotlight.
BBNaija Is A Life Changer
The impact BBNaija has on the lives of participants is undeniable. It is best known for launching young Nigerians into stardom. Numerous successful careers, especially in entertainment, started from Big Brother Naija; think Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Tobi Bakare, Bisola Aiyeola, Neo Akpofure, Mike Edwards, and many more. It is one of the most trusted routes to a better life for many Nigerian youth as it gives a platform to showcase talent, personality and more.
What Fresh Twists Will Biggie Unveil?
The show is renowned for its innovative and engaging twists that keep both housemates and viewers on their toes. Over the years, we’ve witnessed game-changing introductions such as having two houses operating simultaneously, the mysterious presence of Ninjas, the strategic deployment of fake housemates, the dynamic of competing in pairs, and even a talkative parrot that influenced alliances. As we approach the landmark 10th season, we look forward to the new and exciting elements “Biggie” will introduce to shake up the game.
Season 10 isn’t just another chapter in BBNaija’s story, it’s a celebration. Don’t miss your moment. Follow Africa Magic across social media and stay tuned to DStv for the latest updates.

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Afreximbank Unveils Third Edition of Short Film Competition ‘Creative Africa Nexus’

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Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an intervention by African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the third edition of its vibrant short film competition, CANEX Shorts, that is designed to recognise and celebrate talents of young filmmakers from Africa and the Diaspora.

Filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 years can enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize of $2,000 for outstanding work in each of the competition’s three categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation.

To be eligible, they must be Africans living on the continent, in the diaspora or the Caribbean. Each filmmaker can only enter one film for which they must hold all rights. The entered films should have been produced in 2023 or after and can be in any language.

Besides the cash prize, CANEX Shorts winners will also get an opportunity to participate and have their films screened at CANEX at IATF2025, which will take place in Algiers, Algeria, from September 4th to 10th, 2025, a statement explained.

This will also provide them with a chance to connect with potential investors and partners in what has become the largest gathering of creatives on the continent.

“To enter the competition, filmmakers are required to submit their films, not more than five minutes long, via the Film Freeway digital platform (https://FilmFreeway.com/CANEXShorts). From all entries, the selection committee will curate a shortlist of 30 films – 10 films per category for submission to the jury that comprises, well-respected film experts from across the continent. The jury will then select a winning film in each of the categories during CANEX at IATF2025.

“The 2024 CANEX shorts winners were unveiled at CANEX WKND 2024. The winning films were: Silent Screams by Esenaga Mbwe (Botswana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Fiction category; We Shall Not Forget by Brian Obra (Kenya) in the CANEX Shorts Best Documentary category; and Room-5 by Francis Y. Brown (Ghana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Animation category.

“According to the jury, the quality of films submitted during CANEX WKND 2024 was exceptionally high, necessitating award of two Special Mentions: Vodoun Nouminssin and Rain Is Not the Cloud’s Last Parade,” the statement added.

CANEX at IATF2025, where the winners will be unveiled, would also provide a unique platform for nurturing business, investment opportunities, collaboration, partnerships and inspiration amongst the creatives fraternity across value chains of diverse creative and cultural industries from film, music, and fashion to culinary arts, sports, and visual arts amongst others.

The event participants will include creatives, policymakers, financial institutions, business and political leaders, development partners, thought leaders as well as some of the most respected names in the Creative and Cultural Industries from across the continent and the diaspora.

Highlighting the importance of the competition, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani  said: “Africa’s film industry, estimated at over $5 billion is thriving and brimming with untapped potential,” adding, “At Afreximbank, we are committed to unlocking this immense value by supporting platforms like CANEX Shorts that aim to propel African storytelling to the global stage. By investing in our creatives, we are not only creating jobs and economic opportunities; we’re actively ensuring Africa’s vibrant culture and talents gain global recognition.”


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MultiChoice vs FCCPC: Only President has Power to Fix Prices- Court

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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday ruled over a dispute between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and MultiChoice Nigeria over the recent hike in subscription fees for DStv and GOtv services, declaring that only the President has the power to fix or suspend prices in Nigeria.

MultiChoice vs FCCPC: Only President has Power to Fix Prices- Court

Justice James Omotosho,  trial Judge,ruled that the suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria constituted an abuse of court process as similar proceedings were already pending elsewhere, adding that the plaintiff should have pursued its arguments in that court, rendering the current filing procedurally inappropriate.

Justice Omotosho noted that while the FCCPC has investigative powers under its establishing Act, it lacks the authority to fix or suspend prices unless specifically delegated by the President through a gazetted instrument and held that such delegation was not presented to the court.

“The power to fix prices is exclusively that of the President. Any decision taken without such delegation is a nullity,” the Judge held and added that Nigeria operates a free market system and service providers like MultiChoice retain the right to set their prices, with consumers free to accept or reject them.

The Judge further ruled that FCCPC’s actions, including directing MultiChoice to suspend its price increase, breached the company’s right to fair hearing and appeared selectively targeted.

He dismissed the FCCPC’s claim that MultiChoice held a dominant market position, calling the argument untenable.

“The use of services like those provided by the plaintiff is discretionary and not essential. Nigeria can do without it,” he added and warned that attempts to fix prices by regulatory bodies could scare off investors and harm the economy of the country.

The court held that while the FCCPC may investigate market practices, it cannot impose price controls without proper legal backing.

MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, announced a price hike on March 1, 2025, citing inflation and rising operational costs. The adjustments saw subscription fees increase by up to 25% across various packages.


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