News
Inlaks Launches thehatch Innovation Lab, Team TopHill Emerges Winner at the Hackathon

Following the launch of “thehatch”, an innovation Lab set to build, scale and provide a nurturing environment for Fintech Start-ups by ensuring level playing fields for domestic technological ideas, winners have emerged at its maiden Insurtech Hackathon themed “Shaping the future of Insurance”.
The 2-day event which held on the 27th and 28th July 2019 at Inlaks’ Corporate Head Office featured CEOs, CIOs, and participants from the insurance, technology, Fintech and other sectors across Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya.
With over 85 participants, the contest witnessed the creation of technologically-enabled solutions that addressed significant challenges in the insurance sector. The three leading teams with top-notch Insurtech solutions carted away the prizes.
As one of the foremost ICT companies in Sub-Saharan Africa, Inlaks continually upholds and spearheads projects/ideas that will birth cutting-edge ICT products and solutions. The launch of thehatch reinforces Inlaks 2.0’s vision to identify, promote, support, and encourage home-based technology entrepreneurs.
Expressing his utmost delight and optimism for the futuristic and long term significance of thehatch Innovation Lab in Africa, the Executive Director (Innovation and Business Transformation) at Inlaks, Olufemi Muraino said; “With thehatch launch and the maiden Insurtech Hackathon, we have been able to bring together a host of brilliant African tech minds who has innovatively invented solutions tailored to the insurance industry. I am elated at the launch of our Tech Hub as we are focused on opening up new markets while also introducing innovative information technology products into the Sub-Saharan African markets”.
Femi Adeoti, MD Africa Operations, Inlaks in a statement explains the motive, vision and plans for thehatch: “Inlaks has been thriving favorably in the ICT space for over three decades now. We, no doubt, are aware of the immense contributions of technology to mankind from that time till this present moment.
“Technology has been, is and will continue to be a necessity in our world. Continuous change and growth in tech solutions to adapt to man’s need is also a proof of the growing demands for technological inventions.
“With thehatch, Inlaks is ready to be an anchor for worthy home-based (African) solutions to give them global relevance. We call on young techpreneurs to take a giant step towards making a huge impact on the global tech evolution trend.
“Our vision for thehatch is to be Africa’s most sought after center for innovative technology, human capital, and start-ups ready to transform the economic future of Africa”.
Winners who emerged at the Hackathon include: Team Tophill, Overall Winner; Team Autosmart, First Runner Up; Team Sirocco, Second Runner Up.
Expressing his gratitude to the management of thehatch, Team Leader, Team Tophill, winner of the hackathon, Oni Joseph, noted that the knowledge, connections and exposure the event has afforded him is priceless.
In his words: “Asides wining the grand prize funds, I am highly privileged to have been a part of the making of technological solutions that would influence the Insurance industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The insurance industry remains untapped; however, the solutions my colleagues and I have presented today will spur it on digitally. On behalf of my team members and the rest of the participants, I say a big thank you to Inlaks, the future is ours to conquer”.
News
SERAP Challenges CBN to Publish Local Government Allocations

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to immediately disclose whether it has commenced the direct disbursement of allocations to the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, following the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment nullifying state governors’ control over LGA funds.
In a letter dated 10 May 2025 obtained by our correspondent, addressed to the CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group also demanded that the bank “widely publish the amounts, if any, so far sent directly to each of the local governments” and provide a detailed explanation of any payments already made—particularly to LGAs in Rivers State.
The group stated: “We are writing to request you to use your good offices and leadership position to immediately disclose whether the CBN has commenced the direct disbursement of allocations to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria from the Federation Accounts with the CBN, and to widely publish the amounts, if any, so far sent to each of the local governments.”
This request follows a Supreme Court judgment declaring the practice by governors and the FCT Minister of retaining and disbursing LGA allocations unconstitutional and unlawful.
The court ruled that no governor or agency has the authority to interfere with allocations meant for LGAs from the Federation Account.
Citing this judgment, SERAP argued: “Local government councils are entitled to a direct payment from the Federation Account of the amount standing to their credit in the said Federation Account. States should not be collecting, receiving, spending or tampering with the local government council funds from the Federation Account meant for the benefit of the councils.”
The advocacy group expressed concern that despite the ruling, many state governors have continued to “starve local governments of funds and put them in peril,” thereby undermining their autonomy and capacity to function as the third tier of government.
In the letter, the group warned that if the CBN fails to act within seven days, it would take legal action.
“If we have not heard from you by then, the Incorporated Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest,” the letter stated.
SERAP referenced a past revelation by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who in December 2022 described how governors allegedly short-changed LGA chairmen.
“If the money from the Federation Account to the state is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the chairman, but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with,” Buhari had said.
The organisation argued that the CBN has a constitutional and statutory obligation to protect the financial interests of all tiers of government.
“The CBN ought to act in the public interest to protect the allocations in the Federation Account and the public funds disbursed from that Account directly to each of the constitutionally recognised three tiers of government,” it said.
Highlighting the March 2025 revenue distribution by the Federation Account Allocation Committee, SERAP noted that a total of N1.578 trillion was shared among the three tiers of government. It queried whether the LGAs had received their fair share directly, as mandated by the court ruling.
“Ensuring that all restrictions against direct disbursement of allocations from the Federation Account to the 774 councils are lifted will comply with the orders by the Supreme Court and stop states and the FCT from tampering with the allocations ahead of the 2027 general elections,” SERAP warned.
The group further argued that Nigerians have a legal and moral right to know how their money is being managed, referencing several legal frameworks, including the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“The public interest in publishing the information sought outweighs any considerations to withhold the information. Nigerians are entitled to the right to receive information without any interference or distortion, and the enjoyment of this right should be based on the principle of maximum disclosure,” SERAP stated.
The group also reminded the CBN that “the Freedom of Information Act is applicable and applies to public records in the Federation, including those kept by the CBN.”
News
CFUIS Expands to Nigeria, Boosting U.S. Immigration and Business Opportunities

Center for U.S. Immigration Services (CFUIS), a premier legal firm specializing in U.S. immigration law and global mobility, has officially launched operations in Nigeria—marking a strategic move to bridge Africa’s talent and business potential with opportunities in the United States.
Led by Nigerian-American attorney Dr. Martins I. Imudia, the expansion positions CFUIS as a trusted legal and business partner for individuals and organizations across the continent seeking expert guidance on U.S. immigration, workforce mobility, and international expansion.
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and having other offices at Bradenton, Clearwater, Dearborn, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando.
CFUIS offers a full suite of immigration services, including employment and family-based petitions, naturalization, deportation defense, and global mobility consulting. Under Dr. Imudia’s leadership, the firm has become known for its culturally sensitive, results-driven approach that not only simplifies complex legal processes but also opens doors for global opportunity.
Whether advising multinational companies on workforce mobility or assisting individuals seeking lawful permanent residency, CFUIS provides tailored solutions grounded in empathy and precision.
The new Nigeria office will serve as a vital gateway for clients looking to access U.S. markets, relocate talent, or expand their business footprints.
Dr. Martins I. Imudia is a seasoned legal practitioner born in Oza-Nogogo, Delta State, Nigeria. A respected authority in immigration and global development, he is also the CEO of Siotoh Holdings LLC, a diversified business group overseeing ventures such as Siotoh Academy, Siotoh Global Mobility, and Otawise Technologies.
His business interests are rooted in innovation, entrepreneurship, creating economic opportunities and economic empowerment—creating practical solutions for a rapidly evolving global economy.
Beyond legal and business pursuits, Dr. Imudia is a champion of humanitarian development and a philanthropist.
He founded the Imudia Foundation to support vulnerable populations through healthcare access, social infrastructure projects, and community empowerment.
In a continued demonstration of this commitment, he co-founded Oza Invest Limited to drive capital investment and economic revitalization in his hometown, bringing a practical model of sustainable development to life.
For Dr. Imudia, service to mankind is the highest calling. His guiding philosophy revolves around leveraging his skills and resources for the common good. Whether through legal advocacy, business initiatives, or philanthropic efforts, he remains steadfast in his mission to uplift communities, empower individuals, and create lasting social impact.
In his latest initiative, Dr. Imudia has partnered with the Delta State Government to establish a vocational training school aimed at addressing unemployment and equipping youth with in-demand, job-ready skills.
The school, a project of Siotoh Academy, is now accepting registrations and offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families seeking long-term economic stability through practical education.
This initiative reflects his ongoing commitment to creating long-term solutions for unemployment and underdevelopment.
By investing in vocational training, Dr. Imudia hopes to empower a new generation with the tools and knowledge to become self-reliant, productive members of society.
The vocational school stands as a testament to his belief in education as a cornerstone of economic empowerment and social transformation.
According to Dr. Martins I. Imudia, “Our expansion into Nigeria is not just about legal services—it’s about unlocking global opportunities for individuals, empowering communities through education, and building a future where Africa plays a leading role on the world stage.
“Our work is a testament to the power of combining expertise with purpose, driving change across borders and inspiring a new generation of globally minded leaders.”
News
Tomato ‘Ebola’ May Disrupt Nigeria’s Agric Value Chain- Rewane

Bismarck Rewane, renowned economist and chief executive officer of the Financial Derivatives Company, has warned that the recent outbreak of the tomato leaf miner, commonly referred to as “Tomato Ebola,” is a disruption to Nigeria’s agriculture value chain.

Bismarck Rewane, CEO, Financial Derivatives Company
Speaking on Channels Television’s Business Morning programme on Thursday, Rewane emphasised that the impact of the outbreak extends far beyond tomatoes, triggering a cost ripple effect across the broader food basket.
“The effect of an increase in the price of tomatoes leads to cost elasticity which means that the price of other substitutes will begin to increase, including the price of carrots, the price of tomato paste, price of tomato puree and other things.
“One for the reddening, two for the effect and the thickening on the sauce you’re making.
“However, because tomato is a perishable commodity, it also means that if there is tomato ebola, then the price has increased, and also the supply has reduced, it has a knock-on effect on so many other things,” Rewane explained.
He added that Nigeria’s lack of food storage and preventive mechanisms has worsened the crisis, causing severe supply chain disruptions.
Rewane’s comments come amid a sharp increase in the price of tomatoes, with a 50-kilogramme basket of the commodity which used to sell for N5,000, now selling for N10,000 to N30,000, thereby compounding food inflation and straining household budget.
The Federal Government said Nigeria has so far lost over N1.3 billion to the outbreak of the invasive pest in key tomato-producing states like Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna.
Abubakar Kyari, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, explained that the outbreak has significantly disrupted tomato supply chains, causing a surge in prices.
He noted that the outbreak of tomato Ebola highlights the fragile nature of Nigeria’s horticultural systems, and that the invasive pest can destroy tomato crops within 48 hours, resulting in catastrophic yield losses.
He added that this crisis highlights the urgent need for integrated pest management strategies, investment in resilient crop varieties, and enhanced support for farmers to safeguard the country’s food supply chains.
- General News3 days ago
FCMB Group Posts ₦35bn Q1 Profit as Revenue Surpasses Forecast
- Telecom3 days ago
Airtel Reveals Mechanism of Spam Alert Service
- Telecom3 days ago
MTN Group Strengthens Nigeria-South Africa Economic Ties Amid Africa’s Transformation
- E-Business3 days ago
Minister Seeks Digital Tech Adoption to Improve Agriculture, Boost Food Security
- General News3 days ago
Nigerian Tech Prodigy sets World Record with Smallest GPS Tracker
- E-Financial3 days ago
Fidelity Bank grows PBT by 167.8% to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025
- General News3 days ago
Africa Looks to Solar Amid Electricity Challenges
- Telecom3 days ago
Tariff Hike Leads to Decline in Nigeria’s Internet Users – NCC Report