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Kate Ene David Wins 2022 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition, to Act as MTN CEO for One Day

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L-R: Titus Schwa Bankole, Bee Master; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation; Ifeoluwa Oyeyipo, Acting Senior Manager Youth Segment, MTN Nigeria; Kate Ene David, Winner, 2022 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Service Officer, MTN Nigeria; Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria and Idowu Adesokan, Acting General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, at the 2022 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Grand Finale, which held at the MTN Nigeria
L-R: Titus Schwa Bankole, Bee Master; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation; Ifeoluwa Oyeyipo, Acting Senior Manager Youth Segment, MTN Nigeria; Kate Ene David, Winner, 2022 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Service Officer, MTN Nigeria; Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria and Idowu Adesokan, Acting General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, at the 2022 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Grand Finale, which held at the MTN Nigeria
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The fifth edition of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition has come to an end with Kate Ene David emerging as the winner.

L-R: Titus Schwa Bankole, Bee Master; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation; Ifeoluwa Oyeyipo, Acting Senior Manager Youth Segment, MTN Nigeria; Kate Ene David, Winner, 2022 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Service Officer, MTN Nigeria; Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria and Idowu Adesokan, Acting General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, at the 2022 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Grand Finale, which held at the MTN Nigeria

L-R: Titus Schwa Bankole, Bee Master; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation; Ifeoluwa Oyeyipo, Acting Senior Manager Youth Segment, MTN Nigeria; Kate Ene David, Winner, 2022 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Service Officer, MTN Nigeria; Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria and Idowu Adesokan, Acting General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, at the 2022 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Grand Finale, which held at the MTN Nigeria

Kate, a student from Intimacy with Christ International School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, won the bee after correctly spelling the word “acquiesce” in the finale.

As a result, the 14-year-old champion will become MTN Nigeria CEO for a day and assume leadership of Africa’s largest telecommunication network.

In her opening remarks, the Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, congratulated the top 20 contestants who beat out over 11,000 participants to compete in the spelling bee finale, stating that the initiative presented a platform for them to develop and maximise their potential.

“Promoting digital education is one way in which we can encourage people to embrace the digital space and enjoy the benefits and convenience that come with it.

“This is why MTN mPulse continues to engage with young people through the website, which has a vast variety of educational content, enabling them to learn, play and shine.”

Giving her closing remarks, the Chief Human Resource Officer, MTN Nigeria, Esther Akinnukawe commended the finalists for making it to the finals.

“Congratulations to Kate for emerging the champion. I want to thank and commend every participant for showing up.

“Showing up is a winning quality, and I admire your courage in standing in front of the audience to represent yourself, your parent, and your school.

“We are thrilled to have such a large turnout, and we are more confident to carry on this educative initiative.”

In addition to being MTN Nigeria’s CEO for a day, Kate has been awarded N2.5m scholarship grant, a laptop, a smartphone, and an MTN goody bag.

MTN will also present a N350,000 grant and state-of-the-art ICT devices to the winner’s English teacher and school respectively.

Sharing her excitement, Kate, who was beaming with smiles said, “I am very excited and grateful to God for giving me the opportunity.

“The journey has never been easy but I studied a lot.” When asked what to expect from her as MTN CEO for a day, she said, “I think I am more excited to learn about the position on that day.”

Alongside Kate, the first, second and third runners-up, Agbo Divine Capable from Intimacy with Christ International School, Nasarawa State, Okechukwu Rejoice representing Glorious covenant school, Rivers State, and Daniel Ann, a student of Glorious Covenant School Rivers State and other finalists were rewarded with prizes valued at over N5.7m and lots of goody bags.

MTN mPulse Spelling Bee competition is one of the many initiatives by MTN Nigeria that help promote digital literacy and academic excellence, empowering the nation’s educational sector.

 

 


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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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How Emerging Technologies Are Reshaping Trade – NITDA DG

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Director General of NITDA Kashifu Inuwa CCIE represented by Director of the Digital Economy Development, Engr. Salisu Kaka, presenting a cash prize of N10million to Get AI under the Regulatory Sandbox category, during the closing ceremony of the Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 during the Science of Trade Conference in Lagos.
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Kashifu Inuwa, director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said that the transformative potential of emerging technologies is vital in revolutionising trade and investment across Africa.

Director General of NITDA Kashifu Inuwa CCIE represented by Director of the Digital Economy Development, Engr. Salisu Kaka, presenting a cash prize of N10million to Get AI under the Regulatory Sandbox category, during the closing ceremony of the Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 during the Science of Trade Conference in Lagos.

He said this while delivering a keynote address at the Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025, held as part of the Science of Trade Conference in Lagos State, highlighting how digital innovation can drive efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth.

The DG who was represented by Engr. Salisu Kaka, Director of Digital Economy Development Department, stated that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the largest free trade zones globally, uniting over 1.4 billion people with a collective GDP exceeding $3 trillion.

He described the recent adoption of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol as a pivotal milestone that will break down trade barriers, streamline regulations, and open new markets for businesses of all sizes.

“Nigeria, with its population of over 200 million and strong entrepreneurial culture, is uniquely positioned to lead Africa’s digital transformation”, he said.

While pointing out the rise of e-commerce and mobile payments as game changers, Inuwa said “From Abuja, I can order products online, conduct due diligence, make payments, and receive deliveries—technology has made trade seamless.”

“This Hackathon arrives at a crucial time following the African Union’s 2024 endorsement of the Digital Trade Protocol. It aims to harmonise digital regulations and eliminate trade barriers across all 54 African nations,” he added.

Inuwa stressed that while global technological advances have reshaped commerce, many African trade systems are still burdened by outdated procedures, excessive paperwork, and logistical bottlenecks. But a shift is underway, powered by innovations such as blockchain, AI, IoT, and digital platforms, which are now central to trade operations.

He cited the success of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in leveraging technology through the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II), which automated key processes like declarations, cargo tracking, and risk assessment—leading to a 238% revenue increase between 2017 and 2023.

The Unified Customs Management System, introduced in December 2024 as a successor to NICIS II, has already generated over ₦31 billion, showcasing Nigeria’s progress in digital trade facilitation.

The Hackathon is structured around five priority areas: Youth and MSME Inclusion, E-Commerce Adoption, E-Commerce Policy and Trust, Digital Payments, and the E-Commerce Regulatory Sandbox.

These are sectors where digital tools can significantly enhance trade dynamics.

“I’m confident that the Hackathon will spark innovative, scalable solutions to boost intra-African e-commerce, streamline cross-border transactions, and empower MSMEs with digital capabilities to compete globally,” Inuwa stated.

He described the event as a springboard for innovations that will simplify payments, promote inclusion, and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in actualising the AfCFTA digital economy framework.

In his welcome address, Dr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office—represented by Olusegun Olutayo, Senior International Trade Policy and Law Expert, emphasised that transformation is a continuous journey.

He highlighted the continent’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth as essential to establishing Africa as a hub for digital trade.

Awolowo reaffirmed the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasising that it presents Africa as a unified market of over one billion people—a vast opportunity for intra-African trade, investment, and economic growth.

He stressed that realising this vision requires active participation and shared ownership.

According to him, the Hackathon is a tangible mechanism for implementing the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol—prioritising inclusion, innovation, and equitable access.

It is expected to generate actionable solutions that bridge policy and practice, accelerating Africa’s digital economy and empowering the next generation of African innovators.


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NIMC Unveils NIN Authentication Service to Enhance Secure Identity Verification

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Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the launch of the NIMC NIN Authentication for a secure and seamless identity verification and authentication, even as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, directed the use of NIN Authentication for verification and authentication across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

This is In line with the Commission’s mandate of regulating a reliable National Digital Identity for citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity

The launch of the “NIN Authentication (NINAuth),” a cutting-edge suite of services that include web, API and mobile verification designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services, is part of President Tinubu, Renewed Hope Agenda on strengthening the National Identity Management System.

The NIMC NINAuth application is the official service for integration with the Commission’s backend infrastructure.

It Introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information.

By requiring explicit consent before data is shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verifications, the platform fosters trust, transparency, and user autonomy in digital identity management.

With NINAuth, individuals can securely verify their identity and access key government services, including:

• Sim registration and replacement
• Immigration applications and passport processing ⁠
• ⁠Tax filings and financial transactions
• ⁠Government Intervention Programs in various MDAs
• Driver’s license renewals and other regulatory processes, etc,.
Key Features and Benefits include:
• Enhanced Security—Protects personal data from unauthorized access.
• User Control—Empowers individuals with the freedom to manage their data-sharing preferences.
• Seamless Access—provides a secure single sign-on solution for convenient access to services.

This innovation reaffirms NIMC’s commitment to advancing secure and efficient digital identity management, ensuring a more accessible, transparent, and secure identity verification system in Nigeria.

The NINAuth application provides a secure, scalable, and interoperable interface for identity verification through API integration.

It is designed to facilitate real-time authentication of NIN records, thereby promoting effective service delivery, database harmonization, and compliance with the National Identity Policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The NINAuth service has been designated as the exclusive platform for all NIN-based verification and authentication integration processes for optimal services.

Nigerians are required to download the NINAuth App on Google Play Store and Apple iOS App Store to use the NIN Authentication Service.

The implementation guide and process flow of the NIMC NIN Authentication are available at https://ninauth.nimc.gov.ng.


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Digital Payments Reshaping West Africa’s Largest Market, Unlocking Economic Growth

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Moniepoint, Nigeria’s leading fintech and business banking provider, has unveiled a detailed case study showcasing its pivotal role in powering trade and financial inclusion in Onitsha, West Africa’s largest market.

The report provides an in-depth look at how Moniepoint’s digital payment solutions and innovative business support tools are transforming the commercial landscape for thousands of traders and businesses in the region.

The case study, titled “How Moniepoint is Driving Trade in West Africa’s Largest Market,” draws on extensive field research and firsthand accounts from market participants.

“It highlights the unique challenges of operating in Onitsha’s dynamic environment and demonstrates how Moniepoint’s technology is enabling seamless transactions, improving access to financial services, and fostering trust among merchants.

Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO and Co-founder of Moniepoint Inc, commented: “Our mission has always been to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive.

“This case study is a testament to the impact of digital innovation in Africa’s most vibrant markets.

“By providing reliable, accessible, and secure financial services, we are not just facilitating transactions-we are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Key findings from the report reveal that Moniepoint’s integrated platform has significantly reduced payment bottlenecks, enhanced business efficiency, and contributed to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the market.

The study also explores the enduring apprenticeship system in Onitsha and how digital tools are supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Excerpts from the Report’s Findings:

Onitsha Market as a Living Business School:

Beyond trade, Onitsha functions as a structured business incubator through the Igbo apprenticeship system. Generations of entrepreneurs are created, transferring wealth, trade secrets, and business skills without formal academic structures.

Payments Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Safety and Speed:

Transitioning from cash to digital payments (led significantly by Moniepoint) dramatically reduced risks of theft, enabled faster transactions, and eliminated costly bank runs — unlocking smoother business flows in one of Africa’s busiest markets.

Massive Digital Payment Penetration at the Grassroots:

Today, 2 out of 3 in-person payments in Onitsha are via Moniepoint POS terminals. This shows that digital finance can deeply penetrate highly traditional, informal economies when solutions are hyperlocal, reliable, and frictionless.

Access to Instant Credit as a Growth Accelerator:

Merchants can now leverage digital transaction histories to secure fast loans, allowing them to stock up quickly when market prices fluctuate — a crucial competitive advantage in volatile, high-volume markets.

Hyperlocal Support and Trust as the Differentiator:

Moniepoint’s dedicated local account managers who understand cultural nuances (even language) have been critical to building trust — proving that digital financial services must be deeply embedded in community realities to succeed.

This latest case study adds to the growing pool of thought leadership materials curated by Moniepoint for the benefit of stakeholders – regulators, investors and the general public aimed at improving their understanding of the financial services ecosystem in Nigeria.

Past case studies have explored family-owned businesses, community pharmacies, women owned businesses and the Informal Economy Report.

Moniepoint’s ongoing commitment to financial inclusion and economic development has positioned it as a catalyst for growth across Nigeria and beyond.

The company processes over $17 billion in transactions monthly and continues to expand its reach, supporting millions of businesses with payments, banking, credit, and business management solutions.


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