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Microsoft CEO to Imagine Cup Students: ‘Face’ Global Issues with Technology

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(L-r): Victor Shoaga, Blessing Oyatope and Babatunde Otaru setting their project for presentation before panel of Microsoft judges at the ongoing 2016 Imagine Cup worldwide finals holding in Seattle, Washington.
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Thrilled by the innovative solutions presented by no fewer than 120 students from 34 countries around the world, Satya Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft, during an award ceremony at the ongoing 2016 Microsoft Imagine Cup competition holding in Seattle, Washington, the United States of America challenged the students to change the world with digital technology.

Microsoft’s Imagine Cup is the world’s most prestigious student technology competition, bringing together student innovators from all over the world.

“Think about your passions, what keeps them up at night. Imagine the future and connect that future you imagine to your core.

“In a world like this where digital technology is having an impact in every walk of life, in every country, you are the ones who are going to help us everywhere move our economies, move our societies, and then also make sure the dividends we create out of digital technology is actually more evenly spread in the world”, the Microsoft  CEO who was full of excitement  told the 35 teams that participated at the Imagine Cup worldwide finals at the home of Microsoft, Redmond, the United States of America.

Urging the smartest students to take their products to the market to solve many issues including health, environment, social, among others, he said with optimism that the students have the chance to difference in the world with digital technology.

“Technology is evolving. Technology is changing the world. Use technology solutions to your communities. Use your passion. This is the beginning of your success.  Everybody is a winner. I want Imagine to open more opportunities for you. Make contacts”, the Microsoft CEO added.

Although Team Nigeria from Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife did not advance to World Championship round despite their impressive outing, the good news is that they were among the 8 teams nominated for Ability award. Another good news is that Nigeria is the only country from West African flying the region’s flag here in the United States of America.  It is a positive signal that software Nigeria can compete globally if given the opportunity.

Teams from Thailand, Romania and Greece were named world champions in the 2016 Microsoft Imagine Cup yesterday. The winners in the three categories — games, innovation and world citizenship will today compete for the top prize. Any team that wins will a mentoring session with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Meanwhile, below are details of the winning teams that have received a $50,000 check from Microsoft. PH21, a team of students studying computer engineering at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand took home the prize in the games category.

Their puzzle-based game, Timelie, centers around a woman who steals a device that can see into the future, and a young girl whose ability to manipulate time was used to create the device.

Three Romanian computer scientists won the innovation category. ENTy is a wearable device that tracks inner ear balance and spinal posture and tell users if they are having balance or posture issues.

Team AMANDA, engineering students from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, won in the world citizenship category.

Their project uses an ICT approach to identify characteristics that might make someone a bully and give psychologists tools to intervene.

This year’s finalists were trimmed from 150 teams to 35 that advanced from national finals events. The final round of the contest will be held today at Garfield High School today and will feature special guest judges.

 

 


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E-Business

NDPC, 60 DPAs Collaborate on Enforcing Privacy Rights in the Use of Al

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Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined sixty (60) other Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in endorsing the “Joint Statement on Al-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy.”

NDPC, 60 DPAs Collaborate on Enforcing Privacy Rights in the Use of Al

NDPC

The Joint Statement was coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG) of the Global Privacy Assembly.

This underscores the growing concerns regarding the privacy risks posed by Artificial Intelligence tools capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.

The Joint Statement highlights concerns over the misuse of Al-powered tools to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials, particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups.

It calls on organisations to implement strong safeguards, ensure transparency, provide effective content removal mechanisms, and comply fully with applicable data protection laws.

The current effort forms part of a continuum of steps being taken by Nigeria to ensure the responsible use of Al. It will be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, led the initiative for the development of the National Al Strategy.

The NDPC also issued the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which, amongst others, mandates privacy by design and privacy by default in the development and deployment of Al tools.

The National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed that the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) by data controllers and processors of major importance will serve as a yardstick for monitoring and evaluating responsible use of Al for data processing in Nigeria.


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Jumia Tech Week 2026 Begins with Tech Deals on Smartphones, Electronics, and Everyday Technology

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Jumia Nigeria has announced the launch of Jumia Tech Week 2026, a two-week campaign offering customers access to discounted technology products across key categories, including smartphones, computing, home entertainment, and wearable devices.

Starting from March 2 to March 15, Jumia Nigeria’s Tech Week 2026 is themed ‘Tech Products for Less’ – a deliberate commitment by the e-commerce giant to drive down the cost of technology products for Nigerian consumers. The campaign offers significant price reductions across key product categories, enabling more Nigerians to access the devices they need at prices that reflect the company’s dedication to affordability and consumer value.

Jumia Tech Week will feature deals across a wide range of product categories, including mobile phones, computer systems and accessories, televisions and audio equipment, gaming products, home appliances, portable power solutions, health technology,, and wearable devices.

Customers will also have access to curated recommendations, including top smartphone deals, must-have accessories, gaming essentials, and home technology upgrades.

According to Temidayo Ojo, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, the campaign reflects Jumia’s broader commitment to making everyday technology more accessible to Nigerians.

“Technology has become an essential part of everyday life, and access to the right devices enables more people to participate fully in the digital economy,” said Ojo. “At Jumia, we remain focused on expanding access and improving the shopping experience as we continue to build Nigeria’s everyday retail destination.”

The campaign will include a range of customer engagement initiatives such as flash sales, brand days, anchor deals and interactive activities designed to enhance the online shopping experience.

Special highlight periods, described as Explosion Days, will take place on March 6 and March 13, featuring limited-time offers across selected technology categories. Customers will also be able to participate in interactive activities, including product-based games, treasure hunts,, and live shopping sessions during the campaign period.

The campaign will feature participation from leading brands including Oraimo, Silver Crest, Samsung, Ecoflow, Nivea and Aeon, offering customers a wide selection of technology, household and lifestyle products. Early access promotions already begun during the teaser period from February 16 to March 1, allowing customers to preview selected deals ahead of the official launch.

Jumia Tech Week forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand e-commerce adoption by improving access to essential products and enhancing the customer experience across its platform. As Nigeria’s e-commerce market continues to grow, Jumia remains focused on strengthening its product assortment, logistics capabilities, and digital experience to serve customers better nationwide.

Customers can participate in the campaign by using the Jumia mobile app or visiting the Jumia website and following the conversation online using #JumiaTechWeek.

 


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House Queries NDIC: ₦5m Max Payout for Failed Bank Depositors

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Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) pays between ₦2 million and ₦5 million as deposit insurance to customers of liquidated banks, Managing Director Thompson Oludare Sunday told the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters during 2026 budget defence.

House Queries NDIC: ₦5m Max Payout for Failed Bank Depositors

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House Spokesperson Akin Rotimi Jr sought details on depositor entitlements, citing Heritage Bank’s June 2024 collapse and public concerns over financial confidence.

Sunday explained NDIC’s mandate: banks pay risk-based premiums (now under 1%, down from 15/16 of 1%) to guarantee deposits. Coverage is ₦5 million for deposit money banks, primary mortgage banks (PMBs), and microfinance banks (MMOs); ₦2 million for other financial institutions.

Using BVN, NDIC auto-pays guaranteed sums without visits for amounts up to the limit. For Heritage, post-revocation, NDIC liquidated assets—selling buildings, recovering loans, realizing investments—and paid a second ₦24.63 billion dividend on January 6.

“Anything above ₦5 million or ₦2 million depends on recoveries,” Sunday said, noting ongoing asset sales and debt chases.

Committee Chairman Ahmed Jaha Babawo commended the clarity, noting the limit rose from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million recently. Over 90% of Heritage depositors got insured sums in under four days, meeting International Resolution Deposit (IRD) standards.

Babawo added liquidation dividends would be discussed in executive session.


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