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NiRA Partners LCCI to Promote Nigerian Internet Growth @ ICTEL EXPO 2024rh
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) recently collaborated with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) for the 10th Information Communication Technology and Telecommunication (ICTEL) EXPO 2024, held from July 30th to 31st 2024.
This strategic partnership aimed to advance the Nigerian internet ecosystem by promoting the adoption of the .ng domain and highlighting its significance in the digital landscape.
The ICTEL EXPO, an event committed to contributing to digital innovation and technology, provided a platform for NiRA to emphasise the role of the .ng domain in driving Nigeria’s digital economy.
The expo brought together key stakeholders, including businesses, tech professionals, and policymakers, to discuss the benefits and opportunities associated with the .ng domain.
On the first day of the expo, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, the NiRA’s President; delivered a keynote address that underscored the importance of the .ng domain in Nigeria’s digital growth.
He highlighted how the .ng domain supports local hosting services, enhances data security, and contributes to economic development. The President urged businesses and individuals to embrace the .ng domain, stressing that online presence is crucial for national progress and digital innovation.
The ICTEL Expo 2024 began with an exhibition tour led by Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of LCCI, and Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, Deputy President. This tour allowed tour members to visit the exhibition booth of the .ng team as the event was kicked off. It also allowed attendees to see firsthand how the .ng domain supports local businesses and drives technological advancement.
Day 2 at the Expo featured a product demo session facilitated by NiRA’s Registrar Relationship Manager; Ms. Abimbola Aderibigbe. During this session, participants learned how to register a .ng domain name and set up their website through the accredited registrar platform using https://register.ng. Attendees were introduced to the .ng domain dashboard, which tracks the growth of .ng domains across various extensions and provides valuable insights into domain performance.
In addition to these activities, NiRA participated in a key “Cybersecurity in the Digital Age” session with Mrs. Busayo Balogun representing NiRA on the panel. The discussion focused on cybersecurity best practices, including essential measures like security audits to protect online activities.
This session was crucial for raising awareness about the growing complexity of cyber-attacks, insider threats from employees with access to sensitive data, data privacy concerns, and navigating the intricate landscape of cybersecurity regulations and compliance.
This demonstrates that everyone—stakeholders, employers, employees, and end-users—has a role to play in reducing cyberattacks. It is crucial to drive awareness about cybersecurity and implement solutions that can check attacks such as deploying advanced threat detection systems, conducting regular security audits, and running ongoing training and awareness programs.
NiRA’s involvement in the ICTEL EXPO is part of a broader effort to further the adoption of the .ng domain among its members. By collaborating with LCCI, NiRA is playing a strategic role in sensitising members about the benefits of the .ng domain and encouraging its widespread use. This partnership aims to foster a more robust digital environment, where local businesses can thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy on the .ng domain.
Throughout the expo, NiRA’s accredited registrars were available to assist attendees with .ng domain registration and provide expert guidance. Their support ensured that participants could make the most of the opportunities offered at the event.
The 10th ICTEL EXPO was a significant milestone in promoting the .ng domain and reinforcing its role in Nigeria’s digital future. For those interested in exploring more about the sessions and insights shared at the event, including cybersecurity tips from Mrs. Balogun, additional resources and recordings are available for viewing.
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Omniverse Africa Unveils Partners as Nigerian Gamers Compete for $1m Prize
Omniverse Africa has disclosed that UEL Esports Inc., Unanimous Games and Game Evolution Esports will be premier partners for the Gaming Center at Omniverse 2025.
![Omniverse Africa Unveils Partners as Nigerian Gamers Compete for $1m Prize](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/charles-300x133.jpg)
Charles Emembolu, co-convener of Omniverse Africa
This significant partnership will play a crucial role in delivering an exceptional gaming experience, highlighting Omniverse Africa’s dedication to innovation and excellence within the digital and creative ecosystems.
UEL Esports Inc., renowned for its one of a kind, multi genre gaming league, cutting-edge advancement and visionary contributions, will be integral in shaping the Gaming Center, promising an immersive and dynamic environment for all attendees.
Additionally, Game Evolution will serve as the gaming ecosystem and delivery partner for the center, ensuring top-tier experiences and seamless execution.
In a major highlight of this collaboration, an exhilarating gaming tournament will be featured at the Gaming Center.
This tournament, expected to be a central attraction of Omniverse 2025, will offer participants the chance to compete for a staggering prize pool of up to $1 million.
Nigerian gamers will have the opportunity to vie for these substantial rewards and gain invaluable experiences that could propel their gaming careers to new heights.
Charles Emembolu, co-convener of Omniverse Africa, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with UEL Esports Inc., and Game Evolution towards the Omniverse 2025. This collaboration aligns with our vision to create a transformative and engaging gaming environment. We are excited to witness the innovation and talent that will unfold through this partnership.”
Hannatu Musa-Musawa, minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, stated, “Omniverse Africa has taken a bold step to position Nigeria as a global leader in gaming by launching this major league with partners from Nigeria and USA. The Ministry stands behind this vision, and we look forward to fostering partnerships that will strengthen our creative economy and provide new opportunities for our youth,”
Briant Biggs, CEO of Unanimous Games, USA, added, “This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to inspire and empower gamers globally. Omniverse 2025 is the perfect platform for this mission.”
Titus Walker, CEO of UEL Esports Inc., also stated that’ “Becoming the premier partner for the Gaming Center at Omniverse 2025 is a remarkable opportunity for UEL Esports Inc. We look forward to showcasing our latest innovations and contributing to an exceptional event that will set new standards in the global gaming industry.”
Kunmi Adebimpe, founder of Game Evolution Esports, commented: “As the gaming ecosystem and delivery partner for the Omniverse Africa Gaming Center, Game Evolution is committed to bringing unparalleled experiences to the forefront. We are excited to collaborate with Omniverse Africa, UEL Esports Inc. and Unanimous Games to elevate the gaming experience and provide a platform for gamers to shine, globally.”
Omniverse Africa, Africa’s premium platform for integrating digital and creative ecosystems across the continent, will host its annual summit in Lagos, Nigeria, in February.
The synergy between UEL Esports Inc., Omniverse Africa, Unanimous Games and Game Evolution promises to make Omniverse 2025 an extraordinary event, celebrating talent and innovation in the gaming world.
Stay tuned for more updates on the tournament and how to participate, collaborate, compete or partner. The Omniverse Africa Summit 2025 promises a thrilling experience for gamers and enthusiasts alike.
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EverQuest Acquires FBNQuest
FBN Holdings Plc has announced the sale of its 100 per cent equity stake in FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited to EverQuest Acquisition LLP.
A statement filed with the Nigeria Exchange Limited by the Acting Company Secretary for FBN Holdings, Adeware Arogundade on Friday stated that the move comes after a competitive bidding process, with EverQuest Acquisition LLP a consortium comprising Custodian Investments Plc, Aion Investments, and Evercorp Industries emerging as the preferred bidder.
FBNQuest is the unified brand identity for the merchant banking and asset management businesses of FBN Holdings.
EverQuest Acquisition LLP is a consortium of three companies, including Custodian Investments PLC, Aion Investments Limited, and Evercorp Industries, founded in June 2024.
“By the Nigerian Exchange Limited Rulebook, we at this moment notify the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that FBN Holdings Plc has entered into a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement to divest its 100 per cent equity stake in its wholly owned subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited. This sale aligns with the company’s strategy to optimise its portfolio within the group.
“Following a competitive bid process, EverQuest Acquisition LLP (comprising Custodian Investments PLC, Aion Investments and Evercorp Industries) was selected as the preferred bidder. The completion of the sale is subject to approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities,” the holding firm added.
The company disclosed the development through a share sale and purchase agreement, highlighting that the transaction was subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.
FBN Holdings emphasised that the divestment aligned with its broader strategy to streamline its portfolio for enhanced growth and focus across the group.
FBNQuest Merchant Bank’s gross earnings for 2023 rose by 43.1 per cent year-on-year to N35.5bn.
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US Blocks Nigerian’s Cryptocurrency Fraud, Imposes $50,000 fine
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office successfully thwarted an attempt by Bimbo Toyin Akinyemi, a Nigerian national, to defraud a Kansas resident of cryptocurrency.
This was revealed in a statement titled, “State of Kansas, U.S., Thwarts Attempt by Nigerian Crypto Scammer to Defraud Resident, Attracting Over $50,000 in Civil Penalties.”
BitKE, known for reporting on Bitcoin, crypto, and blockchain activity in Africa, disclosed the news on Monday via its X handle #BitcoinKE.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Akinyemi promised the victim a large return for investing in cryptocurrency. Court documents show that Akinyemi entered into a contract with the unnamed victim on 15 July 2023, where the victim was to purchase Bitcoin and deposit it into Akinyemi’s ‘investment wallet address,’ with an expected return of $500 to $1,240.
Akinyemi exploited the victim’s lack of understanding of cryptocurrencies, misleading them by concealing the traceability of fund transfers and falsely claiming that depositing funds into a digital wallet would ‘activate’ it as an investment account. After receiving the deposits, Akinyemi transferred the funds to his own account.
A fraudulent $1,000 cheque was then sent to the victim, which was never cashed. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office stated that the victim is entitled to a refund of their $250 investment, and Akinyemi is responsible for $50,000 in civil penalties for five violations, $4,000 in investigation fees and expenses, and all court costs.
The Charities and Financial Scams Unit of the Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against Akinyemi under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.
Authorities seized Akinyemi’s wallet, which reportedly contained half of a Bitcoin valued at over $28,900, as well as other digital currency worth more than $4,000.
A local judge issued a default judgment against Akinyemi after they failed to respond to the summons and petitions sent to their email address. In addition to the financial penalties, Akinyemi has been prohibited from engaging in consumer transactions within the state.
“Cryptocurrency is a borderless asset that allows international scammers to target and defraud Kansans from the comfort of a keyboard,” said First Assistant Attorney General Nathanial Castillo.
“Scammers realise they have a better chance of getting away with fraud if they convince victims to send cryptocurrency. Kansans should always thoroughly scrutinise anyone they meet online before sending payment in cryptocurrency.”
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and the FBI were also part of the investigations.
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