Telecom
PEN 2014 to Gather Nigeria’s Largest Mobile Ecosystem

The maiden edition of Phone Expo Nigeria 2014 (PEN 2014), four unique series of co-located events scheduled to hold in Lagos, is planned to be the largest annual gathering of the Nigerian mobile ecosystem, according to the show producers.
PEN 2014, which takes place December 2-6, 2014 under the theme, “Next Frontiers of Connected Nigeria”, has been designed to become the nation’s largest marketplace of the Nigerian Mobile Ecosystem, according to the producers of the show, Technology Times Events, the conferences and events subsidiary of Technology Times Media Limited.
Mr. Shina Badaru, founder/group CEO of Technology Times, said that the PEN 2014 Show will offer an annual gathering that brings together diverse segments of the biggest market in the Nigerian economy, the vibrant mobile telephony subscribers.
The four co-located events at the PEN 2014 show will focus on four key touch points that matter to the Nigerian Mobile Marketplace: BITE: Business, Innovation, Thought Leadership and Entertainment, he said.
PEN 2014 will co-locate PEN 2014 Exhibitions, PEN 2014 Mobile App Challenge; PEN 2014 Thought Leadership Conferences and Miss PEN 2014 Pageants, to deliver maximum benefits to Show visitors, partners, sponsors and advertisers, according to Technology Times.
“We are pleased to be producing PEN 2014 with our partners to evolve the annual must-attend mobile telephony show in Nigeria that will become the flagship exhibitions and trade show catering exclusively for the mobile ecosystem”, Badaru said while formally announcing the Show plans in Lagos, Nigeria.
Badaru cited that the latest telecommunications market statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that by June 2014, Nigeria’s telecommunications market base has grown to 130,780,703 active telephone subscriber lines; 67,197,505 Internet users and 93.41% teledensity.
“In the course of our PEN 2014 planning, we found out that except for the freely-given gifts of nature like air, sunlight and rain, the telecommunications market today ranks top in number of customers spread across the geographically-dispersed landscape of Nigeria. The indices and indicators also point to a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation, job creation and overall growth within the Nigerian economy”, according to Badaru.
Over 85% of 7,500 respondents polled by Technology Times across key decision makers in industry, government, early adopters and business professionals believe that there is a need for a major show that will cater for the mobile ecosystem in Nigeria, he added.
More than 90% of respondents of the poll indicated interest to attend such an event where new technologies will be showcased and they can also learn about policies, market trends and other key drivers of the Nigerian mobile ecosystem “under one roof.”
“PEN 2014 will gather the mobile ecosystem across Nigeria, Africa and beyond to showcase, learn and share ideas about the next frontiers in technologies, innovation, solutions and services for today’s Connected Nigeria”, Badaru added.
Under the plan, no fewer than 10,000 daily attendees are expected at PEN 2014 reflecting the diversity of decision makers in industry, government, Original Device Manufacturers, Device Retailers, Mobile Network Operators, Mobile Payment Service Providers, Online Shopping Services, e-Commerce Companies, among several tiers of organisations that offer services through mobile platforms.
Also commenting, Miss Omotola Raheem, programmes manager, PEN 2014, said that the Show has been into four co-located events to cater for the diversity of the Nigerian mobile ecosystem.
“PEN 2014 attendees will come to the show for several reasons to see the latest technology, get the best education the industry has to offer and also get entertained.”
According to her, “importantly, the PEN 2014 Thought Leadership Conferences will serve as a powerful magnet for industry professionals to share ideas about market trends, policy and other issues that shape and define the mobile diversity in Nigeria.”
The PEN 2014 will hold December 2-6, 2014 on the sprawling grounds of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
“UNILAG is already home to a population of 40,000 and has been chosen to host the maiden edition of PEN 2014 because of its central location and accessibility from all parts of Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria and influential hub of the nation’s mobile ecosystem”, Raheem added.
Telecom
NASENI, Nigerian Air Force Renew Strategic Partnership to Drive Indigenous Defense Technologies

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration on indigenous technology development, particularly in defense, aerospace, and infrastructure.
The event, which took place at NASENI Headquarters in Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja on 25th July 2025, was marked by a high-level visit led by the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar alongside senior officers from the Nigerian Airforce. The team was received by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and his management team.
In his keynote remarks, the Air Marshal commended NASENI for its transformative work under Mr. Halilu’s leadership, particularly in reverse engineering, local manufacturing of engineering components, and consistent support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He specifically acknowledged NASENI’s contribution to the development of the C5 Rocket Project, highlighting the agency’s role in producing the rocket bodies and structural components, and in conducting precision material analysis.
He also applauded the establishment of the NASENI Northwest Technology Innovation Hub located at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, describing it as a landmark project made possible through land support by NAF.
The Air Marshal noted that, Airforce is seeking greater inclusion in the governance and execution of the hub, given its role as host and technical contributor, also proposing that NASENI formally co-own the C5 Rocket Project, while urging the agency to continue leading the production of rocket body structures while exploring cost optimizations.
Furthermore, he invited NASENI to enroll its young researchers in newly developed R&D training modules at its Research and Development Institute. The request extends to a new area of partnership — capacity building in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining for Air Force technical personnel at NASENI’s Centre of Excellence.
Responding, NASENI EVC/CEO Mr. Khalil Suleman Halilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the long-standing collaboration with the Air Force, describing it as both professional and personal.
“Our partnership with the Nigerian Air Force is one of our smoothest and most productive,” he said. “We’ve achieved so much together — from reverse-engineering projects to shared innovation hubs — and we are just getting started.”
Mr. Halilu showcased NASENI’s progress in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development, drone pilot training, asset recovery programs, and its world-class CNC machining infrastructure, inviting the Air Force to take advantage of all available resources and facilities.
He emphasized NASENI’s culture of private sector collaboration as a model for cost-effective implementation while maintaining inclusive access for public institutions such as the Air Force.
Highlighting the signing of the new MoU, Mr. Halilu said the updated agreement is designed to be more structured, result-driven, and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It focuses on joint R&D, local manufacturing of aerospace and defense components, human capital development, and knowledge exchange.
“This partnership goes beyond paperwork,” Mr. Halilu noted. “It’s about building the future of Nigeria’s defense and innovation ecosystem together.”
The formal signing of the renewed MoU marked a new chapter in the strategic relationship between both institutions, setting the stage for the activation of joint action plans on the C5 Rocket Project, CNC training, defense manufacturing, and other innovation-driven initiatives.
Telecom
How Zabira is Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Financial independence is no longer a distant dream but a daily reality, especially for young entrepreneurs cashing out weekly through innovative platforms like Zabira.
From trading gift cards to paying bills with crypto-converted naira, Zabira is proving to be more than just a fintech app; it’s a complete digital marketplace designed to fuel the ambitions of the next generation of hustlers.
With users reportedly earning up to ₦150,000 weekly from ongoing campaigns, Zabira has become a go-to platform for side income and full-time digital entrepreneurship.
Its frequent cashback campaigns reward both new and existing users, allowing them to earn 2% cashback on their first crypto trade and 3% on their first gift card trade, a simple but powerful incentive that reduces entry barriers for young people stepping into digital finance.
But Zabira isn’t just about trading; it’s about everyday life. In a move to deepen its utility and promote seamless living, the platform has expanded its bill payment business unit. Users can now pay for airtime, data, electricity (PHCN), TV subscriptions, and even fund wallets for platforms like Bet9ja, all within the Zabira App.
Zabira allows users to make utility and other payments directly using crypto. For added flexibility, users can also instantly convert their crypto to naira, removing any limitations and ensuring seamless transactions without bank delays or downtime.
This subtle integration of crypto into daily transactions is a major leap forward in digital financial inclusion. It not only helps normalise the use of digital assets but also provides practical avenues for users to derive real-world value from their crypto holdings.
Zabira also understands the frustrations of online subscriptions, especially when traditional bank cards fail. Through its robust gift card marketplace, users can buy and use cards for platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Google Play, Apple, Amazon, and more.
These cards offer a reliable alternative for accessing services that are increasingly essential for both work and leisure and are especially helpful for digital creatives, remote workers, and students.
Beyond utility, the platform keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive with bonus campaigns on first-time gift card trades, creating more reasons for users to engage and earn. With every trade, Zabira positions itself not just as a service provider but as a digital enabler supporting users on their financial journey.
In a country where access to financial tools can often feel like a privilege, Zabira is leveling the playing field. Whether you’re a student looking to subscribe to an online course, a freelancer paying for tools, or a small business owner funding your daily operations, Zabira is building the infrastructure that turns these goals into everyday wins.
To get started using Zabira, users can download the app on Android and iOS devices.
Telecom
Driving Digital Inclusion: Anambra’s Mobile Tech Hub Brings Free WiFi to the People

The Geeks & Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS) has taken another bold step in supporting Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a smart, connected Anambra with the official launch of its Mobile Tech Hub- a custom-built bus bringing free WiFi directly to the people.
Fully equipped with high-speed internet, voice and data services, and backup power, the GEFAS Mobile Tech Hub can connect up to 3,000 people at rallies, campaign grounds, and public spaces: expanding the Solution WiFi initiative already live at over 26 locations across Anambra.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, flagged off the Mobile Tech Hub at a brief ceremony held on Thursday, 24th July 2025, at the Tower of Light, Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, Awka.
He was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; the Deputy Chief of Staff/Chief Protocol to the Governor, Chief Chinedu Nwoye; other senior government officials; the media; and the GEFAS community.
Dr. Ibezim, visibly excited as he inspected the hub’s features, described it as an initiative perfectly aligned with what the Governor is doing in the state.
“We don’t expect anything less from Agbata, who is a guru in this field: exactly why the Governor puts square pegs in square holes,” he said, pointing to the sophistication of the project and the Governor’s deliberate choices.
“I hear wherever this vehicle parks, people can connect freely, in line with our mantra of making Anambra a place to live, invest, work, relax, and enjoy
“I thank Agbata for this great feat and assure our government’s support to make Anambra the smart mega city we all desire
He further emphasized that this will not be a one-off.
“Mr. Governor is also working to make this permanent. We are not just going to leave you with one vehicle. So I encourage everyone: wherever you see this bus parked, connect to the free WiFi and get your job done.” he concluded.
Earlier in his remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, GEFAS Convener and MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said:
“We are here to celebrate innovation made possible by Mr. Governor’s forward-thinking policies, like waiving Right of Way (RoW) charges, which opened up fibre optic expansion and connectivity across Anambra.
“Today, various public places, student lodges, and even four higher institutions in the state already enjoy free WiFi, just as Governor Soludo promised in his People’s Manifesto.
“Now, with this Mobile Tech Hub, wherever the Governor goes during the campaign period, people can enjoy free connectivity and high-speed internet.
“All over the world, we know that when broadband expands, the economy grows.
He added, “Data is expensive these days, so this bus will bring relief to Ndi Anambra.
“Wherever you see it passing through your neighborhood, you can hop online for free- maybe download a movie, a song, or do whatever you like.
It’s a practical solution that the Solution Government is delivering. So, vote Governor Soludo, and let the Solution continue” Agbata concluded.
The bus is set to hit the road in the coming days, following Governor Soludo to campaign grounds and reaching far more neighborhoods in earnest.
With this milestone, GEFAS reaffirms its commitment to helping Anambra become the smart, connected, and prosperous state that every citizen can proudly call home.
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