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SystemSpecs Makes Case for Broadband Penetration to Deepen Financial Inclusion

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SystemSpecs, has supported calls by stakeholders in Nigeria’s business ecosystem for increased broadband penetration to deepen financial inclusion as a means of social and economic transformation in the country.

SystemSpecs Makes Case for Broadband Penetration to Deepen Financial Inclusion

This was affirmed recently by ‘Deremi Atanda, SystemSpecs’ executive director,  when he served as a speaker at the annual Bullion Lecture, organised by the Centre for Financial Journalism (CFJ), which held both virtually and physically in Lagos.

According to a 2018 World Bank report, financial inclusion means that individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs, including payments, savings and credit in a responsible and sustainable way.

A Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report had stated that a one per cent increase in financial inclusion increases real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita by 3.6 per cent.

“We must continue to focus on those things we regard as national issues. If we say financial inclusion is an opportunity to bring the economically disadvantaged persons into the economic network that can improve their lives, then it should be at the forefront of all we do,” Atanda said.

He said although the Central bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission and other relevant government agencies have done a lot in improving financial inclusion, there was still a lot to be done.

“How do we leverage technology to make sure that disadvantaged Nigerians can have their quality of lives improved and a sense of belonging as Nigerians? What are the strategies to ensure that the average Nigerian can be economically empowered?” he asked.

Strongly recommending that stakeholders begin to more actively consider the country’s burgeoning fintech community as a key contributor to the attainment of the desired financial inclusion goals, he said the digital economy is an enabler of social transformation and economic empowerment.

Further in his comments, Atanda analysed the interception between broadband penetration and financial inclusion as well as the consequence on socio-economic improvement, saying “As we deepen the collaboration between stakeholders within and outside government, we need to know what has worked what is not working and what needs to be done differently.”

“I think there is still a lot more to be done. The engagement of regulators and non-governmental stakeholders should be very clear and be continuously progressive,” Atanda added.

According to Professor Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and keynote speaker at the event, in Nigeria, only 58.5 per cent of the adult population were financially included, participating in the formal economy as of 2016. Nigeria had a target of 80 percent financial inclusion by the end of 2020.

The NCC boss highlighted a number of initiatives being implemented by the commission to deepen the frontiers of digital access to financial inclusion. These include pervasive broadband drive, unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) integration, SIM registration and subscriber database audit, new numbering plan, MoU with the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) on mobile money, collaboration with other institutions, and addressing risks associated with digital financial services.

Another speaker at the event, Chizor Malize, CEO of the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), spoke about the importance of building digital infrastructure in order to grow the economy. She analysed how technology and telecommunications infrastructure have deepened development in the society.

“The importance of digital connectivity is seen in areas where government, individuals, organisations, communities and other stakeholders are connected in a way that engagement and interaction are easier,” Malize said.


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Nigeria Recovers $52.88m in Assets Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke

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Federal government has received $52.88m recovered Galactica assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke from the USA.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi disclosed this at the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America in Abuja on Friday, January 10.

While speaking at the ceremony, Fagbemi explained that $50m of the recovered assets will be deployed through the World Bank to the development of the rural electrification project and the remaining $2m will be deployed to the International Institute of Justice to expand the Justice system and also counter corruption.

Speaking further, Fagbemi noted that the asset return marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law

He said the event is also a significant effort by President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of corruption.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills called for the monitoring and effectively utilizing the recovered assets by the Ministry of Justice to benefit Nigerians.

Diezani served as Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.


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TikTok Announces Plans to Cease Operations in the U.S. by January 19, 2025

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TikTok has officially announced plans to cease its operations in the United States by January 19, 2025.

“Absent such relief, the Act will take effect on January 19, 2025,” TikTok said in a Dec. 9 legal filing. “That would shut down TikTok—one of the Nation’s most popular speech platforms for its more than 170 million domestic monthly users on the eve of a presidential inauguration.”

Last year, President Joe Biden signed into law, a legislation to remove TikTok from U.S. app stores and prohibit internet providers across the nation from allowing access to the platform if ByteDance cannot sell to an American company by Jan. 19.

The legislation was put in place amid concerns of China possibly using TikTok to spy on U.S. residents.

In response, TikTok filed an emergency motion for an injunction to stop the ban from taking effect, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and will generate “substantial losses,” per legal documents.

The Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments on Jan. 10 over whether or not the law should be upheld.

Meanwhile, several entrepreneurs have launched a bid to purchase TikTok, including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary.

“This isn’t just about buying TikTok’s U.S. assets,” he wrote in a Jan. 6 message on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users.”

O’Leary continued, “It’s about empowering creators and small businesses. And it’s about building a platform that prioritizes PEOPLE over algorithms. TikTok has immense potential, not just as a tool for creators but as a driver of meaningful economic and social impact.”

However, O’Leary said he’ll likely need an assist from President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn into office on Jan. 20.

“Trump will be who we have to work with to close the deal in the months ahead,” he explained during a Jan. 6 appearance on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum, per The Wrap. “So, I wanted to let him know—as well as others in his cabinet—that we’re doing this, and we’re going to need their help.”


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Transform Your Health with QNET’s BELITE 123: The Ultimate Weight Management Solution

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With the start of a new year, many of us set ambitious goals to improve our health and manage our weight. While resolutions often fade, QNET’s LifeQode BELITE 123 stands as a proven, reliable companion on the journey to sustainable health.

A well-established product trusted by thousands worldwide, BELITE 123 offers a holistic and science-backed approach to weight management that goes beyond quick fixes to support lasting well-being.

Irfan Aziz from Kuwait is one of many who have experienced life-changing results with BELITE 123. “After years of struggling with my weight, BELITE 123 made all the difference.

“I initially lost 2 kg, which kept me motivated; now I’ve shed 12.4 kg in total! But it’s not just about the weight—my mental clarity, sleep quality, and overall emotional balance have improved significantly,” Irfan shares. “BELITE 123 takes the ‘T’ out of Can’t!”

A Proven Formula for New Year Success

With its three-step system, BELITE 123 has become a cornerstone of health for individuals looking to stay fit and energized, even during festive seasons and indulgent celebrations. Each component is meticulously designed to support the body’s natural processes:

• BELITE 01 (Green Tea & Kaffir Lime): Boosts metabolism and helps regulate blood pressure.

• BELITE 02 (African Mango): Reduces appetite and supports cholesterol management, with studies showing a 27.3% reduction in LDL.

• BELITE 03 (Peppermint & Cinnamon): Detoxifies, improves digestion, and promotes restful sleep.

This effective system allows users to embrace healthier habits without sacrificing enjoyment. Whether it’s savoring holiday treats or maintaining daily routines, BELITE 123 supports a balanced lifestyle year-round.

A Long-Term Commitment to Wellness

Trevor Kuna, QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, underscores the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to health. “Weight management isn’t just a resolution; it’s a lifestyle.

“BELITE 123 is built to help people achieve their health goals by integrating seamlessly into daily life.

“It’s not about quick fixes but creating long-lasting habits that lead to better health and greater vitality.”

Kuna emphasizes that the secret to BELITE 123’s success lies in its holistic approach. “Our product doesn’t just target weight loss; it addresses overall well-being, which is key to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life,” he adds.

Easy to Follow, Backed by Science

The BELITE 123 system is simple to incorporate into even the busiest lifestyles:

1. BELITE 01: Drink after breakfast to jumpstart your metabolism.

2. BELITE 02: Take before lunch to curb appetite and support fat burning.

3. BELITE 03: Drink after dinner to cleanse and detoxify overnight.

With natural ingredients sourced from Asia, Africa, and Europe, BELITE 123 combines ancient wisdom with modern science to deliver sustainable results.

Its global following is a testament to its effectiveness and the trust it has earned over the years.

Renew Your Commitment to Health This Year

As we step into 2025, BELITE 123 offers a trusted solution for anyone looking to take charge of their health. It’s more than just a product; it’s a partner on your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Let BELITE 123 help you turn your resolutions into reality—and sustain them throughout the year.


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