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UNN Set to Host Maiden Edition of National Innovation Summit

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University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has announced that it’s organizing National Innovation Summit tagged “Venture Cup Nigeria” aimed to stimulate students of tertiary institutions to start thinking of innovation and entrepreneurship as the way to go in the wake of the fourth industrial revolution.

 

Dr. Jude Chukwu, Director of Innovation, University of Nigeria, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, in Lagos.

 

According to the statement, “University of Nigeria Nsukka has become a model university in setting the pace in technological innovation in Nigeria having established the first university-based Science Park ‘Lion Science Park’;  the first university-based incubator hub, ‘Roar Nigeria Hub’ and the first university-based laptop assembly line, ‘Lion Gadgets and Technologies Ltd’”.

 

The National Innovation Summit which will hold at the campus of University of Nigeria Nsukka from 6th to 8th of June, 2019, is first-ever university-led competition for start-ups.

 

The start-up competition will guarantee seed funding of various amounts to be won as prizes at regional and national levels.

 

Winner at the Grand finale takes home an equity free funding of One Million Naira (N1,000,000); while the first runner-up and second runner-up will win  Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) and Three Hundred Naira (N300,000) respectively.

 

At the (six) geopolitical zonal levels: winners, first runners-up and second runners-up will go home with Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000), One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000) and One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) respectively.

 

Professor Benjamin C. Ozumba, Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka and Chairman Board of Directors, Lion Science Park, stated that the major goal of the Venture Cup Nigeria competition is to stimulate students of tertiary institutions to begin to think innovation and entrepreneurship as the way to go and to be competitive in the wake of the fourth industrial revolution.

 

He added that the prizes are to support student-led innovative ideas to takeoff. This will aid easy identification of promising startups for innovation across the tertiary institutions in Nigeria”, he stated.

 

Chinwe Okoli, Manager, Lion Science Park, announced that “the competition is open to innovative ideas from all sectors and for students from all higher institutions in Nigeria.

 

“However, the best ideas for this competition need to be technology-enabled. This is to encourage the use of technology in providing innovative solutions.

 

Commenting on the Lion Science Park Marathon, she stated that Run to innovate is a symbolic exercise to clear our heads and unleash the energy for big innovative ideas. It will hold in Nsukka.

 

“Join the race for the future! The Run to Innovate Marathon also have prizes to be won – fifty thousand naira (N50,000); Thirty Thousand naira (N30,000) and Twenty thousand naira (N20,000) for  the first, second and third positions respectively. There will be lots of consolation prizes as well”.

 

Dr. Jude Chukwu, Director of Innovation, University of Nigeria, further revealed that the 2019 UNN-National Innovation Summit theme is‘Catching-up with the Fourth Industrial Revolution:

 

The Role of Innovation’ aims to inspire and facilitate dialogue on the smart, safe, sustainable and innovative ways of ensuring a paradigm shift to a knowledge-based, collaborative and entrepreneurial economy as the country prepares for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

 

The Innovation Summit will play host to policy makers, top entrepreneurs, student entrepreneurs, government representatives, MDAs, innovation hubs and accelerators, innovation networks, business moguls, angel investors, international organizations, donor agencies, researchers/academics, innovators, inventors, start-ups etc.

 

The application for the first ever Venture Cup Competition closes on 15th May, 2019. To apply, visithttp://bit.ly/VentureCupNg

 

For Lion Science Park Marathon, apply via the link http://bit.ly/LionScienceParkMarathon

 

Register to attend the summit: http://bit.ly/UNNInnovationSummit

 

 


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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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Anambra Deepens Digital Reforms, Eyes Top Ranking in Ease of Doing Business

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From Angela Nwanodu

Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to building a tech-driven and business friendly environment.

The State Government led by His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR reiterated the commitment at the maiden State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) technical session and statewide town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, held at the International Conference Center, Awka.

The event formed part of the nationwide tour by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), bringing federal reform champions face-to-face with state officials, private sector leaders, and the business community.

In his remarks, Governor Soludo who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, welcomed the PEBEC team and stakeholders, describing the session as timely and essential.

He stressed that Anambra’s business reforms are deliberate and data-driven, echoing Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR’s belief that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”

Governor Soludo reaffirmed that although Anambra currently ranks 7th nationally and leads the South East on ease of doing business, the state views reforms as an ongoing, measurable process grounded in technology, planning, and accountability.

Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, DG of PEBEC, in her goodwill remarks delivered via video, described the SABER programme, a $750 million World Bank-supported initiative, as a transformative partnership co-designed to help states implement global standards and create easier, more transparent business environments.

She stressed that while designing reforms matters, real impact comes from effectively implementing them, with states as the true engines of economic growth.

The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, in her opening remarks, emphasized that with over 98% of Anambra’s wealth held by the private sector, government reforms must be deliberate and responsive.

She noted that under Governor Soludo’s leadership, Anambra has remained intentional about ensuring businesses face fewer obstacles and enjoy a competitive edge.

During the technical session, PEBEC reform leaders Ohiemi Gabriel, Ifeanyi Icheke, and Oluwatofunmi Odunladi commended Anambra’s reform champions for their consistent efforts in reporting, as well as the state government’s resolve which earned the state 7th place nationally and first in the South East in 2021 and 2023.

They encouraged Anambra to deepen its reforms ahead of the next ranking in December 2025, which will spotlight top-performing states and most improved states, alongside tailored recommendations for investors.

The highlight of the event was the panel discussion and town hall meeting anchored by the PEBEC team, featuring members of the State Executive Council as panelists, including the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA; Commissioners for Industry, Lands, Power and Water Resources; MD of ANSIPPA; and MD of ASBA.

During this session, panelists discussed how technology is central to Anambra’s reform agenda. They spotlighted initiatives like the ANAMGIS (Anambra Geographic Information System), which digitizes land processes; the Grievance Redress Mechanism that swiftly addresses investor concerns; the adoption of the .anambrastate.gov.ng domain to standardize official digital communications and strengthen trust in government services; and the ongoing expansion of fiber ducts to enable 5G connectivity, all reflecting the administration’s “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” vision.

The conversation also highlighted Solution Lens, a civic engagement platform designed to deepen citizen participation and transparency by allowing residents to track and report on government projects across the state.

Together with strategic projects like road constructions which are deliberate efforts by Governor Soludo to inter- connect Anambra State for easy moving round in doing business.

These reforms aim to enhance transparency, and position Anambra as a smarter, investor-friendly state

As Anambra prepares for the next PEBEC evaluation, government and stakeholders reiterated their resolve to keep reforms measurable, digital-led, and investor-focused

With technology and intentional governance at its heart, Anambra State is strengthening its position as a modern hub where businesses can invest, scale, and thrive.


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MTN’s Karl Toriola and Business Leaders Champion Corporate Climate Reform

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In a defining step toward sustainable transformation, Nigeria has officially joined the global Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), a platform empowering corporate board members to take decisive climate action.

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The initiative’s virtual launch drew a dynamic mix of leaders—former ambassadors, government officials, business executives, and climate advocates from across Africa and beyond.

Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, Chair of the CGI Nigeria Advisory Board, welcomed attendees with a call to reimagine corporate leadership: climate risks, she noted, should no longer be treated as external issues—they must be integrated into strategic decision-making. She pointed to green finance, regenerative agriculture, and circular business models as key areas of opportunity.

Echoing that sentiment, MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, warned that climate challenges already influence everything from access to capital to long-term competitiveness. “Climate risk directly affects our bottom line. It’s no longer optional to care—it’s necessary,” he said.

Toriola detailed how MTN has embedded climate governance at the core of its operations. From energy-efficient innovations like solar-powered towers and motion-sensor lighting to a nationwide battery and device recycling program, MTN is actively reducing its environmental footprint. Crucially, all executive performance indicators now include sustainability goals—with incentives tied to measurable impact.

He didn’t shy away from the hard truth: genuine climate progress will require sacrifice. “You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs,” he said, urging corporate leaders to prioritize climate resilience even when it’s inconvenient or costly.

As CGI Nigeria joins a growing global network of corporate climate advocates, the message is clear—business leadership must go beyond profit to steward environmental accountability. From the boardroom to rural infrastructure, Nigeria’s private sector has a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.


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Save & Win: FCMB Promo Makes 12 Millionaires, Over 3,000 Winners

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First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has rewarded 3,016 customers in Season 10 of its ongoing Millionaire Promo. So far, 12 customers have won the top prize of ₦1 million each, while 3,004 others have received different cash rewards.

The winners were selected through electronic draws held between January and June, ensuring broad participation. The promo is open to new and existing savings account holders and ends in September.

During the fifth draw held on June 17, four additional customers won the star prize of ₦1 million each, with 112 others also receiving cash prizes. The latest millionaires include Ranti Badmos from Lagos, Wilson Onoezikome in Kaduna, Esther Obafemi in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Israel Oruma in Asaba, Delta State.

Israel Oruma, a timber merchant, expressed his delight at winning, saying the prize would significantly support his business.

“This is a pleasant surprise. I have been facing financial challenges recently. The ₦1 million will go a long way in assisting me. I’m investing it in my business and will encourage all my staff, family, and friends to open an account with the Bank. Thank you, FCMB.”

Adetunji Lamidi, Divisional Head of Personal Banking at FCMB, said the Millionaire Promo reflects the bank’s broader mission to enable financial security and opportunity for everyday Nigerians.

“At a time when many are facing economic pressure, savings-driven initiatives like this shift the focus from getting by to making progress. It gives people a reason to save, rewards loyalty, and shows that banking helps create real-life impact.”

Speaking on the integrity of the selection process, Oyinkan Kusamotu, Principal Legal Officer at the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, stated: “It’s great to witness FCMB’s commitment to compliance, fairness, and transparency throughout the draw process, which builds trust with customers and stakeholders.”

To qualify for Season 10 of the FCMB Millionaire Promo, customers must increase their account balance by at least ₦10,000 and maintain it for 30 days to enter the monthly and seasonal draws. Each additional ₦10,000 saved increases the customer’s chances of winning. Dormant or inactive account holders can also participate by reactivating their accounts. Draws are held nationwide, giving everyone a fair opportunity to win.


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