E-Business
Winners Emerge in Microsoft’s 9japps Challenge

Microsoft Nigeria has announced winners in the Windows Phone category of the inaugural 9japps Competition, a local app development contest for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 applications.
The competition aims to empower the next generation of Nigerian developers (students, entrepreneurs and independent developers) by helping them drive innovation and grow the local software ecosystem.
At an event held at Co-Creation Hub Nigeria in Lagos, winners were announced for the best locally-relevant apps in the Windows Phone category.
Akinsete Sunday and Adedoyin Kazeem who both developed ‘CINEMAZ’, an app that enables you buy movie tickets online thereby removing the stress of queuing for such, and also allows you view any paid for movie without going to sit in the cinema hall was named the overall winner and were awarded the sum of N750, 000 for their app.
Bukola Akinfaderin, second place winner, also went home with the sum of N500, 000 while the 3rd place winners all received Windows Phone devices.
“I’m excited to see Nigeria’s talented developers showcase their great work and focus on developing locally-relevant apps”, said Dele Akinsade, director Developer Platforms for Microsoft Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. “We strongly believe in the potential of Nigerians to not only solve the challenges facing their country, but in doing so, to solve challenges that affect people across the globe”.
Over 120 developers from across Nigeria entered the competition, which is one of Microsoft’s initiatives to support the local developer community.
Adedoyin Kazeem, one of the first place winners said, “It feels exciting and nice at last that we can get people to share the excitement and entertainment we derived while conceiving and developing the Cinemaz app. Today, we hope, would be the beginning of great feelings for all users of the app”.
According to Bukola Akinfaderin, 2nd place winner who designed Jandus Radio, a conglomerate of radio stations on the Windows phone platform which gives users wider choice of radio stations to choose from, “I am honoured to be a winner in the competition. I have a determination to improve the features for Jandus Radio and also work on a version for Windows 8. I appreciate Microsoft’s support for the developer community”.
Following on the heels of this awards ceremony, on a date to be announced soon, winner of the grand prize of a Kia Rio car in the Windows 8 category would be selected at a keenly contested event which will be witnessed and deliberated by technology experts, developers and the media.
As part of the 4Afrika Initiative, launched in February 2013, Microsoft is investing in Africa’s youth and developer community, both of which it believes will be key to driving local innovation and economic development on the continent. The 4Afrika Initiative is built on the belief that technology can accelerate growth for Africa, and Africa can also accelerate technology for the world.
Tunji Elesho Pre-Incubation and Research Lead for Co-Creation Hub added that “The Microsoft 4Afrika initiative is a laudable one which seeks to empower Africans. The entire plethora of what Microsoft is bringing is massive”.
Microsoft also hosts a global student developer competition every year, known as Imagine Cup, and locally hosts regular Microsoft Dev Camps, which provide an opportunity for developers to learn from experts, network with each other and practically apply what they have learnt to an IT problem. Developers can also access a variety of online training and support resources, including DreamSpark, Microsoft Virtual Academy, Microsoft Learning and BizSpark. To keep up-to-date with local developer events, developers can follow the Microsoft Africa and Microsoft Nigeria Facebook page.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Leverage Digital Assets to Drive Diversification Goal

The need to maximise local digital assets, amid dwindling Oil revenues and a struggling economy, has been reiterated by the Chief Executive Officer of Quomodo Systems Africa, Oluwole Asalu, who maintained this measure remains the path to prosperity.
Asalu, while addressing the press in Lagos, recently asserted that global shift towards digital economies, presents a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria at this time to mobilise sufficient resources towards effective governance.
He emphasised harnessing the burgeoning local digital economy to expedite national diversification goals, while break away from overdependence on oil output.
Asalu, boasted further that Nigeria’s tech-savvy, youthful population and increasing recognition from global tech giants already position its digital sector as a driver of inclusive growth and job creation.
“Nigeria’s overreliance on oil is no longer tenable. As global markets shift towards renewable energy, the urgency to diversify has never been greater. Technology stands out as the most promising avenue, not merely as a sector, but as an enabler of growth across all facets of the economy,” he explained.
According to him, Nigeria’s tech talent remains the new oil, a renewable resource with the potential for significant returns, if strategically harnessed.
Like India’s successes in information technology services, Asalu want Nigeria to tap into lucrative outsourcing industry to draw foreign investment.
“Foreign investment in Nigeria’s tech sector is rising. Programmes like Digital Explorers have led European firms such as Telesoft to establish operations in Nigeria. Tech giants like Microsoft and Facebook have followed suit, injecting capital and creating jobs,” he stated.
He again pointed to the emergence of three unicorns within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem as a breakthrough and sign of maturity.
“Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is already showing signs of maturity, with three unicorns emerging from its soil. These success stories, powered by local innovation, underscore the viability of a home-grown, world-class tech sector,” he affirmed.
He however emphasized urgent need to close existing gap in skills and infrastructure, in addition to embracing governance and collaboration to fully harness digital potential cum future.
E-Business
MRA Flags AI Concerns ahead of Press Freedom Day Today

Media Rights Agenda (MRA), has unveiled a visual brief emphasizing the critical need for responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, particularly within Nigeria’s evolving media environment.
This is coming ahead of World Press Freedom Day today.
The visual brief, developed under this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” explores the opportunities and dangers AI poses to media freedom in Nigeria and across the world.
In a statement released in Lagos by John Gbadamosi, its programme officer,MRA noted that AI is quickly changing the way news is produced and consumed, adding that it offers powerful tools that can assist journalists in analysing data, translating stories into local languages, and extend the reach of vital information, especially to underserved areas with limited media infrastructure.
Gbadamosi added that AI can help to ensure that essential news and information are also disseminated to local communities.
However, Gbadamosi warned that the same technology is being weaponised to undermine truth and press freedom, saying: “While AI can be used to advance journalism, it can just as easily be exploited to spread disinformation, create deepfakes, and drown out independent voices with algorithmically generated propaganda.”
According to him, “In Nigeria, journalists face threats that go beyond just physical dangers; such threats now also encompass digital, algorithmic, and systemic harms and challenges, which requires media professionals to ensure that AI enhances, rather than undermines, media freedom and that technology is used to promote the truth, not distort it.”
“The visual brief breaks down key concepts like misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and information overload, which are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem. It also raises concerns about AI-enabled surveillance, political manipulation, and the marginalisation of community-based journalists.”
Gbadamosi stated that the visual brief also advocates support for independent media, transparent AI regulations aligned with Nigeria’s context, increased digital literacy, and stronger accountability from tech companies regarding platform content and influence.
He therefore urged all stakeholders to advocate for responsible AI usage and a free, independent, professional and vibrant media environment in Nigeria, stressing that “when media freedom thrives, democracy lives.”
E-Business
Nigerians to Pay More for IDs as NIMC Raises Service Fees

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has raised the fees for all its products and services, including charges related to data modification on the National Identification Number (NIN) database.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, announced that the updated service fees are published on the commission’s official website.
Adegoke noted that the new pricing structure for NIMC’s services and products marks the first comprehensive review of its fees in over a decade.
The statement stated that the revised pricing is designed to align with prevailing operational costs and industry standards, while continuing to ensure that services remain accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
The statement warned its Front-End Partners (FEPs) to comply with the newly approved rates, stating that any failure to do so could attract strict sanctions, including possible license revocation.
“The new structure ensures that the quality and integrity of our services remain uncompromised. We are committed to protecting the interests of Nigerians through fair and transparent pricing,” the statement read.
NIMC urged the public to report any Front-End Partners (FEPs) found charging beyond the approved rates. Reports can be directed to the Commission’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit via email at ieu@nimc.gov.ng
It further reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure and dependable identity services. A complete list of the revised service fees can be accessed on its official website at www.nimc.gov.ng.
In a related development, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), expressed sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in enhancing the National Identity Database (NIDB).
She also extended her gratitude to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and other key partners for their pivotal roles in advancing a sustainable and effective identity management system.
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