General News
54gene’s ACTG Awards $64,000 Scholarship to Further Genomics Research
54gene, the health technology company advancing African genomics research for improved global health outcomes, has announced the awarding of $64,000 in scholarships to four PhD candidates in Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa.
Through the African Centre for Translational Genetics (ACTG), a non-profit initiative launched by 54gene in February 2020, the grants awarded will be used to further develop translational genomics research capacity across Africa, and will cover all expenses of the recipients during their postgraduate study.
The ACTG’s mission is to invest in the continent’s health ecosystem by empowering the next generation of African genomics scientists through the provision of scholarships, grants, fellowships, internships and training programmes. The PhD scholarship awards were the primary focus for the ACTG in 2021.
Following a three month pan-African call for applications and a rigorous selection process, four successful recipients were handpicked from a total of 46 applications and were awarded grants to advance their genomics research studies in the areas of cardiometabolic diseases, cancers, neurological diseases and sickle cell disorders.
The four candidates that have now been awarded the PhD scholarships are studying at different institutions spread across Africa – two are based at Makerere University, Uganda, one at University of Pretoria, South Africa and the last awardee is based at Covenant University in NIgeria.
- Rejoice Gomera – University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Christopher Kintu – Makerere University, Uganda
- Abimbola Onyia – Covenant University, Nigeria
- Chisom Soremekun – Makerere University, Uganda
54gene, through the ACTG in 2020, launched the NCD-GHS Consortium composed of Nigerian geneticists in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and the National Biotechnology Development Agency’s Center for Genomics Research and Innovation (NABDA-CGRI).
Preliminary findings from the Consortium’s landmark study into non-communicable and cardio-metabolic diseases were shared at the American Society of Human Genetics Conference in October, 2021.
The study found seven distinct clusters among the 50 under-studied ethnolinguistic groups in Nigeria with some groups showing evidence of shared genomic regions with northern African and European groups. In comparison to European populations, the study also replicated previous research showing lower levels of Neanderthal genome sharing in Nigerian groups.
Speaking on the scholarships, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, CEO of 54gene, said, “Developing the next generation of genomic scientists is critical in ensuring that the knowledge, resources and insights derived from homegrown research benefits not only Africans but the global population.
Access to funding as well as to our international team of genetic and bio-medical specialists is a unique opportunity for these talented African researchers who, like us, want to unlock the boundless potential offered by the human genomic diversity of African populations. The funding and available resources will put them at par with their counterparts in developed countries and make them more confident in leading future research studies.”
With over $45 million in investment raised by the company since its launch, the PhD candidates will receive up to $4,000 annually for four years, to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Recipients will have the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers at 54gene and its partner institutions (NIMR and CGRI), who are experts in genomic data science, bioinformatics and molecular genetics. Recipients will also be given access to state-of-the-art genomic technologies and the opportunity to co-publish novel findings in collaboration with these leading scientists.
Aminu Yakubu, VP Research Governance and Ethics at 54gene and ACTG representative said, “There is incredible African talent in the genomics space, but opportunities to undertake research and conduct desired tests is limited due to inadequate infrastructure. Supporting and powering pan-African genomics research, especially for non-communicable diseases, has been a key impact marker for 54gene since the company launched in 2019.
“This is why we are thrilled to offer these outstanding researchers the opportunity to carry out ground-breaking research that will contribute to future health outcomes and benefit the field of genomics research on the continent and also globally.”
Prof. Babatunde Salako, Chairman NCD-GHS Steering Committee and Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR),said, “Despite the global health crisis of the past two years, genomic science has not ceased to be important, nor have our scientists allowed their thirst for ground-breaking research to become extinguished.
“It has been a great pleasure to serve the committee by reviewing the 46 applicants, who are some of the brightest minds on the continent. This initiative is also a massive win for Africa as we deepen our efforts to become leaders in genomic research.”
As 54gene expands its operations and partnerships in the coming years, the ACTG looks forward to equally expanding the coverage of its empowerment activities to reach more research scientists in academia and research institutes.
Through these efforts, the ACTG is building on the giant precedent work undertaken by organizations like the Human Hereditary and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Consortium, and the African Academy of Sciences among others.
Ghanaian authorities have arrested 93 Nigerian nationals over alleged involvement in internet fraud and immigration violations, as the West African nation intensifies its crackdown on cross-border cybercrime networks.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led raid by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) on six houses in Devtraco Estate in Accra believed to be operating as a hub for online fraud.
In a statement, GIS spokesperson Maud Anima Quainoo said the suspects comprised 91 men and two women and were arrested during a coordinated operation targeting a suspected cybercrime ring.
“This operation targeted six houses at Devtraco Estate where officers rescued 73 victims who had reportedly endured severe abuse and torture at the hands of the suspects,” said Quainoo.
Authorities said the victims were later repatriated to Nigeria.
Investigators recovered equipment suggesting a well-organised cybercrime enterprise. Items seized included 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, counterfeit US dollar notes and fake gold bars, along with household appliances believed to have supported the group’s operations.
Preliminary investigations indicate that some suspects entered Ghana through unauthorised border crossings, while others allegedly overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry period available to citizens of Economic Community of West African States countries.
The arrests are the latest in a growing list of cybercrime crackdowns in Ghana, highlighting the country’s struggle to contain increasingly sophisticated digital fraud operations.
In January, Ghanaian authorities arrested 53 Nigerians suspected of cybercrime and rescued 44 individuals believed to have been forced into online scam operations. In December, separate raids in Greater Accra led to the arrest of dozens of suspects linked to internet fraud syndicates.
Ghana has become a target for criminal networks running schemes such as romance scams, sextortion, online investment fraud, impersonation and mobile money scams. Victims are often recruited through fake job offers or promises of overseas opportunities before being forced to operate scam accounts targeting victims in Europe, North America and Asia.
Authorities have also uncovered cases involving digital gold trading scams, where fraudsters lure victims with fake mining investments or counterfeit gold deals.
The presence of high-speed internet equipment, including routers and satellite connectivity tools in previous raids, has further highlighted how cybercrime syndicates are leveraging advanced technology to expand operations.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) in Lagos on June 25, 2026, spotlighting technology’s role in Nigeria’s development ahead of the 2027 elections.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
The high-level colloquium, themed “Leveraging Technology for Development in Nigeria, 2027–2031: Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda,” anchors WACC 2026 under the banner “Reworking Nigeria Progressively into the Digital Economy with Emerging Digital Tools.” Organized by Knowhow Media International, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa since 2004, the event also features the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2026 Recognition Ceremony.
Yilwatda, a technocrat, engineer, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and ex-Resident Electoral Commissioner, will outline the APC’s Technology and Digital Economy Blueprint as a pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The address targets stakeholders in ICT, telecom, fintech, infrastructure, and the private sector to align politics with digital growth—vital as the sector now drives over 18% of Nigeria’s GDP.
Strategic Platform Amid 2027 Elections
With polls looming in January 2027, the colloquium fosters non-partisan policy dialogue to boost economic modernization, job creation, digital inclusion, and youth engagement. Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa praised Yilwatda as “a scholar and seasoned technocrat” whose public service bolsters Nigeria’s digital shift.
Elite Audience Drives Action
Expected attendees include:
CEOs of ICT/telecom firms (network operators, data centres, ISPs)
Financial leaders (banks, fintechs, insurtechs)
Regulatory heads and government officials
Professional association leaders (ICT, engineering)
Digital education CEOs, venture capitalists, startups, and academics
This group shapes Nigeria’s digital agenda, turning vision into outcomes.
Governors Invited as Key Partners
State governors receive special invitations as guests and partners, emphasizing sub-national roles in digital infrastructure and inclusion. Benefits include:
Pitching state priorities to investors during sessions.
Positioning states for digital infrastructure, smart governance, skills, and entrepreneurship.
Networking with ICT/telecom leaders for PPPs.
Media visibility via coverage, interviews, and platforms.
Profiling in the Nigeria Digital Economy Report 2026.
Exclusive events like the industry colloquium, awards, and leaders’ lunch.
Knowhow Media CEO Olusegun Oruame said governors’ involvement will spur jobs, infrastructure, and prosperity.
WACC’s Enduring Impact
Over two decades, WACC has linked policy with innovation. Dr. Sola Afolabi, WACC Chairman, highlighted its role in elevating political voices for Nigeria’s growth.
Knowhow Media International leads Africa’s tech intelligence via events and publications.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, Managing Director of Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, before Justice Mojisola Dada at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and forgery involving $1.5 million.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement issued Wednesday, naming both Immanuel and his company as defendants.
The EFCC alleged that between April 2022 and October 2023, the defendants induced Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited to invest $1.5 million in purported petroleum ventures, including “Cash and or Capital Cost in Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited” and shares in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited.
Count one states: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL and INTERMEDIATE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED… with intent to defraud, induced Adebisi Adebutu… to deposit the total sum of $1,500,000… on the understanding that R28 Holdings Limited will be reimbursed the investment amount, paid a development capital fee of $2,250,000, and allotted 22.4% shares… which representation you knew to be false.”
Count two accuses Immanuel of forging a “TERM SHEET” purportedly executed by Sherrif Oluwo and Olaniran Osotuyi to facilitate the fraud between April 2022 and April 2025.
Immanuel pleaded not guilty.
Prosecution counsel Babatunde Sonoiki sought a trial date and remand in INTERPOL custody pending investigations. The court heard allegations that defence counsel Oluseun Awonuga, SAN, assaulted colleague Emenike Mgbemele on March 2 while serving processes.
Awonuga raised a preliminary objection citing a Federal High Court order barring EFCC arrest, but the prosecution argued it applied only to a prior civil case. Justice Dada adjourned to May 7, 2026, for ruling, ordering Immanuel remanded in INTERPOL custody before transfer to a correctional centre for bail hearing.
This case underscores EFCC’s intensified fraud crackdown. In January 2026, businessman Wilson Opuwei and Dateline Energy Services Ltd. faced charges over a $550,000 scam involving fake Dual Purpose Kerosene allocation.
In March 2026, Obiajulu Emeka Emmanuel received a one-year sentence, N1 million fine, and property forfeiture for an $850,000 fraud at Lagos High Court.
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