Broadcasting
5G Connectivity Holds Enormous Potential to Advance Innovation and Economic Development in Nigeria – Carvalho
Julia Carvalho is the General Manager for IBM Growth Markets in Africa. Julia is responsible for IBM’s business operations, growing the partner ecosystem and driving client satisfaction across multiple regions. She has an extensive experience in the IT and energy industry.
Julia Carvalho, General Manager for IBM Growth Markets in Africa
Prior to her appointment as General Manager, IBM Growth Markets, Africa Ms. Carvalho held the position of General Manager for Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde and Sao Tome. She helped expand IBM’s footprint and led the digital transformation journeys of clients around our key strategic imperatives of Hybrid Cloud and AI.
Before joining IBM, Ms. Carvalho held led sales at Halliburton – Landmark Software and Services and previously served as a Professor and Researcher at the University of Lisbon. In prior roles, Ms. Carvalho was a consultant with Sonangol P&P and Sonagas and led the Natural Resources business unit at Sinfic in Angola.
In this interview with Nigeria Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reporter, Carvalho spoke on growth of 5G in Sub- Saharan Africa, and the role of Edge computing in digital transformation in Nigeria . Excerpts.
Could you share with us the role of IBM Edge Computing in digital transformation in Nigeria?
5G growth in the region is expected to develop rapidly in the second half of the decade and continue into the 2030s. This will have economic impact on Nigeria’s GDP and contribute to overall growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The greatest benefit will be the contribution to innovation and economic development and IBM believes 5G connectivity has enormous potential to advance industries ranging from streaming and communications to advanced robotics and manufacturing. The complexity of telco networks today and the speed of change has made management and control of infrastructure extremely painful. It is clear the tools, systems and methods of managing networks today are simply not fit for purpose for the network of tomorrow.
To advance the rollout of 5G connectivity worldwide, communications services providers (CSPs) are turning to AI-powered automation and network orchestration to improve the control and management of networking to deliver faster customer experiences. Innovations like network slicing allow organizations to set service levels for each device appropriate to their use of the network. For example, an autonomous vehicle can be supported by very low latency while an HD video camera can be allocated high bandwidth. AI has the potential to quickly enable changes in the network that optimize network performance and reliability by applying machine learning, helping CSPs deliver on the promise of 5G.
Edge computing will offer Nigeria’s companies a more efficient alternative by processing and analysing data closer to the point where it’s created. Because data does not traverse over a network to a cloud or data center to be processed, latency is significantly reduced. Edge computing — and mobile edge computing on 5G networks — enables faster and more comprehensive data analysis, creating the opportunity for deeper insights, faster response times and improved performance and data security, and enhance customer experiences in the region.
Nigeria has licensed 5G operators who are yet to roll out services, how ready is the market for 5G services in terms of device availability?
Nigeria is progressing well in the rollout of 5G with the completion of the spectrum allocation. The next step will be to put the right infrastructure in place for networks to handle the immense numbers of connected devices. As the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, has said, a collective effort is required toward Nigeria realizing the full benefits of the 5G rollout.
This is why we are more than happy to partner with the Nigerian government and the respective telcos to help with the successful rollout of 5G in the country. Beyond providing pipelines and bandwidth, we’re making edge services and 5G happen by delivering the capabilities, expertise and outcomes that our customers demand at scale, more securely and efficiently with our hybrid cloud architecture – IBM Cloud for Telecommunications. We are able to help telecoms deploy and modernize their core networks while giving telcos access to our rich ecosystem of partners for add-on solutions and use cases that fit the specific needs of the individual telco.
We also have a long history of working with the world’s largest telcos to help drive their digital transformation as they modernize workloads. In fact, 83% of the world’s telcos are IBM clients.
5G adoption brings about increased data generation and need for storage. How can these data be managed effectively?
It is true that 5G adoption will increase data generation. Be it audio, video, sensory or telemetry, every device produces data every second, and it is estimated that 2.5 exabytes of data are produced each day. Those bytes need to be stored somewhere, otherwise, they get discarded since many devices can store little or no data. So, what do we do with all that data and where do you store it?
In one of our recent studies, 74% of CEOs believe cloud computing will be the most helpful technology for their organization to deliver results over the next 2-3 years. As a result, we are laser-focused on the $1 trillion hybrid-cloud opportunities and we are investing in open innovation and security. Already, less than 25% of workloads have moved to the cloud, which leaves a majority still to migrate to the cloud.
IBM is the leader in the new era of hybrid cloud with full-stack capabilities including an AI-enabled software portfolio that has been retooled with open technologies. Our approach to cloud storage is to give clients the freedom of working on multiple clouds allowing them to “build once, deploy anywhere” – on-premise, at the edge, on any cloud, from any vendor. As our clients are not only looking to store their data but gain insights from it, our software is infused with enterprise-grade AI from Watson, which can be applied to their data, no matter where it lives.
We see this as unique from all other cloud providers – who claim to have “hybrid cloud offerings” – but require clients to move their data to their public cloud to take advantage of data management. At the same time, we see other providers and hyperscalers as our partners because, in order to leverage innovation happening with cloud and AI, clients need a platform that can run across every major cloud provider. This is what IBM’s hybrid cloud platform delivers.
What are you doing differently from what data centres offer organisations?
As I mentioned previously, we don’t just offer hybrid-cloud solutions to our partners, we offer an ecosystem of products and solutions that allows our partners to bring value and to their clients.
Our partners often operate in complex, multi-national and highly regulated industries, and we understand the importance of embedding security and compliance across all platforms – including public clouds and on-premises – to harness the power of cloud.
For example, some of Africa’s major banks, including Nigeria’s United Bank of Africa, have turned to us for our hybrid cloud and AI capabilities to unlock digital innovation and continue their work to develop digital-first solutions, ultimately aiming to broaden access to financial services. Banks face unique challenges when it comes to balancing innovation and regulatory compliance. We have utilised IBM’s extensive experience and leadership in security and data privacy in the financial services industry to fuel transformation by helping banks modernize, transform their operations, and offer innovation to their customers. We are able to achieve this through intelligent, cloud-based, digital-first innovation built on our hybrid cloud and AI capabilities
What have you put in-place to ensure that sensitive data stored with you are well protected?
Security is at the heart of our enterprise cloud adoption solutions. IBM has earned the trust of our clients by responsibly managing their most valuable data for more than a century.
And as the battle for consumer trust takes place on multiple fronts, from the ability to make decisions understandable and explainable to providing consumers with confidence that their personal data is being protected against cyberattacks – telcos will continue to invest in cybersecurity and AI will play an even more crucial role in helping identify and respond to threats more efficiently, as they move towards a “zero trust” approach to further reduce risks.
We’re already witnessing this shift as telcos recognize the importance of security as a fundamental element to their transformation – 87 percent of CEO’s in Nigeria said data security being embedded throughout the cloud architecture is important or extremely important, in most cases, to successful digital initiatives.
A hybrid cloud model keeps telcos in control of their data by infusing enterprise level security in all aspects of the workflows they manage, as well as for those of customers and partners. With an open hybrid cloud approach, telcos can safely monetize their data because they can continue to own the keys to it, maintain control over privacy settings and integrate security and compliance across the breadth of their IT workloads.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible, responsive and sustainable access to creative works in the digital environment, in a manner that balances the interests of all stakeholders within the copyright and knowledge ecosystem.
Dr. John Asein, Director-General, NCC, made this known while receiving a delegation from the Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, led by its President, Mr. Olushola Olaniyan, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters. The visit was aimed at exploring potential areas of collaboration between the two organisations.
Dr. Asein acknowledged the significant role Wikimedia plays in making knowledge and information widely accessible, while stressing the need for responsible use of copyright-protected works in the digital space.
He noted that although the Commission may not endorse unrestricted open access to all creative works, it supports responsible access that ensures a fair balance between public interest and the rights of creators.
He encouraged Wikimedia, other digital platform operators, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to promote the responsible use of the copyright system to safeguard the interests of rights holders and strengthen the knowledge economy.
Dr. Asein cautioned the public that freely available doesn’t mean that creative works online are all free. “We want to see more people buy into the responsible use of copyright system in the digital space, in a manner that will further edify right owners and keep the knowledge cycles running for the good of all stakeholders” he stressed.
The DG also highlighted the importance of the public domain and assured that the Commission will continue to draw attention to its value, as part of a broader effort to help all parties benefit from the copyright framework. He further briefed the Wikimedia delegation on key provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022, including updates on the NCC’s e-Registration System, copyright duration, compulsory licensing, and the protection of folklore and cultural heritage.
In response, Mr. Olaniyan expressed appreciation to the NCC management and staff for their ongoing work in strengthening Nigeria’s copyright landscape. He reaffirmed Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation’s commitment to supporting the Commission’s efforts to advance and protect the nation’s creative and knowledge economy.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on potential areas of collaboration, including joint copyright awareness campaigns, digital space engagement, and enlightenment training sessions.
The Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, an affiliate of the Wikimedia Foundation Inc., is dedicated to promoting free knowledge and open access to information by encouraging the creation and dissemination of locally relevant content under open licenses such as Creative Commons.
Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has responded to recent apprehensions suggesting a resurgence of heavy-handed regulation and arbitrary enforcement in the State’s outdoor advertising sector. While acknowledging the concerns, LASAA sought to reaffirm its commitment to regulatory fairness, industry professionalism and the sustainable growth of outdoor advertising in Lagos.
Refuting claims that LASAA intends to “wield the big stick,” the Agency drew attention to its longstanding practice of fostering dialogue and partnership with industry stakeholders.
Prince Fatiu Akiolu, Managing Director of the Agency stated, “The era of mutual suspicion is firmly behind us,” adding that the Agency “regularly convenes stakeholder fora, maintains cordial relationships with industry players, offers concessions such as discounts on vacant billboard charges and seeks stakeholders input before making major policy decisions.”
Prince Akiolu clarified that LASAA does not compete with private operators commercially. Instead, it manages a limited number of state-approved advertising structures primarily reserved to amplify government programmes, public awareness initiatives and regulatory oversight. These, with the Agency’s core mandate focusing on orderliness, public safety, and environmental aesthetics.
He said these efforts aim to serve the broader interests of Lagos residents and reiterated that the Agency’s core mandate remains the enforcement of orderliness, public safety and environmental aesthetics within the state.
On licensing, the Managing Director explained that stringent criteria ensure only qualified practitioners operate in the market. Addressing concerns about billboard oversupply, particularly around military and police formations where illegal structures are common, he noted that LASAA has imposed a moratorium on new registrations and permits since early 2025. “This moratorium intends to uphold industry integrity and elevate professional standards.”
Prince Fatiu explained that, “the Agency’s Health and Safety team actively verifies that outdoor installations meet engineering and safety benchmarks to mitigate risks to life and property.”
He noted that LASAA’s regulatory approach is primarily preventive rather than punitive and relies on monitoring, early warnings and corrective interventions, with enforcement used only when absolutely necessary.
Acknowledging ongoing challenges such as violations of spacing, setback and structural regulations, the MD attributed these mainly to lapses in operator compliance rather than regulatory overreach. He urged stakeholders, including the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and licensed professionals, to strengthen self-regulation and collaborate in reporting infractions to enhance Lagos’s safety, visual appeal and economic vibrancy.
To prevent a relapse into disorder, LASAA has launched a comprehensive enforcement and cleanup operation targeting unlawful advertising installations to restore urban order and protect public interests. Prince Fatiu stressed the essential role outdoor advertising plays in defining Lagos’s visual identity and called for responsible industry stewardship.
He reiterated LASAA’s commitment to maintaining a balanced regulatory framework that ensures oversight while supporting industry sustainability. This approach aims to create a transparent environment that safeguards investments and enhances the city’s aesthetics.
The Managing Director reassured the public and outdoor advertising professionals that LASAA’s mandate is not to stifle growth or punish legitimate operators but to ensure a fair, regulated and sustainable outdoor advertising sector in Lagos. He reaffirmed his dedication to nurturing an environment that protects investments, safeguards the public and enhances the beauty of Lagos.
Broadcasting
BBNaija Housemates Pick Tinsel, Princess on a Hill, and My Flatmates as Must-Watch Shows on Showmax
Big Brother Naija Season 10 is now in its fourth week, and it’s already been a rollercoaster, packed with unexpected twists, bold new strategies, and all-round entertainment that has kept us glued to our screens.
The season kicked off with 29 housemates, with KayiKunmi, Danboskid, Ibifubara and Otega now evicted and Sabrina making a voluntary exit. Ships have sailed, sunk, and more are on the way. In short, it has been an exciting season of 10/10 drama.
Before stepping into the house, the housemates curated a list of their top shows to watch on Showmax, placing popular Nigerian shows like Tinsel, Princess on a Hill and My Flatmates at the top of their watch list.
Leading the pack is Tinsel. Considered Nigeria’s longest-running drama, the soap opera weaves a story of drama, romance, betrayal, and triumph, all set against the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Nigeria’s film industry. With standout performances from Nollywood veterans like Ireti Doyle, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, the late Victor Olaotan, and breakout stars like Gideon Okeke and Linda Ejiofor, its spot on the list is incontestable.
Joining Tinsel is the Showmax Original, Princess on a Hill (POAH), a Showmax original that delivers high-stakes drama in a corporate setting. The story follows Zara Osara (Onyinye Odokoro), an underdog who wins a reality show only to find herself thrust into the most powerful boardroom in the country. Tasked with salvaging the very company that gave her fame, Zara must navigate ruthless corporate politics and stand her ground against the merciless CEO, Moyosore Lawson (Bimbo Manuel). It’s thrilling and reminiscent of the drama many Nigerians face in the corporate world.
For a perfect balance between reality and comedy, My Flatmates brings the laughs with a tale centred around four friends navigating adulting, relationships, and rent money in Lagos. Featuring comic heavyweights like Basketmouth, Okey Bakassi, and Buchi, it’s equal parts witty and ridiculous.
While the housemates love their fair share of homegrown dramas, acclaimed international series also made their lists. Sci-fi epics like Dune, with its surreal visuals, and fantasy period dramas like Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon dominated the list as well. Meanwhile, for lovers of unscripted drama, the housemates recommended shows like Nelly & Ashanti, Love Island USA and The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Even though the housemates are cut off from the world, their taste is reflective of what Nigerians love to watch. From nostalgic classics to hilarious comedy dramas, Showmax has it all and more.
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