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9PSB Board Appoints Branka Mracajac as CEO

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The Board of Directors of 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB) has announced the appointment of Branka Mracajac as the CEO designate. A seasoned Enterprise Resource Planning expert, Branka brings on board, an enviable record of accomplishments in digital financial services and risk management.

Prior to her appointment by 9PSB, Branka demonstrated her ingenuity during her stint at Digital Finance International in Russia and other markets. She is a versatile professional with top management experience of over 15 years in digital finance across 30 markets globally.

The Serbian national has worked in accelerating the adoption of digital payments and facilitated financial inclusion for various markets across Europe and other emerging markets around the world.

The Central Bank of Nigeria recently granted final approval to Nigeria’s digital lifestyle bank, 9PSB, to commence operations in fostering financial inclusion in Nigeria’s banking ecosystem.

With Branka’s leadership and experience backed by a competent and committed board of directors, 9PSB is set to deliver high-end digital banking and financial inclusion services that will make transactions easier, convenient and accessible for people of all social classes in Nigeria.

Speaking on the appointment of Branka, the Chairman, Board of Directors, 9PSB, Chief Ikenna Kevin Okafor, stated that, “Branka is experienced in business strategy, corporate finance, policy implementation and risk management. I am certain that she will provide strategic leadership which will facilitate financial inclusion and increase financial payment across all market segments in the urban and rural areas of Nigeria.”

Responding to her appointment, Branka stated that “The pace of change in today’s Fintech industry is exceptional and I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to lead 9PSB at this early stage in its development. I look forward to using my experience to launch the 9PSB brand into the Nigerian Fintech market. The goal is to ensure that we are at the forefront of financial inclusion using the most innovative offerings.”

Ahead of the appointment of a CEO, the Board of Directors at 9PSB worked round the clock with a team of consultants who helped in establishing the company in the last 16 months. Members of the 9PSB’s board of Directors include Asega Aliga, Olurotimi Oladimeji Adebanjo, Amina Tukur-Tarfa, Samuel Okwulehie, Mohammed Edewor, Phillips Oki, Simeon Oyakhilome Okoduwa and Chief Ikenna Kevin Okafor, who chairs the board.

They all come with rich and varied pedigree, which they have deployed at the disposal of 9PSB. Leading the board is Chief Ikenna Kevin Okafor, a philanthropist and the ex-President of the Southern-east chapter of the Lagos Business School Association. On his part, Mr. Asega Aliga is an investment banker, entrepreneur and financial services professional. He is passionate about capacity building and strategic global alliances for Pan-African investment opportunities.

Mr. Olurotimi Oladimeji Adebanjo holds an MBA from the University of Pretoria and is currently the regional director, South and East Africa at e-tranzact Global, South Africa. Serving as the only female on the board, Amina Tukur-Tarfa is a highly engaged individual with over two decades of top flight experience in the areas of HR Recruitment, Operations, Employee Services and Administration. She also has, relevant experience as a HR Generalist and HR Specialist with key areas of knowledge and proficiency.  Equally on the board is Mr Samuel Okwulehie, a Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group. He has a vast experience in commercial operations and global logistics gained from many years in the international airline industry.

Mr. Mohammed Edewor (Esq) is a serial entrepreneur and erudite lawyer with over 40 years of business and legal experience. Also, on the board is Mr. Phillips Oki an Economist and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (FCA). He is a seasoned venture capitalist. Mr. Simeon Oyakhilome Okoduwa brings to the board, his core areas of expertise and experience which includes Corporate & Commercial Law Advisory; Dispute Resolution/ADR; Corporate Governance Audit & Remediation and Doing Business Advisory.

 


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NCC Blames Growing Data Demand Network Quality Issues

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has linked Quality of Service (QoS) challenges across telecom networks to rising data consumption, stating that operators are ramping up efforts to sustain investments to improve coverage and capacity.

NCC Blames Growing Data Demand Network Quality Issues

Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC,

Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, stated this during a breakfast meeting with the media in Abuja on Friday, where he noted that while service quality is improving, it is yet to meet regulatory expectations.

He said recent data shows positive signals from independent user-based measurements, indicating that network performance is getting better rather than deteriorating.

However, he explained that increased usage is offsetting gains, creating a cycle where improved services trigger higher demand, which in turn puts fresh pressure on infrastructure.

“We’re still not where we want to be, but are we satisfied as a regulator? I would say within the context for which we operate, I think the area of satisfaction is the fact that we’re beginning to see the right signals. But at the same time, we also see a rise in consumption. So it’s like a cycle. As they’re making investments and making upgrades, people are consuming more,” he said.

Maida disclosed that data consumption has risen by about 170 per cent in the last two years, describing the surge as a major factor behind network strain.

The EVC added that operators are responding with increased investments, with site upgrades expected to rise significantly this year to expand both coverage and capacity.

He also highlighted regulatory efforts to improve industry sustainability, including ongoing policy reviews, cybersecurity framework implementation, and collaboration with security agencies to protect telecom infrastructure.

 

 


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How Nigerians Are Secretly Using AI to Master Creative Skills Fast

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Google has revealed new insights showing that Nigerians are increasingly leveraging Search and artificial intelligence tools to develop creative skills and explore artistic pursuits in 2026.

How Nigerians Are Secretly Using AI to Master Creative Skills Fast

Google AI

According to the latest trends for March, there is a growing shift toward using technology as a practical assistant for personal growth, learning and creative expression across the country.

Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a creative powerhouse continues to shape this trend. From the global dominance of Afrobeats to the rise of Nollywood—now ranked as the fifth-largest film industry globally—the country’s cultural influence remains strong. Industry data shows Nollywood’s value is approaching $8 billion, with over 70 per cent of viewership for Nigerian-produced content coming from international audiences. Similarly, Afrobeats continues its global surge, recording more than 13 billion streams annually on platforms like Spotify.

Google’s data indicates that Nigerians are deliberately using digital tools to sharpen their creative abilities. Interest in learning painting has surged by 90 per cent over the past year, while calligraphy has emerged as a breakout trend, reflecting new forms of artistic exploration.

Music-related learning is also on the rise, with searches for guitar lessons increasing by 80 per cent. At the same time, users are exploring emerging AI-powered tools such as Lyria 3, highlighting a blend of creativity and advanced technology.

Beyond the arts, Nigerians are turning to digital tools to broaden global connections. Interest in learning Italian has jumped by 130 per cent, while searches for Japanese language learning have doubled within the past year.

This growing appetite for digital learning is supported by Nigeria’s expanding tech-driven economy. Research by Public First suggests that every dollar invested in digital technology generates more than eight dollars in economic value. The ICT sector has also emerged as a key contributor, accounting for over 16 per cent of the country’s real GDP.

Students and families are equally tapping into AI-powered tools for education. Searches for AI tutors have become a breakout trend, while interest in combining AI with subjects like chemistry has doubled over the past year. Homework-related searches have also risen by 70 per cent.

These developments are being bolstered by improved digital infrastructure, including projects such as the Equiano subsea cable, which significantly increases internet capacity and connectivity across the region.

Commenting on the trend, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade said it is encouraging to see Nigerians using AI creatively to unlock new opportunities.

He noted that the rise in creative arts and language learning reflects a population actively shaping its future with technology, using AI tools as “24/7 tutors” to build skills and connect globally.

Google added that tools such as Search and Workspace are already delivering measurable productivity gains, with Nigerian knowledge workers saving over 22 million hours weekly—equivalent to an estimated $4.7 billion boost in productivity.

The surge in AI literacy, which has grown by 840 per cent, further underscores a broader shift as Nigerians increasingly integrate technology into their creative, academic and professional lives.


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Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Lands on Konga, Blending Innovation with Accessibility

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Samsung Galaxy S26 series has made a confident statement of intent; a flagship lineup that blends refined design, intelligent performance, and forward-looking innovation into one cohesive experience. Nigerian consumers looking to get their hands on these devices can now shop directly on Konga or visit any Konga retail center nationwide.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Lands on Konga, Blending Innovation with Accessibility

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series

The Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra have generated significant global attention, and  Nigeria is no exception. This series represents a quantum leap in mobile technology, delivering features that aren’t just incremental improvements; they fundamentally transform how we interact with our smartphones.

Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the revolutionary Privacy Display technology.  Samsung has engineered a solution for the modern, mobile professional who needs to work in public spaces without compromise. Using advanced light-control technology, the S26 narrows the viewing angle, making screen content visible only to the person directly in front of the device. Whether you’re reviewing sensitive documents or personal messages, you can interact with your device with complete confidence.

Equally compelling is the Steady Horizon Lock, an advanced camera stabilization system that elevates mobile photography to a professional level. This intelligent system uses gyroscopic sensors and AI-powered algorithms to keep your display perfectly level, regardless of how you hold the device. Whether you are capturing high-speed motion or recording content on the move, the S26 ensures smooth, professional-grade output that reviewers worldwide have called a total game-changer for mobile videography.

The Galaxy S26 series also takes AI integration to unprecedented heights. These devices  feature deeply embedded AI that learns your specific usage patterns, anticipates your needs,  and optimizes performance in real-time. From intelligent battery management that extends  your usage based on your daily routine, to predictive text that understands context with  remarkable accuracy, the S26 series doesn’t just respond to your commands, it anticipates  them. This positions the device as more than just a smartphone; it’s a personal digital assistant tailored to your lifestyle.

Beyond the hardware, Samsung has prioritized device protection through Samsung Care+  (SC+). Offering comprehensive protection for your investment, SC+ provides significant peace of mind for premium owners. To take full advantage of this, customers are encouraged to register their devices within 30 days of purchase to benefit from substantial discounts on screen repairs for the first 12 months.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series delivers a compelling blend of innovation, performance, and user-centric features. With its availability on Konga.com, Nigerian consumers have access to  cutting-edge technology through a trusted and convenient purchasing channel.

As the market continues to evolve, this collaboration highlights the importance of authenticity and experience in shaping the future of tech in Nigeria.


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