News
Aderounmu, Aladekomo: IT Industry Will Miss Seriki

As the family of Late Engineer (Mrs.) Florence Seriki, CEO of Omatek Ventures Plc, prepare to bid her farewell, eminent IT (and computer) professionals in the country have continued to pay tribute to her, among whom are Professor Sola Aderrounm, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and Sir Demola Aladekomo, former President, NCS and Chairman of SmartCity Resorts Plc.
Professor Aderounmu described late Seriki, a Fellow of the Society, as a thoroughbred Professional, a planner, a visionary leader, astute manager, articulator and indefatigable lady.
“There is a limit of grief at the grave of the dead. The bodies of the martyrs like Florence are the most beautiful altars to honour. When one dies in the arms of the lord, death ends, prison is broken, at last with death life begins with Christ.
“Though, Sun shine on agony that words cannot paint, there are many sorrows, the bitterness of death, the tortures of jealousy, the anguish of suffering, but there is nothing that rends the heart and ruins a life than the death of the loved ones. Florence’s death will know doubts ruins many lives. Therefore, those of us mourning and shedding tears for her transition should stop doing so and instead think of the survival of her business and children.
“Engr. Seriki, it is no gain saying that the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) will conspicuously miss you. The IT industry will miss you. Your friends and colleagues in the IT industry will miss your friendly relationship.
“It is necessary to educate each other today on the need to be original and be of positive influence wherever we find ourselves. Let us remember that whatever we achieve in life is just by grace. We might have the grace to live long, even longer than Methuselah, but that longevity cannot overwrite the landmark successes of David and others that spent few years but great achievements. Whatever your hands find to do, do it diligently, because at a time (short or long) we shall all be in the status in which Engr. Seriki is right now”, he said.
On his part, Sir Aladekomo said, “Florence, rather than mourn when I heard the news of your death, what immediately came to my mind was ‘She did it her way’.
“You did the very best possible within your circumstances where others would have given excuses. You chose your path where others would have depended solely and wholly on others. You did it your way. What a joy to live your own way than live a life of obscurity in the shadow of others. Worthy life lived, Florence!
“Our paths crossed twice when we both served on the Board of OAU TECHExcel and Nigeria Computer Society (NCS). At OAU TECHExcel, we were trying to build a technology park at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. You served as the Treasurer. You were your own person with very strong opinions and you were very energetic.
“You did not suffer fools gladly. You gave good account of yourself. Most times, we were on different sides of issues. We did not agree on a lot of issues, but I respected your positions that were backed with strong logic and passion. I salute your courage and unyielding spirit. Wish we could have more people who stand on principles and defend their territories instead of the yes-men and women we have in abundance.
“Dear Florence, rather than mourn your death, I celebrate a life well lived. I celebrate a woman of substance. A woman who survived where several strong men and women failed. I celebrate a woman who stood her ground and made an impact in our ICT profession and nation. You will be remembered in words. You will be remembered in deeds. When the roll call of real men and women who lived are called, you will be there, right up front where you fought to be. You fought it your way. You did it your way. Better to live a short life of purpose than one without impact and usefulness.
“Florence, yours was a life well lived!,” he wrote in a tribute circulated to the media.
These are what other elders and members of the profession had to say about her.
“———Very sad indeed that we have lost our ICT Amazon and Diva, the first Nigerian ICT woman entrepreneur and owner of a publicly quoted ICT company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. She was a rare model of diligence and hard work, an epitome of humility who believed in perseverance for success and she succeeded. We shall surely miss her and her smiles at every occasion. She was a great ambassador of the computer profession wherever she went. May her soul rest in perfect peace and to the family and us all, her Fellow Colleagues in NCS, the grace of almighty God to bear this very painful loss with fortitude”, Chief Don Etiebet, 3rd President, NCS.
“Dear Colleagues, That our Florence is gone is unbelievable. The good Lord giveth and the good Lord taketh. This time around He has taken one of our very best. Pray God grant her the choicest part of paradise. Also pray He kindly looks after those she has left behind. Amen. Condolences to us all” Alhaji Ladi Ogunneye, 8th President, NCS
“President NCS, Provost College of Fellows, All Fellows , All ITAN and All NCS Members
My condolences to all of us for the loss of our dynamic visionary. My spirit is low. She was my cherished daughter,” Dr Adeola Odeyemi, Former Provost, College of Fellows NCS.
Also, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem said, “This is a very painful loss. I can feel your grief personally. May her graceful soul rest in peace! Amen. May the good Lord grant us all the strength to live with this irreplaceable loss. Please, accept my profound condolences”
“Good night Flo, Amazon of IT industry, until we meet to part no more at the feet of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” Nike Osofisan Former President and Chairman of Council CPN.
“This is unbelievable but true. I am still in shock. Florence was so full of life and very dynamicbut God moves in mysterious ways. My condolences to all of us in the industry and to the loved ones she has left behind. Rest In Perfect Peace Dearest Flo,” Sekinat Yusuf, Former President and Chairman of Council CPN, and many others.
Cross Section of attendees at the Commendation Service organized by NCS in honour of Late Engineer (Mrs.) Florence Seriki, CEO, Omatek Venture Plc held at the Faculty of Science, University of Lagos (UniLag) on Monday.
News
Guinness Rolls Out Nationwide Consumer Rewards Promotion

Guinness Nigeria has launched a nationwide National Consumer Promotion (NCP) tagged ‘Open For More’. This is a consumer rewards initiative that will see more than ₦400 million in cash and prizes won by consumers across the country.

The promotion, which runs nationwide, offers consumers the opportunity to win ₦1 million every day, ₦100,000 cash rewards for 1,000 winners, and a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado as the grand prize. The campaign is designed to reward loyal consumers while creating more opportunities for everyday Nigerians to celebrate life’s meaningful moments.
To participate, consumers are required to purchase specially marked bottles of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout or Guinness Smooth, check for the unique code beneath the crown cork, and enter the code at www.guinnessng.com/1759 for a chance to win.
Speaking on the launch, Ramanathan Solayappan, Marketing and Innovations Director, Guinness Nigeria, said the promotion reflects the brand’s longstanding relationship with consumers and its commitment to creating memorable experiences beyond the product itself.
“Nigerians have made Guinness part of their celebrations, milestones, and everyday moments for over seven decades. The ‘Open For More’ promotion is our way of rewarding that loyalty by giving consumers genuine opportunities to win prizes that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
Solayappan added that the promotion was deliberately designed to make participation simple and accessible to consumers across the country.
“We believe, at Guinness, that there is always room for more possibilities, more progress, and more reasons to celebrate. Through this campaign, we are inviting consumers and beloved Nigerians over the age of 18 years to take part in an experience that goes beyond enjoying a Guinness. Every eligible purchase could open the door to something more.”
Beyond rewarding consumers, the promotion comes at a time when many Nigerians are placing greater value on opportunities that offer tangible returns. By putting more than ₦400 million in cash and prizes directly into the hands of consumers, Guinness Nigeria is creating a campaign that celebrates loyalty and delivers meaningful rewards that can support personal aspirations, family needs, and everyday goals.
As part of the campaign, winners will emerge weekly throughout the promotion period, with regular winner announcements and prize presentations aimed at ensuring transparency and public confidence in the process.
The Open For More National Consumer Promotion strengthens Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to rewarding consumers while creating excitement around the brand through meaningful and impactful experiences. Consumers are encouraged to look out for specially marked promotional packs and follow Guinness Nigeria’s official communication channels for updates, winner announcements, and further information on participation mechanics.
News
Nigeria Lost N34 Trillion to Import Waivers in 2025, Customs Tells Senate

Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has disclosed that the value of Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) approvals granted by the Federal Government rose to about N34 trillion in 2025.

Adeniyi made the disclosure on Monday during an investigative hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance in Abuja.
He said the import duty exemptions had significantly affected the service’s revenue generation, although many of the waivers were introduced to support critical national priorities.
According to him, about 60 per cent of the approved waivers were granted for the importation of military hardware in response to the country’s security challenges.
He said other beneficiaries included importers of compressed natural gas (CNG), electric and hybrid vehicles, healthcare equipment and medical supplies, industrial machinery, manufacturing inputs and food intervention programmes.
“IDEC approvals reached about N34 trillion in 2025, about 60 per cent of which was rightly granted for military hardware procurements due to Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges,” Adeniyi said.
The Comptroller-General noted that the introduction of the IDEC scheme in March 2020 had remained one of the major fiscal policies affecting Customs revenue.
He said the service would have generated significantly higher revenue over the years if not for government fiscal measures and other external factors that reduced its revenue base.
Adeniyi, however, maintained that fiscal policy should not be evaluated solely on the basis of revenue generation.
He said government interventions through duty waivers were intended to stimulate economic growth, improve healthcare delivery, encourage industrial production and address national security concerns.
He urged the Federal Government to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure that beneficiaries of import duty waivers achieved the intended objectives, including reducing prices, increasing production and improving access to essential goods and services.
The Customs boss also disclosed that the service generated N7.28 trillion in revenue in 2025.
He added that out of the N11.04 trillion revenue target for 2026, the service had realised N4.5 trillion as of June 30.
Adeniyi expressed optimism that the service would continue implementing measures aimed at improving revenue collection while supporting government fiscal policies.
News
DataPro Upgrades Dangote Cement’s Credit Rating to AA+

DataPro Rating Agency has upgraded the long-term credit rating of Dangote Cement Plc to AA+ from AA, citing the company’s strong financial performance, market leadership and ability to meet its financial obligations despite Nigeria’s challenging economic environment.

In its latest rating report, the technology-driven credit rating agency also affirmed Dangote Cement’s short-term rating at A1, with a Stable Outlook. The ratings are valid until June 16, 2027.
DataPro said the upgrade reflects the cement maker’s sustained financial strength, resilient operating performance and dominant position in Nigeria and across Africa.
According to the agency, the assessment followed a comprehensive review of the company’s capital base, earnings, liquidity, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and the sustainability of its financial performance over the medium to long term.
It noted that Dangote Cement’s strong brand, leading market share, solid earnings, robust asset base and experienced management continue to strengthen its ability to meet financial commitments on time.
The agency also highlighted the company’s outstanding financial performance in 2025.
According to the report, Dangote Cement posted N4.31 trillion in revenue during the year, representing a 20 per cent increase from the previous year. Profit before tax more than doubled, rising 109 per cent to N1.53 trillion, driven by higher sales, improved operating efficiency, lower finance costs and a stronger capital structure.
DataPro said the AA+ long-term rating indicates low credit risk and reflects excellent financial strength, business profile and operating performance relative to its rating benchmarks.
It added that the A1 short-term rating signifies good credit quality and shows that the company has a strong capacity to meet its short-term financial obligations as they fall due.
The rating agency, however, noted that the credit rating has a maximum shelf life of 12 calendar months in line with international best practice and should be used only as a reference, not as an offer to trade in securities or as a substitute for investors’ independent judgement.
News3 days agoXora Finance, Fintech Firm Refuses to Hire Nigerians over Alleged Dishonesty
Telecom3 days agoNCC Advances Dig Once Policy, Engages Stakeholders on Cost-Based Framework for Duct Sharing
Telecom3 days agoNCC to Keynote Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum 7.0
General News3 days agoFG Secures Fresh $208.3m World Bank Loan for Cash Transfer
News3 days agoHow Ponzi Scheme Victims can Seek Legal Remedies — Lawyers
Telecom2 days agoMTN Nigeria Slashes Cost of Broadband Internet Router, Unwraps New Data Bundles for Low-Budget Users
News3 days agoPalmPay Nigeria Appoints Samuel Oluyemi as Chief Operating Officer
E-Financial2 days agoNigerians Accumulate $59Bn in Cryptocurrency Assets —FDC













