Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body for all mobile network operators, tower companies, and telecommunications infrastructure providers in Nigeria, has expressed deep concerns about ongoing disruptions to the supply logistics of diesel to cell sites across the country.

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON

In a statement signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the association claimed it received credible reports that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), on Tuesday, blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko (Delta State), preventing the distribution of diesel to thousands of telecommunications sites operated by one of our key members, IHS Towers.

“This action reportedly stemming from allegations by IHS of diesel misappropriation against 2 member companies of NOGASA and which is being investigated by the requisite authorities, has resulted in a critical threat to the operation of some of the 16,000 telecommunications sites nationwide, servicing Mobile Network Operators.

“These sites not only power mobile and internet services for millions of Nigerians, but also support essential services such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations.

“While ALTON does not necessarily interfere in disputes between its members and third parties, we are gravely concerned about the wider implications of this action on national infrastructure and public safety.

“We recognize and deeply respect the vital role NOGASA and NUPENG have played in sustaining Nigeria’s energy supply chain and supporting national development over the years, and we trust that they will continue to uphold these values by ensuring that their actions do not jeopardize critical national infrastructure or public welfare.

ALTON however requested that uninterrupted access be granted to the Diesel supply locations, and urge all parties involved to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve the matter, without further disruption to essential services.

It also reminded all stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure has been officially classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law. Any deliberate disruption or blockade that affects the operation of such infrastructure constitutes a serious threat to national security and economic stability and will attract strict legal consequences.

The Association called on the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA, to intervene by calling their members to order. “Disputes must be resolved within the framework of lawful contracts and applicable legal processes, without resorting to actions that endanger the operations of an entire industry and the lives and livelihoods that depend on it.

“We also call on relevant authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other critical stakeholders, to urgently intervene to forestall a looming nationwide communications blackout.

“ALTON remains fully committed to ensuring quality, reliable, and resilient telecommunications services for all Nigerians. However, disruptions of this nature undermine our members’ ability to maintain and improve service delivery and threaten the integrity of the country’s digital and communications ecosystem,” the statement added.

Google has unveiled a groundbreaking new feature within its Gemini app called Storybook, designed to transform everyday moments into personalized, narrated storybooks.

Whether it’s a child’s drawing, a family photo, or a simple idea, Storybook turns it into a beautifully illustrated 10-page tale—complete with voice narration.

With over 39 million children aged six and under, Nigeria is a country where the need for engaging, educational content is more urgent than ever.

Storybook taps into Nigeria’s rich tradition of oral storytelling, offering families and educators a fresh way to captivate young minds.

“In a country with such a vibrant history of passing down knowledge through stories, Storybook feels like a natural evolution,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications & Public Affairs Manager for Google in West Africa.

“It addresses a real need for parents and educators who are looking for fresh ways to captivate the minds of our youngest learners.”

Using Gemini’s AI capabilities, Storybook acts as a creative partner. You simply describe a story—like “My daughter and her teddy bear go on a jungle adventure”—and upload an image, such as a photo or drawing.

Gemini then generates a 10-page illustrated story with narration, placing your child at the center of their own learning journey.

Whether it’s a father turning his resume into an adventure to explain his job, or a family reliving a holiday through a whimsical tale, Storybook brings imagination to life.

“The interesting part isn’t the AI; it’s the personal expression it enables,” Kola-Ogunlade added. “It’s a canvas for those small, personal moments that are the foundation of early education.”

Storybook opens up endless possibilities for Nigerian families—from teaching local culture and science through personalized tales, to turning vacations into illustrated adventures, crafting custom gifts, or bringing children’s drawings to life.

To create your own storybook, visit gemini.google.com/gem/storybook, describe your story idea, upload a photo or drawing, and enjoy your custom, narrated storybook. The feature is available globally starting today on both mobile and desktop via the Gemini app.

In a significant step to reshape the development and refinement of fashion, Meta is proud to announce its collaboration with I.N Official to unveil the first ever AI-powered fashion collection at Africa Fashion Week London on Saturday 9th August.

The Fall/Winter 2025 collection titled ‘Transcendence’ has been created by using Meta AI’s creative technologies at all stages of the design process.

From the earliest stages of colour and fabric selection to storytelling and visualisation strategy, Meta AI played a central role in bringing this collection to life.

Through this collaboration, Nigerian designer Ifeanyi Nwune demonstrates how Meta AI—the world’s most accessible AI assistant—can transform the way fashion brands plan, design and communicate, pushing boundaries at the intersection of fashion and technology.

“We are excited to see how Meta AI is powering bold new expressions of African fashion on a global stage,” said Balkissa Idé Siddo, Public Policy Director, Sub-Saharan Africa at Meta, while speaking about the integration of Meta AI into the creative process of the collection.

“This collection shows how Meta AI—available in apps people use everyday like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger—goes beyond just being a tool; it becomes part of the creative process, helping every creator dream bigger, build faster and bring new ideas to life.

“African creativity has always led global conversations—and with the world’s most accessible AI assistant, that momentum only grows.”

To bring the Transcendence collection to life, Meta AI’s ‘Imagine’ feature enabled the designer to leverage prompts that generated images—such as a bold new silhouette blending traditional African Agbada attire with the classic Japanese Hakama style—which were used as inspiration and mood boards for the design process.

The Meta AI search feature was also used to suggest functional yet artsy accessories for both men’s and women’s fashion. Meta AI provided different ideas on the accessories options based on the keyword used in the prompt.

Speaking about his collection powered by Meta AI, Ifeanyi Nwune, Creative Director of the I.N.Official fashion house, said “With Meta AI, we are transcending an African future fuelled by unity, creativity, and technology.”

Meta AI is the world’s most accessible AI assistant, available in apps people use every day—including WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger and on meta.ai—helping everyone learn, get things done, create content, and connect to make the most of every moment.

The Meta AI and I.N. OFFICIAL collaboration reflects Meta’s ongoing commitment to empowering African creatives with accessible tools that help them express themselves and engage with global audiences.