General News
Airtel Africa Foundation Calls for Applications for “DigiLeap” Tech Training for Young Women
The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has officially opened the application portal for the DigiLeap Tech Drive, a core initiative in the Foundation’s digital inclusion agenda. The application portal will be open until 8th May 2026.
Targeting 200 underserved young women in the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, the programme is designed to bridge the gender divide in the digital economy by providing intensive, industry-standard technical and digital literacy training at no cost to the beneficiaries.
The DigiLeap Tech Drive is a strategic collaboration between the Airtel Africa Foundation, the ISHK Tolaram Foundation, and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), with implementation carried out by the SAIL Innovation Lab, a leading centre for digital talent development in Nigeria.
Strategically engineered to transform high-potential individuals into workforce-ready professionals, this high-impact project will provide technical instruction, mentorship, and job-placement linkages, directly tackling regional unemployment and the systemic underrepresentation of women in the global technology sector.
Commenting on the project, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasised that the partnership between the Foundation, Ishk Tolaram, and CcHub is central to the Foundation’s holistic mission of advancing both digital and gender inclusion across the continent.
“Our mission at the Airtel Africa Foundation is to accelerate digital inclusion across the continent,” he said. “By bringing the DigiLeap Tech Drive to the women of Ikorodu alongside Ishk Tolaram and CcHub, we are providing 200 young women with a definitive competitive advantage in the modern economy. This initiative ensures the digital revolution is truly inclusive; it isn’t merely a training session, but a professional pipeline designed to transition these women directly into internships and sustainable careers.”
In his remarks on the flag-off, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, highlighted Airtel’s dedication to ensuring that women are integrated into the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
“At Airtel Nigeria, we believe that empowering women with digital skills is a fundamental catalyst for national economic growth. With the DigiLeap tech training, we are creating a sustainable pathway for young women in underserved communities to move from the sidelines of the digital economy into the heart of the tech workforce. This initiative reflects our deep-rooted commitment to social impact and our belief that when women lead in technology, entire communities thrive,” he said.
Focusing on industry-standard competencies that enhance both employability and entrepreneurship readiness, application entry into the programme is now live and open to women aged 18–35 living in Ikorodu.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has detained Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc, for alleged fraud involving N36.5 billion and $30 million.
Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc,
This follows the probe of alleged diversion of N36.5 billion and $30 million secured as loans from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to Ayeni.
He was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja on April 23, 2026, and is still been held in custody as at the time of filling the report.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson, EFCC, confirmed the arrest on Friday but declined to provide further details.
Ayeni is under investigation for diverting funds obtained for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects into other unknown projects.
Investigators allege the loans were instead channelled into telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
About 12 firms believed to be connected to Ayeni are also under investigation for their role in securing the loans.
The EFCC is expected to file charges once the investigation is concluded.
Summit Household Solutions Limited has opened its ultra-modern manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State, as part of its efforts to scale production of home and personal care products in Nigeria.
The plant, which started operations in April 2025, produces items such as dishwashing liquids, handwash, sanitisers and multipurpose liquid soaps, with an annual capacity estimated at 7,000 tonnes.
Commissioning the facility on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mr Kehinde Akintomide, said the investment reflects growing confidence in Ogun State’s business environment.
He noted that the state hosts over 6,000 manufacturing firms and described the development as consistent with ongoing efforts to promote industrialisation, attract investment and reduce reliance on imports under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope initiative.
Akintomide disclosed that the factory has already employed more than 50 Nigerians, with projections to exceed 250 jobs as operations expand.
In his remarks, the General Manager of the company, Mr Sadiq Ali, said the facility represents a major step in Summit’s growth plans, adding that its flagship brand, 2Sure, currently leads production at the plant.
He also revealed that the company is preparing to introduce new home and personal care products later this year.
Summit Household Solutions manufactures the 2Sure brand and has expanded into the personal care segment with Lewar, a premium beauty soap line positioned for quality and affordability.
Among dignitaries present were the Onikotun of Otun, Ota, Oba Abdulakeem Odunaro, representing the Olota of Ota, Prof. Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege; the Agba Akin of Ota, Chief Dada Olusola; Director of Investment, Ms Yemisi Folarin; Director of Industrial Promotion, Mr Femi Adeboye; former Managing Director of 7Up Bottling Company, Mr Ziad Maalouf; and the Chief Executive Officer of OmniRetail, Mr Deepanker Rustagi.
Speaking at the event, Maalouf, who conceived the 2Sure brand during his time at 7Up Bottling Company, expressed satisfaction with its growth and commended Summit Solutions Limited for advancing the brand.
The special guests were conducted around the facility, and the programme was concluded with a luncheon.
The administration of Donald Trump has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Iran, marking a sharp escalation in financial pressure on Tehran.
The move comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire in the region.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that authorities are sanctioning multiple crypto wallets tied to Iran. “We will follow the money that Tehran is desperately attempting to move outside of the country and target all financial lifelines tied to the regime,” he said.
Tether, which facilitated the transactions, said it worked with U.S. authorities to freeze the funds across two wallet addresses after receiving intelligence linked to unlawful activity.
A U.S. official said blockchain analysis revealed “material links” to the Iranian regime, including transactions routed through intermediary addresses connected to wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran.
Responding to the development, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said the company does not tolerate illicit use of its stablecoin. “USD₮ is not a safe haven for illegal activity. When there is credible linkage to sanctioned entities or criminal networks, we act immediately,” he stated.
The crackdown underscores the growing reliance of sanctioned states on digital assets to bypass traditional banking restrictions. Data from Chainalysis shows Iran’s cryptocurrency holdings reached $7.8 billion in 2025, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly controlling about half.
Analysts say while the freeze is significant, Iran has historically adapted to sanctions. Daniel Tannebaum of the Atlantic Council noted that targeting third-party actors enabling such transactions may be key to increasing pressure.
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