E-Business
APIs: Telcos Can Boost Startups, SMEs Fortunes & Compete With OTTs- Alozie

Over the period of ten years the numbers of public APIs have grown globally from 400 to 15,000 with 40 new ones created every week, as sales force gets 50% of its revenues via APIs, while eBay and Expedia generates 60% and 90% respectively.
All around the world APIs have been known as the major driver of economic and business growth as it enables businesses to automate and easily make available their products and services to the rest of the world.
According to NCC as of July, 2016, there is 94% of Mobile phone penetration in Nigeria with 30% Smartphone penetration and 70% Feature phone penetration.
Most of the feature Phones are located in the rural communities who are the un-served in the areas of banking, internet availability, health etc
According to David Alozie, the convener, Disruptive Africa Expo, considering the Smartphone to feature phone ratio of 7:3 in Nigeria, it is justifiable to submit that while the OTTs might have been indirectly eating into revenues of Telco’s in Nigeria, they are still unable to influence and cash in on the 70% of Nigeria’s GSM subscribers who use feature phones which is an untapped opportunity.
Alozie said that while Smartphone penetration is expected to double by 2018, Nigerian Telcos have the opportunity remain sustainable and increase their revenue by up to 50% if they find more ways to penetrate and engage the un-served communities.
According to GSMA’s July 2016 report, the emerging market (which includes the internet-un-served 600 million feature phone users in the case of Nigeria) could be tapped into if Telcos build strong partnership with Startups who will fuel innovative products and use cases through the use of Telecom APIs to build innovative products.
Alozie who is also the promoter of CISME/Wiretooth Technologies said, “The GSMA reports also highlight that indigenous Telcos have better opportunities of leveraging the local Startups and developers community than Facebook, Google or Twilio. One of the key ways is to build worthwhile partnerships as they open up their APIs for Startups/SMEs.
“Examples of GSM operators leverage the use of APIs through their Developers Ecosystem include Telefonica (BlueVia programme), Deutsche Telekom (Developer Garden), AT&T and open up APIs for SMS, Cloud TV, IoT, Enhanced Push-to-Talk, Enhanced WebRTC.
“Presently, Telecom operators in about 10 African have opened up their APIs to Startups and are already building worthwhile partnership.
“Understanding how APIs can boost Telco revenue and the economy, the Disruptive Africa Developers Ecosystem (DADE) founded by David Alozie Organising Chair, Disruptive Africa Expo is building a Telecom Application Development Community and ecosystem in Nigeria to support Telecom Operators to take advantage of the unexplored opportunities in local Telecom APIs.
“This happens to be the only way Telecom operators can build Innovative products and services through startups which will be useful to both the Urban and the rural communities”.
According United Nations and International Finance Corporation reports SMEs make up 96% of Nigerian businesses. “This implies that the strategic empowerment and partnerships for Startup/SMEs will significantly boost the economy and generate new revenue streams for Telcos, Startups/SMEs and the Government.
“There are 2 revenue models that could be adopted by the Telecom in Nigeria as highlighted by:
Telecom API as an Enabler (B2B2C): This model involves the Telco offering the APIs for free to Startups and Developers, while the end users are charged directly by the Telcos for using the Service/Apps and split revenue with the Startups and Developers. The APIs that could fall into this category includes SMS/USSD and Operator Billing API
“Telecom API as a Product: in this case, the Startups are charged per API use as the Telco do not charge the subscribers. One API that could fall into this category is the Location Based API.
The dangers of our Telecom operators not acting timely could be economically disastrous with the following reasons:
“World is fast evolving through technologies as the world moves from a Luggage to a knowledge economy, and also as the world is gradually becoming more influenced by the digital economy and than the traditional economy.
“A world where a company could be the biggest Taxi Company without owning a Taxi, where you could have the biggest estate managing company without owning a single apartment; we are in a world where the world leading brands sell no physical products but makes money by social-matching peoples’ needs online and thereby creating a network effect.
“Presently, we are now in a world where people now generate their own telecom services and communicate with people without passing through a Telecom infrastructure. We are in a world where every expensive equipment used by Telcos have now been virtualized into software thereby taking away, hardware cost, maintenance cost, power cost etc.
We will soon come to a world where people will run big Telecom companies without owning any Telecommunication infrastructure”.
Making reference to Facebook and several other popular brands already building their open source Telecom solutions which might not require the conventional Telecom infrastructure, Alozie said that these suggest that for businesses to thrive in this Disruption age, they need to build innovative platforms-focused and social-kind of products that connects people and their needs/wants.
“Facebook understands this that is why they entered partnership with a Nigerian Telco to provide Free basic so that people can keep on connecting on their platform and get used to it.
“In the period of Android Smart-phone boom in Nigeria, people that don’t buy internet started buying internet because they want to use Facebook and Whatsapp.
“This connotes; no Facebook, no Whatsapp no social network and some people will never buy reasonable internet bundles from Telcos which is good as the Telcos are making money from Internet bundles than ever before, but then this could translate to dispensability for the Nigerian Telco’s in the long run.
“There is a call to Nigerian Telecom operators need to focus on innovative social-platform products and the only way they can get the right workforce (considering the level of intellectual innovation requirement) to harness their inherent potentials in Nigeria/Africa is through Startup Partnership.
“DADE is playing its little role in building worthwhile community of people in startups and Telecom industries to harness and explore opportunities, which we believe could be a huge step in the right direction if all hands are on deck”, he concluded.
E-Business
Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines to Tackle Rising Digital Threats

Lagos state government has unveiled a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines designed to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the initiative represents a significant step in Lagos’ ambition to establish itself as a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub.
He noted that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems, Lagos is increasingly exposed to cyber threats, necessitating stronger and more coordinated security measures.
Citing data from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Omotoso, said Nigeria loses over $500 million (about N250 billion) annually to cybercrime, emphasizing the urgency of proactive interventions.
According to him, while the state’s transition into a smart city offers vast opportunities, it also heightens vulnerability to digital attacks.
“The guidelines, available online, provide practical and scalable recommendations for small businesses, large enterprises, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.
He added that the framework aligns with key national regulations, including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021).
Omotoso emphasised that the document is not intended as a regulatory instrument but rather as a resource to equip stakeholders with actionable and context-specific guidance.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, and strengthens public confidence.
The commissioner commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, led by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for its contribution to the development of the guidelines, and also acknowledged Tubosun Alake, commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, for his support.
He added that the framework is expected to boost collaboration between the public and private sectors, enabling organisations, from small enterprises to multinational firms, to operate more securely.
Omotoso further noted that the guidelines would be reviewed periodically to keep pace with emerging threats and evolving technologies, stressing that cybersecurity remains central to Lagos’ digital transformation agenda.
E-Business
Laundry Without Interruptions: Why LG Auto Restart Washing Machines Are Perfect for Nigerian Homes

In many Nigerian households, laundry day often comes with an added challenge, unpredictable power supply. A washing cycle that suddenly stops due to a blackout can leave clothes half-washed, soaked, and inconveniently delayed. For families with busy schedules, restarting laundry from scratch is not just frustrating, it wastes time, water, and electricity.

LG Electronics addresses this everyday concern with a simple but powerful innovation: the Auto Restart feature in LG Twin Tub Washing Machines. Designed with real-life Nigerian conditions in mind, this feature ensures your laundry continues seamlessly, even after an unexpected power outage.
Understanding the Auto Restart Feature in LG Washing Machines
The Auto Restart feature allows an LG washing machine to automatically resume its wash cycle from the exact point it stopped when power is interrupted. Instead of resetting the cycle or requiring manual input, the machine retains the previous settings and continues washing once electricity is restored.
This intelligent design removes the need to:
- Restart the wash cycle manually
- Guess how long the clothes were already washed
- Repeat washing unnecessarily
For households experiencing frequent power cuts, Auto Restart turns a common inconvenience into a non-issue.
Why Power-Friendly Washing Machines Matter in Nigeria
Power outages remain part of daily life across many parts of Nigeria. From urban centres to rural communities, sudden electricity interruptions can disrupt household routines, especially when appliances are running.
Traditional washing machines often reset completely after power failure. This can result in:
- Incomplete washing
- Over-washing clothes when cycles are restarted
- Increased water and electricity usage
- More time spent monitoring the laundry
LG’s Auto Restart feature is designed specifically to overcome these challenges, making it a highly practical solution for Nigerian homes.
Key Benefits of LG Auto Restart for Nigerian Households
- Uninterrupted Laundry Experience
With Auto Restart, you don’t need to stay close to your washing machine or worry about power restoration while you’re away. The machine takes care of itself and resumes washing automatically.
- Saves Time, Water, and Energy
Restarting a wash cycle means using extra water and electricity. Auto Restart ensures that no part of the wash is wasted, helping households operate more efficiently.
- Protect Your Clothes
Repeated washing or incorrect restarting can lead to fabric wear. By continuing from the correct wash stage, LG Auto Restart helps maintain proper fabric care.
- Ideal for Busy Families and Professionals
Whether you’re managing a large household or balancing work and home responsibilities, Auto Restart ensures laundry doesn’t become another task that demands constant attention.
LG Twin Tub Washing Machines: Built for Real Living
LG Twin Tub Washing Machines are widely appreciated in Nigeria for their durability, affordability, and strong washing performance. Combined with Auto Restart, these machines become even more responsive to local household needs.
Other features include:
- Powerful wash action for tough stains
- Separate wash and spin tubs for greater control
- Long‑lasting build quality designed for frequent use
- Efficient water usage, especially useful in water‑conscious households
These qualities make LG Twin Tub washing machines a popular choice among Nigerian consumers looking for reliability and value.
Ideal Washing Machine for Areas with Frequent Power Outages
If you live in an area where electricity supply can be unpredictable, choosing a washing machine with Auto Restart is no longer optional but it’s essential. LG washing machines with Auto Restart are especially suitable for:
- Homes with irregular power supply
- Large families with frequent laundry needs
- Users who value convenience and efficiency
- Households looking to reduce water and energy waste
Why LG Washing Machines Stand Out in Nigeria
LG continues to be a trusted name in home appliances across Nigeria due to its focus on durability, smart features, and customer-centric innovation. By designing washing machines that work reliably under local conditions, LG reinforces its position as a brand that understands and responds to everyday challenges.
From Auto Restart technology to powerful wash performance, LG washing machines provide practical solutions that simplify daily life.
Final Thoughts: Less Stress, More Control Over Laundry
Laundry should not depend on the perfect electricity supply and with LG Auto Restart washing machines, it doesn’t have to. By automatically continuing wash cycles after power outages, LG helps Nigerian households enjoy greater convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind.
For anyone searching for the best washing machine for power cuts in Nigeria, LG washing machines with Auto Restart offer a smart, reliable, and stress‑free solution – every wash, every time.
For more information, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/twin-tub-washing-machines
E-Business
Access Holdings, Coronation Partner Tate Modern to Spotlight Nigerian Modernism

Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have partnered with Tate Modern to commemorate World Art Day with a virtual session highlighting the global significance of Nigerian modernism.

Access Holdings
The event, titled “In Conversation with Osei Bonsu: Inside Nigerian Modernism,” featured a virtual tour of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and discussions on the evolution of modern art in Nigeria.
The session brought together staff members across both organisations, reflecting growing institutional engagement with arts and culture as a driver of societal development.
Speaking at the event, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele, emphasised the role of art in shaping identity and national development.
She said that beyond financial capital, cultural and intellectual capital are essential in defining a nation’s prosperity and inspiring dialogue.
Akinyele noted that both organisations were committed to democratising access to art, ensuring it is accessible to a wider audience rather than a select few.
The discussion also featured insights from Tate Modern Curator, Osei Bonsu, and art expert Daniel Wallis, who examined the development of Nigerian modernism and its global relevance.
Bonsu said Nigerian modernism represents an independent reimagining of global art, rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage and expressed through unique visual languages.
According to him, the movement challenges narrow, Eurocentric definitions of modernism and highlights the richness of African artistic expression.
The session further underscored the growing international recognition of Nigerian art, particularly through exhibitions at Tate Modern.
Participants also reflected on the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the exhibition, described as a milestone in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally.
In his closing remarks, Chief Communications Officer of Access Holdings, Amaechi Okobi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing African narratives on the global stage.
He said the collaboration with Tate Modern aligns with broader efforts to promote dialogue, preserve cultural identity and support the creative sector.
The event reinforced a shared commitment by Access Holdings, Coronation Group and Tate Modern to elevate African art globally and ensure Nigerian cultural narratives continue to shape international conversations.
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