Telecom
Bolt Accelerator Program completes post-mentorship exercise for its top 10 winners

Bolt, Africa’s leading ride-hailing platform, has concluded the last and final phase of its Bolt Accelerator Program – an initiative in collaboration with The Nest Innovation Park to empower its driver community to redefine their roles as entrepreneurs and amplify economic growth prospects across Nigeria.
The post mentorship graduation ceremony was held virtually on January 19, 2024 to send forth the top 10 winners.
Launched on September 19, 2023, the Bolt Accelerator Program has empowered drivers beyond conventional ride-hailing services and contributed to the economic growth of drivers in Nigeria.
The initiative witnessed a myriad of applications from drivers in diverse states in Nigeria, their brilliant ideas were meticulously scrutinised, and appraised, and ultimately the top 10 innovative business ideas emerged as winners, each receiving a seed fund of 2000 euros but proceeding to start a 6-week mentorship phase of the Bolt Den to mark a significant milestone celebrated during the virtual closing ceremony.
The initiative is in line with Bolt’s goal to contribute towards the development of Nigeria’s economic growth whilst keeping Bolt’s African City Vision project, which encourages the adoption of shared mobility in the ongoing development of wider transport ecosystems.
Recent analysis from Oliver Wyman Mobility Forum and Bolt highlighted that the African shared mobility market is the world’s fastest growing and is set to double to $8bn by 2030, creating more than 550,000 additional earnings opportunities while bringing significant economic and social benefits.
Speaking on the importance of the mentorship exercise, Bolt’s Senior Public Policy Manager WA & NA & CA, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, reiterated that the mentorship exercise is important to help nurture the winners and prepare them for the real-life tasks ahead.
“The program’s legacy will persist through follow-ups, meticulous record-keeping, and ongoing growth initiatives even in other countries, fortifying Bolt’s commitment to fostering innovation, empowerment, and increased mobility in Africa.
“The journey is not over; it is just starting, and we would love to be able to refer to the growth of these businesses five years down the line,” Weyinmi said.
One of the participants, Arinze Emmanuel a driver from Abuja whose idea aimed to tackle security issues focused on car theft by developing a website to monitor cars and disseminate information swiftly said, “I thank Bolt for this initiative, the mentorship phase has really equipped me to address the challenges my business idea aims to tackle.”
Another participant, David Uviowho, a driver from Port-Harcourt with the business solution to ensure efficient deliveries with the use of bikes for urban logistics said, “The program has been worth every single moment invested, and I am now operational thanks to the impact of it.
I will make Bolt proud.” He attributed his growth to the program’s educational value which he said significantly contributed to the realisation of his business idea.
Jennifer Modinatu, the only female Bolt driver among the top 10, whose zeal to encourage women driving to earn for themselves developed the car-for-hire business to encourage female inclusion in the ride-hailing ecosystem.
She encouraged women, urging them to engage more actively in initiatives such as the Bolt Accelerator Program introduced by Bolt.
Temitope Stephen, winner of the Oliver Wyman Mentorship, a driver from Lagos state with the ecofriendly business idea of converting petrol vehicles to compressed natural gas has kickstarted his private mentorship sessions with the Oliver Wyman team under seasoned professional as he commences operation of Raindom Energy Services Ltd.
The top 10 participants radiated enthusiasm, basking in the joy of the positive turnaround in their lives as they reintroduced themselves as owners of CAC-registered companies, sharing insights and heartfelt moments from the transformative journey in the Bolt Accelerator Program.
Bolt and The Nest stand united in propelling African entrepreneurs toward a future of innovation and economic growth.
Telecom
ARCON Probes 9mobile over Alleged N1Bn Advertising Debt

Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) is investigating a petition against 9Mobile, one of Nigeria’s top four telecoms companies, over an alleged N1 billion unpaid advertising debt.
In a statement issued at the weekend, the ARCON stated that the petition was filed by advertising agencies alleging that Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited — trading as 9mobile — failed to settle payments for services rendered and has continued to engage new agencies without fulfilling existing obligations.
The regulator identified the alleged activity as a potential violation of the Nigerian advertising code, adding that it might have far-reaching consequences throughout the business.
“It was also alleged that while 9mobile refused to pay or resolve its indebtedness to the agencies, it has gone ahead to brief other agencies to continue its advertising and advertisement business with impunity,” the statement reads.
The ARCON said it would investigate whether 9mobile followed disengagement protocols when transitioning from the owed agencies to new ones and whether there were possible breaches of ethical procedures.
“Advertising debts are beyond agencies,” ARCON added.
“They belong mostly to media houses and third-party vendors/suppliers who are significantly affected by the indebtedness, with multiplier effects on their cash flow and operations.”
The council said it would partner with anti-graft and government agencies to ensure a full investigation and the debt’s resolution — stressing that the borders on economic sabotage.
The ARCON reiterated that the Nigerian advertising industry’s official payment threshold remains 45 days and promised to clamp down on practices that encourage unethical competition and unfair advantage.
“The council will take all necessary actions to eradicate unethical competition and ensure compliance with the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP), including adherence to the 45-day credit policy,” it said.
9mobile is a member of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), and its members are expected to follow advertising regulations and contractual duties within the ecosystem.
Telecom
NiRA Holds 17th AGM, Elects New Leadership to Propel .ng Domain Growth

Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has successfully concluded its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM), reinforcing its commitment to Nigeria’s digital identity.

(L–R): Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, Member, Board of Trustees, NiRA; Mr. Ahmad Mukoshy, Newly Elected Executive Board Member, NiRA; Mrs. Seyi Onasanya, COO NiRA; Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President, NiRA; and Mr. Peter Oluka, Executive Board Member, NiRA.
Held as a hybrid event at the NiRA Secretariat and virtually, the meeting brought together over 325 members, stakeholders, and media representatives to review progress and set future goals.
During the AGM, NiRA President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, emphasized the Association’s remarkable growth in 2024, including 94,723 new registrations and 61,227 renewals, bringing the total number of .ng domains under management to 212,890. The accreditation of 23 new registrars further strengthened NiRA’s reach and impact.
A major highlight was the implementation of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), enhancing domain integrity and security. NiRA also launched a Registrar Incentive Programme in Q3 2024 to encourage adoption and reward top-performing registrars.
Strategic partnerships were a key focus, with collaborations across government and private sectors. NiRA continued its long-standing relationship with NITDA, engaged with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and worked with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support businesses. Other partnerships included efforts with the Nigeria Computer Society and Innovation Support Network (ISN Hubs) to drive internet development in Nigeria.
Among NiRA’s recent initiatives were Tech Convergence 1.0, a flagship event exploring technology and creativity, and the 7th edition of the prestigious .ng Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The Association also reaffirmed its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility through the NiRA Kids Foundation (NKF) and .ng Academy, focusing on digital empowerment and capacity building.
The election of new Executive Board of Directors members marked a major step forward, with Mrs. Mary Olaseni, Mrs. Abibat Olatunji, and Mr. Ahmad Mukoshy joining the board, while Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata and Mr. Destiny Amana assumed new roles. The outgoing board members were recognized for their service and contributions.
The seamless execution of the AGM underscored NiRA’s professionalism and dedication. Moving forward, NiRA remains committed to fostering a secure and resilient digital ecosystem through the .ng domain, positioning Nigeria as a global digital leader.
Telecom
Glo, Huawei, Communications Ministry Bring Digital Services to Abuja Village

Telecommunications and digital services provider, Globacom, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, to provide digital access to 7,000 remote communities in Nigeria with the commissioning of the pilot project in Isuanin Kura in Ibwa 2, Gwagwalada, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Wednesday.
The project, which is championed by the Ministry, will deliver 2G/3G/4G services, free public Wi-Fi access, digital healthcare and remote learning capabilities to the over 12,000 residents of the community.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was full of commendation to Globacom and Huawei for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the connectivity crisis affecting more than 20 million Nigerians who currently lack basic telecommunication access in the country.
Said he: “If you bring out your phone in many communities, there is no network at all. This is costing the country significantly because people cannot access financial services, medical care, or education”, adding that this also poses governance challenges as disconnected areas are difficult to administer.
“Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity. We are using innovation to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of location, can thrive in the digital age”, the Minister added.
Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, Mr. Sanjib Roy, who spoke on the project said the company worked with the Ministry and Huawei to bring up the site by providing the Microwave backhaul link and access to Globacom’s full core network resources and also manage the operation of the site to ensure uninterrupted voice and data services for the community.
“The Smart Education facility allows for young students within the community to receive education remotely, with the teachers being in Abuja or any other part of the world, while Healthcare delivery has been revolutionised through connected medical equipment that enables remote consultations between patients in Ibwa and doctors and specialists in urban-locations”, Mr Roy explained. The site and all the equipment are powered by solar thereby ensuring clean environment and uninterrupted power supply.
During the inauguration, the system’s effectiveness was demonstrated with the leader of Isuanin Kura, Ibwa 2 Community, Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, having a live consultation with a medical doctor in Abuja, while the Minister and other guests watched as the students in the local school were being taught via online video by a teacher in Lagos, using equipment provided by Huawei.
Mr Kazeem Kaka, Globacom’s Head of Division, North West, who also spoke at event, said, “For Globacom, this is a continuation of our long-standing mission to democratize access to communication. Since 2003, we have remained at the forefront of efforts to lower the barriers to connectivity—making telephony, internet, and data services more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
“Today’s launch reinforces that commitment. We are particularly excited about the impact this initiative will have on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment of Ibwa people”.
In his remarks, Mr Terrens Wu, Managing Director, Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, said his company was proud to be part of the initiative to provide connectivity, and promote learning and healthcare in rural communities through digital technology. His company later gave out 120 affordable smartphones to the community to help them have access to telephony.
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