Telecom
Digital Technology, a Veritable Tool in Combating Insecurity — DG NITDA
Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said that warfare is no longer physical and therefore imperative for the Nigerian Army to embrace and adopt 21st century military infrastructures and technology in enhancing National Security.
The Director General made this call Tuesday when he received the Chief of Defence Communications of the Nigerian Army, Major General Elvis Njoku and his team who were at the Corporate headquaters of the Agency to seek collaboration with the aim of improving military operations.
Abdullahi said that the collaboration is necessary in addressing the current insecurity challenge faced by the country.
He asserted that it was important for the Nigerian Army to measure up with the global modernized military infrastructures which will help them in achieving their mandate.
The Director General said that NITDA was established to implement National IT Policy but the Federal Government has recently replaced the policy with the National Digital Economic Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria.
“Digital transformation is about using digital technology to enhance existing traditional processes and using it as a source of inspiration to come up with a new value proposition” the DG noted.
Mallam Abdullahi stated that technology has affected every aspect which includes security.
“It is important to know how to use technology not just as an enabler but a strategic design for your strategy in general which will inspire you to do more” he said.
The Director General said that the data resource of any organization regardless of their size or business activities otherwise known as Ubiquitous data which gives information about everything you want to know and how to use them, Connectivity, in which individuals can connect and communicate with anything such as smart cars, televisions, home appliances and Computing processing power are important parameters that Digital Technology has brought.
“When you talk about Defence and Intelligence, you need to have data, identify the enemy and have a technical know how of targeting them with minimal collateral damage” the DG averred.
The Director General said the Agency’s focus is improving on how things are being done using technology and innovations by creating an enabling environment and an innovation ecosystem which will allow a smooth digitized process.
Mallam Abdullahi stated that innovation does not happen in isolation but rather, with proper alignment and positioning in a relevant ecosytem which necessitates the proposed collaboration between the two parties.
The Director General noted that there is cross pollination between the ICT and the Ministry of Defence. “A lot of what started in ICT such as the OODA law; Observe, Orient, Decide and Act originated from defence” the DG said.
Abdullahi stated that apart from the good relationship and collaborations the Agency has with the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force and other paramilitary agencies in areas of capacity building and cyber security, it is willing to go beyond that and collaborate on more intensive areas.
“There is a National problem and we need to collaborate together to identify and solve the problem” he mentioned.
The Director General said that combating National insecurity challenge is a collective responsibility and assured the Major General of the Agency’s support in coming up with solutions, exploring technology to detect improvised explosive devices and exploiting all resources such as use of drones, artificial intelligence and robotics in ensuring optimal National security.
“Let us work together, develop solutions and as part of our mandates which National Security is priority, see how we can use emerging technologies in helping our great Nation, Nigeria” the DG concluded
Major General Elvis Njoku, chief of Defence Communications, earlier expressed his gratitude at the warm welcome received by the Agency despite the short notice.
He said that the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor mandated him to visit all Communications and IT related Government established institutions, collaborate with them with the purpose of tackling the contemporary security challenges.
He said that the use of technology is a force multiplier which will definitely impact positively in the Nigerian Army’s operations and hopes for a possible rich collaboration with NITDA which will help them in achieving their mandate.
Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has launched a new stand-alone messaging app on iOS devices, called XChat.
Elon Musk
This app will help users connect their existing X contacts for calling, chatting, and sharing files. This move shows how Musk’s previous idea of creating a single ‘everything app’ seems to shift to a different strategy now.
This newly launched app comes with features such as audio and video calling, text messaging, group chats, and file sharing.
Moreover, it features privacy-focused tools like disappearing messages, the option to delete and edit messages for everyone, and a feature that blocks screenshots.
Looking at these features, the XChat seems to take on WhatsApp and Messenger.
However, the tech firm said that the app has no tracking or ads.
In terms of privacy, X claimed that the instant messaging app is end-to-end encrypted and comes with a PIN.
This app is currently available to iOS users only, and more updates are expected in the near future, as teased by Benji Taylor, the X’s lead designer. The launch of this app reflects a shift in Musk’s strategy about turning X into an ‘everything’ app that will include payments, shopping, messaging, and more combined in one place.
However, the focus of xAI seems to be different now as the company seems to be developing several different apps instead of combining everything into one.
This approach may help X to reach users through their various services rather than a single platform.
While XChat focused on messaging currently, the tech firm is also reportedly testing a separate payments system, which is not available to the public so far.
More features and updates to the instant messaging app are likely to be arriving in the coming months as X continues to grow its ecosystem with more apps.
Technology Company, Globacom has unveiled two vibrant television commercials, “Road Trip” and “Department of Imagination,” reinforcing the telecommunications giant’s dedication to providing seamless, reliable connectivity for every lifestyle.
These engaging campaigns illustrate how Glo remains an essential partner in both our daily routines and our boldest future aspirations.
“Road Trip” captures a relatable family adventure filled with laughter and authentic moments. The story follows Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi as she experiences the frustration of poor signal—only to find that switching to Glo transforms the experience instantly. Whether it’s navigation, downloading content, or staying entertained, the difference is clear with Glo, which ensures you stay connected no matter where the road takes you.
Starring alongside Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, the commercial featured Bolaji Ogunmola and others and their combination brought the best out of the TVC.
Users can easily access data plans by dialling *312#, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted service on the go.
Department, on the other hand transports viewers to a futuristic landscape where technology bridges the gap between creativity and reality.
Guided by the renowned Richard Mofe-Damijo (The Professor), the story explores how powerful ideas turn into extraordinary experiences. It showcases a smarter, more dynamic world—from real-time gaming to advanced culinary processes demonstrated by Hilda Baci and creative tech integration by Bamike Adenibuyan (Bam-Bam).
The unique feature of the story is each scene serving as a testament to how Glo is actively shaping a future where technological possibilities are infinite.
The Glo’s latest commercials carry a unified, powerful message: The future is here, and it is powered by Glo.
Young innovators and entrepreneurs from across Nigeria converged at the “Gathering on 100,” a 100-hour non-stop youth-focused experience powered by MTN, to showcase ideas, build networks, and compete for funding in a major startup pitch competition.
Pitchathon
The event, described by organisers as a convergence of creators, founders, and culture shapers, featured a Pitchathon segment that awarded a total of ₦45 million to eight outstanding startups selected from 30 participants spanning sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, Internet of Things (IoT), AgriTech, DefenceTech, and CreativeTech.
The competition underscored what participants called a “Gen Z approach to business,” combining innovation, speed, and community-driven growth models.
At the end of the contest, Hurpham Africa, led by Sesan Kareem, emerged overall winner, securing ₦15 million alongside enterprise partnership and co-development access from MTN.
Coconoto Ltd, founded by Jacob Oluwayannife, clinched the second runner-up position with a prize of ₦10 million, while Rava Send, represented by Emmanuel Isaka, emerged third runner-up, receiving ₦5 million.
Five other startups — URI Social, Dulces Jams, Kindly Book, Africa Medical Marketplace, and MyFund — each received ₦3 million in recognition of their innovative solutions and growth potential.
Organisers said the initiative was designed not only to reward innovation but also to equip young founders with critical business skills through mentorship and real-time engagement with industry leaders.
The Pitchathon formed part of a broader industry showcase where emerging technology startups presented solutions aimed at deepening financial inclusion and accelerating e-commerce growth across Africa.
Among the presenters was a fintech platform led by Charles Dairo, which is focused on simplifying cross-border transactions. According to Dairo, the platform has recorded more than 10,000 user registrations, with about 30 per cent actively transacting.
He said the company is deploying a localized incentive system to drive user engagement and convert inactive users, noting that a referral programme already contributes roughly 15 per cent of organic growth.
The platform operates a 0.5 per cent transaction fee model and leverages strategic banking partnerships to ensure liquidity. It also integrates stablecoins such as USD Coin to enhance cross-border payment efficiency and expand interoperability across mobile money ecosystems.
Stakeholders noted that such innovations could help address long-standing challenges in Africa’s payments landscape, including high transaction costs and limited system integration.
In the e-commerce space, startups like Jakuta demonstrated the use of artificial intelligence to simplify purchasing decisions and improve operational efficiency.
The platform combines voice technology with mobile messaging tools such as WhatsApp to guide users through transactions, while also enabling device trade-ins through automated video analysis.
Developers said the system currently supports operations in about 20 countries and is capable of handling high volumes of daily interactions, including automated customer engagement processes.
They added that the solution automates routine merchant tasks such as inventory management and customer follow-ups, even in low-connectivity environments, thereby expanding access for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Founders also disclosed ongoing efforts to partner with telecommunications providers to reduce communication costs and scale adoption of their platforms.
Industry analysts at the event observed that many startups are increasingly prioritising customer lifetime value, reinvesting revenues into marketing, user acquisition, and product optimisation to build resilient and scalable business models.
They noted that such strategies are essential for navigating challenges including exchange rate volatility, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory complexities across African markets.
The “Gathering on 100” highlighted the growing influence of youth-led innovation in shaping Nigeria’s digital economy, with stakeholders expressing optimism that sustained collaboration between startups, financial institutions, and telecom operators would accelerate digital inclusion and unlock new economic opportunities.
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