Telecom
FG Insists on February 16 Deadline for Broadband Panel’s Report
The Federal government has charged the Presidential Broadband Committee to put in more energy in their assignment and ensure the realisation of the 70% broadband penetration target by 2023.
This is even as the government also charged the Committee to focus more attention on 4G and 3G networks to enable the country close the wide gap between the connected and unconnected areas, saying that the February 16th deadline for submission of the Committee’s report remains sacrosanct.
Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, gave the directive on Thursday during his routine visit to the Committee at the Annex Office of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC at Ambora, Abuja.
He urged the Committee to come up with an all- embracing recommendation that would guide government in taking concrete decision in addressing the challenges bedevilling the sector and as well enable her realise the broadband penetration target.
Pantami, who promised the Committee of government’s support said that the 70% target by the Committee was not ambitious as government actually targeted 100% by 2023.
‘’Our target is 2023 not 2025. You must be in another world to think that the 70% target by 2025 is ambitious, it is 2023 because for government 70% is not ambitious. ‘‘The actual target of Federal government is 100 percent by 2023.
However, this government will play certain role, which will not necessarily be one group of people, government will be playing significant role. That is why it is better you have a recommendation, if we want the target to be achieved.
‘‘Otherwise the realistic target of 70% by this time will make it more effective since government wants to achieve this target. There is no harm in coming with two solutions like that of broadband penetration and issue of 4G, which is also very important.
‘‘To me, it bothers more on 3G and 4G, for me emphasis should be more on 4G than 3G and 5G because 3G may disappear. Let us try to be objective and avoid unnecessary prolonging of time.
‘‘There are so many issues pending unresolved even before the inauguration of this committee which are still on board waiting to be resolved by your recommendations and I believe that most of the decisions to be taken are going to be guided by the recommendations of this committee.’’
‘‘Waste no time in your committee work so that we can look into your recommendation because we are going to be guided by what this committee submits.
“For me, time is not on our side. You must try to be objective and not allow personal opinion prevail on national interest. We should always wish well for our country.
‘‘That deadline of 16th of February will not be extended. That is why the Committee should know if there is need for additional days. You can extend your meetings because it requires sacrifice. We need to learn how to maximise our time.
In her remarks, Mrs. Funke Opeke, the Chairperson of the Committee, said that the Committee’s target is to attain total broadband coverage for all Nigerians and assured the Minister that they would work harder to meet the February 16th target for submission of the report.
‘‘We are aware that we have a lot of work to do both on demand and supply sides. We are conscious of where we are coming from and where we are going to. We are set out to achieve the primary areas of the plan.
‘‘The 16th February is Sunday but we are committed to meet the deadline within the week.’’ Opeke, who gave a report on 4G penetration in Q3 2019, informed the Minister that the network growth was slow due to the challenge of affordability of device and literacy rate in the country.
‘‘4G coverage in 2019 did grow by about 40%, uptake was slow because of affordability of devices and literacy rate. Some of the interventions need to be coordinated to drive result,’’ she explained.
It will be recalled that the Minister had on 16th December 2019 inaugurated the Presidential Broadband Committee with a mandate to submit its report on Nigeria 2020-2025 Broadband Plan by February 2020.
The inauguration followed the expiration of the previous 2012-2018 Broadband Plan in December 2018.
Telecom
CerAwards 2026: CeraVe & Konga Health Reward Top Creators with Paris Trips and N12M in Prizes
The intersection of dermatological excellence, technological innovation, and creative storytelling reached a fever pitch on April 23rd as the inaugural Cerawards Africa 2026 took centre stage in Lagos. Orchestrated by CeraVe, the world’s #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, in an exclusive strategic partnership with Konga Health, Nigeria’s leading distributor of premium skincare and beauty products, the event celebrated emerging creators with CeraVe-sponsored trips to Paris, N2 Million and other amazing prizes.
CerAwards 2026
Making its debut on the African continent, CerAwards 2026 chose Nigeria as its first destination, a decision made possible through the direct result of the robust infrastructure and market trust built by Konga Health. This partnership between both brands reflects a shared commitment to driving accessibility, authenticity, and innovation within the beauty industry, while placing Nigerian talent firmly on the global stage.
Hosted by renowned media personality Bisola Aiyeola, the event delivered a seamless blend of entertainment and industry relevance. From the outset, it was clear that CerAwards was not just another awards ceremony, but a platform designed to reshape narratives, connecting skincare, storytelling, and commerce in a uniquely Nigerian way. The gala brought together the beauty industry elites, Nollywood stars, top influencers, and a new generation of digital entrepreneurs, all united by a singular vision of excellence.
Delivering his address at the event, Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, emphasised the strategic importance of innovation and excellence in building sustainable industries.
“What we are witnessing today is the convergence of technology, creativity, and commerce,” he stated. “At Konga, and particularly through Konga Health, we are committed to pursuing excellence in everything we do, ensuring that Nigerians have access to genuine products while also creating platforms that drive economic value. Technology remains the backbone of modern economies, and initiatives like CerAwards demonstrate how it can unlock new opportunities for growth, especially among young creators.”
CerAwards 2026 attracted over 800 entries from content creators across the country, reflecting the depth of talent within Nigeria’s digital and creative economy. Following a rigorous screening process by a distinguished jury comprising Funke Akindele (Nollywood actress, producer and director), Uzor Arukwe (award-winning actor), Anais Routhiau (CeraVe Africa), Ijeoma Balogun (CEO, Redrick PR), Subuola Oyeleye (Founder, Beauty Hut Africa), and Yvonne Enwerem (VP, Konga Health), the top 64 entries were shortlisted.
The competition, which recorded over 65,000 public votes, eventually expanded beyond its initial structure to accommodate 28 finalists, underscoring the exceptional quality of submissions.
Participants competed across six categories: Educational, Original, Viral Video, Cleansing, Body Moisturising, and Let’s Get Creative. The award categories spanned the full spectrum of the CeraVe experience, from educational content to viral creativity.
The awards produced six grand prize winners. Three exceptional creators won the ultimate “CeraTicket,” an all-expenses-paid trip to France to experience the heart of global beauty: Perpetua Ugwuegede (Body Moisturising), Boluwatife Lawal (Educational Content), and Iyanuoluwa Sowemimo (Let’s Get Creative). Three winners received N2 Million worth of premium content creation gear: Beryl Inegbenose (Original Content), Precious Ernest (Cleansing), and Joseph Shaka Momodu (Viral Video). The 1st runners-up were each awarded N1 million, while several other participants walked away with N500,000 in consolation prizes and gifts.
The event also featured special Nollywood Recognition Awards presented to Funke Akindele and Uzor Arukwe for their outstanding contributions to the film industry, further cementing the intersection between beauty, storytelling, and entertainment.
Beyond the awards, CerAwards 2026 represents a broader shift in how beauty brands engage with consumers in Africa. Through its partnership with Konga Health, CeraVe has tapped into a robust commerce and distribution ecosystem that prioritises authenticity, accessibility, and customer trust.
For Konga Health, the success of CerAwards reinforces its position as a trusted gateway for premium beauty brands and a champion of Nigerian creativity. As the platform continues to expand its offerings and partnerships, it remains focused on delivering value that resonates with modern consumers.
Under the leadership of Yvonne Enwerem, VP of Konga Health, the platform has become the exclusive custodian of CeraVe’s brand integrity in the region, ensuring that consumers are protected from counterfeits while enjoying seamless access to world-class dermatological solutions.
Ultimately, CerAwards 2026 has not only celebrated excellence, it has redefined what is possible when global brands and local platforms work together.
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.
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