General News
For TECNO, It’s Customers First- Qin
Nicholas Qin is the chief operating officer, Tecno Mobile Limited and he believes that it is not good to try to stop knowledge from going forward.
He spoke to Samson enato.
Overview of TECNO and Nigerian Footprint
In the year 2008, TECNO decided to focus on Africa as its key market and accordingly launched TECNO brand strategy.
Through three years of efforts, TECNO has achieved initial success with its outstanding and unique marketing strategy, and has now become one of the most popular mobile phone brands in many countries in Africa.
As a global mobile phone brand, TECNO has offices in countries and regions like China, Hongkong, South Asia, UAE and most African countries while we majorly focus on Africa, like Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.
TECNO has been well accepted by Nigerian consumers and people are purchasing TECNO for its good quality, general features, professional services and innovative technologies.
Analysis shows that TECNO is now ranking number two in terms of market share in Nigeria and number one in dual SIM category in entire Africa.
The good thing is that in these countries where we have strong presence, we have established partnerships with the strong networks; which drives our spread.
One thing is that if you buy TECNO, there will be no complain.
Our phones are user friendly and affordable.
Our batteries last longer too. And when one visits our customer service centres, we do not hesitate to attend to them.
There are little things other companies over look, which we take very serious. Our customers are kings.
Assessment of the Nigerian Mobile Phone Market
Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa.
Currently, it has the largest market demand for mobile devices with a total estimated market size of 40 million handsets.
Thus, undoubtedly, Nigeria is considered by all major players, one of the most important markets globally.
Well, Nigeria is an energetic, passionate and youthful promising country. Its people have a very keen sense of fashion, internationalization as well as the world’s latest technology.
People are having the same standard towards fashion, technology and trend as those in USA and European countries.
Nigerian people are very brand-oriented and fashionable. Their high level of standard and pursuit leads the industry to a very promising future.
TECNO Loaded App Versus Others
TECNO has a good number of general applications embedded in most of its phones.
While we have specially, official co-operations with companies like Opera mini, Facebook etc. to make sure that we are providing genuine and original applications to consumers.
Besides those internationally popular applications, TECNO also dedicates to many localized applications like Draught which is developed by TECNO itself. Also, to provide consumers with best music experience, TECNO is cooperating with SPINLET that brings the latest music to our people.
And very soon, we are going to include Nigerian applications or contents. Nigerians have technology ideas, and from our side we want to get closer to local apps developers to get those contents.
TECNO Smart phones
TECNO always believes that we should supply what market needs rather than what we have.
As I stated earlier, Nigerian people are fashionable, trendy, passionate about new technologies, like Smart phones, surfing the internet and App demands.
By the demand and trend of the marketplace, we will launch our smart series shortly by aggressive functions and user experience.
Price of TECNO Smart Phones
With our R&D office in the centre of the world’s mobile phone industry, we can instantly introduce the latest technology and new ideas into African market.
TECNO aims to bring a more joyful and convenient life to all of us.
Having good cooperation with those big chipset suppliers and integrated industry advantages, TECNO has gained full supports from upstream and downstream partners that make TECNO phones more competitive in price and raw material quality.
With all the advantages and strengths, TECNO is to launch a series of smart phones with different screen sizes as 3.5″, 4.0″ and 5.0″; with Dual-Core and Qual-Core.
To reveal a secret, we are about to launch one new Smart Phone, TECNO N3; which will be a huge surprise to the Nigeria market.
Fast Selling Phones and CSR
‘Focus on Africa and Root in Africa’ being our motto, we have always behaved as a responsible brand in this continent.
We pay great attention to the future of the country, the youths.
We have sponsored some middle-school sports events, football teams in Lagos Polytechnics, CEEY comedy show in University of Lagos and some school graduation ceremonies.
Also, to stand against fake products and the show our determination in fighting the counterfeits, we have sponsored the quality control movement by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and jointly put the efforts to provide Nigerian people with genuine products.
Meanwhile, TECNO is participating in people’s lives in many ways; we sponsored the country’s pride, Nollywood Awarding Ceremony, which is liked by most Nigerian people.
To carry out the responsibility of a global company, TECNO also supported some community security plans that ensure people live and work in a harmonious environment. In the future, TECNO will continue its social responsibility and contribute more to the society and the country.
TECNO Preferred Mobile Phone in Nigeria
First of all, TECNO has always insisted on its motto: ‘Quality Always’ which has gained the public’s general recognition.
Secondly, TECNO has been recognized as the first brand that introduced Dual-SIM phones into Africa and this movement has greatly changed peoples’ lives by bringing more convenience in communications and saving more cost of calling and SMS among different operators.
Also, TECNO currently has its service centres in 9 major cities and collection points in all the major cities in Nigeria with more to come. We are providing consumers with convenience and professional care.
By the way, TECNO is the first brand that announced 12+1 months warranty in Nigeria and Africa which shows our full confidence in our product quality.
TECNO Partnership with MTN and Etisalat
The sole aim of the partnerships is to bring good products to the door-steps of the customers.
Nigerians also appreciate good phones. So, imagine that the most popular products go with the most trustable network service.
And as we work together we offer the end-user the best result; I must tell you that people will not hesitate to follow.
TECNO aims to provide sound quality hardware and user-oriented software with beneficial packages like mobile internet bundle, app pre-load and download from the biggest operators.
This kind of cooperation can bring people more benefits in user experience, budget planning and all other app experiences.
A few weeks ago, TECNO launched its Opera Mini phones T638 and T608 which are very much favoured by Nigerian customers.
To bring people more benefits, T638 is now promoted jointly by TECNO and MTN with surprisingly beneficial data bundles while T608 is on the go with ETISALAT.
Meanwhile, we at TECNO are open and ready to build long term relationship with operators, hence it will enhance the acceptability and penetration of the products, and the customers will appreciate it more.
Manufacturing Plant in Nigeria
Well, initially when we entered the Nigerian market, we had such plan; however, currently we are focusing on offering Nigerians quality products and services.
Perhaps, we should not forget in a hurry that most of the IT providers in Nigeria are from China, so, we rate Nigeria high.
And currently, we employed Nigeria engineers in discharging our projects, because Nigerians know Nigeria.
And it is our part of local empowerment. Now, we are intensifying a fight against low quality products.
How do I mean? To fight low quality products, you have to push high quality and affordable ones in to the market.
General News
Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period
Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.
Ecobank Bank
Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.
He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.
According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.
“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.
“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”
Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”
He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.
Dr. Evans Woherem, an award-winning African technology researcher, analyst, and writer, has proposed a comprehensive and implementable strategy to end terrorism, banditry, and criminal violence in Nigeria, warning that the country’s prolonged insecurity has reached a critical point that demands urgent, coordinated action.
Titled “A Comprehensive Strategy for Ending Terrorism, Banditry, and Criminal Violence in Nigeria: A Pragmatic, Multi-Layered, and Implementable Framework,” the paper presents a holistic roadmap designed to reverse more than a decade of escalating violence that has claimed thousands of lives, displaced communities, weakened local economies, and eroded public trust in governance.
According to him, insecurity has become deeply entrenched in everyday life across the country. “Terrorism, banditry, and criminal violence have become so commonplace that they now dominate daily conversations among Nigerians,” Dr. Woherem noted, adding that while the crisis is most acute in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, “its effects are now being felt even in the southern parts of the country.”
Citing the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which ranks Nigeria sixth globally in terms of terrorism impact, Dr. Woherem described the ranking as “a sobering statistical confirmation that terrorism still weighs heavily on the Nigerian state.”
The paper traces the roots of the crisis to the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009 and the subsequent rise of splinter groups such as ISWAP. It recalls high-profile incidents including the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, the Dapchi and Kankara kidnappings, and a series of mass abductions and attacks on schools and places of worship recorded in 2025.
Dr. Woherem observed that banditry, largely driven by ransom payments, “has spread across the entire nation, creating fear, weakening productivity, and pushing millions of households deeper into poverty.”
While acknowledging the role of military action, the author cautioned against relying on force alone. “Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency and violent crime through arms and ammunition alone,” he said. “Any sustainable solution must confront the internal conditions that allow insecurity to thrive.”
Among the key drivers identified in the paper by Dr. Woherem, are porous borders, arms proliferation, youth unemployment, economic stagnation, and persistent conflicts over land and resources, challenges Dr. Woherem stressed can be addressed through “a deliberate, intelligence-led, and whole-of-society approach.”
At the heart of the proposed framework, Woherem noted, is a call for intelligence-driven security operations, including the establishment of a National Counter-Insurgency and Intelligence Fusion Centre. “Security operations must be guided by accurate, actionable intelligence rather than fear-led mass actions that often harm civilians and undermine public trust,” he stated.
The paper also advocates comprehensive policing reforms, including the creation of constitutionally backed state police systems supported by a more specialized federal police structure. “Nigeria’s over-centralised policing model is structurally incapable of effectively addressing widespread criminality across such a vast and diverse country.”
Recognising the realities at the grassroots, Woherem calls for the formal regulation of community-based security groups, and noted that “ignoring vigilante groups is dangerous, and banning them outright is unrealistic,” but stressed that their roles must be clearly defined, regulated, and subject to strict oversight.
On border security, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, the author warned that instability in neighbouring countries continues to fuel Nigeria’s insecurity. “No permanent solution is possible without deep regional cooperation,” he said, advocating an Integrated Border Management system supported by joint operations with neighbouring states.
The paper places strong emphasis on prevention through economic inclusion, youth employment, and skills development. “Jobs and income remain the most powerful tools for preventing recruitment into violent groups,” Dr. Woherem asserted, adding that immediate livelihood opportunities significantly weaken the appeal of extremist narratives.
He also called for structured deradicalisation and reintegration programmes, noting that “a humane, community-accepted process is essential for breaking cycles of violence and preventing relapse into extremism.”
Dr. Woherem further emphasised the need for governance reforms and accountability in the security sector. “Without transparency, oversight, and institutional integrity, even the best security strategies will fail,” he warned.
The white paper outlines a phased implementation plan from 2025 to 2030, beginning with intelligence fusion, pilot state police initiatives, community security registration, drone surveillance, and financial crackdowns on terror networks, before expanding into nationwide reforms and long-term consolidation.
Concluding, Dr. Woherem expressed cautious optimism about Nigeria’s future. “Nigeria can overcome this prolonged phase of insecurity,” he said, “but only through political will, coordinated institutions, and the active participation of society.”
He added that the proposed framework offers “a realistic pathway to restoring security, rebuilding public trust, and unlocking Nigeria’s vast human and economic potential.”
In a market where less than 3% of land is formally registered and property fraud remains systemic, infrastructure, not apps, is becoming the defining battleground for real estate innovation.
L-R: Ndifreke Ikokpu, COO, Sytemap, HRM Oba Akintoye Adeoye, President REDAN & Cholatte Odunlade-Akeji, Director, RightHome
That reality came into sharp focus on December 18, 2025, as the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sytemap Technologies Limited, signaling a major industry endorsement of Sytemap’s land and real estate transaction infrastructure.
The partnership centers on RightHOME, a jointly developed digital real estate platform powered by Sytemap’s secure cloud infrastructure, mapping systems, transaction monitoring, and fraud-prevention architecture, with REDAN driving ecosystem adoption through its nationwide developer network.
Nigeria’s real estate sector processes transactions worth trillions of naira annually, yet remains heavily manual, fragmented, and vulnerable to disputes. Industry data suggests unresolved title issues alone lock up ₦36 trillion in dead capital, limiting access to finance and slowing development.
“This MoU represents a shift from fragmented digitization to coordinated infrastructure,” said Nnamdi Uba, CEO at Sytemap. “When the industry body itself aligns around shared standards, verification, and technology, innovation can finally scale responsibly.”
Under the agreement:
· REDAN will onboard registered developers and promote adoption of the platform as a trusted digital channel.
· Sytemap will deliver secure hosting, real-time monitoring, escrow-aligned transaction workflows, and compliance with Nigeria’s data protection regulations.
· Joint standards will be developed for digital verification, transparency, and asset mapping.
From a technology perspective, the partnership reflects a growing consensus that solving African real estate challenges requires deep infrastructure, not surface-level marketplaces. Fraud detection, uptime reliability, auditability, and regulatory alignment, areas often overlooked in proptech, are central to Sytemap’s approach.
HRM Oba Akintoye Adeoye, representing REDAN noted, “This collaboration allows developers to operate in a system where trust is embedded, not assumed. That is critical for long-term growth.”
For the broader tech ecosystem, the MoU stands out as a rare example of industry-led validation, where a national association formally aligns with a technology provider to modernize an entire sector.
Ndifreke Ikokpu, COO at Sytemap signed on behalf of Sytemap while Cholatte Odunlade – Akeji, CEO of RightHome signed on behalf of the Special Purpose Vehicle.
As pressure mounts to unlock housing finance, attract institutional capital, and reduce transaction risk, the REDAN–Sytemap partnership positions digital land infrastructure not as an optional upgrade, but as a foundational requirement for the future of real estate in Nigeria.
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