Telecom
Google kicks off Digital Skills For Africa program in Aba

Google Nigeria has launched the Digital Skills for Africa program in Aba and other local communities in Abia State.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Eldorado Hotel and Events Centre, Aba.
Google’s Digital Skills for Africa program offers training courses to help individuals and communities develop and grow digital skills, find jobs and advance in their careers.
The program provides free online courses, tools, and in-person digital training to students, educators, job seekers and businesses.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nigeria as at December 2017 was 18.8% (16 million people) and under-employment at 21.2%.
Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, Head, Brand & Reputation, SSA at Google, said “The youth make up 60% of Africa’s unemployed, developing digital entrepreneurship and creating new job opportunities for them is critical to Africa’s transformative growth.
“We’re doing this because we believe that more needs to be done to empower young Africans to succeed in the digital world.”
Google announced its Digital Skills for Africa initiative in 2016, when it committed to training 1m young Africans within one year.
In 2017 it extended the programme for another 5 years in order to reach 10m Africans. Last year Google announced plans to help more people in Africa prepare for jobs of the future through local community-focused Digital Skills Training programs.
In total over 3m people have now acquired different levels of digital skills in 29 countries across Africa via face-to-face training as well as through the online platform – g.co/digitalskills which is available in English, French and Portuguese.
Barr Chris Ezem, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) representing Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia State Governor, at the Google Digital Skills for Africa launch in Aba said that, “The Government of Abia State is excited to have Google introduce the Digital Skills Training to the business community and local manufacturers in Aba, Abia State; noting that it will drive business expansion, help to increase sales and create employment opportunities in Abia State.”
He further said that, “The world is now a global place as a result of information technology and Abia through the Digital Skills Training by Google will be able to key into the digital narrative, giving Aba, the commercial hub in Nigeria, the needed visibility.”
Onyebuchi Nwigwe, President, Association of Tailors and Fashion Designers in Abia State, expressed his appreciation to Google for introducing the Google Digital Skills Training to local manufacturers in Aba, Abia State.
He said that, “The association is opened to receive the training from Google because they know that as fashion designers and tailors they will be able to properly compete with their counterparts across the world after they have adopted and introduced the digital skills to their business models.”
The Digital Skills for Africa programme is designed to address the skills needs of jobseekers and small business owners, and has to date been rolled out in roughly 100 communities across a number of countries including Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.
By engaging directly with the communities that can most benefit from the training, Google is able to identify the specific needs of these communities, support their local growth activities and ensure the impact is felt not just on an individual but also at a community level.
Telecom
NASENI, Nigerian Air Force Renew Strategic Partnership to Drive Indigenous Defense Technologies

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration on indigenous technology development, particularly in defense, aerospace, and infrastructure.
The event, which took place at NASENI Headquarters in Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja on 25th July 2025, was marked by a high-level visit led by the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar alongside senior officers from the Nigerian Airforce. The team was received by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and his management team.
In his keynote remarks, the Air Marshal commended NASENI for its transformative work under Mr. Halilu’s leadership, particularly in reverse engineering, local manufacturing of engineering components, and consistent support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He specifically acknowledged NASENI’s contribution to the development of the C5 Rocket Project, highlighting the agency’s role in producing the rocket bodies and structural components, and in conducting precision material analysis.
He also applauded the establishment of the NASENI Northwest Technology Innovation Hub located at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, describing it as a landmark project made possible through land support by NAF.
The Air Marshal noted that, Airforce is seeking greater inclusion in the governance and execution of the hub, given its role as host and technical contributor, also proposing that NASENI formally co-own the C5 Rocket Project, while urging the agency to continue leading the production of rocket body structures while exploring cost optimizations.
Furthermore, he invited NASENI to enroll its young researchers in newly developed R&D training modules at its Research and Development Institute. The request extends to a new area of partnership — capacity building in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining for Air Force technical personnel at NASENI’s Centre of Excellence.
Responding, NASENI EVC/CEO Mr. Khalil Suleman Halilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the long-standing collaboration with the Air Force, describing it as both professional and personal.
“Our partnership with the Nigerian Air Force is one of our smoothest and most productive,” he said. “We’ve achieved so much together — from reverse-engineering projects to shared innovation hubs — and we are just getting started.”
Mr. Halilu showcased NASENI’s progress in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development, drone pilot training, asset recovery programs, and its world-class CNC machining infrastructure, inviting the Air Force to take advantage of all available resources and facilities.
He emphasized NASENI’s culture of private sector collaboration as a model for cost-effective implementation while maintaining inclusive access for public institutions such as the Air Force.
Highlighting the signing of the new MoU, Mr. Halilu said the updated agreement is designed to be more structured, result-driven, and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It focuses on joint R&D, local manufacturing of aerospace and defense components, human capital development, and knowledge exchange.
“This partnership goes beyond paperwork,” Mr. Halilu noted. “It’s about building the future of Nigeria’s defense and innovation ecosystem together.”
The formal signing of the renewed MoU marked a new chapter in the strategic relationship between both institutions, setting the stage for the activation of joint action plans on the C5 Rocket Project, CNC training, defense manufacturing, and other innovation-driven initiatives.
Telecom
How Zabira is Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Financial independence is no longer a distant dream but a daily reality, especially for young entrepreneurs cashing out weekly through innovative platforms like Zabira.
From trading gift cards to paying bills with crypto-converted naira, Zabira is proving to be more than just a fintech app; it’s a complete digital marketplace designed to fuel the ambitions of the next generation of hustlers.
With users reportedly earning up to ₦150,000 weekly from ongoing campaigns, Zabira has become a go-to platform for side income and full-time digital entrepreneurship.
Its frequent cashback campaigns reward both new and existing users, allowing them to earn 2% cashback on their first crypto trade and 3% on their first gift card trade, a simple but powerful incentive that reduces entry barriers for young people stepping into digital finance.
But Zabira isn’t just about trading; it’s about everyday life. In a move to deepen its utility and promote seamless living, the platform has expanded its bill payment business unit. Users can now pay for airtime, data, electricity (PHCN), TV subscriptions, and even fund wallets for platforms like Bet9ja, all within the Zabira App.
Zabira allows users to make utility and other payments directly using crypto. For added flexibility, users can also instantly convert their crypto to naira, removing any limitations and ensuring seamless transactions without bank delays or downtime.
This subtle integration of crypto into daily transactions is a major leap forward in digital financial inclusion. It not only helps normalise the use of digital assets but also provides practical avenues for users to derive real-world value from their crypto holdings.
Zabira also understands the frustrations of online subscriptions, especially when traditional bank cards fail. Through its robust gift card marketplace, users can buy and use cards for platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Google Play, Apple, Amazon, and more.
These cards offer a reliable alternative for accessing services that are increasingly essential for both work and leisure and are especially helpful for digital creatives, remote workers, and students.
Beyond utility, the platform keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive with bonus campaigns on first-time gift card trades, creating more reasons for users to engage and earn. With every trade, Zabira positions itself not just as a service provider but as a digital enabler supporting users on their financial journey.
In a country where access to financial tools can often feel like a privilege, Zabira is leveling the playing field. Whether you’re a student looking to subscribe to an online course, a freelancer paying for tools, or a small business owner funding your daily operations, Zabira is building the infrastructure that turns these goals into everyday wins.
To get started using Zabira, users can download the app on Android and iOS devices.
Telecom
MTN Media Innovation Programme Fellows Gain Insight into Nigeria’s Connectivity Backbone

Fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) embarked on an intensive industry tour recently, gaining firsthand experience of MTN Nigeria’s infrastructure and learning how technology is shaping the future of connectivity and storytelling.

L-R: Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria; Rebecca Edun, Social Director, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, recently.
The day began with a visit to the MTN Cable Landing Station, where the Fellows explored the facility that serves as a gateway for international data traffic. The tour provided insights into the network that powers Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
At the MTN Switch in Aromire, the group observed key operations ensuring seamless connectivity across the country. They were guided through the processes that keep millions of Nigerians connected daily.
Later at MTN’s Head Office in Falomo, the Fellows engaged in two sessions with the company’s executives.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, discussed the role of 5G and IoT in driving innovation and storytelling in the media. “5G is not just about speed; it’s an enabler of experiences,” she said. “With ultra-low latency and massive device connectivity, we can deliver high-definition content production, virtual reality experiences and cloud-native workflows that redefine how journalists create and audiences consume media.”
The CMO also noted that MTN’s leadership in 5G since 2022 has opened doors for industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment to innovate.
In a session on network innovation and digital transformation, MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Yahaya Ibrahim, shared how the company is leveraging artificial intelligence for demand planning and network optimisation. “AI allows us to predict faults, automate maintenance and plan smarter for Nigeria’s unique needs,” he said.
He also highlighted the technical challenges of maintaining network stability. “From seamless handovers between base stations to combating fibre cuts and vandalism, we work around the clock because connectivity is critical to the economy and to people’s lives,” Ibrahim said.
The day provided Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of MTN’s infrastructure and the technologies shaping Nigeria’s digital future, reinforcing the programme’s goal of empowering media professionals to tell richer, more informed stories about the industry.
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