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IBM Completes Five Projects in Cross River State
International Business Machine (IBM) has successfully completed a program of corporate citizenship activity aimed at helping Cross River State compete in a global marketplace.
A first IBM Corporate Service Corps team completed a month long assignment in Calabar, Cross River State in late September, with a second team completing the work in early November.
The IBM Corporate Service Corps is an initiative designed to provide small businesses, educational institutions and non-profit organizations in emerging markets with sophisticated business consulting and skills development to help improve local conditions and foster job creation.
Now in its second year, the corporate version of the Peace Corps sends teams of 8-10 top employees from around the world representing IT, research, marketing, finance, and business development to emerging markets for one month. The employees work pro bono with local organizations and businesses on projects that intersect business, technology and society.
“IBM is well known for helping public and private sector organizations and companies around the world to leverage technology to drive innovation and do things smarter. In bringing the Corporate Service Corps Program to Nigeria we are able to offer our wealth of skills and experience to benefit local communities and transfer skills so that they can grow, prosper and compete in a global economy. IBM also benefits from the experience by growing its next generation of leaders with the skills required to lead in a globally integrated world,” said Endy Chiakpo country general manager, IBM West Africa.
The two teams that worked in Calabar consisted of 19 IBMers from 8 countries. The projects included, working with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development to help design an information system for the monitoring and documenting of child and maternal health as part of Nigeria’s first and only social welfare system; helping the Cross River State ICT development department create an information technology framework to manage the state computer network so that 18 different government departments can collaborate more effectively. Others are conducting a feasibility study and road map for an IT park located in the Calabar Energy City; assisting in the planning of an information system for Tinapa, a large scale business and leisure resort and helping TEMPO, a public/private non-profit organization, promote tourism in Cross River State.
“The IBM teams have had a profound impact on the region by bringing highly valued skills on local projects and helping to transfer those skills to emerging centers of business across Africa. The result has been to significantly advance projects that will have a sustained impact in the community and help lay the foundations for a 21st century global enterprise,” said Deidre White, president of the CDS Development Solutions, the Washington-based consultant who has partnered with IBM in this initiative across Africa.
The Nigerian initiative is part of a program of African activity which began in August this year and included 70 employees in 6 teams deployed in South Africa, Tanzania and Ghana as well as Nigeria. IBM partners with the non-governmental organization (NGO) CDS Development Solutions to help identify the right projects and local organizations where IBM employees can have the most impact.
The Harvard Business School studied the impact of the IBM Corporate Service Corps and surveyed 31 of the local “project hosts” to assess their satisfaction with the program. The vast majority cited improvements in their internal business processes and their ability to forge new and stronger partnerships with other private sector, NGO and governmental agencies in-country as a result of their work with the IBM Corporate Service Corps. In addition, the IBM participants significantly increased their cultural intelligence and resilience as a leader as a result of the program.
The Corporate Service Corps is part of IBM’s Global Citizen’s Portfolio, a suite of investment programs to help IBM employees enhance their skills and expertise in order to become global leaders, professionals and empowered citizens of the 21st century work force.
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FG Commissions Rebuilt Kano Digital Industrial Park with Support from IHS Nigeria

The Federal Government has commissioned the fully refurbished and restored Kano Digital Industrial Park, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive digital growth, youth empowerment, and strong private sector collaboration.
The facility, which suffered significant damage during the August 2024 protests, has now been fully restored through a generous intervention by IHS Nigeria.
The commissioning ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, was led by the President of Nigeria, ably represented by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Kano State (representing the Governor) Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo; the Emir of Kano, represented by His Highness, Jarman Kano, Amb. Ahmed Umar OON; the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission Dr Aminu Maida; the Minister of State for Youth Development; representatives from IHS Nigeria; and other senior government officials.
Delivering his opening remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the strategic importance of the park and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enabling Nigeria’s digital future.
“The recommissioning of the NCC Digital Industrial Park in Kano is a landmark moment in our journey to accelerate ICT innovation and empower the next generation of digital pioneers.
“This facility will serve as a catalyst for digital inclusion, economic transformation, and youth empowerment not just in Kano, but across the entire Northwest region. We remain committed to creating a thriving digital ecosystem where innovation can flourish and no one is left behind in Nigeria’s digital revolution.” He said.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Governor of Kano State, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, reaffirmed the state’s digital ambition and expressed deep appreciation for the partnership that made the park’s restoration possible.
“This commissioning marks more than the unveiling of a refurbished structure, it represents Kano’s bold vision to lead Northern Nigeria’s digital transformation. “We are grateful to IHS Nigeria for their swift response and unwavering support following the vandalization of this facility. Their commitment goes beyond corporate responsibility, it reflects a shared vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria. He said.
Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief Operating Officer of IHS Nigeria, Kazeem Oladepo, who represented the CEO of IHS Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital future.
“Our decision to sponsor the refurbishment of the Kano Digital Park is rooted in our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy and empowering young Nigerians with the skills to thrive in the digital age,” he said.
“This partnership with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is a clear demonstration of the power of public-private collaboration in addressing national challenges.
“We are proud to contribute to the 3MTT program and help restore this park as a hub of innovation and opportunity for the Kano community. Supporting initiatives like this and others such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub is how we aim to foster long-term digital growth, create jobs, and drive inclusive development across Nigeria.” He added.
Capping off the event, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the significance of public-private collaboration in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
“The recommissioning of the Kano Digital Industrial Park is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when public and private sector actors unite behind a shared vision. This facility is more than just infrastructure, it is a beacon of innovation, resilience, and opportunity for Northern Nigeria.
“IHS Nigeria’s swift intervention following the vandalism of this park reflects true partnership and corporate citizenship. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where young Nigerians, especially those in underserved communities, have the tools and training to thrive in a digital economy.” He highlighted.
The Kano Digital Industrial Park forms a key part of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a flagship government program aimed at equipping Nigerians with globally competitive digital skills.
The renovation includes fully equipped training labs, power and connectivity infrastructure, upgraded learning spaces, and restored digital equipment to support thousands of learners across Northern Nigeria.
The commissioning of the Kano Digital Industrial Park comes just weeks after Ilorin Innovation Hub, the largest innovation hub of its kind in West Africa, which is also sponsored by IHS Nigeria, kicked off its incubation and acceleration programs. These interventions highlight IHS Nigeria’s continued commitment to fostering innovation, creating jobs, and driving the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
By bringing the Kano Digital Industrial Park back on stream, IHS is reinforcing its pledge to support impactful initiatives at both the federal and sub-national levels, particularly those that provide opportunities for young Nigerians, who represent the future of the nation.
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AMCON Confirms ₦100Bn Sale of Ibadan DisCo Amid Legal Disputes

Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has confirmed the sale of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), one of the five power distribution companies previously under its management.
Gbenga Alake, managing director and chief executive officer of AMCON, made the disclosure during a media parley with senior media executives on Thursday, July 3.Wildlife safaris in Nigeria
Alake revealed that the company was sold for N100 billion and said AMCON will soon hand over IBEDC to the preferred bidder. He explained that the initial sale offer was rejected for being too low, prompting a re-submission that resulted in nearly double the previous valuation.
“Today, I announce to you that Ibadan DisCo has been sold. When we came in, it had already been sold. It was sold for how much?” Alake said. “We got in and said no, it cannot be. We said they should go and submit a new offer that we were not going to sell for that. At the end of the day, we got almost double of what Ibadan DisCo was going to be sold for.”
The sale has, however, sparked legal disputes. Alake acknowledged that various interests have since gone to court over the transaction but insisted that AMCON is confident it followed due process.
“We have sold it… and whatever is still happening in court, we will face it,” he stated.
The federal government had earlier announced plans to divest from five distribution companies under the management of banks and AMCON. Alongside IBEDC, the other firms are Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, and Kano Electricity Distribution Company.
In May, the African Initiative Against Abuse of Public Trust, a civil society organisation, filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against AMCON, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and IBEDC. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2025, alleges that the proposed sale of a 60 percent stake in IBEDC for $62 million was “secretive and illegal,” and described the transaction as “corruptly undervalued.”Wildlife safaris in Nigeria
According to the group, the sale could result in a $107 million loss to the Nigerian government compared to the $169 million valuation placed on the same stake during the 2013 privatisation exercise.
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Ghana Tasks Africa On Increased Cyber security Investments

Ghana has urged other African countries to boost investment in cyber security tools and capacity building.
Samuel Nartey George, minister for communication, digital technology, and innovation, made the call while delivering a lecture on Cyber security – Ghana’s Policy and Readiness at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College as part of the ongoing Defence Management Course 25.
In his presentation, he urged other African countries to establish cyber security resilience while acknowledging the financial and political trade-offs, but emphasised the long-term value of digital security in defending national sovereignty.
The Ghana minister’s call for increased investments comes as analysts argue that cyber security should not be considered as an afterthought, a compliance checkbox, or a last-minute technical fix.
They believe that politicians, technology leaders, and businesses must collaborate to develop governance frameworks that address Artificial Intelligence (AI)-specific threats, invest in secure-by-design solutions, and build local cyber security skills on a scale.
In the case of George, he gave a data-driven presentation on Ghana’s digital transformation agenda and cyber security readiness, stating that cyber security was the new frontier of national security and defence.
According to him, all traditional defence mechanisms today rely on secure digital infrastructure.
The minister’s presentation covered key thematic areas: the emergence of the digital economy; threats to the digital landscape, Ghana’s journey toward a secure and resilient digital future and a national roadmap for further advancement.
He also demonstrated how government digitisation efforts—such as e-parliament, e-justice, e-passport, e-procurement, e-immigration and smart workplace platforms—are reshaping governance, judicial processes, and public service delivery.
Additionally, George disclosed recent successes in cyber-intelligence operations involving collaboration with international partners like the FBI and INTERPOL, which led to arrests and asset recovery tied to transnational cyber-crime syndicates.
“Cyber fraud is real, and Ghana has made significant strides in arresting cyber-criminals through advanced digital forensics, AI tools, and coordinated intelligence sharing,” he said.
George also revealed ongoing work on updating Ghana’s cyber security laws to address emerging threats including AI abuse, terrorism financing, deepfakes, and online child exploitation.
To fellow African states, he cautioned: “Cyber security doesn’t win elections, but its absence can cost lives and state stability. We must prioritise it.”
George asked that they enhance their investment in cyber security.
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