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MTN Foundation, FG & Others Partner To Launch AgriConnect In Ogun State

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The MTN Foundation, in partnership with the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government, has launched AgriConnect, a digital agriculture platform aimed at empowering 1,000 small-scale farmers with mobile-enabled agricultural intelligence.

Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation

The initiative, executed through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in partnership with MTN Foundation, Huawei and the Ogun State Government, is aimed at empowering farmers through access to mobile-enabled agricultural intelligence and digital tools.

Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun noted that the program will support 1,000 farmers selected from a state-managed database of over 160,000 registered farmers, providing them with mobile-enabled services and digital technologies supplied by Huawei.

“This initiative is intended to enhance food production, ensure food security, and boost agribusiness opportunities across the state and Nigeria at large,” he said.

“These are not just gadgets; they are tools of transformation. With this programme, we are boosting productivity, promoting efficiency, and fortifying the cassava value chain. Ogun State is proud to lead in cassava production and equally proud to lead in agricultural innovation,” he added.

The Governor also emphasised the agricultural sector’s economic importance, citing the state’s fertile land and favourable climate as strong assets. Governor Abiodun also announced the construction of a new cotton processing plant with a capacity to process 100 tons per hour, expected to generate 250,000 direct jobs and position Nigeria as a key player in the global cotton and garment industry.

The governor called on all public and private stakeholders to support the AgriConnect Initiative, stressing that Ogun State is home to the most responsible and best-organised farmers in the country.

Speaking at the official launch held on Wednesday at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, said the initiative would enhance food production by equipping farmers with critical digital tools and knowledge. “At the MTN Foundation, we strongly believe in the power of technology to drive growth, create opportunities, and empower individuals.

“The AgriConnect Initiative embodies this belief by leveraging both global and local partnerships to provide our farmers with essential tools and resources. Access to real-time weather forecasts, market prices, and best agricultural practices will not only support informed decision-making but also significantly improve yields and increase farmers’ incomes.

“Ultimately, this will contribute to economic growth at both the state and national levels. For those unfamiliar with the MTN Foundation, since its inception in 2004, we have remained at the forefront of Nigeria’s social empowerment. We have invested over ₦32 billion in projects and interventions that align with national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

The official launch ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and the development community, marking a new chapter in digital transformation in agriculture. As part of MTN Foundation’s broader vision, AgriConnect reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable agriculture.


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Breaking News…Hackers Allegedly Expose EFCC Data, Operatives’ Identities

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Nullsec Nigeria, a threat actor, has claimed responsibility for leaking the identities of operatives and sensitive internal data linked to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Breaking News...Hackers Allegedly Expose EFCC Data, Operatives’ Identities

Ola Olukoyede, chairman, EFCC

The leak raises fresh concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities within Nigerian public institutions and safety the agency’s operatives.

The breach surfaced on April 21 on a dark web forum, where a user identified as “ki4t,” reportedly affiliated with the group, published details of the dataset.

The exposed data is said to include agent names, phone numbers, operational code names, and password hashes tied to EFCC personnel.

The breach allegation comes amid growing concerns over cyber risks facing government agencies, following a recent reported compromise involving the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Cybersecurity analysts say that if confirmed, the exposure of such sensitive operational data could pose risks to both personnel security and ongoing enforcement operations, particularly if password hashes are successfully decrypted or linked to other compromised systems.

The development adds to increasing pressure on public institutions to strengthen digital infrastructure, access controls, and internal cybersecurity protocols as threat actors continue to target government databases.

Authorities are yet to confirm the extent of the alleged breach or whether any mitigation measures have been activated.

Nigeria has lately experienced a growing activities of hacktivists defacing websites and leaking data.

 

 

 


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Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to Open Portal for 1,000 University Tech Scholarships on Monday

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The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF), in collaboration with TD Africa, Konga Group, Zinox Technologies, and Task Systems, is set to officially launch its highly anticipated scholarship programme aimed at empowering 1,000 exceptional Nigerian indigent whiz-kids in the field of technology.

Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to Open Portal for 1,000 University Tech Scholarships on Monday

Leo Stan Ekeh

The dedicated application portal, initially scheduled to go live on April 22, will now launch on  Monday,  April 27, 2026, following final technical enhancements to ensure a seamless, secure, and transparent application experience for prospective candidates nationwide.

This landmark initiative, first announced by Leo Stan Ekeh, Africa’s foremost tech icon and chairman of Zinox Group, forms part of his unwavering commitment to national development and youth empowerment.

The programme was unveiled on February 22, 2026, when Ekeh marked his 70th birthday. Rather than host an elaborate celebration befitting a man of his stature, he chose to channel resources into a cause that would create long-term impact for an economy, offering university scholarships to indigent but brilliant Nigerian youths to study Computer Science in federal institutions.

Building on a legacy of over 6709 beneficiaries trained over four decades by him and his companies, Mr. Ekeh at the time said the goal is to nurture a new generation of highly skilled technology professionals capable of supporting both the private and public sectors, while positioning Nigeria for greater competitiveness in the global digital economy.

This vision reflects his decades-long commitment to building sustainable  positive disruptive capacity within Nigeria’s technology ecosystem that shall alter the nation’s GDP.

The scholarship programme is designed to transcend mere financial support, offering beneficiaries access to a comprehensive ecosystem powered by the initiative’s distinguished partners. Beneficiaries will receive technical support, mentorship by very successful members of Nigeria Compute Society, and industry exposure to ensure that recipients are equipped with practical, market-relevant skills.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that scholarship beneficiaries gain not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience and professional networks that will propel their careers in technology.

By leveraging the combined expertise and infrastructure of these industry leaders, the initiative is poised to deliver a transformative learning experience that prepares young Nigerians to compete effectively on the global stage. Beneficiaries will emerge as future-ready innovators capable of driving digital transformation across sectors and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The initiative builds on the longstanding legacy of Leo Stan Ekeh, whose contributions to Nigeria’s technology landscape and by extension Africa have spanned decades and fundamentally reshaped the nation’s digital infrastructure. From pioneering indigenous computer manufacturing through Zinox Technologies to driving digital transformation across public and private sectors, Ekeh has consistently demonstrated a commitment to building sustainable technological capacity within Nigeria.

His investments in digital infrastructure, talent development, and indigenous innovation have positioned Nigeria as a formidable player in the global technology landscape.

This scholarship programme represents the latest chapter in that transformative journey, directly addressing the critical need for skilled technology professionals in an increasingly digital global economy.

As anticipation builds ahead of the April 27 launch, interested applicants are advised to visit the Konga.com website and click the Foundation banner on 1000 Tech Scholarships Awards where the application link and detailed participation guidelines will be published on the launch date. The organisers have assured that the selection process will be merit-driven, inclusive, and transparent, with a focus on identifying truly outstanding young talents from across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

 


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US Library Blames Hackers for Viral Posts Urging Violence in Nigeria

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Westerville Public Library, a public library that serves the community of Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus in United States is in the news after its social account urged violence against Nigerian politicians.

US Library Blames Hackers for Viral Posts Urging Violence in Nigeria

Library staff said the inflammatory messages were not written by any employees and moved quickly to purge the feed and regain control of the account, rattling regulars who are used to the library’s usually low-traffic presence in Uptown Westerville.

The Columbus Dispatch reported that the library’s X account first posted a message calling for the death of Nigerian politicians, starting with the country’s president.

According to the paper, most of those posts were wiped from the feed within about half an hour.

The Dispatch also noted that the account had been sitting dormant since 2024 before the violent statements suddenly went live, and its full report includes the timeline and language that circulated on the platform.

After the posts appeared, the library issued a short note on X that read, “Please disregard any recent posts you may have seen from the Westerville Library on this platform today. Thank you for your understanding.” As reported by The Columbus Dispatch, communications director Tamara Murray told the paper the account was hacked shortly before the messages were published and that staff were working to recover passwords.

The library did not immediately say whether law enforcement had been notified.

 

 


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