The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to open governance, transparency and inclusive digital development as the Open Government Partnership (OGP) team formally presented the award and certificate received at the OGP Global Summit Spain 2025 to the Agency’s leadership.

Nigeria emerged as the overall global winner in the Digital Governance category in recognition of the country’s excellence in deploying digital tools and policies to strengthen government transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. In addition, Nigeria received the Regional Award for advancing Open Digital Governance across Africa and the Middle East, reaffirming its leadership role in promoting open government principles and driving digital transformation across the region.

These recognitions were largely attributed to initiatives led by NITDA in collaboration with civil society partners, such as Dataphyte, which showcased innovative and inclusive approaches to digital governance at the summit.

The summit, which was organised in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, brought together more than 1,500 high-level representatives of governments, civil society leaders, and policymakers from around the world to exchange experiences, best practices, and progress on open government initiatives and implementation on key issues.

Receiving the OGP delegation at NITDA, Inuwa described the recognition as a national honour rather than an institutional one, stressing that the award reflects Nigeria’s collective efforts across government, civil society and the private sector in advancing open governance principles through the digital space.

According to him, such global recognition comes with heightened responsibility to deliver on commitments made under the OGP framework.

“This is not just about NITDA. It is a national recognition, and every recognition comes with responsibility,” the DG said.

“If we fail to execute the commitments we have made, it will not only affect our image locally but also at the international stage. This is also not something NITDA can do in isolation,” he added.

Inuwa linked the achievement directly to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that digital transformation, transparency, economic diversification, job creation and efficient public service delivery remain central presidential priority areas.

He emphasised that leveraging digital technologies to deepen openness and accountability aligns with national objectives of strengthening institutions, improving governance outcomes and building trust between government and citizens.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the NITDA boss underscored the role of the OGP platform as a catalyst for a strong multi-stakeholder approach in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

He called on civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector and other government institutions to provide technical expertise, guidance and sustained engagement to ensure effective implementation of agreed commitments.

“We need to leverage the OGP platform. We need your expertise, your guidance, your support and your commitment to hand-hold us in delivering on these commitments,” he said.

He further noted that “a multi-stakeholder approach in the digital space is critical to fostering a resilient ecosystem that delivers real value to citizens.”

Inuwa disclosed that NITDA has already begun internal reviews of its OGP commitments and has tasked its representatives, including Dr Rousseau, to work with colleagues to develop a clear execution strategy.

He proposed the creation of joint work streams with OGP stakeholders to support implementation, ensure accountability and keep all parties on track.

“We are humans. Oversight and collaboration help us stay focused. With commitment, nothing is impossible, and I believe these goals are achievable,” he added, assuring the delegation of NITDA’s readiness and political will to deliver on all agreed commitments.

Inuwa also welcomed the idea of engaging the political leadership of OGP, including the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, with a view to briefing President Tinubu on the achievement. He noted that celebrating milestones is important, as it reinforces morale and demonstrates that Nigeria’s efforts in digital governance are gaining global recognition.

“It’s also good when there are wins, we should celebrate, because we too never knew that the little things we are doing are noticed not just within Nigeria, but globally, to the extent of earning us this award,” he asserted.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Nigerian National OGP Secretariat and the global OGP leadership, reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and building a more productive working relationship that will translate open governance principles into measurable national impact.

Earlier in his remark, Mr Olusoji Apampa, who led the OGP deelegation, said the honours were earned through a strong partnership between government and civil society, with NITDA playing a critical role, particularly in commitments focused on improving digital governance in Nigeria.

Apampa expressed hope that the awards would serve as added momentum to deepen ongoing commitments under NITDA’s leadership and accelerate the practical implementation of reforms aimed at strengthening digital governance across the country.

MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), marked a significant milestone in advancing Africa’s media landscape with the graduation of 20 Fellows from the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Cohort 4 held at the Lagos Business School.

MTN

The ceremony celebrated excellence, resilience and forward-thinking storytelling, while also announcing the programme’s expansion into a Pan-African edition beginning next year.

The six-month programme, known for its rigorous coursework, demanding schedule and strong emphasis on critical thinking, included an international study visit to South Africa that broadened participants’ understanding of media innovation across the continent.

The graduation event acknowledged the Fellows’ commitment to completing the intensive journey while strengthening their capacity to influence the future of African media.

Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communications, PAU, commended the Fellows for their persistence throughout the programme. “In some moments, it was pretty grueling for some of you, but you made it. You are here, and I congratulate you,” he said.

“He encouraged them to see the graduation as a new beginning, adding, “We have so much to do, and each one of us is best positioned now to make that transformation.”

Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, congratulated the cohort on successfully completing the six-month programme and reaffirmed MTN’s long-term vision for the initiative.

He said, “Congratulations on completing this journey. You are joining a network of professionals who are committed to elevating the media landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

“The future of this programme depends on your impact. This cohort represents the outcome we envisioned when the journey began. Today, the programme is not only thriving but also expanding.”

He further announced that the Pan-African edition of the programme will be launched in 2026, providing media professionals across the continent with the same level of immersive training and unique exposure experienced by the Fellows.

A key highlight of the event was MTN Nigeria’s presentation of ₦2.5 million in cash prizes to Fellows whose projects demonstrated exceptional innovation, depth of research and alignment with the programme’s ethos of impactful storytelling. The awards were presented by Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, MTN Nigeria, and Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation.

Vanessa Ukamaka Richard Bassey, Head of Programmes, Sparkling 92.3 FM, Calabar, emerged as the top winner, receiving ₦1 million for the MTN Foundation Chairman Award for Innovative Reportage and another ₦1 million for the MTN Chairman’s Prize for Innovation. Sharing her experience, she said, “It’s been a training ground. It has opened me up to new things and made me more confident. There’s something about knowledge and information and exposure to your mind and to your esteem. After today, I know there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Abolaji Adebayo received ₦500,000 for the MIP Cohort 4 Best Report, recognised for its clarity, depth and relevance to national discourse.

Several Fellows shared how the programme has reshaped their careers. Adekeye Ayobami of Abamimigo FM described the programme as arriving at the perfect moment, aligning with his recent career elevation.

Ubani Amarachi of Channels TV highlighted the value of the South Africa trip, noting that it transformed her approach to telling African stories and reinforced her belief that graduation marks the beginning of greater responsibility and impact.

The graduation of the MIP Cohort 4 Fellows, coupled with the announcement of the Pan-African edition, reinforces MTN Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the media ecosystem through education, exposure and innovation.

The partnership between MTN Nigeria and Pan-Atlantic University continues to serve as a catalyst for developing media professionals equipped to shape narratives, advance societal progress and drive meaningful change across Africa.

Fidelity Bank Plc has brought relief to indigent patients at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Parklane, by offsetting medical bills and providing financial support to children battling chronic health conditions alongside donations of ante-natal kits to pregnant women.

L-R: Public Relations Officer, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Amarachi Amusi; Team Member, Optimizers Inductees Class of 2025, Precious Uchechi-Uneke; Class Governor, Optimizers Inductees Class of 2025, Chinedu Hilary-Elijah (both of Fidelity Bank Plc); Matron, Children’s Ward ESUTH, Esther Nnaji; and Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; during the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP) outreach to ESUTH recently.

The intervention, which was carried out under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative known as Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), was funded and executed by newly inducted employees of the bank, the Optimizers Inductees Class, as their community impact project, with matching financial support from the bank.

Commenting on the outreach, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, highlighted that the initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to improving lives through targeted social interventions across its four CSR pillars.

“This project reflects the spirit of who we are as a bank. Beyond providing financial services, we are committed to touching lives within the communities where we operate. Today, we are donating ante-natal kits to pregnant women and also supporting indigent patients who have remained in the hospital due to unpaid bills. Some of the children also require long-term medical care, so we have given additional financial support to aid their continued treatment,” Dr Nwagboh said.

Whilst wishing the beneficiaries quick recovery and good health, Nwagboh described the intervention as both significant and timely, enabling many families to reunite and celebrate the festive season without the burden of outstanding hospital debts.

Receiving the donation, the Chief Matron of the Children’s Ward, Esther Nnaji, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely intervention, describing it as a lifeline for families grappling with rising healthcare costs.

“There are so many families here in desperate need. Some of the children are battling cancer, sickle cell disease and other chronic conditions. Fidelity Bank’s support will go a long way in relieving their pain. Because of what you have done, some of these children will now be able to see their siblings again,” she said.

Several beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to Fidelity Bank for easing their financial burdens. Mrs. Adaeze Ilo, whose baby’s bill was cleared, said the support came at a moment of despair.

“After spending months in the hospital, we had no idea how to raise the money,” she said. “Fidelity Bank came through for us when we needed it the most. We are deeply grateful.”

Another relieved parent, Jane Anthony, whose son’s bill was cleared, said her family had already accepted that they would spend Christmas in the hospital.

“God used Fidelity Bank to send us home to enjoy Christmas. My heart is full.” she said.

The recent outreach to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital further highlights Fidelity Bank’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening community well-being across Nigeria through community-driven CSR efforts.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.