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E-Business

Nextzon, Neptune Join Forces on Orbit Microfinance Application

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Neptune Software Nigeria, a subsidiary company of Neptune Software PLC, United Kingdom has signed a landmark agreement with Nextzon Business Services Limited for the installation, configuration & implementation of its Orbit banking Solution for Microfinance banks in Nigeria.

Orbit Banking application, the highest ranked Microfinance Banking Solution in the world by CGAP review based in Washington DC, 2005-date, will be the software component of a simple, world class but cost effective ICT solution to Microfinance Banks in Nigeria based on Nextzon’s venturing and outsourcing business models.

Microfinance Banks face a long list of challenges including the requirement to acquire industry standard software, recruitment of competent IT professionals, investment in network and hardware, IT governance challenges and the need to manage customers and meet other underlying business objectives. Nextzon Business Services Limited has reviewed these challenges and has come up with a winning strategy that will assist microfinance banks overcome them cost effectively.

"The initiative is breathtaking and is round about the first in the West African continent. The benefits are immense considering the fact that the solution suite is a complete package addressing all data processing issues, transaction processing, IT management, customized implementation and training, localized support, 24/7 availability, interface to payment networks including those that are local to Nigerian banks, and the possibility of sharing business ideas and user-group for the beneficiaries of this innovation", said Mr. George Agu, managing director of Neptune Software.

The Orbit Banking System was selected after a rigorous exercise including detailed assessment of over five world class microfinance solutions by highly qualified consultants. The choice of Orbit was influenced by its record in the Nigerian and wider African markets especially East Africa where it has demonstrated capability of handling complicated microfinance processes.

As part of the contract, Neptune shall supply modules of Orbit Core Banking System such as General Ledger, Deposit processing, Loans Processing, Report Wizard, Teller Processing, End of Day Processing, Relationship Information Management, Photographic and Signature Verifications among others.

Orbit has been installed in over 20 microfinance banks in Nigeria, ahead of this deal.

Mac Atasie, managing director/CEO, Nextzon Business Services, said at the signing ceremony that one key way they can achieve MFB objective is by selecting a compatible vendor who commands distinctive record in software development and implementation and at the same time has the various solutions that can be leveraged to mobilize customers, improve services and achieve the target bottom-line. "Our evaluation was thorough and we are in no doubt that Neptune’s Orbit shall deliver on this strategic initiative," he said.

Orbit Banking System is a functionality-rich banking solution designed to deliver robust solutions to meet all the needs of modern micro banks and other microfinance institutions. Orbit is a relationship centered solution for retail banking services. It has been designed specifically to maximize the efficiency of retail banking. The Orbit Banking System comprehensively supports, Deposit Management, Loan processing including Group Lending, CBN Regulatory Reporting, EFASS, System Administration and Relationship Information Management.

Nextzon Business Services Limited was incorporated on March 7, 2005 to carry on business as a corporate venturing and management / business advisory company. It also assists businesses in operating at world class levels and is the custodian and manager of an emerging group of companies which are set to compete favorably and exploit the commercial opportunities in their various markets.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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Over 7 million Streaming Accounts’ Credentials were Leaked in 2024 – Report

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In a new report, Kaspersky identified over 7 million compromised accounts belonging to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and others. For millions of Gen Z users, these streaming platforms play a central role in how this generation socialises and connects with global culture.

To raise their awareness and build digital resilience, Kaspersky has launched “Case 404” — an interactive cyber-detective game that helps Gen Z recognise hidden dangers and learn how to protect their digital lives.

Streaming platforms have become digital sanctuaries for Gen Z. According to recent studies, Gen Z not only spends more on streaming platforms than any other generation but also actively participates in online fandoms, sharing clips, memes and fan theories across social media: episodes become memes, quotes turn into tweets, and characters live on through edits, debates, and TikTok trends.

Yet this always-online, highly engaged behaviour comes with hidden risks. The very devices Gen Z uses to stream their favourite shows can become entry points for cybercriminals through malware infections. These threats often hide in unofficial downloads, pirated content, browser extensions, or compromised apps, silently collecting login credentials, session data, and other personal information.

Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence team analysed compromised credentials linked to the major streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Max) and uncovered 7,035,236 cases in 2024. These weren’t stolen directly from the platforms themselves but were collected as part of broader credential theft campaigns.

Netflix: A major target for cybercriminals

It’s no surprise that Netflix is the defining streaming brand for Gen Z. Netflix leads both in popularity and in exposure, with 5,632,694 compromised accounts detected. Brazil had the highest number of exposed Netflix credentials in 2024, followed by Mexico and India.

Disney+

Kaspersky experts detected 680,850 Disney+ accounts in leaked datasets. Again, Brazil stood out as the country with the most breached accounts, followed by Mexico and Germany.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video, though smaller in volume with 1,607 compromised accounts, still plays a significant role, especially among Gen Z viewers looking for more subversive or edgy narratives. In 2024, Mexico, Brazil, and France were the top countries with leaked Prime Video accounts.

Once a device is infected, cybercriminals don’t stop at the streaming app. Malware collects sensitive data — account credentials, cookies, bank card details — which are then sold or leaked on underground forums. Sometimes, attackers give this data away just to build their reputation.

These forums are active, fast-moving, and accessible to a wide range of malicious actors. What begins as a compromised Netflix password can quickly snowball into broader digital intrusion, identity theft, or financial fraud, especially if the same credentials are reused across services.

As streaming platforms, fandom culture, and social media become deeply woven into Gen Z’s everyday experience, cyberthreats are adapting to target the spaces they trust most. To respond to this shift, Kaspersky has created “Case 404” — an interactive cybersecurity game explicitly tailored for Gen Z users.

In this digital quest, players step into the role of AI-powered cyber-detectives, investigating realistic online crimes inspired by current threats. Upon completing all cases, users receive a discount on Kaspersky Premium, turning new knowledge into actionable protection.

“For Generation Z, streaming is more than entertainment; it’s a daily habit, a source of identity and community. But that emotional connection also creates a blind spot. Malware hidden in unofficial downloads or third-party tools silently steals login credentials and personal data, which are then traded or sold on cybercriminal forums.

Protecting your streaming account today means thinking beyond passwords — it means securing your devices, avoiding suspicious downloads, and being mindful of where your clicks lead you,” comments Polina Tretyak, digital footprint analyst at Kaspersky.

 


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NITDA Ignites a Revolution for Gender Inclusion in Nigeria’s AI and Digital Economy

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In a powerful stride towards an inclusive digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is spearheading a transformative drive to empower Nigerian women in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital economy.

This commitment was resoundingly reiterated by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, at the “Innovate Her 25” conference, the 10th National Conference and 11th Annual Meeting of Nigerian Women in Information Technology.

Speaking at the event themed “Women in AI: Unlocking Resilience, Fostering Innovation and Leadership,” Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, emphasised that true innovation blossoms not in isolation, but through synergistic partnerships and collective endeavor – principles deeply embedded in NITDA’s operational ethos.

Highlighting Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, Inuwa added that inclusivity is embedded as a core objective: “Our strategic roadmap mandates that at least 40% of our programmes directly benefit women and underserved groups. We have also developed a Gender Inclusion Strategy to guide interventions in areas such as training and infrastructure,” he explained.

Further underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in the digital space, Inuwa excitingly announced that in September 2025, NITDA will proudly host a Leadership Summit on AI. This landmark event will convene stakeholders from across the African continent, fostering a collaborative environment to forge a unified AI vision for Africa.

In alignment with the conference’s focus on empowering women in technology, the DG detailed NITDA’s diverse capacity-building initiatives spanning AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. “We work with partners such as the Renew Hope Initiative to train thousands of women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones,” he revealed, highlighting the agency’s broad reach.

NITDA stands ready to collaborate with organisations like the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT), actively encouraging proposals for bespoke programmes that cater to specific community needs. “We focus on targeted training with measurable outcomes, rather than generic approaches,” Inuwa affirmed, emphasising a results-oriented methodology.

He further spotlighted NITDA’s “Digital Literacy for All Initiative,” which seeks to equip 70% of Nigerians with digital literacy by 2027. Through strategic partnerships with the NYSC and the integration of digital literacy into national school curricula, the agency plans to train over 30 million Nigerians — with a dedicated focus on underserved communities and public servants.

Addressing critical concerns surrounding ethical AI, Inuwa emphasised the importance of developing indigenous datasets and large language models reflective of Nigeria’s unique realities: “We are working closely with stakeholders to build local datasets that safeguard Nigerians’ digital rights and ensure ethical AI use,” he assured.

NITDA is also championing mentorship for women in technology through impactful initiatives such as Women Innovate. The agency warmly welcomes collaboration with NIWIT to design structured mentorship programmes and is open to formalising such partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

“NITDA is committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through innovation. Partnership and collaboration remain the way forward,” Inuwa declared.

The session concluded with a resounding call to action, urging women-focused organisations to leverage NITDA’s open-door policy and unite in advancing digital inclusion across Nigeria. The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is inclusive, and women are at its forefront.


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Amazon CEO Says AI will Reduce Number of Workers Needed

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Amazon’s management on Wednesday said that it expects that artificial intelligence software will reduce the number of office workers at the world’s largest online retailer.

Amazon CEO Says AI will Reduce Number of Workers Needed

Andy Jassy, chief executive, Amazon

“We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today and more people doing other types of jobs,” Andy Jassy, chief executive, Amazon  wrote in an email to employees.

He said it was difficult to predict how the overall workforce will evolve, but in the next few years, it is expected that AI efficiency gains will lead to a reduction in the number of office workers.

According to earlier reports, Amazon employed around 1.5 million people worldwide, with approximately 350,000 office employees in various roles.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the company does not anticipate further large-scale layoffs, as seen in 2022 and 2023, in the near future.

Instead, it expects that vacant positions will not be refilled.

However, layoffs are not ruled out, according to sources familiar with the matter.

“Amazon is focusing on so-called AI agents, software capable of independently performing tasks. These agents could, for example, summarise information from the web and data sources, write software, translate languages and automate many time-consuming tasks,” Mr Jassy explained.

“Agents will be teammates that we can call on at various stages of our work,” he added, urging employees to experiment with AI whenever possible.

The impact of AI on the job market has been a concern for many years.

Recently, Spotify, the leader in music streaming, announced that teams requesting additional staff would first need to prove that AI could not perform the tasks.

The creators of the language-learning app Duolingo plan to gradually replace external workers with AI.

 

 

 

 


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