E-Business
Nigeria tech firm, Task Systems, wins Microsoft Best Partner Award in USA
At a time in the history of Nigeria when its reputation seems to have been slurred, an indigenous tech firm, Task Systems Limited, was honoured in the presence of thousands of global professionals with Microsoft Best Partner Award in California, United States of America.
Mrs Gozy Ijogun, Chief Executive Officer of Task
It was a major rebranding for Nigeria as Task Systems, a member of the Zinox Group and one of the pioneers of Africa tech ecosystem, emerged one of the 42 winners out of over 4,000 corporate nominations from across 100 countries.
This highly coveted Award commands respect and reassures the world that Nigeria is a promising country to do business with assured return on investment.
The under-35 Chief Executive Officer of Task, Mrs Gozy Ijogun, who was in the US to receive the award at the Microsoft Ignite 2025 event, said it was an award that speaks to the trove of innovations and tech advancement by Nigerians at home in the past decade. She thanked the government of Nigeria, multinationals and local corporates who made it possible.
To her, this calls for more enterprise innovation, technical efficiency and deeper engagement between Task Systems and its diverse stakeholders spread across different fields of human endeavour.
The Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President, Global Channel Partner Sales of Microsoft, Nicole Dezen, while highlighting the global significance of the award, said: “This year, we received more than 4,600 nominations from 100 countries and regions, reflecting the continued momentum and growth of our ecosystem. Every submission showcased innovation, technical excellence, and inclusion as partners bring transformative solutions to market.”
This year’s awards span eight global categories that reflect the breadth of innovation across Microsoft ecosystem, namely: Azure, Business Applications, Modern Work, Security, Industry, Social Impact, Partner Innovation and Business Transformation.
In all, 42 companies from 42 countries out of 100 nations emerged winners which equates to only 42 winners out of over 4,600 nominations; a highly competitive global contest that took cognizance of global competitiveness of the organisations, their innovative imprints in their jurisdictions of operations and degrees of corporate governance in conformity with the high ideals of Microsoft, the global leader in the software ecosystem, specializing in operating systems, productivity software, and cloud services.
The emergence of Task, a wholly Nigerian company and the only winner in West Africa, underscores the global rating of Nigeria as an emerging tech force out of Africa as well as a globally-certified player in the critical areas of Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft cloud computing among other aspects of innovation.
Founded 38 years ago in 1987, Task Systems is the ideal definition of an indigenous start-up that has been nurtured into a leading system integration company, providing cutting-edge ICT solutions to a diverse clientele across Nigeria and the broader Sub-Saharan market. It has positioned itself as the preferred partner for businesses seeking robust and innovative technology solutions.
Mrs. Ijogun was appointed the CEO of Task Systems Ltd on April 1st 2023, with a mandate to grow it to become the leading technology company in Africa. Ever since, she had led her team to greater efficiency with a healthy balance sheet amid a volatile national economy. The latest Microsoft award adds to the over 27 global awards the company has received for its exceptional contributions to digital economy of Africa.
Task has become a major employer of labour and provider of critical solutions in Nigeria. At a time, it deployed over 257 tech professionals to major organizations such as Shell, Chevron, and Total PLC, among other corporates across the nation.
Mrs. Ijogun is not a stranger to awards and innovation. Indeed, she has mastered the art and science of driving the enterprise to achieve growth and sustainability. At 25, armed with a degree in Chemistry from University College London and a Master of Science degree in Accounting, Organizations, and Institutions from the London School of Economics, she blazed the trail in the male-dominated digital mobile market when she launched TD-Mobile, Nigeria’s first structured mobile devices distribution company. Here, she disrupted the market with her out-of-the box managerial and marketing skills to generate a record N38 billion in revenue during her company’s first year, with a team of only seven staff members.
Within one year, Mrs. Ijogun exceeded investors’ expectations. She later turned TD-Mobile from its start-up status into a partner and authorised distributor for notable global mobile device brands such as Nokia, Samsung, Infinix, Tecno, and Apple Inc.
On account of her exceptional performance, TD-Mobile was integrated into TD Africa Distributions Ltd, the leading pioneer in technology distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, representing over 25 global brands, including Microsoft, IBM, HP, Cisco, Lenovo, Dell, ASUS, Starlink and Samsung, among others. She rose to become the Managing Director of TD Africa where she exhibited her trademark leadership by innovation, emotional intelligence and futuristic anticipation. These qualities were fully expressed in her performance in capacity building, revenue growth, profitability, and market share expansion.
Under her guidance, TD Africa introduced numerous ICT solution products that positioned the company as a distinguished and solution-focused tech distribution firm on the continent. Additionally, TD Africa launched innovative financing options to support its extensive network of African resellers.
Her appointment as Task CEO years later was a testament to her capacity for innovative leadership. She has since elevated Task to the cusp of systems integration and solutions in Nigeria.
A well-travelled global citizen, Mrs. Ijogun has participated in senior management courses at esteemed institutions like Harvard where she honed her skills in management and leadership. Her strategic positioning and the roles she played in growing both the enterprise and the market have exposed her to deeper hands-on experience and understanding of Nigeria’s digital economy and its role as an enabler of the larger national economy.
To her credit, she deployed industry tailored soft power to play a pivotal role in spearheading “This is Me,” a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative powered by TD Africa.
The initiative which has earned the support of multinationals aims to foster greater engagement and support for marginalised individuals, including the voiceless, physically challenged, and other vulnerable members of society. The initiative is a potent tool for achieving inclusivity with the guided objective to restore their dignity and help them realise their innate potential.
Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, wife, mother and forward-looking CEO is forged in the foundry of a family with a pedigree of proven entrepreneurship. She is the first child of Dr.Leo Stan Ekeh, the tech mogul, Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech ICON and founder of Zinox Group, an African conglomerate with operations in Europe, Asia and Middle East. Her mother, Mr. Chioma Ekeh, is the Group CEO of TD Africa, the biggest tech distribution company in Sub Saharan Africa. Her other siblings are also firmly rooted in digital and allied entrepreneurship.
An artificial intelligence (AI) application has been developed to help combat the spread of fake news, misinformation and political propaganda as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
The app, known as BAT-BOT AI, was unveiled in Abuja by Mr. Gunu Usman, its founder, who said the platform is designed to assist the federal government in addressing the growing challenge of false information within nation’s digital space.
Mr Usman explained that the new platform was created to ensure that factual information circulates faster than falsehood.
He noted that the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and manipulated narratives targeting the administration of Bola Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress, and national institutions poses risks to democratic stability and public trust.
According to Mr. Usman, BAT-BOT AI was developed to support public access to verified information while countering misleading narratives online.
The Technology expert described the system as a sovereign AI-powered civic information and fact-verification platform designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital information ecosystem ahead of the 2027 general election.
He added that the initiative aligns with the government’s policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which seeks to promote transparency and encourage informed civic participation.
The founder further explained that the platform is currently accessible to Nigerians through multiple digital channels, enabling users to verify claims, seek clarification on government policies and obtain information on national development initiatives.
Mr. Usman expressed optimism that the tool would help curb the spread of false information and contribute to a more credible digital environment as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Over the past four years, gold has risen by more than 400%. The precious metal has long been one of the most traded assets in global financial markets. From its role as a traditional store of value to its sensitivity to inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty, gold continues to attract traders seeking efficient and predictable trading opportunities during a period of global uncertainty and high volatility.
JustMarkets
For traders looking to effectively access gold markets, choosing the right trading environment is as important as timing their entry. One of the most popular and effective gold trading platforms is JustMarkets, offering the tools, conditions, and infrastructure to enable traders to achieve their most ambitious gold trading goals.
Tight Spreads on XAU/USD
Cost efficiency is a critical factor in gold trading, especially for active day traders. JustMarkets offers extremely competitive XAU/USD spreads, allowing traders to open and close positions with reduced transaction costs. Lower spreads can significantly impact short-term strategies, where precision and timing are key to effectively entering a trade. By minimizing trading costs, JustMarkets helps traders focus more on market analysis and finding the ideal entry point, and less on overhead.
Fast and Reliable Execution
Gold is recognized for its volatility, especially during the day, especially with economic announcements or geopolitical events. Speed is of the essence in volatile markets. JustMarkets provides high-speed execution of orders, which helps minimize the risks of delays, especially during periods of high volatility. This ensures that traders are able to respond better to market conditions, thereby having better control over trade management.
Flexible Trading Conditions
Each trader has their own approach to gold, ranging from intraday trading to position trading. JustMarkets offers flexible leverage and account types, enabling traders to adjust their exposure based on their risk tolerance and trading style. This flexibility is suitable for both conservative and aggressive traders while still allowing them to access the same global gold market.
Advanced Platforms and Tools
Successful gold trading is based on thorough technical and fundamental analysis. JustMarkets provides access to industry-standard trading platforms equipped with advanced charting tools, multiple timeframes, and a wide range of indicators for recognizing divergences and clear entry points. These features help traders analyze price trends, identify key levels, and plan their trades with greater confidence.
Accessibility via mobile devices and computers via the JustMarkets Mobile Trading app also ensures traders can monitor positions and market movements from anywhere and at any time.
Education and Market Support
Gold is also affected by factors such as inflation rates, central bank policies, and currency fluctuations. Understanding these factors is important for developing a structured trading strategy.
JustMarkets offers resources for traders, which provide information on how global events can impact the price of gold like case studies, daily, bank and weekly analysis. This is a knowledge-based system, which enables the trader to make more informed decisions rather than relying on the price movements of gold.
Trading Activities That Keep Gold Traders Engaged
In addition to the competitive trading environment, JustMarkets also runs various special activities and campaigns that aim to make the trading experience more interesting. At certain intervals, the special activities may include trading contests on specific trading instruments, such as gold, which are highly sought after by traders. This will give the traders an added impetus to keep trading.
The special activities are designed to encourage trading, consistency, and skill-building among the traders, along with the additional motivation for the trading strategies. This is also in line with the overall philosophy of JustMarkets to create a dynamic trading environment where trading, learning, and motivation are linked together.
A Trading Environment Built for Gold Traders
Gold is still one of the most dynamic markets with the greatest number of opportunities in the world. With tight spreads on XAU/USD, fast execution, flexible trading terms, and access to advanced analytical tools, JustMarkets creates an optimal trading environment for those who want to trade gold efficiently.
In addition to the comprehensive educational assistance, JustMarkets continues to position itself as a strong competitor for traders who are looking for professional trading conditions combined with growth opportunities.
Microsoft is stepping up its push to expand artificial-intelligence adoption across Africa as competition intensifies with Chinas DeepSeek for influence in one of the worlds youngest and fastest-growing digital markets.
The company plans to train 3 million Africans on its AI technologies this year through partnerships with schools, universities and other institutions, with a focus on South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Morocco.
The effort reflects Microsofts broader attempt to accelerate adoption of its AI ecosystem across emerging markets where developers and enterprises are increasingly experimenting with generative AI tools.
Alongside the training initiative, Microsoft is working with MTN Group (MTNOY), Africas largest telecommunications company, to distribute Microsoft 365 and its Copilot digital assistant to about 300 million subscribers.
The Elevate program is designed to expand AI literacy and reduce cost barriers that might otherwise limit adoption, according to regional leadership.
The push comes as Chinese technology firms expand their footprint across the continent, with DeepSeeks open-source models accounting for roughly 11% to 14% of chatbot use in several African markets and reaching about 20% in countries such as Ethiopia and Zimbabwe following investments tied to digital infrastructure and telecom networks.
Microsoft is also increasing its infrastructure investment in the region.
In South Africa, the company plans to invest 5.4 billion rand, or about $330 million, to expand its cloud and AI capacity by the end of next year, while it is also exploring plans for a geothermal-powered data center in Kenya.
Early corporate adoption is emerging across the continent, with South African grocer Spar Group using Copilot in ways that save more than 700 employee hours annually and Nigerias Access Holdings integrating AI into daily workflows.
Regional leadership has suggested broader AI adoption could potentially contribute up to $1.5 trillion to Africas gross domestic product by 2030 if governments and businesses continue investing in digital infrastructure and AI skills.
Tech Expert Unveils BAT-BOT AI App to Curb Fake News ahead of 2027 Elections
MTN Nigeria Races Ahead in Fibre Broadband Market
CBN Tightens BVN Rules to Curb Fraudulent Banking Transactions
Nova Bank Appoints Jude Anele as Managing Director/CEO
CBN Rolls Out New Rules for Safer Instant Payments, More Customer Control
Kaspersky Discovers New Phishing Campaign Exploiting Google Tasks Notifications to Steal Corporate Credentials
esentry 2025 Report Shows Healthcare, Financial Services and Telecoms as Staging Grounds for Increased Cyberattacks in Africa
AfDB, UNDP Launch $10Bn AI Initiative for Africa
Mutual Benefits Assurance Settles ₦5.9bn Claims in January 2026
Pheelz Shares His Journey on Glo-Sponsored African Voices
General News2 days agoInterswitch Advocates Trust-Driven Infrastructure as Cornerstones of Africa’s Cross-Border Capital Future
News2 days agoNLNG Advances Media Excellence with Change Your Story Workshop
E-Business2 days agoWhy JustMarkets Is a Strong Choice for Gold Trading
E-Financial2 days agoCBN Orders Banks to Restrict Access to Banking Services for Loan Defaulters
E-Financial2 days agoUBA Business Series Celebrates ‘Gen.W: The Evolved Woman’ in Push for Female Empowerment
Telecom2 days agoNDPC Warns Content Creators Against Privacy Violations in Viral Videos
General News2 days agoFCCPC Launches Fuel Price Surveillance, Probes Airline Price Gouging, Resolves N10bn Complaints
E-Financial2 days agoRecapitalisation Without Transformation is a Risk Nigeria Cannot Afford