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Nigeria’s Human Capital Key to Global Competitiveness – NITDA DG

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Kashifu Inuwa, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasized the critical role of Nigeria’s human capital in driving national development and positioning the country for global competitiveness.

Nigeria’s Human Capital Key to Global Competitiveness - NITDA DG

The DG of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, alongside the Executive Secretary of the Almajiri Commission, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, with management team of both organisations in a group photograph at the end of the visit held at NITDA’s headquarters in Abuja

Speaking while receiving a delegation from the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Inuwa noted that Nigeria’s youthful and rapidly expanding population presents a unique opportunity at a time when many countries are facing ageing populations and declining workforces.

He explained that the global demand for technical talent is projected to significantly outstrip supply by 2030, creating a window for Nigeria to emerge as a major contributor to the global workforce.

According to him, “with the right investments in education and digital skills, Nigeria can transform its demographic advantage into a powerful engine for economic growth and global relevance.”

The NITDA boss stressed that the country has the potential to become a global talent hub and a net exporter of skilled professionals.

Reframing migration narratives, he described Nigerians in the diaspora as valuable national assets who contribute through remittances and knowledge transfer, noting that diaspora inflows remain one of Nigeria’s most stable sources of foreign exchange.

Drawing comparisons with India, Inuwa highlighted how sustained investments in human capital have enabled the Asian nation to produce top executives in leading global technology firms. He attributed this success to a deliberate system of talent development and global placement.

Addressing Nigeria’s out-of-school population, he said equipping millions of underserved individuals with digital skills could unlock vast economic opportunities and help bridge the global talent gap.

Central to this ambition, he said, is NITDA’s National Digital Literacy Framework, which targets achieving 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030.

The framework focuses on six key areas: device and software operation, information and data literacy, digital content creation, digital marketing, online safety, and problem-solving.

Inuwa further explained that digital skills could transform critical sectors such as agriculture and commerce.

Farmers, he said, can leverage digital tools and smartphones to improve productivity through data-driven decisions, while small-scale traders can expand their reach and boost income using online platforms.

On implementation, he unveiled the “Digital Literacy for All” initiative, which targets students, workers, and participants in the informal sector.

He also disclosed ongoing partnerships with global organisations aimed at training civil servants and strengthening institutional capacity.

The NITDA DG reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with the Almajiri Commission to establish digital learning centres, develop training programmes in indigenous languages, and deploy instructors to Almajiri schools across the country.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Muhammad Sani Idris, commended NITDA’s efforts in promoting digital literacy, describing them as crucial to bridging Nigeria’s education gap.

He expressed concern over the growing number of out-of-school children, noting that the traditional Almajiri system—originally designed for Qur’anic education—has been weakened by years of neglect and socio-economic pressures.

According to him, many children are sent far from home without adequate care, exposing them to exploitation and insecurity.

Idris called for coordinated action among government, communities, and development partners to address the crisis, highlighting the trans-border nature of the Almajiri system and the need for strategic collaboration.

He also expressed optimism about deepening partnerships with NITDA to leverage digital innovation in expanding access to education and creating better opportunities for millions of Nigerian children.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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AfriStakes Unveils Platform to Connect SMEs with Investors

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AfriStakes has launched a new capital platform in Nigeria aimed at linking African small- and medium-scale enterprises with a broad range of investors in a move to address persistent funding gaps across the continent.

In a statement, the firm said the platform would improve capital allocation by bridging the disconnect between available funds, investment-ready businesses, and viable opportunities.

The launch comes as many African businesses continue to face funding constraints despite the availability of capital within the financial system.

AfriStakes said structural barriers have limited access to funding, even as capital remains concentrated in traditional instruments such as fixed deposits, equities, and managed funds.

The platform enables businesses and investors to connect directly by creating profiles, listing funding needs, and identifying suitable investment partners.

According to the company, businesses can upload key documents and showcase their funding requirements, while investors can outline their interests and financial capacity.

Founder of AfriStakes, Henry Adebisi, said the initiative was designed to tackle inefficiencies on both sides of the investment market.

“In Africa, businesses suffer from low access to capital while investors suffer from low access to investable opportunities. With AfriStakes, we ensure businesses are properly prepared and positioned for investment, while investors gain the clarity and confidence needed to deploy capital effectively,” Adebisi said.

The company noted that a major challenge for many SMEs is not a lack of value but poor investment readiness, which affects their ability to attract funding.

AfriStakes said it addresses this gap by providing a structured framework that helps businesses present financial information, develop investment narratives, and prepare realistic projections.

The platform also offers support services such as due diligence, deal structuring, and preparation of investor-facing materials.

It added that the platform would facilitate capital inflow from local and international investors, including individuals, angel investors, diaspora investors, entrepreneurs, and institutional players.

Adebisi said the platform would promote efficient capital flow into businesses driving economic growth across Africa.

“Our vision is to build a system where capital flows more efficiently into real businesses that drive economic change. By positioning both businesses and investors for success, we enable stronger investment decisions and more impactful economic outcomes,” he said.

AfriStakes said it supports multiple funding pathways, including debt financing, equity investment, partnerships, and acquisitions.

The company added that the platform would promote transparency, inclusivity, and structured investment processes across the African business landscape, adding that the initiative positions AfriStakes as a key player in addressing the continent’s financing challenges by creating a bridge between capital and opportunity.

 


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LG MoodUP™ Refrigerator Adds Expression and Innovation to the Kitchen

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The modern kitchen is no longer just a place to cook, rather where families gather, conversations happen, and lifestyles are expressed. Today’s homeowners want appliances that don’t just work efficiently but also reflect their personality and enhance their living experience.

This is exactly where the LG MoodUP™ Refrigerator stands out. Designed to combine innovative technology, customizable design, and smart entertainment, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator transforms the kitchen into a vibrant, expressive, and connected space.

A Refrigerator That Matches Your Mood and Lifestyle

Traditional refrigerators focus solely on storage and cooling. The LG MoodUP Refrigerator takes a bold step further by redefining what a kitchen appliance can be.

At the heart of this innovation are colour‑changing LED door panels that allow users to personalise their refrigerator’s appearance. With just a few taps via a smartphone app, you can effortlessly change the colors of the refrigerator doors to match your mood, décor, or occasion.

Whether you prefer calm neutral tones, vibrant colours for entertaining guests, or subtle lighting for a relaxed evening at home, the LG MoodUP adapts seamlessly.

Customizable LED Panels: Design Meets Technology

One of the most striking features of the LG MoodUP Refrigerator is its customizable LED door panels. These panels offer multiple colour options and lighting combinations, helping you create a kitchen that truly reflects your personality.

Why This Matters for Modern Homes

  • Enhance kitchen aesthetics without renovations
  • Allows you to refresh your space instantly
  • Creates a dynamic, stylish focal point in the kitchen
  • Ideal for design‑conscious homeowners and young professionals

In Nigerian homes where kitchens are increasingly becoming open, social spaces, this feature adds a unique blend of style and innovation.

Built-In Bluetooth Speaker: Entertainment at the Heart of Your Home

The LG MoodUP Refrigerator goes beyond design by introducing entertainment into the kitchen. With a built‑in Bluetooth speaker, users can connect their smartphones directly to the refrigerator.

This allows you to:

  • Play music while cooking
  • Listen to podcasts or radio shows
  • Enjoy audio while hosting family or friends
  • Make daily kitchen routines more enjoyable

From meal prep to weekend gatherings, the kitchen becomes a more social and engaging environment.

Smart Technology for Smarter Living

LG is known globally for pioneering smart home solutions, and the MoodUP Refrigerator reflects this commitment. Using LG’s intuitive app interface – LG ThinQ, users can control lighting, sounds, and certain settings directly from their smartphones.

This smart connectivity ensures:

  • Easy customization
  • Seamless user control
  • A modern, connected kitchen experience

For tech‑savvy Nigerian consumers looking to integrate smart appliances into their homes, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator fits perfectly into today’s digital lifestyle.

Designed for Style, Comfort and Everyday Use

Beyond its innovative features, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator remains a high‑performance refrigerator built for daily use. It delivers reliable cooling performance, efficient food preservation, and durable construction expected from LG appliances.

Key lifestyle benefits include:

  • Elegant, premium design
  • Reliable cooling efficiency
  • Smart functionality without complexity
  • A blend of practicality and visual appeal

This makes it ideal for homes that value both performance and style.

Why LG Continues to Lead in Home Innovation

LG’s approach to product development focuses on understanding how people live today and how technology can improve everyday moments. The MoodUP Refrigerator is a strong example of this philosophy, demonstrating that appliances can be both functional and expressive.

Rather than blending into the background, the LG MoodUP stands out as a lifestyle statement; one that reflects individuality, creativity, and modern living.

For anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen experience and embrace the future of smart living, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator delivers a bold and refreshing approach where your kitchen truly matches your mood.

For more information, kindly visit https://www.lg.com/africa/refrigerators/lg-gr-a24fdmmb


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Top 7 Reliable Virtual Cards for Running Ads in Nigeria

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Meta Description: Tired of ad payment failures? Discover the most reliable virtual cards in Nigeria for running Facebook, Google, and TikTok ads without interruptions.

One of the biggest challenges digital marketers face in Nigeria today is finding a payment method that actually works for ad platforms.

Issues like frequent transaction failures, unexpected restrictions, and constantly changing bank policies can interrupt your campaigns at the worst possible time, making it hard to stay consistent.

That’s why many marketers are now turning to virtual cards, which offer a more stable, globally accepted way to handle online payments without the usual stress.

If you’re currently dealing with failed payments or need a more reliable way to run ads, this article will walk you through the most reliable virtual card options in Nigeria and help you choose what works best.

7 Best Virtual Cards You Can Use in Nigeria for Running Ads

Choosing the right virtual card for running ads in Nigeria isn’t just about availability; it’s about transaction success rate, global acceptance, funding speed, fees, and overall reliability.

To make things easier, the table below highlights how Cardtonic, Wallets Africa, CashBuddy, Snappypay, Pouchers, Bitmama, and Flip by Fluidcoins compare across key features that matter for running ads effectively.

PlatformBest ForPrice rangeSupported CountriesNotable Features
CardtonicReliable ad payments$1.5-$5 (card creation)Nigeria, Ghana (2+)Easy card creation, quick funding, widely accepted
Wallets AfricaBasic virtual card use$2-$5 (est.)10+ African countrieswallet + virtual card system
CashBuddySimple payments$2.50Nigeria (primary)straightforward card access, bill pay
SnappypayQuick transactionsN/ANigeria & select regionsFast setup, easy online spending
PouchersFlexible funding$2Nigeria & limited globalDirect wallet to ads support
BitmamaCrypto-based paymentsFree issuanceMultiple countries (10+)crypto funding + global spending
Flip by FluidcoinsFast crypto payments$1.30Multiple Countries (10+)Crypto payment focus

1. Cardtonic:

Cardtonic is often regarded as one of the best virtual cards in Nigeria for running ads because it combines convenience, reliability, and ease of use in a way that suits both individuals and businesses.

When you’re paying for ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, or TikTok, one of the biggest concerns is whether your payment method will work smoothly without constant declines or interruptions. That is where Cardtonic comes in, as it gives users access to a virtual dollar card designed for international payments, making it a practical choice for ad spending.

What makes the platform even more appealing is that it also offers contactless cards, which let you make payments quickly and securely without swiping or inserting the card. This feature adds an extra layer of convenience for users who want fast transactions, whether online or at supported payment terminals.

What truly makes Cardtonic stand out is how it brings together accessibility, smooth funding, and reliable international payment support in one place.

So, if you are looking for a reliable platform for ad payments, Cardtonic is one option that clearly deserves a spot on the list.

2. Wallet Africa:

Wallets Africa is meant for users who want more than just a card to pay for ads. It works better as an all-in-one financial platform, which makes it useful for business owners, freelancers, and marketers who like managing payments from one place.

Beyond offering virtual cards, the platform is built around sending money, spending online, and handling digital transactions across Africa, so it feels broader than a tool meant for one single purpose.

That broader structure is really where Wallets Africa plays its role. For someone running ads regularly, it can be convenient to have a platform that supports both wallet functions and card payments instead of jumping between different apps.

It is less about being flashy and more about giving users a practical setup for online spending, especially when you want your ad payments to sit within a wider money management system.

3. Cashbuddy:

CashBuddy feels more like a platform for users who value simplicity and speed. Its offering goes beyond virtual cards into other digital payment services, but the virtual card side is positioned around secure dollar and naira card access for global payments.

That makes it useful for advertisers who want something straightforward for campaign payments without dealing with too much complexity.

Where CashBuddy plays its role best is in accessibility. It fits users who may not need an advanced financial ecosystem but just want a platform that helps them get a working card and handle international payments with less stress.

So while some platforms lean into broader wallet features or multicurrency tools, CashBuddy feels more like the practical option for getting started and keeping things easy to manage.

4. Snappypay:

Snappypay has a slightly different appeal because it presents itself strongly around smooth online payments and virtual dollar cards that can be used across many platforms.

That makes it a natural fit for people who run ads often and do not want a card that feels limited to only one or two use cases. The platform also combines its virtual cards with other digital payment services, which adds to the convenience for users already handling several online expenses at once.

What makes Snappypay useful in this list is that it feels built for everyday digital spending. If Wallets Africa comes across as more ecosystem-driven and CashBuddy feels more basic and direct, Snappypay sits in the middle as the platform for users who want a smoother, more flexible payment experience for ads, subscriptions, and other online transactions without overcomplicating the process.

5. Pouchers:

Pouchers is one of the more ad-friendly options here because it explicitly positions its virtual dollar card for payments on platforms like Meta and for running ads.

That makes its role in this list much clearer. Instead of leaving users to guess whether the card may work for ad spend, the platform directly presents that use case as one of its strengths, which gives it more relevance for marketers and business owners.

Another thing that makes Pouchers different is its multicurrency and stablecoin angle, which gives it a more modern, borderless feel compared with platforms that are built mainly around local wallet operations.

So, for users whose work already involves international payments, online tools, and ad platforms, Pouchers plays its role as the flexible option that is shaped more around digital commerce than traditional payment habits.

6. Bitmama:

Bitmama plays a more specialized role because it is better known for combining crypto and borderless payments. That already sets it apart from the more conventional platforms on this list.

For advertisers or freelancers who are already comfortable moving money through digital assets, Bitmama can feel like a more flexible option, especially when international transactions are part of their normal workflow.

This makes it less of an everyday beginner platform and more of a fit for users who like operating in a more global, digital-first payment environment.

So while a platform like CashBuddy may appeal to someone looking for a simple starting point, Bitmama feels more suited to users who want ad payments to sit within a wider international or crypto-enabled setup. That difference gives it a distinct place on the list.

7. Flip By Fluidcoins:

Flip by Fluidcoins leans into the crypto-powered side of digital payments, positioning itself as a faster, more lightweight option for users who want flexibility with cross-border transactions.

Its strength is not in trying to cover everything, but in serving a more niche group of users who already understand digital finance and need a smoother way to handle international payments, especially for ad spending.

What sets it apart is its modern, alternative approach. It focuses less on traditional banking features and more on giving users fewer restrictions when moving funds globally.

For advertisers in that space, it works best as a flexible, niche solution rather than a full all-in-one financial platform.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Cards For Running Ads in Nigeria

  1. Which Virtual Card is Best For Running Ads in Nigeria?

The best dollar virtual card in Nigeria for running ads is Cardtonic. It’s widely trusted for its reliability, smooth international payments, and ease of use, making it a practical choice for managing ad spend without interruptions.

  1. Can I Use a Virtual Card to Pay for Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or TikTok Ads?

Yes, you can. Most virtual cards issued by platforms in Nigeria, like Cardtonic, Pouchers, or CashBuddy, are accepted on major advertising platforms, including Google, Facebook, and TikTok.

  1. How Do I Fund a Virtual Card for Advertising Campaigns in Nigeria?

Funding a virtual card is usually straightforward. Most platforms allow you to load funds from your local bank account, Naira wallet, or even crypto wallets in some cases. Simply log into your virtual card account, choose the funding method, enter the amount, and confirm. Once the funds reflect, you can start running ads immediately.

  1. Are Virtual Cards Secure For Paying International Ad Platforms?

Yes, virtual cards are designed to be secure. They often include features such as temporary card numbers, spend limits, and the ability to block or freeze the card instantly if needed.

  1. How Fast Can I Get a Virtual Card and Start Running Ads Online?

You can usually get a virtual card almost instantly after signing up and completing the KYC verification process. Platforms like Cardtonic or Snappypay issue cards immediately, so you can fund the card and start running ads within minutes.

Conclusion

Running ads on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, or Google from Nigeria can be challenging without a reliable payment method. That’s why virtual cards offer a convenient and secure solution, allowing you to fund your campaigns quickly and manage payments without interruptions.

Whether you’re looking to pay for TikTok ads, Google Ads, or other online campaigns, platforms like Wallets Africa, CashBuddy, Snappypay, Pouchers, Bitmama, and Flip by Fluidcoins all offer options to suit different needs.

For those who want a combination of reliability, ease of use, and smooth international payments, Cardtonic is highly recommended for managing your ad spending efficiently.

 


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