Recently the digital space was abuzz with speculation about a potential legal battle brewing between Layi Wasabi’s comedic character, ‘The Law’, and MoMo PSB, a leading player in Nigeria’s digital financial services space.

Online speculation has been rife, as fans of Layi Wasabi, accustomed to seeing his character ‘The Law’ champion the underdog in his skits, were thrown a curveball. Whispers started swirling, suggesting that the tables might be turned this time. Could ‘The Law’ himself be facing the possibility of ‘doing jail’ – a phrase he often uses for comedic effect in his skits? Fans have been glued to their devices, anxiously awaiting updates on this bizarre, yet undeniably entertaining legal drama.

The gavel has fallen, and the outcome is unlike anything anyone anticipated! In a surprising turn of events, MoMo PSB and Layi Wasabi have announced a first-of-its-kind ‘no-loser’ legal partnership. Instead of facing off in court, ‘The Law’ has joined forces with MoMo PSB, leveraging his wit and legal expertise to champion financial inclusion for all Nigerians.

This innovative partnership marks a significant moment for both parties. MoMo PSB gains a powerful voice in Layi Wasabi, a digital content creator known for his ability to connect with audiences on a relatable level. His signature humor and knack for tackling serious issues are sure to resonate with Nigerians across the country, promoting financial literacy and the benefits of a cashless society.

For Layi Wasabi, this collaboration represents a unique opportunity to utilize his platform for positive social impact. ‘The Law’ has always been a champion of the underdog, and through this partnership, he can empower Nigerians with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their financial futures.

Commenting on the partnership, Eli Hini, CEO, MoMo PSB, stated, ‘’We are excited to partner with Layi Wasabi, whose unique blend of humor and social commentary has captivated audiences across Nigeria. This partnership represents a dedicated effort towards enhancing financial literacy and inclusion. By combining Layi’s engaging storytelling with our innovative financial services, we aim to break down barriers and make financial empowerment accessible to every Nigerian.’’

This partnership, a strategic move by MoMo PSB to expand its reach, promises to be a win-win for all, especially the millions of unbanked or underbanked Nigerians. By leveraging Layi Wasabi’s immense popularity and relatable persona, MoMo PSB hopes to boost financial literacy and encourage the use of mobile banking solutions, ultimately promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria.

The Lagos state government plans to lay an additional 3,300km of unified fibre ducts across the state, in the Phase II of the project, after it has implemented 2,700km of unified fibre ducts across the state in Phase I.

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State

This is even as the state has established a Cybersecurity Operations Centre (CSOC) to serve as the hub for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats in real-time in the state.

Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology who disclosed this at the Year 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing in Lagos, said the centre will employ advanced technologies and a team of cybersecurity experts to ensure the state’s digital infrastructure is safeguarded against potential attacks.

Alake noted that the state has also established a cyber-security council, made up of experts from both public and private sectors, charged with the responsibility of making recommendations to the government, planning, refinement, and implementation of policies, programs, and training initiatives regarding its cybersecurity endeavours.

To achieve a broader strategy to improve overall security and governance within the state, Alake said the government is also partnering with leading cybersecurity firms and international organisations to provide the state with access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise while enhancing its capacity to defend against sophisticated cyber threats.

According to a statement from the state, Alake also spoke on the Data Protection Compliance Project of the government, saying that Lagos has embarked on sensitization and awareness workshops for all Heads of Accounts, Procurement, Planning, Legal Officers, Medical Directors, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Cabinet members, Head of Cadres Statewide and for 43 MDAs; as well as the establishment of 70 Data Protection officers in various MDAs.

The commissioner averred that the objectives of the data protection compliance project are to safeguard the rights of natural persons to data privacy and foster safe conduct for transactions involving the exchange of personal data; prevent manipulation of personal data and ensure that Nigerian businesses remain competitive in international trade with best practice,” the statement read in part.

Speaking on the State’s MetroFibre, the commissioner said the project seeks to achieve a 24-hour driven economy that would allow companies to operate in a safe and secure environment, thereby creating a more conducive environment for business, jobs creation, and increasing the GDP of the state. He added that the state has implemented 2,700km of unified fibre ducts across the state in Phase I, while Phase II of the project comprises an additional 3,300km of unified fibre ducts across the State.

On the Safe City Project, Alake said, it also involved Building a digitised 24/7 city which would allow companies to operate in a safe and secure environment thereby creating a safer and more conducive environment for businesses, more jobs, and increasing the IGR of the State.

He said, the Safe City project involves the deployment of Intelligent Video Cameras in strategic locations in the State with the execution and completion spread over points in time, in Phases I, II, and III, respectively, adding that 450 surveillance Cameras have been deployed at strategic locations across the city.

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced its first-ever investment in Powerstove, a pioneering Nigerian company specializing in the production of cookstoves, having significant experience in carbon credit projects.

Second left: EVC/CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu and Founder/CEO, Powerstove Energy, Okey Esse, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

This strategic investment marks a major milestone in NASENI’s on-going efforts to combat global warming and foster a sustainable ecosystem by Nigerian companies dedicated to decarbonization.

As part of this investment, NASENI will provide both capital for growth and technical assistance to Powerstove, enabling the company to scale its production from 100 thousands units to over one million units per year.

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice chairman/CEO of the Agency said this substantial increase in production capacity will not only meet the growing demand for clean and efficient cookstoves but also significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions in Nigeria.

Powerstove boasts as the largest local carbon credit project for a private company in Nigeria, currently valued at 4.5 million carbon credits.

“With this investment, NASENI is not only supporting an impact-driven enterprise but also positioning itself to benefit from carbon credit revenue, thereby reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development,” Halilu said.

This investment underscores the strong commitment of NASENI’s leadership to address climate change proactively and to build a resilient and sustainable ecosystem of innovative Nigerian companies with the potential to drive decarbonization efforts.

NASENI’s Management look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this partnership on Nigeria’s environmental and economic landscape.