Telecom
“Shark Tank of Crypto” Reality Show Wraps Up Season 1, Secures Over $35M in Committed Investments

CryptoKnights has completed its highly anticipated first season. This show, often referred to as the “Shark Tank of Crypto,” brings together the brightest minds in the decentralized world to evaluate and invest in the most promising crypto and blockchain-based projects.
Over 15 projects, selected from thousands of applications, successfully secured commitments totaling more than $35 million USD.
Conceptualized by visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Ritestream, Riaz Mehta, and brought to life by Ritestream’s Chief Strategist Joseph Khan, the show is set to premiere in December.
It is poised to introduce the crypto world to a mainstream audience, offering viewers an exclusive look at the unfolding future of finance.
Hosted by renowned actor/entrepreneur Adrian Grenier, known for his iconic role in Entourage, CryptoKnights features a distinguished panel of judges, including some of the most influential figures in the Web3 space: Brock Pierce (Co-founder of Tether), Kyle Chassé (Founder of Master Ventures), Aly Madhavji (Founder of Blockchain Founders Fund), Magnus Grimeland (CEO and Founder of Antler), and Nikita Sachdev (Founder of Luna Media Corp). These judges not only offer their financial investments but also provide invaluable guidance, access to their extensive networks, and long-term advisory support to help projects excel beyond the show.
While the judges deliberate in the Knights Crypt room, influencers Kim Lee and Gav Blaxberg provide commentary from the Boiler Room.
Kim Lee, a renowned DJ and Bling Empire personality, offers insights that resonate with everyday viewers, representing the non-technical audience. Gav Blaxberg, CEO at Wolf Financial, brings the Gen Z perspective, highlighting trends that appeal to younger generations.
Brock Pierce, Co-founder of Tether, said, “Over the years, I’ve been at the forefront of the blockchain revolution, witnessing firsthand how it has the power to reshape industries and redefine what’s possible. CryptoKnights is not just a show; it’s a movement—a platform where innovation meets opportunity.”
He added, “I’m looking for the next Unicorn, but they often come from the most unexpected places. I believe in this show [CryptoKnights]. We will discover the Next Big Thing, the next killer app that is going to change the world.”
Actor Adrian Grenier added, “Web3 can be complex, but it’s essential for people to understand its potential. CryptoKnights bridges that gap, making the technology accessible to everyone. As the host, I’m excited to guide viewers through this journey, demystifying Web3 and showing how it can empower everyone, not just the tech-savvy.”
Riaz Mehta, the creator of CryptoKnights and CEO of Ritestream said, “My vision for CryptoKnights is to demystify the groundbreaking technology of blockchain because I firmly believe it will change our world in unimaginable ways. At CryptoKnights, we are committed to investing in projects that offer real, tangible solutions and drive meaningful change. By providing a platform for education and engagement, CryptoKnights seeks to inspire a global audience to see the true potential of blockchain innovation, supporting projects that define the next generation of impact and create a more equitable future for all.”
The creation of CryptoKnights was made possible through Ritestream which raised $1.5 million in decentralized funding.
Negotiations are underway with major platforms for the show’s broadcast, expected to premiere in November 2024.
This first-of-its-kind show is set to offer unparalleled insights into cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, positioning itself as a must-watch for anyone interested in the digital finance revolution.
Telecom
Glo Reduces International Call Rates

Technology Company, Globacom, has announced significant reductions in its International Direct Dialing (IDD) rates, making international calls more affordable for its existing and new customers across Nigeria.
Effective August 10, the new rates began applying to over 15 popular international destinations, including United States which will has moved to ₦30 per minute, down from ₦35, United Kingdom is now N350 from ₦400, while India also moved down to ₦40 from N45.
The rates for China, Saudi Arabia and Cameroon however recorded major reduction moving to N75, N300 and ₦700 respectively.
The reduction was also extended to African countries including Benin Republic which goes for ₦650 per minute, Niger Republic ₦750, Ghana ₦500, and Togo ₦650. United Arab Emirates also moved from ₦450 to ₦325, Germany to ₦550, Côte d’Ivoire ₦700, Libya ₦700, while calls to Malawi is now N1,100 from ₦1,200.
Glo aims to provide more value for its customers through these revised rates, encouraging them to make Glo their preferred network for international calls. New IDD bundles will also be introduced, offering frequent international callers even more attractive deals.
Globacom, which remained optimistic that frequent international callers will benefit immensely from the reductions in IDD bundles, enjoined customers to take advantage of the new rates to stay connected with friends and business associates across the globe.
Telecom
Tinubu Strengthens Telecom Governance with NCC, USPF Board Appointments

President Bola Tinubu has appointment members into the boards of the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Universal Service Provision Fund, both under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Idris Olorunnimbe was named Chairman of the NCC board, while Dr Aminu Wada will continue as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he was appointed to in October 2023 and confirmed by the Senate the following month.
Onanuga said Olorunnimbe previously served on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Board, where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committee.
Other NCC board members are Abraham Oshidami (Executive Commissioner, Technical Services), Rimini Makama (Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management), Hajia Maryam Bayi, Col Abdulwahab Lawal (retd.), Senator Lekan Mustafa, Chris Okorie, Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, and the board secretary.
The President also approved the board of the USPF, chaired by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, with Olorunnimbe as Vice Chairman.
Other members are Oshidami, Makama, Aliyu Edogi Aliyu (representative of FMCIDE), Joseph B. Faluyi (representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance), Auwal Mohammed (representative of FMBNP), Uzoma Dozie, Peter Bankole, Abayomi Anthony Okanlawon, Gafar Oluwasegun Quadri, and the USPF secretary.
See the statement below:
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS BOARD MEMBERS FOR NCC AND USPF
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted the boards of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), both agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Idris Olorunnimbe was appointed Chairman of NCC, while Dr Aminu Waida remains its Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.
President Tinubu appointed Wada to the position in October 2023, and the Senate confirmed the appointment in November 2023.
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Mr. Olorunnimbe previously served on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Board, where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committee and drove impactful youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes.
Other members of the board are:
1. Abraham Oshidami – Executive Commissioner, Technical Services
2. Rimini Makama – Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management
3. Hajia Maryam Bayi- Former Director, Human Capital & Administration
4. Col Abdulwahab Lawal (Rtd)
5. Senator Lekan Mustafa
6. Chris Okorie
7. Princess Oforitsenere Emiko
8. Secretary of the Board.
The President also approved the Board of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), with Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as Chairman.
Other members are :
1. Idris Olorunimbe – Vice Chairman
2. Abraham Oshidami
3. Rimini Makama
4. Aliyu Edogi Aliyu – (Rep FMCIDE)
5. Joseph B Faluyi – (Rep. of Federal Ministry of Finance)
6. Auwal Mohammed – (Rep. of FMBNP)
7. Uzoma Dozie
8. Peter Bankole
9. Abayomi Anthony Okanlawon
10. Gafar Oluwasegun Quadri and the
11. USPF Secretary
The Federal Government established the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and service to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in rural, unserved and underserved areas in Nigeria.
Telecom
Anambra ICT Agency Champions Inclusive Tech-Driven Governance

Anambra State ICT Agency has restated its commitment to creating a digitally inclusive environment where Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can access and benefit from government services without barriers.
Speaking when the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ADRC), in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, paid an advocacy visit to his office, the Managing Director/CEO of the ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, underscored the Soludo administration’s determination to make governance work for all, including PWDs.
Mr. Agbata noted that intentional inclusion is a key part of the Governor’s technology-driven vision for the state which is why the commission recently received a wide range of digital tools to enhance their productivity.
“Technology is only truly impactful when it works for everyone, regardless of physical ability.
We are committed to removing digital barriers and making our platforms accessible to all residents of Anambra State,” he said.
CFA also disclosed that the Agency will take immediate steps to appoint a Disability Desk Officer, work with the commission to ensure that all government ICT platforms are designed to meet accessibility standards, and as well as incorporate PWD-friendly features into ongoing upgrades of the SolutionLens feedback platform.
The visit also featured presentations from ADRC’s Head of ICT, Mr. Bonaventure Umeokwonna, who outlined the Commission’s priorities, and RoLAC representatives, who pledged continued support for building capacity and strengthening the policy framework for inclusion.
Mr. Valentine Nwachukwu, Head of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Commission, gave the vote of thanks, commending the ICT Agency’s openness to collaboration.
The Anambra State ICT Agency continues to work closely with ministries, departments, and agencies to deepen digital transformation in the state, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.
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