Telecom
Smile Communications Superb Connectivity Buoys CEOs, CIOs
Smile Communications Nigeria Limited has received accolades from corporate chieftains in Nigeria for providing unequalled 4G LTE broadband services in the country.
The corporate chieftains made up of Chief Executives as well as Chief Information and Chief Technology Officers of large and medium organisations drawn from banks, oil & gas corporations, insurance companies, e-commerce, logistics firms among others were present at an event hosted by Smile Communications and tagged “A Connected Lifestyle”.
In unison they expressed delight that, in less than three years of launching services in Nigeria, Smile has remained dependable, providing high quality of connectivity with almost zero downtime.
Mr. Michiel Buitelaar, managing director, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, while addressing the august assembly re-emphasized that the company, with the deployment of 4G/LTE technology that runs on 800GHz spectrum, offers the best connectivity and high network availability index in the country.
Buitelaar quoted the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Monthly Internet Subscribers Data which indicated that users on the country’s telecom networks increased to 83,362,814 as at February 2015, he added that Smile understands the type of broadband services Nigerians have been waiting for; even at a reduced price and has consistently provided them with excellent services.
He observed that it is a common thing among some operators that as more customers subscribe to their network, the quality depreciates, “but at Smile and after our successful start, we are working to ensure there is no such backlash to customers coming to the network. “We are prepared and working through densification of the network, where we see issues, we quickly address them. More so, we are deploying more capacity and the figure shows we are actually meeting our brand promise which is for everybody to get 6megabytes per second on download, even as the busy hours of the day. Our team has always been on its oars to meet the target and we don’t get congestions. In other words, we are ready to offer corporate organizations the kind of connectivity that will enhance their productivity”.
Buitelaar also applauded the Nigerian telecoms regulator; NCC “They have done a good job, which we are happy with. However, it extends to the general state of the economy. At the moment, there are some things that needed to be addressed for the growth of the digital economy. Digital economy will even make the people become more productive.
Fundamentally, the economy is very positive and will benefit a lot by becoming digital in the way it does business”. He added that the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) is already happening in Nigeria, “but I think businesses and individuals should be more open to it. We have a very innovative climate here. One will be amazed with the number of people, vehicles and machines hooking up and finding new ways of doing business”.
On her part, Mrs. Alero Ladipo, Smile Communications’ chief marketing officer noted that after two years in operations, the network session with CEOs, CTOs and CIOs of major firms operating in Nigeria was to alert the participants about “our service offering and how we can help reduce their costs”.
Speaking through Mr. Chiekezi Dozie, head of Corporate & Enterprises Sales Ladipo enthused; “We are the ultimate 4G/LTE Company in the country at the moment. We use 800GHz spectrum which itself offers efficiency for mobile communications. It is a pure IP network. So, we can do corporate voice, data, and can make life very simple for them. The era we are in, people are increasingly engaging in mobile communications; therefore, we have MiFis, mobile and fixed solutions to cover the whole gamut of corporate requirements.
“The testimonials are out there. Apart from the fact that our network is very fast even at reduced cost, we have had a couple of tests with some automated teller machines (ATM). We compared the network on the ATMs with machines in other networks. A normal ATM with a different connectivity provider records about 43 seconds speed on transaction. But with our network such transaction was done in 23 seconds. That’s an improvement on customer experience. “As a technology, we know that no technology is 100 per cent proof. So, we have SLAs that ensure the services are at 99.9 assurances. Through our managed services, we monitor the networks and we have a very experienced backroom team at Smile”. She said the company will continue to roll-out services in other cities, eyeing a nation-wide service provisioning in no distant time.
Testifying about the functionality and ubiquity features of the Smile network, Mr. Muyiwa Faulkner from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc. said that Smile Communications represents unique network connectivity with innovation.
“It offers internet that is fast, especially when you need it. A lot of times, people don’t know the difference between good and great. I think Smile’s connectivity is great,” Faulkner said.
To Kayode Osolaja, of First Bank, “Smile has come with a difference.
Apart from the services, the customer-support (service) has been superb. They don’t keep you waiting and wailing”.
Smile Communications Nigeria Limited was founded in 2007 with the transformative objective of using the best and most innovative technologies to provide its customers with high quality, easy to use and affordable communication services.
Its vision and mission is to be the broadband provider of choice in Nigeria and enable its customers to fully benefit from the Internet world.
Smile launched West Africa’s first true 4G LTE network in Ibadan in 2013 thereby revolutionizing the way people access the Internet.
Telecom
CerAwards 2026: CeraVe & Konga Health Reward Top Creators with Paris Trips and N12M in Prizes
The intersection of dermatological excellence, technological innovation, and creative storytelling reached a fever pitch on April 23rd as the inaugural Cerawards Africa 2026 took centre stage in Lagos. Orchestrated by CeraVe, the world’s #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, in an exclusive strategic partnership with Konga Health, Nigeria’s leading distributor of premium skincare and beauty products, the event celebrated emerging creators with CeraVe-sponsored trips to Paris, N2 Million and other amazing prizes.
CerAwards 2026
Making its debut on the African continent, CerAwards 2026 chose Nigeria as its first destination, a decision made possible through the direct result of the robust infrastructure and market trust built by Konga Health. This partnership between both brands reflects a shared commitment to driving accessibility, authenticity, and innovation within the beauty industry, while placing Nigerian talent firmly on the global stage.
Hosted by renowned media personality Bisola Aiyeola, the event delivered a seamless blend of entertainment and industry relevance. From the outset, it was clear that CerAwards was not just another awards ceremony, but a platform designed to reshape narratives, connecting skincare, storytelling, and commerce in a uniquely Nigerian way. The gala brought together the beauty industry elites, Nollywood stars, top influencers, and a new generation of digital entrepreneurs, all united by a singular vision of excellence.
Delivering his address at the event, Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, emphasised the strategic importance of innovation and excellence in building sustainable industries.
“What we are witnessing today is the convergence of technology, creativity, and commerce,” he stated. “At Konga, and particularly through Konga Health, we are committed to pursuing excellence in everything we do, ensuring that Nigerians have access to genuine products while also creating platforms that drive economic value. Technology remains the backbone of modern economies, and initiatives like CerAwards demonstrate how it can unlock new opportunities for growth, especially among young creators.”
CerAwards 2026 attracted over 800 entries from content creators across the country, reflecting the depth of talent within Nigeria’s digital and creative economy. Following a rigorous screening process by a distinguished jury comprising Funke Akindele (Nollywood actress, producer and director), Uzor Arukwe (award-winning actor), Anais Routhiau (CeraVe Africa), Ijeoma Balogun (CEO, Redrick PR), Subuola Oyeleye (Founder, Beauty Hut Africa), and Yvonne Enwerem (VP, Konga Health), the top 64 entries were shortlisted.
The competition, which recorded over 65,000 public votes, eventually expanded beyond its initial structure to accommodate 28 finalists, underscoring the exceptional quality of submissions.
Participants competed across six categories: Educational, Original, Viral Video, Cleansing, Body Moisturising, and Let’s Get Creative. The award categories spanned the full spectrum of the CeraVe experience, from educational content to viral creativity.
The awards produced six grand prize winners. Three exceptional creators won the ultimate “CeraTicket,” an all-expenses-paid trip to France to experience the heart of global beauty: Perpetua Ugwuegede (Body Moisturising), Boluwatife Lawal (Educational Content), and Iyanuoluwa Sowemimo (Let’s Get Creative). Three winners received N2 Million worth of premium content creation gear: Beryl Inegbenose (Original Content), Precious Ernest (Cleansing), and Joseph Shaka Momodu (Viral Video). The 1st runners-up were each awarded N1 million, while several other participants walked away with N500,000 in consolation prizes and gifts.
The event also featured special Nollywood Recognition Awards presented to Funke Akindele and Uzor Arukwe for their outstanding contributions to the film industry, further cementing the intersection between beauty, storytelling, and entertainment.
Beyond the awards, CerAwards 2026 represents a broader shift in how beauty brands engage with consumers in Africa. Through its partnership with Konga Health, CeraVe has tapped into a robust commerce and distribution ecosystem that prioritises authenticity, accessibility, and customer trust.
For Konga Health, the success of CerAwards reinforces its position as a trusted gateway for premium beauty brands and a champion of Nigerian creativity. As the platform continues to expand its offerings and partnerships, it remains focused on delivering value that resonates with modern consumers.
Under the leadership of Yvonne Enwerem, VP of Konga Health, the platform has become the exclusive custodian of CeraVe’s brand integrity in the region, ensuring that consumers are protected from counterfeits while enjoying seamless access to world-class dermatological solutions.
Ultimately, CerAwards 2026 has not only celebrated excellence, it has redefined what is possible when global brands and local platforms work together.
Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has launched a new stand-alone messaging app on iOS devices, called XChat.
Elon Musk
This app will help users connect their existing X contacts for calling, chatting, and sharing files. This move shows how Musk’s previous idea of creating a single ‘everything app’ seems to shift to a different strategy now.
This newly launched app comes with features such as audio and video calling, text messaging, group chats, and file sharing.
Moreover, it features privacy-focused tools like disappearing messages, the option to delete and edit messages for everyone, and a feature that blocks screenshots.
Looking at these features, the XChat seems to take on WhatsApp and Messenger.
However, the tech firm said that the app has no tracking or ads.
In terms of privacy, X claimed that the instant messaging app is end-to-end encrypted and comes with a PIN.
This app is currently available to iOS users only, and more updates are expected in the near future, as teased by Benji Taylor, the X’s lead designer. The launch of this app reflects a shift in Musk’s strategy about turning X into an ‘everything’ app that will include payments, shopping, messaging, and more combined in one place.
However, the focus of xAI seems to be different now as the company seems to be developing several different apps instead of combining everything into one.
This approach may help X to reach users through their various services rather than a single platform.
While XChat focused on messaging currently, the tech firm is also reportedly testing a separate payments system, which is not available to the public so far.
More features and updates to the instant messaging app are likely to be arriving in the coming months as X continues to grow its ecosystem with more apps.
Technology Company, Globacom has unveiled two vibrant television commercials, “Road Trip” and “Department of Imagination,” reinforcing the telecommunications giant’s dedication to providing seamless, reliable connectivity for every lifestyle.
These engaging campaigns illustrate how Glo remains an essential partner in both our daily routines and our boldest future aspirations.
“Road Trip” captures a relatable family adventure filled with laughter and authentic moments. The story follows Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi as she experiences the frustration of poor signal—only to find that switching to Glo transforms the experience instantly. Whether it’s navigation, downloading content, or staying entertained, the difference is clear with Glo, which ensures you stay connected no matter where the road takes you.
Starring alongside Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, the commercial featured Bolaji Ogunmola and others and their combination brought the best out of the TVC.
Users can easily access data plans by dialling *312#, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted service on the go.
Department, on the other hand transports viewers to a futuristic landscape where technology bridges the gap between creativity and reality.
Guided by the renowned Richard Mofe-Damijo (The Professor), the story explores how powerful ideas turn into extraordinary experiences. It showcases a smarter, more dynamic world—from real-time gaming to advanced culinary processes demonstrated by Hilda Baci and creative tech integration by Bamike Adenibuyan (Bam-Bam).
The unique feature of the story is each scene serving as a testament to how Glo is actively shaping a future where technological possibilities are infinite.
The Glo’s latest commercials carry a unified, powerful message: The future is here, and it is powered by Glo.
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