Telecom
Smile Wins Most Outstanding Data Firm of the Year

No stranger to winning strings of awards, Smile Nigeria has typically maintained the tempo by clinching laurels both in Abuja and Lagos.
Indeed, it was awards galore for the innovative and pacesetting Telecommunications Company and its resourceful Managing Director as they were recipients of notable corporate and individual awards in prestigious events that took place in Abuja and Lagos respectively.
At the African Entrepreneur Merit Awards 2018 held recently at the Abuja Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Smile Nigeria was bestowed with the 2018 “Most Innovative Data Company of the Year Award” while the Titans of Tech Awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos conferred on the Mr Godfrey Efeurhobo, managing director of Smile the ‘Titans of Tech CEO of the Year Award’’.
Both awards attest to the corporate vision and individual ingenuity that have propelled Smile to the broadband leadership echelon of the nation’s telecommunication sector.
The African Entrepreneurs Merit Award is a platform that recognizes African Entrepreneurs and corporate institutions that have distinguished themselves in their contributions to the growth and development of MSME, s in Africa.
According to the organizers, the award was bestowed on Smile for its knack for innovative products and consistent provision of innovative services. The company was also commended for its massive investments in authentic 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology.
On hand to receive the 2018 African Entrepreneur Merit Awards on behalf of Smile was Nonye Obianwu, Ag. regional sales manager, Abuja, who thanked the organizers for giving honour to whom honour is due.
She dedicated the award to all Smile customers for their steadfast support and loyalty. She assured that the company’s commitment to the provision of best-in-class Internet services will endure so as to continue to serve the needs of its teeming customers.
A similar sentiment was echoed at the Titans of Tech Awards at Lagos. On being bestowed with the ‘Titans of Tech CEO of the Year Award’ Smile Nigeria’s helmsman Godfrey Efeurhobo reiterated that Smile Nigeria has been consistent in the provision of valuable products and innovative services.
“Our vision of becoming the broadband internet provider of choice in Nigeria has guided us in everything from selecting our people and partners to choosing the best technologies and creating innovative and relevant products and services” he added.
Explaining the choice of Efeurhobo as the ‘Titans of Tech CEO of the Year’, Technology Africa; the organizers of the event, noted that under his leadership “Smile Communications is actively transforming the nation’s economy by providing universal access to high-quality, reliable, easy-to-use and affordable communication services across Nigeria.” They further observed that “the impact his leadership has made on Smile’s operations demonstrates what is possible with a team dedicated to making a difference.”
They added that under Efeurhobo’s watch “the company has grown from an ISP to a full-fledged communications services provider.”
An alumnus of the London Business School and Harvard Business School among other prestigious institutions, Efeurhobo is a dynamic professional with experience, skills and exposure spanning across Strategy and Planning, Operations Management, Sales and Distribution, Corporate Advisory Services, Stakeholder Management, Legal consultancy, Corporate Governance and Project Management.
He belongs to a number of professional bodies such as, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrations, Institute of Chartered Mediators and the Nigerian Bar Association.
Efeurhobo was also recently awarded Business Integrity Award by the African Child Foundation and was listed among the top 100 Telecoms Professionals in Nigeria by Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON)
Telecom
NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

This directive was contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.
The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.
In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.
Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”
The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.
“Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.
The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.
The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.
The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.
Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.
Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”
Telecom
Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.
Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.
The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.
The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.
“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.
Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.
Telecom
GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.
The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.
GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.
These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.
More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.
As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.
Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.
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