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Technology Can Check Kidnapping- Adoki

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Kenneth Miebaka Adoki, chief executive officer of Naira Net Tech
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 Kenneth Miebaka Adoki is the chief executive officer of Naira Net Technologies Limited, an intensive corporation, primarily established with the target of attaining Information and Communication Technology (ICT) growth in Nigeria. He has distinguished himself in pioneering cutting-edge solution in his over 30 years of experience in the ICT industry.  Adoki spoke to chris alu in Abuja on issues in the Information and Communications Technologies.

Kidnappers and Criminals Tracking Solution
All these are global positioning equipment, once you attached it to your dress and cover it where nobody can see it; you will be located at any time on demand. It is integrated  into a small data base and has command or rather a service centre where you can actually be reading location of the person at any point in time,  if such a person is  kidnapped you can easily locate him through that  device, because it is always switched on, except if the kidnappers pull out his dressing and remove the device from him  or switch it off, that is where you can not locate him, or else it is quite easy, provided the devices is on him you can track him anywhere the person is. It is an anti kidnapping technology that is very easy to carry about and is connected to the frequency network at all times, with that you can track down criminals as well. It works through the global position system (GPS) it can also be integrated into telephone networks like CDMA, or GSM technology, as well as cars and all sorts of technologies. The device is small and is pack like a SIM card, so once you are connected it start working.
These  are all packages as one device to operate in GPS solution that is cheap and easy to maintain, it can be remotely controlled through the radio frequently identification technology that help to locate and dictate all the areas imputed into the device, it covers a wide range of areas. In fact the whole of Africa is connected through the waves.
It can also be used for vehicles and important places like retail shop outlets to curb theft. Each time you move, the frequency identification will read your movement and send text message to anybody that has your code number on request in his or her phone and it will help to locate you easily, it can also provide anti-robbery solutions for banks to locate or track movement of money especially the bullion van and alert the financial intelligence unit of any suspicious case as they move along with cash.
Biometrics Solutions and Automated Teller Machine Fraud
Bank customers using ATM  require card and pin numbers to make withdrawals, they are  now been hacked by fraudsters, but if we integrate the biometric solutions as retrofit, which is a small equipment attached to the ATM machine it will allow you access your account with pin number and finger print. It is an additional device to ATM users for their security. Just adding a small technology to the machine, you slot your card press the pin number and the only way you can withdraw money is to thumb your finger on the space provided, to enable it capture and identify the original ATM card user, if the finger print is different from the person that owns the card there is no way you can withdraw money. The technology solution was conceived because of the high rate of fraudsters hacking into personal data of cardholders. Fraud itself is a big industry in the world today because it has consumed more than $57 billion out of the economy of the world as at today, and has left a big gap in providing infrastructure and other relevant development of many countries. People use counterfeit or forge document, internet, and all sorts of dubious means to commit fraud, but with this retrofit on ATM machines such deals will be reduce to a barest minimum.
The image processing of the transaction and user verification time will be less then a second and the language support options is provided on the platform just like the same way you use the machine now, the only additional devices will be the finger print which the machine will ask you to do, the service will give automated system that is unmatched for users convenience. It is purely an additional security for ATM users, why we are doing this is because Naira Net wants to positioned itself as a total solution house for satisfying all kind of technology related needs of the people. We are a one stop shop that is bent on addressing all kinds of customers need, and we are striving to be a single vendor interface that would be providing end to end solution for business opportunities.
High Cost of IT Infrastructure
Government has really not subsidized ICT infrastructure because it is not cheap. ICT is an emerging solution that is taken the lead off today’s life be it development, transaction or communications. It is very expensive to run or even to study it. For instance India alone produces over one million IT knowledge workers in their country annually, while Nigeria produces less than 5,000 trained IT skilled workers in a year. So, there is a big gap for us to meet up with the challenge of trained manpower, and until we have a lot of capacity to begin to produce and trained workers in IT or ICT equipment it will continue to be expensive in Nigeria. In India, some of the trainees come up with solutions that march other techniques that are useful to them with the facilities on ground and which makes the equipment cheap. And they are growing in it. China has so many ICT parks that train their people at affordable cost, and most of the ICT parks in China are result of what we consume here in Nigeria such as, handsets, radios, and solar lamps among others. I don’t think we have any functional ICT park here in Nigeria, and that is the only way ICT cost can be driven down. We need to train our people, we need to develop capacity for it, we need to have functional parks, and we need to have the needed.
Until we get to the level where we would begin to have the facilities available, it would not be easy for us to use proper ICT equipment and the cost will continue to grow.
Most of these countries that use ICT equipment fully have stable power, these is what drives down some of the equipment downs.
Using R and D in ICT for Economic Advancement
Research and Development is not at the moment part of our initiative or plan for development in this country. Most of the R&D we have in the country today are not providing the needed know-how to enhance effective deployment for the country as at now. For instance, the universities are down for the past 2-3 months, how can lecturers or the students be involved in research?
Universities do not have the equipment or well equipped laboratories to carry out research, and they are rated very low in the world today.  Organizations are not there to sponsor research and development, so how can we make good use of research and development, where we don’t have the facilities and companies to develop the research such research. This is because it involves quite a lot of money to carryout such project, it is not something that one will start and dump on the road. For us to achieve any meaningful development, we must be prepared for R&D, it is a prerequisite for development once we don’t do it we would not experience any meaningful development our economy.
 The rapid changes that is taking place in other parts of the world from one point to another is as a result of the prolific nature of research and development, and the reasons we are not in R&D in any of the areas of production is because, the facilities are not there. The  facts remains that, there must be new Innovation or product in the market  that would attract people before they buy and how are we going to satisfied an average person with a new product we must embark on R & D.
Government Driving the Application of ICT
All countries have grown on the platform of government driving application of information and communications technology, for instance, Singapore ICT is grown on the platform of one man call Lee Wangyuu, Malaysian economy grow through a particular leader that needed change. In India, the person that drove their ICT was their leader, any country that wishes to grow in ICT must be the leader of that nation, and otherwise it will be done in an epileptic manner. Private or individuals cannot do it alone; we need a leader that have a mindset of driving ICT in this country for it to work effectively. In Dubai, the people driving ICT is the Amatuur family, they are like the prime minister of Dubai, in U.S apart from the government both the public and private sector are into agreement to sponsor or put in money for a particular project to make it successful. There is no way one can separate government from driving ICT in the country, the private enterprise can do it in bits, but it will be too expensive for end users, like in Nigeria most private entrepreneur wants quick return on their investment. How can they provide power, and other infrastructure required for development? It is the government that can do such a big project or enter into partnership with the private sector so that at the end the cost will not be too high  and  the facilities will be able to cover every nook and crannies of the country, and  service will  be rendered at low cost.
Naira Net Capacity in Service delivery
We are not doing all these alone; we have partners all over the world, such as Bevertec of Canada, which we are working with on establishing a National Internet Payment Gateway and financial process exchange through the Central Bank of Nigeria. We have Pentasoft Technologies in India for the establishment of education and training centers on ICT in Nigeria. We are also partnering with Euclid InfoTech, an Indian company to provide e-tender and e-procurement portals for publishing all government contracts and tenders, and we are also planning to upgrade the tender portal services for e-monitoring service.
We also partner with Infrasoft Technologies for secured anti-money laundering software solutions for banks which we have deployed it in UBA, Diamond Bank, Oceanic and Spring Banks and we would implement a core banking software solutions with the Banks very soon. We have Profiteer Corporation of Malaysia which we have signed an agreement with to provider advanced software technologies for revenue collections, debt recovery, legal and third party agency management for Nigeria. Also Amricon of Dubai for information and advance RFID ,smart technology that empowers government, financial institutions and business protection from fraud and document such as cheques, boarding passes, certificates cloning and counterfeiting and many others. We hope to offer all the services in Nigeria and indeed the entire African continent.
 All the companies are professional that have expertise in various technological platform and they are qualified engineers in software technology, with management and research skills.

 


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Guinness Nigeria Sustains Growth Momentum in Q4 Amid Market Headwinds

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Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced its unaudited financial results for the twelve months ended 30 June 2025, reporting a remarkable turnaround in performance despite a persistently challenging economic environment and an intensely competitive landscape.

The announcement comes in a landmark year for the company, as Guinness Nigeria celebrates 75 years of operations in Nigeria—a testament to the enduring strength of its brands, its people, and its commitment to brewing excellence.

In the period under review, the company delivered strong topline growth, with revenue rising by 65.8% to ₦496.6 billion, up from ₦299.5 billion in the previous year. Gross profit grew by 62.2% to ₦148.3 billion, while operating profit rose by 86.6% to ₦47.4 billion. Most notably, the company returned to profitability with a net profit after tax of ₦16.2 billion, compared to a ₦54.7 billion loss recorded in FY24.

These results reflect Guinness Nigeria’s focused execution of its strategic priorities, disciplined cost management, and the resilience of its people and portfolio.

Commenting on the performance, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, Chairman of the Board, said: “This strong turnaround speaks to the quality of leadership, clarity of vision, and strength of governance at Guinness Nigeria.

“As we mark 75 years of doing business in Nigeria, this performance underscores our long-standing resilience and commitment to value creation. The Board remains confident in the company’s long-term strategy and is committed to sustaining this momentum for our shareholders and stakeholders.”

Girish Sharma, Managing Director/CEO, added: “These results reflect our team’s focus, agility, and deep connection with our consumers. We have set a clear ambition—to be one of the best performing, most trusted, and most respected consumer products companies in Nigeria.

“That ambition is driving us to build a high-performance organisation with an entrepreneurial spirit. While the external environment remains dynamic, we are building on this momentum with confidence and purpose.”

Guinness Nigeria remains committed to delivering long-term, sustainable growth while continuing its legacy of enriching lives and communities across the country.

 


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FintechNGR Rejigs Nigeria Fintech Week with Multi-location Model

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L-r: Mrs. Isioma Udeozo, CEO, Opolo Global Innovations / FAL Partner; Dr. Stanley Jacob, President, FintechNGR; Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, vice president, FintechNGR and Chair, NFW Committee; Uche Uzoebo, CEO, SANEF; Seun Folorunso, Director, Advocacy & Programs, FintechNGR at the media interaction to herald 2025 Nigeria Fintech Week held in Lagos on Wednesday.
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With the fast-evolving financial technology ecosystem, FintechNGR plans to restructure the model of Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW) coming up between October 7–9, 2025, with a next-level, bold experience and movement uniting over 20,000 multi-industry stakeholders across Africa’s digital landscape.

As part of the restructured model, the event will take place as a multi-location experience, bringing activities to Abuja, Delta, and Enugu, while the main event unfolds at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. This inclusive structure allows for broader access and reflects the national impact of fintech across all geopolitical zones.

Dr. Stanley Jacob, President, Fintech Association of Nigeria, disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, where the Association officially unveiled the direction for the 8th edition of Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW25), themed “The Fintech Ecosystem Symphony: Orchestrating Nigeria’s Digital Future.” This edition will spotlight how harmonised efforts across government, startups, corporates, and investors can accelerate financial innovation and inclusion across the continent.

According to him, “We’re no longer just an association; we are a movement. NFW25 is where partnerships will be born, sectors will be reimagined, and Nigeria’s digital economy will be orchestrated like a grand symphony.”

Since its inception in 2017, Nigeria Fintech Week has emerged as the continent’s foremost fintech convening – a catalyst for market-shaping conversations, regulatory advancements, and investment deals.

Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Vice President and Chair of the Organising Committee, noted that this year’s expansion across multiple cities was designed to enhance accessibility, financial inclusion, and grassroots innovation. “Fintech is no longer for a select few. From the aviation sector to agriculture, from secondary school students to startup founders, this year, everyone has a seat at the table.”

Whether you’re a startup, policymaker, enterprise, student, creative or influencer, developer, or fintech enthusiast, your voice matters in this symphony. As Ms. Uche Uzoebo of SANE puts it, “Even food companies, schools, and churches are now digitizing. NFW25 is where they find solutions and partnerships.”


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Unmasking Nigeria’s Food Safety Crisis: A Dual Pathway to Public Health and Global Competitiveness

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By Diana Tenebe, COO, Foodstuff Store

Nigeria, often heralded as Africa’s economic powerhouse and most populous nation, is grappling with a silent epidemic that exacts a devastating toll on its citizens and stifles its economic potential: a pervasive food safety crisis. This isn’t merely a matter of occasional discomfort; it’s a grim reality where over 200,000 Nigerians perish annually from foodborne illnesses, inflicting an estimated economic burden of US$3.6 billion each year. The current state of food safety is not just a public health nightmare; it’s a significant impediment to the nation’s economic growth and global trade aspirations, demanding immediate, comprehensive attention.

The challenges plaguing Nigeria’s food supply chain, from farm to fork, are multifaceted and deeply entrenched. Across the vast landscape, inadequate practices, weak enforcement mechanisms, and a widespread lack of awareness among both consumers and food handlers contribute to this grave situation. Unhygienic food handling, poor storage conditions, and the pervasive use of contaminated raw materials are disturbingly common, particularly within the vast informal food sector. This sector, a lifeline for many Nigerians, often operates without the most basic amenities, such as running water, adequate refrigeration, or proper waste disposal. The problem is further compounded by insidious issues like food fraud, deliberate adulteration of products, and the indiscriminate misuse of agrichemicals, leading to numerous documented cases of mass poisonings and tragic deaths across the country. A critical and alarming finding is the glaring absence of an organized system for monitoring food safety issues. This systemic failure means that incidents are often misclassified, under-investigated, and consequently, the true scope of the problem remains obscured.

Beyond the immediate public health ramifications, the ramifications of Nigeria’s weak phytosanitary policies and inadequate regulatory oversight ripple into the international arena, costing the nation millions in lost export revenue. The repeated rejection of Nigerian agricultural products by discerning international markets, including the EU, US, and various Asian countries, due to contamination from pesticides, aflatoxins, and pest infestations, severely limits market access and fundamentally undermines the nation’s agricultural competitiveness. The seven-year EU ban on Nigerian bean exports, initiated in 2015 and costing the country millions, stands as a stark and painful reminder of these systemic failures. It underscores the urgent need for a robust and internationally recognized food safety framework if Nigeria is to truly unlock its agricultural potential on the global stage.

Crucial regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), along with policies such as the National Policy on Food Safety (NPFS), are in place to ensure food safety in Nigeria. However, their full effectiveness faces ongoing challenges in implementation and enforcement.

These challenges often stem from overlapping responsibilities, insufficient funding, and a need for greater collaboration among the various agencies. Additionally, current legislation lacks comprehensive traceability requirements, which can make it difficult to identify the origin of contamination and assign accountability. Furthermore, certain traditional cultural practices sometimes present a barrier to the widespread adoption of modern, hygienic food handling standards.

Overcoming these formidable hurdles requires a concerted, multi-pronged strategy. For customers, fostering a culture of food safety is imperative. A pivotal step in addressing this crisis lies in empowering consumers through comprehensive public awareness campaigns and readily accessible food safety education. These initiatives must be presented in simple, digestible formats, perhaps through a “food safety culture toolkit” that demystifies complex information. Education should emphasize the critical importance of personal hygiene, safe food handling, proper storage, and effective preparation practices, all aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) internationally recognized “Five Keys to Safer Food.” Also, promoting the widespread adoption of robust risk assessment and management tools, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, is vital for food businesses of all sizes. This proactive approach can significantly mitigate risks throughout the food production process.

For market competitiveness, elevating standards and enforcement should be the goal. To enhance Nigeria’s global market competitiveness, a strategic focus on strengthening regulatory oversight is paramount. This includes substantial investment in modern testing and quarantine infrastructure, which is essential for meeting stringent international standards. Furthermore, establishing a more coordinated and effective phytosanitary enforcement authority will streamline processes and ensure compliance. By improving these standards, Nigeria can drastically reduce export rejections, enhance its credibility in global trade, and unlock immense opportunities presented by schemes like the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers duty-free access to over 3,000 Nigerian products. Crucially, enacting the comprehensive National Food Safety and Quality Bill is a vital legislative step, along with ensuring greater involvement and capacity building for state and local authorities in food safety enforcement.

By prioritizing food safety, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where it can not only safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens but also significantly boost its agricultural exports, attract much-needed foreign investment, create sustainable jobs, and ensure overall economic prosperity. This is not merely a regulatory issue; it is a fundamental pillar of national development.


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