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There Was Nothing Bombastic About MWC 2014 Says Ovum

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Overall, there was nothing bombastic about Mobile World Congress  2014, according to Ovum’s analysts.

Ovum provides clients with independent and objective analysis that enables them to make better business and technology decisions.

Its research draws upon over 400,000 interviews a year with business and technology, telecoms and sourcing decision-makers, giving Ovum and the clients unparalleled insight not only into business requirements but also the technology that organisation must support. Ovum is an Informa business.

Based on its analyses of the MWC 2014 and on Industry, Communications, Broadband & Consumer services, Ovum admitted that there was a lot of talk about the content and services that runs on the broadband infrastructure.

However, it said that the Facebook/WhatsApp deal was a reminder of the gradual displacement of telcos from the content market, but there was still a lot of emphasis on service development aimed at propping up telcos’ top lines.

The strength of OTT players in messaging and now voice, challenges not only operators’ revenues, but also their role in the messaging and VoIP ecosystems.

Operators must either partner with OTT players to create more valuable, monetizable products for their customers, or they must be quick to launch their own services that leverage operator strengths such as billing, customer information, and the customer relationship to offer product bundles that help to increase loyalty and reduce churn.

According to Ovum, “the industry praised itself for connecting the world, noting that it contributed $336bn to public funds and supported 10.5 million jobs in 2013. The main call to action was for the industry to invest $1.7tn by 2020 to extend broadband connectivity globally. In the face of pricing and regulatory pressures facing telcos, this is going to be a tall order.

“As the delegates departed there was a sense of quiet satisfaction that the future of the industry is more assured than it seemed in 2013. Concerns still remain and many things could still go wrong, but as the CEO of Tele2 said to the CEO of WhatsApp when the latter announced plans to add voice to WhatsApp: “bring it on.”

Summary of the key themes from events and how Ovum sees this impacting the telecoms industry, also follows that unsurprisingly, Big Data was a key theme, but telcos were sanguine about balancing its use for new revenue opportunities or to improve customer experience with concerns about privacy.

“Orange said it is focusing only on how to use Big Data to improve services for its customers, while Deutsche Telekom called for greater clarity – especially in Europe – on the modalities for using or sharing customer data. Service providers now know (or perhaps they have always known) that to monetize their customers’ data they will need to earn those customers’ ‘Big Trust,’ a trust based on more explicit foundations than have so far existed”.

On network infrastructure, a key topic at MWC 2014 event was centralized RAN (C-RAN). This, Ovum said that, vendors demonstrated advancements in this technology despite the fact that its current market opportunities are limited to fiber-rich markets such as China and South Korea.

“Longer term – five years or more from now – the need for more capacity on the mobile network will push operators to make the fiber investments needed to expand the opportunity for C-RAN.

“5G, as expected, was also a popular topic, but what it will ultimately be remains very much an open question. Vendors are in some agreement that 5G won’t be available until 2020. Right now they are all just showing concepts around the technology, including combining multiple radio streams and higher orders of MIMO to increase throughput. But any notions about 5G are fairly immature at this point.

Ovum also analyses several other topics discussed at the events during MWC 2014, expressing disappointments in key areas.


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CerAwards 2026: CeraVe & Konga Health Reward Top Creators with Paris Trips and N12M in Prizes

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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: CeraVe & Konga Health Reward Top Creators with Paris Trips and N12M in 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.


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Elon Musk Launches XChat with Video Calling to Take on WhatsApp, Messenger

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Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has launched a new stand-alone messaging app on iOS devices, called XChat.

Elon Musk Launches XChat with Video Calling to Take on WhatsApp, Messenger

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.

 

 


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Globacom Unveils Two New TVCs Showcasing the Future of Connectivity

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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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