General News
Twitter…the Assault on Free Speech!
“Business is ‘just business’: a scramble for profit,” wrote Richard Branson, the British international entrepreneur in his 2008 book, Business Stripped Bare (Virgin Books).
Although Branson talks about corporate social investment projects of his businesses in their operational environments, it is evident that even for him; ‘profit’ comes before social investments.
Whether it involves his Virgin Nigeria misadventure which left an acerbic taste in his mouth; his India foray and to the iconic ‘David vs. Goliath’ battle as he took on Coca Cola in their backyard with an audacious Virgin Cola launch.
It was all about ‘profit’…and if there was no profit in an environment, moves on elsewhere where the pasture is greener.
Like Branson’s Nigerian adventure, twitter last week left behind sour taste following its decision to suspend the twitter account of British journalist, Guy Adams for breaking its rules-of-engagements. Adams angered twitters’ business partners, the American TV network, NBC for divulging one of its executives’ email address in a tweet. The network filed a complaint with twitter leading to Adams suspension.
This incident has thrown up new challenges faced by journalists in their pursuit of news against the protection of commercial interest by entrepreneurs who provide the platforms for journalists to operate. This portents a new threat against the journalists right to freedom of information.
It conjures commercial interest over the right to inform and be informed.
Fair enough, twitter has restored Adams account following the international outcry against its initial decision to protect a business-partner’s interest.
“Twitter has a business relationship with NBC. If Twitter acts in a way to favour that business relationship over the freedom of its platform for its users, then Twitter risks losing the trust of those users,” Bloomberg Businessweek.com quotes Jeff Jarvis, a professor at City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism as saying.
Adams, a Los Angeles based writer for the London Daily Independent newspaper, said he didn’t do anything wrong with his post in an interview before twitter restored his account. “I don’t think I have done anything wrong, and I don’t think any reasonable person would think I’ve done something wrong. I’m surprised because I always thought Twitter was a company dedicated to the flow of information.”
The BBC reports that NBC paid $1.18 billion for Olympics broadcast rights over the United States territory. It subsequently worked out delay broadcast schedule (due to time differentials) in some states – but apparently, didn’t explain this to the viewers. “As a result its broadcast of the opening ceremony was shown on the US’s east coast with a three-and-a-half hour delay, and with a gap of up to six-and-a-half hours on the west coast.”
Adams’ suspension drew several tweet criticisms.
“Twitter’s suspension of @guyadams jars with company’s claim to be the free speech wing of the free speech party,” wrote the Guardian’s special projects editor Paul Lewis.
“I wouldn’t have posted the email address. But Twitter’s removing his account was outrageous,” added Dan Gillmor, from the Arizona State University’s school of journalism.
In the wake Hilary Clinton, US Secretary of State’s African tour where she is pontificating on need for Africa’s maximum rulers to do more to encourage democracy, this latest stunt from twitter is bad copy for the West’s freedom of expression as democracy dividend.
Nigeria’s elite ruling class frets over activities of citizens on social media, and some have lately muted the idea of censoring platforms like twitter and facebook. Last January, the Nigerian government discovered its state broadcast media propaganda apparatus couldn’t match the power of the social media platforms as citizens seizing up on the Arab Spring revolutions across the Middle East and North Africa effectively galvanized mass protests against unannounced fuel subsidy removal by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The result was mass protests against the government in cities across the country. The government backed down and reverted on the fuel prize, although not to its original price. But Nigerians saw that as a window of opportunity to free speech and association. No government would take them for granted anymore!
The Chinese effectively censors these social media platforms and if African governments also think they could do same without repercussions, then the citizens would have lost their last platforms to express their discontent with nonperforming governments.
Dr. Emovon Biokolo, Dean of the School of Media and Communications, Pan Africa University, Lagos noted that the social media platform(s) is a new media that enable citizens to express their views unhindered. He stated that their usage could checkmate arbitrariness among the ruling class over those they lord over without regards. Previous (military) governments resort to closing down erring media to bring them in line.
But incidents like the Adams case would provide a fertile ground upon which dictators could sow a new doctrine of ‘state security’ over citizens’ rights to free speech.
I am afraid that in this youth age of near absolute abandonment of age-old societal norms and beliefs, any attempt to gag the media of self expression could lead to total anarchy, the type never before experienced!
Breathe Life Foundation partnered with Teach Nigeria Fellow, Ms Bunmi Rotimi, to deliver a respiratory health awareness session for over 200 senior students of Cleggs Girls High School, Surulere, Lagos.
The session equipped students aged 15–19 years with practical knowledge about the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and shisha, while challenging the misconception that shisha is a safer alternative to cigarettes or other substances.
Through an engaging and interactive discussion, students explored the influence of peer pressure and learned practical strategies for making healthier, more informed lifestyle choices.
They also gained a better understanding of common environmental triggers of asthma and other respiratory conditions, including cigarette smoke, generator fumes, bush burning, mosquito coil smoke, candles, charcoal, and firewood.
The session highlighted an important reality: young people may not always recognise how seemingly routine lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can gradually affect their respiratory health, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
For Breathe Life Foundation, this reinforces the importance of shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention through awareness and education. By equipping young people with the knowledge to identify risks and make healthier choices early, the Foundation is helping to build a generation that is more conscious of – and better prepared to protect – its respiratory health.
Breathe Life Foundation is dedicated to advancing respiratory health, an often-neglected public health priority. Healthy lungs are essential to life, yet respiratory diseases remain among the world’s leading causes of death and disability, even though many are preventable and treatable.
Nigeria’s technology retail landscape reached another significant milestone on Monday, August 3, 2026, as global technology giant ASUS, in partnership with Konga, officially commissioned its first flagship experience store in West Africa.
Strategically located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos; the heartbeat of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in customer experience, product accessibility, and digital innovation.
The launch also reinforces Konga’s growing reputation as a preferred gateway for leading global technology brands into the Nigerian market.
The landmark event attracted Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who officially commissioned the store.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh; Chief Operating Officer of Konga, Dave Omoregie; VP Omni-channel & Commercial Planning, Melvin Onochie; and Head of Marketing and Communications at Konga Group, Victor Oluwaleye.
The ASUS team was led by E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, alongside Business Development Manager, Sunnie Chen; Sales Manager, Mohammed Kazim; Gaming Product Manager, Joy Chen; Marketing Manager, Adeola Odeleye; and Sales Specialist, Williams Okenna.
The Honourable Minister described the facility as a defining achievement for Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that it is far more than the opening of a retail outlet.
He called it a strong vote of confidence by a global technology brand in Nigeria’s innovation, science, and technology ecosystem and the immense potential of its market.
He noted that his presence underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, describing such partnerships as essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy driven by private enterprise and enabled by government.
The Minister paid tribute to Leo Stan Ekeh, describing him as one of the foremost architects of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He announced that Ekeh had recently agreed to champion the Federal Government’s Youth and Students in Innovation initiative, a flagship programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with entrepreneurial and technology skills.
According to him, Ekeh’s decades of visionary entrepreneurship have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s technology ecosystem and attracting prominent technology companies into the Nigerian market.
Using the occasion to address the international business community, the Minister encouraged global investors and brands to look beyond establishing commercial operations in Nigeria and actively partner with the government in driving national development.
He assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that safeguards investments and delivers sustainable returns.
Speaking at the event, ASUS E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, expressed appreciation to partners, government representatives, and customers for their support.
He explained that the flagship store was conceived to provide consumers with direct access to authentic ASUS products, and expressed confidence that the partnership with Konga will further accelerate the brand’s growth and strengthen customer engagement in the region.
The experience centre features dedicated sections showcasing ASUS’ complete portfolio of premium laptops, gaming devices, AI-powered PCs, and cutting-edge innovations. A standout attraction is an interactive digital display that allows visitors to explore ASUS’ latest technologies virtually before making purchase decisions, creating a more engaging and informed customer journey. Plus, every ASUS device purchased through the flagship store or online on Konga comes with a special one-year replacement warranty at no extra cost.
In his remark, Chief Operating Officer of Konga Group, Dave Omoregie, said the flagship store reflects Konga’s deliberate strategy to give Nigerian consumers a seamless blend of online and offline retail.
He noted that Konga’s logistics network, payment infrastructure, and nationwide retail footprint uniquely position the company to support global brands like ASUS at scale, while ensuring customers enjoy authentic products backed by reliable after-sales service.
According to him, the partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when world-class technology brands trust Nigerian platforms to deliver exceptional experiences, adding that Konga remains committed to setting the operational standard for authentic technology retail across the country.
The launch further reinforces the enduring partnership between ASUS and Konga, built on shared values of innovation, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.
It also highlights Konga’s continued evolution beyond traditional e-commerce into a comprehensive omnichannel technology ecosystem that combines online convenience with physical retail experiences.
For Nigerian consumers and businesses, the new ASUS Flagship Experience Store represents more than a retail outlet; it is a symbol of confidence in Nigeria’s technology market. It highlights Konga’s commitment to bridging the gap between global technology brands and Nigerian consumers. With its robust logistics infrastructure, digital payment solutions, and nationwide physical retail presence, Konga continues to set the standard for authentic, accessible, and reliable technology retail across Africa.
The flagship store opening featured guided product demonstrations, immersive technology experiences, exclusive launch-day offers and customer engagement activities celebrating this historic milestone.
Customers can begin shopping immediately at the ASUS Flagship Experience Store, located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos. Visitors can explore authentic ASUS products, experience live product demonstrations, receive expert guidance, and access dedicated Starlink customer-support services.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice; Olatunji Rilwan Disu, inspector-general of Police, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds were missing, diverted or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The allegations are contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Report, published on September 9, 2025.
In a letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SERAP, the organisation urged the government to ensure that anyone implicated in the report is prosecuted and that all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition are recovered.
“Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
SERAP described the Auditor-General’s findings as a serious breach of public trust.
“The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”
The organisation also expressed concern over allegations involving missing firearms, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, and poor storage of weapons.
“The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”
According to SERAP, the alleged diversion of funds meant for policing and the reported irregularities have weakened the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
The organisation said the Auditor-General’s report documented several alleged financial irregularities, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, irregular procurement, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services allegedly not rendered.
“The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”SERAP further cited allegations of missing firearms and ammunition, failures to properly account for recovered weapons and exhibits, and insecure storage of firearms.
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would pursue legal action if no response is received.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
SERAP also argued that the allegations, if left unaddressed, would violate constitutional provisions requiring the government to combat corruption and safeguard the welfare and security of Nigerians.
Among the specific findings cited from the Auditor-General’s report were allegations of payments for abandoned and unexecuted police projects worth hundreds of millions of naira, inflated contract values, unretired cash advances, irregular procurement processes, unsettled insurance claims exceeding ₦681 million, over ₦1 billion in uncleared insurance policy liabilities, missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised release of police exhibits, and contracts allegedly awarded without due diligence by the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
Dimension Data to Channel Funds to Support Nigerian Fibre Expansion
FG Commences 90,000km Fibre Optic Rollout within Weeks
Kaspersky Reveals a New Malicious Framework Targeting Cryptocurrency Users with the Use of OkoSpyware
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek Retracts Story on Pan African Towers Litigation
Firm to recruit over 100 professionals to boost NRS e-Invoicing compliance
NRC, Ponzi Scheme Collapses Resulting Loss of Billions of Naira
From Scarcity to Scale: What Africa Can Learn from India’s Agricultural Transformation
EFCC Busts NIS Visa Overstay Racket, Uncovers N700m in an Account
BON Establishes Six Ad Hoc Committees to Modernize Broadcasting
NELFUND Investigates 34 Universities Over Students’ Missing Tuition Refunds
News3 days agoAtte, Nigerian Develops AI Algorithm for Hair Transplants
News3 days agoFG to Abolish Subsidies in Power Sector in 2027 – Minister
E-Financial3 days agoFCT Court Awards Ex-Customers N15m against Stanbic IBTC over Data Privacy Breach
E-Financial3 days agoCBN Exposes over 13,000 BVNs Tied to Fraud as Banks Tighten Security
Telecom3 days agoStarbase Technologies Introduces Yolly, a Reward-Based Social Entertainment Platform
General News3 days agoDare Tackles Onaiyekan over Criticism of Tinubu, Says Economic is Working
E-Business2 days agoKaspersky Identifies Cyberespionage as a Growing Threat Across Africa, Others
General News3 days agoSERAP Asks Tinubu to Probe Alleged N6.79Bn Missing Police Funds, Firearms