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Two Nigerian Startups Emerge Winners @ GITEX 2022 North Star Pitch Competition

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Mr Victor Afolabi, founder Eko Innovation center; Mr Tunbosun Alake, Special adviser to the Lagos state Government on Innovation and Technology; Mr Abdulla Alqahtani, Head of visa and attestation section UAE consulate in Lagos; Dr. Aristotle, Director of corporate Research strategy, Dubai World Trade Centre; Ms Fatine Laaroussi Tribek, Executive secretary of the UAE consultate in Lagos; Mr Hamad Almansoori, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sales Manager- Govt liaison; Mr Zarko Ackovik, Director-commercial Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre and Mr Akande Ojo, Country representative of the Dubai World trade centre at the GITEX Global Lagos pitch
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Two Nigerian technology start-ups, Pricepally.com and Paddy Cover, have emerged winners at the Lagos leg of the North Star and GITEX Global pitch tournament held on Thursday at the Eko Innovation Centre, Lagos.

Mr Victor Afolabi, founder Eko Innovation center; Mr Tunbosun Alake, Special adviser to the Lagos state Government on Innovation and Technology; Mr Abdulla Alqahtani, Head of visa and attestation section UAE consulate in Lagos; Dr. Aristotle, Director of corporate Research strategy, Dubai World Trade Centre; Ms Fatine Laaroussi Tribek, Executive secretary of the UAE consultate in Lagos; Mr Hamad Almansoori, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sales Manager- Govt liaison; Mr Zarko Ackovik, Director-commercial Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre and Mr Akande Ojo, Country representative of the Dubai World trade centre at the GITEX Global Lagos pitch

The North Star Pitch Competition is part of GITEX holding in Dubai, UAE from 10-13 October 2022, aimed at giving African Startups opportunity of exhibiting their innovative products at the world’s most influential meeting places for the technology sector.

The two winners will go on an all-expense paid trip to Dubai to pitch their idea to over 400 investors and thousands of technology ecosystem players at the GITEX 2022 exhibition for a chance to win $200,000.

They all will converge at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October for the five-day business show, mentorship and networking with world technology business leaders.

The Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) is annual consumer computer and electronics trade show exhibition and conference that takes place in Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

GITEX is one of the world’s most influential meeting places for the technology industry bringing together thought leaders, creators, innovators and so on.

The Africa roadshow is organised by GITEX Global and sponsored by Dubai North Star, which represents the UAE Government, and partnered locally by the Lagos State Government and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Addressing journalist at Eko Innovation Center, the Director General (DG) of the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy for NITDA, pledged not to relent in giving support to young Nigerians with start-ups in various forms to catalyse the entire eco-system towards building a digital economy.

“As regards this particular programme, the North Star is trying to take advantage of the programme to expose our start-ups, while NITDA is partnering GITEX.

“What is happening now will happen in Dubai, but the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Government is represented here today.

They have come to Nigeria to be able to harness the innovative skills already within Nigeria to start early marketing of the two to be selected and connecting them with various investors across the globe, so that even before they get to GITEX proper, they would have had a kind of visibility.”

Similarly, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Innovation and Technology, Tumbosun Alake, said “the initiative is “to give opportunities to our ecosystem start-ups with better access to local and foreign markets.

“At the same time, Dubai and GITEX are keen to to be part of the start-up ecosystem in Lagos.

“This initiative is for us to explore opportunities together, so the finalists will be participating in the North Star programme in Dubai in October, and we hope they are able to get more international investors and access to the UAE market.”

According to him, “the number one objective is to grow our ecosystem,” and “in terms of accelerating the state as a tech hub, it gives us more recognition globally because of our partners in the UAE.

“If the UAE is here, it is a signal to other partners across the globe. It also helps our start-ups here to get access to their market internationally and with that they can expand their revenue base.

Explaining the Africa roadshow, the Director, Commercial Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, Zarko Ackovik, said the organisers “recognize that Nigeria obviously has the largest ecosystem in the whole Africa.”

However, “we don’t see too much of African and Nigerian start-ups coming up for expansion, so instead of just sitting there, we decided to come to the region to offer the opportunity for the start-ups.

“The show brings them the opportunity to network, to go into competition, the $200,000 cash price money and the opportunity to take their start-ups there.

“It is not only just to compete and meet investors but also the exposure comes with a lot of the big media as well, and they create partnerships and networks, because the show brings 700 start-ups from over 60 countries, and investors coming from all over the world as well.

Also speaking, Akande Ojo of the United States-based Pinnacle International Consulting – country representative of Dubai World Trade Centre, explained that they have decided on African focus, Nigerian focus going forward.

“A winner gets accommodation, space as a start-up to showcase yourself, they engage with investors, because technically you are part of their programme,” he noted.

“This is the first time we are dealing with them to ensure that they can bring the event close to sub-Saharan Africa – Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, among others,” he disclosed.

“The idea is that many of our start-ups are talented but they don’t have that bridge to connect with, because they don’t have the resources.

“So, they bring it close to you, we try to see the real talent, so the only thing it costs you is your car fare to come here, not flying to Dubai.

“Eventually they will pick the top two each from Lagos and Abuja to be fully sponsored, and the rest the Lagos Government initiative – the Eko Innovation Centre, and NITDA can also support.

“The idea is just to allow more tech-preneuers to create more jobs and in return increase the foreign direct investment.”

The judges at the event were: Akeem Hassan, TA to the special adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology, Segun Cole, Co-founder Fund the Gap Alliance, Amos Udok, Representative NITDA, Ireayo Oladunjoye, Head, Startups Lagos state employment Trust fund, Oguntade Adeseye, Unit head, Innovation and Entrepreneurship ONDI and Olorunnisomo Olaoluwa Co-Founder, Seedbuilders Innovation and Foundation.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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EFCC Declares Tejuosho, City Boys Movement’s Women Leader Wanted over “419”

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC,) has declared Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, a women leader of the City Boys Movement, wanted.

EFCC Declares Tejuosho, City Boys Movement’s Women Leader Wanted over "419"

Halimat Adenike Tejuosho,

A notice issued by the EFCC on Monday via X said Tejuosho has been declared wanted over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.

The notice was signed by Dele Oyewale, head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC.

The anti-graft agency called on members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide.

The Commission also urged the members of the public to reach out via its official phone lines or email, or report to the nearest police station or other security agencies.

Recall that the City Boy Movement recently appointed Tejuosho as the South-West Zonal Women Leader.

According to a statement signed by the Movement, Tejuosho is to provide strategic leadership and coordination for women-focused activities in the zone, driving political mobilization, civic engagement, and advocacy.

 


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Afreximbank to Fund 3 New Refineries in Nigeria

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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has disclosed plans to finance three additional refineries in Nigeria as part of a broader push to reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products and strengthen local refining capacity.

 Afreximbank to Fund 3 New Refineries in Nigeria

Denys Denya, senior executive vice president of the bank, made the disclosure on Monday during a virtual media briefing focused on the institution’s 2025 financial performance, crisis response initiatives, and long-term industrialisation strategy.

“We are also financing refining on the continent, which will alleviate the importation of refined products. We are not only supporting Dangote; we’re supporting three other refineries in Nigeria,” Denya said.

The briefing, which focused on the bank’s 2025 financial performance, crisis response initiatives, and industrialisation strategy, also featured a question-and-answer session with journalists across Africa.

Denya explained that the push into refining is driven by recent disruptions in global supply chains, particularly linked to tensions in the Middle East, which have raised the cost and complexity of fuel imports for African economies.

According to him, Afreximbank has adopted a dual approach of supporting immediate trade finance needs while investing in long-term productive capacity to reduce structural import dependence.

He said, “For import-dependent economies, the cost of import is very high… so we have taken a proactive approach of engaging with financial institutions on the continent to increase their facilities so they can issue high-value letters of credit.”

The bank’s intervention is backed by a $10bn Gulf Crisis Response Programme, designed to stabilise access to essential imports such as fuel, food, fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals, while also supporting sectors exposed to global shocks.

Denya noted that the facility is already seeing uptake from countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, warning that demand could accelerate if geopolitical tensions persist.

Beyond short-term interventions, the Afreximbank executive stressed that financing refining projects across Nigeria and other African countries remains central to the bank’s long-term strategy of industrialisation and export development.

He said the bank’s support for large-scale industrial projects, including the Dangote Group refinery, reflects its commitment to reducing Africa’s reliance on imported refined products and strengthening regional value chains.

“Our support for industrialists who are making a difference on the continent is testimony to this approach. We will continue to champion projects that reduce Africa’s reliance on imported refined products,” he added.

Denya further disclosed that the bank is financing similar refining projects in Angola as part of a continent-wide push to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum products.

The shift towards local refining, he explained, is also expected to improve macroeconomic stability by reducing foreign exchange pressures associated with fuel imports.

 


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MTN Powers the Ultimate Youth Link-Up with the Launch of Live It 100 Youth Campaign

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The Gathering on 100 has officially concluded its pilot edition, closing out 100 continuous hours of culture, creativity, and community engagement at the National Stadium, Surulere. At the climax of the five-day immersive youth experience, MTN Nigeria and the gatherers of the event unveiled the defining message of the movement: “Live It 100.”

MTN Powers the Ultimate Youth Link-Up with the Launch of Live It 100 Youth Campaign

The event brought together thousands of young Nigerians in a massive convergence of music, sports, gaming, and creative sessions. From watching the sunrise for four consecutive mornings to actively shaping culture in real-time, attendees experienced a shared journey rooted in endurance and expression.

Operating under a partnership model rather than a traditional corporate sponsorship, MTN stepped back to let the youth lead. The techo embraced the primary narrative that “The Gathering is the fire; MTN is the oxygen”.

Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, said: “The energy we have witnessed here in Surulere over the past 100 hours is proof of the unstoppable spirit of the Nigerian youth. Our strategic intent was to position MTN as the critical engine behind this vibrant youth movement, ensuring the brand is seen as an enabler, not an intruder. The Gathering is the fire; MTN is the oxygen. ‘Live It 100’ is our commitment to powering the platform where the conversation happens. We are giving them the autonomy to lead, while we listen.”

A focal point of the event was the high-stakes Pitchathon segment, which provided a structured arena for startups to showcase working products. Rather than a traditional, heavily branded corporate event, the space felt authentic, unscripted, and transparent, allowing founders to interact directly with expert judges, potential investors, and a live audience.

Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, shared: “The ideas and partnerships formed over these 100 hours show exactly what happens when corporate Nigeria is finally listening to young Nigerians. We recognise that traditional business engagement doesn’t always work for this generation, which is why we empowered the youth to lead. By supporting The Gathering, we are not just celebrating culture; we are fueling the young Nigerian through youth-led innovation and actively investing in their economic potential.”

Beyond business activity, the event recorded consistent engagement across its programming, providing deep insight into the evolving role of youth within Nigeria’s economy. The sustained 100-hour activity highlighted a growing, resilient base of digitally engaged participants who own their lanes and actively create their own opportunities.

As the event closed, MTN reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the platform, ensuring that The Gathering on 100 will continue to evolve as a vital space for both cultural expression and youth-led economic opportunity.


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