Telecom
ZenFoneSelfie Stars as ASUS Launches ZenFone Family in Nigeria
ASUS, the number one laptop brand in Europe, has announced the pricing and availability of ZenFone family including ZenFone Selfie, ZenFone Laser 5.5, ZenFone Go 5.0, and ZenFone C 4.5, all with comprehensive camera solutions, for users in Nigeria.
The event opened with an announcement by Mr. Simplice Zaongo, ASUS Nigeria country product manager, “We are very excited to bring our latest ZenFone family to the Nigerian market. These brand-new innovations are each an empowering luxury that strikes the perfect balance of beauty, functionality and performance, and especially offers Nigerian consumers a comprehensive camera experience via both hardware and software.”
All ZenFone models are equipped with ASUS PixelMaster technology. PixelMaster is a unique ASUS-developed technology that combines software, hardware and optical design to deliver incredible image quality
The sleek and metallic smartphone is the ultimate choice for selfies, with its twin 13MP PixelMaster cameras and a dual-color, dual-LED Real Tone flash at both front and rear.
ZenFone Selfie also features the new multifaceted polygonal design aesthetic to the ZenFone, offering beauty and power in abundance.
ZenFone Laser 5.5 includes laser auto-focus technology in its 13MP PixelMaster camera for clear, near-instant shots in just 0.3 seconds. ZenFone Go 5.0 and ZenFone C 4.5 are also equipped with PixelMaster camera for up to 400% brighter photo & video.
The comprehensive camera solutions of ZenFone were demonstrated. ZenMotion Touch Gesture allows users to open the front camera by simply drawing “S” on the ZenFone Selfie screen.
The built-in beatification camera tool can make the skin smooth, change the skin tone, slim the chick, and enlarge the eyes on a click.
As soon as the selfie is taken, the photo is shown on the laptop screen via ASUS ZenUI app – PC Link, which allows users to operate their phones from laptop. All the photos taken by the ZenFones in the event are shared among each ZenFone instantly via ASUS Party Link app without consuming any data.
The event is ended with a group selfie including around 50 people in the photo thanks to the ZenFone’s wide angle camera technology.
ZenFone Selfie: See the perfect you
According to Zaongo, ZenFone Selfie (ZD551KL) is a trailblazing fusion of fashion, technology and craftsmanship that lets users see their perfect selves, with dual 13MP PixelMaster cameras, dual-color, dual-LED Real Tone flash both front and rear, plus laser auto-focus for ultra-fast shots with complete clarity. ZenFone Selfie delivers powerful all-round performance and beauty in abundance, with a gorgeous new multifaceted polygonal finish accentuating the signature ZenFone Ergonomic Arc design.
“ZenFone Selfie’s Ergonomic Arc design and intuitive rear key makes capturing selfies easier than ever, with live digital cosmetics to apply some magical glamor — all enjoyed instantly on the stunning 5.5-in Full HD display.
“ZenFone Selfie’s exceptional front-facing PixelMaster camera has a huge 13MP resolution and an f/2.2-aperture, 88-degree wide-angle lens to capture more of every smile. The unique Selfie Panorama mode enables selfies with an outlook of up to 140 degrees, so everything and everyone becomes part of the shot.
=
“ZenFone Selfie’s rear camera is just as advanced, with a large f/2.0 aperture lens for superior
low-light shots. Both cameras are engineered with five-prism Largan lenses and top-quality Toshiba sensors, and include dual-LED Real Tone flash technology for perfect illumination in any lighting conditions,” he said.
He added that ZenFone Selfie also delivers superb macro photography that works on subjects as close as 6cm, plus rear laser auto-focus to compose shots in the blink of an eye.
ZenFone Selfie boasts an up to octa-core 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor with 3GB of fast memory for unwavering performance and 4G/LTE connectivity with dual-SIM slots.
ZenFone Laser 5.5: See at the speed of light
ZenFone Laser 5.5 model benefits from a powerful 13MP PixelMaster camera with an f/2.0 wide-aperture lens to capture stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag — augmented by laser auto-focus technology that empowers users to capture perfect clarity in just 0.3 seconds.
Available in 5.5-inch (ZE550KL) version with 1280 x 800-pixel HD resolution, ZenFone Laser also incorporates the latest and toughest Corning Gorilla Glass 4. It boasts an up to quad-core 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor with 2GB memory and 4G/LTE connectivity with dual-SIM slots.
ZenFone Go 5.0: See As You Go
ZenFone Go 5.0’s powerful quad-core MediaTek processor easily handles multiple tasks and delivers immersive gaming experiences. ZenFone Go 5.0 is equipped with a high-resolution 1280 x 720 HD IPS display, sporting a pixel density of 294ppi for an impressive visual appearance with improved clarity, brightness and vivid colors.
ZenFone Go 5.0’s 8MP rear camera shoots beautiful, high-quality photos with a professional look. ZenFone Go 5.0 features two SIM card slots in one device, allowing users to use a single device for both personal life and work.
ZenFone Go 5.0’s advanced antenna design provides fantastic performance, even in areas with poor signal — so users won’t lose call on the metro or in built-up areas. It’s also obsessive about conserving power when searching for a signal, significantly increasing standby time.
Freedom, connection, and expression are form the foundation for ASUS ZenUI, which is ASUS sublime mobile user interface.
An exquisite visual design with exciting new features — including ZenMotion, Trend Micro™ Dr. Safety and ZenUI Instant Updates — enhance usability, ensure security and privacy, and deliver a seamless user experience. ZenFone Go 5.0 comes with 100 GB of Google Drive storage, free for 2 years. The users can enjoy the amazing benefits of accessing files on-the-go with ZenFone Go 5.0 and Google Drive.
ZenFone C 4.5: Your Style. You Control
ZenFone C 4.5’s fashionable vibrant colors are designed to match users’ unique style. ASUS ZenFone C 4.5 utilizes MediaTek quad-core processors for the best performance and power efficiency in their class. Apps open quickly, games run smoothly and users can effortlessly browse JavaScript-heavy webpages – all without compromising on battery life.
ZenFone C 4.5 includes dual SIM support, allowing users to have one device for personal and work needs. With support for network speeds up to 42.2Mbps DC-HSDPA, users can effortlessly stream video, browse the web or even work while out and about.
ZenFone C 4.5 is equipped with ASUS SonicMaster Technology, incorporating ICEpower®, which is the renowned audio optimization technology developed by the ASUS Golden Ear Team. It is a combination of superior hardware and software – uncompromisingly designed to deliver the ultimate sound experience.
MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with ONErpm and Ultima Studios, has announced Ayodeji Benson, popularly known as Ayo Benzi, as the winner of the maiden edition of the Next Afrobeats Star reality show.
L-R: Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria; Ayodeji Benson, Winner, Next Afrobeats Star Reality Show (Season 1) and Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager, Brand and Communication, MTN Nigeria, at the grand finale of the Next Afrobeats Star Reality Show (Season 1), held at the Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The grand finale, held on Sunday night at Ultima Studios in Lekki, Lagos, marked the climax of a nationwide talent search that began in September with over 15,000 aspiring musicians.
After weeks of auditions, mentorship, and rigorous training, five finalists – Ayo Benzi, Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay – battled for the top prize in a high-energy showcase of performance and artistry.
At the end of the electrifying contest, Ayo Benzi emerged victorious, securing a ₦150 million music deal. Dave Cash was named first runner-up with ₦100 million, while Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay received ₦75 million, ₦50 million, and ₦25 million respectively.
Throughout the season, contestants were mentored by leading Afrobeats producers Sarz, Puffy Tee, P Prime, and Andre Vibez. Benzi, who was part of Puffy Tee’s team, credited the mentorship programme for sharpening his craft and stage presence.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and cultural expression.
“The Next Afrobeats Star platform is about creating real opportunities for young Nigerians and giving their talent the structure, visibility, and support it deserves.
“Afrobeats continues to place Nigeria on the global cultural map, and MTN is proud to be enabling the next generation of artists who will take this sound even further,” she said.
She added that the finale was not just a competition but a celebration of growth and readiness for the global stage.
In his acceptance speech, Ayo Benzi described the victory as a defining moment in his career.
“A big thank you to MTN. From the audition days, the treatment MTN has given us has been amazing. God bless the brand,” he said.
The finale also featured guest performances by Afrobeats stars Iyanya and Bella Shmurda, adding glamour to the night and reinforcing the show’s connection to the wider music ecosystem.
With the successful conclusion of the season, MTN Nigeria and its partners reaffirmed their role in championing youth ambition, supporting creative industries, and shaping the future of Nigerian music through platforms that turn potential into opportunity.
T2, formerly known as 9mobile, is under investigation by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Benue State for an undisclosed incident disrupting USSD, SMS, voice, and data services across nine local government areas.
T2
The affected areas include Ado, Agatu, Gwer East, Gwer West, Konshisha, Obi, Ohimini, Okpokwu, and Otukpo, as detailed in an advisory on the NCC Major Outages Portal, which tracks significant disruptions reported by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Neither T2 nor its public relations firm, Chain Reactions, has responded to inquiries on the outage’s cause or restoration efforts as of this report.
The NCC’s continued reference to the operator as 9mobile, months after its public rebranding to T2 in August 2025, has sparked questions about whether the name change was formally notified to the regulator.
This probe aligns with NCC mandates requiring operators to disclose major outages, their impacts, and timelines for fixes, with compensation obligatory for disruptions exceeding 24 hours under the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations.
Industry watchers note that such incidents, often linked to fibre cuts, power failures, or infrastructure faults, underscore ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s telecoms sector, particularly amid T2’s subscriber losses post-rebrand. NCC vows transparency via its portal to hold operators accountable and protect consumers.
Telecom
NCC Unveils Draft 5-Year Spectrum Roadmap, 60 GHz License-Exempt Guidelines to Boost Broadband, Innovation
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled two pivotal regulatory draft documents aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s communications sector over the next five years and fast-tracking deployment of ultra-high-speed wireless technologies.
NCC
In a public notice dated December 19, 2025, and issued pursuant to its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, the Commission published the Draft 5-Year Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030) and Draft Guidelines for the Use of the 60 GHz License-Exempt Band for Multi-Gigabit Wireless Systems.
Both documents are accessible on the NCC website for stakeholder review, with the roadmap outlining strategic spectrum planning, allocation, and management to optimise utilisation, support emerging technologies like 5G and IoT, expand broadband access, and align with global best practices.
The Spectrum Roadmap emphasises four core pillars: bridging the digital divide through low-band spectrum and satellite services, attracting investments via flexible licensing models, enhancing service quality with mid-band optimisation, and fostering innovation in areas such as direct-to-device connectivity and secondary spectrum trading.
It sets ambitious targets including universal 4G coverage nationwide, 50 per cent 5G penetration in state capitals, and average broadband speeds of 100 Mbps by 2030, while addressing rising data demand through band refarming and efficient management.
Complementing this, the 60 GHz Guidelines establish a license-exempt framework for the 57–66 GHz band, enabling multi-gigabit speeds up to 10 Gbps for short-range applications like WiGig, fixed wireless access, enterprise connectivity, urban broadband, and backhaul solutions.
The rules mandate NCC type approval for equipment, site registration for outdoor use, and interference mitigation measures, while prohibiting wide-area networks to safeguard primary users.
In line with Section 58 of the NCA 2003, NCC invites comments from industry operators, equipment manufacturers, consumer groups, and the public, with submissions due by Friday, January 16, 2025, via email to [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected].
The notice, signed by Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs, stresses that stakeholder inputs will refine the frameworks to drive innovation, investment, competition, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecoms ecosystem.
Nigeria Police suspends tinted glass permit enforcement over court injunction
FIRS Rebrands as Nigeria Revenue Service, as New Tax Laws Take Effect
Galaxy Backbone Celebrates the Federal Government’s Paperless Civil Service Milestone
Banks to Impose N50 Stamp Duty on Transfers of N10,000 and Above from January 1
How to Use the Correlation of Gold with Other Trading Assets in the Forex Market
Nigeria Records Highest Weekly Cyberattacks in Africa — Report
Banks quietly move to enforce new ₦50 transfer levy from Jan. 1
Financial Sector Faced AI, Blockchain and Organised Crime Threats in 2025 – Report
Report Reveals Half of 2025’s Compromised Passwords were Already Leaked
Minister Claims Bandits Exploit Poor Network, Bounce Calls Off Multiple Towers
Telecom2 days agoT2 Faces NCC Probe in Benue Over Major Service Outage in 9 LGAs
Telecom2 days agoMTN Nigeria Crowns Ayo Benzi Winner of Next Afrobeats Star
E-Business2 days agoJumia CEO says Black Friday Signals Nigeria’s E-Commerce Maturity
E-Financial2 days agoGTCO Secures Regulatory Approvals to Raise N10bn in Private Placement
General News2 days agoNDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors
Telecom2 days agoNCC Unveils Draft 5-Year Spectrum Roadmap, 60 GHz License-Exempt Guidelines to Boost Broadband, Innovation
Telecom2 days agoNCC Grants 45 Days for Telecoms Firms to Fix Unapproved Shareholding Changes
E-Financial1 day agoBanks to Impose N50 Stamp Duty on Transfers of N10,000 and Above from January 1