By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Chief Digital Officer of MTN Nigeria, Ms A’isha Umar Mumuni, has said though Africa has immense cultural capital and talent, the lack of infrastructure, ownership, and platform control prevent creators from benefiting fully.

However, she highlighted some steps that can be taken by the governments, investors, and stakeholders to change the narrative.

Ms Mumuni, while speaking at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) 2025 in Lagos, themed, Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise, “Africa has the cultural capital, the skills, and the talent. What we do not yet have is global access at scale, and that is the gap we must close. Africa’s talent cannot be ignored.

“Africa is a cultural paradise without global access or control. Africa needs global cultural influence, but we do not control global data, we do not own the platform, and we export to other countries without a consistent home platform. We explore creativity, but we import the system without profiting from it.”

The MTN executive explained that unlocking Africa’s access to global digital assets requires transforming local customs, people, and platforms to ensure creativity can flourish and generate sustainable revenue.

She noted that African content, whether in music, film, fashion, or digital media, must be positioned strategically to compete and succeed on the global stage.

Emphasising the need for Africa to invest in technology and digital skills to drive the creative economy, she said, “Africa has the youngest population on earth, which is a leverage. We must invest in AI, coding, digital skills, and content production. Creativity without a platform cannot sail.”

Ms Mumuni noted that broadband policies, digital copyright protections, and clear monetisation opportunities are critical for African creators to earn from their content and reach global audiences.

She warned Africans that without investment and strategic planning, African innovation risks remaining local, while foreign platforms reap the benefits, urging African creators to ensure their stories are shared globally while retaining cultural identity.

“The world expects good stories. Africa’s stories are rooted in culture, resilience, and spirituality.

“To unlock Africa’s access to global digital assets, we must transform investment, policy, and perception,” she said.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Mrs Stella Oduah, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a N5 billion corruption charge.

She was put on trial by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, on five counts relating to advance fee fraud and conspiracy.

The federal government, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is prosecuting her and eight co-defendants on a 25-count charge involving alleged conspiracy and money laundering of public funds.

The specific amount in the main charge is approximately N5 billion, though some reports have mentioned N7.9 billion or N10 billion in total across all charges.

Mrs Oduah and the other defendants were first formally arraigned on July 21, 2023, after multiple delays, and they all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In July and November 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, ordered that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) take over the prosecution from the EFCC to ensure diligent handling of the case amidst procedural controversies.

Those charged alongside Mrs Oduah include her former aide Mrs Gloria Odita, other individuals, and several firms, including China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited.

Mrs Oduah also faces a separate eight-count charge filed in June 2023 for alleged document falsification, specifically for falsely claiming the loss of her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria will on Saturday, December 13, 2025, inaugurate the Board of Trustees of its newly created Ansar-Ud-Deen Foundation. The event will take place at La Scala Restaurant, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The Society described the inauguration as an important step in strengthening its long history of faith-based service, education, and community development. For more than 100 years, Ansar-Ud-Deen has promoted Islamic knowledge, moral values and social support across many communities. The new Foundation is expected to help organise and expand these efforts in a more structured and sustainable way.

According to the President of the Society, Mr Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), the foundation will focus on major areas such as education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and community development. He said it will operate based on Qur’anic principles of charity, fairness and compassion.

Mr Kazeem explained that, “the Board of Trustees will be made up of respected men and women who have shown integrity, vision and dedication to service. He said the Foundation will act as a permanent endowment to support key projects of the Society.”

One of its main responsibilities will be the renovation and maintenance of Ansar-Ud-Deen mosques nationwide. “Our mosques must be accommodating and welcoming. We must be proud of any Ansar-Ud-Deen mosque we visit,” he said.

Other areas of focus include improving the infrastructure of Ansar-Ud-Deen schools, supporting Summit University, Offa, and funding social welfare and empowerment programmes for Muslims and the larger community.

The Foundation will also handle investments and donations on behalf of the Society, ensuring that resources are well managed, transparently reported, and invested in halal and ethical ventures that provide long-term benefits.

Reflecting on the broader vision, Mr Kazeem noted: “This Foundation gives structure to our shared aspiration that the good works of Ansar-Ud-Deen will not fade but will continue to flourish across generations.”

He called on members across Nigeria and in the diaspora to continue supporting the mission of building a community based on piety, fairness and progress.