Facebook to Open Second African Office in Lagos H2 2021

On Wednesday, Google rolled out its Search Generative Experience (SGE) in the SSA region as an opt-in experiment in Search Labs. This AI-powered experience is available in English. With new breakthroughs in generative AI, Google is reimagining what a search engine can do and is bringing these powerful new capabilities to Search in a bold and responsible way. This powerful new technology can unlock entirely new types of questions that Search could not previously answer and transforms the way information is organized in Search to help people sort through and make sense of what’s out there. Improving Search with generative

By Kehinde Ogundare In recent years, the global economy has faced and continues to face numerous challenges, including a pandemic, war, climate change, and inflation. Businesses have had to adapt and find new ways of working to tackle these challenges. Nigeria is no exception. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria, the annual inflation rate accelerated to 24.08% in July 2023, the highest since September 2005. This has affected everything from electricity tariffs to transportation, all crucial to the performance of Nigerian enterprises. Fortunately, by adopting the right technologies and using them the right way, enterprises can ensure that they’re

By Adedapo Adesanya The newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Aminu Maida, has emphasized a need to focus on efforts that align with the Strategic Blueprint of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, and the digital economy drive of President Bola Tinubu. Mr Maida, who resumed duty on Tuesday, met with the Senior Management Staff of the commission where he highlighted his focus and emphasized all targets under his administration. Mr Maida started his day by taking a tour of the agency’s headquarters and held a productive meeting with

By Adedapo Adesanya The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Aminu Maida, has charged Nokia Networks to increase its investments in Research and Development (R&D) to support the growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria. Mr Maida spoke when a delegation from Nokia Networks of Finland led by the Deputy Minister, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Mr Jarno Syrjala, visited the commission recently to explore further opportunities for mutually beneficial relationships. He told the delegation that the Nigerian government is

By Modupe Gbadeyanka One of the things that give income earners sleepless nights is saving for rainy days. This worries low-income earners, who believe their earnings can barely meet their needs. But on Friday, May 5, 2023, their perception of income management and growth might change if they endeavour to partake in an online workshop organised by Ecobank Nigeria. The lender said it is inviting the former Statistician-General and chief executive of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Mr Yemi Kale, who is now a Partner and Chief Economist of KPMG Nigeria, to discuss Maximizing Your Income: The Power of

By Adedapo Adesanya The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday. He made the announcement via his official Twitter handle on Monday evening. “I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is POSITIVE. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate. “I have designated Professor Temitope Alonge, former Chief Medical Director of the University College, Ibadan, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force while I recover fully. “Please continue to comply with all the directives from the COVID-19 Task Force. Stay home, stay safe,” the Governor said. Mr Makinde will be

The exodus of talent from developing economies known as the ‘brain-drain’ syndrome remains a critical issue of concern, affecting not only the human resource development index of these economies but also cascading into numerous additional multiplier effects that militate against socio-economic growth and development. It appears the trend of highly-skilled Nigerian professionals from diverse fields, notably in sectors like health, technology and education, leaving the shores of the country for Europe, America and Canada in search of greener pasture is accentuating almost on daily basis. Companies in the technology innovation space in Nigeria, especially fintechs and banks are witnessing an

By Adedapo Adesanya The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Usman Alkali Baba, has assured all Nigerians and residents in the country, particularly those who will be travelling or joining friends and relatives in public places for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, of their safety and security during and after the yuletide season. The IGP similarly reassured those who will be plying roads, waterways, airports, and rail tracks that proactive measures have been put in place to ensure they arrive at their destinations devoid of the activities of rogue individuals and criminal elements. According to a statement from the force,

By Adedapo Adesanya Crypto companies and exchanges lost about $12.36 billion in 1,207 related hacks in the last 12 years, a new study seen by Business Post shows. According to research carried out by The Money Mongers Team on the largest crypto hacks and thefts since the beginning of the crypto market, it was found that from 2011 to 2023, there was a 1,053 per cent jump in the amount stolen, from $1.79 million to $1.89 billion. This year so far, $1.89 billion has been lost in 298 crypto hack attacks, showing that $216,000 is lost every hour. The report

By Adedapo Adesanya The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said that Nigeria must use technologies to tackle illicit financial flows which pose a serious threat to the country which is facing rising cases of money laundering and terrorism He called on member states of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) to deploy modern technologies to combat illicit financial flows in the sub-region during his speech at the 2023 summit for Compliance Officers themed Intersection of Technology and anti-money laundering; combating of financing of terrorism and proliferation on

By Adedapo Adesanya Brent crude oil price opened the week in the negative territory as a spike in COVID-19 cases in Asia halted the recent rally by 2 per cent before this week’s meeting by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC +). On Monday, the price of the Brent futures fell by $1.52 or 2 per cent to settle at $74.66 per barrel while the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose by $1.21 or 1.63 per cent to close at $74.05. Concerns about a spike in coronavirus infections in Asia impacted that market with

By Dipo Olowookere More than 150 persons have been confirmed dead in a stampede that occurred in Ethiopia over the weekend. The unfortunate incident occurred during the annual Irreecha religious and cultural celebration in the Bishoftu town in Ethiopia’s Oromia region on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The incident happed when security forces fired tear gas and live ammunition at a crowd of over a million people celebrating a religious occasion. Irreecha is an annual holiday for giving thanks, celebrated by the Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group. However, eyewitnesses say that the total number of deaths on October 2 may