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FITC Collaborates With NIBSS To Tackle Fraud In Financial Sector

By Winifred Bosa

The Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has announced the ‘ThinkNnovation Cybersecurity Conference 2025’, which would tackle sophisticated fraud schemes in the financial services sector, including cross-border ransomware attacks on governments and businesses.

In a statement released to the media, FITC stated that the theme for this year’s event, titled “Securing Tomorrow: Cyber Resilience, Intelligent Defense and the Architecture of Trust in a Borderless World’ will commence on October 22nd, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Dr. Chizor Malize, MD/CEO of FITC said, “Cybercrime has become one of the most urgent threats facing Africa’s digital economy. From sophisticated fraud schemes in the financial services sector to cross-border ransomware attacks on governments and businesses, the cost of cyber insecurity is mounting at an alarming pace.”

In response, she revealed that FITC, Africa’s foremost knowledge and innovation-led institution, in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), will be hosting this year’s conference.

This year’s theme, “Securing Tomorrow: Cyber Resilience, Intelligent Defense and the Architecture of Trust in a Borderless World,” reflects the critical need to strengthen Africa’s cyber defenses as digital transformation accelerates across every sector, she said.

The African digital economy is experiencing an unprecedented surge. Mobile payments, blockchain adoption, digital lending, and cross-border e-commerce are reshaping the financial and commercial landscape. Yet, this rapid expansion has come with staggering risks. According to the African Union’s Cybersecurity Outlook 2024, cybercrime costs the continent an estimated $4 billion annually, with Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa accounting for more than half of the losses.

Criminals are shifting from high-volume attacks to precision-targeted strikes that exploit systemic vulnerabilities. In Nigeria alone, industry reports reveal multi-billion-naira losses linked to phishing, insider collusion, ransomware, and large-scale fraud schemes that directly undermine trust in financial services.

“As Africa moves boldly into the digital age, its economic future depends on one word — trust,” adding that “ThinkNnovation 2025 is not just another conference; it is a platform for urgent dialogue and concrete action. We must design cyber resilience into every layer of our systems — payments, identity, regulation, and infrastructure — if Africa is to secure its digital tomorrow.”

The ThinkNnovation Cybersecurity Conference 2025 is designed as a response platform, bringing together regulators, CIOs, CISOs, CROs, bank executives, fintech founders, policymakers, and international experts to confront the continent’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.

Unlike generic tech events, ThinkNnovation is structured as a solution-driven convening, with sessions curated to foster actionable strategies, policy frameworks, and collaborative defenses. Delegates will engage through high-level keynotes, dynamic plenary discussions, investigative panels, and simulation exercises that replicate real-world attack scenarios on financial networks.

The conference programme will spotlight urgent themes at the intersection of security, trust, and digital growth, including: The New Face of Financial Crime – Moving from fraud volume to fraud value, and how institutions can adapt defenses.

Others are Zero Trust in Practice – Applying zero trust principles across payments, digital identity, and authentication systems, Cybersecurity & Regulation – Smart oversight as a pathway to systemic stability, the Human Factor – Insider threats, workforce readiness, and cultivating a security-first culture, the Global Lens – Insights from global breaches and lessons for Africa’s financial ecosystem, and Emerging Risks – AI-driven threats, deepfakes, and the vulnerabilities of next-gen technologies.

The central thesis of ThinkNnovation is that cyber resilience cannot be achieved in isolation. Across Africa, the financial ecosystem has become deeply interconnected, with banks, fintechs, regulators, telcos, and governments increasingly reliant on shared infrastructure and digital platforms. In this environment, the actions—or inactions—of one institution can have ripple effects across entire markets.

Over the years, institutions such as the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) have played a pivotal role in fostering collective defenses and standardizing frameworks that enable safer, more efficient digital transactions across the financial services industry. These efforts underscore a growing recognition that fragmented approaches are no longer sufficient in the face of cybercriminal networks that are global, coordinated, and constantly evolving.

The ThinkNnovation Cybersecurity Conference 2025 builds on this momentum by providing a neutral platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. It is designed to enable stakeholders to move beyond conversations and toward practical solutions—whether through the development of joint cybersecurity frameworks, the issuance of policy communiqués, or the creation of new public-private partnerships.

November 8: Stakeholders Meet Anambra  Transport Forum To Ensure Peaceful Election 

By Nnedinma Michael
Anambra Peace and Mediation Working Committee, an initiative  of Kimpact Development  Initiative ( KDI), recently paid a courtesy visit to  Joint Transporters Forum Anambra  State.
The Kimpact group disclosed to the forum the importance of passing information to the road transporters on the peaceful conduct of the election in the state.
The mandate of Kimpact, a non governmental organization with the aim to mitigate conflict, using the pre-election security  risk assessment finding is to advocate for the peaceful electioneering campaign before, during and after election across all the political parties.
Speaking during the visit, the President, Joint Transporters Forum, Anambra State,  Rev. Elvis Oliver Okolie said there was need for security agencies and Independent National  Electoral Commission (INEC) to take a stronger stance against electoral  violence and apathy.
He emphasised the need to hold  leaders accountable  and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, even as he highlighted the role of various stakeholders, including the security  sector in promoting  peaceful and credible  election.
He pointed out that INEC officials, security agencies and politicians have major roles to play in ensuring peaceful election, urging the stakeholders to take responsibility and work towards creating an environment that promotes  free and fair election.
” The problems are not from the transport sector. Often,  individuals are exploited  and manipulated by those in power. These individuals  are not inherently violent or prone to thuggery, but rather, they are often forced into difficult situations due to economic hardship and lack of opportunities.”
He encouraged his group  not to vote out of their conscience.
Head, Research and Strategy, Kimpact  Development Initiative, Oluwafemi John Adebayo, said the meeting with the Joint Transporters Forum was to encourage the transporters to prioritise  peace and not allow themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble.
He advised Ndi Anambra to come out and vote for the candidate of their choices, emphasising the importance of high voter turnout to avoid a repeat of the low turnout in 2021.
 “The focus is on promoting  peace, stability and progress in the state.”
Alhaji Garba Haruna, representing Hausa community in Anambra  State said he was expecting the transport forum to play a key role in promoting peace during the November  Election in the state, believing they have the capacity to influence their members and ensure that peace is maintained.
He added that Anambra is one of the peaceful and unity states, urging them to see the state as their home and work towards a peaceful  election process.
State Chairman, Tricycle  Owners Association of Nigeria, Comrade, Donatus Ezeanuka, State  Chairman,  Association of Taxi Car Operators, Chief Okoli Chekwube Lucky,
Secretary General, Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, Hon. Ufoh Linus, in their separate speeches, said they were working with the government on the ground according to rule of law, not with miscreants or touts, adding that with this advocate, “we will achieve greater society. We will disseminate this information as law abiding citizens.”
Polaris Bank Reinforces Commitment To Exceptional Customer Experience

Photo caption: Chris Ofikulu, Executive Director, Retail & Commercial Banking, Polaris Bank Limited with some Customers at the South West Trade Forum sponsored by the bank.
A cross section of customers at the South West Trade Forum organised by the bank.

By Winifred Bosa

Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience through deeper engagement and partnership with its clients. This was demonstrated last Thursday when the Bank hosted a successful Global Trade Forum in Ibadan, bringing together key stakeholders in the SouthWest region and valued customers to explore growth opportunities and strengthen collaborations.
The hugely attended Trade Forum was graced by the Executive Director, Retail ahd Commercial Bank, Chris Ofikulu, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to attendees for their participation and continued support.
In his opening remarks, Ofikulu warmly welcomed participants, particularly those who traveled from Kwara, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, and various parts of Ibadan. “Your presence here today reflects the deep trust and strong partnership and bond you share with Polaris Bank. We sincerely appreciate your continued support,” he said.
He further noted that the event aligns with the Bank’s ongoing efforts to deliver exceptional customer experience and enhance engagement with clients across regions. “This forum is part of our broader mission to deepen customer relationships and ensure that you experience Polaris Bank not just as a financial institution, but as a true partner in your success. We want every interaction you have with us to reflect excellence, empathy, and innovation,” Ofikulu stated.
He also highlighted that the timing of the forum coincided with the just-concluded Customer Service Week, which celebrates customers’ loyalty and trust. “It is only fitting that we use this opportunity to celebrate you, our customers. Today’s session is about listening, learning, and growing together. Your feedback continues to shape how we innovate and deliver value,” he added, officially opening the forum.
Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head of Customer Experience and Value Management, also addressed the forum, emphasizing Polaris Bank’s commitment to understanding customers’ needs and empowering businesses. “Our vision is to be the preferred partner, and our mission is to empower your enterprises. We are here today to explore how we can continue to support your growth,” Oluyadi noted.
Ayo Adesanya, Ag. Divisional Head, Operations, spoke on the Bank’s operational services, particularly in trade facilitation. He discussed how Polaris Bank assists customers by verifying trade documents and offering payment services at minimal percentage costs. “We are committed to simplifying the trading process for our customers by ensuring that documents are properly verified and offering the option to pay on your behalf for a small fee,” Adesanya explained.
Anthony Anichebe, Sector Lead, Agric Exports, Manufacturing and General Commerce, delivered a keynote address on exports, underscoring the Bank’s role in supporting African businesses. He highlighted the importance of exports to Nigeria’s economy and how Polaris Bank provides tailored financial solutions to foster growth in the sector. “Exports are key to the diversification of our economy, and Polaris Bank is here to support your export initiatives with solutions that help you navigate international trade,” Anichebe stated.
Olayemi Agbe Davies, Head of Treasury at Polaris Bank, provided an economic overview, noting positive trends in the Nigerian economy such as improved oil production, gradual inflation slowdown, and growing foreign reserves. “The outlook is promising, and Polaris Bank is here to support your business through trade finance, treasury solutions, and currency management,” he added.
Additionally, Olaleye Arinola , the Trade Services Officer, Spoke on the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a groundbreaking initiative designed to simplify cross border payments within Africa. “PAPSS allows businesses to make payments in local currencies, eliminating conversion costs and supporting intra African trade. It is fast, secure, and designed to promote business growth across the continent,” Olaleye explained.
The Global Trade Forum provided a unique opportunity for Polaris Bank customers to engage directly with bank leaders, gain valuable insights, and explore new avenues for business growth. Polaris Bank remains committed to strengthening relationships, enhancing customer experience, and empowering its customers to thrive in the global marketplace.
Zedcrest GMD Charges Businesses, Organisations on Stronger Ethical Governance for Sustainable Growth 

L-R: Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele; Chairperson, Coronation Life Assurance Limited, Susanne Iroche; President & Board Chairman SCGN, Muhammad K. Ahmad, OON, GMD Zedcrest Group, Adedayo Amzat, CFA. Top L-R: Director, Nigeria Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), Yeside Kazeem; and CEO, LeadRight Consultant, South Africa, Kim Andersen.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the novelty and uncertainty of an increasingly disrupted world, businesses, regulators, and other key stakeholders have been charged to adopt and prioritize ethical leadership and governance systems within their organizations to ensure long-term success.
The Group Managing Director, Zedcrest Group, Adedayo Amzat, CFA, made this call while fielding questions from journalists at the 20th Anniversary Corporate Governance Conference of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN), held in Lagos.
At the conference, Amzat moderated a high-level panel session on the theme: “Strengthening Ethical Governance in a Disrupted World: Reflections of Governance Journey for a Sustainable Future,” featuring distinguished speakers including the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele; Director, Nigeria Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), Yeside Kazeem; Chairperson, Coronation Life Assurance Limited, Susanne Iroche; and CEO, LeadRight Consultant, South Africa, Kim Andersen.
According to the Group Managing Director, Zedcrest Group, Adedayo Amzat, CFA, to guarantee longevity, profitability, and overall success, ethical governance must serve as the beacon that guides decision-making at all levels of a business or organization. “When it comes to choosing between ethical governance and the immediate profit objectives of companies, the balance should tilt towards the former, because ethical governance is about purpose, and purpose guarantees profit in the long term. When a company focuses solely on profit, it is usually short-term. If you pursue profit without governance, you risk collapse in the long term.”
The Zedcrest boss further emphasized that boards and businesses must move beyond viewing ethical governance as a mere checklist item and instead, take proactive steps to ensure it is deeply embedded in the conscience of their organizations.
In her keynote address, former Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, highlighted the sustained impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, the abrupt end of the country’s fuel subsidy regime, foreign exchange fluctuations, and the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) as some key indicators of a rapidly evolving and disrupted world.
“The definition of success has now evolved and boards are challenged to find a wider-range of factors that indicate their companies resilience, and ability to thrive which means going beyond traditional financial metrics like profitability and shareholder value, to include sustainability and ESG, employee engagement and retention, ethical deployment of technology and cyber resilience.” She said.
Former Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson also stressed that with the growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence, boards must ensure that the company’s pursuit of productivity does not come at the expense of its people. “With the advent of AI, Large Language Models (LLMs) and Agentic AI, which are reducing the need for human involvement in many tasks, the drive for productivity and better financial performance through a reduction of humans in the workforce is very compelling. As AI drives the quest for efficiency, the board’s role shifts from merely monitoring financial performance targets to being the ethical compass of the organization. Clear, ethical and appropriate guardrails must be established for AI deployment.”
While delivering his welcome address, the President and Board Chairman of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN), Muhammad K. Ahmad, OON, described the conference as a platform for the Society’s fellows, members, partners, and the general public to reflect on the governance journey so far and to chart a course for the future. He described the theme of the conference as particularly significant as it highlights the ethical dimensions of the roles of directors, members, and chairpersons of various boards in building enduring institutions in an ever-changing, disruptive world.
Mr. Ahmad further urged decision-makers to uphold the values of transparency, integrity, fairness, and accountability by consistently choosing to do what is right rather than taking the easy way out.
Experts Highlight Innovative Revenue Models As Pinnacle Unveils Flagship Platform ‘Pinnacle Daily’s


Experts have highlighted innovative revenue models that media platforms must adopt to operate sustainably in the digital age.
They gave the highlights on Tuesday, October 15, during the formal launch of ‘Pinnacle Daily’ a flagship news platform powered by Pinnacle Digital Resources Limited.

 

Delivering his keynote titled, ‘The Economics of Media Business: Understanding Revenue Models and Profitability,’ Isiaq Ajibola
‎co-founder and former managing director of Daily Trust newspaper, said prior to the advent of digital media, newspapers had predictable revenue streams – mostly through print copy sales and advertisements- that sustained the newsroom, but that has changed today.
Ajobola observed that with the advent of online platforms, readers no longer have to wait for 24 hours to read news on papers as they want breaking news, analysis, video, commentary, and conversations which are now available in real time.

 

This trend, he said, has changed media business, hence the need for innovative strategies for generating revenues.
“It has become necessary for everyone in the media to evolve or risk going to the oblivion,” Ajibola stated.
“The shift from print to digital has transformed the traditional media business model. Yet, it has also opened new revenue opportunities.”

 

He highlighted some revenue models that digital media platforms can adopt which include, digital advertising (which enables advertisers to reach readers based on demographics, interests, and browsing history), sponsored contents, subscription and premium contents, brand partnerships, and events and conferences.
The veteran journalist and media entrepreneur advised media organisations to invest in human capital, technology deployment and also focus on adept management of profitability for sustainable revenue flow.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman Pinnacle Digital Resources Limited, Mr Abimbola Adeseyoju, noted the dramatic changes in the media landscape over the past three decades due to the advancement of internet and telecommunication technologies.

 

He said the development has forced traditional media platforms to innovate ways of generating revenues to survive economically.

 

“Both the Internet and telecommunication innovations have
drastically altered the way we produce and consume news. Many
of us in the media industry had been forced to go back to the drawing board to survive economically,” Adeseyoju stated.

 

He advised that with the changing audience needs influenced by disruptive tendencies of information technologies, media organisations should “focus on the consumers and not the technology.”

 

According to him, “Technology is just a tool. What we need to keep
understanding is the needs, peculiarities and preferences of the
consumers of our various news products and services.”

 

He said the idea behind setting up Pinnacle Daily is to serve as a digital media outlet that makes significant positive impacts on the lives of new generation of media consumers by offering quality contents that meet their daily information needs on employment, career, health, education, leisure, entertainment, finance, business opportunities, wealth creation and many more.

 

While reflecting on the journey towards creation of the media company, the Pinnacle Digital Resources Chairman paid special tribute to former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), DIG Ibrahim Lamorde, who was a pioneer
director of Pinnacle.

 

According to him, Lamorde was very passionate about the idea of transforming the media landscape in Nigeria through the use of new technologies.
“We are here today as a testament of that belief that Pinnacle is going to
change the trajectory and direction of digital news channels in Nigeria,” he stated.
He called for a minute silence in honour of the late former anti-corruption czar and prayed that Allah may continue to grant him eternal rest.

 

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended the Pinnacle team for birthing the media platform, saying it demonstrates their faith in the importance of journalism in nation building.

 

Idris, who was represented by Dr Dili Ezughah, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Press Council, assured the readiness of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to work with the press “to ensure democracy and aid in building a safe, sound and prosperous nation.”

 

The minister urged the media to always remember to adhere to the ethics of the profession to reflect truth, fairness, justice, social responsibility so they could always be justified, defended and applauded.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said “Pinnacle Daily comes at a time when the journalism profession and the media are going through very dramatic changes.”

 

Osoba, who was represented by Chief Eric Teniola noted the challenges in the journalism profession such as fake news and misinformation aided by access to internet and mobile digital devices, and called on professionals to maintain strict adherence to ethical standards which are the hallmarks of true journalism practice.
“As professionals, especially for the elders and leaders in the profession, the onus is on us to show the light and lead the way in the preservation of journalism practice and standards, a duty I want to remind us all that we must never shy away from,” Osoba advised.

 

Other highlights of the Pinnacle Daily launch included a robust panel session on sustainable media practice in the era of online media.

 

The session, which was moderated by Adedeji Adekunle, Programme Director, West and East Africa, MDIF, had the following as panelists: Azu Ishiekwene, Editor-in-Chief, Leadership Media Group; Musikilu Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief Premium Times; Simon Kolawole, Founder and CEO, The Cable newspapers; Zainab Okino, former Kogi State Commissioner for Information; and Angela Agoawike, Founder and Principal Partner, Omalicha Media Network.

Pivot Nigeria 2025: ‘Reframing The Lens’ Inspires A Positive National Narrative

Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens is a national thoughtleadership platform created to reset Nigeria’s reputation agenda.
Powered by HighStakes Public
Relations Professionals (HighStakes PR Professionals), Pivot Nigeria catalyses dialogue to inspire pride, amplify authentic narratives, and co-create a stronger, more balanced Nigeria narrative.
The inaugural Pivot Nigeria Conference held recently, brought together thought leaders, innovators,
journalists, entrepreneurs and youth to emphasize the urgent need for Nigerians to own and shape Nigeria’s narrative.
 The conference blended high-impact keynotes, panels and hands-on co-creation
labs to inspire action.
Urging attendees to become ambassadors of truth and optimism for Nigeria, Pivot Nigeria convener, Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka set the tone: “We are not here to complain or to lament; we are here to reframe the lens on how we see ourselves as Nigerians. Changing how others see us starts with how
we present and represent ourselves. Our mission is to challenge the prevailing narratives, to spotlight
authentic stories, and to co-create a narrative that reflects Nigeria’s true story.”
The conviction that Nigerians must first change how they see themselves before looking for external validation echoed throughout the day, from the keynote and plenary sessions to the co-creation labs.
The conference focused on culture as capital, who tells our story and why it matters, reconciling criticism with commitment, and the role of the media in changing the narrative.
Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nigerian actor, lawyer, filmmaker, and cultural icon popularly known as RMD spoke about the paradoxes of Nigeria: “Nigeria is a beautiful country. It is a great country. On
the one hand, it can frustrate you to the point where you feel like ‘I’m getting out.’ But on the other hand, it can give you so much that you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to unlock the keys that give you entrance to the bountiful opportunities that you find in Nigeria.”
He added that Nigeria, as a country, needs to go back to the drawing board, to see who we are, “It is when you have articulated who you are that your people can see.”
On his part, Mr. Emeka Mba, Founder and CEO of AfiaTV said, “Who tells your story and how it is told is often how you are seen. Too often, our stories are told by outsiders. Building inclusive national narratives, consistent cultural diplomacy, and deliberate policies to rebuild trust are essential to shaping how the world perceives us. If you look at emerging news platforms like AfiaTV and News Central,
there is a deliberate editorial direction, a recognition of the power the media wields, and the duty it has to project balanced, accurate, and responsible portrayals of Nigeria, particularly to international audiences.”
Speaking in the same vein, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Director, Commercial and Communications,
News Central TV said, “The story of Nigeria, in all its complexity, courage and brilliance, must no longer be told by others, through filters of fear or foreign bias. It must be told by us: boldly, responsibly, and completely. For far too long, the image reflected of Nigeria has been distorted,
reduced to the cliches of conflict, corruption, disease, and despair.”
Emphasizing the critical role of the media in changing the narrative, Rosemary added, “At NewsCentral TV, we took a stand. We chose to change the narrative not by ignoring the challenges, but by
contextualizing them, by highlighting progress alongside problems, and most importantly, by amplifying voices that are too often silenced and overlooked.”
Pivot Nigeria conference participants converted ideas into action in the co-creation labs and proffered solutions: reclaim Nigeria’s story through citizen action; promote balanced, indigenous storytelling;
embed civic education and national values in school curricula; leverage creative industries (film, music,fashion, tech) as soft-power engines; push for stronger accountability in governance; and scale Pivot
Nigeria through campus ambassadors and community chapters to sustain awareness about thecurrency of reputation as capital.
Nneka Isaac-Moses, Meche Isaac-Moses, Nina Anyianuka, Temitope Aina, and Nneamaka Nwadei highlighted narrative power as a tool of diplomacy, trade, and cohesion, urging collective action by the media and all stakeholders to reclaim the Nigeria story.
The “Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens” initiative is a call for citizens, creatives, media houses, government institutions, the private sector and the diaspora to interrogate and reframe their presentation and representation of Nigeria, and to use their everyday platforms (including social
media) responsibly to reflect a balanced, authentic Nigeria narrative.
Vertiv Supports Nxtra’s Expansion In African Market

 

Nxtra and Vertiv handshake at GITEX Global
Wojtek Piorko, managing director for Africa at Vertiv

Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, is extending its collaboration with Airtel Africa through Nxtra, their Data Center division. Starting with Nigeria, this collaboration is a first step in Nxtra’s strategic objective of establishing one of the largest high-capacity data centre networks in Africa, strategically located in major cities and bolstered by its extensive operations experience in India.

“Nxtra has been a valued customer for nearly three decades,” said Karsten Winther, president of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for Vertiv. “This next chapter in our collaboration demonstrates the power of combining local support in Africa with international manufacturing and innovation.”

“As we invest into high capacity, high quality data centers for Africa, it was crucial to partner with a vendor who combines global capabilities with strong local presence,” said Yash Issur, CEO of Nxtra by Airtel Africa. “Vertiv’s extensive multinational expertise, coupled with their established service team in Africa, provides us the reliability and support we need. We’re particularly pleased to name Vertiv as a main vendor for the first project in Nigeria and extend a collaboration ranging from India to Africa.”

Planned growth across Africa

The Nigerian facility of 42 megawatts (MW) of capacity will be completed in a four-phase rollout process, expected to be fully operational by 2028. Vertiv will provide thermal management solutions and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems with batteries for the project, marking the start of a three-year rollout across Africa that will deliver energy-efficient, scalable, and reliable infrastructure. Vertiv will also provide commissioning, handover, and five years of maintenance services supported by its established Nigerian service team. This enables Nxtra’s facilities to have strong on-the-ground support for long-term operations.

Says Wojtek Piorko, managing director for Africa at Vertiv: “Africa’s growing, data-hungry population is a key driver of digital growth on the continent, and more data centres are required to meet this demand. Our collaboration in Africa with Nxtra marks an important milestone in strengthening Africa’s critical digital infrastructure. Together, we are bringing proven global expertise and advanced technology into Nigeria and beyond.”

In addition to the Nigerian site, Vertiv is also working with Nxtra on forward-looking projects in the markets where Airtel Africa operates, with the Nairobi-based operation anticipated to surpass the Nigerian site in scale.

WHO Warns Of Widespread Resistance To Common Antibiotics Worldwide

One in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections causing common infections in people worldwide in 2023 were resistant to antibiotic treatments, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report launched .

 Between 2018 and 2023, antibiotic resistance rose in over 40% of the pathogen-antibiotic combinations monitored, with an average annual increase of 5–15%.

Data reported to the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) from over 100 countries cautions that increasing resistance to essential antibiotics poses a growing threat to global health.

The new Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report 2025 presents, for the first time, resistance prevalence estimates across 22 antibiotics used to treat infections of the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts, the bloodstream and those used to treat gonorrhoea. The report covers 8 common bacterial pathogens – Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, non-typhoidal Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae – each linked to one or more of these infections.

The risk of antibiotic resistance varies across the world
WHO estimates that antibiotic resistance is highest in the WHO South-East Asian and Eastern Mediterranean Regions, where 1 in 3 reported infections were resistant. In the African Region, 1 in 5 infections was resistant. Resistance is also more common and worsening in places where health systems lack capacity to diagnose or treat bacterial pathogens.

“Antimicrobial resistance is outpacing advances in modern medicine, threatening the health of families worldwide,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “As countries strengthen their AMR surveillance systems, we must use antibiotics responsibly, and make sure everyone has access to the right medicines, quality-assured diagnostics, and vaccines. Our future also depends on strengthening systems to prevent, diagnose and treat infections and on innovating with next-generation antibiotics and rapid point-of-care molecular tests.”

Gram-negative bacterial pathogens are posing the greatest threat
The new report notes that drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are becoming more dangerous worldwide, with the greatest burden falling on countries least equipped to respond. Among these, E. coli and K. pneumoniae are the leading drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria found in bloodstream infections. These are among the most severe bacterial infections that often result in sepsis, organ failure, and death. Yet more than 40% of E. coli and over 55% of K. pneumoniae globally are now resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, the first-choice treatment for these infections. In the African Region, resistance even exceeds 70%.

Other essential life-saving antibiotics, including carbapenems and fluoroquinolones, are losing effectiveness against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Salmonella, and Acinetobacter. Carbapenem resistance, once rare, is becoming more frequent, narrowing treatment options and forcing reliance on last-resort antibiotics. And such antibiotics are costly, difficult to access, and often unavailable in low- and middle-income countries.

Welcome progress in AMR surveillance – but more action needed
Country participation in GLASS has increased over four-fold, from 25 countries in 2016 to 104 countries in 2023. However, 48% of countries did not report data to GLASS in 2023 and about half of the reporting countries still lacked the systems to generate reliable data. In fact, countries facing the largest challenges lacked the surveillance capacity to assess their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) situation.

The political declaration on AMR adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 set targets to address AMR through strengthening health systems and working with a ‘One Health’ approach coordinating across human health, animal health, and environmental sectors. To combat the growing challenge of AMR, countries must commit to strengthening laboratory systems and generating reliable surveillance data, especially from underserved areas, to inform treatments and policies.

WHO calls on all countries to report high-quality data on AMR and antimicrobial use to GLASS by 2030. Achieving this target will require concerted action to strengthen the quality, geographic coverage, and sharing of AMR surveillance data to track progress. Countries should scale up coordinated interventions designed to address antimicrobial resistance across all levels of healthcare and ensure that treatment guidelines and essential medicines lists align with local resistance patterns.

The report is accompanied by expanded digital content available in the WHO’s GLASS dashboard, which provides global and regional summaries, country profiles based on unadjusted surveillance coverage and AMR data, and detailed information on antimicrobial use.

SOFIG Group Makes Case For Ukachukwu

* Says Anambra Needs Transformative Change In Leadership 
By Nnedinma Michael 
The President, Sustenance of Faith in Governance (SOFIG) Family,
Barr Kingsley Ezekwelu has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for the November 8 Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State,
Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu as a visionary leader, equipped with integrity and proven capacity.
Speaking at Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area, when he led the SOFIG Family executives to the flag off campaign of its 21 local government area tour and mobilisation of polling unit canvassers across Anambra’s 326 electoral wards ahead the election,
Ezekwelu noted that the most meaningful step for Anambra State grassroots support and mobilisation at this defining moment is a transformative change in leadership, one capable of steering the state toward greater progress and glory.
 While urging members of the Ikukuoma SOFIG Family to make it a date with history on November 8,2025, by voting massively for the joint ticket of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife, he described them as a perfect team endowed with the experience, credibility, and vision to reposition Anambra for greatness.
He emphasised that at a time when the state stands at a political crossroads, Anambra needs a leadership that understands the pains of the people and has the willpower to deliver good governance.
“Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has consistently demonstrated capacity, compassion, and commitment to the cause of Ndi Anambra. He represents integrity, development, and inclusiveness, qualities we urgently need to move our dear state forward,” he stated.
The Ayamelum Coordinator of the SOFIG Family, Pastor Emeka Okonkwo, said that Anambra deserved a people-oriented and transformational government that will restore hope and ensure development reaches every community.
 He noted that the APC ticket of Prince Ukachukwu and Senator Ekwunife offers the most credible path to achieve that vision.
“The desired change we have long yearned for can only come through a government led by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu. He is not only a leader with a proven record of philanthropy and vision but also a man who listens and acts decisively.
“His partnership with Senator Ekwunife will ensure balanced representation, gender inclusion, and development across the three senatorial zones,” he said.
He however, expressed disappointment over the current administration under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which, he said, had failed to fulfil its promises to the people of Ayamelum.
“It is heartbreaking that despite our loyalty and contributions, we have not witnessed the development we were promised. That is why we are aligning with a man of timbre and calibre, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, fondly known as Ikukuoma Ndi Igbo, whose leadership will restore dignity and direction to our politics,” he concluded.