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Qatari Prime Minister Says Netanyahu ‘killed any hope’ For Israeli Hostages

Qatar’s prime minister excoriated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an exclusive interview with CNN on Wednesday, calling Israel’s attempted assassination of Hamas leaders in Doha “barbaric.”

“We were thinking that we are dealing with civilized people,” Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told CNN’s Becky Anderson. “That’s the way we are dealing with others. And the action that (Netanyahu) took – I cannot describe it, but it’s a barbaric action.”

Al-Thani added that he believes Israel’s strike on Doha on Tuesday “killed any hope” for the hostages remaining in Gaza.

“I was meeting one of the hostage’s families the morning of the attack,” Al-Thani said. “They are counting on this (ceasefire) mediation, they have no other hope for that.”

“I think that what Netanyahu has done yesterday, he just killed any hope for those hostages,” the prime minister said.

The attack in Doha was nothing less than “state terror,” Al-Thani told CNN. The prime minister had used the same term on Tuesday when he took the podium at a news conference and laid into Israel for its actions.

During that news conference, Al-Thani was visibly angry. He expressed the same outrage Wednesday, some thirty-six hours after the strike.

“I have no words to express how enraged we are from such an action. … This is state terror,” Al-Thani told CNN. “We are betrayed.”

Israel strikes Hamas leadership in Qatar in unprecedented attack. Here’s what to know
‘No official declaration’ on Hamas negotiator after strike
Al-Thani notably did not reveal the fate of Hamas’ chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya, following Israel’s attack targeting the group’s leadership in Doha on Tuesday.

When asked by CNN on the whereabouts of the chief negotiator, Al-Thani said that “until now … there is no official declaration.”

Hamas had initially said five of its members were killed in the strike, but it failed to assassinate the negotiating delegation.

“We are trying to identify if there is any other one missing. … There are Qataris who are in a very dangerous situation,” he added.

Al-Thani said he could not predict what Hamas’ response to the latest US principles for a ceasefire would have been had Israel not struck Doha, but said that he believed that Israel and Hamas “are going to run out of chances” to secure a ceasefire.

Qatar ‘reassessing’ mediation
Shortly after the strike, Al-Thani had told reporters that Qatar would not be deterred in its mediation efforts. However, the prime minister said Wednesday that Netanyahu has “undermined any chance of stability, any chance of peace” by targeting Hamas leadership in the Qatari capital.

“I’ve been rethinking, even about the entire process for the last few weeks, that Netanyahu was just wasting our time,” Al-Thani said.

“He wasn’t serious about anything,” he added, as he dismissed recent talks as “meaningless.”

Al-Thani added the Qataris are “reassessing everything” around their involvement in any future ceasefire talks, and added they are in a “very detailed conversation” with the United States government on how to proceed.

Qatar, which hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, is a major American ally. US President Donald Trump was informed of the strike only shortly before it began — and not by Israel itself, but by Chairman of the Joint Staff General Dan Caine, according to a US official.

Trump immediately told White House special envoy Steve Witkoff to brief Qatar, according to another US official. Witkoff has a longstanding relationship with the Qataris.

While Trump stopped short of condemning the attack, on Tuesday his spokesperson said that the president was concerned. Al-Thani told CNN on Wednesday that the United States has expressed their support for Qatar “on many occasions.”

“I’m following up with all the US officials in order to see what kind of actions can be taken as we speak,” Al-Thani added.

This weekend, the US proposed a new ceasefire framework. Trump said Israel had agreed to its terms and that it was “time for Hamas to accept as well.”

Qatar’s prime minister pressed Hamas to “respond positively” to this proposal in a meeting in Doha, according to an official familiar with that discussion.

Hamas was then due to respond Tuesday evening to the proposal, a diplomat briefed on the talks told CNN, before Israel’s strike on Doha.

A regional response
Qatar hopes that there will be a “collective response” to Israel’s strike on Hamas officials in Doha, Al-Thani said.

“There is a response that will happen from the region. This response is currently under consultation and discussion with other partners in the region,” Al-Thani said.

Al-Thani stated that an Arab-Islamic summit will be held in Doha in the coming days, where the participants will decide on a course of action.

However, Al-Thani said that Qatar will not ask other regional partners to respond in a particular way.

“There is a collective response that should happen from the region,” Al-Thani said, “We are hoping for something meaningful that deters Israel from continuing this bullying.”

by Online Poster — September 20, 2025 in News

The Importance Of ‘Mining’ Facts And Data In Nigeria’s Oil And Gas Arena

As with all modern industries, the oil and gas sector globally is under pressure to embrace the critical convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems to maximise efficiencies and productivities. This shift is equally important in Nigeria, where the oil and gas industry plays a pivotal role in the national economy.

Oil production is a major source of income and a substantial contributor to the GDP of many African countries, and Nigeria remains consistently in the top spot as Africa’s largest producer of crude oil. In addition, it possesses significant quantities of natural gas reserves. The country’s oil and gas sector is critical to the economy, contributing over 85% of export earnings and approximately 30% of budget revenue, but it has been performing below its potential in recent years due to a number of challenges.

Against this background, the newly operational Dangote Refinery in the Lekki Free Zone outside Lagos, which began production in January 2024, is a positive symbol of the hoped-for revival of the oil and gas arena in Nigeria. This newest addition to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is Africa’s biggest oil refinery and also the largest single-train facility in the world (meaning a facility where all the major processing units for the crude oil entering the refinery are contained within a single integrated complex).

However, despite the positive symbolism of this beacon within the Nigerian oil and gas realm, the sector is still navigating through the complex regulatory landscape and fiscal reforms introduced by the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. The Act’s intention is to restructure fiscal terms, institutional frameworks and regulatory policies, and thus attract investment and boost efficiency.

Prior to the implementation of this Act, Nigeria’s oil and gas arena had seen years of under-investment in exploration and production which, together with persistent infrastructure issues and other challenges, had suppressed growth and innovation, as outlined by Nigerian credit rating agency Agusto & Co.

The implementation of effective technology infrastructure in the oil and gas field can help support strategic business and national objectives and assist in overcoming legacy infrastructure challenges.

Supporting key African markets in their digitalisation journeys

Over the past few years, Vertiv has participated in several focused events across Africa to showcase our products and solutions that are suitable for the broader industrial realm. The intention was to create greater awareness around the benefits that Vertiv can bring to these local sectors, following on from our proven success within the oil and gas field in other parts of the globe.

We look forward to similarly engaging with industry representatives within Nigeria also, being Africa’s largest oil producer, as well as possessing substantial natural gas reserves. Nigeria’s natural gas reserves are, in fact, estimated to be one of the largest in Africa, as outlined by global research company, Mordor Intelligence, in its report entitled ‘Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 – 2030)’.

Natural gas is considered a cleaner and more environmentally friendly source of energy compared to other fossil fuels, and investments in natural gas infrastructure would allow Nigeria to diversify its energy mix and meet both domestic and international demand for cleaner energy sources.

According to the Mordor Intelligence report, it appears that, considering the issues holistically and despite certain challenges, there is much to anticipate for the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry over the next few years. One important key is enabling the true convergence of IT and OT systems, to be able to ‘mine’ facts and data as well as oil and gas, and thereby drive informed planning and decision making.

The Importance of Integrating IT and OT Systems

In a challenging global economy, it is critical for oil and gas companies to digitalise their systems and processes, thereby allowing for the harnessing of data volumes from day-to-day operations. As outlined by global IT consulting company BirlaSoft, the IT-OT convergence within the oil and gas sector allows companies to harvest data within the OT layer and then ‘cross-contextualize it to build valuable insights and automated control and orchestration mechanisms’.

According to BirlaSoft: ‘IO/OT convergence in the oil and gas industry is a key step to harnessing the business benefits of big data. Operational technology generates a vast amount of data when IoT sensors are attached to various parts of critical machinery to record intended parameters. This data is usually in the form of time series. Analysing it with the right artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques can help organisations anticipate potential risks or if the operations as a whole are generating a strange footprint. In other words, IT-OT convergence is the bridge to seamless, proactive, and resilient oil and gas operations.’

By maximising a mix of more modern IT systems intertwined with legacy OT systems, and capturing important information, oil and gas companies can derive insight for enhancing operational efficiencies, increasing performance and improving decision-making.

To enable such strategic aims around the necessary digitalisation to link IT and OT systems, Vertiv’s digital infrastructure solutions are designed to assist with power supplies and distribution, as well as thermal management solutions, as follows:

Critical power products, such as efficient, reliable uninterruptible power supplies (UPS); scalable, flexible hybrid DC power products; power distribution systems; switchgear; and Vertiv’s battery energy storage system (BESS), which delivers scalable, high-capacity battery energy storage systems for data centres and critical infrastructure;
Thermal management solutions, including Vertiv air handling and chillers for climate control of large electronic systems located outside the data room; cooling solutions for data centres, IT rooms, laboratories, and other critical applications; as well as small thermal systems, incorporating room, and row/ rack cooling;
Vertiv Integrated Solutions, including prefabricated rack, row, aisle, and modular data centres, featuring built-in flexible designs based on proven configurations; and
Monitoring and management options, such as Vertiv Avocent DSView solution, a family of IT management devices and software that provides solutions in edge, enterprise and engineering lab environments.

There is a well-known saying which notes that ‘knowledge is power’, and in any industry, information is vital for understanding that sector’s own outlook through the harnessing of facts, statistics and trends. With the oil and gas industry in Nigeria poised for robust growth that will be driven by strategic investments and technological advancements, the importance of being able to access information digitally is critical.

The strategically-placed implementation of robust yet high-performance data centres will work to form the backbone for this critical data and support the necessary IT-OT convergence of individual oil and gas companies, while at the same time also supporting the overall aims of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 at a national level.

By Gary Chomse, regional director, Central-Southern Africa at Vertiv

by Online Poster — September 20, 2025 in News

CMC Connect Unveils Trufluencer Initiative To Redefine Nigeria’s Digital Influence

By Winifred Bosa

Leading public relations firm, CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting), the exclusive Nigerian affiliate of Burson, hosted a groundbreaking engagement with social media entrepreneurs, themed around the concept of the “Trufluencer,” a term coined to institutionalise influencer relationship with agency, an act set to reinforce the company’s mission to align brands with influencers who uphold moral principles and ethical standards in the digital space.

In his welcome address, the Managing Partner of CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting), Mr. Raheem Olabode, explained that the term “Trufluencer” was a word coined to describe influencers who embody integrity and authenticity in their craft.

He stressed that CMC Connect LLP, with nearly 34 years of experience managing blue-chip accounts and building media relationships, is committed to institutionalising its relationship with influencers who share its values.

“This gathering is about creating a new standard for influencer partnerships. We want upcoming influencers to see themselves as chief executives in their own right, with opportunities for growth, training, and collaboration that will elevate their work and benefit our clients.” Olabode noted.

Speaking at the event, Airtel Nigeria’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Samson Adeoye, commended the leadership and staying power of CMC Connect LLP in the communications industry, notes that its track record of nearly 34 years offers influencers an invaluable advantage.

He also highlighted Airtel’s commitment to “story-selling” in advertising, emphasising the power of narratives to help brands build deeper, more meaningful connections with audiences.

“When you think about long-term, sustainable partnerships, CMC Connect LLP stands out. With nearly 34 years of experience, it has achieved what many PR companies struggle to sustain beyond five years. This depth of experience gives influencers working with CMC Connect access to a rare wealth of knowledge and industry insight. At Airtel, we believe the strongest campaigns are built on story selling – every good story has conflict, setting, character, and resolution, with the brand as the enabler that brings resolution. That’s why campaigns like our popular Data is Life ad connect so deeply with audiences: they are anchored in stories that truly matter.”

The event brought together a vibrant community of influencers, communications professionals, and corporate representatives, establishing a foundation for ongoing collaboration that prioritises ethics, authenticity, and impact in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

by Winifred Bosa — September 19, 2025 in brands and Marketing

BJAN Meet With Stanbic IBTC To Boost Industry Relations

By Winifred Bosa

In a bid to foster stronger industry partnerships and promote the upcoming annual conference, BJAN executive members paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic IBTC. The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration, expanding market outreach, and reinforcing mutual interests within the financial sector. The photo captures the warm exchange between BJAN leaders and Stanbic IBTC representatives.

by Winifred Bosa — July 17, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0

FirstBank Partners UNGC To Drive Sustainable Finance And Unlock Capital For Development

By Winifred Bosa

FirstBank, the West Africa premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has strengthened its partnership with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to reaffirm its commitment to driving sustainable finance and unlocking capital for development.

This ongoing partnership was reinforced at the recently concluded Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in Seville, Spain.

The FfD4 Conference brought together global leaders, policymakers, and private sector experts to discuss innovative solutions to address the growing SDG financing gap and unlock capital for development in fragile and underserved regions.

FirstBank’s Chief Risk Officer, Patrick Akhidenor, represented the bank at the conference and highlighted two FirstBank flagship initiatives driving resilience finance in Nigeria: The Solar Equipment Financing initiative and the revamped FirstGem Fund.

The Solar Equipment Financing initiative offers tailored financing options for the purchase and installation of solar power systems, ensuring access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions.

The FirstGem Fund, a women-focused proposition, provides single-digit interest loans to women entrepreneurs without collateral requirements, targeting funding gaps in critical sectors.

‘’We are committed to driving sustainable finance and unlocking capital for development,” said Patrick Akhidenor. “Our partnership with UNGC and participation in the FfD4 Conference demonstrate our dedication to innovative finance solutions that address the SDG financing gap.”

Sanda Ojambo, CEO of UNGC, emphasized the need for innovative, inclusive financial models for underserved regions. “The private sector must play a central role in shaping fit-for-purpose, scalable finance solutions,” she said. “De-risking tools and blended finance can help unlock capital and drive meaningful impact.

FirstBank’s partnership with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and its SMEConnect hub demonstrate its capacity to lead efforts in sustainable finance. The bank provides training, networking, and tailored financing to SMEs across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and retail

About FirstBank

First Bank of Nigeria Limited “FirstBank”, established in 1894, is the premier bank in West Africa, a leading financial inclusion services provider in Africa, and a digital banking giant.

FirstBank’s international footprints cut across three continents ─ Africa, Europe and Asia, with FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea and Sierra Leone; FBNBank in Senegal; and a FirstBank Representative Office in Beijing, China. All the subsidiary banks are fully registered by their respective Central Banks to provide full banking services.

Besides providing domestic banking services, the subsidiaries also engage in international cross-border transactions with FirstBank’s non-Nigerian subsidiaries, and the representative offices in Paris and China facilitate trade flows from Asia and Europe into Nigeria and other African countries.

For over 13 decades, FirstBank has built an outstanding reputation for solid relationships, good corporate governance, and a strong liquidity position, and has been at the forefront of promoting digital payment in the country with over 13 million cards issued to customers (the first bank to achieve such a milestone in Nigeria). FirstBank has continued to make significant investments in technology, innovation and transformation, and its cashless transaction drive has been steadily accentuated with virtually over 25 million active FirstBank customers signed up on digital channels including the USSD Quick Banking service through the nationally renowned *894# Banking code.

With over 43 million customer accounts (including digital wallets) spread across Nigeria, UK and sub-Saharan Africa, the Bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and wholesale financial services through more than 820 business offices and over 280,000 agent locations spread across 772 out of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

In addition to banking solutions and services, FirstBank provides pension fund custody services in Nigeria through First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited and nominee and associated services through First Nominees Nigeria Limited.

FirstBank’s commitment to Diversity is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 41%:59%; and 37% women in management roles) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organisation. In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) ─ Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.

For six consecutive years (2011 – 2016), FirstBank was named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” by the globally renowned The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group and “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” eight times in a row, 2011 – 2018, by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards.

Significantly, FirstBank’s Global Credit Rating was A+ with a positive outlook while ratings by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s were A (nga) and ngBBB+ respectively both with Stable outlooks as at September 2023. FirstBank maintained the same level of international credit ratings as the sovereign; a milestone that was achieved in 2022 for the first time since 2015.

In 2024, FirstBank received notable international awards and accolades. Some of these include Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG 2024 and Nigeria’s Best Bank for Corporates 2024 both awarded by Euromoney Awards for Excellence; Best SME Bank in Africa and in Nigeria by The Asian Banker Global Awards; Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa by Global Finance Awards; Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2024, Best CSR Bank in Nigeria 2024, Best Retail Bank in Nigeria 2024, Best SME Bank in Nigeria 2024 and Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2024 all awarded by the Global Banking and Finance Awards.

FirstBank has continued to gain wide acclaim on the global stage with several international awards and recognitions received so far in 2025 which includes Best SME Bank in Nigeria 2025 and Best SME Bank in Africa 2025 by The Asian Banker; Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2025 and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa 2025 by Global Finance Awards; SME Financier of the Year in Nigeria 2025 by The Digital Banker Global SME Banking Innovation Awards; Best Retail Bank in Nigeria 2025 and Best Bank for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria 2025 all by The Annual Global Economics Awards.

Our vision is “To be Africa’s Bank of first choice” and our mission is “To remain true to our name by providing the best financial services possible”. This commitment is anchored on our core values of EPIC – Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, Innovation and Customer-Centricity. Our strategic ambition is “To deliver accelerated growth in profitability through customer-led innovation and disciplined execution.”

by Online Poster — July 17, 2025 in News 0

Moniepoint Recognised By CNBC As One Of The World’s Top Fintech Companies

By Fidelia Okafor

Moniepoint Inc. (“Moniepoint” or the “Company”), one of Africa’s leading business payments and digital banking platforms, announces it has been named as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC, reinforcing the Company’s pioneering role in widening access to financial services across the continent.

Moniepoint joins a selected group of leading fintech players recognised for their financial performance and success across 2023-2024. The list – compiled by CNBC in conjunction with market research firm Statista – follows analysis of key performance indicators, such as revenue growth, transaction volume, employee headcount, and capital raised. The result is a diverse group of 250 trailblazing fintech companies.

Founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, Moniepoint (formerly known as TeamApt Inc.) has been instrumental in advancing financial inclusion across Africa – especially for individuals and businesses operating in the informal economy, underserved by formal and traditional institutions. The Company services 10 million+ customers through its comprehensive, integrated ecosystem of digital banking, credit, payments, and business management tools, and processes over one billion transactions monthly with volumes exceeding US$22 billion.

The accolade follows recent milestones for the Company which reiterate Moniepoint’s commitment to innovation and widening access to the formal financial system.

Notably, Moniepoint expanded its offering to Africans in the international diaspora via the launch of the MonieWorld platform. MonieWorld offers seamless remittance and digital financial services capabilities to individuals in markets such as the UK; the first time the Company has provided services to consumers outside Africa.

In June, Moniepoint was named in the TIME100 Most Influential Companies list for 2025, highlighting the Company’s extraordinary impact. Moniepoint has also been recognised by the Financial Times for three consecutive years as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, reflecting its remarkable revenue growth and business expansion; and by CB Insights in the Fintech 100 list, highlighting the Company’s status as one of the world’s most promising private fintech companies.

Tosin Eniolorunda, Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc., said:

“It is an honour to be named as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC. Moniepoint’s inclusion in this prestigious, authoritative list is testament to the hard-work and success of the entire team while highlighting our emergence as a key player shaping the future of fintech worldwide. Our mission to power the dreams of millions of African entrepreneurs and businesses continues to propel us forward with renewed vigor. As we continue to scale, we remain committed to driving global financial inclusion and widening access to economic opportunities for Africans everywhere – transforming lives and livelihoods.”

CNBC’s list of the world’s top fintech companies was launched in 2023 to identify global market leaders in technology-driven financial services. The list, which includes companies operating across various regions and market categories including banking solutions, digital assets, and payments, highlights the dynamic and rapidly evolving FinTech industry, offering readers, investors, and stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the leading players across various segments.

by Online Poster — July 17, 2025 in News 0

MAN, RMRDC Seek Innovative Tech Solutions For Industrial Growth

By Fidelia Okafor

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is collaborating with the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to accelerate manufacturing through Cutting-edge technology solutions for industrial growth at the forthcoming 2025 Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and the Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM).

The NME & NIRAM Expo which is scheduled to hold on August 5 to 7, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Balmoral Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos, is themed “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions.”

President of MAN, Franchise Meshioye noted that the theme is expected to drive the attention of stakeholders to engage on innovative technology solutions that will improve the process of manufacturing and in turn improve quality of products manufactured locally in Nigeria.

“By embracing cutting-edge technologies, we are heading towards a drive for innovation, resilience, and long-term value for our stakeholders.’

Meshioye said the focus of the expo is to spark conversations around deployment of energy-efficiency in production facilities; implementation of smart factory technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to optimize resource use; waste reduction strategies through closed-loop systems and advanced recycling methods; and engender partnerships with green tech innovators to co-develop scalable, sustainable solutions.

“Of course, the peculiarity of this exhibition is equipment. Our goal is therefore to showcase locally fabricated machines and equipment. Let’s jointly see what is possible in Nigeria and then lean on the strength of collaborating with foreign counterparts to improve locally manufactured goods.”

The MAN boss remarked that as a nation, we have continued to evolve in the manufacturing process; a far departure from where we used to be. “Our evolution has come from continuous learning and patronage,” adding that “with the expo and the stakeholders, we want to engender conversations around Nigeria First in terms of showing dignitaries, delegates and participants locally made equipment, raw materials within their reach and innovative inventions that can transform our processes and then attract more patronage.

“To put it simply and succinctly, the entire value chain of the manufacturing sector will be present at this year’s edition of the expo and reflect the Nigeria First Policy of the Federal Government.”

“The NME & NIRAM Expo will serve as a solutions hub for exhibitors and conference delegates alike. The Expo seeks to provide one-stop shops for equipment manufacturers, raw materials producers, processors, local fabricators and other stakeholders in the manufacturing sector to showcase their new and emerging technologies, machinery, equipment, and innovations.

‘This event serves as a pivotal platform for embracing home-grown technology to scale-up locally manufactured goods, support sustainable development, and discourage over-dependence on foreign products. We must also remain committed to utilizing locally sourced raw materials and leveraging essential support services, such as locally sourced funding and logistics, to drive our manufacturing endeavors and propel us into the much awaited prosperous and sustainable future.

“Consistent with our tradition, the NME will hold concurrently with Nigerian Raw Materials (Expo) powered by the Raw Materials Research & Development Council (RMRDC) featuring manufacturing equipment, raw materials, panel sessions and latest research findings delivered by carefully selected experts.

“Another significant feature is the Women in Manufacturing session, affording accomplished women in the field the opportunity to share their experiences with aspiring female manufacturers who may be considering entry into the sector.

The MAN emphasized that the expo is not just another edition, but a strategic advantage in a competitive global market.

“As technology continues to evolve, the opportunity to drive meaningful changes in manufacturing grows stronger. The time to act is now—for our businesses, our communities, our continent and our planet.”

For the Direct General of the RMRDC, Martin Ike Muonso, who was represented by Dr Edith Obi, Overseeing Director, States Industrial Extension Services , the vision is to drive innovation in raw materials development and socialization to support business growth and contribute meaningful to economic prosperity.

This he said led to the 30% value-addition bill, which has gone through post-renewal, and is awaiting the present answer to this bill.

He said when the bill is passed into the law, no raw materials will be exported

out of the country without at least 30% value-addition being added to it.

He said the nation’s local raw material should be utilized here in this country without taking them raw out of Africa and Nigeria.

On the expo, he said it’s all about enhancing raw materials potentials that we have in abundance in the country.

“To promote this, we have gotten in touch with a lot of other stakeholders to ensure the success of this event.

We have gotten across to stakeholders like the Organized Private Sector in Nigeria, farmers group, the fabricators, as well as resource-based industries, since they are all involved in raw materials value chain.

We want them in a single umbrella.

“All of us are coming together to talk about how we can improve the quality of our raw materials.

“We want to be proud of our products and that is the essence of this expo. The fabricators are coming together, the users, the manufacturers, and the SMEs will be here.

“All of us will be here to enjoy and patronize our locally made products.”

by Online Poster — July 17, 2025 in News 0

PMI Africa 2025 Unveils Bold Speaker Lineup To Power ‘Africa on Purpose’ Vision

By Winifred Bosa

Amid Africa’s growing wave of infrastructure investment and innovation, the Project Management Institute (PMI) is convening the continent’s most influential voices at the Global Summit Series Africa, driving urgent, collective action to redefine how projects deliver impact and value. Hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda between 19 to 21 August, the Summit is designed for senior project professionals, C-suite executives, government officials, development partners, and emerging project talent committed to driving transformation across Africa.

As Africa contends with intersecting challenges, from climate change and infrastructure gaps to job creation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, there is a critical need to recalibrate how projects are initiated, managed, and delivered across the continent. Project success can no longer be measured solely by timelines or budgets met. In today’s context, success must also be evaluated by how well a project enhances resilience, drives inclusive growth, unlocks sustainable innovation, and creates lasting social value.

“Africa’s project economy remains vibrant yet vulnerable,” says George Asamani, MD, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “The African Development Bank estimates the continent needs up to $170 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, with a financing shortfall of as much as $108 billion. With so much at stake, project management can’t be an afterthought; it’s key to delivery. As countries advance infrastructure, digital, and social programmes, the demand for skilled professionals is more urgent than ever.”

“The Global Summit Series Africa responds to this urgency. This is not just a moment to gather, it’s a moment to grow and guide. It is where knowledge meets practice and where bold voices converge to ask and answer: How can Africa execute differently?”

This year’s lineup showcases the strength of pan-African leadership, from the corridors of government to the frontlines of innovation. These voices are not only driving transformation within their own countries but also offering continental perspectives with global relevance.

A highlight of the Summit will be a special message from Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, who has long championed the role of project execution in unlocking Africa’s prosperity.

This call for purposeful execution resonates across sectors. Senior executives from utilities, banking, education, and telecommunications, as well as influential voices from sports and music, will take the stage to share hard-won insights on building future-fit institutions, creative industries, and systems that deliver lasting impact.

Taking the stage across the three days of the Summit are Armand Nzeyimana, Director of the Development Impact and Results Department, African Development Bank; Olajumoke Akinwunmi, MD, Real Estate at Alitheia Capital Ltd; Kusobile Kamwambi, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, Government of Zambia; and Samuel Dubik Masubir Mahama, ex-MD of the Electricity Company of Ghana, alongside influential cultural voices such as Nigerian-American singer, actor, and entrepreneur Olubankole Wellington (Banky W), and chess champion and Guinness World Record holder Tunde Onakoya.

Joining them are leading project professionals from across the continent, including Stanley Iringe-Koko, Senior Manager of IT Projects and Portfolio at MTN Nigeria; Grace Johnson, Founding Partner and Strategic Advisor at the Framework for AI Transformation (FAIT); Ancicalia Matizha, Group Head PMO at Old Mutual Zimbabwe; Emily Mutaga, Head of PMO at Bank of Kigali, and Nozibele Ntshokontsha, Head of PMO at Rand Water.

“In Africa, the stakes are high; projects must deliver tangible outcomes, often under complex conditions. That’s why the Summit matters. It brings together professionals who understand our realities and are focused on delivery that works in our context. Having spoken at this Summit before, I’m returning because these conversations are not only relevant, they drive the kind of collaboration and clarity we need to move Africa forward and make Agenda 2063 more than a vision, but a lived reality,” adds Billy Mwape, CIO of FNB Zambia, one of the main speakers.

PMI Chapter Presidents from Ghana, Kenya, Angola, Togo, and Namibia will join PMI Rwanda Chapter President Innocent Kayigamba in contributing to the dialogue. Their participation is a powerful reminder that transformation in Africa is not only top-down but also bottom-up: peer-driven and locally grounded.

Reserve your place at Africa’s leading conversation on purposeful project delivery. This is your final chance to secure tickets at standard rates. visit https://pmiglobalsummitafrica.gcs-web.com/

by Winifred Bosa — July 16, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0

MAN Mourns Former President Muhammadu Buhari, Calls it a Great Loss to the Nation

World leaders mourn former President Muhammadu Buhari | Premium Times Nigeria

By Fidelia Okafor

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) joins the nation in mourning the passing of former President Buhari GCFR.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR served the nation, first as a military leader, and more recently as a civilian President from 2015 to 2023, during which he implemented policies aimed at promoting economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing Nigeria’s industrial development.

His tenure brought attention to the importance of manufacturing as a driver of economic development and job creation. Though the economy experienced difficulties during his tenure, President Buhari granted the Association audience to proffer solutions to mitigate the binding constraints that limited the performance of the manufacturing sector. He also provided solutions to some of the challenges confronting manufacturers.

According to Otunba Francis Meshioye OFR, President of the Association, “we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, associates, and all Nigerians during this solemn time”.

As the nation reflects over the life and career of President Muhammadu Buhari, MAN calls upon all Nigerians to honour his memory. We should also reflect on his achievements and continue to work toward the advancements of manufacturing. Government should reflect over his policies and recommit to the creation of a conducive atmosphere for sustainable economic development and the upliftment of the overall wellbeing of the citizenry.

by Online Poster — July 16, 2025 in Industry 0

Why Airtel Spam Alert Service Is A Game Changer For Mobile Security

By embedding real-time spam alert at both the network and systems level, Airtel strengthens trust in telecom infrastructure, a foundational element for digital economies, ensuring cross-network security accountability, proving that telcos can and should take more responsibility for securing the digital environment, not just selling data plans.

Have you ever won a “N5 million giveaway” from a number you’ve never dialled? Or been warned that your BVN would be “blocked in 24 hours” unless you click a link? If you never fell for these, then congratulations, you’re a part of Nigeria’s club named, The National Association of Spam SMS Survivors.

That’s not a real club though, but seriously, in 2024 alone, fraud in Africa surged by 21%, with phishing and SMS scams responsible for nearly half (48%) of all incidents.

As revealed by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the country’s financial sector lost over N52.26 billion to fraud, a 350% increase, over five years. This tells us that mobile networks are no longer used as just channels of communication, they are becoming active fields for criminals.

This is why Airtel’s launch of a Spam Alert Service in March 2025 couldn’t have been better timed. It is a commendable effort that also signifies in mobile security across Africa. It is beyond merely reacting to fraud; it appears to be preventing it in real time.

The Scale of the Problem

Nigeria is ranked 7th globally for spam SMS. Research shows that 87% of mobile users in the country receive unsolicited messages, many of which are fraudulent. Airtel itself reported that its internal analysis showed that 60% of its customers were receiving spam monthly.

These are not just annoying messages, they open the gates to fraud, asking users to click dangerous links or share sensitive data.

And while East Africa leads the continent with a 27% fraud rejection rate, West and Central Africa still struggle at 22%. The threat has gone beyond a telecoms issue, we can see it’s now an economic and societal one.

Airtel’s Intelligent Countermeasure

Airtel Africa, with over 150 million subscribers and operations in 14 countries, has responded with a network-level AI-powered Spam Alert Service.

While some members of the public have raised concerns over likely privacy breaches, Airtel has confirmed that the Artificial Intelligence in the backend of the Spam Alert Service does not read user messages. Instead, it analyses over 250 parameters including the frequency of the sender, message volume, link patterns, and geographical spread.

At its core, the service simply identifies and flags suspicious SMS messages in real time, labelling them as “Suspected SPAM” and alerting the recipient immediately. It requires no app download, no user configuration, and is automatically activated for all Airtel users, smartphone or feature phone. It’s a simple, although not easy, solution to a thorny problem.

Using a proprietary dual-layer protection system, one at the network level and another at the IT systems level, Airtel AI Spam Alert Service is reported to process over 1.5 billion messages in under two milliseconds.

Real Time Results

Between it launch in Nigeria on March 13 and May 20, 2025, just two months, the Spam Alert Service flagged 9,667,008 suspicious messages, according to Airtel reporting. That number includes 528,080 sent by users on the Airtel network (on-net) and 9,138,928 sent by users from other networks (off-net).

This staggering number indicates both the scale of fraud attempts and the importance of cross-network security measures. The Airtel system doesn’t just defend its own users, it monitors the messages entering the network from outside, offering an additional layer of safety for subscribers.

According to Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, this innovation reiterates the strength of the telco’s AI-driven infrastructure in tackling the threat of spam and scam messages. “We understand that trust is the cornerstone of digital communication,” he stated, adding that, “This is why the AI is constantly learning, so as to keep pace with the changes in methods employed by spammers.”

Why This is a Game Changer

Network-Level Protection: Unlike most solutions that depend on user-side apps, Airtel’s service operates within its core infrastructure; it is always on and scanning, making it harder for threats to go undetected.

No User Action Required: There are no installations, updates, or settings for users to worry about. Every Airtel user, regardless of their phone type, gets protected by default.

Real-Time Alerts: The AI flags spam SMS in milliseconds, giving users feedback on potentially harmful messages as the messages arrive.

Scalable and Inclusive: Whether you’re using a basic feature phone in rural Tanzania or a smartphone in Lagos, you get the same level of protection, and this makes the service replicable in all of Airtel’s markets across Africa.

National Support and Expansion

Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, endorsed the solution, commending Airtel for aligning with national priorities. He stressed that the Airtel Spam Alert Service demonstrates how artificial intelligence can enhance online security and economic empowerment.

Similarly, Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noted the sector-wide value, pointing out that it boosts consumer trust and directly supports national telecom security goals.

Following its success in Nigeria, the service has now expanded to Tanzania and Kenya, with a rollout planned for all 14 countries where Airtel operates.

Feedback from early users has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have reported improved personal awareness to SMS messages.

According to Balsingh, the AI Spam Alert Service is not a one-off solution, it is embedded in Airtel’s focus on integrating intelligent systems across its offerings while improving user experience. With threats becoming more sophisticated, “so will our solutions,” he said.

The company’s Spam Alert Service is a necessary evolution in how we think about mobile security, proactive, intelligent, and inclusive. Mobile phones are lifelines to finance, communication, and commerce, and this service does more than pinpoint spam, it restores user confidence.

And across the current digital space, confidence is indeed everything.

Joan Aimuengheuwa

by Online Poster — July 15, 2025 in News 0