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NCC Shifts Focus to Consumer Experience as Nigeria’s Data Consumption Hits 1.75m TB – Maida

2026-11-09T11:01:00.809+01:00

Kate Roland

Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is experiencing rising pressure from increasing data consumption, growing demand for faster internet services and the need for more reliable network infrastructure, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed that the country’s monthly data consumption rose to 1.75 million terabytes in August 2026, representing a significant increase from 1.6 million terabytes recorded in July.

Speaking in an interview, Maida said data consumption had been growing by an average of more than five per cent monthly, with a 39 per cent increase between February and August 2026.

He projected that Nigeria could reach two million terabytes in monthly data consumption by December if the current growth rate continued.

According to him, the rising demand reflects the expanding use of digital services and the increasing importance of telecommunications to economic activities.

He noted that average network speeds were improving alongside the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while investment activities were also increasing.

Although he acknowledged that consumer experience was not yet where it needed to be, he maintained that the industry was moving in the right direction.

Maida explained that the Commission had broadened its regulatory focus from conventional Quality of Service (QoS) measurements to Quality of Experience (QoE), which considers the entire journey of telecommunications consumers.

He said the approach, which he introduced after assuming office in 2023, goes beyond assessing call quality and internet speed to examine every stage of a customer's relationship with a service provider.

“For us at the Commission, Quality of Experience covers the entire journey of a consumer while using telecommunication services,” he said.

He explained that this begins when consumers decide whether to subscribe to mobile or fixed services and choose their preferred network provider. It also covers how they purchase services, resolve complaints and eventually leave or switch to another provider.

According to him, network performance remains the most immediate concern for subscribers because it represents the primary service for which they pay.

However, he stressed that the NCC now evaluates network performance from the user's perspective rather than relying exclusively on technical reports supplied by operators.

“We no longer look at network performance from just the perspective of the network; today, we look at the network’s performance from the perspective of the user,” Maida stated.

He explained that the Commission had introduced platforms that collect information directly from subscribers through crowdsourcing, providing a clearer picture of actual network conditions.

Using the example of a failed telecommunications tower, he said the impact might not necessarily disconnect subscribers but could place additional pressure on neighbouring towers, resulting in degraded service.

The NCC chief also disclosed that the Commission had introduced a national coverage map on its website to help consumers make informed decisions when selecting telecommunications providers.

He said the platform uses crowdsourced information to show the availability and performance of major networks across different locations.

With the tool, consumers can check the quality of MTN, Airtel, Globacom and other providers in specific communities before subscribing to their services.

“For instance, you can now on your own check which is the best network in Kuje or Gwagwalada. You can come to the Commission’s website, type in the location you want, and you’ll see whether it is Globacom, MTN, or Airtel, or any other network,” he said.

Cost-reflective tariffs and investment

On the controversial issue of telecommunications tariff increases, Maida defended the adoption of cost-reflective pricing, arguing that the policy was necessary to sustain investment and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

He recalled that before the liberalisation of Nigeria's telecommunications sector, the country had approximately 500,000 telephone lines and ranked among the three worst countries globally in teledensity, alongside Afghanistan and Mongolia.

He said the Federal Government under former President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 to attract private investment, expand infrastructure and improve access to telephone services.

The policy subsequently informed the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which mandates the NCC to promote a vibrant telecommunications industry and ensure that service tariffs reflect the cost of providing services.

Maida maintained that the Commission had not given operators unrestricted authority to increase prices, explaining that its responsibility was to model tariffs and establish an acceptable price range within which operators could compete.

“The NCC has not given the operators a blank check,” he said.

He explained that cost-reflective tariffs allow operators to recover operational expenses while earning reasonable returns on their investments.

According to him, the industry requires substantial foreign investment because much of its critical infrastructure and equipment is sourced internationally.

He identified Ericsson of Sweden, Nokia of Finland, and China's Huawei and ZTE as major suppliers of telecommunications infrastructure, noting that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates directly affect operators' ability to upgrade and expand their networks.

He also identified rising energy costs, partly resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy, as another major pressure on telecommunications companies.

Maida said operators had gone for more than a decade without significant tariff adjustments, despite increasing operational expenses.

He disclosed that the situation became particularly difficult in 2024, when some operators considered introducing load-shedding measures that could have resulted in networks being shut down during certain periods.

However, he said the NCC intervened to prevent such a development.

The NCC chief further noted that the sector's contribution to GDP, which had remained relatively stagnant at about nine per cent, had started increasing following the introduction of recent reforms and now stood at approximately 10 per cent.

Students' access to educational platforms

Maida also clarified the Commission's position on the zero-rated internet access initiative designed to improve Nigerian students' access to educational resources.

He explained that the initiative should not be interpreted as an offer of unlimited free internet, but rather as a structured arrangement providing 100 megabytes of daily data for approved educational platforms.

He said the programme was being driven by the telecommunications industry, with the NCC providing regulatory oversight to ensure fairness among operators and prevent unnecessary pressure on network infrastructure.

The Commission is also working with the Federal Ministry of Education to identify and approve suitable educational platforms.

“It is 100 megabytes per day for approved educational platforms. It is not for watching YouTube or TikTok videos, but for accessing approved educational platforms,” he explained.

Maida argued that the allocation would provide students with sufficient data to download learning materials, read documents and listen to lectures.

He said the daily allowance would amount to 700 megabytes weekly, potentially providing meaningful support for students who depend on digital resources for their education.

Vandalism threatens network reliability

On the impact of vandalism and damage to telecommunications infrastructure, Maida described the protection of critical network assets as essential to maintaining reliable connectivity across the country.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Executive Order in 2024 designating telecommunications infrastructure and other strategic assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

The order, he explained, makes vandalism of such infrastructure and obstruction of maintenance personnel serious criminal offences.

He stressed that telecommunications networks operate through interconnected systems, meaning damage to one component could disrupt services in locations hundreds of kilometres away.

Citing an incident in early 2024, Maida recalled that a fibre-optic cable cut in the North-Central region, combined with a bush fire affecting a backup fibre route, temporarily disrupted connectivity between northern and southern Nigeria.

The incident also affected other network operators as subscribers attempted to switch providers, placing additional pressure on their infrastructure.

He said the consequences of telecommunications disruptions extend beyond ordinary voice calls and internet browsing, as hospitals, schools, financial institutions and businesses increasingly depend on reliable connectivity.

“Every time you disrupt telecoms infrastructure, you are actually disrupting people in their daily lives,” he said.

The NCC chief also identified accidental fibre cuts during road construction as a major source of network disruption.

To address the problem, he said the Commission was working with the Federal Ministry of Works, telecommunications operators and the Office of the National Security Adviser to establish a framework requiring proper notification before construction activities begin.

Under the arrangement, operators are expected to receive sufficient notice to relocate vulnerable telecommunications infrastructure before road projects commence.

He cited Edo State as an example of a state where collaboration among relevant stakeholders had helped reduce damage to telecommunications infrastructure.

Maida also raised concerns about cases in which government agencies or property owners deny telecommunications operators access to critical sites over revenue disputes or disagreements about rent.

He explained that a single telecommunications facility could support between 10 and 20 other sites, meaning access restrictions at one location could trigger wider network disruptions.

He expressed optimism that the Presidential Order and the involvement of the Office of the National Security Adviser would gradually address these challenges.

NCC introduces consumer compensation for poor services

In a move to strengthen consumer protection, Maida disclosed that the Commission had revised its Quality of Service regulations to introduce tougher enforcement measures and more targeted sanctions against operators that fail to meet required performance standards.

He said the changes, introduced in 2024, included increased financial penalties and a more detailed geographical assessment of network performance.

Previously, the NCC assessed operators' performance largely at state or regional levels, an approach he said sometimes concealed poor service in specific communities.

For instance, an operator could record satisfactory performance across the Federal Capital Territory while subscribers in areas such as Maitama experienced poor connectivity.

The revised framework now allows the Commission to assess network performance at more specific geographical levels, including local government areas, with the possibility of holding operators accountable at street level.

According to Maida, operators are assessed monthly, and those that fail to meet established performance requirements face sanctions.

He added that the Commission had expanded its enforcement strategy beyond monetary penalties by converting some sanctions into direct compensation for affected consumers.

The compensation is implemented quarterly, with the Commission already conducting its second cycle.

He disclosed that at least one telecommunications operator had completed or partially completed compensation payments to affected subscribers.

“I will tell you for free, it is more effective to combine compensation with monetary sanctions than just a financial penalty,” he said.

Fibre expansion central to future growth

Looking ahead, Maida said the NCC's priority was to build a more reliable and resilient internet infrastructure capable of supporting productivity, businesses and economic growth.

He identified fibre-optic expansion as one of the most important interventions required to achieve that objective.

He pointed to Project Bridge, the Federal Government's proposed 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic infrastructure project being driven by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

According to him, the initiative would strengthen the country's fibre backbone, improve network resilience and expand the capacity available for delivering broadband services.

He argued that fibre connectivity remains the most affordable and reliable means of providing high-quality, unlimited internet access, particularly when the infrastructure is properly protected.

“With the willingness to pay that people have for internet access, the economics of unlimited internet access only works with fibre,” he said.

Although he noted that fibre infrastructure already connects every state in the country, he said access to the existing network remained a major challenge.

He explained that much of the fibre backbone is owned by mobile telecommunications operators, primarily to connect their base stations, rather than to provide direct connectivity to homes, offices and public spaces.

Consequently, the Commission is working towards opening up access to fibre infrastructure and encouraging greater connectivity into buildings and residential areas.

Maida said extending fibre networks to homes, businesses and public spaces would make it possible for more Nigerians to enjoy unlimited internet services through Wi-Fi.

Beyond improving broadband access, he said wider fibre deployment would also reduce pressure on mobile networks, which are increasingly struggling to accommodate growing data consumption.

He expressed confidence that sustained investment in fibre infrastructure, stronger regulatory enforcement and improved consumer protection would help create a more dependable telecommunications sector.

The ultimate objective, he said, was to ensure that better internet reliability translates into increased productivity across the Nigerian economy.

Alex Eala Set for Career-High World No. 15 Ranking Despite Hong Kong Open Defeat

2026-11-09T10:41:23.069+01:00

Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala is set to achieve another major milestone in her professional career, with a historic rise into the world’s top 15 despite losing the Hong Kong Open final to American opponent Claire Liu.

Liu ended Eala’s impressive campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-0 victory at the Victoria Park Centre Court in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. The American, who hails from Thousand Oaks, California, produced a dominant performance, winning nine consecutive games to secure the title.

Eala struggled to find consistency on her serve throughout the encounter, managing just 47 per cent of her first serves and winning only 40 per cent of points on her second serve.

Despite the disappointing result, the defeat does little to diminish what has been a remarkable breakthrough season for the 20-year-old Filipina, who continues to establish herself among the leading players on the WTA Tour.

Her run to the Hong Kong final has earned her 103 ranking points, paving the way for a two-place improvement in the latest WTA rankings. She is expected to move ahead of Sorana Cirstea, who has retired from professional tennis, and former world number one Naomi Osaka.

Following Monday’s rankings update, Eala is projected to reach a career-high position of world number 15, marking another significant achievement in her rapidly developing career.

The milestone comes after an impressive season that included her first WTA Tour title in Washington in August, further strengthening her reputation as one of the most promising young players in women's tennis.

Her rise into the top 16 could also prove particularly valuable ahead of the 2027 Australian Open. Players seeded within the top 16 at Grand Slam tournaments are protected from meeting another top-16 seed until at least the fourth round, offering them a potentially more favourable route through the early stages of the competition.

With the Australian Open seedings expected to be determined approximately six weeks before the tournament, Eala’s current ranking puts her in a strong position to secure a top-16 seeding.

Meanwhile, her latest appearance in Hong Kong represents another step forward from her performance at the tournament last year.

At the 2025 Hong Kong Open, Eala reached the second round after British player Katie Boulter retired from their first-round encounter while trailing 6-4, 2-1.

However, her campaign ended in the second round against Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, who recovered from a set down to defeat her 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Mboko, who went on to win the tournament, had trailed 1-4 in the deciding set before producing an impressive comeback by winning five consecutive games to seal the victory.

Reflecting on her relationship with Eala after the match, Mboko offered a warm account of their friendship away from the court.

“She’s such a sweet girl and we have so many great memories together off the court,” Mboko said. “We’ll go and get bubble tea together, we do the most wholesome things together.”

Although Eala fell short of lifting the Hong Kong title this time, her expected entry into the world's top 15 underscores her growing influence in women's tennis and signals an encouraging outlook as she prepares for the 2027 season.

Rotary Names Ronik Student Diana Sodade Governor for a Day

2026-11-09T10:35:33.259+01:00

Rotary International District 9111 has named Interactor Diana Oluwatumininu Sodade of Ronik Secondary School, Ejigbo, Lagos, as its District Governor for a Day, following her emergence as the winner of the district’s Interact Essay Competition.

The initiative, announced by the District Governor, Bukola Bakare, is part of activities marking the 2026 Interact Week, aimed at celebrating young people and encouraging their participation in leadership, community service and personal development.

According to a statement by the Chairman, District 9111 Interact Committee, Otunba Emeka Metus, Sodade will assume the symbolic position on Monday, November 9, 2026, with the day’s District Governor activities dedicated to her.

As part of the programme, she will address a press conference at the Rotary Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, symbolically occupy the District Governor’s seat and preside over meetings.

The Chairman, Rotary District 9111 Public Image Committee, Olalekan Otun, said the initiative was designed to nurture leadership qualities among young people while recognising academic achievement.

“The initiative aims to promote academic excellence, build public speaking confidence, and inspire Interactors to aspire to leadership roles and become responsible citizens,” Otun said.

He also commended Bakare, the founder of Ronik Schools, Mr Chris Alabi, as well as the school’s management and staff, for their contributions to education and literacy, one of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus.

Otun, a past president and member of the Board of Governors of Ronik Group of Schools, noted the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and service organisations in developing responsible and community-minded young people.

Meanwhile, the Principal of Ronik Secondary School, Ejigbo, Mrs Victoria Duru, expressed appreciation to the Rotary Club of Okota, the school’s sponsoring Rotary club, for its continued support in encouraging and nurturing young people through the Interact programme.

She said the club’s commitment to the students had helped promote the Rotary philosophy of Service Above Self and encouraged them to embrace community development.

The Coordinator of the school’s Interact Club and Government teacher, Tinuade Oluwaseyi Oyewole, also highlighted some of the club’s ongoing initiatives, including an environmental beautification project.

“The club is embarking on a waste tyres beautification and flower decoration project in the school premises, turning waste into beauty while nurturing a greater tomorrow,” Oyewole said.

The project is expected to encourage environmental responsibility among students by promoting creative recycling and improving the school environment.

Ronik Secondary School has previously produced notable participants in Rotary’s youth development programmes. They include Antonia Onipe, a former Rotary District 9111, then District 9110, Interact Representative, who is now a pharmacist.

The school also produced Goodness Otun, an alumnus of the Rotary Youth Student Exchange (RYSE) programme to the United States, who is now a lawyer with FRA Williams Chamber in Lagos.

The latest recognition of Sodade further highlights the role of school-based Rotary programmes in identifying young talents, developing leadership potential and preparing students for greater responsibilities in society.

Swoop Partners Burger King for Affordable Jollof Experience with Chef T

2026-11-09T10:20:40.320+01:00

The partnership brings together food, culture and value, with an exclusive jollof combo available on Swoop.

Swoop, food delivery platform, has teamed up with Burger King and Chef T to bring a new twist to one of Nigeria's most loved meals, introducing an exclusive N1,000 Chef T's Jollof Combo available through the Swoop app.

The exclusive N1,000 Chef T's Jollof Combo is available on the Swoop app throughout November 2026, giving customers a limited opportunity to enjoy the special offering at an accessible price. Food lovers across Lagos are encouraged to download the Swoop app and place their orders before the promotion ends on 30 November.

The collaboration was celebrated at The Jollof Table, an exclusive tasting experience hosted at Burger King Ajose in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event brought together food enthusiasts, lifestyle creators and influencers for an afternoon celebrating jollof, flavour and the food culture that brings Nigerians together.

Guests were among the first to sample Burger King's take on the Nigerian classic, developed in collaboration with Chef T, while discovering how the partnership combines great food, convenience and accessible pricing. The tasting also provided an opportunity for both brands to engage directly with Lagos' food and lifestyle communities, introducing an offering designed to bring more value to customers.

“Jollof is one of those meals Nigerians never get tired of, and we're excited to partner with Burger King and Chef T to bring something special to our customers,” said Steven Osiegbu, Account Management Lead at Swoop. “At Swoop, we're always looking for ways to make great food more accessible. This collaboration brings together a meal people love, a fantastic restaurant partner and an offer that delivers real value.”

The partnership reflects a shared ambition to make popular food experiences more accessible to consumers. By combining Burger King's restaurant offering, Chef T's culinary expertise and Swoop's delivery platform, the collaboration brings together three complementary strengths to create an exclusive experience for food lovers across Lagos.

For Swoop, the collaboration is part of its continued focus on working with leading restaurants and food brands to give customers more choice, better value and convenient access to the meals they enjoy. Through partnerships like this, Swoop is creating opportunities for restaurant partners to reach new customers while making attractive food offers available through its platform.

The exclusive N1,000 Chef T's Jollof Combo is available to order through the Swoop app, giving customers an opportunity to enjoy the new offering at a promotional price.

Swoop is a technology company building a more accessible and transparent digital commerce experience for consumers, merchants and riders across Africa. Launched in Nigeria with food delivery, Swoop connects customers with restaurants and local businesses through a platform designed around transparent pricing, convenient ordering and reliable delivery.

Swoop is available for download on iOS and Android

Victorious Flamingos Return to Abuja After Historic U-17 World Cup Triumph

2026-11-09T09:17:04.156+01:00

Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos have returned to the country following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, becoming the first African team to win the prestigious competition.

The young Nigerian side arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja in the early hours of Monday, where officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and supporters gathered to welcome the champions.

The Flamingos secured their maiden world title on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring the decisive goals to deliver a landmark victory for Nigeria and African football.

Their achievement represents a major breakthrough for women's football on the continent, further strengthening Nigeria's reputation as a leading force in youth football.

Before heading to Morocco for the tournament, the Flamingos had demonstrated their strength by winning the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire. They completed the competition with an impressive record of five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.

‘Victory Not a Fluke’ – Busari

Head coach Hakeem Busari has described the Flamingos' historic achievement as the product of development, resilience and character, insisting that their success was no coincidence.

Speaking after the final, Busari praised his players for their tactical discipline and determination, while expressing optimism about the future of African football.

He noted that the team's performance reflected the growing competitiveness of African sides, particularly in women's youth football, despite the challenges of facing established football nations.

“What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It is about development, it is about character, and it is about fighting from the beginning to really get it right. So we are elated and happy,” he said.

Busari explained that the Flamingos faced a difficult group that included the defending champions, describing the experience as evidence of the progress being made in African women's football.

The coach also expressed hope that more African teams would advance beyond the knockout stages in future editions of the tournament and eventually compete for the title.

Reflecting on the final against Japan, Busari said his technical crew had carefully studied the opponents' strengths, particularly their ability to win second balls and exploit spaces behind defensive lines.

According to him, the coaching crew adjusted its tactical approach to restrict Japan's attacking opportunities, instructing the players to direct long balls into spaces rather than areas where their opponents could easily regain possession.

He added that the Flamingos initially prioritised scoring early before adopting a more cautious approach after taking the lead. However, Japan eventually restored parity through a set-piece situation.

Busari described the final as a tactical contest that demanded collective defending, discipline and effective game management, commending his players for executing the team's strategy to secure the historic result.

Tinubu Hails Flamingos, Celebrates Historic Achievement

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Flamingos for their remarkable achievement, describing their victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women's football.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he received the news of the team's triumph upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.

Tinubu praised the players for their courage, discipline and determination, noting that they had fulfilled their promise to bring the trophy home after their semi-final victory.

“What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country.

“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.

“I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise. You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world,” the President said.

He described the victory as a source of inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls, stressing that the team's accomplishment had demonstrated what could be achieved through hard work, opportunity and determination.

“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” he added.

The President particularly commended Bashiru and Umejiaku for their decisive contributions in the final, while acknowledging the efforts of the entire squad throughout the competition.

He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their roles in guiding the team to the historic achievement.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening grassroots sports development and creating more opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their talents.

“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” he said.

Ericsson Repurchases 500,000 Shares Worth SEK 53m in Five Trading Days

2026-11-09T09:07:57.094+01:00

Swedish telecommunications equipment maker, Ericsson, has repurchased 500,000 of its Class B shares for approximately SEK 53.02 million during five trading days between November 2 and November 6, 2026, as part of its ongoing share buyback programme.

The company disclosed that the transactions were executed on Nasdaq Stockholm through Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, which acted on its behalf.

According to the transaction details, Ericsson acquired 100,000 shares each day throughout the five-day period. The weighted average share prices varied, declining from SEK 108.5774 on November 2 to SEK 102.4049 on November 6.

The highest daily transaction value was recorded on November 2 at SEK 10.86 million, while November 6 recorded the lowest at approximately SEK 10.24 million.

Share Repurchase Transactions

Date	Shares Repurchased	Average Price (SEK)	Transaction Value (SEK)
November 2, 2026	100,000	108.5774	10,857,740.00
November 3, 2026	100,000	107.6904	10,769,040.00
November 4, 2026	100,000	108.3088	10,830,880.00
November 5, 2026	100,000	103.2061	10,320,610.00
November 6, 2026	100,000	102.4049	10,240,490.00
Total	500,000	106.0375	53,018,760.00

The latest purchases form part of Ericsson's share buyback programme, worth up to SEK 15 billion, which the company announced on April 16, 2026. The programme commenced on April 23, 2026, and is scheduled to run until March 31, 2027, at the latest.

Ericsson's Board of Directors also intends to propose at the company's 2027 Annual General Meeting that the repurchased shares be cancelled, except for those required to meet obligations under its share-based incentive programmes.

The company stated that the buyback programme is being implemented in compliance with Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 on Market Abuse (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, commonly known as the Safe Harbour Regulation.

Following the latest transactions, Ericsson's treasury stock holdings have risen to 131,415,894 Class B shares.

The company currently has 3,371,351,735 shares in issue, comprising 261,755,983 Class A shares and 3,109,595,752 Class B shares.

WhatsApp Makes It Easier for South Africans to Feed Loved Ones 1,400km Away

2026-11-09T09:03:25.967+01:00

Feeding family from 1 400 km away: South Africans can now send food support to family members across provincial borders via WhatsApp

South Africans have sent 2 340 grocery bags to support their loved ones across provincial borders since July, using Refreshi’s no-app-download-needed collection link. On World Kindness Day, Refreshi is encouraging South Africans to share a meal with someone they care about. For access to images of the grocery bags being purchased, and the brand making it happen to address food waste in SA, click here.

South Africans are helping put food on their families’ tables from more than 1,400km away by saving a meal through the app and sending their loved ones a collection link on WhatsApp. Since July, 2400+ grocery bag collection links were shared through Refreshi, South Africa’s leading food-rescue app that connects shoppers with Surprise Bags of quality surplus food from bakeries, cafés, delis and supermarkets at a fraction of the retail price.

The process is simple and exponentially rewarding: someone buys a Surprise Bag through the Refreshi app from a participating store near their family member or friend, then sends them the collection link on WhatsApp. The recipient opens the link, visits the store and simply swipes on a pop-up screen to verify collection. They do not need to download the app, create an account or pay anything to secure their bag of food and take it home.

The average Refreshi Surprise Bag costs R67.70 and contains food with an average retail value of R145.15, giving customers an average saving of R77.45 per bag. Bags contain good food from participating bakeries, cafés and supermarkets that might otherwise go unsold.

Ahead of World Kindness Day on Friday, 13 November, Refreshi is encouraging South Africans to spend R70 to send a bag to someone who could use the support: a parent, a grandparent, a neighbour or a friend who would never ask. The company aims to have 1,000 bags shared in a single day, ensuring 1,000 South Africans are surprised with a grocery bag on World Kindness Day.

“When you want to help a parent, grandparent or someone you care about with food, the technology should make that easier,” says Jakob Holbak, CEO and Founder of Refreshi. “The person receiving the meal should not have to download another app or learn a new process. If one simple link is enough to get the food into their hands, we are already winning.”

Use of Refreshi’s collection link has more than doubled in four months, rising from 332 bags in July to 712 in October. The latest data shows that more than a third of shared bags, equalling 38%, were bought by someone in a different province from the person collecting. The average distance between buyer and recipient was 318km, while 64% of collectors had never used Refreshi before.

The busiest route for this support runs from Cape Town to Gauteng, where adult children working in the Western Cape buy food for parents and grandparents in Soweto, Tembisa and Mamelodi. Most grocery bag links are also sent on the Friday before payday, when most local household budgets are at their tightest.

For Lerato Dlamini, 34, a nurse in Cape Town, the collection link has become part of a weekly routine. Most Fridays, she sends a Surprise Bag to her grandmother, Gogo Lara Dlamini, 81, who lives alone in Soweto: “My grandmother has a phone for WhatsApp and her church group, and that is it. I tried to get her onto an app once and she handed the phone to my cousin,” says Dlamini. “Now I send the link, she walks to the shop with her neighbour, and she sends me a voice note telling me what was inside. That voice note is the best part of my week.”

Gogo Lara keeps it simpler: “I don’t know how it works. I only know my grandchild has fed me.”

“For someone unfamiliar with apps, another download, password or registration process can make receiving support unnecessarily difficult. Refreshi keeps the purchase in the sender’s app and gives the recipient access through a simple collection link. It is currently the only surplus-food app in South Africa that allows someone to save a meal for another person to collect without the recipient needing an account,” says Holbak.

To send a Surprise Bag on 13 November:

Save a meal: Download or open the Refreshi app and buy a Surprise Bag from a participating store near your recipient.
Send the link: Share the collection link with them on WhatsApp.
They collect: Your recipient opens the link and swipes to verify collection in store. No app download or account is needed on their side.

Since launching in March 2025, Refreshi has seen 260,878 meals saved, saving customers R34 million against retail value. This World Kindness Day, Refresh is asking South Africans to help put food on someone’s table, even if they cannot be there themselves.

Lerena Wins WBC International Title on a Night of Stoppages in Sandton

2026-11-09T08:54:29.847+01:00

A tenth-round knockdown capped Kevin Lerena’s return to cruiserweight in Sandton, where three stoppages earned fighters a combined R65 000 in Knockout Clock bonuses.

With less than a minute left in the tenth round, Kevin “Two Guns” Lerena sent Scott Forrest to the canvas. Forrest got back to his feet and made it to the final bell, but all three judges had Lerena ahead. The unanimous decision gave the South African the vacant WBC International cruiserweight title on Saturday, 7 November, in front of a sold-out Sandton Convention Centre at Aquila Boxing Promotions’ Knockout Chaos 3: The Return.

Lerena pressed Forrest from the opening bell. Judges Duduzile Dlamini and Thando Xamlashe each scored the bout 97–92, while Namhla Tyuluba had it 98–91, all in Lerena’s favour. Forrest, who was born in Johannesburg and represented Scotland at two Commonwealth Games, made Lerena work through all ten rounds. Afterwards, Lerena credited Forrest’s amateur experience and said patience was essential against a boxer who gave him few openings.

It was Lerena’s first fight at cruiserweight since 2020. In the intervening years, the former IBO cruiserweight world champion competed at heavyweight and held the WBC world title at bridgerweight. At 34, he is back in the 90.7 kg division where he won his first world title.

Three stoppages earn R65 000 in Knockout Clock bonuses

Simnikiwe Bongco beat Sivenathi Nolawu in the opening junior middleweight bout. In the second fight, Gauteng junior lightweight champion Tumelo “Slow Poison” Mphahlele stopped Msawakhe “King Kong” Mncwabe one minute and 19 seconds into the opening round of their scheduled six-round contest. Mphahlele, who trains under Sean Smith at Smith’s Gym, earned a R30 000 Knockout Clock bonus backed by Cordiguard and LBE Logistics.

Zimbabwe’s Tendai “Big Tendai” Sinakoma went the full six rounds with South Africa’s Bonginkosi “Malume” Nhlapo and won their catchweight bout by unanimous decision. KC Pinnacle, in association with Veloce, and Nasty ENRG backed the bout’s Knockout Clock.

Jason “El Rey” Medi stopped Douglas “The Congo Crusher” Ntounta 54 seconds into the fifth round of their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout. The technical knockout earned Medi a R10 000 Knockout Clock bonus backed by Tigris by Discovery and Heerschop Pienaar.

In the fifth bout, 19-year-old South African prospect Leo “The Chosen One” Careri stopped 36-year-old Jackson “El Jaguar” Masamba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo one minute and 52 seconds into round two. Careri’s technical knockout in the scheduled six-round catchweight contest earned him a R25 000 Knockout Clock bonus backed by Parque and Advanced Fire Suppression Technologies.

Fellow South Africans Jarred Silverman and SD Pypers finally met in the junior middleweight co-main event after months of public exchanges and a postponement. Silverman was declared the winner after a finish that drew debate in Sandton.

Lerena returned to the 200-pound division with a third world title in mind. Against Forrest, he had ten rounds to see how he measured up after six years away from cruiserweight. He left Sandton with the WBC International belt and a first win on the road back to world-title contention.

Kaspersky Uncovers Most Widely Used Lateral Movement Tools in Cyberattacks

2026-11-09T08:44:10.030+01:00

2 million hacking tool detections in six months: Kaspersky reveals the most used lateral movement utilities

Recent statistics compiled from detection alerts within Kaspersky Anti Targeted Attack (KATA)* reveal the hacking tools most often used for lateral movement across enterprise infrastructures, highlighting the pressing need for reliable network security solutions to protect corporate environments.

Recent investigations into cyber-espionage groups show that attackers increasingly avoid detectable malware, choosing instead to blend into legitimate corporate network traffic. By weaponising dual-use tools and administrative utilities already present in the system, they move laterally across the domain undetected to harvest credentials and locate high-value assets. In this era of silent intrusion, Kaspersky shares insights into the most frequently used hacking tools to help organisations defend their networks.

For a decade, KATA, Kaspersky’s mature NDR solution, has been delivering comprehensive anti-APT protection. It features advanced threat detection, in-depth network traffic analysis, and centralised incident response to ensure full visibility across the entire network. Equipped with nearly 12,500 network detection rules in its database, KATA detects an average of 312,705 potential attacks daily.

For the period of 6 months, April to September 2026, the solution detected 2,171,513 hacking tool usage attempts. The following types of tools were detected most frequently:

HackTool.Cobalt – 136,084 detections. While designed for security assessments, Cobalt Strike is also frequently used by malicious actors across various attack stages, including post-exploitation, lateral movement, and similar activities.

HackTool.NetExec – 129,560 detections. NetExec is used for automated network security assessments and discovering poorly secured network services. Its capabilities can also be exploited by attackers for reconnaissance and gaining system access.

HackTool.SQLMap – 107,697 detections. The SQLMap tool is used to automate the detection and exploitation of SQL injection vulnerabilities, which can allow unauthorised access to databases via web applications.

“Since advanced hacking tools may bypass endpoint defences, deploying Network Detection and Response (NDR) solution is critical to exposing silent anomalies and neutralising advanced attacks,” says Aren Torosyan, Product Manager at Kaspersky. “This year, we are proudly celebrating the 10th anniversary of KATA. Over this decade of innovation, backed by deep infrastructure expertise and rigorous research, KATA has established itself as a highly effective solution, helping clients worldwide protect their environments from even the most advanced, hidden threats across networks and endpoints. With the transition to the Open Single Management Platform planned for next year, advanced NDR capabilities will become even more comprehensive and accessible to security teams”.

To get full information about Kaspersky Anti Targeted Attack and request a demo, please visit the website.

*Statistics are based on detection alerts from Kaspersky products, collected from users who consented to provide statistical data to Kaspersky Security Network. Some of the detections may be attributed to authorised security assessments.

AI Revolution: Advertising Agencies Must Offer More Than Creative Production, Says Akinwunmi

2026-11-09T08:31:13.600+01:00

Olufemi Adeyemi

Artificial intelligence may be transforming the advertising industry by making it easier and faster to develop campaigns, generate content and produce marketing materials, but advertising agencies must offer more than creative production to remain relevant, veteran advertising professional, Lolu Akinwunmi, has said.

Akinwunmi, the founding Group Chief Executive Officer of Prima Garnet Africa Group, stated this while delivering a paper titled “Who Needs a Creative Agency Anyway? Advertising, Artificial Intelligence and the Reinvention of the Nigerian Agency” at the 14th Annual National Brands and Marketing Conference organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN).

The conference, which examined the theme, “Advertising in Nigeria and AI: Who Needs Creative Agencies Anyway?”, provided a platform for discussions on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and its implications for advertising agencies, professionals and the wider marketing communications industry.

Speaking on the changing dynamics of the profession, Akinwunmi noted that AI was increasingly capable of performing tasks traditionally handled by advertising agencies, including writing advertising copy, generating headlines, creating images, producing videos and developing campaign ideas within seconds.

He illustrated this with the example of a marketing director launching a new soft drink, who could simply instruct an AI application to generate campaign concepts, radio commercials, headlines and social media messages without necessarily engaging an advertising agency.

According to him, the development has raised an important question about the continued relevance of creative agencies in an industry where technology is making previously specialised services accessible to almost everyone.

Drawing on his more than four decades of experience in advertising, having started his career at LINTAS in 1982 before establishing Prima Garnet in 1992, Akinwunmi acknowledged that the industry was undergoing a significant transformation.

He, however, argued that while AI might not completely eliminate advertising agencies, it would undermine many of the traditional reasons clients have depended on them.

“AI will not necessarily eliminate advertising agencies. But it will certainly eliminate many of the traditional reasons clients needed us,” he said.

He warned that agencies that failed to recognise the changing realities and reinvent their operations risked losing their relevance as clients increasingly explored technology-driven alternatives.

AI's capabilities and the limits of automated creativity

Explaining the capabilities of artificial intelligence, Akinwunmi described it as computer technology capable of undertaking tasks that ordinarily require human intelligence, including analysing information, answering questions, writing reports, generating images and producing videos.

He acknowledged that applications such as ChatGPT had made these capabilities accessible to ordinary people without requiring specialised computer knowledge.

However, he cautioned that AI was not infallible, as it could misunderstand instructions, make mistakes and generate convincing but inaccurate information.

Using the example of a toothpaste manufacturer, he explained that although AI could generate campaign themes, radio commercials, headlines and advertising images, the ability to produce advertising materials did not automatically translate into effective communication.

He said agencies must be able to determine which creative ideas address a client's business challenges, appeal to the right audience, differentiate the brand and reflect what the organisation could realistically deliver.

According to him, an attractive commercial could entertain consumers without persuading them to purchase a product, while an award-winning advertisement might not necessarily contribute meaningfully to a client's business performance.

“AI can generate possibilities. But someone must understand the problem, evaluate the options and decide what is appropriate. AI can help produce an advertisement. But it cannot guarantee that the advertisement is worth producing,” he stated.

Agencies must go beyond producing advertisements

The advertising professional also challenged the industry's traditional perception of creative agencies as organisations primarily responsible for producing television commercials, radio jingles, billboards and social media campaigns.

He argued that the real responsibility of an advertising agency should extend to helping clients understand consumers, identify business challenges, develop solutions and build sustainable brands.

To illustrate this, he cited the example of a company experiencing declining sales and approaching an agency for a major advertising campaign.

Rather than immediately developing advertisements, he said a competent agency should investigate the reasons behind the decline, including competition, pricing, product quality, distribution challenges and consumer awareness.

He maintained that advertising could not independently resolve every business problem, stressing that a campaign would achieve little if consumers could not find the product in stores or were dissatisfied with its quality.

Similarly, he noted that a bank's advertising promises of excellent customer service could lose credibility if customers continued to experience unexplained charges, unresolved complaints and poor service delivery.

Akinwunmi further explained that building a brand involved more than creating a name, logo or slogan, as it required establishing a lasting position in the minds and everyday experiences of consumers.

Citing familiar brands such as Coca-Cola, MTN, Indomie and Peak Milk, he said their strength was rooted not simply in advertising exposure but in the relationships and expectations they had built with consumers.

He recalled MTN's early Life Is Beautiful campaign, noting that its communication connected mobile telecommunications with the changing lifestyles of Nigerians, including the ability to maintain family relationships, support businesses and communicate across distances.

He said such campaigns demonstrated how effective brand communication could connect products and services with meaningful human experiences.

Understanding Nigeria's diverse consumers

Akinwunmi identified consumer understanding as another area where advertising agencies could maintain a competitive advantage over AI-driven content production.

He noted that Nigeria's diverse cultural, linguistic, social and economic realities made it difficult to approach the country's consumers as one uniform market.

According to him, the experiences and purchasing priorities of young professionals in Lekki could differ significantly from those of traders in Onitsha, while households in Kano and Port Harcourt might respond differently to the same advertising message.

He explained that even consumers purchasing the same product could have different priorities, using mobile phones as an example.

While some consumers might prioritise camera quality, others could be more concerned about battery life, affordability or reliability, depending on their individual needs and circumstances.

Although AI could analyse consumer information, he warned that incomplete, inaccurate or outdated data could produce misleading recommendations.

He therefore urged Nigerian agencies to invest in research, engage directly with consumers and develop a deeper understanding of their aspirations, frustrations, economic pressures and cultural influences.

He maintained that agencies capable of combining AI technology with genuine knowledge of Nigerian consumers would have a significant competitive advantage.

AI, employment and the future of agency fees

Addressing the implications of AI for employment, agency remuneration and organisational structures, Akinwunmi acknowledged that some traditional advertising roles could change or disappear as technology increasingly automates routine activities.

He recalled that the introduction of computers and digital technology had similarly transformed the industry, eliminating some jobs while creating new opportunities and changing existing professional responsibilities.

He noted that copywriters could now generate numerous headline suggestions within seconds, designers could produce multiple creative variations more quickly, while research executives could use AI to summarise lengthy reports.

However, he stressed that professionals would still be required to evaluate creative outputs, interpret research findings and take responsibility for the quality of the final work.

“The lesson for advertising professionals is straightforward. Do not merely learn how to use AI. Develop the judgement required to use it intelligently,” he advised.

On agency fees, Akinwunmi said the traditional approach of charging clients based partly on the time, personnel and resources required to complete assignments would increasingly come under pressure.

He observed that clients could question existing fee arrangements when technology enabled agencies to complete in two days assignments that previously took two weeks.

He argued that agencies must respond by demonstrating the actual value of their contributions, including improvements in sales, consumer perception, brand strength and business performance.

According to him, the value of an agency should not be measured simply by the number of hours spent on an assignment or the volume of materials produced.

He also predicted that future advertising agencies could become smaller, faster and more technology-driven, with relatively lean teams capable of handling assignments that previously required larger organisations.

While describing this development as an opportunity for smaller Nigerian agencies, he warned that competition would intensify and organisations unwilling to embrace new ways of working could struggle to survive.

Brand journalists must also prepare for AI disruption

Turning his attention to members of BJAN, Akinwunmi said the implications of artificial intelligence extended beyond advertising agencies to journalism and other communication-related professions.

He noted that AI could already generate news reports, summarise speeches, transcribe interviews, suggest headlines and analyse documents.

Raising a question similar to the conference theme, he asked whether journalists could remain relevant when technology could perform many of their traditional duties.

He argued that the value of journalism was not merely in producing written reports but in the ability to investigate, verify information, ask critical questions and provide context.

Using the example of an advertising agency announcing the adoption of AI, he said journalists should go beyond reproducing the announcement and investigate whether the technology was improving advertising quality, delivering better value to clients or affecting employment.

He also urged brand journalists to examine the effectiveness and authenticity of AI-generated campaigns rather than focusing solely on the technology used to produce them.

Akinwunmi further warned about the growing risks associated with artificially generated images, voices and videos that could misrepresent events or spread false information.

He said journalists must strengthen their verification processes, question sources and carefully examine claims to distinguish authentic information from misleading AI-generated content.

“Technology can help produce information. But it cannot remove the journalist's responsibility to establish whether that information is true,” he said.

He encouraged BJAN to take a closer look at the future of brand journalism, noting that advertising professionals and journalists faced a common challenge of maintaining their professional value as technology continued to evolve.

Five priorities for reinventing Nigerian agencies

Outlining the steps required to reposition the Nigerian advertising industry, Akinwunmi identified five priorities for agencies seeking to remain competitive.

He urged agencies to embrace AI intelligently by understanding its capabilities, training their employees and ensuring responsible use of the technology.

He also called for a deeper understanding of clients' businesses, arguing that agencies should move beyond waiting for advertising briefs to identifying problems and recommending appropriate solutions.

Other priorities included strengthening consumer research, investing in professionals with creative thinking and analytical skills, and demonstrating measurable value to clients.

He said these changes would require adjustments in traditional agency operations but could ultimately make the Nigerian advertising industry more innovative, effective and valuable.

Concluding his presentation, Akinwunmi maintained that advertising agencies could no longer depend on their historical position or established reputation to guarantee their continued relevance.

He described AI as both a challenge and an opportunity for agencies to improve their thinking, understand consumers better, develop more effective campaigns and build stronger relationships with clients.

Summarising his position, he said AI would make advertising easier to produce, but that did not necessarily mean the quality or effectiveness of advertising would improve.

He stressed that the real value of an agency lay in the business problems it helped clients solve and the brands it helped build.

“So, who needs a creative agency anyway? My answer is simple. Nobody needs an agency merely because it calls itself an advertising agency. Clients need agencies that understand their businesses. Agencies that understand consumers. Agencies that develop meaningful ideas. Agencies that solve problems. And agencies that deliver results,” he said.

He concluded with a warning that agencies must continually earn their place in the marketplace through innovation, professional judgement and measurable contributions to clients' businesses.

“After more than four decades in this profession, I have come to one important conclusion: Nobody owes an advertising agency relevance. Not the client. Not the consumer. Not the marketplace.”

Pan-Atlantic University Welcomes 748 New Students at 13th Matriculation Ceremony

2026-11-09T07:14:29.532+01:00

Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) formally welcomed 748 newly enrolled undergraduate students into its community at its 13th Matriculation Ceremony on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at the University’s Main Campus, Km 52 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

The ceremony, conducted in three sessions corresponding to the University’s schools, marked the official admission of the students as bona fide members of the Pan-Atlantic University community. The new cohort comprises 379 male and 369 female students drawn from the School of Media and Communication (SMC), the School of Management and Social Sciences (SMSS), and the School of Science and Technology (SST).

In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Enase Okonedo, warmly welcomed the new students and congratulated them on formally becoming members of the University community. She also thanked parents and guardians for the confidence they had placed in the institution and acknowledged the sacrifices that had brought their children to this point.

Professor Okonedo highlighted the significant growth in applications and enrolment. The University received 3,247 applications through UTME and Direct Entry for the current session, representing a 90.3 per cent increase over the 1,706 applications received in the previous session. Of these, 1,374 candidates were offered admission, with 748 ultimately enrolling. Among the new students is one from Cameroon, whom the Vice-Chancellor welcomed into the University community.

Addressing the matriculating students, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that behind the statistics are individual young people with diverse abilities, interests, and aspirations. “Each of you has earned your place here. What matters now is what you do with the opportunity,” she said. She underscored Pan-Atlantic University’s commitment to the holistic development of students, stating that the University’s concern extends beyond academic competence to the formation of individuals who can exercise sound judgement and take responsibility for the impact of their decisions on others. The habits formed during their time at PAU, she noted, would endure long after the completion of their degrees.

Thereafter, Mrs Anne Osezua, Head of Student Affairs, administered the matriculation pledge, during which the new students solemnly affirmed their commitment to abide by the rules and regulations of the University. The Registrar, Kingsley Ukaoha, later delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the University management, staff, parents, and guests for their support in making the ceremony a success.

Pan-Atlantic University is a private, nonprofit institution located in Lagos, Nigeria, committed to forming competent and ethical professionals equipped to serve society with integrity.

ARCON, FG Push Responsible AI Adoption to Strengthen Nigeria's Creative Economy

2026-11-09T07:14:13.349+01:00

Olufemi Adeyemi

Fadolapo said the growing influence of artificial intelligence in advertising should be seen as an opportunity to drive innovation and improve industry practices rather than a threat to the survival of creative agencies. He also highlighted government initiatives, emphasising the need for ethical use of technology and stronger support for creative professionals.

The Federal Government is stepping up efforts to position Nigeria's creative economy as a major driver of economic growth, employment generation and global influence, with artificial intelligence expected to play an increasingly important role in transforming the sector.

The Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, made this known while delivering his goodwill message at the 2026 Annual Brands and Marketing Conference organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN).

He identified government-backed initiatives, including the Creative Economy Development Fund, the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation and the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), as important interventions designed to strengthen the creative industry and expand opportunities for practitioners.

According to him, these programmes are expected to support skills development, mentorship, access to funding, technology and other resources required by creative professionals and businesses to thrive.

The conference, which brought together advertising practitioners, brand custodians, journalists and other industry stakeholders, was held under the theme, "Advertising in Nigeria and AI — Who Needs a Creative Agency Anyway?"

Addressing participants, Fadolapo described the theme as timely, noting that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence had raised important questions about the future of creative agencies and their relevance in an increasingly technology-driven advertising industry.

He acknowledged that AI was changing advertising practice and brand communication by providing speed, efficiency, data-driven insights and creative opportunities that were difficult to imagine only a few years ago.

For Nigeria's advertising industry, he said, the development presented an opportunity to innovate, improve competitiveness and deliver greater value to brands and consumers.

However, he cautioned that technological advancement must not come at the expense of human creativity, cultural understanding and public trust.

Fadolapo stressed that Nigeria's cultural diversity and social dynamics made human insight particularly important in developing effective advertising campaigns and meaningful brand communication.

He urged industry practitioners to pay close attention to the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, particularly issues relating to misinformation, intellectual property, originality, transparency and the preservation of public confidence.

"Technology must serve humanity, not compromise the values that hold our communication ecosystem together," he said.

Government strengthens creative economy framework

The ARCON director-general noted that the Federal Government recognised the potential of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to help creative agencies deliver better results, create employment and diversify the national economy.

He said the creative economy was increasingly being recognised as a significant contributor to economic development, job creation and Nigeria's influence on the global stage.

Fadolapo also disclosed that the government was working towards establishing stronger policy, institutional and financing frameworks to support the sector.

He pointed to the inauguration of committees by the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to develop practical frameworks for policy implementation, stakeholder engagement and monitoring.

According to him, these efforts demonstrate a growing recognition of the creative sector as an important component of the country's economic development agenda.

He further assured industry stakeholders that ARCON, working with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, would continue to strengthen the regulatory framework, encourage innovation and promote the responsible adoption of emerging technologies across the creative industry.

Brand journalists urged to uphold professionalism

Fadolapo also highlighted the important role of brand journalists in shaping public understanding and maintaining credibility within the advertising and marketing ecosystem.

He observed that the growing intersection of advertising, journalism, public relations and technology had made accurate reporting, credible storytelling and responsible brand communication more important than ever.

He therefore urged journalists covering brands and marketing to sustain high standards of professionalism, accuracy and integrity in their work.

Addressing the broader question of AI's impact on creative agencies, the ARCON boss maintained that the future of advertising should not be treated as a competition between human creativity and artificial intelligence.

"The future of advertising in Nigeria should not be a contest between human creativity and artificial intelligence. It should be a partnership in which technology enhances human imagination, agencies deliver strategic value, and brands build meaningful relationships with their audiences," he said.

He commended the conference organisers for providing a platform for dialogue, learning and collaboration among stakeholders, expressing hope that discussions would produce fresh ideas, stronger partnerships and practical solutions for the future of advertising and brand journalism in Nigeria.

Fadolapo subsequently declared the conference open and wished participants a successful and rewarding engagement.

Abuja to Host Gadget Fair 2026 on November 28

2026-11-08T22:41:19.034+01:00

Technology enthusiasts, gadget retailers and consumers are expected to converge in Abuja on November 28 as Gadget Fair 2026 makes its debut in the Federal Capital Territory.

The event, scheduled to take place at Monoliza Park from 8am, will bring together technology brands, vendors and members of the public for a day of shopping, product showcases, gaming and entertainment. Admission is free.

Organised under the theme, “Bigger Deals. Better Prices,” the fair is designed to provide consumers with opportunities to explore a wide range of gadgets, compare products and benefit from discounts offered by participating vendors.

The programme will feature several activities, including live product demonstrations, gadget auctions, promotional raffles and giveaways, alongside entertainment throughout the day.

Gaming enthusiasts will also have an opportunity to participate in a FIFA tournament, with the overall winner set to receive a brand-new PlayStation 5.

Beyond the technology displays and shopping opportunities, attendees can expect music, comedy and other promotional activities offering opportunities to win prizes, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Speaking on the initiative, convener Nnaedu Umeohia described Gadget Fair as a consumer-focused platform aimed at making technology more accessible and affordable while creating opportunities for participating brands and vendors to engage directly with potential customers.

The Abuja edition marks an expansion of the fair's reach, providing technology businesses with a platform to showcase their products while allowing consumers to interact with different brands and explore available deals.

Interested attendees can register for free by following @gadgetfairafrica on Instagram and accessing the registration link in the account's bio.

Alero Ebigbeyi Expands Fashion Business With Affordable Unisex Brand Heych

2026-11-08T22:37:13.858+01:00

Nigerian fashion designer Alero Ebigbeyi is taking her decades of experience in luxury fashion into a broader market with the launch of Heych, an affordable unisex clothing brand designed to make quality fashion accessible to more consumers.

The new venture represents a strategic expansion for Ebigbeyi, whose career spanning more than 30 years has been largely associated with creating high-end fashion pieces for women. With Heych, she is extending her reach to men and women seeking contemporary, versatile clothing without the premium price tags often associated with luxury fashion.

Trained at the London College of Fashion, Ebigbeyi has established herself through years of designing for clients with diverse tastes and preferences. Her creative work has also earned exposure at fashion showcases in major international cities, including London, New York and Paris.

The introduction of Heych reflects her response to changing consumer preferences and growing demand for affordable everyday clothing, particularly as economic pressures continue to influence purchasing decisions.

Built around a unisex concept, the brand offers clothing that prioritises comfort, versatility and personal expression, moving away from conventional gender-based fashion classifications.

Beyond affordability, local production is central to the brand's identity. Its garments are manufactured at a production facility in Lagos, highlighting Ebigbeyi's commitment to supporting Nigerian manufacturing and strengthening indigenous businesses.

The approach also points to the growing opportunities within Nigeria's fashion industry, particularly in developing local garment production beyond the traditional focus on design, marketing and retail.

Although Nigerian designers have continued to gain international recognition for their creativity, the expansion of local manufacturing capacity remains crucial to the industry's long-term growth. By establishing Heych, Ebigbeyi is seeking to contribute to that development through a business model that connects locally manufactured clothing with a wider consumer base.

Her extensive experience in luxury fashion is expected to influence the brand's attention to craftsmanship and quality, even as it maintains more accessible pricing.

The launch comes at a time when fashion businesses are increasingly adjusting their strategies to accommodate changing spending habits and consumer expectations.

For Ebigbeyi, Heych represents an opportunity to build on her established experience while creating a fashion brand that combines affordability, local production and contemporary style.

Funke Akindele Recounts Influencer’s Rejection During ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ Promotion

2026-11-08T21:47:43.047+01:00

Sola Benson

Nollywood filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has revealed how an unnamed social media influencer turned down her offer to pay for promotional content for her 2024 box office hit, Everybody Loves Jenifa.

Akindele shared the experience during a panel discussion at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND), where she spoke about the realities of influencer partnerships, film marketing and the challenges of promoting entertainment projects.

The filmmaker explained that she initially hesitated to approach the influencer but eventually decided to send a message proposing a content collaboration as part of the film’s promotional campaign.

According to her, she suggested creating promotional content several times a week but waited days before receiving a response indicating that the influencer’s management was not interested in the arrangement.

“There was one influencer I reached out to. I sent a message to them that I would like to create content. One, two, three, four times a week. And I didn’t want to send this message. This was during Everybody Loves Jenifa, but I tried,” she said.

Akindele added that she was willing to pay for the proposed promotional services but was still unable to secure the collaboration.

“The person was like, ‘I’m sorry, my management, they don’t want me to do this.’ The person was like, ‘Oh, please, I’m paying. I’m paying.’ The person ignored me,” she said.

She further disclosed that she later encountered claims suggesting she had blocked someone following the disagreement, although she did not identify the influencer or provide additional details about the allegation.

Despite the experience, Akindele said she refused to allow the rejection to discourage her or derail her promotional efforts.

“I didn’t let it affect me. I embraced it. I didn’t go and reply. I just said, God, take control. I got back to it,” she said.

She also encouraged people to recognise the difference between constructive criticism and discouragement, urging them to remain committed to their ambitions rather than allowing negative reactions to undermine their confidence.

Akindele has established herself as one of Nollywood’s most commercially successful filmmakers, with several productions recording impressive box office performances.

Her 2023 film, Battle on Buka Street, grossed approximately N640 million, while A Tribe Called Judah made history in January 2024 as the first Nollywood production to surpass N1 billion at the Nigerian box office.

Later that year, Everybody Loves Jenifa generated approximately N1.88 billion, becoming the highest-grossing film in West Africa at the time.

Her 2025 production, Behind the Scenes, subsequently crossed the N2 billion mark, setting another major box office milestone for African cinema.

Busari Makes History as Flamingos Win Maiden U-17 Women’s World Cup Title

2026-11-08T21:42:11.195+01:00

Akeem Ishola Busari has achieved a remarkable milestone in Nigerian football, guiding the Flamingos to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title barely seven months after taking charge of the national team.

The Nigerian youngsters defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, on November 7, 2026, to become the first African nation to win the prestigious youth competition.

The triumph capped an impressive transformation under Busari, who was appointed head coach on April 2, 2026, by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). In just seven months and five days, he took the team from a rebuilding phase to the summit of global youth women’s football.

His achievement also surpassed Nigeria’s previous best performance in the competition, a bronze-medal finish secured under former coach Bankole Olowookere at the 2022 edition in India.

From Pacesetter Queens to the national assignment

Before his appointment, Busari was the head coach of Pacesetter Queens Football Club of Ibadan. The NFF announced his appointment following the approval of a recommendation by its Executive Committee, based on the proposal of the Technical and Development Committee.

He replaced Olowookere, who had spent several years working with the Flamingos and established a competitive foundation for the team.

At the time, Busari’s immediate responsibility was to steer Nigeria through the African qualifying series for the 2026 tournament, which Morocco was scheduled to host.

Beyond his coaching experience, Busari also had a long history of professional training. A report published by Blueprint on November 6, 2026, quoted the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, as saying that the coach obtained his initial coaching qualification from the institute in Lagos in 1999.

Shaibu disclosed that Busari returned to the institute for its Higher Programmes between 2003 and 2006, with his final coaching certificates issued in October 2006.

His journey through the coaching profession, therefore, began more than two decades before he led Nigeria to its historic global triumph.

Building a team for the World Cup

Barely eight days after his appointment, Busari began assembling the squad for the qualifying campaign.

On April 10, 2026, the NFF announced that he had invited 36 players to camp ahead of the team's second-round qualifying fixture. The invitation list comprised five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders and eight forwards.

Among those invited were Fidel Pepple and Aminat Abiodun of Pacesetter Queens, his former club, while the remaining players were drawn from different Nigeria Women Football League clubs and football academies.

The federation also confirmed the appointment of Jegede-Idakwo and Omodiaghe as assistant coaches, completing the technical team that would work alongside Busari.

The immediate task was to secure Nigeria's place at the World Cup, and the new coach delivered on that responsibility.

Flamingos secure World Cup qualification

Nigeria booked its ticket to Morocco in July after overcoming the Amazons of Benin Republic in the final qualifying round.

According to the NFF's July 11 report, the Flamingos defeated their West African opponents 5-3 in the second leg played in Lomé, completing an 8-5 aggregate victory.

Nigeria had won the first leg 3-2 in Ikenne, Ogun State, before producing another attacking display away from home.

Mary Dustan opened the scoring in the sixth minute, while Esther Stephen and Queen Joseph also found the net. Joseph completed her brace in the 76th minute to help seal the 5-3 victory.

The result represented Busari's first major achievement as national team coach and provided the foundation for the team's subsequent preparations for the global competition.

Intensive preparations for Morocco 2026

Following qualification, attention shifted to building a squad capable of competing against the world's best youth teams.

On August 28, the NFF announced that Busari had invited 26 players for the first phase of the team's final camping programme in Abuja. The players were expected to report to Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, on August 30.

After the preparatory exercise, the coach unveiled his final 21-player squad on October 6.

The selection included captain Harmony Chidi, defenders Elizabeth Adesuyi and Esther Stephen, midfielders Mary Dustan and Favour Nkwocha, as well as forwards Tosin Rafiu, Queen Joseph, Precious Oscar and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.

The team departed Nigeria for Morocco on October 7, ahead of the tournament's opening on October 17.

From opening defeat to an impressive knockout run

The Flamingos' campaign did not begin as expected, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group match on October 17.

However, Busari's side quickly recovered, defeating Puerto Rico 2-0 before recording an impressive 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea on October 23 to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

Nigeria maintained its momentum with a 2-1 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 before edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals.

Their biggest statement came in the semi-finals, where the Flamingos defeated Brazil 3-1 to become the first African team to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Busari's tactical flexibility played an important role in the team's progress. The NFF particularly highlighted his willingness to adjust his starting line-up and make changes when necessary.

One notable decision was his choice to hand Awawu Bashiru a starting role against Brazil after she had largely featured as a substitute.

The forward justified the coach's confidence by scoring twice to inspire Nigeria's victory over the South Americans and secure a historic place in the final.

Japan conquered as Flamingos make history

The defining moment of Busari's seven-month spell arrived on November 7, when Nigeria faced Japan in the final in Rabat.

The Flamingos started confidently and took the lead in the 39th minute through Bashiru, whose long-range effort slipped past Japanese goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

Nigeria doubled its advantage shortly after the restart, with Oluebube Umejiaku scoring in the 47th minute. She capitalised on a pass from Esther Stephen before lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

Japan attempted to fight back and reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, setting up a tense closing period.

However, the Nigerian girls remained resolute, protecting their advantage until the final whistle to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.

Umejiaku was subsequently named Player of the Tournament, adding individual recognition to Nigeria's historic team achievement.

FIFA described the victory as Nigeria's maiden title in the competition and the first time an African country had emerged champion.

Busari: 'This is a turnaround for Africa'

Speaking after the final, Busari reflected on the significance of the victory, describing it as a major breakthrough for African football, particularly at youth level.

In an interview published by FIFA on November 7, the coach said the triumph would encourage greater belief in the continent's ability to compete against established football nations.

“This is a turnaround for Africa,” he said.

“In terms of youth-age football, it’s improving and here we could really come and compete. Being a champion is going to go a long way to really motivate us, and we are sending a signal, a message to the world that Africa is really coming.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also celebrated the achievement, describing Nigeria's victory as a historic moment for the continent.

For Busari, the triumph represents the reward for years of coaching education, professional development and tactical work, culminating in an extraordinary achievement within his first seven months in charge of the national team.

From his appointment on April 2 to the final on November 7, he successfully guided the Flamingos through qualification, preparations and a demanding tournament campaign before delivering Nigeria's first FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.

More importantly, his achievement has given Nigerian women's football a new place in the history of the competition and established the Flamingos as the first African champions at the U-17 level.

Oliseh Hails Flamingos After Historic U-17 Women’s World Cup Triumph

2026-11-08T21:30:57.928+01:00

Sunday Oliseh, the ex-Super Eagles captain and former head coach, has saluted Nigeria's Flamingos for their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. He called their run an unforgettable moment for Nigerian football.

Having watched nearly every game of the team's impressive campaign, the former midfielder commended the players for their resolve, football intelligence, speed and strong team spirit. Those qualities, he noted, carried them to become the first African nation to lift the trophy.

In a message posted on his official X account, Oliseh singled out Nigeria’s group-stage encounter against defending champions North Korea as his favourite match of the competition.

“Congratulations Flamingos, i saw almost every game and the North Korea game was my favourite. You just made my year! These girls got pace, football intelligence, hunger to succeed, and a great team spirit. May God surprise you positively like you did us, Nigerians. Bravo sisters! The world applauds you,” Oliseh wrote.

The Flamingos' historic achievement followed an impressive recovery after they began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.

Nigeria bounced back strongly, defeating Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea to secure progression from the group stage.

They maintained their momentum in the knockout rounds, overcoming Mexico and Venezuela before producing an outstanding 3-1 victory over Brazil to book their first-ever appearance in the tournament's final.

The Nigerian youngsters completed their remarkable campaign with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday's final in Rabat, Morocco.

Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes into the second half.

Japan responded through Fuki Ito, but the Flamingos defended their lead to secure the championship and make history as the first African nation to lift the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup trophy.

Oliseh's commendation adds to the celebrations surrounding the team's achievement, which represents a significant milestone for women's football in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Poppi Founders Launch Jetty to Challenge Gatorade in Growing Hydration Market

2026-11-08T21:27:00.375+01:00

The founders of Poppi, Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, are setting their sights on the multibillion-dollar hydration market with the launch of a new beverage brand, Jetty, as they seek to replicate their success in the highly competitive soft drinks industry.

The new venture, which is self-funded, will begin selling bottled hydration drinks and ready-to-mix electrolyte powders on Monday. The products will be available at Whole Foods stores and online through Target and Amazon.

Jetty’s entry into the market places the Ellsworths in direct competition with PepsiCo, which acquired Poppi for $1.95 billion in 2025 and owns Gatorade, the dominant player in the United States sports drink market, with approximately 60 per cent market share, according to Numerator data.

Having disrupted the traditional soda market with Poppi through its emphasis on prebiotic fibre, low calories, reduced sugar and youth-focused marketing, the entrepreneurs are hoping to apply a similar approach to hydration.

However, the new brand faces competition from established beverage companies and a growing number of emerging brands seeking to benefit from increasing consumer interest in electrolyte-based drinks.

Unlike conventional sports drinks, which have traditionally targeted athletes and people recovering from strenuous physical activities, Jetty is positioning itself as an everyday hydration option for consumers who want electrolytes without the relatively high sugar content and electrolyte levels associated with traditional sports beverages.

“No one has really created a product for just everyday hydration — literally everyday hydration for normal people,” Allison Ellsworth, Jetty’s chief brand officer, told CNBC.

“Like I woke up this morning, I didn’t run a marathon.”

GLP-1 Experience Inspires New Beverage Brand

The idea behind Jetty reportedly emerged from Allison Ellsworth’s personal experience after she stepped away from the day-to-day operations of Poppi following its acquisition by PepsiCo.

Although she remains an adviser to the brand, Ellsworth said the completion of a decade-long journey building Poppi gave her time to focus on her health.

She subsequently visited her doctor for the first time in 10 years, began using a GLP-1 medication and lost 60 pounds.

During that period, her husband, Stephen Ellsworth, who now serves as Jetty’s chief executive officer, noticed that she was struggling to drink enough water, even after returning from the gym.

GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, can reduce thirst, making adequate hydration more challenging for some users. Maintaining sufficient fluid intake is also important because it may help manage certain side effects associated with the medications, including nausea and headaches.

“I physically struggle getting liquid into my body,” Ellsworth said.

That experience helped shape Jetty’s product concept, with the founders seeking to offer a more appealing alternative to plain water for people who find it difficult to maintain regular hydration.

The opportunity extends beyond GLP-1 users. Research by EY-Parthenon, based on its third annual survey of more than 3,600 current and former GLP-1 users, found that approximately 44 per cent reported consuming more functional beverages.

Ellsworth believes the brand will also appeal strongly to younger consumers and millennial mothers, particularly those who are less attracted to traditional sports drink brands.

“Our core audience is going to be millennial moms and Gen Z,” she said.

“Gen Z just isn’t relating to these old school brands, the legacy of the Gatorades and the Powerades. They’re just not cool.”

Hydration Market Attracts More Competition

Jetty’s launch comes as consumer demand for hydration and electrolyte products continues to expand, attracting established beverage manufacturers and emerging competitors.

According to SPINS data, dollar sales of hydration and electrolyte products increased by 20 per cent to $2.6 billion in the 52 weeks ended October 4. The category also recorded a repeat-purchase rate of 62 per cent, indicating sustained consumer interest.

The growing market has encouraged more brands to enter the segment. SPINS data showed that the number of new products in the category generating annual sales of at least $10,000 increased by 41 per cent over the past two years.

Major beverage companies are also expanding their presence in the sector.

Kraft Heinz introduced electrolyte-enhanced Capri Sun juice pouches and Kool-Aid packets in the spring, while PepsiCo unveiled a refreshed Gatorade brand in April, seeking to appeal to a wider audience beyond athletes.

The repositioning includes marketing the beverage for everyday activities, such as starting the morning or taking an afternoon walk.

Meanwhile, Electrolit has emerged as a strong performer for distributor Keurig Dr Pepper, recording 40 per cent retail sales growth in the company's third quarter.

With competition intensifying, securing retail shelf space and attracting consumer attention will become increasingly important for new entrants.

To improve accessibility, Jetty will launch in both bottled ready-to-drink formats and powdered electrolyte sachets.

Ellsworth said powdered electrolyte products are expanding faster than the ready-to-drink segment, driven partly by the popularity of Unilever-owned Liquid I.V. and emerging brands such as LMNT.

She estimated that electrolyte powders alone represent a $1 billion category on Amazon.

Although ready-to-drink sports beverages remain a considerably larger market, sales have faced pressure as consumers increasingly explore alternative hydration products.

Numerator data showed that unit sales of sports drinks declined by 9.1 per cent between 2022 and 2026.

Coca-Cola has also written down the value of BodyArmor by more than $1.7 billion after acquiring control of the brand for $5.6 billion in late 2021.

Despite these developments, Jetty's founders remain confident about their ability to compete in the bottled beverage market.

“Me and my husband know how to do RTD,” Ellsworth said, referring to ready-to-drink products.

Five Flavours for Launch

Jetty will debut with five flavours: watermelon, orange mango, fruit punch, black raspberry and white cherry.

Each product will contain 100 milligrams of sodium, 310 milligrams of potassium and 100 milligrams of magnesium, packaged in either a 15.2-ounce bottle or a 15-gram powder sachet.

The drinks will also contain B vitamins, three grams of fibre and six grams of sugar, with the founders saying the formulations do not include artificial sweeteners or dyes.

The nutritional composition is designed to distinguish Jetty from conventional sports drinks.

For comparison, a 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade Thirst Quencher contains approximately 270 milligrams of sodium, 80 milligrams of potassium and 34 grams of sugar.

Gatorade, however, has also been moving towards reformulation, gradually phasing out artificial colours and promoting lower-sugar alternatives.

Ellsworth believes Jetty could attract consumers who have moved away from traditional sports drinks, as well as younger generations who never developed a connection with those brands.

“What’s really interesting about this product and this opportunity is we now can capture all those lapsed drinkers — or that generation that didn’t even ever drink it in the first place,” she said.

Lessons From Poppi Acquisition

Although PepsiCo is familiar with the Ellsworths' approach to building beverage brands, Allison believes established companies may struggle to understand changing consumer preferences.

She argued that simply removing artificial colours or reducing sugar would not necessarily be enough to attract younger consumers.

“I don’t think \[Pepsi\] gets it, but what they do get is that the movement is changing, and they think that just by taking dyes out or doing 90% less sugar, they’re going to capture this audience,” Ellsworth said.

“But that is very big corporate thinking.”

She also criticised what she considers the limited effectiveness of some of PepsiCo's marketing campaigns aimed at younger consumers.

Meanwhile, Poppi's performance under its new ownership has reportedly fallen short of the targets initially anticipated.

In an October regulatory filing, PepsiCo estimated the fair value of potential performance-based payments owed to Poppi's former owners at $12 million.

The original acquisition agreement included an additional $300 million payment if Poppi achieved certain performance targets by the third quarter of 2027.

The Ellsworths declined to comment on the filing when approached by CNBC.

For their latest venture, the founders say they are applying lessons learned from building Poppi, particularly in product development, marketing and regulatory compliance.

Ellsworth disclosed that three different claims lawyers had reviewed and approved Jetty's packaging.

The additional scrutiny follows Poppi's $8.9 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit alleging misleading advertising over its claims that the beverage was beneficial for gut health.

Jetty is currently funded entirely by its founders, with an initial investment of $2.5 million. However, Ellsworth indicated that the company would likely seek external funding in 2027.

She said the brand would prioritise investors who could contribute strategic value, industry relationships and access to influential personalities rather than simply providing large amounts of capital.

“I want to bring in investors that bring value,” she said.

Explaining the approach, Ellsworth said Jetty might prefer an investor contributing $1 million with access to celebrities and other influential figures over a traditional venture capitalist willing to invest $15 million but offering little beyond the funding.

She believes such partnerships could provide more affordable access to talent and individuals who have a genuine interest in the brand's growth.

The founders are also considering lessons from Gatorade's long-standing success, including its signature lemon-lime flavour, which Jetty plans to introduce eventually.

“We’ll eventually do it,” Ellsworth said.

“But it was really important at the beginning just to stick to flavors that we love, for it to taste good.”

Egypt Sacks Hossam Hassan, Appoints Ali Maher as New Head Coach

2026-11-08T21:17:18.737+01:00

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has terminated the appointment of Hossam Hassan as head coach of the national football team, citing concerns over the team's stability and the negative publicity surrounding recent developments.

The decision was announced on Saturday night following an extensive meeting of the federation's board of directors, which reviewed events surrounding the former international striker and their perceived impact on the national team's image.

Hassan's departure comes after a turbulent period involving reported personal controversies, a media ban imposed earlier this month and a three-match suspension confirmed by FIFA in late October.

In its official statement, the EFA said the board considered the circumstances surrounding the coach and concluded that a change was necessary to protect the team's stability and public image.

“In light of the meeting of the Federation’s Board of Directors, which began this morning and is still in session, and after studying all the circumstances and events that took place during the past period, and the resulting repercussions and negative impact on the positive image of our national team and its stability, the Board of Directors decided, within the framework of its responsibility, to thank coach Hossam Hassan and his technical and administrative staff based on the terms of the contract,” the statement read.

The federation also acknowledged Hassan's contributions during his time in charge, wishing him success in his future career.

“The Federation appreciates the efforts and contributions made by coach Hossam Hassan during his tenure as head coach, and wishes him continued success in his future career,” it added.

Alongside the announcement of Hassan's departure, the EFA confirmed the appointment of Ali Maher as the new head coach and technical director of the Egyptian national team.

Maher, a former manager of Pyramids FC, has been tasked with presenting his technical vision and proposed backroom staff as he prepares to take charge of the Pharaohs.

The federation also appealed to Egyptian football supporters to remain behind the national team as it enters a new phase, urging fans to maintain their support during upcoming matches and competitions.

“In this context, the Egyptian Football Association renews its call to the Egyptian football fans and all supporters of the national team to continue their support and rally around the team during this important stage, in order to support our national team’s journey towards achieving the aspirations of its fans,” the statement said.

Hassan was appointed Egypt's head coach in February 2024, taking charge of the country where he remains one of its most celebrated football figures.

During his tenure, he oversaw a 38-match spell that produced 21 victories and helped the Pharaohs establish a country-record unbeaten run of 19 matches.

His time in charge also included significant achievements in Egypt's World Cup campaign, with the team recording a historic first World Cup match victory in 92 years and reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

Despite those accomplishments, the federation's decision brings an end to Hassan's tenure, with Maher now expected to lead the national team through its next competitive assignments.

Osuofia Clarifies Yoruba, Igbo Contributions to Nollywood's History

2026-11-08T21:12:37.849+01:00

Sola Benson

Veteran Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, has clarified his position on the origins of Nigeria's home-video industry, maintaining that Yoruba filmmakers played a significant role in popularising home-video productions, but did not start Nollywood.

Owoh made the clarification during an appearance on Curiosity Made Me Ask, hosted by comedian and content creator Adebayo Abidemi, popularly known as Bae U.

In the interview, published on the host's YouTube channel on Saturday, the actor addressed an earlier controversy surrounding claims that he had credited the Yoruba people with starting Nollywood rather than the Igbo.

The debate followed comments made in August 2026 by late veteran actor Francis Duru, who argued that the Igbo community played a major role in building the modern Nollywood industry, while the Yoruba community had become more prominent through its organisation and promotion of indigenous entertainment.

Duru, who died in October, had maintained that Igbo entrepreneurs were instrumental in driving the commercial home-video boom of the 1990s and early 2000s.

Owoh, however, explained that his earlier comments had been misunderstood, stressing that the term Nollywood was not in existence when filmmakers began producing movies.

He said the name was adopted much later after industry stakeholders came together to discuss and develop an identity for the emerging film industry.

“First of all, you have given me this wrong accusation that I said, Yoruba started Nollywood. No. Yoruba started this film on…when did Nollywood come out? When we started the thing, there was no Nollywood as a name. We sat together and we’re banding, you know, ideas and all that, how the thing is going to come to fruition. And eventually, we chose Nollywood,” he said.

The actor, however, acknowledged the contributions of Yoruba filmmakers to the development and popularity of home-video productions in Nigeria.

He specifically mentioned veteran filmmaker Hubert Ogunde and Adebayo, whom he described as among the pioneers whose works influenced his appreciation of Nigerian cinema.

“So, Yoruba started the thing. They made the thing very popular home video and all that. Yes, they did. And I’ve said it several. Okay. Ogunde and Adebayo Papa. These are the people I love to watch their thing,” Owoh stated.

When Bae U jokingly suggested that Ogunde was Igbo, the actor immediately rejected the suggestion, insisting that the legendary filmmaker was Yoruba.

“Ogunde is not Igbo. I’m telling you that Yoruba started it. When Ogunde was out, I don’t think there was any Igbo man who was that popular in that,” he said.

He further distinguished between the development of home-video filmmaking and the emergence of Nollywood as an organised film industry.

“The Yoruba did not start Nollywood. They started Home video,” Owoh clarified.

The discussion comes amid longstanding debates over the respective contributions of Nigeria's major ethnic groups to the country's film industry.

Historical accounts trace the roots of Yoruba filmmaking to travelling theatre groups and stage performers who transitioned into film and video productions. Prominent figures such as Hubert Ogunde and Duro Ladipo helped establish an indigenous filmmaking tradition decades before the commercial explosion of home-video productions.

However, the modern direct-to-video market gained significant momentum in 1992 following the success of Living in Bondage, an Igbo-language production associated with filmmaker and businessman Kenneth Nnebue. The film helped popularise the commercial home-video format that eventually developed into what is now internationally recognised as Nollywood.

The name Nollywood itself emerged years after the industry's early filmmaking activities had begun.

Meanwhile, Owoh's comments come shortly after another veteran actor, Pete Edochie, appeared on Isbae U's interview programme, where he spoke about his standing in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

During the conversation, Edochie declared that he had no favourite actor because he considered himself bigger than his colleagues.

He also challenged anyone who believed they were professionally on the same level as him to make their position known publicly, pointing to his acting career, which he said began in 1962, long before the formal emergence of Nollywood.

Hilda Baci Reacts to Claims That Partner Dapper Drives Her Success

2026-11-08T21:05:20.883+01:00

Sola Benson

Nigerian celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, has spoken out against suggestions that her achievements and growing influence are largely driven by her romantic partner, music executive Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi.

Baci described the remarks as upsetting, saying they reflect a wider societal mindset that often undermines women's accomplishments and questions their ability to achieve success independently.

The celebrity chef made this known during an interview shared by Goldmyne TV on Saturday, where she addressed comments linking her professional achievements to her relationship with Akinwunmi.

Although she admitted that such remarks sometimes affect her emotionally, Baci said she viewed them as a reflection of the attitudes that still exist towards successful women.

“I wouldn’t say it annoys me, but it is sometimes upsetting. But I think that it just goes to show where we are as people and what the mindset is, and that also tells how much work and further we need to go,” she said.

The Guinness World Records holder explained that the criticism had strengthened her determination to use her public platform to promote women's achievements and encourage more women to pursue their ambitions.

According to her, she has become increasingly intentional about how she presents herself and represents women, particularly in creating opportunities for others to succeed.

“That’s why I’m so intentional about putting in so much effort in representing myself, representing women and just giving more women an opportunity to do better for themselves as well,” she added.

Akinwunmi, popularly known as Dapper, is a music executive and entrepreneur who founded Dapper Music and Dapper Group. His relationship with Baci has attracted public attention, with some social media users attributing aspects of her success to his influence.

However, Baci has continued to establish her identity in the culinary industry through her business ventures and record-breaking cooking achievements.

She gained international recognition after setting Guinness World Records through her cooking feats, becoming one of Nigeria's most prominent culinary personalities.

Her latest comments have also drawn attention to the broader conversation surrounding the recognition of women's accomplishments and the tendency to associate their success with the influence of male partners.

Godzilla Minus Zero, Ramayana Lead Global Box Office With Combined $118.7m Opening

2026-11-08T21:00:40.269+01:00

The global box office witnessed a major showdown between Hollywood and Indian cinema as Toho's Godzilla Minus Zero and Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Rise of a Legend recorded impressive worldwide openings, generating a combined $118.7 million.

Godzilla Minus Zero emerged ahead with $63 million globally, while Ramayana: Rise of a Legend followed with $55.7 million, driven largely by strong attendance in India.

Despite the difference in their worldwide earnings, both productions demonstrated the growing international appeal of Japanese and Indian filmmaking, with audiences turning out in significant numbers across several markets.

Ramayana generated approximately $32 million in India, alongside $12.2 million in North America and another $11.5 million across 37 international territories handled by Sony Pictures.

The film's performance in North America represents the second-biggest opening for an Indian production in the region, behind Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which debuted with $14 million in March.

The movie also recorded notable performances in the United Kingdom, Thailand, the Netherlands and South Africa, setting local opening records for an Indian film in those markets.

Its international earnings included $3 million in the UK, $550,000 in Thailand, $240,000 in the Netherlands and $75,000 in South Africa.

Other strong markets included the United Arab Emirates, which contributed $2.2 million, Australia with $1.9 million, Germany with $625,000 and Nepal with $500,000.

The film's release strategy covered more than 10,000 screens across over 130 countries, with the production made available in 17 dubbed languages.

A press statement accompanying the release claimed that the film sold 11 million tickets during the Diwali holiday, describing it as the most-watched movie globally during the festive period.

However, the claim was not independently substantiated in the available box office figures.

The film's performance is expected to receive further boosts as it enters additional international markets, including Indonesia, Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Poland, Argentina, Colombia and Peru in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Godzilla Minus Zero continued to dominate its home market in Japan, where it earned approximately 2.7 billion yen, equivalent to $17 million, following its release on Tuesday, coinciding with Godzilla Day.

Its performance was particularly strong in premium large-format cinemas, with IMAX contributing $21.3 million worldwide, representing approximately 34 per cent of its global opening.

The figure also established a new record for the biggest worldwide IMAX opening for a Japanese film.

In North America, IMAX screenings generated $12.7 million across 429 locations, accounting for 40 per cent of the film's weekend ticket sales. Internationally, the production earned another $8.6 million from 421 IMAX screens across 64 markets, with Japan contributing $4 million.

IMAX Chief Executive Officer, Rich Gelfond, praised the production, describing it as a significant achievement in Japanese filmmaking.

“With Godzilla Minus Zero, Takashi Yamazaki and our friends at Toho have delivered a tremendous feat of filmmaking with arresting visuals that somehow top its predecessor; we are proud to call this the first Filmed For IMAX release from Japan and delighted fans are overwhelmingly choosing to experience it on our screens,” Gelfond said.

He added that the film's success would create further opportunities for partnerships with Japanese filmmakers and expand IMAX's presence in the market.

Ramayana also made history in IMAX cinemas, generating $6 million globally and recording the biggest worldwide IMAX opening ever for an Indian film.

Of the total, India contributed $2 million, while North America accounted for $2.5 million from 53 screens. Another $1.4 million came from 32 international markets outside India.

Beyond the two major releases, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation's The Cat in the Hat recorded a relatively modest $30.5 million worldwide opening against a production budget reportedly exceeding $80 million.

Voiced by Bill Hader, the animated film generated $20.5 million in North America and approximately $10 million across 60 international territories.

Its overseas performance included $1.1 million in Mexico, $1 million in Italy, $999,000 in Spain, $663,000 in China and $541,000 in Brazil.

Other markets included Colombia with $535,000, Poland with $422,000, the United Arab Emirates with $312,000 and Saudi Arabia with $278,000.

The film's opening has raised questions about its ability to match the commercial success of earlier Dr. Seuss adaptations, particularly The Lorax, which debuted with $70.2 million in North America in 2012 before eventually earning more than $349 million worldwide.

Industry analysis suggests that The Cat in the Hat has attracted a predominantly younger audience, with nearly 60 per cent of its viewers reportedly below the age of nine.

The film is expected to benefit from a staggered international release schedule designed to take advantage of the year-end holiday season.

Elsewhere, Searchlight Pictures' spy comedy Wild Horse Nine, written and directed by Martin McDonagh, opened with $12.6 million worldwide, comprising $6 million in North America and $6.6 million from 29 international territories.

Starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, the film recorded its strongest overseas performances in the United Kingdom, where it earned $2 million, followed by Italy with $1 million, France with $700,000 and Australia with another $700,000.

The opening represents McDonagh's biggest debut in North America, although the filmmaker's highest-grossing production remains Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, which accumulated $162.7 million worldwide.

Black Bear's Wicker also maintained its international presence, recording a $7 million weekend, including $3.35 million in North America and $3.7 million overseas. Its worldwide cumulative earnings stood at approximately $29 million.

Universal Pictures' concert film, George Michael – The Faith Tour, generated $2.1 million across 35 international territories, with the United Kingdom leading the performance at $1.3 million from 620 screens.

The Netherlands contributed $200,000, while Italy recorded a similar figure. Denmark added $106,000, and Poland generated $70,000.

Overall, the performances of Godzilla Minus Zero and Ramayana highlighted the increasing importance of international markets and premium cinema formats in determining box office success, with IMAX emerging as a major beneficiary of the competition between the two productions.

FG Clarifies Eligibility, Payment Process for N50,000 Emergency Relief Grant

2026-11-08T20:49:36.696+01:00

Kate Roland

Nigerians chosen for the N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) now have guidance on how to verify their eligibility, accept the offer and receive the money. The Federal Government assured that vulnerable households in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are covered by the programme.

In a statement released on Friday, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, through its Director of Information and Public Relations, Janet McDickson Noah, made the clarification. It came in response to public questions about where the intervention applies and who qualifies for it.

According to the ministry, the programme is designed to reach vulnerable Nigerians across the country's six geopolitical zones, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

The geographical coverage includes Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti in the South-West; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo in the South-East; as well as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers in the South-South.

In the North-Central, the intervention covers Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states, alongside the FCT. The North-East states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe are also included, as are Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara in the North-West.

The ministry explained that beneficiaries were selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records, with eligibility determined strictly by poverty and vulnerability criteria.

It stressed that each selected beneficiary would receive N50,000 as a grant, not a loan, adding that the full amount would be paid without deductions.

On the payment process, the government said disbursement would take place in phases, meaning beneficiaries might not receive notifications at the same time.

It also cautioned Nigerians against assuming they had been excluded simply because they had yet to receive a notification.

"If you have not received a message yet, it does not mean you have been left out. Your phone number was taken from the same records used for the selection. Your personal information is protected under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

"No official will ask you for your PIN, OTP, or BVN. Anyone who asks for those details is not from the programme," the statement said.

The government identified five approved payment service providers through which successful applicants would receive notifications. They are ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

According to the ministry, the notification will indicate the selected payment provider and contain a USSD code beneficiaries can dial to accept the grant.

Beneficiaries may also dial their respective providers' USSD codes directly and select the option to check their eligibility. The government emphasised that genuine notifications would only come from the official sender names of the approved payment providers.

It further explained that receiving a notification alone would not automatically result in payment, as beneficiaries must accept the offer by following the instructions provided.

"You will not receive the money until you accept the offer. Accept as soon as possible. Your provider will send reminders.

"If you mistakenly select No, you can dial the code again and choose Yes. If you leave it on No, you will not be paid," the statement added.

The ministry assured beneficiaries that access to a smartphone or internet connection was not required to receive the grant, as the USSD option could be used on basic mobile phones.

However, customers of MoMo PSB, OPay and Moniepoint can also access their mobile wallets through the providers' official applications.

On withdrawals, the government said beneficiaries could visit Point-of-Sale (POS) agents and transfer funds from their mobile wallets to receive cash.

It added that recipients were not required to withdraw the entire N50,000 at once, as they could take out part of the money and leave the balance in their wallets.

Beneficiaries can also transfer the funds to their personal bank accounts or other people's accounts through USSD or the relevant mobile applications.

The government further warned Nigerians against individuals demanding money in exchange for access to the intervention, stressing that every stage of the process was free.

"Accepting the grant, receiving the money and replying to programme messages are free. Do not pay anyone to access the programme or to secure a place on the list," the ministry stated.

The NERSI initiative is part of the Federal Government's efforts to cushion the impact of rising living costs on economically vulnerable households and provide direct financial assistance to Nigerians facing hardship.

Dangote Refinery IPO Attracts Millions of Investors, Falls Short of 10m Target

2026-11-08T20:41:18.888+01:00

Olufemi Adeyemi

The Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that the public offer of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery attracted millions of investors but failed to meet its ambitious target of 10 million subscribers.

Dangote made the disclosure while speaking at the 25th annual conference of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) in Lagos, where he described the level of public interest in the offer as encouraging despite falling short of the initial projection.

He said the company was yet to establish the exact number of investors who subscribed, explaining that the necessary reports were still being compiled. However, he expressed satisfaction with the response from members of the public.

“We cannot tell the figure right away because we have not reported to this, but we’ve gotten an amazing demand from various people,” Dangote said.

Comparing the level of participation with previous major public offerings in Nigeria and other countries, the billionaire businessman argued that the refinery's IPO had attracted a remarkable number of subscribers.

He cited GTBank's public offer, which he said attracted approximately 200,000 investors, as an example of the level of participation recorded by previous Nigerian companies.

“If you look at it, the largest participating shareholders, like here now, was I think GTBank. When they did their own, it was 200,000. Okay, we are talking about millions of people that participated,” he said.

Dangote also referenced Safaricom's public offering in Kenya and the Saudi Aramco IPO, noting that the former attracted fewer than 900,000 investors, while the latter recorded approximately five million participants worldwide.

“Even in Kenya, Safaricom was the largest, less than 900,000. Saudi Aramco worldwide was about five million. So, and I’m sure we are not that far away,” he added.

Explaining why the refinery could not achieve its 10 million-investor ambition, Dangote attributed the shortfall largely to time constraints and limited awareness of the subscription process among potential investors.

According to him, many interested Nigerians were either unaware of how to participate or did not have sufficient time to complete the subscription process before the deadline.

“We didn’t hit the 10 million because of time constraint, and a lot of people, they didn’t know how to access,” he said.

Despite missing the target, Dangote described the response as a demonstration of growing confidence in African businesses and the willingness of ordinary citizens to invest their savings in formal enterprises.

He said the level of participation reflected increasing public trust in investment opportunities created by indigenous businesses, particularly those with the potential to contribute significantly to economic development.

“But it’s the shared trust of public enterprise that we have today in Africa, and that’s why people are now beginning to remove that money under their mattresses to go and invest,” he added.

The refinery's public offer, branded The People's IPO, was introduced to broaden ownership of the facility by giving ordinary Nigerians an opportunity to acquire shares in the country's largest petroleum refinery.

The offer comprised 4.1 billion shares priced at N525 each, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares, requiring an initial investment of N5,250.

It opened on September 14 and was initially scheduled to close earlier before the deadline was extended to October 27 to accommodate more prospective investors.

Before the commencement of the offer, Dangote had announced plans to attract 10 million retail investors, an ambition aimed at expanding the refinery's ownership beyond institutional investors and wealthy individuals.

The initiative was also designed to deepen participation in Nigeria's capital market by allowing individuals from different economic backgrounds to become shareholders in one of the country's most significant industrial projects.

Although the 10 million-investor target remained unmet, Dangote maintained that the millions of subscriptions received represented a strong endorsement of the refinery's public ownership initiative and growing confidence in investment opportunities across Africa.

Falegan Apologises to Nkechi Blessing Years After Bitter Breakup

2026-11-08T20:33:39.599+01:00

Sola Benson

Ekiti politician and philanthropist, Opeyemi Falegan, has apologised to Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday, years after their highly publicised relationship ended in a bitter social media dispute.

The apology came during a TikTok Live session between the former partners on Saturday, where they revisited the circumstances surrounding their 2022 separation and addressed lingering disagreements from their relationship.

During the conversation, Nkechi maintained that an apology was necessary before she could put the past behind her. She recalled that some remarks Falegan made about her during an earlier social media Live session had continued to attract negative reactions, with internet users still using his comments to ridicule her years after their breakup.

“I told you something in February that if you must, you see what’s because of what you did five years ago, some irrelevant nitwits, they used to use it to insult me yesterday. That is to tell you the internet never forgets,” she said.

The actress also recalled standing up for Falegan despite their differences, explaining that she had previously defended him against accusations circulating online.

According to her, she intervened in the comment sections of videos where people accused him of wrongdoing, insisting that the individual they were accusing was not the person who allegedly scammed them.

Nkechi stressed that their past disagreements should not necessarily make them enemies, but insisted that genuine reconciliation could only happen if Falegan acknowledged his actions and apologised.

“There’s no letting go without an apology,” she said.

Responding, Falegan urged the actress to recognise that people could change with time, noting that his outlook and attitude were different from what they were during their relationship.

“A gentleman wouldn’t extend the words of the lady. And another thing you need to understand is this: who I was yesterday is not who I am today,” he said.

He further suggested that both parties had their individual perspectives on the events that led to their separation and encouraged them to move beyond the controversy.

Falegan eventually offered a heartfelt apology, expressing his desire to end the lingering tension between them and asking the actress not to hold on to resentment.

“From the bottom of my heart to the depth of my soul, do not be angry, Nkechi. That is gone. See that you have grown and more mature,” he said.

The relationship between the politician and the actress attracted considerable public attention in 2022 when news of their separation sparked a series of heated exchanges, accusations and counter-accusations on social media.

Although the pair had publicly presented themselves as married during their relationship, reports at the time indicated that they were not legally married.