Not about Natasha by Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi - ITREALMS

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Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed a number of events at the Nigerian Senate, which have left some of us shell-shocked. It is quite common for arguments and battles of all kinds to break out in the National Assembly. 

It is not easy for so many representatives of their people to get along without ruffling each other’s feathers. However, what we have all witnessed recently cannot be considered normal. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, wanted to speak from the floor of the Senate. She was not recognised to speak because her seat had been moved. She refused to proceed to her new seat because she felt undermined and disrespected. 

Catholics mourn passage of Bishop Emeritus, Ayo-Maria Atoyebi OP - ITREALMS

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The Catholic Diocese of Ilorin has announced the passing of Bishop Emeritus Ayo-Maria Atoyebi OP, who departed this life on March 8, 2025, at 12:55 pm, reports ITREALMS.

According to a press statement available to ITREALMS by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ilorin, Most Rev. Anselm Pendo LAWANI, Bishop Ayo-Maria served the diocese with dedication, wisdom, and compassion from 1992 to 2019.

The Tragic Saturday @school - ITREALMS

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Today, this Weekends@ITREALMS, Remmy Nweke brings to mind the importance of having a good school environment that is secure and safe, especially in memory of late children of school age at Paiko and Nigeria at large.

Preamble:

It was supposed to be a typical Saturday morning at UK Bello Memorial Primary School in Paiko, Niger State, Nigeria. But instead, it turned into a tragedy that would leave the community shaken.

Inspenonline summit'25 to unearth 'good retirement amid economic headwinds' - ITREALMS

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Exposure on solutions to attainment of good retirement amid current economic headwinds, will be the focus in the forthcoming 2025 Inspenonline Retirement Summit, reports ITREALMS.

The event theme: Attaining Good Retirement Amid Economic Headwinds' and the second edition in the series, will hold on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA House, Plot A2, Hakeem Balogun Street, Central Business District, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, starting by 9:00AM prompt.

Is CBN pushing Nigerians back to banking halls? Asks Elvis Eromosele - ITREALMS

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Public institutions in Nigeria have a knack for policy inconsistency. They can aggressively pursue a course of action one moment and, the very next, introduce measures that directly contradict their stated objectives. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is currently at the centre of one such paradox.

Everyone alive in the last couple of years witnessed the CBN champion financial inclusion, digital banking and cashless transactions. It actively encouraged banks to expand their digital footprint, increase adoption of digital payments and decongest the banking halls. Nigerians responded positively. People embraced digital banking, relying on ATMs, mobile transfers and POS terminals instead of entering the banking halls.

ECOWAS @50: Golden jubilee of regional integration, growth and impactful media - Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS

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Despite cheering 50 years of making notable progress in promoting regional integration, connectivity and economic growth, ECOWAS faces unprecedented challenges; Withdrawals of some members, sanctions, and security threats test the bloc's resolve, amidst impactful media coverage, writes REMMY NWEKE in this edition of Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS.

Prologue:

As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its 50th anniversary, the bloc's citizens, including OluGbenga, are reflecting on its remarkable journey of regional integration and growth.

Dangote Group pays N402.3bn tax to FG - ITREALMS

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The Pan African Conglomerate Dangote Industries Limited, (Dangote Group), and its subsidiaries has disclosed that it paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.

Dangote’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, declared during a meeting with some senior media executives who visited him in his Lagos Office that Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and its subsidiaries, namely, Dangote Cement, NASCON, Dangote Packaging Limited among others, remitted a total of N402.319billion for the out-gone year as taxes as responsible business enterprises.

INEC gets ready for Anambra governorship election, primaries to commence on March 20 - ITREALMS

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun to oil its machineries for the forthcoming Anambra State governorship elections slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025, even as the party primaries will start from Thursday, March 20, this year, reports ITREALMS.

The National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun, disclosed this after the weekly meeting of the Commission, today, Thursday in Abuja.

Darey.io revolutionizes tech hub with AI-powered platform, set for launch - ITREALMS

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In a bid to democratize access to technology skills, Darey.io is geared towards revolutionising technology hub in the continent with proactive solutions powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), reports ITREALMS.

Speaking to ITREALMS at a pre-launch press conference in Yaba, Lagos on Wednesday, the Founding Chief Executive Officer of Darey.io, Mr Dare Olufunmilayo, said they are innovative online learning platform that leverages AI to advance personalized learning experiences.

Firstbank unveils state-of-the art eco-friendly headquarters - ITREALMS

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The FirstBank, the premier bank in West Africa and a leading financial inclusion service provider, Wednesday marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new green-certified Iconic Head Office Building in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

This ambitious project 40-story building project set to be the tallest building in Nigeria, will be an engineering and environmental delight due to its technologically advanced, eco-friendly and sophisticated construction which would set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa.

The groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of a transformative journey that reinforces FirstBank's commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The new headquarters is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a green-certified building that reduces operational costs and positions FirstBank as a leader in sustainable banking practices.

According to Olusegun Alebiosu, CEO, FirstBank Group, "We are proud to mark this significant milestone in our journey towards excellence. Our new Head Office is envisioned as a world-class structure that represents our dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. We believe that this development will play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and development across Africa, creating long-term value for all our stakeholders."

With a legacy spanning over 130 years, FirstBank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainable business practices. The Bank has a robust international presence, operating subsidiaries in nine countries across three continents.

Femi Otedola, Chairman, FirstHoldCo, added, "Today's gathering highlights the importance of collaboration and support from various sectors in bringing our ambitious plans for the new headquarters to life. We appreciate the unrelenting support from our customers and stakeholders as we work together to turn this vision into reality."

The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by prominent dignitaries, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Senators and Lawmakers, State Governors, Federal Ministers and Captains of industry . This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in FirstBank's storied history, solidifying its role as a leader in the African financial industry.

How MTN’s financial woes highlight challenges of doing business in Nigeria by Elvis Eromosele - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Doing business in Nigeria is tough. While we say this all the time, nothing makes it more real than the release of annual financial reports. Take MTN Nigeria’s latest report, it shows the bruising realities faced by businesses in the country today.

Take a look at the numbers. MTN Nigeria generated a staggering ₦3. 36 trillion in revenue in the year ended December 31, 2024, up 36.03 per cent from N2.47 trillion in 2023. Yet, it is regarded as a bad year, because it reported a loss of N400.4 billion after tax for the financial year. This was due to a net foreign exchange loss of N925.36 billion from ₦740.43 billion in 2023.

Onwuaso family mourns passage of beloved matriarch, Mrs. Grace Akwugo Onwuaso - ITREALMS

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The family of late Chief Raphael Onyechi Onwuaso, Ezeafuluanya of Umudioka village, Awka in Anambra State, has announced the burial of their matriarch, late Mrs Grace Akwugo Onwuaso.

Mrs Onwuaso, aka SINGAR, who died on December 18, 2024, at the age of 86, would be laid to rest on March 6, 2025.

FG clarifies: We have not discontinued Remita till June - ITREALMS

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The Federal Government has clarified that it has not discontinued the use of Remita as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved payment gateway, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, and available to ITREALMS, the OAGF clarified that Remita will be integrated into the Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance System (TMRAS) alongside other eligible Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSPs).

Global South Alliance opens calls for membership - ITREALMS

The Global South Alliance (GSA) has opened calls for member, just as it unveiled a groundbreaking Digital Library at the 2025 RightsCon in Taipei, Taiwan, reports ITREALMS.

This pioneering project, they revealed is systematically documents organized with over 5,000 resources from civil society organizations in the Global South dedicated to advancing digital rights. 

Sexual Assault: EU-IIDEA, FG call for law enforcement, protection of vulnerable citizens - ITREALMS

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Participants made of the Federal Government (FG) agency, the European Union, International IDEA, and other stakeholders have emphasized the need for the enforcement of laws and policies addressing sexual offenses and gender-based violence, reports ITREALMS. 

They also stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable Nigerians.

Konga woos shoppers with Berekete sales - ITREALMS

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March is set to be an exciting month as Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform, launches its highly anticipated Berekete campaign for bargain hunters and savvy shoppers. The month-long shopping extravaganza offers discounts of up to 70%. Scheduled to run from March 1st to March 31st, this campaign promises to deliver unbeatable deals across all product categories, catering to new and existing customers.

For many shoppers, Konga Berekete is more than just a sale — it’s a festival of discounts and savings. This year, the campaign coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, and Konga has promised a special Ramadan sale. This makes it an ideal opportunity for Muslims observing the fast to stock up on essentials and more. From groceries to household items, electronics to fashion, Konga has curated a wide range of products to meet the diverse needs of its customers during this special period.

Akpoti-Uduaghan: Legal firm disowns letter trending on social media - ITREALMS

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A legal firm, Indemnity Partners, has disowned a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from the law firm in respect of Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan.

The legal firm insisted that it did not issue the said letter.

Billions prepare for Earth-Shaking Miracles @March Healing Streams Live Healing Services Streams with Pastor Chris - ITREALMS

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Mark Your Calendars: The Biggest Healing Crusade in the World Returns! Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris is back with another epic edition from March 14th to 16th.

 This global event transcends cultural and geographical boundaries; all signs indicate it is more extraordinary than ever. Earth-shaking miracles are anticipated, and you won't want to miss this unprecedented opportunity to experience the power of God like never before! 

Shell exhibition delivers value @Energy Summit in Abuja - ITREALMS

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Shell companies in Nigeria underlined their participation at the 8^th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja with a high-profile exhibition that hosted dignitaries among them the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Henieken Lokpobiri.

The Minister was briefed on the range of Shell businesses in Nigeria and recent investments in gas by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and in deep-water oil production by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, (SNEPCo). Senator Lokpobiri expressed his appreciation for the continued confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Soludo reassures on every investment, urges indigenes to look homeward - ITREALMS

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The Anambra State government has reiterated its resolve to secure every investment in the domain, ans urged indigens to look homewards, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking at the unvieling of the Anambra Homeland Consciousness Initiative in Amowo Odofin, Lagos, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo gave this assurance ans beckon on indigenes to take homeland call seriously.

AI and 'Echoes of Ada' by Remmy Nweke - TelecomsClinic@ITREALMS

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In this piece of Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS, REMMY NWEKE examined how human Artificial Intelligence (AI), explores innovation with creativity could spur sustainable development.

Human-AI collaboration:

In the heart of the Computer Village in Ikeja-Lagos, a young programmer named Nneoma stumbled upon an obscure coding language that would change her life forever. 

Dangote: Purchase PMS above advertised rates @key partners, get refund - ITREALMS

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... Absorbs N16bn loss by refunding N65/litre to marketers for Nigerians to benefit from cheaper fuel

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has announced that it will refund customers who purchase Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at rates higher than the advertised prices from any of its key partners – AP (Ardova Plc), Heyden, or MRS – across Nigeria.

This move follows the refinery's recent reduction of its gantry price from N890 per litre to N825 per litre. The refinery stated that this is part of its ongoing efforts to ensure that Nigerians are the primary beneficiaries of the price reduction and in line with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to stimulate the economy.