The Modern Shylock, Flexi cash and 'Digital Pound of Flesh' by Remmy Nweke | WeekendDigits@ITREALMS

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The marketing banners adorning Nigerian billboards paint a flawless picture of financial liberation, emphasizing zero-fee transactions, instant peer-to-peer transfers, and ubiquitous point-of-sale terminals. Front and center of this retail fintech renaissance is PalmPay, a platform that captured over 35 million accounts by deeply embedding itself into the fabric of the underbanked population.

Yet, behind the slick animations of cashback games and the convenience of a three-second transfer lies a dark, algorithmic undertow. As millions of Nigerians pivot away from traditional banking toward agile mobile-money platforms, a growing chorus of consumer distress echoes across social media.

The Invisible Tug: How a simple muscle pull can upend a life - WeekendDigits@ITREALMS

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Meet Bayo Nleki, a 45-year-old IT consultant whose life revolves around deadlines, family routines, and the occasional weekend football match. But when a sharp, unexpected muscle pull sidelines him from his desk and his duties, he discovers this common injury is a potent disruptor, writes REMMY NWEKE in this WeekendDigits@ITREALMS.

It started, as it so often does, with a simple, almost dismissible twinge. For Mr. Bayo Nleki, a 45-year-old IT consultant who juggles late nights coding with weekend rounds of amateur football, it happened not on the field, but while reaching for a file cabinet; a sudden, sharp tear in his lower back.

This type of muscle pull often strikes the most heavily used muscle groups, frequently affecting the lower back, as in Bayo’s case or the powerful muscles of the legs, like the hamstrings and quadriceps. It was a classic muscle pull, or strain, the kind of injury many of us brush off with a quick application of a heat pack.

How MVNOs can unlock opportunities in Nigeria's telecom amid challenges by Elvis Eromosele - ITREALMS

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Phenomenal is one word that has been used to describe the growth of the Nigerian telecom sector. The rise from under half a million lines to 165 million in 24 years is truly phenomenal by any standard. It's not surprising therefore, that the question on the lips of many today is whether the Nigerian telecom sector has reached its limit.

Proponents of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) say there’s still room to grow. This was the central focus of the Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 6.0) in Lagos, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) Potential: Status, Trends, Investment, and Future Prospects.”

Revealed Ibom Air saga: This is my story by Comfort Emmanson - ITREALMS

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On August 10, 2025, I boarded a flight from Uyo to Lagos. The hostess, Juliana said we should switch off our phones. I was trying to put one of my phones on flight mode.

She came to me and said I must put it off. I was with two phones and I explained to her that the second phone was faulty.

Shell: How Nigeria can accelerate gas development – ITREALMS

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The premier gas distribution company, Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) has identified development of infrastructure and regulatory and fiscal stability as key drivers for the development of Nigeria’s gas resources, according to SNG Managing Director, Ralph Gbobo, reports ITREALMS.

“Major investments are required to develop large scale infrastructure along the gas value chain (pipelines, gas processing plants, gas distribution networks) as well as human capacity development,” Gbobo said recently at a panel session on “Accelerating gas development for domestic and global energy needs” at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference in Abuja.

Mojisola's Murder: How iPhone 11 Pro led to arrest of Happiness Adebayo, parents, Timi - ITREALMS

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For killing her victim and escaping with her iPhone 11 Pro has led to arrest of Adebayo Joshua Happiness, a final year student of Summit University, Offa, Ogun State, reports ITREALMS.

According to investigations by the Police, Adebayo Joshua Happiness lured his victim, a 21-year old graduate of Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, Awesu Mojisola to after graduation party only to kill her and made away with her iPhone 11 Pro and N15,600 at the early hours of August 10, 2024.

How modernizing payments can secure the future by Elvis Eromosele - ITREALMS

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Payment is the fulcrum of human interaction. And like everything else, it is constantly changing. The move from barter to commodity money was followed by currency and we are today in the realm of digital payments.

It is clear that to go forward efforts must now be geared towards modernizing the payment infrastructure across the African continent. This is imperative to promote innovation, drive economic growth, and help the continent gain a competitive edge.

Today, Africa stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, and the need to enhance the inclusivity and integrity of digital payments cannot be overstated. This transformation is not just about integrating new technologies but about simplifying processes, increasing trust, and ensuring the availability and reliability of payment systems.

Africa may well be at a critical juncture in the journey of digital transformation, an inflection point. To underscore the significance assertion, two forums in June arrived at the same conclusion.

The first was the Digital PayExpo 2024 by Intermarc Consulting with the theme 'Redefining Payment'. It was followed by Interswitch, ACI Worldwide Customer Engagement event tagged ‘Modernizing Digital Payment Infrastructure for Innovation, Growth & Commercial Advantage.’

Both sessions essentially concluded that the rapid proliferation of digital technologies has opened new avenues for financial inclusion, allowing more people to participate in the global economy. However, this potential can only be realized if digital payment infrastructures are modernized to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced, interconnected world.

The place to start is building trust through availability. Trust is the cornerstone of any financial system. For digital payments to gain widespread acceptance, they must be reliable and available at all times. Experts argued that the trust quotient in digital payments is directly proportional to their availability. When users can depend on payment systems to function without fail, their confidence in digital transactions increases. This is a fact.

Of course, modernizing payment infrastructure also involves implementing robust systems that ensure high availability. This means reducing downtime, minimizing transaction failures, and providing seamless user experiences. Financial institutions must, as a matter of urgency, invest in technologies such as cloud computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence to create resilient and scalable payment systems.

The second thing would be to simplify the user experience. At the heart of digital transformation is the goal of simplification. Complex and cumbersome payment processes deter users and hinder the adoption of digital financial services. To drive growth, it is essential to simplify these processes, making them intuitive and user-friendly.

Innovations such as contactless payments, mobile wallets, and real-time transaction processing are examples of how simplification can enhance user experience. By reducing the friction in payment processes, businesses can attract more users and facilitate smoother transactions.

Another way to boost the adoption of digital payments is by ensuring transaction integrity. Those who should know insist that one of the major challenges in digital payments is maintaining transaction integrity. Issues such as fraud, data breaches, and identity theft can undermine user trust and disrupt the financial ecosystem. As digital transactions increase, so does the need for robust security measures.

The way forward of course involves implementing advanced encryption technologies, multi-factor authentication, and blockchain can help ensure the integrity of digital transactions. These technologies provide a secure framework that protects user data and prevents unauthorized access, thereby bolstering trust in digital payment systems.

Furthermore, everyone, from regulatory agencies to players, must consider digital transformation as the path to unprecedented growth. In truth, digital transformation is more than just a trend; it is a pathway to unprecedented growth. By modernizing payment infrastructure, businesses can unlock new opportunities for expansion and innovation. Digital payments enable faster, more efficient transactions, reducing operational costs and increasing profitability.

Moreover, digital payment systems facilitate global commerce by breaking down geographical barriers. Businesses can reach new markets and customer segments, driving revenue growth and enhancing their competitive advantage. The adoption of digital payments also promotes financial inclusion, bringing underserved populations into the formal economy and driving socio-economic development.

The experts are in agreement; modernizing digital payment infrastructure is a critical step towards fostering innovation, driving growth, and gaining commercial advantage. So, as Africa navigates the inflection point of digitalization, it is essential to focus on building trust through availability, simplifying user experiences, and ensuring transaction integrity.

Evidently, by embracing digital transformation, businesses can not only enhance their operational efficiency but also contribute to a more inclusive and secure financial ecosystem. The future of payments is digital, and the time to act is now!

*Contributed by Elvis Eromosele, a corporate communication professional and public affairs analyst, wrote via: elviseroms@gmail.com

E-Commerce: How much longer can Jumia hold out in Nigeria? - ITREALMS

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The recent announcement of Jumia Food’s exit from Nigeria, its biggest market, has set alarm bells ringing among industry watchers. Dr. Fred Bongani, a former employee and founding staff, examines the fallouts from this latest misadventure.

E-Commerce, despite its potential as a goldmine, remains one of the most challenging business sectors in Nigeria and indeed, the African continent.

How to save African democracy by Adeleke - ITREALMS

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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has rolled out four enabling actions elected leaders across Africa must take to save African democracy from ongoing regression and disruption.
 

The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Mrs Adenike Adeleke spoke in Abuja recently at the 45th anniversary of the Nigerian Society for International Law with the theme: 'International Law, Democracy and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa'


According to the Governor, "We are gathered here at a trying time for democracy in Africa. The sustainability of democracy is being tested and it is safe to declare that democracy is on trial.


"As a sitting Governor, I hold some unorthodox positions among my colleagues. Survival of democracy is in the hands of elected leaders. We have huge responsibilities in this respect.


"How we wield state power, how we govern and how we handle state resources will either make or mar the democratic system. This is a fact in Nigeria as in other African countries.


"I have four recipes for sustaining democracy through rule of law in Africa. First, we must ensure free and fair elections. Voters must not be stripped of the right to vote and be voted for. Elected leaders should not deploy state apparatus to frustrate the will of the people.


"Secondly, we must deliver on good governance. The needs of our people are not much. We must serve the people and let them see and taste the dividends of democracy.


"Thirdly, we must adhere to the rule of law and due process. Democracy is rule based. We must govern with the fear of God within constitutional and legal provisions.


"Last but not the least, let us maintain the sanctity of the constitution with respect to term limits. Presidential term limits should not be tampered with.


"If we apply the above criteria, we will save our democracy from imminent threats. If we fail to observe the above four stipulations , we are setting the stage for further erosion of democracy in Africa", the Governor noted in his speech.


The event was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.

Trade triumphs: How export can reshape Africa's economic destiny by Reuben Kalu - ITREALMS

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In a globalized economy, businesses are constantly seeking avenues for expansion and sustainable growth. For enterprises in Africa, one strategy that holds immense potential is venturing into the realm of export. This article explores the various dimensions of exporting as a catalyst for not just business expansion but also economic development in the African context.

1. Understanding the African Business Landscape:
Overview of the current state of businesses in Africa.
Challenges faced by local businesses in a competitive market.
The need for diversification and exploration beyond local markets.

Insight on optimising website with SEO by George Kaduna - ITREALMS

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A Content Specialist, Mr. George Kaduna, has offered some insights on how to drive traffic and enhance visibility through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), reports ITREALMS.

A press statement by GOCOP publicity secretary, Remmy Nweke quoted Mr. Kaduna, who is the Digital Strategist & Senior Content Manager at Premium Times, while speaking at the pre-conference business session of the Guild Of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) 7th Annual Conference in Abuja on October 4, offering some insights on how publishers could explore opportunities in online engagements and optimize gains.

How we lost Dr. Vwaere Diaso to Nigeria’s anyhowness - ITREALMS

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When Dr. Vwaere Diaso was being inducted as a Nigerian doctor after her six-year sojourn at Babcock University last year, she had high hopes and expectations.

She had hopes for a flourishing medical career.

Expectations to use her newly learned medical skills to benefit the community and society at large.

Exposed! How to create your own JAMBFun results - ITREALMS

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Nigerians woke up on Wednesday with some video trending on how to create result of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) for fun, reports ITREALMS.

Investigations by ITREALMS revealed that JAMBFun application (app) is a prank app which allows users to create fake JAMB results to fool your friends; You can impress people and fool your friends.

PEPT: How INEC deleted BVAS data, says witness - ITREALMS

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The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) proceedings on Thursday in Abuja heard how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president-elect on March 1 in the February 25, 2023 poll, and went on to delete essential data sets in its Bi-Modal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) presidential result, reports ITREALMS.

As announced by INEC, only the Labour Party secured more than the required 25 per cent of votes cast in the territory, as both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to reach the score.

NBS: How Nigerian telecoms garnered N2.508 trn - ITREALMS

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Nigerian telecommunications and Information Services sector has, in the first quarter 2023, delivered a total of N2.508 trillion in terms of financial value contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), representing 14.13 per cent, reports ITREALMS.
country.

Figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the sector recorded a 4.3 per cent increase from its performance in the last quarter of 2022 when it recorded 13.55 per cent.

How much is a cup of hatred, asks Gbile Akanni - ITREALMS

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I never knew it was that costly. 

I wanted to know the cost of HATRED, so I decided to branch to a shop where it's being sold.

How to clean up your WhatsApp storage - ITREALMS

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Many at times, I have been accosted with the question of 'how do I clean up my WhatsApp' with reference to the storage. We have also advocated that at this era of information highway and sharing from various sources, people have to keep pace by ensuring that their devices are kept optimal.

So, in this piece we shall be exploring how to clean up your WhatsApp storage, using the following steps.


1. On the CHATS tab, tap More options > Settings.
2. Tap Storage and data > Manage storage.
3. The amount of space taken up on your device by WhatsApp media and Apps and other items is displayed at the top of the screen.
4. You can free up storage by deleting items that are large or have been forwarded many times.


Specifically, how to free up storage on WhatsApp on your Andriod?
You can view how much space WhatsApp is taking up on your device and free up storage by deleting items.


View storage
1. On the CHATS tab, tap More options > Settings.
2. Tap Storage and data > Manage storage.


The amount of space taken up on your device by WhatsApp media and Apps and other items is displayed at the top of the screen.


First of all, review before pressing delete of any item or items.
You can free up storage by deleting items that are large or have been forwarded many times. You can also delete items per chat.


Review items
1. On the CHATS tab, tap More options > Settings.
2. Tap Storage and data > Manage storage.
3. Tap Forwarded many times, Larger than 5 MB, or select a specific chat.


You can tap the sort icon to sort by Newest, Oldest, or Largest.


The file size of the item is displayed in the top corner of the item.


Tap an item to review. You can also:
View which chat the item is from and when it was sent: Tap More > Show in chat.
Star or unstar the item: Tap Star or Unstar.


Delete items
If you choose to delete an item, it will be deleted from your WhatsApp media. Deleted items might still be saved on your device. If you have multiple copies of an item, you’ll also need to delete all copies in order to free up space.


On the CHATS tab, tap More options > Settings.
1. Tap Storage and data > Manage storage.
2. Tap Forwarded many times, Larger than 5 MB, or select a specific chat.


You can:
Delete all items: Tap Select all if you want to delete all items at once.
Delete individual items: Tap and hold an item you want to delete. Select additional items to delete multiple items at once.


Tap Delete.
Select Delete starred items to delete starred items.
Select Delete any copies to delete duplicates.


Tap DELETE.
Delete items through search
You can also delete individual items by using the search feature.

On the CHATS tab, tap Search.
1. Tap Photos, Videos, or Documents.
2. Tap the item you want to delete.
Tap More > Delete.

Optionally, tap Delete media in this chat.
Tap DELETE.

Low storage alerts
If the amount of available storage on your device reaches critically low levels, WhatsApp might not be able to function properly.

If this happens, WhatsApp might prompt you to free up space in order to continue using the app.

You can also free up space by deleting apps you don’t use or large videos, photos, or files saved on your phone. For more information about how to free up storage on your phone outside of WhatsApp, please contact your phone’s manufacturer.

NB: Delete items: To free up storage, delete any copies of these items from your WhatsApp media. Deleted items may still be saved on your device. Check box to delete any copies by pressing 'delete' and if not too sure, cancel.

*Chuks Egbune/DoP

How to steer tech agenda with social activism - ITREALMS

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The recently released Technology and Innovation Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has shown that there are some five ways social activism could steer technology agenda, especially in developing economies, reports ITREALMS.

UNCTAD in the report outlined five ways in which vigorous social activism could play a role in changing technology to become more people oriented.

Experts to demonstrate how TV tech helps save energy - ITREALMS

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The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will hold a demonstration featuring the latest advances in television broadcasting technology on Tuesday, 7 March 2023.

Technology to be displayed at the demo includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) broadcasting, Advanced Terrestrial Broadcasting (DVB-I) 5G broadcast capacities and Energy Aware Broadcasting.

INEC: How not to induct Nigeria into technology hall of shame - ITREALMS

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Despite avalanche of promises  and hopes now dashed on inability of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to offer Nigerians the much pledged free, fair, credible and transparent exercise. REMMY NWEKE in this piece describes as shameful the scene 1 of how not to adapt technology for democracy.

“Let me draw your attention to the fact that the use of electronic devices such as Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS), INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED), INEC Results Viewing Portal (IRev) and other technological devices, are now legally allowed in the accreditation process for voters, collation of results and in the general conduct of elections” - INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Preface:
About November 2021 while reviewing the Anambra State Governorship election with a section of the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had declared the resolve to deepen the use of technologies in electoral processes in the country. For many political observers, this was a welcome development as he also commended Ndi Anambra for peaceful conduct during the governorship election in the state. He stressed why they introduced some new innovations especially via technology deployment to intensify the use of technology and reduce human intervention in the critical stages of the electoral process. He went on to list a few of these pioneering efforts to include the submission and processing of nominations forms and other applications online to drastically discourage human intervention in the electoral process.