NITDA, NAWOJ partner on women’s digital inclusion across Nigeria - ITREALMS

To bridge the gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has joined forces with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to advance digital literacy, women’s empowerment, and national technological transformation, reports ITREALMS.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit to the NITDA headquarters by a NAWOJ delegation led by National President, Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim. The visit also served as an official briefing on the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026.

Mass license revocation hits 46 Microfinance banks across Nigeria - ITREALMS

In a major regulatory sweep aimed at safeguarding Nigeria's financial ecosystem, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licenses of 46 Microfinance Banks (MFBs), effective July 1, 2026, reports ITREALMS.


The directive, approved by CBN Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, comes as a direct response to the institutions' failure to meet critical regulatory benchmarks required to remain operational.

According to the official press release of revocation of 46 MfB signed by Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the banks fell short on multiple fronts under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

Infractions ranged from capital erosion and asset insufficiency to outright operational closure and failure to commence banking activities within a year of getting a license. 

The apex bank reiterated that this hardline stance is necessary to shield depositors and ensure total compliance with financial sector laws.

The official list, revealed that the regulatory crackdown cut across Tier 1, Tier 2, and State-licensed categories, heavily impacting several commercial hubs and regional states.

The geographical distribution of the affected microfinance banks reveals that Kano State bore the biggest brunt of the regulatory purge, losing a total of 13 institutions. 

Among the closed entities in Kano were high-profile names and recently rebranded establishments like Now Now Digital MFB, Zain MFB (formerly Dawakin Tofa), Ajwa MFB, Bompai MFB, and Bellbank MFB. Other community institutions cleared from the state include Minjibir, Shanono, Sumaila, Rimin Gado, Sycamore, Tofa, Kanopoly, and Esteem Microfinance Banks.

Lagos State, Nigeria's primary economic hub, followed closely with 9 microfinance banks shut down. The affected institutions in Lagos comprise Gold MFB, Safegate MFB, Supreme MFB, Ourpass MFB, Verdant MFB, Basawa MFB, Entrepreneur MFB, and the State-categorized Chanelle MFB.

Other regions also felt the impact of the CBN's sweeping exercise:

Abia State saw the exit of Merchant MFB and the Abia SME MFB.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, lost Winview MFB and Casha MFB.

Kaduna State had Zafec MFB and Straight Sahara MFB revoked.

Kebbi State lost both Kamba and Zuru Microfinance Banks.

Niger State saw the closure of Busu MFB and Bejin-Doko MFB.

Ogun State was affected by the revocation of Iwade MFB and Apple MFB.

Plateau State lost Mwaghavul MFB and Yeneng MFB.

A single microfinance bank license was also revoked in each of the following states: Anambra (Frontline MFB), Bayelsa (Crystabel MFB), Benue (Creditville MFB), Cross River (Livingspring MFB), Delta (Creekline MFB), Kwara (Janmaa MFB), Ondo (MBAG MFB), Osun (Avantus MFB), Oyo (Bestar MFB), Rivers (Minji-Se Churchill MFB), and Akwa Ibom / Uyo (Stanford MFB).

Remmy Nweke/DoP

Green ICT: Airtel Africa foundation debuts 'Green Schools' initiative across Nigeria to drive circular economy - ITREALMS

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The Airtel Africa Foundation, through its local subsidiary Airtel Nigeria, has officially launched the Airtel Green Schools initiative, reports ITREALMS.

The sustainability-driven framework is strategically designed to establish specialized environmental learning spaces within primary and secondary schools across the country.

PIN Report exposes widespread technology-facilitated gender violence across six African nations - ITREALMS

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67% of Respondents Victimised: Paradigm Initiative Study Uncovers Severe Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Crisis Across Africa

A new, landmark study by the pan-African digital rights and inclusion organisation, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), has exposed a rapidly escalating crisis of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) across Africa, reports ITREALMS.

The research, released on International Human Rights Day, reveals that a staggering 67 per cent of respondents reported being victims of at least one or multiple forms of digital violence.

FEC approves 4,000 new telecom towers to deepen digital access, inclusion across Nigeria - ITREALMS

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… Targets 23 million underserved citizens, boosts rural commerce, security and connectivity

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), Nigeria’s highest policy-making body, has approved the rollout of 4,000 additional telecoms towers to expand digital access and accelerate inclusion in underserved communities nationwide, reports ITREALMS.

The approval was issued at Wednesday’s FEC meeting in Abuja, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

TD Africa hosts Checkpoint delegation, strengthens partnership to advance cyber security adoption across Nigeria - ITREALMS

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Tech powerhouse TD Africa, on Tuesday, 11th November, hosted senior delegates from Checkpoint, one of the world’s leading cybersecurity solutions providers, in a strategic meeting aimed at expanding the channel ecosystem and enabling more corporates and institutions across Nigeria to adopt Checkpoint as their preferred cybersecurity solution.

The high-level engagement underscored a central message: as digital transformation accelerates across industries, cybersecurity has become an indispensable foundation for every modern organisation. The discussions focused on strengthening market penetration, empowering partners, and driving greater awareness around proactive cyber defence in an era of evolving digital threats.

TD Africa, HP strengthen partnership, eye expansion across Africa - ITREALMS

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TD Africa, the leading technology distributor in Sub-Saharan Africa, recently hosted a high-level delegation from HP to renew and review their strategic commitments and explore deeper collaboration opportunities. The meeting served as a crucial step toward advancing their joint mission to enhance technology accessibility across the continent.

The meeting focused on unlocking new growth pathways for HP beyond Nigeria and Ghana, with both partners aligning on strategies to expand into other emerging African markets. The discussions underscored TD Africa’s role as a catalyst for technology distribution across the continent, ensuring that innovation and access reach every business and consumer.

NLNG postgraduate scholarship awardees set to begin Master’s studies across UK universities - ITREALMS

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Seven outstanding Nigerian graduates are set to begin postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom after being awarded the fully funded Special NLNG 35th/25th Anniversary Scholarship.

The recipients, selected through a rigorous process, will commence their studies in the 2025/2026 academic session and become part of NLNG’s distinguished network of scholars, equipped with world-class education, advanced knowledge, and critical skills for leadership and professional excellence.

Asian Banker Awards: FirstBank maintains dominance in SME banking across Africa by Tosin Ajayi

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Through a legacy of excellence and Innovation, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the country’s oldest and most distinguished financial institution, has once again solidified its reputation as a leader in the banking industry. 

The Bank was recently crowned the Best SME Bank in Nigeria and the Best SME Bank in Africa at the 2025 Asian Bankers Awards for the second year running. The Asian Banker Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards are renowned for their rigour, prestige and transparency, celebrating excellence across financial services, technology, risk management and transaction finance.

These prestigious recognitions reaffirm FirstBank’s unwavering commitment to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a sector that serves as the backbone of Nigeria’s and Africa’s economy. For over a century, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been instrumental in the nation’s financial evolution, pioneering innovative banking solutions and fostering economic growth.

Aliko Dangote Foundation distributes N16bn worth of rice across 774 local governments - ITREALMS

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The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Thursday, commenced the distribution of 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project (ANFIP) valued at N16billion, targeted at one million Nigerians, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking at the ceremony in Kano, chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Aliko Dangote, said the distribution of one million bags of 10kg rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians in the 774 Local Government Areas is in line with the core values of his company and Foundation.

TD Africa unveils exclusive discounts on Microsoft licenses across Africa - ITREALMS

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TD Africa, the continent's leading technology distributor, is offering substantial discounts on essential Microsoft licenses as part of its commitment to driving business growth and fostering digital transformation across Africa.

This limited-time, juicy promotion allows businesses access significant savings on a range of Microsoft solutions such as 15% reduction on Microsoft 365 E3, 40 % price slash on Power Apps premium and Power Automate premium Per User Licenses and 30 % rebate on Office 365 E1 plus.

Read Across appoints Gbadamosi Olanrewaju Ibrahim, Coordinator @Ogbomosho - ITREALMS

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The National Steering Committee of Read Across Nigeria (RAN), a registered entity with the Corporate Affairs Commission has announced the appointment of Gbadamosi Olanrewaju Ibrahim as the Coordinator of Ogbomosho Book Club, reports ITREALMS.

This appointment, which stressed RAN's commitment to fostering a vibrant reading culture in Nigeria, is for an initial term of two years, renewable based on performance.

NASENI kicks-off virtual ASPEN plus training across development institutes - ITREALMS

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The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has kicked off a week-long intensive training on ASPEN Plus, a process simulation software, at the agency’s Virtual Manufacturing Lab in Abuja, reports ITREALMS.

The hybrid training which was held across NASENI’s Development Institutes, marks a significant step forward in NASENI’s commitment to advancing technical capacity in renewable energy and engineering design.

2024 DRILL: Fellows emerge from 7 countries to drive digital rights across continents - ITREALMS

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The Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading pan-African organization championing digital rights and inclusion, has announced the selection of seven finalists from across Africa and India for the 2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) Fellowship.

Chosen from a highly competitive pool of 1,490 applicants, this year’s cohort will play a pivotal role in advancing digital rights in their respective countries, including Tunisia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burundi, Uganda, Namibia, and India.

TECNO begins revitalizing 100 football pitches across Africa in Lagos - ITREALMS

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In a memorable event at the office of the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, TECNO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to kickstart a project aimed at refurbishing a local football pitch in Lagos. This signing marks the beginning of TECNO's commitment to transforming underutilised fields into state-of-the-art training centres, nurturing raw talent into future stars, and providing underserved communities with a platform to achieve their potential.

Lagos, the city of aquatic splendour, plays a pivotal role in this ambitious initiative. The signing ceremony, witnessed by key stakeholders, members of the Lagos State Sports Commission, and various government agencies, signifies a new era for grassroots football in Nigeria. 

UKAid deepens campaigns against cybercrime, cultism across Nigeria - ITREALMS

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... Thrive Online, Cancel Cults programmes transforming lives in Lagos, Edo, Bayelsa

The THRIVE ONLINE campaign, a vital component of the broader BRIGHTER FUTURES programme supported by the UK government, continues its proactive efforts to combat cybercrime and cultism in Nigeria. 

With a targeted focus on Lagos, Edo, and Bayelsa States, the campaign aims to safeguard individuals, families, and communities from the detrimental impacts of these societal scourges.

Undersea cable cuts disrupt data, voice services across West African - ITREALMS

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A combination of cable cuts, resulting in equipment faults on the major undersea cables along the West African Coast, have negatively impacted data and fixed telecom services in several countries of West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cote de Ivoire, among others.

A press statement available to ITREALMS from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) endorsed by the Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, he said that the cuts occurred somewhere in Cote de’Ivoire and Senegal, with an attendant disruption in Portugal.

IT advancement across the Niger: Anambra, Lagos enter partnership - ITREALMS

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Towards advancing Information and Technology (IT) development in Nigeria, the Anambra ICT Agency and its Lagos State counterpart, have agreed to a partnership to strengthen their respective IT ecosystems, reports ITREALMS.

This collaborative effort which stemmed from bilateral meetings with the IT ecosystem members during the Reverse Trade Mission in the United States of America, is geared towards addressing emerging challenges, fostering innovation, and enhancing the overall cybersecurity infrastructure.

This no doubt resonates with the Federal Government's call, through the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at the recently concluded meeting of the Nigeria National Council of ICT Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the digitalization of MDAs operations.

Rivexcel, American Hospital Dubai partner on healthcare access across Africa - ITREALMS

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RivExcel, a leading player in global business solutions, has officially entered into a transformative strategic partnership with American Hospital Dubai, solidifying a commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility across Sub Saharan Africa, even as American hospital Dubai opens three medical tourism offices in Nigeria endorsed by Dubai health authority as part of 30-office expansion in Africa and Eastern Europe

A statement made available to ITREALMS by Mr. Wabiye Idoniboyeobu, media consultant to RivExcel noted that “American Hospital Dubai confirmed this while announcing the opening of its three medical tourism representative offices in Nigeria in 2024 as part of an expansion plan of 30 offices across crucial African and Eastern European locations. The initiative supports the UAE’s efforts to be the global medical tourism hub.”

FIFAfrica22: Biker to ride to Zambia across six countries - ITREALMS

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The distance between Kampala, Uganda and Lusaka, Zambia is approximately 3,300 kilometres by road. As part of a road trip to the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2022 (FIFAfrica22), Ugandan digital security expert Andrew Gole will travel between the two countries over 28 days on his motorbike, making multiple stops to impart tips and advice on digital security.

Gole’s trip will take him through Uganda, before crossing into Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, and finally to the FIFAfrica22 host country Zambia. The return trip will include stops in Tanzania, Zanzibar and Kenya. Along the way, Gole will interact with human rights organisations and communities along the way in addition to human rights organisations on the value of securing devices and communications as a means of protecting their digital rights.