By Joshua Olomu

‘iShot-It App’, a mobile application to combat the spread of fake news and misleading information, has been launched in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an ICT firm, iShot-It App Integrated unveiled the new innovation at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Johnbull Igwe, Chief Executive Officer of the firm, said the app was designed to assist in the fight against fake news and misinformation.

He added that the new technology also has functions that rewards users in the business of content creation.

He explained that when used to capture photos and videos, the app authenticates the content with geo-location coordinate, date and time.

According to him, fake news and misinformation are twin problems that have continued to cause reputational damage in the digital space, adding that  iShot-It App is a timely and proven solution.

“It supports organic content generators as they can sell the content to media houses or get directly rewarded by the app developer through new features which are being unboarded in coming days.

“At its core, iShot-It is about ownership and trust, as every photo and video you capture through the app is embedded with precise geo-location coordinates, date, and time stamps.

“This creates a digital seal of authenticity that cannot be changed, ensuring your content, whether it’s a breaking news report or a personal blog post, carries the weight of verifiable truth.

“With iShot-It, your audience can experience the real narrative, tied to the exact place and time it happened.

“Journalists, bloggers, and everyday citizens can now have unassailable evidence to strengthen their credibility.

“It also enables users to share authentic experiences and connect with others honestly, while business owners can showcase their products and services transparently, building trust with customers,” he said.

In her remarks, a media executive and a partner of iShot-It App Integrated, Blessing Ogwo, described the innovation as a tool that bridges credibility gap in digital storytelling.

“iShot-It App is about ownership and trust; it empowers users, journalists, bloggers and everyday citizens go authenticate their stories with unassailable evidence,” she said.

She said the app has features such as likes, comments, shares, direct messaging and others, and allows users to interact with their data secured. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Olatunde Ajayi

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Tuesday inaugurated an ultra-modern digital ICT park donated by the commission to the University of Ibadan (UI).

NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, in his remarks at the inauguration and handover ceremony in Ibadan, said that the park was an integral part of NCC’s broader agenda to foster innovation.

Maida noted that the park was one out of six NCC flagship digital infrastructure projects, strategically established in selected institutions to strengthen research capacity.

Represented by the NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Mr Abraham Oshadami, Maida noted that the park would also accelerate development of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“In today’s world, technology stands as one of the most powerful drivers of economic and social transformation. For Nigeria’s evolving economy, it represents our greatest opportunity for inclusive growth.

“The ICT Park concept is a manifestation of our vision to cultivate innovation and digital entrepreneurship, while supporting research and development that translates ideas into commercially viable, real-world solutions.

“This is why our ICT Parks—aptly named “One Roof, All Possibilities” are purpose-built as multidisciplinary innovation hubs.

“Each park brings together cutting-edge infrastructure under one roof, including high-capacity computer laboratories, simulation rooms, intelligent networking systems, collaborative workspaces, and multipurpose halls.

“Their establishment aligns directly with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, as well as the Strategic Vision of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani,” he said.

Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said that the park stood as a testament to NCC’s dedication to bridging digital divide and fostering a knowledge-based economy.

He noted that the world was currently undergoing fourth industrial revolution, driven by digital technologies.

Adebowale further said that nations that would thrive in current revolution remained those that invest strategically in digital infrastructure, nurture digital skills and foster innovations.

“The University of Ibadan, as Nigeria’s premier university, recognises its critical role in preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers equipped to navigate and shape this digital future.

“The NCC Digital ICT Park arrived at a pivotal moment, perfectly aligning with our strategic vision to become a world-class institution for research, innovation, and digital excellence,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ICT Park featured a 100-seat main hall, five dedicated ICT hub halls, a 24-seater lounge with eight dual-computer workstations, multiple shared workspaces, and administrative offices. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidi Opara

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

An ICT expert, Dr Jimson Olufuye, on Monday stressed the need for lawmakers to be actively involved in internet governance processes.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Olufuye said legislative participation was vital to crafting policies that protect citizens and drive digital innovation.

He noted that parliamentarians play a key role in advancing digital transformation through informed legislative efforts.

Olufuye highlighted the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a UN initiative launched in 2006 after the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

He said the IGF now includes regional and national editions to address specific local digital governance challenges.

Reflecting on the recent West African IGF, he said the forum enabled dialogue among governments, civil society, academia and the private sector.

“The parliamentarians make political laws, and laws are what properly guide a country.

“In this digital age, lawmakers must be involved, as they initiate and implement laws that shape society,” he said.

He said many digital laws still needed to be passed, especially to foster innovation across West Africa.

Olufuye identified key legislative areas, including data protection, cybercrime, child online safety, cybersecurity and cross-border data regulation.

“Parliamentarians enact legal frameworks that support digital rights, national online security and technological innovation,” he explained.

He noted that IGF forums help lawmakers share best legislative practices and harmonise digital laws across ECOWAS countries.

“ECOWAS turns 50 this year. As we push for free movement, we must also pursue cross-border digital collaboration,” he said.

He urged more inclusive Nigerian delegations to global digital forums, involving legislators, civil society, academia, private sector and technical experts. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Funmilola Gboteku

A Technology Policy Advisor, Mr Jide Awe, says challenges in digital literacy, infrastructure investment, and policy implementation hinder Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

Awe, who is also the Founder of Jidaw.com Ltd., made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

He emphasised that these challenges persisted in spite of the nation’s ambitious strides towards a robust digital economy.

“We need to address the digital skills gap and ensure our citizens have access to quality digital infrastructure.

“Digital literacy is key to unlocking the potential of our digital economy,” Awe noted.

He said that digital literacy rates struggled to keep pace with growing digital adoption, leading to critical skill shortages, particularly in advanced areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data analytics, and network engineering.

Awe said the few that were digitally skilled were travelling overseas for greener pastures.

“The ‘Japa’ trend or brain drain, is a direct threat to the industry’s long-term sustainability,” he said.

Speaking on the telecommunications sector, Awe said the industry, which was a vital component of digital growth, faced escalating operational costs.

According to him, the costs are from high energy prices and multiple taxation, limiting operators’ capacity to improve service quality.

Awe said that insufficient internet access also hindered widespread digital adoption, which was compounded by persistent gender inequality in some areas, where women lacked access to digital infrastructure and training.

He, however, noted that in spite of the challenges, Nigeria showcased remarkable progress, including the adoption of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology to deliver high-speed internet to government agencies, businesses, and rural communities.

“The financial technology sector has also experienced substantial growth, with solutions enhancing loan approvals, enabling seamless local and international payments, and integrating services into mobile applications,” Awe noted.

He also noted that the education sector grew in terms of using technology in offering remote learning opportunities through programmes such as Microsoft skills which provides training in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

“Gradually, in the agriculture sector, technology has connected farmers with suppliers and buyers through digital platforms, using precision farming tools like IoT devices and satellite imagery to optimise yields,” he said.

Awe emphasised that in spite of the government’s efforts in technology expansion, bridging the gap to reach rural communities remained a challenge.

“The ultimate goal of innovation is to improve the quality of life for all citizens,” Awe reiterated.

Awe noted that a collaborative effort was needed to increase initiatives for broadband penetration and digitalisation of public services. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

By Stellamaris Ashinze

The Acting Director-General, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Ms Wofai Samuel, says that Nigeria is yet to fully explore its potential in technology, in spite of the sector’s vast opportunities.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, Samuel said that stable power and technology, which are crucial drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth and diversification, were still lacking.

She noted that as long as Nigeria remained unable to ensure stable power and technology, its growth would be hindered.

The NACC boss said that the rapid global pace of technological advancement with everything interconnected was through the internet and data.

Emphasising the role of collaborations, both local and international, she cited U.S. collaborations with other regions and countries to advance its tech sector, though it was the biggest tech sector in the world.

“An example of America’s collaborative efforts is the recent investment of approximately $600 billion by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince in the U.S. technology sector to advance its technological capabilities.

“If America is collaborating with other regions and countries on advancing the tech sector, whereas America is the biggest tech sector, then who are we in Africa not to follow suit?” she queried.

Samuel highlighted the global dominance of U.S. tech giants like Meta, Google, Tesla, and X, along with advancements in Artificial Intelligence like ChatGPT and Meta AI, as evidence of the transformative power of technology.

Connecting technology and power, Samuel emphasised that consistent power supply was fundamental for technological progress, especially as Nigeria sought to diversify its revenue away from oil.

“Without power, how do we even drive technology? So power is correlated to technology. Technology is correlated to power.

‘’Given the current global trade landscape, particularly with tariffs imposed by America on various countries and the potential limitations of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) for African exports, technology is a key avenue for diversification.

“One of the easiest ways, one of the easiest platforms West Africa can diversify into is the technology sector,” she said.

The acting director general noted further that the banking sector was an example of how technology had driven growth and improvement, with online banking and mobile banking methods enhancing financial transactions.

Samuel referenced the World Bank’s projection of the banking and financial technology sectors as among Nigeria’s fastest growing in 2025.

According to her, the growth can be attributed to technological innovations that enable online and mobile banking.

Samuel called on technology-focused platforms in Africa to leverage conferences within and outside the country to drive their growth.

She also stressed the importance of government involvement, particularly ministers of communication and commissioners of science and technology, in shaping policies that supported the growth of the sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Nigeria’s pioneer electric motor company, Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), says it is partnering with U.K.- based Jupiter Lithium to create game-changing Lithium-to-Vehicle Supply Chain in Nigeria.

Alhaji Mustapha Audu, Chairman of EMVC, said that the partnership would focus on engaging third-party partners.

According to him, this will be done by working with kilometres in Kaduna State, creating an unprecedented opportunity to transform Nigeria’s Jupiter’s high-grade SC6 spodumene concentrate production with EMVC’s electric vehicle.

“This partnership represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s transition to sustainable Jupiter to develop a complete domestic supply chain from lithium extraction to electric supply chain.

“The groundbreaking collaboration brings together EMVC’s proven expertise in sustainable mobility solutions with Jupiter’s extensive lithium mining operations across 420 square kilometres in Kaduna State.

“By working with vehicle production, we are not just building cars –we are building Nigeria’s future to develop a complete domestic supply chain from lithium extraction to electric leader in clean mobility technology,” he said.

He said that the partnership would create an unprecedented opportunity to transform Nigeria’s position in the global green economy.

Audu said that the five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established a comprehensive framework to develop Nigeria’s first integrated lithium-to-electric vehicle supply chain.

The chairman said that the partnership would improve trade balance by reducing reliance on imported batteries and electric sustainable transportation.

“The company is committed to developing local capabilities whilst supporting Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse emission to reducing gas emissions through clean transportation.

“This collaboration demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable economic growth.

“We are not just creating products, we are creating an entire ecosystem that will benefit Nigerian communities for generations to come.

“We will work to integrate locally produced lithium, and both companies will collaborate to identify and engage qualified third-party partners capable of sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Stephen Davis, Chairman of Jupiter Lithium Ltd, emphasised the strategic significance of mineral wealth.

Davis said that the partnership addressed a critical gap in the global lithium supply chain by connecting EMVC’s proven expertise in sustainability of the collaboration.

“Our partnership with EMVC exemplifies international transformation of Nigeria’s economic landscape.

“Our partnership with EMVC exemplifies how international expertise can work hand-in-hand with Nigerian innovation to unlock the country’s vast mineral wealth.

“This collaboration will help establish Nigeria as a key player in the global lithium value chain while supporting the country’s ambitious sustainability goals.

“It will also help establish Nigeria as a key player in the global battery-grade chemical production and lithium battery manufacturing facilities, while supporting the country’s ambitious sustainability goals,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EMVC is Nigeria’s pioneering indigenous electric vehicle company, providing comprehensive manufacturing value chain.

Jupiter Lithium Ltd. is a UK-incorporated company focused on developing the Jupiter project, an extensive lithium mining operation in Kaduna State. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman