Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

Doris Israel Ijeoma is a graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos. She writes Tech, Political, Business and Entertainment Articles. dorisisrael5@gmail.com

WhatsApp Beta for Android has introduced an enhanced pinning feature, enabling users to pin multiple chats and messages simultaneously. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is currently trialing this feature, allowing select users to pin up to five chats and three messages within the app. This innovation, reported by WABetaInfo, aims to empower users to prioritize important conversations and messages by keeping them at the top of their chat list. The feature, available in WhatsApp version 2.24.6.15, offers greater flexibility and organization for users managing various chats and messages within the platform.

Read More

LinkedIn, the professional networking platform owned by Microsoft, has set its sights on the lucrative gaming industry, estimated at a staggering $245 billion as of 2023.  With over 1 billion users globally, LinkedIn aims to enhance user engagement by introducing gaming features to its platform. The decision to delve into gaming comes as LinkedIn seeks to diversify its offerings and cater to evolving user preferences. Early reports suggest that the platform is developing puzzle-based games reminiscent of popular titles like Wordle. Games such as “Queens,” “Inference,” and “Crossclimb” are already in development. Researchers analyzing the platform’s code have uncovered experiments…

Read More

The federal government has announced ongoing discussions with Ghana and other countries to bolster the protection of undersea cables.  Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, revealed this on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This comes in the wake of a recent undersea cable cut affecting Ghana, Togo, Senegal, and others. Tijani stressed the importance of revising international laws and forging partnerships with regional and global bodies to expedite efforts in safeguarding this critical infrastructure. Acknowledging the impact of the cable cut on various sectors, including banking, telecoms, and allied industries, Tijani commended the collaborative efforts of…

Read More

In today’s digital world, where privacy is crucial, many people turn to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to keep their online activities secure.  But what about free VPNs? Are they safe to use? Let’s break it down in simple words. What is a VPN? A VPN is like a secret tunnel on the internet. It hides your online activities from prying eyes by encrypting your data and routing it through secure servers in different locations. Free VPNs: Tempting But Risky Free VPNs sound great because, well, they’re free! But remember the saying: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Free…

Read More

If you’re a small business owner seeking a loan from a bank, you might have faced rejection at some point.  It can be frustrating, but understanding why this happens can help you improve your chances in the future. 1. Credit Score Blues: Banks look at your credit score to see how responsible you are with money. If it’s low, they might worry about your ability to pay back the loan. 2. Limited History: New businesses often lack a solid financial track record. Banks feel safer lending to businesses with a proven history of making money. 3. Lack of Collateral: Collateral…

Read More

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has verified reports of widespread internet disruptions across African nations due to submarine cable cuts. In an official statement, the NCC acknowledged the outage affecting various internet service providers, including the West African Cable System and African Coast to Europe. Attributing the disruptions to incidents in Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal, the NCC highlighted the impact on connectivity in Portugal and beyond. Additionally, undersea cable routes like Seacom, Europe India Gateway, and Asia-Africa-Europe 1 were also affected, hampering communication between Europe and the East Coast of Africa. Despite the challenges, the NCC assured the public that…

Read More

In a bid to drive energy transition and support education, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to allocate N100 billion towards providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles and N60 billion for student loans. Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja. He emphasized the government’s commitment to offering alternative energy solutions and enhancing access to education. The Energy Transition Fund aims to facilitate the adoption of CNG vehicles, following the removal of fuel subsidies earlier. However, delays in the rollout have prolonged transportation costs for many Nigerians. Regarding student…

Read More

Flutterwave, the leading payments technology company in Africa, has made strategic appointments to its board. Dipo Fatokun, a former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been appointed as the new Chairman of Flutterwave Technologies Solutions Limited. With over 30 years of experience in banking services and finance, Fatokun’s expertise will bolster Flutterwave’s commitment to regulatory compliance and governance standards. Joining him on the board is Tosin Faniro-Dada, an accomplished ecosystem builder and investor with over 17 years of experience in finance. Faniro-Dada’s background in corporate banking and investment management, along with her passion for supporting tech startups,…

Read More

SpaceX is set to ignite the skies once more as it readies its colossal Starship rocket for its third journey.  The highly anticipated launch is slated for early Thursday morning, falling within a 110-minute window commencing at 7:00 a.m. CT. Conducted from SpaceX’s Starbase campus near Boca Chica, Texas, the upcoming launch will be broadcasted live on SpaceX’s website and various social media platforms. Despite previous test flights meeting explosive ends, SpaceX has implemented significant hardware alterations and enhancements in preparation for this crucial event. This test serves as a pivotal demonstration of the Starship’s evolving capabilities, encompassing fuel transfer,…

Read More

Interswitch, a leading payment firm, has made a significant move by acquiring a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) license from the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) for a reported sum of N500 million.  This strategic step marks the company’s entry into Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The acquisition of the MVNO license positions Interswitch to offer cost-effective 4G or 5G services, particularly targeting underserved regions across the country. MVNOs, such as Interswitch, operate by reselling mobile network services procured at wholesale rates from established telecommunications giants like 9mobile, Airtel, MTN, and Glo. This venture is in line with the NCC’s overarching…

Read More

Losing your ATM card or having it stolen can be a distressing experience, but knowing how to block it quickly can help prevent unauthorized access to your funds.  With the rise of digital banking, blocking your ATM card has become easier and quicker than ever before. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do in case of an emergency: 1. Stay Calm: The first and most important step is to stay calm. Panicking may cloud your judgment and delay the process of blocking your card. 2. Keep Your Card Details Handy: Before contacting your bank, gather all relevant information about…

Read More

In today’s digital age, small businesses face a growing threat from cybercriminals.  Let’s explore why they are becoming more vulnerable: 1. Lack of Experienced Security Staff Unlike big companies and governments, small and medium businesses (SMBs) often lack dedicated cybersecurity experts. This shortage of experienced security staff leaves them exposed to attacks. 2. Underinvestment in Cybersecurity SMBs typically have smaller information technology budgets. They may not allocate enough resources to protect against cyber threats. As a result, their defenses are weaker compared to larger organizations. 3. Malware Attacks In 2023, nearly 50% of malware detections for SMBs were keyloggers, spyware,…

Read More

Google Pay, formerly known as Android Pay, is a mobile payment platform created by Google for facilitating contactless purchases in apps, online, and in person using Android smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches. Users can authenticate via a PIN, passcode, or biometrics such as 3D face scanning or fingerprint recognition. How To Set Up Google Pay Account: 1. Download the Google Pay App: First, head to the Google Play Store or the App Store on your smartphone. Search for “Google Pay” and install the app. 2. Sign In: Open the Google Pay app and sign in using your Google Account. If you…

Read More

In a bid to bolster user privacy and security, WhatsApp has unveiled a new feature that prominently displays an “End-to-End Encrypted” badge within chats.  This badge, adorned with a padlock icon, serves as a clear indicator of the encryption status of conversations and appears momentarily beneath the user’s name. Currently, this feature is exclusively available in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android. The introduction of this badge eliminates the need for users to navigate through settings to verify encryption status, providing immediate reassurance regarding the security of their communications. Notably, the badge is transient, disappearing after a brief…

Read More

YouTube, the globally renowned video-sharing platform, has implemented a significant change affecting users who are not logged into their Google accounts.  Instead of displaying video recommendations on the home page, users are now greeted with a blank page prompting them to start watching videos to generate personalized recommendations. Previously, YouTube’s home page would populate with video suggestions tailored to the user’s local history. However, users who are logged out, using a browser where they haven’t logged into YouTube, or in Incognito mode, will now encounter a message urging them to begin watching videos to build a feed of personalized content.…

Read More

TikTok, the popular social media app, is facing a new threat as the U.S. government introduced a bill to separate it from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.  The proposed legislation, named the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, could potentially force TikTok out of the country. This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced the bill, making it illegal for software with ties to U.S. adversaries to be distributed in the country. The bill specifically mentioned TikTok, requiring ByteDance to sell the app within six months for it to continue operating in the U.S. Despite TikTok’s pushback,…

Read More

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024 and inspiring inclusion, it is crucial to highlight the importance of women in the tech industry and encourage their active participation.  The world of technology is vast and ever-evolving, presenting exciting opportunities for women to enhance their skills and contribute significantly. In this article, we will explore some essential tech skills that women can learn, breaking down complex concepts into simple words to make the learning journey accessible. Coding Basics: Start with the foundation of many tech roles by learning coding basics. Begin with user-friendly languages like HTML and CSS, which are essential…

Read More

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Modupe Kadri, has revealed that the company invested over $120 million in expanding 5G coverage over the past two years. These efforts have increased 5G coverage from 3% in 2022 to 11% in 2023. In an interview, Kadri emphasized the need for urgent government action to address forex challenges and institute fair pricing, crucial for encouraging further investments. He highlighted ongoing engagements with the industry regulator to ensure appropriate pricing, expressing concern that without such adjustments, operators might face difficulties in investing further in infrastructure. Despite these challenges, industry data from the Nigerian Communications…

Read More

In an era dominated by digital interactions, the importance of a strong password cannot be overstated.  Whether it’s safeguarding your social media accounts, email, or online banking, a resilient password is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to create a strong password and enhance your online security. 1. Length Matters: Begin by crafting a password that is at least 12 characters long. Longer passwords provide an extra layer of security and make it exponentially harder for hackers to crack. 2. Mix it Up: Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols in…

Read More

Have you ever wondered what happens to those files you delete from your computer or smartphone?  In the digital realm, the process of deleting files isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. When you click that delete button, you initiate a complex journey for your data, involving digital detours and virtual vanishing acts. 1. The Deceptive Delete Button: When you delete a file, you might think it’s gone for good. However, the delete button often operates more like a label changer than a destructor. Your device marks the space occupied by the file as “available” for new data, but the…

Read More

A report by the World Bank has highlighted the significant impact of 3G coverage on poverty reduction in Nigeria. The report, titled “Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023,” underscored the crucial role of digital connectivity in addressing poverty and fostering sustainable wealth generation, especially in low-income and developing countries. According to the findings, 3G coverage has led to a reduction in extreme poverty by 4.3% in Nigeria. The availability of faster internet has also accelerated employment opportunities, with a 13.2% increase in the pace of employment and a 22% rise in total employment attributed to fast internet access. Moreover, countries…

Read More

Telecommunications giant, Airtel Africa, is gearing up to establish its first 34 Megawatts NXtra Data Center in Lagos, Nigeria.  The groundbreaking ceremony, scheduled for later this month, will be officiated by notable dignitaries including the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani. The NXtra Data Center, a crucial infrastructure investment for Airtel Africa, aims to bolster data sovereignty, security, and preservation within the continent. Expected to operate with an impressive Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) score of 1.3 and accommodate high-density racks, the facility is positioned to meet the escalating…

Read More

Elon Musk’s Starlink, a prominent player in Nigeria’s internet service sector, has implemented a staggering 112% price increase on its hardware.  The Starlink internet router, formerly priced at N378,000, now commands a hefty N800,000, signaling a substantial adjustment amid economic shifts. The surge, unexplained by Starlink, coincides with the persistent depreciation of the Naira against the dollar, plummeting from N907 to N1,602 at the official market between December 2023 and March 7, 2024. Despite this steep increase, Starlink’s monthly subscription cost remains stable at N38,000, presenting an interesting dynamic for consumers. Despite its higher costs relative to local Internet Service…

Read More

The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to Uber Technologies System Nigeria Limited, a popular e-hailing company, to comply with data sharing agreements or risk sanctions affecting its operations and users. The State’s Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stated that Uber’s failure to share essential data goes against the government’s efforts to ensure a secure transportation system for Lagos residents. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of Uber integrating critical Application Program Interface (API) for enhanced safety and security during trips, highlighting the necessity for real-time data sharing for government monitoring. Osiyemi expressed disappointment at Uber’s continuous defiance of…

Read More

WhatsApp has become an integral part of our daily communication, allowing us to connect with friends, family, and colleagues instantly. However, with its widespread usage, the risk of unauthorized access to our WhatsApp accounts has also increased. One such threat is cloning, where someone creates a duplicate of your WhatsApp account on another device without your knowledge. This can lead to privacy breaches, identity theft, and even financial fraud. To safeguard your WhatsApp account from being cloned, here are some essential steps you can take: Enable Two-Step Verification: WhatsApp offers a two-step verification feature that adds an extra layer of…

Read More

Google unveiled its new Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Japan on Thursday, with a focus on strengthening defenses against escalating cyber threats in the Asia-Pacific region. Criminal gangs and state-backed actors pose risks to governments, militaries, and critical infrastructure, prompting the tech giant to collaborate with security specialists, researchers, and partners. The centre aims to conduct collaborative cybersecurity research with universities and governments in Japan and neighboring areas. Google plans to extend its support to enhance cybersecurity for 300,000 small to mid-sized businesses, non-profits, and social organizations in the region, addressing concerns raised in its October warning that the Asia-Pacific…

Read More

In response to network glitch impacting its services in South Africa and Nigeria, the MTN Group has inked a significant deal with telecom equipment manufacturer Ericsson.  The collaboration is aimed at revamping the core network infrastructure in both countries, ensuring a more robust and efficient system for future technologies. The recent network disruption, which affected voice and data services nationwide, prompted MTN to strengthen its existing ties with Ericsson. The telecom giant is focused on deploying a cloud-native core network, aligning with the Unified Cloud Acceleration framework’s principles over the next five years. Mazen Mroué, Chief Technology and Information Officer…

Read More

OpenAI, the leading AI startup, has dismissed Elon Musk’s  lawsuit claims on Wednesday, stating Musk’s impact on the company’s development was overstated.  The startup clarified it had raised less than $45 million from Musk, not the initially promised $1 billion. Instead, OpenAI garnered over $90 million from other donors for research. The lawsuit alleged that OpenAI prioritized profits over its nonprofit mission, a claim the startup denied. The dispute stemmed from OpenAI’s shift to a for-profit model to fund AGI development, differing from Musk’s vision of attaching it to Tesla or maintaining nonprofit status. OpenAI stressed its commitment to benefiting…

Read More

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of official Android app support on Windows 11, including access to the Amazon Appstore.  The decision also encompasses the cessation of maintenance for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) within the coming year. Users currently utilizing Amazon Appstore or Android apps on Windows 11 can continue their usage until March 5, 2025. However, starting tomorrow, Amazon will prevent new users from downloading the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Developers are allowed to submit app updates for existing apps until the complete discontinuation of the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11. It’s worth noting that WSA…

Read More

The US Army Research Laboratory is utilizing OpenAI’s cutting-edge GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4 Vision models in a military video game dedicated to battle planning.  The experiment also involves two other AI models based on older technology. The AI assistants, when assigned the mission to destroy enemy forces and capture objectives, exhibited the ability to generate diverse courses of action. Impressively, OpenAI’s GPT models outperformed their counterparts, although some concerns were raised about increased casualties during mission objectives. This initiative aligns with the broader US Army strategy to embrace artificial intelligence, with Project Maven standing out as a flagship effort. Project…

Read More