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Technology expert and founder of BMONI, Jørn Lyseggen, has described Nigeria as ‘the heartbeat of Africa’s tech revolution,’ highlighting the country’s growing influence in driving innovation across the continent.

BMONI, a new financial technology platform, aims to empower young professionals and small business owners in Africa by offering smarter, more affordable, and flexible financial services compared to traditional banks.

Speaking at the platform’s official launch, Lyseggen said the company’s core mission is to equip Nigerians with world-class financial tools that enable them to participate actively in the global economy.

‘Our mission is to give Nigeria’s movers and shakers world-class financial tools to enable active participation in the global economy,’ he stated.

Lyseggen, who also serves as Founder and Executive Chairman of Meltwater, emphasised that BMONI places strong priority on security. He noted that the platform integrates patented biometric technology – backed by 22 awarded patents – with advanced encryption and collaborations with licensed financial institutions to safeguard users’ accounts and transactions.

Advisor to the platform, Gbenga Oyebode, described the launch as the beginning of a new chapter for fintech innovation in Nigeria and Africa, positioning BMONI as a catalyst for inclusive digital financial growth across the continent.

‘BMONI represents a new chapter for African fintech; it’s a platform built with deep respect for the Nigerian market and a clear vision for how technology can unlock financial inclusion at scale,’ he said.

The financial platform aims to provide users with smarter ways to save in stable assets, earn more on their Naira, and transact seamlessly across borders.

Ashwin Ravichandran, Head of Product at the company, highlighted the platform’s relevance in Nigeria, where 70% of the population is under 35 and fintech transactions exceed 9 trillion Naira monthly.

‘Nigerians today want more than banking-they want freedom, ownership, and opportunity,’ he said.

The financial platform’s team spans Nigeria, Ghana, Chicago, San Francisco, Norway, and London, blending Silicon Valley-scale expertise with African insight to deliver innovation, execution, and impact.

Celebrating its launch, the platform is sponsoring Moonshot, Africa’s leading technology and innovation event, engaging with entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators to explore how fintech can drive inclusion and prosperity across the continent.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted in evidence the confessional statement made by former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, while being investigated over the N33.8billion money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on Friday, dismissed the objection raised by Mamman to the admissibility of the statement he made on February 20, 2024, and eight other statements.

The ruling was on the trial-within-trial conducted by the court following a claim by the ex-minister that he did not make the statement of February 20, 2024, voluntarily and that he was not supplied with video recordings of the sessions where he made the other eight statements.

Justice Omotosho upheld that case of the prosecution that the defendant volunteered the statement of February 20, 2024, after the words of caution were administered to him as required.

The judge held that, as against the defendant’s claim that he was not in a good frame of mind when he was asked to make the statement of February 20, 2024, there was no evidence to support such a claim.

He found that although the ex-minister claimed to be ill on the said day, he did not ask to be excused, but instead, he directed his lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, to write the statement for him, while he dictated what should be written.

The judge also rejected the defendant’s claim that he was not sure his lawyer wrote exactly what he dictated and that the lawyer could have added other information outside of what he dictated.

Justice Omotosho wondered why the ex-minister, who had promised to call the said lawyer as his witness in the trial-within-trial, failed to do so when he had the opportunity.

The judge held that, as against the defendant’s claim that he was forced to make the said statement, a video recording of the statement-taking session, which was played in court, showed that he was relaxed and smiling with his interrogators.

He said the conduct of the defendant amounted to a classic case of the defendant trying to deny his confessional statement, which he voluntarily made.

The judge also faulted the ex-minister’s contention that the prosecution’s failure to provide him with the video recordings of the sessions where he made other statements amounted to being denied adequate materials to prepare for his defence.

Justice Omotosho said he ought to have applied to the court to order the prosecution to provide him with all the materials he required if indeed he actually wanted them.

The judge held that the right to adequate facilities to prepare a defence is not automatic, adding that he was to apply to the court to order the prosecution to make the video available to him, an option he failed to take.

Justice Omotosho found that the ex-minister failed to prove that he was forced to make the confessional statement, adding that his complaint that he was not given the video recordings was belated.

He proceeded to admit the nine statements in evidence and adjourned till November 3 for the continuation of the trial.

Apart from the statement he made on February 20, 2024, other statements admitted by the court included those the defendant made on May 10, 2023; May 11, 2023; May 12, 2023; May 15, 2023; May 17, 2023; May 19, 2023; August 3, 2023, and August 29, 2023.

Mamman, who was a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021, was accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a 12-count charge of diverting N33,804,830,503.73 released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government.

The EFCC said the offence was contrary to Sections 18(a), 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

Some counts in the charge sheet read:

*That you, Saleh Mamman (male), sometime in 2019, in Abuja, whilst you were the Minister of Power, conspired with other officials of your ministry and some private companies to indirectly convert the total sum of N=33,804,830,503.73 through various private companies which sums you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, to wit: criminal breach of trust about the funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

*That you, Saleh Mamman (male), sometime in December 2019, in Abuja, conspired with Samson Bitrus to make a cash payment of US$655,700:00 to Mohiba Investment Ltd. (acting through Mohammed Asheik Jidda), without going through a financial institution.

The wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, has officially flagged off the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign for children across the state’s 25 local government areas.

The ceremony, held in the Bida Local Government Area, marked the commencement of a statewide exercise aimed at protecting thousands of children from preventable diseases.

Speaking at the event, Hajiya Fatima Bago emphasized that the vaccination campaign is critical to safeguarding children’s health, noting that measles and rubella remain major threats to their survival and development.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, described the initiative as a milestone in the state’s healthcare delivery. He urged parents, especially mothers, to present their children for vaccination, assuring them of the vaccine’s safety and benefits.

‘It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our children benefit from this important exercise. The vaccine is good for our children and has no negative impact on human development,’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Imam, explained that the campaign will cover all 274 wards in the state.

He added that alongside the Measles-Rubella vaccine, children would also receive the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), malaria treatment, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, and other routine immunizations.

Dr. Imam further disclosed that the Niger State Government has provided all the necessary logistics and resources to ensure the success of the vaccination campaign.

Founder of Silver Cross Healthcare, Ese Onemiye, has warned that without community-led and technology-driven solutions, ensuring healthcare access for underserved populations will become difficult in the face of economic hardship and brain drain.

Onemiye, in a statement, expressed dismay over the ongoing brain drain of medical personnel from Nigeria, noting that it was a symptom of systemic neglect in areas such as workforce support, infrastructure and professional fulfillment.

According to her, healthcare professionals were not leaving for better pay but to environments where they were valued, equipped and empowered to deliver quality care.

The statement reads: ‘The ongoing brain drain of medical personnel from Nigeria is a symptom of deeper systemic neglect, particularly in areas such as workforce support, infrastructure, and professional fulfillment.

‘Healthcare professionals are not leaving solely for better pay; they are leaving for environments where they are valued, equipped, and empowered to deliver quality care. The antidote lies in building a health system that prioritizes its people.

‘At Silver Cross Healthcare, we believe retention starts with investment in infrastructure, competitive compensation, continuous training, and, crucially, mental health support for caregivers and professionals alike. Through our foundation, we also champion the emotional and economic wellbeing of women caregivers, who form a vital yet often-invisible pillar of healthcare.

‘If we want our talent to stay, we must create a culture of respect, resilience, and reward within the system. A thriving healthcare workforce is not a luxury; it is the backbone of national development.

‘Ensuring healthcare access for underserved populations in the face of economic hardship and brain drain requires adaptive, community-led, and technology-driven solutions.

‘At Silver Cross Healthcare, we champion decentralized care models, empowering family caregivers with the skills, mental health support, and tools to provide frontline care in their own homes and communities. This approach not only fills the human resource gap but also brings healthcare closer to those who need it most.

‘Technology and telemedicine are also critical. By connecting remote patients to medical professionals through virtual platforms, we bridge access gaps and reduce dependency on overburdened urban hospitals.

‘Ultimately, cross-sector collaboration among governments, private enterprises, and mission-driven organisations is crucial for pooling resources and amplifying impact. At the Silver Cross Living Well Empowerment Foundation, our commitment is clear: when we invest in the people already providing care, especially women, we strengthen the entire system from the inside out.’

Former Super Eagles midfielder and Chelsea’s Africa Chief Scouting Manager, Seyi George Olofinjana, has defended his decision to become the brand ambassador of SuperWinleague Lottery, describing the initiative as a credible project designed to create opportunities for footballers and fans across Nigeria.

Olofinjana was officially unveiled on Wednesday in Lagos as the face of the new lottery brand and football project during a ceremony held at the MTN Office in Falomo. The event attracted sports administrators, corporate partners, and representatives from DayEmpire Sports Marketing Management Company Ltd, the organizers of the initiative.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Chief Operating Officer of DayEmpire Sports Management, Yemisi Ayodeji Daniel, said the project aims to connect sports, entertainment, and empowerment through strategic partnerships.

‘We are starting a big project today that creates opportunities for footballers, fans, and other stakeholders to fulfil their dreams,’ Daniel said. ‘We are therefore excited to have former Super Eagles and Stoke City midfielder Seyi George Olofinjana as our brand ambassador for the SuperWinleague Lottery and other projects.

‘This partnership with top telecommunications company MTN and a renowned footballer underscores the importance of the project. Their decision to come on board confirms that the project is anchored on integrity, promise kept, and protection of our core values as an entity. At DayEmpire Sports SMM, we not only keep our promises, we value integrity because we want to build an international brand that will stand the test of time,’ he added.

In his response, Olofinjana expressed confidence in the transparency of the SuperWinleague brand, stating that his decision to accept the ambassadorial role was based on the project’s credibility and potential impact on Nigerian football.

‘I’m staking my hard-earned reputation by identifying with this brand because I’m convinced that every promise made will be fulfilled,’ the former Nigerian international said.

The SuperWinleague Lottery and SuperWinleague Football Project are designed to offer footballers and fans unique opportunities to win prizes, earn trials with European clubs, and experience top-flight football first-hand. Winners will be rewarded daily with cash prizes, jerseys, and football boots, while the ultimate prize includes European trials for the best player and an all-expense-paid trip to England for selected fans to watch top Premier League matches.

Olofinjana, who represented Nigeria at the 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, enjoyed an illustrious club career with Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Hull City before moving into football management and scouting. His involvement with the SuperWinleague brand is seen as a boost to the credibility and visibility of the project.

The unveiling marks the beginning of what stakeholders describe as a ‘new era’ of football-inspired empowerment, with MTN’s partnership signaling a strong corporate commitment to sports development in Nigeria.

All is set for the formal defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Enugu, the state capital.

Mbah is expected to join the ruling party alongside elected national and state legislators, members of the state executive, and party leaders from ward and local government levels across the state.

APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Deputy National Chairman (South), Hon. Emma Eneukwu, while inaugurating a seven-man caretaker committee for the party in Enugu State, hinted at ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s influence in the South East region.

Confirming the development to newsmen at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja after taking the oath of office, the newly inaugurated Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, disclosed that the governor and his appointees would officially be received into the party on October 14.

The APC National Working Committee (NWC) had on Thursday dissolved the Enugu State Working Committee (SWC) and appointed a seven-member caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs in the state.

Australians are growing less patient with slow systems, long wait times, and outdated processes. It’s simple, things should move faster. This shift is being felt across sectors, and businesses and public services are under pressure to improve response times and remove unnecessary steps. The push for speed isn’t just about convenience; it’s changing how organisations operate and how people interact with them.

More Australians are choosing cashless payments because they’re quicker and easier to use. People want simple, fast transactions that don’t interrupt their day. Tools like Apple Pay and Google Pay are now part of everyday routines. Whether it’s buying a coffee on the way to work or paying for groceries, tapping a phone takes just seconds.

That same preference for speed is reshaping other spaces too. For those interested in online gaming, understanding eligibility rules for Australian players has become important, especially as new platforms offer instant-play access and online bonuses tailored to verified local users. These bonus systems reward players for quick sign-ups or early deposits, mirroring the broader national trend toward efficiency and instant results.

Speed matters in work-related tasks as well. Small businesses now rely on instant transfers to pay suppliers or contractors. Faster payments mean fewer disruptions, which is key for staying on track in industries where timing can affect results.

Behind these changes is a clear pattern: people want transactions to keep up with their lives. Digital wallets, real-time transfers, and simplified payment systems are quickly becoming the norm.

A strong internet connection is now essential. Australians expect online access that works without delays.

Recent broadband upgrades are starting to meet that demand. New plans now offer download speeds far beyond what was available a few years ago. That’s made a real difference in regional areas like the Hunter Valley, where workers can now join online meetings without constant interruptions.

City residents are seeing improvements too. With more 5G coverage across major centres, mobile data speeds are much faster. This helps with everything from using GPS apps in real time to downloading large files for school or work without delays.

But the gap between metro and rural areas hasn’t fully closed. Some towns still have slower fixed-line connections that lag behind international standards. Governments are investing in upgrades to change that, and businesses are adjusting their services to work smoothly across different network conditions.

New technologies like satellite internet are also being introduced. These could help industries such as farming, where reliable data connections support tools that track crops or monitor livestock. Going forward, there’s pressure on providers to offer both speed and affordability, so no region gets left behind.

Online shopping now comes with higher expectations. Many Australians want their orders delivered within a day. To meet that, retailers have had to speed up every part of the process.

Environmental concerns are part of the picture as well. More companies now use electric vans and recyclable packaging to meet customer demand for sustainable delivery. It’s become clear that speed and eco-friendly practices can go hand in hand.

When demand spikes, like during holiday seasons, the pressure on logistics systems increases. To cope, businesses are using automation.

With more money going into infrastructure, delivery networks are set to grow even further. That’s creating more jobs and boosting spending, especially on local products, as faster deliveries make repeat purchases easier.

Reliable transport is a priority for many Australians, especially those dealing with long commutes. Upgrades to buses and trains are being made to improve travel times and help ease traffic in growing communities. In New South Wales, new rail systems and better signalling have started to cut wait times between services.

Transport is also becoming more environmentally friendly. Electric buses and trains are being added to reduce emissions, and many now include live tracking through apps, so users can see when their service is arriving in real time.

Making these changes without causing disruption isn’t easy. Public input is helping to guide route planning and schedule changes, especially for people with non-traditional working hours or families managing school drop-offs. Overall performance is improving, but occasional delays from weather or repairs still need attention.

Australians aren’t simply growing restless; they’re adjusting to a world that leaves little room for waiting. The pressure to keep up with work, family, and everything in between means systems that once seemed fine now feel too slow.

So, as life moves faster, services are being pushed to match that rhythm, and it’s clear that slowing down isn’t on the cards anytime soon.

The British Academy of Management (BAM) has honoured Professor Christian Harrison of the University of Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, with the 2025 BAM Medal for Contribution to Communities.

The award ceremony, which took place at the University of Kent’s Sibson Building during the Grand Opening Ceremony of this year’s BAM Conference, recognised Professor Harrison for his long-standing and exceptional service to the BAM community.

Established in 2024, the BAM Medal for Contribution to Communities celebrates individuals who have made remarkable impacts within the Academy’s networks and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).

Recipients are nominated by the BAM Council, Fellows, and SIG Chairs, and the final selection is made by the Awards and Executive Committees.

Professor Harrison was commended for his outstanding leadership of the Leadership Special Interest Group, his co-founding of the BAM African Studies Track-now in its fourth year-and his valuable contributions as a Council member who co-led the Management Knowledge and Education Teaching Practice Conference for several years.

A respected scholar of leadership and management, Professor Harrison has been widely recognised for advancing leadership studies and fostering academic collaborations between Africa and the United Kingdom.

The British Academy of Management described the recognition as a ‘prestigious and well-deserved honour,’ highlighting Harrison’s exceptional contribution to the growth and vibrancy of the BAM community.

Nigerian rapper Erhiga Agarivbie, popularly known as Erigga, has opened up on why he cannot abandon his music career.

Speaking in an interview with Hip TV, the rapper said his drive for making music comes from passion rather than financial rewards.

Erigga noted that while many artistes quit the industry each year due to various challenges, he remains unwavering because music is an inseparable part of his life.

He emphasised that his love for music goes beyond money or fame, describing it as the core of his existence.

‘Every year, people leave music for real-life issues. But I can’t stop. Music is life. It’s what keeps me going. Take the business and everything out of it, it’s more of a passion. I can’t disappoint my fans,’ Erigga said.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, has navigated a tumultuous political landscape on his journey to govern. Much like the biblical David, he has faced numerous challenges and adversaries, ultimately emerging victorious, particularly during his re-election campaign. Demonstrating unwavering resilience akin to that of a wounded lion, Abiodun’s determination and tenacity were rewarded as providence smiled upon him, fulfilling his ambition for a second term. Today, he celebrates his accomplishments; his heart swells with gratitude, and he dances with the joy reminiscent of David’s biblical celebrations.

Equipped with a strong background as a seasoned businessman and an oil and gas mogul, Abiodun entered the murky waters of politics with an entrepreneurial mindset. This background has been instrumental in transforming Ogun State into a more attractive investment hub, positioning it as the nation’s industrial heartland. His administration’s focus on creating an environment conducive to business has drawn millions of investors, facilitating job creation and enabling the government to generate substantial income from these investments.

Under Governor Abiodun’s leadership, Ogun State has experienced remarkable growth, marked by significant infrastructural advancements across various sectors, including roads, education, agriculture, industrialization, security, job creation, housing development, and women empowerment. His commitment to public service extends to the welfare of civil servants, ensuring that they are supported and motivated. Abiodun’s tireless efforts have made Ogun State a beacon of prosperity, establishing it as a safe haven for both residents and investors alike.

Unlike many of his gubernatorial peers who view a second term as an opportunity to coast on their previous successes, Abiodun remains deeply committed to furthering Ogun State’s development.

Within just two years of his second tenure, he has surpassed expectations and set a new benchmark for achievement. His initiatives have not only transformed the state but have also garnered praise from pundits who note his exceptional performance against the backdrop of his first term.

Abiodun’s strategic vision to position Ogun as the preferred destination for investors is complemented by policies aimed at streamlining operations. The ‘ease of doing business’ initiative has received accolades from manufacturers, who appreciate the incentives and expedited approvals that facilitate their ventures. One of the highlights of his tenure is the recent inauguration of the Ogun Agro Cargo Airport, which offers a direct flight route to Abuja via ValueJet. This development is poised to be a game-changer, significantly reducing travel time and improving accessibility for residents and businesses.

As Governor Abiodun continues to deliver on his promises, he effectively silences critics and skeptics alike by demonstrating the tangible benefits of his governance. The dividends of democracy are being realized under his stewardship, and as he strides confidently forward, there is growing consensus that he may indeed be one of the most impactful governors in Ogun State’s history.