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Lagos has attracted over a billion dollars in data session – Lagos Govt

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Lagos has attracted over a billion dollars in data session – Lagos Govt By Ifeoma Ikem

 

 

 

Gov. Babajide Sanwolu, the Lagos state governor says the state government has attracted over a billion dollars in data session in the last one year.

 

 

 

 

Sanwolu said this during the Art Of Technology ; with theme ,Talent Acceleration and A Smarter Lagos on Thursday in Lagos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The governor was ably represented by his deputy Dr Babafemi Hamzat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“In the past one year, Lagos has attracted over a billion dollars in data session investment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Our smart city implementation has deployed over six hundred smart intelligence video cameras as well as intelligent transport cameras.

 

 

 

” Over the past years through our initial ITs deployment which is the intelligence traffic system, we now have automatic plate number recognition cameras”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said that Lagos has become the number one startup ecosystem in Africa in terms of performance and share numbers in start up creating value between 2019 and 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“With over 12 percent increase resulting to 1.5billion dollars in venture capital funding, in 2022 alone we recorded over two thousands start ups, creating and contributing value across agriculture construction and health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We have enabled a better collaborating technology in the ecosystem with 25 thousands online and offline registration”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He point out that the continued progress is a testimony provided to both private, public sector and stakeholders to procreate and drive value in this ecosystem which the state is particularly happy for the growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Lagos has provided the central core of business and technological development in Nigeria for decades.

 

 

 

 

“Our administration’s contribution is evident in different implementation and initiatives of our organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Through the first Art of Technology we were able to identify the need to access talent development inclusion of both male and female.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“In this start up, there are initial funding of activities in deepening internet Penetration, we have included over 2900 kms of fiber optic deployment across the state which has connected about 100 Schools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Also we have partnered with telecoms industries and using our optics dusk to power their 5G distinction”,he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We also reinstating our identity management programmes through our Lagos agency that will seek to identify all inhabitant of Lagos for this project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hakeem Fahn, the Commissioner, Ministry of science and technology, in his welcome address, said the event brought together the commercial and public stakeholders to explore policy and strategy that will help Lagos become efficient, and digitally competitive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fahn urged stakeholders to work together to speed up ideas and adoption of effective techniques which is the only way they can gain success in the digital world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“With our tireless efforts this program will assist the youth in achieving their objective, he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victor Afolabi, the founder of Eko Innovative Centre noted that there is a gap between technology and policy making which need to be bridged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Afolabi said that the conversation should be about talent and that has become the new goal of Eko Inovative Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“There is no other way in getting them but rather catching them young and that is what we are trying to do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Before these youths get into university we have to expose them to experiences in the technical system so that they can be well skilled and equipped”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another speaker Olatunbosun Alake the Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology to the Lagos State governor, highlighted the talent challenges is part of issue that we have .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to him,a speaker said he does not see relocating as an issue but exploiting and we are also preparing a ground work for more talent to be exploited like if you have a talent and Nigerian’s in UK use Nigeria product which will serve as more revenue to our status.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally ,he stated that today was an opportunity to discuss the strategies we have and create more value for Nigeria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art of Technology (AOT) 4.0, Lagos is an annual tech conference curated by Eko Innovation Centre, one of the largest and leading tech hubs in Nigeria.

 

Lagos has attracted over a billion dollars in data session - Lagos Govt

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Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

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Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

 

– The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has removed Nigeria from its list of debtor countries.

 

– Country now better placed to strengthen fiscal credibility, says presidential aide, O’tega Ogra

 

 

In a report titled: ‘Total IMF Credit Outstanding – Movement from May 01, 2025 to May 06, 2025,” obtained on the multilateral institution’s website yesterday, Nigeria was not listed among its debtors which has a total of 91 developing and least developed countries owing the Fund a total of $117,797,656,224 as at 6th of May 2025.

 

Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

 

Total IMF credit outstanding refers to the total amount of unpaid and outstanding principal due to the Fund from its member countries. This includes both outstanding loans under current arrangements and those that have expired.

 

 

When contacted on the development yesterday, a top IMF official in Washington DC, who pleaded to remain anonymous, told THISDAY they were trying to confirm the reports, pointing out that Nigeria borrowed a rapid finance loan during the pandemic.

 

 

However, StatiSense, a data company which also confirmed on its X handle yesterday that Nigeria was no longer listed on the list of countries indebted to IMF, revealed that as at July 28, 2023, Nigeria was owing the Fund $1.61 billion, this was reduced to $1.37 billion as at January 5, 2024; $933.03 million as at July 10, 2024; $472.06 million as at January 8, 2025, before it was finally settled this month.

 

 

It was learnt that the value was converted from Special Drawing Rights (SDR), an international reserve asset created by the IMF to supplement the official reserves of its member countries, to US dollars.

 

 

In a post on his X handle, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy, and New Media, O’tega Ogra, said the development was a signal of discipline, reform, and strategic reset by the Tinubu-Shettima administration in restructuring “our finances to enable us to be better placed for a prosperous future.”

 

 

He added: “As Nigeria closes the chapter on these legacy debt obligations, we are better placed to strengthen our fiscal credibility and show the world, and ourselves, that Nigeria is serious about managing our economy with responsibility and vision.

 

 

“Does this mean no more business with the IMF or other foreign lenders? No! Nigeria still remains a member of the IMF and can approach it at any time if the situation demands. This is definitely not a door slammed shut.

 

 

“Why? Because global partnerships like the IMF remain valuable allies, especially in a world defined by volatility and uncertainty. The difference now is that any future engagement will be proactive, not reactive, and will also be based on partnership, not dependence. Debt clearance today, reform momentum tomorrow.

 

 

“President Bola Tinubu will continue to prioritise long-term reforms with sound financial management for the benefit of our country and generations yet unborn. Nigeria is rising with clarity, capacity, and credibility, and this is why you should take a #BetOnNigeria.”

 

 

The IMF recently commended Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as bold measures that have helped stabilise the economy and laid the groundwork for future growth.

 

 

The IMF, in its recent 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission to Nigeria, last month, by a team led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. These reforms have put Nigeria in a better position to navigate the external environment.

 

 

“The macroeconomic outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy.

 

 

“Macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, reduce inflation, and support private sector-led growth.”

 

 

Schimmelpfennig in the statement had noted that the cessation of deficit financing by the CBN, the removal of costly fuel subsidies, and improvements in the foreign exchange market were major policy shifts that signaled a commitment to reform.

 

 

He stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. The financing of the fiscal deficit by the central bank has ceased, costly fuel subsidies were removed, and the functioning of the foreign exchange market has improved.”

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Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

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Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Pretoria – May 5, 2025

 

In a vibrant and heartwarming celebration held at the University of Pretoria on Monday, May 5, 2025, Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia proudly graduated with an Honours degree in Public Administration and Management.

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Dressed in academic regalia and beaming with pride, Hlavutelo walked across the graduation stage to thunderous applause from her family, friends, and fellow graduates. The event was a joyful culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Her parents, visibly emotional and proud, described the moment as one of the happiest of their lives. “We are overwhelmed with joy,” said her mother. “Watching our daughter achieve this milestone is a dream come true.”

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

The colourful ceremony, filled with music, traditional attire, and jubilant celebrations, marked a significant chapter in Hlavutelo’s academic journey. She expressed gratitude to her family, lecturers, and peers for their unwavering support, adding that she hopes to use her qualification to serve her community and contribute to ethical governance in South Africa.

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia’s achievement stands as an inspiration to many young South Africans, reminding them that with determination and support, anything is possible.

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

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N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

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N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That a controversial water project in (Filin tanda) Bade local Government of Gashua Yobe State, initially intended to provide clean drinking water, has become a focal point of public outrage and accusations of corruption. The project, purportedly aimed at replacing a former children’s play area (referred to as “sling swing”) with a functional water supply system, is now facing severe criticism regarding its execution and financial management.

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

The project is linked to Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, the former President of the 9th Senate and current Yobe North Senator. Senator Lawan’s long tenure in the parliament, spanning approximately 30 years, has drawn scrutiny, with some residents claiming that his career is marked by a lack of substantial developmental achievements.

 

 

“This used to be the place we played sling swing (Lilo) as kids… This guy, who spent about 30 years in office, making me as old as his incumbency, who has zero projects that go beyond a hundred million Naira, was once even the president of the Senate! What a monumental failure his entire career must be!” lamented a source.

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

Adding fuel to the controversy, Senator Lawan’s alleged ambition to contest in the 2027 gubernatorial elections has been met with skepticism. Critics express concern about the potential for further mismanagement and wasted resources, citing a pattern of “classical stupidity” among the electorate.

 

 

The accusations of fraud and negligence are particularly focused on the handling of the project’s funds. Sources, including Usman Umar Nagona and Habu Nawi Katuzu, have raised serious allegations: “5.7 Billion water fraud, jama’a ku tayani dubawa a ina 500M ta mutu anan? And that former Senate president, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, must come out boldly. Meanwhile, the work has not even reached 40% completion… The quality is substandard, timelines are completely ignored, and there’s a clear lack of accountability.”

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

The total budget for the water project is reported to be 5.7 billion Naira, with concerns that 500 million Naira is unaccounted for, despite the project’s completion rate being less than 40%. The reports of substandard quality, missed deadlines, and a lack of transparency have intensified calls for an investigation into the project’s management.

 

According to Usman Umar Nagona and Habu Nawi Katuzu, “the Yobe State Executive Governor, His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni Chiroman Gujba CON refused to attend the commissioning of the project because he knew it was a fraud”.

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

The controversy surrounding the water project has raised questions about Senator Lawan’s legacy and his suitability for higher office, and the Gashua people want to protest against the project if actions are not taken.

 

As Yobe State approaches the 2027 elections, the allegations of fraud and negligence in this project are likely to play a significant role in the political discourse.

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