Business
itel’s Triple Triumph: City 100, BudsFit 5 and Power 70 Win Awards at the Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit & Leadership Award
itel, one of Africa’s leading smart technology brands, cemented its place as a powerhouse in mobile innovation with a triple win at the prestigious Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards. The annual event, hosted by Nigerian Communications Week, held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, saw itel taking home three top honors for its revolutionary products: the Power 70 smartphone, City 100, and BudsFit 5.

itel Power 70: Most Innovative Smartphone of the Year
Making waves in the mobile industry, the itel Power 70 earned the coveted title of Most Innovative Smartphone of the Year. As Nigeria’s first smartphone boasting a massive 10,000mAh battery capacity — a combination of a 6,000mAh built-in battery and an innovative 4,000mAh charging case — the Power 70 is redefining power efficiency and on-the-go durability. Its IP54-rated water and dust resistance and reverse charging functionality make it a reliable companion for users who demand long-lasting performance without compromise.

itel City 100: Customer Choice Mobile Phone of the Year
Similarly, itel’s customer-centric approach was validated as the City 100 clinched the Customer Choice Mobile Phone of the Year award. Designed with Gen Z city dwellers in mind, the City 100 is as stylish as it is functional. Standout features like a first-of-its-kind magnetic speaker, DeepSeek AI integration, and a built-in infrared remote control cater to the dynamic, connected lifestyle of modern urban users – all at an affordable price point.

itel BudsFit 5: Most Attractive Mobile Accessory of the Year
For rich sound lovers, fashion-forward users and enthusiasts alike, the itel BudsFit 5 was honored as the Most Attractive Mobile Accessory of the Year. These sleek wireless earbuds combine style with performance, boasting AI-powered noise cancellation, IP54 water resistance, and an impressive 32-hour total playtime – making them the perfect accessory for music lovers on the move.

A Landmark Moment for itel
Speaking at the event, itel’s representatives expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to democratizing technology through innovation, affordability, and style.
“We designed these products with real people and real lifestyles in mind,” said Dolapo Olorun-Nimbe, ATL Marketing Manager, itel Mobile Nigeria. “Whether it’s the long-lasting battery of the Power 70, the trend-driven appeal of BudsFit 5, or the Gen Z-centric City 100, itel continues to put innovation within reach of every Nigerian.”
Echoing the sentiment, Terngu Simeon Shagba, Public Relations Supervisor, itel Mobile Nigeria, added: “This triple recognition is not just a win for our brand, but a win for every user who believes in the power of affordable technology. We’re incredibly grateful to our customers and the ICT community for trusting our vision. This triple win reaffirms our mission to create smart, stylish, and power-efficient devices that meet the evolving needs of our users”
Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards is one of the most respected platforms celebrating contributions to the development of information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigeria. itel’s success at this year’s edition underscores its growing impact in shaping the future of digital life across Nigeria and the African continent.
For more information about itel products and upcoming innovations, visit https://www.itel-life.com/ng/itel-home/itel-home-products
About itel
Established over 15 years, itel is a reliable smart life brand for everyone. Adopting “Enjoy better life” as its brand philosophy, itel’s mission is to provide budget-friendly consumer electronic products and lifestyle products to everyone. It democratizes technology by giving entry to technology and connections to consumers without prior access to it. After more than 15 years’ development, itel has expanded its presence in more than 80 emerging markets globally. itel has a product portfolio of smartphones, accessories, electrics, home appliances, and lifestyle products and in 2024 it ranked No.1 Global Smartphone brand under $75 and No.1 feature phone brand. https://itel.com.ng/
Business
Pumpkin Property Introduces Nigeria’s First Starlink-Powered Housing Initiative
Pumpkin Property, a fast-growing real estate development firm committed to creating modern, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions across Nigeria, has announced a groundbreaking initiative that integrates high-speed satellite internet into its housing projects, redefining modern living standards in the country.
Under this initiative, homebuyers in selected Pumpkin Property estates will receive Starlink hardware, professional installation, and three months of complimentary high-speed internet subscription upon purchasing a home.
The initiative will initially be available in Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate located within Millennium City, Kaduna, as well as Pumpkin Homes located in Karsana, Abuja.
Pumpkin Property focuses on developing well-planned residential communities supported by essential infrastructure—including road networks, drainage systems, street lighting, and modern utilities—while embracing innovative technology that enhances residents’ quality of life.
To support the rollout of this initiative, Pumpkin Property has entered into a collaboration agreement with Konga Online Nigeria Limited for the supply, installation, and technical support of Starlink hardware and related connectivity products across Pumpkin housing projects and real estate developments in Nigeria.
In addition, Pumpkin Property has partnered with TD Africa, an authorized distributor of Starlink solutions in Africa. Through this partnership, Pumpkin Property will have direct access to the latest Starlink hardware, including Starlink kits and accessories, ensuring reliable deployment within its estates.
Starlink, the satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, delivers high-speed broadband connectivity through a network of low-Earth orbit satellites. The technology expands access to reliable internet in regions where traditional fibre or terrestrial infrastructure remains limited. As Elon Musk explained:
“Starlink is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to places where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable.”
Speaking on the initiative, the CEO of Pumpkin Holdings Limited, Mr Oladeji Bamidele, emphasized the growing importance of digital infrastructure in modern housing developments.
“Connectivity has become as essential as electricity and water in modern communities. By integrating Starlink technology into our housing developments, we are ensuring that our homeowners enjoy reliable high-speed internet from the moment they move in. This initiative reflects our commitment to building future-ready communities across Nigeria.”
By integrating satellite connectivity into its housing projects, Pumpkin Property is positioning itself at the forefront of technology-enabled real estate development in Nigeria, setting a new benchmark for smart living communities.
Prospective homeowners and investors interested in the Starlink-powered homes at Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate in Millennium City, Kaduna, and Pumpkin Homes in Karsana, Abuja, are encouraged to contact Pumpkin Property for further information on availability and purchase options.
Business
Safety First: Transcorp Hilton Abuja Stages Fire Drill
Transcorp Hilton Abuja has conducted its first-quarter unannounced fire drill simulation as part of efforts to strengthen safety measures and emergency preparedness within the facility.
The exercise, which took place on 19th February 2026, was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service. The simulation forms part of the hotel’s structured safety programme aimed at ensuring a high level of emergency readiness and effective coordination with relevant authorities.
Management of the hotel said the initiative underscores its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of guests and team members.
“We successfully carried out our Q1 unannounced fire drill simulation with the support of the Nigeria Fire Service. This exercise forms part of our structured safety programme, designed to ensure a high level of emergency preparedness and effective coordination with relevant authorities,” the management stated.
The drill comes shortly after the hotel hosted its Valentine’s Day weekend promotion across its rooms and restaurants. The celebration, characterised by romance, entertainment and vibrant experiences, was warmly received by guests.
As preparations begin for the Holy Month of Ramadan, the management reassured guests of a safe, serene and memorable stay.
“We appreciate the understanding of our guests and apologise for any inconvenience the exercise may have caused,” the management added.
Business
NIA trains underwriters on NIIRA 2025, container insurance
The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has commenced a two-day training workshop for underwriters on the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.
According to a statement from NIA, the training is focused on Sections 75 and 76, as well as the Compulsory Container Insurance scheme.
The workshop, which began on Thursday, is scheduled to end on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 40 underwriters involved in container insurance, were participating in the training held at the Insurers House, Victoria Island, Lagos.
At the opening of the workshop, Director-General of the NIA, Mrs Bola Odukale, said that insurance remained a critical pillar of national development and economic stability.
Odukale noted that a well-regulated and legally backed insurance industry, was essential for economic growth, investor confidence and the protection of the public.
She urged participants to engage actively in the sessions, adding that the training would strengthen professional capacity and improve effective implementation of compulsory insurance provisions for the overall benefit of the economy.
NAN reports that facilitators at the workshop include: Mrs Margaret Ogbonnah, Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Mr Soji Oni, Controller 1, Technical, NIA, Mr Owolabi Longe, Chief Executive Officer of Ironlink Communications, among others.
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