Business
Dangote Cement Creates 50 Agric Entrepreneurs

Determined to support the governments in its food security effort, the Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State.
The initiative is aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity from Benue State, considered to be the food basket of the nation.
The programme is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko host communities of the State with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State. Earlier, the company had increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.
Speaking Thursday at the launch of the Farmers Empowerment Programme, General Manager Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’
He said the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.
Mr. Kor said the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.
“Today we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024,” he said.
In his speech, Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said the company will also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings.
Mr. Murugan who was represented by Head of Production Department, Engr Soom Kiishi said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”
He said other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.
“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from Professional personnels,” he added.
He said the company’s scholarship scheme cuts across students from various disciplines and tertiary institutions.
In his address to the communities, Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, advised the beneficiaries to make use of what he described as a rare opportunity from the Dangote Cement Plc.
The Consultant said the company’s effort will help transform beneficiaries into entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and enable them to support the government’s food security effort.
Responding, a member of the community, Kwaghgba Isaac, described the Farmers Empowerment Programme as a historic and huge intervention from the company, noting that the effort will not only boost subsistence farming, but help feed the nation.
He urged members of the communities to sustain the peaceful coexistence currently being enjoyed with the company.
Business
Smart AI, Smarter Life: How the itel City 100’s AI Enhances Your Daily Life

In today’s fast-moving world, everyone needs a smartphone that not only keeps up with their daily routine but also makes life easier. That’s exactly what the new itel City 100 offers. As the first smartphone in the all-new itel City Series, the City 100 delivers a perfect mix of sleek design, smart features, and powerful performance—all at an affordable price.
But what truly sets the itel City 100 apart is its AI capability. Designed to bring “The Future in Your Palm,” this device is packed with AI-powered features that simplify everyday tasks and boost productivity, whether you’re a student, a professional, or a tech lover.

Smart AI, Smarter Life
The itel City 100 comes with itel AI, a collection of intelligent tools designed to make your smartphone smarter than ever. With AI Picture, taking great photos is now automatic. The phone automatically adjusts settings like brightness, contrast, and exposure to give you the best shot, even in difficult lighting conditions.
And when you want fast access to AI tools, the One Press AI Access function lets you open your AI assistant in just one tap. Whether you’re checking the weather, setting reminders, or searching online with voice commands, everything becomes quicker and easier.

The City 100 also comes with DeepSeek AI, a powerful tool that helps you get things done efficiently — search files, organize apps, and even assist with smart suggestions based on your habits.
Designed for Modern Everyday Life
The City 100 isn’t just smart on the inside—it’s also built to impress on the outside. With a super slim unibody design at just 7.65mm, the phone fits perfectly in your palm or pocket. It’s not only stylish but also strong, thanks to drop resistance and IP64-rated protection against dust and water.
Add the infrared remote control, and you’ve got a phone that also doubles as your universal remote—control your TV, AC, fan, and more, right from your phone.
Big Power, Big Screen, Big Fun
If you’re tired of charging your phone all the time, the 5200mAh battery with 18W fast charging will be a lifesaver. Stream, chat, or browse all day without worry.
Enjoy your content on a stunning 6.75” High Brightness display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate that makes watching videos and scrolling social media feel super fluid. And with the itel Magspeaker (itel magnetic speaker), you can enjoy loud, clear audio—whether it’s a voice note, call, or your favorite song.
Smooth Storage, Fast Performance
With up to 128GB storage and 18GB RAM, you can store more and multitask without lag. Plus, powered by a Qualcomm chipset and running on OS 14.5, the City 100 gives you fast, stable performance for up to 60 months of smooth use.
Great Value for Money
The City 100 is officially available at itel Home Stores (https://bit.ly/4hzIfmG) nationwide and goes for ₦119,300 – 128GB + 18GB. Plus, if you’re on Airtel, you get 3GB data on every ₦1000 rechargeand a massive 7GB bonus when you buy with EasyBuy installment plan as part of our launch offer. That’s an interesting combo!

Verdict
The itel City 100 is more than just a phone – it’s your smart assistant, your personal camera expert, your entertainment hub, and your remote control, all rolled into one. Thanks to its AI-powered features, it helps you do more with less effort and keeps up with your everyday hustle.
So why wait? Step into the future with the itel City 100 – because life is simpler when your smartphone is smart.
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
Nigeria Attracts Global Investors as Komolafe Showcases Upstream Reforms in London

Nigeria is gaining renewed global attention as a hotspot for oil and gas investment, following strategic reforms in its upstream sector that are beginning to yield tangible results.
Speaking at the 2025 Africa Energies Summit in London, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), said the reforms — rooted in transparency, data access, and regulatory overhaul — are restoring investor confidence and driving production growth in Africa’s largest energy market.
Komolafe told energy leaders and investors at the summit that Nigeria’s upstream sector transformation is anchored on three core pillars: transparent licensing rounds, quality subsurface data, and bold regulatory changes enabled by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“Each of these awards and rounds was conducted with unprecedented transparency, unmatched competitiveness, and remarkable investor engagement,” he said.
“Collectively, they have repositioned Nigeria as a prime destination for oil and gas investment, while reaffirming our commitment to global standards of excellence, innovation, and partnership.”
According to the CCE, the NUPRC’s push to restore Nigeria’s competitiveness has been driven by access to reliable geological data — an essential element for informed exploration and development decisions.
He said the commission, in collaboration with global partners, has embarked on one of the most ambitious data acquisition projects on the continent.
“Through a landmark partnership with TGS-PetroData and other multiclient service providers, the NUPRC embarked on one of Africa’s most ambitious data acquisition and reprocessing campaigns, acquiring over 11,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic data as part of the broader 56,000 sq km Awalé Project,” Komolafe said.
He added that the National Data Repository (NDR), a cornerstone of Nigeria’s data strategy, has been pivotal in improving investor due diligence.
“At the heart of this revolution also is our National Data Repository (NDR), which houses one of the most extensive seismic databases on the continent and records from over 10,000 wells, enabling both physical and remote access for thorough technical due diligence,” he said.
“This wealth of accessible, high-quality data has not only empowered investor confidence during recent bid rounds but has firmly repositioned Nigeria as one of the most data-rich and investment-ready destinations in the global energy landscape.”
Komolafe credited recent progress to the policy environment created under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Measures such as the reduction of entry barriers and the adjustment of fiscal frameworks have made it easier for investors to commit to Nigeria.
“Today, entry fees are pragmatic, calibrated to global realities, and tailored to support commercial viability on a case-by-case basis,” he said.
“Through the Presidential Executive Orders and the proactive stance of the NUPRC, Nigeria has redefined itself not only as a land of vast hydrocarbon potential but as a destination where opportunity meets ease of doing business, certainty, and investor value.”
Komolafe said Nigeria has moved from eight active rigs in 2021 to 36 today, with projections to reach 50 by the end of 2025. This upward trend also mirrors increases in reserves and production levels.
“New investors, empowered by clarity and quality, have entered our sector; oil and gas reserves and production have increased, while rig counts have surged from 8 in 2021 to 36 currently,” he said.
“With 210.54 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, the largest in Africa, and 37.28 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, Nigeria holds enormous reserves.”
To consolidate the momentum, Komolafe said the NUPRC launched the “Project 1 Million Barrels per Day” initiative aimed at ramping up daily crude oil production by over one million barrels beyond the October 2024 baseline.
“Since the launch of the project, we have achieved a notable increase in daily production, recently reaching 1.78 million barrels per day, up from a baseline of 1.46 million barrels per day in October 2024,” he stated.
To sustain this progress, the Commission is adopting technological tools and streamlined processes to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
“To sustain momentum, the NUPRC is fast-tracking rig licensing and is set to introduce digital tools aimed at optimizing rig utilization and securing long-term contracts,” Komolafe added.
Despite persisting challenges such as infrastructure and evacuation constraints, Komolafe said Nigeria remains proactive and focused on results. He urged global stakeholders to be part of the country’s unfolding energy story.
“Distinguished Investors and Partners, our drive to tackle production and evacuation challenges has presented several opportunities in a wide range of upstream activities including reviving shut-in wells, executing workover campaigns, deploying enhanced oil recovery techniques in mature fields, and advancing new development drilling across both brownfields and underdeveloped assets,” he said.
“These efforts must be supported by robust reservoir management and real-time production optimization.”
Komolafe also identified Nigeria’s youthful population as a key asset in building local capacity, promoting innovation, and adopting cleaner energy solutions.
“Additionally, Nigeria’s youthful population presents a unique opportunity to drive innovation and workforce development in the exploration of frontier basins as well as the advancement of decarbonisation technologies in the oil and gas sector,” he said.
“Nigeria is not waiting on the sidelines. We are standing boldly at the center; fully ready, capable, and determined to lead,” Komolafe said.
“In this new energy era, our initiatives and strategic efforts are designed to deepen investor confidence, drive sustainable growth, bridge the gap between resource potential and actual production, unlock the full value of our upstream assets, and deliver tangible results that advance shared prosperity.”
With the foundations now laid for transparency, sustainability, and growth, experts at the summit agree that Nigeria is on course to becoming a cornerstone of Africa’s energy future.
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