Passengers on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service experienced an unexpected delay on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, after a technical glitch left them stranded overnight at the Ajaokuta Train Station. In response, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a full refund of ticket fares to all affected passengers. The glitch, which occurred around 6:00 pm, disrupted the journey and forced passengers to wait until the following morning to continue their trip. In a statement shared on Thursday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, NRC apologized for the inconvenience and reassured passengers of its commitment to providing safe and comfortable transportation. “We sincerely apologize for the unforeseen glitch and the inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers. As a gesture of goodwill, we are offering a 100% refund of ticket fares to all affected passengers,” said Yakub Mahmood, NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations. According to the NRC website, ticket prices for the Warri-Itakpe route range from ₦9,500 for Business Class to ₦5,000 for Regular Class, depending on the travel option chosen. Passengers traveling shorter distances on routes like Warri-Uromi or Uromi-Itakpe pay between ₦2,500 and ₦5,200. The refund process is being handled by ticket concessionaires, who have been directed to inform passengers of how to claim their reimbursement. The NRC expressed gratitude to the Kogi State Government for providing security at the site of the incident, ensuring that passengers remained safe throughout the delay. The corporation also pledged to improve its systems to prevent similar issues in the future. This latest disruption follows a derailment on the same Warri-Itakpe corridor in July 2024 near Abraka in Delta State. While no lives were lost in that incident, it led to a temporary suspension of train services on the route. The Warri-Itakpe glitch is one of several operational challenges faced by Nigeria’s railway system in recent years. From derailments and locomotive failures to washouts and collisions, these incidents underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and better maintenance of railway infrastructure across the country. Despite these challenges, NRC remains committed to enhancing its services and ensuring passenger safety. For now, affected travelers can look forward to receiving their refunds as a small consolation for their disrupted journey.
Streaming giants like Netflix face pressure to fund South Africa’s network upgrades
South Africa’s leading telecom operators, Vodacom and MTN, are calling on streaming giants like Netflix and YouTube to contribute financially toward the maintenance and expansion of the country’s network infrastructure. This push comes under the “Fair Share” model proposed by the Association for Communications and Technology (ACT), which seeks to address the growing strain on telecom networks caused by surging data demand. Streaming platforms, categorized as over-the-top (OTT) services, rely heavily on telecom infrastructure to deliver content but currently do not contribute directly to its upkeep. Vodacom and MTN argue that while OTT players invest in undersea cables, the burden of building and maintaining local networks falls disproportionately on telecom operators. With data traffic driven largely by streaming services, telcos face unsustainable costs despite significant investments in infrastructure. One of the key concerns raised is rural connectivity. Vodacom highlighted that network operators already shoulder social obligations, license fees, and taxes while working to close the digital divide. However, they believe OTT platforms should also fund network expansion in underserved areas since they are major drivers of internet traffic. The ACT is advocating for a regulatory framework to ensure fair contributions from OTT platforms. This would help balance costs between telecom operators and streaming services, fostering sustainable growth in the industry. The goal is to encourage further investment in network infrastructure, ultimately improving connectivity and service quality for users. While telcos argue that OTT platforms benefit disproportionately from their networks, streaming giants contend they already invest significantly in international bandwidth. The debate mirrors global discussions about how to equitably share the costs of internet infrastructure. If implemented, this policy could reshape South Africa’s digital ecosystem, ensuring both telcos and OTT platforms play a role in supporting the country’s connectivity needs.
Brigadier general expresses disappointment over Canadian visa denials as Nigeria’s Invictus Games team returns with medals.
The Nigerian Military delegation to the Invictus Games 2025 in Vancouver, Canada, has returned home, bringing with them six medals despite facing significant challenges. The team’s journey was marred by the Canadian High Commission’s denial of visas to seven athletes, hindering their participation. Despite the setback, the 14 athletes who were able to compete showcased remarkable resilience, securing gold, silver, and bronze medals and making Nigeria the only African nation to participate in the prestigious event for wounded military personnel. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information (DDI), had previously stated his disappointment that seven athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas. The remaining team members, including three officers, the team captain, and the physiotherapist, were also denied visas. Despite these challenges, the CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, received the victorious Invictus team upon their return from Canada. Team Nigeria also won a silver medal in sitting volleyball after a narrow defeat to Brazil. Prince Harry, the Duke of Essex, watched the final game. He praised the competitors’ physical and mental fortitude and acknowledged the Games’ impact in uniting people from around the world. The Invictus Games concluded with a closing ceremony featuring performances by Barenaked Ladies, Jelly Roll, and The War and Treaty. In spite of it all, Nigeria’s Invictus Games team has proven that resilience and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Their achievements serve as a reminder of their courage, not just on the battlefield but also on the global sports stage.
Nigerian neobank Kuda sees revenue surge while total losses climb to $40 million
Kuda Group, the parent company of Nigeria’s popular neobank Kuda Bank, saw its revenue jump to $32.1 million in 2023, a significant 49% increase from the $21.5 million it made in 2022. However, the company fell short of its ambitious $40 million revenue target and reported a $40 million loss, more than double the $18.5 million loss recorded the previous year. The growth came despite tough economic conditions, including a 40% devaluation of the naira against the dollar. Kuda’s user base grew by an impressive 47%, reaching 7.2 million users by the end of 2023, up from 4.9 million in 2022. Like many neobanks around the world, Kuda is still in its growth phase and is spending heavily to acquire customers and develop its products. The company’s losses were largely driven by rising operational costs, including $8 million spent on salaries for its 456 employees. This isn’t unusual for digital banks. For context, UK-based Monzo lost $143 million in 2020, while Revolut posted a $135 million loss in 2019 during their early growth stages. By the end of 2023, Kuda had $5 million in cash reserves, compared to annual operating costs of approximately $55 million. While auditors have confirmed that the bank has enough liquid assets to cover customer deposits (with a buffer of over $20 million), Kuda will need to raise additional capital to sustain its operations in the long term. The bank makes money through several streams: Interest on customer loans: $9 million, Returns from treasury investments and fixed deposits: $8 million, Fees from banking services: $4.5 million, Commissions from partners: $8.3 million. Kuda has taken a cautious approach to lending, issuing only $12.6 million in overdrafts in 2023 and reducing its credit loss allowance (funds set aside for potential loan defaults) from $12.4 million to $10.4 million. In 2023, Kuda began discussions to raise a $20 million bridge round at its 2021 Series B valuation of $500 million, but it hasn’t closed the deal yet. Since its launch in 2019, Kuda has raised over $81 million in funding. CEO Babs Ogundeyi has assured shareholders that efforts are underway to secure additional investment. Despite its challenges, Kuda’s valuation remains strong at $500 million, giving it a revenue multiple of 15x, which is higher than profitable neobanks like Nubank (8.4x) and Monzo (5.4x). However, when it comes to customer deposits, currently at $96 million, Kuda still lags far behind Nigeria’s traditional banks like Unity Bank ($1.35 billion) and Wema Bank ($1.9 billion). Kuda’s rapid growth shows that it remains a key player in Nigeria’s fintech space, but its mounting losses highlight the challenges of scaling a neobank in a tough economic environment. As it works to secure more funding and expand its services, all eyes will be on whether Kuda can balance growth with profitability in the years ahead
Ayra Starr tops spotify’s 2025 global impact list, solidifying her place as a global star
Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has reached yet another milestone, topping Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List for Nigeria. This prestigious list highlights the 30 Nigerian songs that have resonated most with international audiences this year, cementing the global influence of Nigerian music. Ayra Starr, popularly known as the “Sabi Girl,” surpassed industry heavyweights like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Asake to claim the top spot. Her chart-topping hits and unique sound have propelled her to the forefront of the global music scene, making her one of Nigeria’s brightest stars. Two of her tracks, “Last Heartbreak Song” and “Bad Vibes,” made it to the list, but it’s her collaborations that truly stole the spotlight. Her international hit “Santa,” featuring producer Rvssian and Latin star Rauw Alejandro, has not only topped charts but also showcased her ability to break musical boundaries. In total, Ayra Starr secured six entries on the list, including fan favorites like “Commas,” “GOOD FEELiNGS,” and “Hypé.” Ayra Starr’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Known for her soulful blend of Afrobeats and pop, she first captured global attention with hits like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush.” Her talent and hard work have been amplified by platforms like Spotify, which have helped African artists connect with audiences worldwide. Speaking on this achievement, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said:“Nigerian artists are breaking boundaries, and the world is listening. The richness and diversity of Nigerian music are now accessible globally, thanks to platforms like Spotify.” Ayra has also benefited from strategic career moves. As a former alumna of Spotify’s RADAR and EQUAL programs, she has consistently been Nigeria’s most-streamed female artist on the platform since 2024. Her latest album, “The Year I Turned 21,” is among Spotify’s top 10 most-streamed albums this year, further cementing her global appeal. One key takeaway from Spotify’s Global Impact List is the importance of collaboration in achieving international success. Out of the 30 songs on the list, 22 are collaborations, 19 of which involve artists from outside Nigeria. Ayra Starr has embraced this trend wholeheartedly, using partnerships with global artists to expand her reach and influence. Ayra Starr’s success extends beyond streaming numbers. Her international recognition includes a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for her hit song “Rush.” This made her one of the youngest African female artists ever nominated by the Recording Academy. She has also earned nods at prestigious platforms like the BET Awards and MOBO Awards, where she was recognized as Best New Artist, Best International Act, and Best African Music Act. Her global presence is undeniable, she’s performed at events like Paris Fashion Week and Essence Festival while gracing magazine covers worldwide. These achievements underscore her ability to bridge cultural divides with her unique blend of Afropop and R&B. Ayra Starr’s journey is a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian music on the global stage. Her ability to connect with audiences across continents highlights not just her talent but also the power of Afrobeats as a cultural force. As she continues to break records and win hearts worldwide, Ayra Starr is paving the way for a new generation of Nigerian artists ready to take on the world. Her story is proof that Nigerian music isn’t just thriving, it’s leading a global movement.
Microsoft launches $1M AI training initiative for Nigerians
Global tech leader Microsoft has announced a groundbreaking $1 million investment to train one million Nigerians in artificial intelligence (AI) skills over the next two years. The initiative, revealed during the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, aims to equip Nigerians with essential AI expertise to boost employability and drive economic growth. Speaking at the event, Ola Williams, Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, highlighted the transformative potential of AI. “This investment is about creating opportunities for Nigerians to compete globally while fostering innovation and economic development locally,” she stated. The program will focus on youth and women, ensuring inclusivity in digital literacy, AI, and cybersecurity training. It aligns with Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy, which seeks to prepare 70% of the country’s young workforce for an AI-driven future. Collaborations with organizations like Tech4Dev and Data Science Nigeria will enhance the initiative’s reach and effectiveness. Nigeria’s AI market is projected to grow by 27.08% annually from 2025 to 2030, potentially contributing $15 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2030. By democratizing access to AI education, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and uplift communities, creating a future-ready workforce capable of leveraging AI technologies in various industries.