Gen AI Network (GAIN), a leading platform promoting artificial intelligence adoption among Nigerian youths, has announced the launch of Nigeria’s first-ever creative AI open competition titled ‘Prompt to Screen’. The competition, running from November 8 to December 13, 2025, aims to democratize AI creativity and foster collaboration among students, creators, and startups across the country.Open to everyone, Prompt to Screen features two main categories; Creative AI for storytelling and Creative AI for builders. Participants in the storytelling category will receive weekly themes to create AI-generated art, music, or videos, with winners declared each week until the grand finale. Meanwhile, builders, will develop AI-powered software solutions for creative media, with final winners announced at the conclusion of th competition. Michael Osumo, Program Manager at Instig Labs, emphasized the vision behind the program; We want AI creativity to become a shared resource, not a private advantage. The Prompt to Screen Competition brings together diverse talents to produce films with AI and learn through collaboration rather than isolation – Osumo The competition’s finale will feature a keynote speech by Paige Bailey, AI Developer Relations Engineering Lead at Google DeepMind, titled “AI and the Future of Storytelling”. Esteemed judges include multidisciplinary musician Hilda Edet (Hillz), Ejike Kanife, software engineer Olawale Ibitoye, AI strategist Amir Mušić, content specialist Odufa Oshiomah, and EbonyLife Group’s Group IT Head Oladayo Olufade.Chukwuerika Achum, Founder of Instig Labs, described these labs as cutting-edge R&D environments fueling Africa’s creative economy by providing free access to powerful AI tools previously out of reach for many. These labs make creative production accessible to students with just an idea and a laptop, removing traditional barriers like equipment costs and technical expertise – Achum He outlined the potential of Creative AI Labs, likening their impact to how Nollywood and Afrobeats turned cultural intellectual property into global exports. The Prompt to Screen competition and Creative AI Labs is set to unlock Nigerian youth’s potential to innovate and contribute to Africa’s emerging creative and digital economies.
Wema Bank strengthens its capital base with N50 billion share listing on Nigerian Exchange
Wema Bank Plc has strengthened its capital base by successfully listing 4.55 billion ordinary shares valued at N50 billion on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The listing, which was completed on November 4, 2025, raises the issued share capital of the bank to 40.12 billion shares, up from 35.57 billion, at a price of N11.00 per share. The capital injection boosts the bank’s capital adequacy ratio and underpins its growth ambitions, by enhancing liquidity and supporting strategic investments, particularly in digital banking and retail expansion. Wema Bank now ranks among the top 25 most capitalized companies on the NGX, with a market capitalization of N756 billion, representing about 0.8% of the total equity market capitalization. The stock closed at N18.85 on November 7, 2025, a 107% increase from its January opening price of N9.10. Although the shares have experienced a slight correction of about 6% over the past month due to profit-taking, the bank remains one of the NGX’s most actively traded stocks, with 659 million shares exchanged in the past three months.The bank’s fundamentals were confirmed in its third-quarter 2025 financial results, showing a 42% year-on-year rise in gross earnings. This growth was driven by increased interest income from loans, higher non-interest revenue, and the success of its digital platform ALAT. Pre-tax profit surged to N35.7 billion, compared to N25.1 billion in the same period of 2024. Total assets grew 26% year-on-year to exceed N2.1 trillion, supported by steady customer deposit growth. Market analysts view the private placement as well-timed, providing necessary capital buffer for expansion and risk-weighted asset coverage, especially ahead of an anticipated recapitalization push in Nigeria’s banking sector.
Saudi Arabia launches AI-powered self-deportation platform
Saudi Arabia has unveiled two digital innovation aimed at transforming its immigration and border control processes. The new Self-Deportation Platform and Smart Track system were introduced on November 8, by Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba, Acting Director General of Passports, at the Digital Government Forum held in Riyadh. The Self-Deportation Platform enables individuals residing illegally in Saudi Arabia to complete their deportation formalities online, eliminating the need for physical visits to immigration offices.Users will be able to submit necessary documentation, verify their identities digitally, and obtain exit authorizations through a fully automated system once technical and security tests are finalized. Officials described this as a major humanitarian and administrative reform that streamlines cumbersome paper-based process, reduces congestion at offices, and promotes quicker, more transparent departures.The Smart Track system uses AI-powered cameras and algorithms to verify passenger identities at airports in real time. The technology aims to replace traditional passport control checkpoints, reducing queues and wait times at busy entry points, also capable of processing up to 35 travelers simultaneously. According to Saudi Jawazat officials, the system integrates directly with national security databases to ensure seamless identity verification and enhanced border security, with full implementation expected after the integration with existing infrastructure.Other innovations include the use of Digital Twin technology, which successfully monitored crowd movement and wait times during the 2024 Hajj season. This tool will assist airports in optimizing passenger flow and improving traveler satisfaction through data-driven insights.
UBA reports 3.2 million transaction complaints in 2024, refunds ₦2.3 billion to customers
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) disclosed receiving 3,210,708 complaints related to unsuccessful transactions in 2024, marking a 66.3% increase from 1,930,518 complaints reported in 2023. Data from UBA’s 2024 Sustainability Report, released via the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) today, November 7, 2025, also revealed that the bank resolved 75% of these cases, amounting to 2,090,122 complaints.The report shows the strategy of UBA to maintain an accessible complaints management platform to address customer grievances efficiently. Despite the high volume of complaints, the total amount claimed by customers for refunds or reimbursements stood at ₦262.8 billion, which, following complaint resolutions, decreased to ₦188 billion.UBA refunded ₦2.3 billion in 2024, compared to ₦450 million reimbursed in 2023. However, unresolved complaints increased from 107,000 in 2023 to over 1.1 million in 2024. Of these, 218 cases were escalated to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for intervention, while 1,120,907 remained pending with UBA.The bank explained its complaints resolution workflow, which aligns with CBN’s regulatory timelines, particularly the mandate that failed “on-us” ATM transactions be resolved instantly and “not-on-us” transactions within 48 hours. Complaints can be lodged through multiple channels including branches, calls, emails, live chat, and social media, and are tracked through a complaint management platform. According to UBA, complaints are reviewed and resolved at first contact if possible; otherwise, cases are escalated internally. Customers receive notifications at every stage and have the option to dispute resolution or escalate the matter for further investigation compliant with CBN guidelines.Key Performance Indicators are in place to periodically review and improve complaint handling efficiency, which also informs process improvements across the bank’s platforms and products.
DStv offers South African customers 3-days of free premium channels to celebrate 30 years
MultiChoice, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, is giving all active South African DStv decoder customers free access to its Premium channels from November 7 to 9, 2025. This “Open Time Weekend” allows subscribers to enjoy top-tier content including movies, documentaries, live sports, and reality shows, regardless of their current subscription level.MultiChoice’s CEO of SA Pay-TV, Byron du Plessis, stated; For three decades, DStv has been a significant part of South Africans’ lives, and this weekend is our way of expressing gratitude. DStv aims to remind subscribers of the value and diversity offered within its ecosystem, by temporarily unlocking the Premium tier. The goal of the company is to attract former customers and encourage upgrades from lower-tier packages by showcasing the benefits of premium programming.
LagRide launches air-conditioned minibus service, plans to recruit 1,000 drivers in Lagos
LagRide, an e-mobility company backed by the Lagos State Government, has officially launched its new air-conditioned minibus service, LagRide Omni, aimed at transforming public transportation in Lagos. The service, introduced today, offers an affordable, clean, and comfortable alternative to the traditional Korope minibuses used by Lagosians.The LagRide Omni targets offices, churches, schools, and large groups, providing a safer and more efficient ride experience. Unlike the conventional Korope minibuses that carry up to seven passengers and make frequent stops, the Omni accommodates six passengers per trip, runs private, direct rides with no intermediate stops, and all vehicles are fully air-conditioned and GPS-enabled. Mobility is one of the greatest drivers of opportunity. By making modern transport affordable and accessible to every segment of society, LagRide is helping to build a more connected Lagos where movement creates meaning and community thrives – Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of LagRide The company also seeks to hire 1,000 manual drivers to support the Omni fleet. All drivers will undergo professional training and certification at the LagRide Academy, a collaboration among LagRide, the Lagos State Government, LASTMA, and other transport safety stakeholders, in order to ensure high standards of customer service and safety. With the Lagride Omni, one person can make a single booking, and everyone joins the same ride. From offices to churches and community events, this is how Lagos will move together safely, conveniently, and in comfort. We are creating opportunities for Lagosians to earn a sustainable income while providing a better commuting experience for everyone – Jubril Arogundade, acting Managing Director This launch follows LagRide’s recent announcement of adding 100 electric cars and aiming to recruit 10,000 drivers through a bank-backed leasing scheme. The introduction of LagRide Omni is a step towards modernizing Lagos often a congested transport system with technology-driven, customer-friendly solutions.