Meta has officially launched Instagram Teen Accounts in Nigeria, a move aimed at creating a safer and more private social media experience for teenagers across the country. This initiative is part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to protect young users and give parents greater peace of mind as more Nigerian teens join the platform. With Instagram’s growing popularity among Nigerian youth, concerns about online safety and privacy have become increasingly important. Meta’s new Teen Accounts come with built-in protections designed to limit who can contact teens and control the type of content they see. By default, all teen accounts in Nigeria will be set to private, meaning only approved followers can view their posts. Teens under 16 will need parental permission to adjust these settings to be less restrictive. Messaging is also limited so that teens can only receive messages from people they already follow, reducing the risk of unwanted contact. The platform will automatically filter out sensitive content from teens’ feeds, search results, and recommendations. Features like “Hidden Words,” which helps prevent bullying by hiding offensive comments, are enabled by default. Additionally, Instagram will send reminders to encourage teens to take breaks after 60 minutes of use and activate a “Sleep Mode” from 10 PM to 7 AM to mute notifications overnight. At the launch event in Lagos on June 4, Meta’s Safety Policy Manager for Africa, Middle East, and Turkey, Sylvia Musalagani, emphasized the importance of these protections. “We want families to feel confident that teens can connect with friends and explore their interests safely,” she said. The Nigerian government has welcomed the move, highlighting its alignment with national efforts to protect children online. Barrister Emmanuel Edet, Director of Regulations and Compliance at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), noted, “This policy supports our strategic goals on data privacy and child online protection, reinforcing the need for age-appropriate digital experiences.” Parents will also have access to enhanced supervision tools, allowing them to monitor who their teens interact with, set daily time limits, schedule downtime, and view the topics their children are interested in, all while respecting message privacy. Since Meta began rolling out Teen Accounts globally in September 2024, over 54 million teens have been enrolled, with most maintaining the default safety settings. No doubt social media played a central role in young people’s lives, initiatives like Instagram Teen Accounts mark a significant step toward balancing connectivity with safety and well-being.
SEC issues strong warning to Nigerians against investing in unregistered Meme Coin $PUN and other unauthorized platforms
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a firm warning to Nigerians about the risks of investing in the unregistered meme coin known as Punisher Coin, or $PUN, amid growing concerns over fraudulent digital asset schemes in the country. In a public notice released on its official website, the SEC clarified that the promoters of $PUN are not registered or authorized to operate within Nigeria’s capital market. Despite this, the coin continues to be aggressively marketed across various online platforms. “Meme coins like $PUN typically lack real utility or intrinsic value, and their prices are often driven by hype and social media buzz,” the SEC explained. “Such coins are highly susceptible to market manipulation, including pump and dump schemes, where promoters artificially inflate prices before selling off their holdings, leaving ordinary investors with significant losses.” The Commission urged Nigerians to exercise extreme caution and to verify the registration status of any digital asset or investment opportunity through official SEC channels before investing. This alert comes as part of the SEC’s broader efforts to protect investors from unregulated and potentially fraudulent investment schemes. The Commission also highlighted recent unauthorized investment platforms such as Risevest Technologies Limited and Stecs Multipurpose Cooperative Society, which have similarly not received SEC approval to operate in Nigeria. Emomotimi Agama, the SEC Director-General, also issued a stern message to Nigerian celebrities, warning them against endorsing unregistered meme coins. “The new Investments and Securities Act 2025 sets clear rules for digital asset platforms to promote transparency and investor protection. Celebrities must be cautious about the products they promote, as introducing unregistered coins can harm the public and will not be tolerated,” Agama said. Investors are reminded that participation in unregistered schemes is at their own risk, and the SEC continues to monitor and take enforcement actions against fraudulent operators to safeguard the Nigerian investment landscape.
Nigerian railway corporation adds extra train services for Eid Kabir return journey
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced additional train trips on its Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna routes to accommodate the surge of passengers returning from Eid Kabir celebrations. According to Dr. Kayode Opeifa, NRC Managing Director, the extra services on the Lagos-Ibadan corridor will run on Monday, June 9, with departures from Lagos to Ibadan at 8:00 a.m., 1:55 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., and from Ibadan to Lagos at 8:00 a.m., 11:03 a.m., and 4:46 p.m. Meanwhile, the Abuja-Kaduna route will maintain its full six-trip daily schedule through Tuesday, June 11, with trains leaving Abuja at 7:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:10 p.m., and Kaduna at 7:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. Dr. Opeifa said the decision follows the success of special train trips on June 5, which saw full bookings and high passenger turnout. “The additional services reflect NRC’s commitment to meeting growing demand and ensuring efficient, safe, and timely transportation,” he stated. Passengers are advised to arrive early for security screening and to complete bookings online in advance to avoid delays.
Pastor Paul Adefarasin denies brandishing firearm in viral video
Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has responded to widespread social media speculation after a video surfaced showing him holding a metallic object during an encounter with a passerby. The video, which quickly went viral, led many viewers to believe that the pastor was brandishing a firearm. However, in a statement posted on his social media platforms on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Adefarasin clarified that the object was not a gun and that he never pointed it at anyone. “You might be aware of a video circulating on social media showing me in what some have misunderstood as brandishing a firearm. I want to assure you, that was certainly not a firearm, and at no point did I point such at anyone,” he said. The pastor acknowledged the concerns the video raised and promised to address the matter during the church’s 9:00 a.m. service on Sunday to provide further clarity. “We understand the concern this accusation may have caused, and we will speak briefly to this mischief during the 9:00 a.m. service tomorrow. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” Adefarasin added. He also urged the public to remain calm and avoid falling for misinformation or sensationalism surrounding the incident. The video has sparked debate online, with some defending Adefarasin’s actions as a security precaution, while prominent activist, Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as Verydarkman and others have called for a police investigation into the matter. This incident highlights the challenges public figures face in the age of social media, where videos can quickly spread and be misinterpreted without full context.
NITDA champions inclusive digital policies for 35 million Nigerians with disabilities
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced a renewed commitment to making Nigeria’s digital empowerment initiatives inclusive of the country’s 35 million persons living with disabilities. This move aims to ensure that Nigeria’s ambitious target of 95% digital literacy by 2030 leaves no one behind. Speaking during a meeting with the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), a leading disability advocacy group, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa emphasized the importance of deliberate inclusion in digital training programs. “There is no way we can achieve 95 percent digital inclusion if we exclude 35 million Nigerians,” Inuwa said. NITDA plans to expand its targeted digital literacy training for persons with disabilities from select pilot locations to a nationwide scale. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for inclusive economic growth and reforms. Inuwa also proposed that people with disabilities be represented on national ICT committees responsible for policymaking, curriculum development, and standards setting. Such representation, he noted, is critical to moving beyond rhetoric and bureaucratic delays. Further, NITDA intends to integrate disability-focused digital programs into broader initiatives like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) tech programs and women-focused tech training cohorts. “Our goal is empowerment, not just training, so people can use IT to grow their businesses and improve their lives,” Inuwa added. Grace Jerry, Executive Director of IFA, welcomed NITDA’s engagement and stressed the urgency of closing the digital divide for persons with disabilities. “Digital literacy is fast becoming a foundational skill for employment, and without deliberate inclusion, millions will be left behind,” she said. NITDA’s flagship Digital Literacy for All Initiative (DL4ALL) recently launched nationwide, aiming to equip 70% of Nigerians with digital skills by 2027 and 95% by 2030. The program is designed as a national movement to bridge gaps in education, employment, financial access, and online safety. This inclusive approach signals a significant step toward building a digital economy that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of ability.
Ecobank names Ayo Adepoju as Group Executive Director to boost financial leadership
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has appointed Ayo Adepoju, the bank’s current Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as Group Executive Director, effective June 4, 2025. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening Ecobank’s financial management and operational excellence across its markets. Adepoju brings over 20 years of leadership experience in financial management, capital markets, strategic planning, treasury operations, and enterprise transformation. Since joining Ecobank in 2012, he has held key roles including Group Financial Controller and Group Head of Business Performance and Analytics before becoming CFO. Under his leadership, Ecobank has successfully executed landmark financial initiatives such as Eurobond issuances, Basel III-compliant instruments, and sustainability-linked debt offerings. These efforts have enhanced the bank’s presence in international financial markets and boosted investor confidence. Adepoju holds a first-class degree from the University of Lagos, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK. He also earned an MBA from Warwick Business School and a PhD in Organisational Leadership from Regent University, USA. Prior to Ecobank, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in London and Lagos. Ecobank Chairman Papa Madiaw Ndiaye praised Adepoju’s appointment, calling it a “natural and strategic” step that reflects his trusted relationship with the Board. Group CEO Jeremy Awori highlighted Adepoju’s critical role in driving financial resilience and sustainable growth for the bank. This appointment comes on the heels of Ecobank’s recent successful $125 million Eurobond issuance, which was oversubscribed and priced at an improved yield of 9.375%, marking a significant milestone for the bank and the African Eurobond market.