Nollywood actress and producer Eniola Ajao’s latest film, Owambe Thieves, has stormed the Nigerian box office, earning an impressive ₦53.6 million in its first three days. The crime drama, which premiered nationwide on Easter Friday, quickly became one of the most talked-about releases of April 2025, second only to the blockbuster Labake Olododo, which continues to dominate with a cumulative gross of ₦224.9 million. Owambe Thieves, directed by Adeoluwa Owu, known for his work on A Tribe Called Judah and Jagun Jagun, tells the story of Cheta and Lola, a young couple struggling to make ends meet during a severe economic downturn in Nigeria. Faced with mounting pressures, the couple makes a desperate choice that draws them into a world of high-stakes crime, betrayal, and moral dilemmas. The film’s Lagos premiere on April 13 was a vibrant affair, blending red carpet glamour with cultural celebration. Guests arrived in traditional Nigerian attire, including elaborate aso ebi and regal agbadas, turning the event into a real-life “owambe” party that echoed the film’s title. For Ajao, this box office success marks another milestone in a career that began in 2004. She has become a familiar face in Nollywood, known for her expressive performances in films such as Eniola, Erin Orin, Daramola, The Vendor, and Yeye Alara. As a producer, she previously garnered widespread acclaim for her 2024 fantasy epic Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju), which grossed over ₦200 million in cinemas. “Owambe Thieves is more than just a crime story,” Ajao explained. “It’s a reflection of the pressures and choices many Nigerians face, wrapped in the familiar setting of our vibrant party culture.” The film, co-produced with Barbara Babarinsa and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, stands out for its blend of social commentary and entertainment. Despite a crowded field of April releases, Owambe Thieves has secured its place as one of 2025’s most notable Nollywood debuts.
Nigeria sets new internet record as IXPN surpasses 1 terabit per second in local traffic
Nigeria has reached a major milestone in its digital journey, as the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) confirmed the country’s domestic internet traffic has crossed the 1 terabit per second (1 Tbps) mark for the first time. This historic achievement, announced by IXPN CEO Muhammed Rudman at a media briefing in Lagos, cements Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading digital economies and signals a new era of faster, more affordable, and resilient connectivity for millions of Nigerians. The 1 Tbps milestone means Nigeria’s local internet infrastructure is now robust enough to handle over a million concurrent Zoom calls or allow 200,000 people to stream high-definition Nollywood movies at the same time—all without buffering. This surge in capacity is largely driven by the growing appetite for video content on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as the expansion of local data centers and partnerships with global tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Netflix, who now exchange data directly within Nigeria. Faster, Cheaper Internet: By keeping more data within Nigeria, the country reduces its reliance on expensive international bandwidth. This translates to lower costs for businesses and end-users, as well as faster access to digital services. Economic Impact: Local data exchange is expected to save Nigerian businesses up to $40 million each year, money that can be reinvested in local innovation and infrastructure. Improved Reliability: Localizing internet traffic means fewer disruptions from global outages and more consistent access to essential services like online banking, education, and healthcare. Boost for Innovation: The enhanced infrastructure supports the rapid growth of fintech, e-commerce, edtech, and other digital sectors, helping Nigeria maintain its status as Africa’s second-largest internet hub, just behind South Africa. IXPN’s achievement is the result of years of investment and collaboration between internet service providers, content platforms, banks, and public institutions. Surveys show that some IXPN members now localize up to 70% of their internet traffic, a dramatic shift from previous years when most data had to travel overseas. “This milestone is more than just a number. It’s a symbol of Nigeria’s digital maturity and our united strides towards becoming a tech-driven nation,” said Rudman. “By keeping local internet traffic within Nigeria, we reduce costs, improve speeds, and ensure our digital economy thrives with homegrown infrastructure”. Fueled by AI, 5G, and the Internet of Things, IXPN is investing in even more advanced infrastructure to support future growth. The organization also aims to extend these benefits to rural and underserved communities, further bridging the country’s digital divide. Nigeria is not just keeping pace with global digital trends, it’s setting the standard for what’s possible in Africa’s rapidly evolving internet landscape.
Circle launches global payments network to revolutionize cross-border transfers
Circle Internet Group, the company behind the widely-used USDC stablecoin, has unveiled the Circle Payments Network (CPN), a new global infrastructure set to transform how money moves across borders. The network, which is rolling out in May, connects banks, fintechs, payment providers, and digital wallets, enabling them to settle international payments in real time using regulated stablecoins like USDC and EURC. Cross-border payments have long been plagued by high costs and slow settlement times. According to the World Bank, sending money internationally can still take more than a business day and cost over 6% of the transaction value, disproportionately affecting emerging markets and limiting global competitiveness. These inefficiencies are driven by multiple intermediaries, compliance checks, and fragmented banking hours across countries. Circle’s new network aims to solve these challenges by leveraging blockchain-based stablecoins, which allow for instant, transparent, and programmable transactions. CPN is designed to integrate seamlessly with domestic real-time payment systems, reducing reliance on slow, costly correspondent banking chains. CPN brings together a wide array of financial institutions, including traditional banks, neobanks, payment service providers, and digital asset companies, under a unified, secure framework. The network uses smart contracts and modular APIs, enabling third-party developers to build new financial applications and automated workflows directly on the platform. Key use cases for the network include: Supplier payments Remittances Payroll Capital markets settlement Treasury operations On-chain financial applications Major global banks such as Santander, Deutsche Bank, Société Générale, and Standard Chartered are already advising on the network’s design and development. Circle has emphasized that CPN is governed by strict eligibility standards. All participating institutions must be properly licensed and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regulations, as well as maintain robust cybersecurity protocols. Circle also acts as the network’s primary governing body, setting and enforcing operational rules, conducting ongoing audits, and overseeing compliance. Given the scale and sensitivity of the data involved, security and privacy are paramount. The network incorporates strong data protection measures, secure transaction data sharing (including compliance with the Travel Rule), and ongoing risk-based reviews of all members. Financial institutions are required to monitor transactions, detect suspicious activities, and share necessary information to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. Jeremy Allaire, Circle’s Co-founder and CEO, described the launch as a major milestone: “CPN is a significant step in making our vision a reality, making moving money as simple and efficient as sending an email”. Circle Payments Network aims to set a new standard for global payments, offering speed, lower costs, and compliance for financial institutions and their customers worldwide.
Technology must serve humanity, not divide It – Pope Francis
Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday, leaves behind a legacy that deeply shaped the global conversation about technology and ethics. Throughout his papacy, Francis consistently called for technology to be used as a tool for unity, dignity, and the common good, rather than a source of division or inequality. In his final months, Francis urged the world to ensure that new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, do not replace real human relationships or exclude the most vulnerable. “Something’s wrong if we spend more time on our cell phones than with people,” he warned in his April 2025 message, emphasizing the risk of isolation and the loss of authentic connection in the digital age. He stressed that technology, a fruit of human intelligence, must not benefit only a privileged few but should help unite people, improve lives, and care for the earth. Francis applauded the positive impact of technology in areas like medicine, education, and communication, but repeatedly insisted that its use must be guided by ethical principles and always respect human dignity. He challenged world leaders and tech innovators to make sure digital progress addresses global crises, such as poverty and climate change, and does not deepen existing inequalities. The Pope also warned against a “technocratic paradigm”, the idea that unchecked technological progress could endanger humanity and the environment. He called instead for a culture of encounter, interdisciplinary dialogue, and critical awareness about how technology shapes society. As the world reflects on his legacy, Pope Francis’s message is clear: technology should help us look each other in the eyes, not just at screens. It must serve every person, especially the weakest, and promote genuine human relationships, solidarity, and care for our common home.
Niger joins 12 States dropping RoW charges, eyes expanded internet access
Niger State has joined a growing list of Nigerian states waiving right-of-way (RoW) fees for telecom operators, aiming to attract investment and expand internet access. The move, formalized in September 2024, makes Niger the twelfth state to eliminate these charges, which have long been a barrier to broadband expansion across the country. The RoW fee waiver means telecom companies can now lay fibre optic cables and other critical infrastructure by paying a single, non-refundable permit fee, instead of recurring charges. This policy is expected to lower costs for operators and encourage them to deploy more infrastructure, especially in underserved rural areas. However, experts say waiving RoW fees is only part of the solution. States like Lagos, which still charges RoW fees, lead the country in fibre deployment thanks to strong infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and high urban population density. In contrast, some states with free RoW still struggle to attract investment due to weak infrastructure, bureaucratic hurdles, and low demand for internet services. Suleiman Isah, Niger State’s Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy, explained that the decision to waive fees was partly driven by a surge in fibre cuts caused by extensive road construction in the state. Between January and February 2025, nearly 230 fibre cuts were reported, disrupting services and highlighting the need for better collaboration between government and telecom operators. Industry leaders stress that while fee waivers help, states must also improve their infrastructure, simplify approval processes, and stimulate local demand to truly close Nigeria’s digital divide. As the federal government pushes for nationwide broadband expansion, the real test will be whether these reforms can translate into faster, more reliable internet for millions of Nigerians.
Legend internet to list 2 billion shares on Nigerian exchange, marking major milestone for Nigeria’s digital connectivity
Legend Internet PLC, one of Nigeria’s leading fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) providers, is set to be publicly listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Main Board on April 24, 2025. The company will list 2 billion ordinary shares through an introduction, signaling a significant step in its mission to expand digital access across the country. Listing by introduction means Legend Internet has met all the regulatory requirements set by NGX without raising new capital through a public offering. This move allows the company to unlock new growth opportunities and invite more Nigerians to participate in its journey. According to Aisha Abdulaziz, CEO of Legend Internet, the listing is more than a corporate milestone, it represents a national moment in Nigeria’s digital transformation. “We are building Africa’s most customer-focused internet company, powered by world-class infrastructure and made-in-Nigeria innovation. Going public allows more people to be part of this story and share in the value we’re creating,” she said. Legend Internet has rapidly grown by combining extensive fiber infrastructure with innovative digital products designed to improve how Nigerians connect, communicate, and conduct financial transactions. Its offerings include LegendMail, Nigeria’s first email ecosystem with built-in payments and secure storage; MailPay, a platform for sending and receiving money directly from email; and Legend Pay, a digital payments solution tailored for both consumers and businesses. The company’s listing will enable it to accelerate nationwide fiber expansion, invest in local talent, and enhance its technology stack to better serve both consumer and enterprise markets. The upcoming bell-ringing ceremony will bring together key stakeholders from government, business, and technology sectors to celebrate Legend Internet’s evolution from a startup to a publicly listed digital infrastructure leader.