The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with cybersecurity firm SecDojo SAS, to position the country as a leader in Africa’s cyber ecosystem. The agreement, sealed during the GITEX Africa 2025 summit in Marrakech, Morocco, signals a new era for Nigeria’s cybersecurity capacity-building and digital talent development. The partnership is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape through the creation of a national Cybersecurity Academy. This academy will deliver advanced training, hands-on simulation programmes, and develop tailored curricula to address the evolving challenges of cyber threats. The collaboration also includes fostering research, knowledge sharing, and professional exchange initiatives, all aimed at building a robust digital workforce. Speaking at the signing, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi described the initiative as a “vital step in strengthening our national cybersecurity architecture and equipping our young population with in-demand digital skills.” He emphasized the importance of integrating digital skills and cybersecurity training into Nigeria’s formal education system, moving beyond short-term programmes to a long-term, systemic approach that spans primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Nigeria’s large and youthful population is seen as a major asset in bridging the global cybersecurity talent gap. Inuwa noted that, with proper training and support, Nigerian youth can be connected to the global value chain, providing cybersecurity services both locally and internationally. He highlighted successful models like the Cisco Academy, which blends academic degrees with professional certifications, and called for broader collaboration with global tech partners such as Google and other open-source content providers. SecDojo CEO Younes Benzagmout expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are honored to collaborate with NITDA to help shape a secure digital future for Nigeria. Our mission is to empower cybersecurity professionals through innovative, accessible training platforms, and we look forward to making a lasting impact.” The company plans to bring its cutting-edge training platforms and methodologies to support Nigeria’s tech talent ecosystem and contribute to a comprehensive national cyber capacity-building strategy. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing the country’s commitment to national security, innovation, and global competitiveness. Updated: 18/4/2025
Hollywood thriller “A Working Man” hits ₦126.9 million at Nigerian box office
The 2025 action thriller A Working Man, starring Jason Statham and directed by David Ayer, is making waves at the Nigerian box office, grossing ₦126.9 million after three weeks in cinemas. The film opened strong with ₦34.9 million during its first weekend and maintained steady earnings, closing its first full week at ₦37.8 million. Despite competition from popular local films like Labake Olododo and Ajakaju, which have crossed the ₦200 million mark, A Working Man has carved out a solid niche among Nigerian audiences who continue to show enthusiasm for Hollywood action blockbusters. Internationally, the film has enjoyed a respectable run, earning $68.8 million worldwide against a $40 million production budget. North America accounted for $31.3 million of that total, with other key markets including China, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. In Egypt, the film earned approximately 3.33 million Egyptian pounds (about $108,000). Directed by David Ayer, known for End of Watch and Suicide Squad, and co-written by Sylvester Stallone, A Working Man is based on Chuck Dixon’s 2014 novel Levon’s Trade. The story follows Levon Cade, a former special forces operative who is pulled back into a dangerous world of corruption and violence. Alongside Statham, the cast includes Michael Peña, David Harbour, and Jason Flemyng. Critics have given the film mixed reviews, with a 51% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 52 out of 100. However, audiences have responded more favorably, awarding the film a “B” grade on CinemaScore, indicating it meets expectations for fans of Statham’s signature action style.
CBEX collapse leaves Nigerians in financial distress, sparks outrage over trapped funds
The alleged crash of CBEX, a digital asset trading platform, has left many Nigerians in financial turmoil. The platform, which promised 100% returns on investments within a month, is now facing accusations of being a Ponzi scheme after users reported being unable to withdraw their funds over the weekend. Despite claims by some users that the platform remains operational, withdrawal restrictions have fueled skepticism and concerns about its legitimacy. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, emphasizing that any investment platform not registered with the Commission is illegal. Speaking during a virtual engagement on the Investment and Securities Act (ISA 2025), SEC Director General Emomotimi Agama cautioned against patronizing unregistered platforms like CBEX. Checks reveal that CBEX is not listed in the SEC database. Social media has been abuzz with warnings about CBEX’s operations. A viral post from March by Ub Edem Uman predicted the platform’s collapse, citing its introduction of a “six-month plan” as a red flag. Users have also shared personal stories of loss, including one man who sold his belongings to invest $313 just before the crash.The incident serves as a cautionary tale for Nigerians seeking quick returns in high-risk ventures.
PoS operator in Uyo commits suicide after losing N2.5M to cyber fraud
A tragic incident has shaken the Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as a young Point of Sale (PoS) operator, Utibe Eteffia, reportedly ended his life after falling victim to cyber fraud. Eteffia, in his early 30s, ingested a poisonous substance after losing N2.5 million to scammers commonly referred to as “Yahoo Boys.” The deceased had hinted at suicidal thoughts in cryptic social media posts prior to the incident. In one post, he shared an image of a lit candle with the caption, “Do you believe in reincarnation?” He also urged his followers to show love and support to those in need. Eteffia operated his PoS business near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) State Council Secretariat in Uyo. Neighbors revealed he had become withdrawn and visibly distressed in recent days. “Sometimes, he would remain in his house crying,” said Aniefiok Isang, a neighbor and customer. A week before his death, Eteffia reportedly sought rat poison under the guise of dealing with rodents but later purchased a lethal substance from a local chemist. He traveled to his village in Ini LGA, where he consumed the poison late at night after attending church. Raised by his aunt following the loss of both parents at a young age, Eteffia struggled financially despite assistance from family and friends to establish his PoS business. Sources claim he was introduced to fraudulent schemes by cybercriminals but was duped during the process, leading to mental distress. His remains were discovered on the veranda by shocked family members. A relative stated, “We will not bury him now until we know why he took this difficult decision.”
Government official launches free phone charging center in Ekiti amid power crisis
Residents of Emure, a community in Ekiti State, Nigeria, celebrated the launch of a free phone charging center on Monday, April 14, 2025. The facility, spearheaded by Bayo Ajayi, Chairman of the State Environmental Protection Agency, aims to address the pressing issue of power outages that have plagued the area. In a statement during the launch, Ajayi explained, “Emure has been without electricity for some time now. This charging center is a temporary solution to help residents stay connected while the government works to restore power.” He emphasized that the service would be entirely free and described it as part of his commitment to grassroots engagement and support. The event drew a jubilant crowd, with residents expressing gratitude through songs and chants. Traditional games like Ayo Olopon and Draft were also organized to mark the occasion. While many praised the initiative as timely and thoughtful, online reactions were mixed. Social media users debated whether such efforts reflect meaningful progress or highlight deeper infrastructural issues.
Access Bank finalizes acquisition of National Bank of Kenya, expanding East African presence
Access Bank PLC, a leading Nigerian financial institution and subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, has received the green light from Kenyan regulators to acquire the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) in a landmark deal that underscores its ambitious African expansion strategy. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the country’s National Treasury have both granted final approvals for Access Bank to purchase 100% of NBK’s shares from KCB Group PLC, which has owned the bank since 2019. The regulatory nods were given earlier this month, paving the way for Access Bank to take full control of one of Kenya’s oldest financial institutions. As part of the transaction, certain assets and liabilities of NBK will be transferred to KCB Bank Kenya Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of KCB Group. Both the CBK and the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury have approved this transfer, ensuring a smooth transition for customers and stakeholders. Founded in 1968, the National Bank of Kenya was established as a government-owned bank to provide credit access and promote economic empowerment for Kenyans in the post-independence era. In 2019, KCB Group acquired NBK, operating it as a subsidiary alongside other financial services businesses. With this acquisition, Access Bank strengthens its footprint in Kenya’s competitive banking sector, adding to its existing operations in the country and reinforcing its commitment to the East African market. The bank now operates in over a dozen African countries, including Ghana, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, and South Africa, and maintains a presence in the UK, UAE, and representative offices in China, Lebanon, and India. The Central Bank of Kenya has welcomed the deal, highlighting its potential to enhance the stability and resilience of the country’s banking sector. The regulator expressed confidence in Access Bank’s ability to maintain continuity of services at NBK and to leverage the bank’s infrastructure and customer base to further develop digital and financial services in Kenya.