E-hailing drivers in Edo State, operating on platforms like Uber and Bolt, have resolved to unilaterally implement a 50% increase on all ride fares above the official prices displayed on the apps. The fare adjustment, which took effect on Saturday, November 15, is a survival strategy aimed at improving drivers’ dwindling earnings amidst skyrocketing operational costs and economic hardship in Nigeria. This move follows similar unilateral fare adjustments made recently by drivers in Port Harcourt and Abuja.The fare hike is a direct response to macroeconomic pressures that have severely eroded the profitability of ride-hailing services for drivers, due to a long-running dispute with the app companies over commission rates and pricing autonomy.The chairman of the Edo State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Comrade Russell Eghaghe, stated the adjustment is necessary for improving drivers earnings and ensuring better value for their time and service. Eghaghe addressed the perception of “greed” directed at drivers, labeling it double standard; It is heartbreaking that when others increase prices, it is called ‘adjustment’, but when drivers do the same, it is called ‘greed.’ This double standard must stop Meanwhile, drivers in Port Harcourt recently declared a 50% increase, while those in Abuja and Abeokuta have also implemented similar fare adjustments to cover operational costs.The national body of AUATON supports these actions, asserting that app companies like Bolt lack the authority to unilaterally fix trip fares. They argue that drivers, as transporters, possess the mandate to set appropriate fares. Bolt previously threatened to permanently deactivate drivers in Port Harcourt who charged outside the app’s agreed-upon fee.The union argues the hike is essential for service sustainability, ensuring drivers can maintain vehicles and avoid being driven into poverty by a system that fails to account for rising fuel, maintenance, and living costs.
Paystack suspends co-founder Ezra Olubi over sexual misconduct allegation
Paystack, the Stripe-owned Nigerian fintech giant, has suspended its Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate. The decision, comes as the company launches a formal internal investigation into the matter. The controversy was fueled by a social media post detailing a personal complaint, which subsequently led to the resurfacing of highly inappropriate, sexually suggestive tweets Olubi had posted between 2009 and 2013.The matter gained public attention on Wednesday, November 12, after a social media post containing personal complaints by an individual who had a relationship with Olubi circulated online.The current controversy reignited public debate after old tweets posted by Olubi between 2009 and 2013 resurfaced. These posts included sexually suggestive content, sometimes referencing minors and colleagues inappropriately.Paystack confirmed the action in a statement, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue and confirming the launch of a formal probe; Effective immediately, Ezra has been suspended from all duties and responsibilities pending the outcome of a formal investigation Paystack emphasized its commitment to an independent investigation, stating it would not comment further to protect the integrity of the process. Paystack, founded in 2015 by Olubi and Shola Akinlade, was acquired by global payments company Stripe in 2020 for over $200 million, making it one of the most prominent fintech success stories in Africa.
FG unveils AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot for youth employment and mentorship
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has unveiled an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot designed to serve as a digital lifeline for young Nigerians. This innovation, developed in partnership with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Digital Innovation, aims to provide real-time support, guidance, and access to essential resources, including information on employment, entrepreneurship, mental health, and mentorship programs. The initiative is projected to reach one million young Nigerians annually and aligns with the government’s goal of using technology to restore hope, trust, and inclusion among youth.The AI chatbot, which is a phase of the Youth Help Desk, is championed by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom. The chatbot will offer instant access to verified information, eliminating the need for youths to navigate complex government websites or visit multiple physical offices.The curated knowledge base is specifically trained on government data, policies, and program details to ensure accuracy and relevance across key areas like employment opportunities and civic engagement. Our goal is to restore hope among young people by showing that the government can deliver support, opportunities and credible information through technology-driven systems – Minister Olawande By utilizing WhatsApp, one of the most widely used platforms in Nigeria, the government aims to digitally include youths and promote greater participation in public institutions.The operational framework will be formally unveiled at an upcoming Stakeholders’ Engagement and Demonstration Forum. This event will include a live demonstration of the chatbot interface, a presentation of the Help Desk’s vision, and collection of stakeholder feedback for nationwide deployment.
Satellite images indicate possible mass graves in El-Fasher, Sudan
The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has expressed grave concern over the fate of hundreds of thousands of civilians who fled the Sudanese city of El-Fasher following its seizure by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in late October 2025. The warning comes as Yale University researchers, analyzing satellite imagery, released a report suggesting evidence of body disposal activities consistent with mass graves being dug in and around the city. MSF and UN officials report ethnically targeted violence including executions, sexual violence, and torture, by the RSF against civilians.El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, was the last major stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in the Darfur region. Its fall to the RSF on October 26, 2025, after an 18-month siege, gives the paramilitary group control over all five state capitals in Darfur.The violence reported is deeply rooted in ethnic conflict, echoing the patterns of atrocities committed by the RSF’s predecessor militia (the Janjaweed) in the early 2000s. Survivors have recounted harrowing stories of being targeted based on their ethnicity, including non-Arab ethnic groups such as the Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa. The destruction of civilian infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities, has compounded the crisis. The World Health Organisation previously reported the tragic killing of more than 460 patients and medical staff at the Al-Saudi Hospital during the takeover. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, has warned that those who remain trapped in El-Fasher are being prevented from leaving.Newly elected MSF president Javid Abdelmoneim stressed the main concern of the organization about the scale of the displacement and the specific nature of the violence; Our main concern is that though we have seen approximately 5,000 people coming out of El-Fasher towards Tawila, we don’t know where the other hundreds of thousands have gone… That is worrying given the ethnic nature of targeting of violence towards civilians by the RSF The Yale HRL report details the grim findings from the satellite data, which corroborate eyewitness testimony and videos posted by the RSF themselves: At least two earth disturbances consistent with mass graves at a mosque and the former Children’s Hospital They acknowledged the disappearance of clusters of objects consistent with bodies, suggesting their removal or disposal. Adding to the regional crisis, the conflict has intensified and spread to the Kordofan region, where a medical source reported the RSF shelled a hospital in besieged Dilling, killing five and injuring five more. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, issued a warning about the escalating violence, stating that civilians remain trapped inside El-Fasher and are being prevented from leaving.
Nigeria’s first creative AI open competition ‘Prompt to Screen’ launches to empower youth innovation
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.
Nigeria launches NIN Authentication App to boost transparency and citizen data control
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) NIN Authentication (NINAuth) App, an innovation designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in governance. The key features include decentralization of consent, granting citizens the ability to manage, grant, or revoke access to data linked to their National Identification Number (NIN). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a mandate for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt the app for staff and data verification, aiming to reduce corruption and bureaucratic delays. Historically, bureaucratic bottlenecks and fraud have been a major challenge in accessing government services and distributing public funds.The launch of the NINAuth App is framed by the President as central to his “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which seeks to leverage technology to eliminate these issues. The government aims to close loopholes for fraud and ensure public resources are strictly linked to verified identities, by unifying all government verification through a single, secure system. The app is expected to simplify processes such as passport, NYSC, and student loan (NELFUND) registrations through instant NIN verification.