It was one of those very Nigerian weeks where deadlines met reality: unstable connectivity, competing commitments, and the quiet chaos that reminds you that nothing digital works without a reliable network. Ironically, that short absence made this week’s topic write itself.

Because in Nigeria today, when the internet goes off, the game goes off.

For an industry that is now overwhelmingly digital, mobile sportsbooks, online lotteries, virtual games, and live betting, network quality is no longer a background issue. It has become a frontline (gaming) regulatory concern.

Yet, in most policy conversations, connectivity is still treated as a telecom problem, not a gaming one. That separation no longer makes sense.

In practice, poor network quality directly affects gaming outcomes. Delayed bet confirmations, frozen odds, failed deposits, interrupted sessions, and disputed results are everyday experiences for Nigerian players.

When a network drops at the wrong moment, the player feels cheated, the operator gets blamed, and the regulator is left mediating disputes it never technically caused. Everyone loses.

What makes this particularly Nigerian is scale. Nigeria has one of the largest online gaming populations in Africa, driven by mobile-first users and aggressive data consumption.

But it also has inconsistent broadband coverage, fluctuating mobile speeds, and infrastructure stress that worsens during peak hours. The result is a gaming ecosystem where fairness can depend on signal strength.

This is where regulation must evolve.

Globally, regulators are beginning to recognise that technical quality is part of consumer protection. If a platform cannot guarantee stable access, timely transaction processing, and accurate bet execution under local network conditions, then the integrity of the game itself is compromised.

In Nigeria, this issue is even more pronounced because network instability is not an exception, it is part of the operating environment.

This raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: Should network performance form part of gaming compliance standards?

Not in the sense of regulators policing telecom operators, but in requiring gaming operators to design systems that are resilient to local network realities.

This could include clearer bet confirmation rules, automatic time-stamping, fail-safe transaction logs, transparent dispute-resolution mechanisms, and user interfaces that clearly communicate when connectivity issues affect gameplay.

There is also a role for collaboration. Gaming regulators, telecom regulators, and payment platforms operate in silos, yet their decisions collide at the player level.

A failed bet is often a chain reaction, network lag triggers payment delay, which triggers a system timeout, which triggers a dispute. Without coordination, each regulator sees only their own piece of the problem.

For players, this fragmentation feels like abandonment. Complaints bounce between operators, networks, and payment providers, with no clear accountability.

For regulators, it creates enforcement blind spots. For operators, it creates reputational risk in situations they cannot fully control.

A more mature approach would recognise network quality as shared infrastructure risk. Regulators could require operators to publish service quality disclosures, track network-related disputes separately, and integrate connectivity metrics into compliance reporting. Not as punishment, but as visibility.

There is also a responsible gaming angle. Poor connectivity can increase impulsive behavior, repeated betting, and frustration-driven play. When a system lags, players often try again, and again, sometimes without realizing multiple transactions are queued. Network instability, in this sense, becomes a subtle but real risk factor.

None of this suggests Nigeria should wait for perfect internet before regulating gaming. That would be unrealistic. Instead, regulation must adapt to reality, not theory.

Just as payment failures led to stronger fintech rules, connectivity challenges must inform smarter gaming oversight.

The Nigerian gaming industry has matured beyond the point where network quality can be dismissed as “one of those things.”

It now affects fairness, trust, revenue accuracy, and player protection. When the internet goes off, regulation cannot go off with it.

If Nigeria wants a gaming ecosystem that is credible and consumer-focused, it must accept a simple truth: in a digital market, infrastructure is part of the rulebook.

Next week on Gaming Grid, we turn to another uncomfortable reality, Nigeria’s vast informal gaming economy and the regulation nobody really sees.

The newly revamped website boasts of a faster, smarter, and more dynamic digital platform, designed to deliver live news updates, real-time Nigerian stock prices, and a world-class user experience among other world-class features.

The upgrade marks a significant leap in the bank’s digital transformation journey, setting new standards for speed, accessibility, and innovation in the African banking industry.

Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, who spoke excitedly about the revamped website, explained that the redesign focuses on simplifying user-journey, improving responsiveness across all devices, and incorporating a language-agnostic interface that caters to the bank’s diverse global audience.

She explained that with its sleek, intuitive layout and enhanced navigation, the site empowers customers, investors, and stakeholders to access critical information instantly – whether it is the latest market movements, breaking financial news, or UBA’s wide range of products and services.

Ladipo said,

“We are thrilled to unveil our new website, which represents a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey. Our goal is to provide a world-class digital experience that meets the evolving needs of our customers and stakeholders.”

Continuing, she added,

“A major highlight of the upgrade is its speed, powered by an upgraded server infrastructure with enhanced load balancing to ensure minimal downtime and lightning-fast performance. By combining speed, accessibility, and live market intelligence, our new platform strengthens our position as an industry leader.”

She pointed out that the site also integrates automated news updates powered by International agency, Bloomberg and real-time stock prices tracking, ensuring visitors remain informed at all times.

Throwing more light on the new features, Amanda Oguamanam, the head, Digital and Online Marketing, said; “We have transformed our website to be faster, cleaner, and more engaging, removing clutter by over 60%, upgrading servers for speed and reliability, streamlining navigation, and tailoring content to inspire global partners while making it easier for customers to find what they need.”

Other standout features, she added, include improved accessibility for users with disabilities, dark/light mode toggle, advanced search functions, and a simplified content structure, which are all designed to deliver an inclusive, modern experience for a global audience.

The revamped website is live and accessible at www.ubagroup.com.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.

In today’s world, this task has become even more complicated due to information overload and the disruptive nature of the emerging digital economy. Experts say to stand out and engage people, trust, transparency, and authenticity are essential.

The 2024 Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit, held on October 16 and 17, was more than just a gathering of professionals in the field—it was a platform to explore the art of promoting trust and authenticity in the increasingly complex digital ecosystem.

Under the theme “Nurturing Authentic Connections in the Digital Ecosystem,” the summit examined the core challenges that public relations (PR) professionals face today, especially in an environment saturated with information and competing messages.

As businesses and organisations strive to capture attention in this noisy world, the summit’s focus on trust, transparency, and authenticity highlighted the essential ingredients needed to gain traction in the modern digital marketplace.

These concepts are critical to connecting with audiences on a deeper, more meaningful level – something easier said than done in a world where information is everywhere, and attention spans are fleeting.

In his keynote speech, Adetokunbo Modupe, chairman/Group CEO, TPT International, emphasized that brands must communicate persuasively to capture and keep their audience’s attention. But persuasion must come from a place of authenticity.

Modupe argued that while the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized marketing and communications, there is no substitute for the genuine, emotional intelligence required to make lasting connections.

He stressed that originality matters now more than ever and that AI should enhance, not replace, the emotional and native intelligence needed in storytelling. He explained that ethics remain a cornerstone of public relations, and practitioners must continue to do the right thing, even in the age of digital disruption.

O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant on Digital/New Media to the President, presented a thought-provoking session on trust, calling it the key differentiator for brands that want to stand out.

He provided five crucial lessons on trust, along with their reversals, highlighting that while trust is vital, it is equally important to strike a balance between transparency and strategic communication.

In the realm of branding, perception is everything. As Ogra noted, people are drawn to what feels real. Brands must therefore curate their digital presence authentically and simplify their messaging to build trust. Yet, there are times when illusion can be more powerful than reality.

Trust is a brand’s most valuable asset, a principle Ogra called the Naval Rule. Brands that consistently deliver on promises, like the financial platform Piggyvest, can elevate their reputation.

Transparency is a powerful tool, but Ogra also pointed out that there are moments when withholding information can be more beneficial than complete openness.

Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in creating meaningful connections. Ogra emphasized the importance of brands engaging in active listening, even in digital spaces, and using storytelling to connect with audiences.

However, he warned that relying too heavily on emotional appeals can sometimes backfire.

Ogra also spoke of the power of strategic vulnerability. He encouraged brands to own their mistakes and be realistic about their shortcomings.

By doing so, weaknesses can become strengths. But, he cautioned, overexposure can lead to new problems, and brands should avoid revealing too much.

Finally, Ogra stressed the importance of long-term authenticity over short-term gains. In a world obsessed with instant results, real depth and consistency hold more value than superficial reach. However, he reminded the audience not to overlook short-term opportunities entirely—finding balance is key, and realness remains a brand’s greatest strength.

Lanre Basamta, CEO and co-founder of Optimus AI Labs spoke on the power of content. Starting with the quote by marketing expert David Meerman Scott—”Nobody cares about your product, except you.

Create interesting content”—Basamta stressed that perception is everything. Content is not just a tool for engagement; it shapes how audiences perceive a brand.

He underscored the importance of aligning content with a brand’s core message, stating that effective storytelling creates experiences that resonate emotionally with the audience. This emotional resonance, in turn, influences how people perceive a brand and, ultimately, whether they will engage with it.

The 2024 Lagos Digital PR Summit illuminated a key truth: in today’s information-saturated digital environment, brands must focus on nurturing authentic connections.

Whether through persuasive storytelling, emotional intelligence, or content that resonates on a deeper level, building trust is critical.

All the speakers and panel discussions emphasized the point – that realness is a brand’s most powerful asset, and balancing transparency, emotional appeals, and strategic communication is key to creating lasting relationships with audiences.

For PR professionals and marketers alike, the summit offered a clear roadmap: trust, transparency, and authenticity are the cornerstones of successful digital engagement in a world where attention is scarce but connection is invaluable.

*Eromosele, a corporate communication professional and public affairs analyst, wrote via: elviseroms@gmail.com

]]> https://techeconomy.ng/exploring-trust-authenticity-and-engagement-in-a-saturated-digital-space/feed/ 0 https://techeconomy.ng/nitda-has-empowered-3-3-million-nigerians-with-digital-skills-inuwa/ https://techeconomy.ng/nitda-has-empowered-3-3-million-nigerians-with-digital-skills-inuwa/#comments Thu, 03 Aug 2023 21:19:10 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=109446 In its strive to accomplish the facilitation of 95 percent digitally literate population by 2030, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has successfully built the capacity of over 3 million Nigerians, Kashifu Inuwa, the Agency’s Director General, has disclosed.  

Speaking at the Council on Global Partner Summit held at Orlando, Florida, United States of America, Inuwa provided a glimpse into Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy as well as its vision of equipping Nigerians with relevant digital literacy skills.

He said, “NITDA has empowered 3.3 million Nigerians with several digital literacy and skills through multi-sectoral capacity-building programmes such as Stem Bootcamp for Kids, digital skills training for students, public servants, journalists, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Programming, Digital Entrepreneurship and many more.”   

He informed the global participants that Nigeria would ensure massive digital literacy training for her youths to position the country as a global Information Technology hub that could address the global digital skills shortage, adding that the country is committed to developing policies, regulations, and initiatives that would deepen digital literacy and skills in the country.

The NITDA henchman canvassed that Mobile Information Literacy should be included into future versions of Certiport’s IC3 Global Digital Literacy Standard in order to meet the requirements of millions of Nigerian and African citizens who rely on their mobile phones to connect to and participate in the digital economy.

The three day event which saw six Nigerian students participating at Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship (MOSWC), who were selected during the Nigerian National Championship organised by ReadManna Empowerment Initiative (REI) was witnessed by global experts consisting of corporate executives, government officials, academicians, and industry influencers who were involved in the definition and positioning of digital literacy standards and validated delivery systems.

While commending the Nigeria’s representatives at the championship, Inuwa declared that they have made Nigeria proud and put the country at the forefront of global digital literacy and skills. He further described their emergence at the global competition as a demonstration of Nigeria’s immense human capital potential and a front runner in the race for a digital nation.

Inuwa eulogized ReadManna Empowerment Initiative for its efforts in promoting ICT education in Nigeria, urging other stakeholders to follow its example.

“NITDA is willing to collaborate with similar organisations to further enhance digital literacy and skills across the country,”

Inuwa noted.

In her remarks, the founder organisation, Edna Agusto, represented by Ms. Efeoma Olotu reaffirmed that the MOSWC is open to all students aged between 13 and 22 years who were enrolled in an academic institution.

She disclosed that interested academic institutions that would like to compete in future editions of MOSWC can always contact ReadManna Empowerment Initiative to successfully participate in the championship.

She said, “Nigeria is indeed blessed with enormous human capital that has continued to assert its position as a country to reckon with on the global stage, especially in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With continued talent nurturing, Nigerians’ indomitable spirit to attain success, government support, as well as the commitment of key stakeholders in the ICT sector like ReadManna, Nigerians will continue to thrive and inadvertently propel the country’s standing as a leader in the digital sphere in this technology-driven era.”

The NITDA’s boss used the platform to present Nigeria’s recently launched National Digital Literacy Framework to global experts while they in turn shared valuable insights into how digital literacy is being implemented in other countries and offered to support Nigeria to achieve its objective of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030.

However, it has also vowed to crack down on illegal (unregistered) digital loan apps that are operating without authorization.

According to a statement released on Thursday, the FCCPC stated that it will release a comprehensive list of illegal digital loan apps that are operating in Nigeria.

The commission is taking strict measures to ensure that only registered and compliant digital money lenders are allowed to conduct business legally.

The FCCPC has also taken action against two legally registered loan apps that have been harassing Nigerians.

As a result, ‘Getloan’ and ‘Camelloan,’ operated by Sycamore Integrated Solutions Limited and Orange Loan, and Purple Credit Limited respectively, will be permanently delisted from the Google Play Store.

The decision came after the commission conducted a thorough investigation into these apps and discovered duplicity, as well as their engagement in illegal and unregulated lending and recovery practices.

Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, emphasized the importance of consumer protection in the digital lending sector.

He warned Nigerians to exercise caution when selecting digital money lenders and urged them to patronize only those listed on the commission’s approved list. This measure aims to safeguard consumers from falling victim to illegal and prohibited lending practices.

The FCCPC further revealed that it has placed digital money lenders that failed to register under its guidelines on its watchlist for strict surveillance and necessary action. The list of these non-compliant lenders will be made available on the commission’s website and will be periodically updated.

As the digital lending industry continues to grow in Nigeria, the FCCPC’s actions serve as a vital step toward establishing a regulated and consumer-friendly environment.

By weeding out illegal and non-compliant operators, the commission aims to protect Nigerians from exploitative lending practices and ensure that only trustworthy and compliant loan apps operate in the country