SPORT: PariPesa, a leading sports betting brand, recently took a meaningful step towards giving back to the community and promoting sportsmanship among Nigerian youths. By donating full football equipment and kits to tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the company demonstrated its dedication to sports and corporate social responsibility.

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The maidens in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa play a significant cultural role in the Zulu community. They are known as the “maidens” or “izintombi” in Zulu. These young women are celebrated for their purity, beauty, and commitment to upholding the traditional values of the Zulu people.

Weeks ago, pictures of these maidens well adorned in their colorfully-beaded and traditional attires yet partially exposed were all over the media landscapes. The beautiful ladies gleamingly revealed their seemingly fresh breasts; and this caught the attention of netizens. I must say that my curiosity made me decide to conduct some research of the pictures and this piece gives the account of my findings. As such, after I read about the pictures, I consulted an isiZulu Fulbright Scholar (2023/24) at the University of Georgia, Athens, in the United States of America for a more accurate understanding; she validated my findings and gave more resources, one of which is the following YouTube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6L0f69lpDk

To begin with, the decision of the maidens to dress in a partially exposed manner is for certain cultural ceremonies, such as the Reed Dance in KwaZulu-Natal. Importantly, this choice is voluntary as the exposed areas are often associated with youth and innocence.

Continue Reading… https://itrybe.com/south-african-tradition-the-kwazulu-natal-maidens-playing-a-significant-role-by-gbenga-oyelakin/

Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Uba Sani recently stunned residents of the state and Nigerians at large when blamed the inability of his administration to pay workers’ salaries and other financial commitments of the state on the huge debts, he said he inherited from the government of his predecessor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Gov. Sani is reported to have stated this while addressing a town hall meeting in Kaduna penultimate Saturday, saying pointedly that his administration inherited a debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion and 115 contractual liabilities from his predecessor.

While addressing his bemused audience, the governor said N7 billion out of the N10 billion federal allocations for the state in March was deducted to service the state’s debt, saying the state was left with the N3 billion, which he said was not enough to pay salaries of the state’s workforce which stood at N5.2 billion.

Ludicrously , Gov. Uba Sani who once accused his predecessors in the Senate, especially Sen. Shehu Sani of playing politics by opposing Kaduna state $350M World Bank loan request that was rejected by 8th Assembly, said the senators put their personal interest above the interest of the people they are representing. The governor then promised that he will revisit loan, saying the World Bank loan was critical to the people of his state and that "its not about Governor Nasir El-Rufai or any other person, it is about the people of Kaduna State"

Appraising the revelation of the governor, one will come to the conclusion that Gov. Sani’s decision to come out in the open at this time is simply borne out of mischief because of the serious political undertone that is clearly visible even to the blind.

The time lag with respect to the timing of the revelation is suspect for two basic reasons, why did he (the governor) choose this time as appropriate for him to make the revelation considering the fact that he is almost a year into his tenure of office?

The answer to this is very simple, he is doing the biding of political forces within and outside the state who are working to demystify el-Rufai who many see as political force in the build up to the 2027 general election. One example for this is the recent visit of the immediate past governor to the national secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja.

Any political watcher will no doubt know that the governor is being propelled by some forces outside the state to act the way he has acted. These forces who are terrified by the visit of the former governor are perhaps using the governor as a pun to settle some scores with el-Rufai.

Another way to look at it is that the governor who is largely seen as underperforming by the people of the state is only shopping for excuses to explain away, his lackluster scorecards with the people, hence the need to play the el-Rufai card which by all intent and purposes will blow up on his face on the long run.

The huge allocations accrued to the state in the last three (3) IGR inclusive shows that Gov. Sani is being economical with the truth about the real financial position of the state in terms performance.

The simple truth of the matter is that the claims being made by the governor had been in the public domain prior to the exit of the former governor who had consistently maintained that the figures being quoted by Gov. Sani were the actual financial exposure of the state committed during his tenure.

From all available facts and records, former governor el-Rufai has not changed his position on this, so therefore the efforts of Gov. Sani to paint him (el-Rufai) black in the eyes of the people through his reckless public pronouncement can be akin to playing to the gallery.

For those who know, the financial exposure to which the state was committed to, believe it was well utilized by the immediate past government as evident in the numerous developmental and social infrastructural landmarks that now dot the nooks and crannies of the state.

It is to the credit of the immediate past administration in Kaduna State that efforts were successfully made to modernized the state along progressive lines with the building of quality infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, hospital, modernisation of markets, numerous revenue generating ventures, eg KAGIS etc and the likes which have in turn facilitated overall development of the state.

The only admonition I have for Governor Sani is to tell him that whoever seeks and obtains leadership in any sphere or space must always know that he is going to inherit assets and liabilities and that the success of any leader is measured by how he is able to turn liabilities into positive and visible assets for the development and progress of such society, Lagos is a good example.

It must be noted however, that former governor el-Rufai too inherited some liabilities upon assumption of office but rather than complain as his successor is currently doing, he resorted to looking inwards and inventing administrative ingenuity to rework the state towards the path of growth and success.

This is what Governor Sani should do and not to serve as a pun for some puppet masters who might seek to use him as a pun in the murky political terrain. What the people of Kaduna are demanding is good governance and not excuses.

The former Governor of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, has hinted that the immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, may not survive an onslaught against him over his recent political activities in Osun when the time comes.

Oyetola said some members of the IleriOluwa faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, will “square up with Aregbesola when the time comes.”

Speaking through his Spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, in an article circulated on Friday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy threatened that Mr. Aregbesola will not be able to withstand the onslaught.

His words, “But one thing Aregbesola must know is that an average Osun APC faithful only appears to be waiting for the appropriate time to square up with him. When the time comes, the former governor may not be able to withstand the onslaught,” Oyetola fumed.

It would be recalled that on February 14, 2022, Aregbesola was attacked by gunmen allegedly sponsored by the Oyetola-led government at the Old-Garage area of Osogbo, while returning from a political event, in Ilesa.

On November 18, 2021 and on February 3, 2022, some armed political hoodlums suspected to have been sponsored by Oyetola-led IleriOluwa faction of the APC, attacked Oranmiyan House in Osogbo, and shot directly into the building and also attempted to burn it down during a meeting of members of the defunct The Osun Progressives (TOP).

There have been series of attacks against Aregbesola and his aides from the camp of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, with the latest of the threats coming from Oyetola through his spokesperson.

Owing to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, the Center for Media and Society (CEMESO) and IFEX have trained media practitioners on digital autonomy and digital resilience in other to enhance the accuracy and reliability of information.

In his opening remarks at the two-day training in Ibadan, Oyo state, the Executive Director, of CEMESO, Dr Akin Akingbulu said misinformation and disinformation pose a pervasive challenge to democracy by undermining the integrity of information and, at the same time eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

“In a digital age where information spreads rapidly and easily, false narratives can sway public opinion, distort political discourse, and manipulate electoral processes. These phenomena not only threaten the credibility of democratic systems but also endanger the fundamental rights of citizens to make informed decisions.

“Tackling misinformation and disinformation requires collaborative efforts from governments, media organizations, civil society, and individuals to promote media literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking skills. By addressing these challenges head-on, democracies can uphold transparency, accountability, and the free exchange of ideas essential for their functioning”.

Akingbulu called on civil society organizations to promote media literacy in other to enhance the accuracy and reliability of information.

‘We have the professional responsibility to safeguard the truth, protect democracy, and combat misinformation and disinformation’.

According to him, the very essence of media independence, freedom of expression, and access to information hinges upon the practitioners’ ability to discern truth from falsehood, and fact from fiction.

“Through this training, we equip ourselves with the necessary tools to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically”.

Understanding misinformation and disinformation, Digital literacy fundamentals, Addressing Bias and Echo Chambers, and identifying credible sources and fact-checking techniques were among the topics that were treated.

However, he charged the practitioners to be fact-checker ambassadors as they embark on the journey to sharpen their critical thinking skills, bolster their digital literacy, and fortify their defenses against the onslaught of misinformation.

The media professionals drawn from across broadcast, print, and online media platforms are expected to train other journalists with the digital skills that they have gained.

Facilitators at the two-day training include; David Ajikobi, the Nigerian Editor of Africa Check, and Williams Osewezina a Media expert and Digital Literacy enthusiast.

In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, where people from diverse backgrounds seek greener pastures, there exists a community dedicated to empowering and inspiring Africans in the diaspora. Through storytelling enriched by experience, knowledge, and opportunities, Japa.run stands out as a beacon of support and inspiration.

Are you seeking practical support to cultivate your success story abroad? Japa.run commits to fostering a nurturing environment for Africans in the diaspora, addressing the unique challenges they face and facilitating growth and a richer human experience through innovative storytelling and the power of candid online communities.

Our approach at Japa.run centers on empowering Africans with vital resources, ideas, and community connections, enabling individuals to navigate their journeys abroad confidently. This platform allows Africans to either build their community or join existing ones, transforming these spaces into hubs of passion, energy, and innovative ideas. The result? A stronger, more progressive platform for Africans, transcending borders.

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The PalmPay app now has enhanced features allowing users to effortlessly add their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to their wallets while upgrading their Know Your Customer (KYC) levels.

PalmPay’s streamlining of the process for users to fortify their wallets with vital identification details is in response to the evolving regulatory landscape and commitment to users’ safety and ahead of the CBN’s deadline of March 31, 2024.

The integration of NIN/BVN adds an extra layer of authenticity to user profiles, fostering a safer experience for PalmPay users and a robust financial ecosystem.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for users to leverage these new features:

1. Access Your PalmPay App: Open the PalmPay app on your smartphone device.
2. Navigate to Profile/Settings: Locate the “Profile” or “Settings” section within the app.
3. Access KYC/Verification Section: Find the KYC (Know Your Customer) or Verification section.
4. Add NIN/BVN: Follow the instructions to input your NIN and BVN details seamlessly.
5. Complete Additional KYC Steps: Provide any supplementary documents or information as prompted to complete the KYC process.
6. Submit for Verification: Once all details are entered, submit the information for verification.
PalmPay remains dedicated to ensuring a user-friendly experience while adhering to the highest standards of compliance and security.

Users are encouraged to explore the app’s help section for additional guidance or contact PalmPay’s customer support team for personalized assistance.

To stay tuned for further updates as PalmPay continues to innovate and enhance the financial well-being of its users, follow PalmPay on social media – on Instagram@palmpayapp_ng, Twitter @palmpay_ng, Facebook@palmpayapp.ng.

tosinobikoya49:
I want to purchase the analog terminal outrightly and I was told there is no direct transfer, first I have to withdraw and then make the transfer. Is that true ? Another thing is can I pay utility bills on the analog terminal ?

Kindly contact PalmPay customer support via phone number on 01-8886888, email via support@palmpay.com and social media on Instagram @palmpayapp_ng, X @palmpay_ng, and Facebook @palmpayapp.ng.

In today’s world of e-commerce, the right financial tool can gravitate from the more technical accounting software and payroll management tool to the less complicated but secure digital payment platform and Point of Sales (POS) machine.

Big on secure digital payments, leading fintech platform PalmPay offers digital financial tools such as PalmPay Business app and Point of Sales (POS) machines for business owners to collect payments from customers and help grow their sales and increase profit.

As of 2023, PalmPay’s cashless payment ecosystem processed up to 15 million daily transactions and $6 billion monthly transaction value, earning it one of the highest retention rates in the market, with 75% of users returning every month to transact.

More than 40 million people, representing 1 in 5 Nigerians, trust PalmPay’s network to shop and pay for utilities monthly. This number represents the number of people who have accessed PalmPay services through its secure and seamless smartphone apps or merchant and agent networks.

PalmPay POS

One challenge faced by business owners before the coming of fintech platforms was the lack of more options to receive payments. With fintech apps or POS machines, businesses can now effortlessly receive payments.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator (MMO) license, PalmPay has grown to over 30 million users and 1.1 million businesses, including 600,000 merchants and 500,000 agents, as part of its cashless payment ecosystem.

The PalmPay POS is fully certified by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and supported by private organizations in Nigeria’s financial industry to receive payments from customers.

The over 600,000 merchants using the PalmPay POS experience an impressive 99.5% success rate and enjoy loads of other financial benefits on daily transactions.

PalmPay App

The PalmPay app is the jewel in the crown of digital payment platforms for business owners in Nigeria. The PalmPay app held the top spot on the Nigerian Google Play download chart as the most downloaded finance app for a long time.

One thing that makes PalmPay attractive is its reward system. Both business owners and their transacting customers get rewarded using the PalmPay app. Each time your customers make payments, they get discounts and cashback.

Customers enjoy cashback when they use the ‘Pay to Shop’ feature on the PalmPay app. With the PalmPay ‘Pay With Transfer,’ customers can experience a better way to shop and pay in-store by earning exclusive cashback.

Buyers using the PalmPay app can pay via the ‘Pay Shop’ feature to a network of over 500,000 shops, restaurants, and street vendors who accept the ‘Pay with Transfer’ and earn up to N500 cashback daily when paying the merchants.

Businesses or merchants of all sizes can display or paste the PalmPay Brand Mark Poster with their Merchant Account and accept payment from any Nigerian bank with the PalmPay app with no additional fee for any hardware.

Also, customers who make payments for purchases to traditional bank accounts of businesses through the PalmPay app enjoy discounts and cashback.

Why Use PalmPay?

As a small business owner, deciding to use PalmPay has its benefits. One is its reliable network. As the industry’s leading, reliable and seamless fintech platform, 99.5% of transactions are successful on the PalmPay app.

Then there are discounts. Unlike other competing fintech platforms, PalmPay offers its users several exciting discount packages and bonuses whenever they transact with the app, including 90 free monthly transfers to other banks.

How to Get Started

Entrepreneurs looking to get POS machines to receive payments for their business can fill out the application form with their personal and business details, including their name, address, phone number, and email address, and submit it for approval.

Are you interested in becoming a merchant? Download the PalmPay Business app from the Google Play store and join the thousands of businesses on the platform.

In the world of unending bank charges, PalmPay is an oasis in the desert. So, yes, turn your small business’s New Year resolution of “No gree for anybody” into a challenge on how to grow your business and earn more money.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to pay Ms Blessing Oladunjoye, an award-winning journalist and publisher of BONews Service, the sum of N300,000 as exemplary and aggravated damages due to the institution’s blatant and illegal violation of her right to information.

Additionally, the court instructed YABATECH to provide her with all the information she had initially requested.

Describing the information sought from YABATECH by Ms Oladunjoye as being of “public interest”, Justice Daniel Emeka Osiagor stressed that compliance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act is mandatory in enhancing transparency and accountability in the public sector.

Justice Osiagor held in his judgment in the suit filed by Ms Oladunjoye against YABATECH and its Rector that the failure or refusal by the institution to grant her access to the information she requested by her letter dated October 26, 2020 was a violation of her right of access to information established and guaranteed by Sections 1(1) and 4 of the FOI Act.

Mr. Owolabi Dawodu, a Lagos-based lawyer and member of Media Rights Agenda’s network of lawyers, filed the suit on behalf of Ms Oladunjoye on March 1, 2022, against YABATECH and the rector of the institution, asking the court to declare that the failure and/or refusal by the institution to grant Ms Oladunjoye access to the information requested in her letter dated October 26, 2020 is a violation of her right of access to information established and guaranteed by Sections 1(1) and 4 of the FOI Act.

She also asked the court for an order compelling YABATECH to disclose or make available to her the information, which she had requested in her letter, namely: Copies of all data protection policies of YABATECH, issued in conformity with the NDPR; The name and contact details of the Data Protection Officer of YABATECH, designated in accordance with the NDPR, together with the institution’s relevant data privacy instruments and data protection directives;
Details of all capacity building training or other capacity building activities undertaken for the Data Protection Officer of YABATECH and other personnel of the institution involved in any form of data processing since the issuance of the NDPR; The number of persons or individuals whose personal data YABATECH processes on an annual basis, that is over a period of 12 months. A report from a detailed audit conducted by YABATECH of its privacy and data protection practices in accordance with the NDPR.

Other reliefs sought by Ms Oladunjoye included an order directing YABATECH and its rector to pay to her the sum of N1 million as exemplary and aggravated damages for the flagrant and unlawful violation of her right of access to information and the wrongful denial of the information to her.

In his judgment, Justice Osiagor disagreed with YABATECH that the information requested by Ms Oladunjoye fell within the exemptions provided in Section 15(1) of the FOI Act, describing as “very strange” the institutions interpretation that the information she asked for amounted to trade secrets, financial information or personal information on third parties.

Detailing all the information requested by Ms Oladunjoye in her letter to YABATECH, he asked “is this information categorized as personal data that ought to be protected?”
The judge quoted copiously from the FOI Act and also referred to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act of 2007 and noted that NITDA “is mandated by the Act to develop regulations for electronic communication that may improve the exchange of data and information as an alternative to paper-based methods in government.”

According to him, in January 2019, the Director-General of NITDA signed the NDPR under the NITDA Act, Section 4.1(1) of which provides “all public and private organizations in Nigeria that control data of natural persons shall within three months after the date of the issuance of the Regulations make available to the general public their respective data protection policies, these policies shall be in conformity with the regulations”.

Justice Osiagor observed that it is under these Regulations combined with the FOI Act that Ms Oladunjoye wrote to YABATECH on October 26, 2020 demanding to know about their data policies but received no response.
He said YABATECH’s refusal to comply with the FOI Act and the NITDA Regulations 2019 was hinged on the information requested by Ms Oladunjoye consisting mostly of trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from third parties based on its claim that the journalist sought “personal information of persons and/or third parties.”

Reproducing Ms Oladunjoye’s request letter in full, the judge said: “this information in the main seeks to know the state of compliance by the Respondents in the education sector in complying with the NITDA Regulations and thus enhancing migration from paper-based to paperless correspondence in governance as the preamble to the Regulation demand.”

He stressed that “These demands are of public interest as compliance with the Freedom of Information Act concerning the Data Protection Regulation, 2019 is made mandatory in enhancing transparency and accountability in the public sector.”

Justice Osiagor noted that the information requested by Ms Oladunjoye fit into the records which all public institutions are required to keep about their activities, operations and businesses under Section 2(1) of the FOI Act and are thus not the personal data of third parties as argued by YABATECH.

The judge concluded that the demands made by Ms Oladunjoye were of public interest and aligned with the transparency and accountability goals of the FOI Act. As a result, he granted all the reliefs sought by her, except for reducing the damages claimed to N300,000.”

At the PariPesa office, an exclusive ceremony unfolded, honouring three fortunate winners of the ‘Win 5,000,000 NGN with PariPesa!’ monthly promo. These lucky participants received coveted cash prizes and shared their success stories. The ceremony was more than just a celebration of successful bets; it was PariPesa keeping their promise to appreciate and reward their most engaged customers.

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SPORT- Webber Hoops and Courts in conjunction with Hoop Dreams Nigeria hosted the Lagos Slam Jam 3×3 Basketball Championship last weekend at 1004 estate in Victoria Island.

Webber Hoops and Courts, have disclosed their intention to facilitate the construction of basketball courts across the country.

The championship had over 16 teams vying for the #500,000 Prize money.

Kingsmen defeated White Fire by 14 to 9 points to win the one-day 3×3 Webber Basketball Championship.

The Kingsmen team had Ezike Somto (Lagos Raptors), David Edward (Lagos Legends), Abel Offia (Rivers Hoopers), Regina Iorunumbe (First Bank), Favour Essien (MFM) and Ogunsemore Olajide (Comets).

Webber 3×3 Championship Organisers Seek To Build Courts Nationwide

Speaking at the end of the championship, MD/CEO, Webber Hoops and Courts Engineering Limited, Opeyemi Babalola, said the event is aimed at promoting basketball and take it to the same level as football and also create an atmosphere to show Nigerians that the sport could be played in any open space like football.

“Apart from organising basketball events and identifying talents, Webber Hoops and Courts is also using the event to also show Nigerians that we construct basketball courts at all levels, including permanent or mobile courts.

“When I was based in Angola, I discovered one major secret why the country is doing well in basketball and the game is rated as a major sport more than football is because there are courts at every location in the country.

“When I came back to Nigeria, I decided to start the business of constructing basketball courts. For basketball to grow in Nigeria to the same level with football, we need to encourage the construction of courts everywhere.

“Because of space constraint, we also create mobile courts, which can be used in any available space temporarily or permanently. So, organisations, schools, churches, mosques, among others that want to organise basketball tournaments can use mobile courts for such events.

“This initiative will help to promote the growth of basketball in Nigeria at all levels,” he said.

On the 3×3 Webber Basketball Championship, Opeyemi said in 2024 his firm will organize it in other part of the country.

“We are still coming to the Mainland and also to Abuja. The 3×3 basketball tournament allows girls to be in the same team with the boys to show that the sport is for all genders. It is an all inclusive sport,” he said.

Whoever said you cannot have your cake and eat it too never sought creative ways to grow their money using the PalmPay Flexible Savings.

Also known as Cashbox, the PalmPay Flexible Savings is a financial product designed to empower users with a flexible and rewarding way to save money.

As part of its drive for financial literacy among the unbanked community, PalmPay through this savings feature promotes prudent financial habits and economically empowers Nigerians to achieve their financial inclusion goals.

Unlike traditional savings accounts with low interest rates, the PalmPay Flexible Savings with up to 20 percent interest rate allows users to make money and save simultaneously, serving as an attractive alternative to traditional savings accounts.

This feature is attractive because Nigerians usually earn up to 4.2 percent interest on their savings deposits with a traditional savings account which makes the 20 percent interest rate offered by the PalmPay Flexible Savings better by a mile.

Traditionally, savings accounts are set up to function strictly as a warehouse to store one’s money, the reason for the low interest rate. Also, whatever interest is gained from traditional savings is usually lost to bank charges.

Savings deposits have never been attractive as an interest-yielding financial product other than to be used for saving seed money to start a business idea or to be used to pay for things like house rent and probably purchase a car.

The PalmPay Flexible Savings is different. More than having the highest interest rates in the financial industry of daily payouts, users can watch their savings grow daily while having the freedom to access their funds whenever needed.

Interest is paid to users’ flexible savings accounts every morning, with no minimum amount to participate, while users are empowered to tailor their savings strategies to align with their unique financial goals and timelines.

Aside from providing customers with daily interest payouts, users’ deposited funds remain accessible for withdrawal at any time without penalty.

Interest is calculated on the Cashbox balance, with earnings applied to both the principal amount and the accumulated interest from previous savings.

The savings feature empowers users, regardless of their income bracket, with access to high-yield returns, accelerating their journey to financial freedom by offering them an effective way to build their financial stability and grow their wealth.

A stand-out feature of the PalmPay Flexible Savings is its auto-save function that automatically transfers any deposited funds into the user’s Cashbox, with the savings balance then used directly to make transfers and bill payments.

This eliminates the need for manual funding and withdrawal, allowing users to streamline their savings journey and enjoy effortless wealth accumulation.

Saving has never been this rewarding. If you’re not already using PalmPay and want to save and grow your money, download the app via https:///4805x0k or visit our social media platforms @PalmPay Nigeria for more information.

One of the factors limiting financial inclusion among the unbanked is the perception that banks are not safe to store money. This concern increases exponentially with digital banking platforms as the suggested mode of banking.

News headlines such as “Electronic Fraud: I called my bank to block my account but the criminals still cleared my money” and “78,584 e-payment fraud cases recorded in one year” do not help the assertion that digital payments are safe and secure.

However, the truth is that your money is safer in a bank than it is hidden under your bed at home and safer with digital wallets like PalmPay, whose deposits are insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

For your money to remain secure, aside from the security measures put in place by banks and fintechs, you owe it to yourself to take safety precautions by following these eight vital steps to enhance your bank account security.

Create strong passwords

Passwords should be complex but easy to remember. To prevent your bank from being hacked, use a complex password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, for example (GOdsent123@) and avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays, pet names, and names for passwords.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Where applicable, enable two-step authentication for your online banking to ensure an extra layer of security. Because this requires that a second form of verification is sent to your mobile device, it makes hacking your bank account difficult. Users of the PalmPay app can enjoy its built-in safety and security features.

Monitor your accounts regularly

Safety may begin with an ‘S’ but it starts with ‘U’. The human component of safety is as important as the technology side. Bank security measures are not enough to protect your money; follow safety precautions to enhance your account security. You are less prone to financial attacks when you keep an eye on your bank statements and transaction history and immediately report any discrepancies to your bank.

Protect personal information

Your PIN is called a Personal Identification Number for a reason. You must avoid sharing such and other sensitive information and be cautious about sharing your personal information online, especially on social media. Thread carefully when using a bank or making payments through a point of sale (POS). Always stay vigilant and watch out for possible irregularities while patronising POS agents.

Regularly update banking apps

Failure to regularly update your banking app leaves your account open to fraudsters. This is because the latest bank app updates often include security enhancements like PalmPay’s auto-logout feature. This security feature requires users to always input their PIN when they reopen the app after each logout.

Set limits for your bank account

Beyond having biometric features, many banks and fintech platforms like PalmPay have features that enable you to set account limits for specific activities such as large transactions. Stay informed on your bank account activity and peg a withdrawal limit to serve as an alarm bell for unauthorized transactions on your account.

Beware of phishing attempts

There are going to be numerous phishing attempts during this period. Be cautious about emails, messages, or phone calls asking for personal information. Do not click on links or download attachments from suspicious sources. Legitimate financial platforms like PalmPay won’t call, text or email requesting your personal information.

Education, education, education

Educate yourself by staying informed about common scams and fraud tactics, and be cautious about clicking on links in emails or text messages, especially if they seem suspicious. We are big on financial literacy in PalmPay. Take advantage of our Wallet Safety Workshops to educate yourself on best safety practices.

Let’s say that your bank’s safety measures are top-notch and you’ve done everything advised here to enhance your bank account safety but still get hacked by fraudsters, quickly report any fraudulent activity to your bank’s customer support to help you with quick resolution and recovery of stolen funds.

As the holiday draws near, fraudsters are on the prowl for whom to defraud using dubious shopping websites and posing on social media platforms as customer support agents of legitimate businesses to steal your identity.

While activities of online fraudsters are more sophisticated and are posed to spike during the holiday season, according to reports, other types of frauds that fraudsters are likely to use in defrauding you include digital loan scams, one-time password (OTP) scams, giveaway campaign scams, and free gift or voucher scams.

Aside from the security measures put in place by businesses such as banks, fintechs and online shopping stores, you owe it to yourself to take some safety precautions when conducting financial transactions during this holiday season.

Here are five easy safety tips to save yourself from fraudsters this holiday.

Shop from secure retail outlets

Shoppers this holiday season will see an increase in dubious shopping websites, with some of them offering ridiculous discounts to attract unsuspecting shoppers to input their debit card details which would be stolen by fraudsters.

Do not shop on an online retail store that you don’t trust or haven’t used before, it doesn’t matter whether they are offering the best discount. Moreso, if the discounts they are offering look too good to be true, it’s probably because it is not true.

Shop using verified online websites or payment apps that are secure and seamless. Payment apps like PalmPay have been integrated with different business outlets, allowing you to pay your bills and utilities securely and with ease.

Use only trusted POS machines

Whether you want to withdraw cash to spend this holiday season or make payments using a point of sale (POS), it is good that you thread carefully and only patronise POS agents that have terminals of fintech brands that you can trust.

Stay vigilant and watch out for possible irregularities while patronising POS agents. To ensure that the details of your card are not stolen, hide them and do not input your personal identification number (PIN) in the presence of other people.

Using POS terminals of trusted fintech companies cannot be emphasised enough. For ease of transaction, use POS terminals that offer a good network, a reliable system with less than one percent failure rate, an option to know banks’ network updates in real-time, and 24/7 quick customer dispute resolution.

Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails and texts

Expect to receive several unsolicited phone calls, emails and text messages from scammers claiming to be from businesses that you know. Some of these calls, emails and texts would claim that you’ve won a discount or holiday giveaway from a trusted business and would ask you to pay some money to enjoy the discount or giveaway.

Do not fall for this trick. Legitimate businesses will not ask you to pay money to enjoy a giveaway promotion or require that you send sensitive bank details to be granted access to a discount. Beware! No staff or agents of PalmPay will call or text you to ask for money or sensitive information in exchange for a coupon or a discount.

Research discounts, giveaways

This brings us to the next and one of the most important safety tips to always apply during this holiday season and after. Always do your research on purported discounts and giveaway challenges supposedly coming from trusted brands.

During the holiday, whenever you come across an ongoing giveaway promotion, go to the official social media accounts and websites of the brand to verify. Any discount or giveaway challenge that is not communicated to the public through the official social media channels of a legitimate business should be viewed cautiously.

Every discount and giveaway by PalmPay is usually posted on the company’s social media pages. Follow the right handles on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and LinkedIn, and always look out for the verified check marks.

Avoid fraudulent fintech apps

Do not give out your personal information and bank details to fintech platforms that you do not trust. It is important that we repeat this safety warning. Do not download fintech apps that are not regulated by the government.

Loan or fintech apps that are not regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and whose deposits are not insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) should be avoided completely. Before downloading any fintech or loan app, conduct your research to ensure that they boldly carry the CBN and NDIC badges.

Aside from being regulated by the CBN and insured by NDIC, at PalmPay we go the extra mile to ensure that our over 30 million users and the more than 1.1 million businesses that are part of our payment ecosystem are safe from fraudsters. Follow our social media handles to stay up-to-date on safety guidelines.

BUSINESS- Committed to driving economic inclusion and empowerment in Africa, the leading fintech platform in Nigeria, PalmPay, has gifted one of its customers N500,000 in the first week of the ongoing three-week N300 Million Giveaway Campaign.

Expressing her surprise and heartfelt gratitude to PalmPay for the cash prize, Mrs. Gbolahan Ahmed said, “I was surprised when I won and more surprised when five hundred thousand naira was credited to my account. The joy that I feel is indescribable.”

In its first phase, the giveaway campaign, which began on November 1 and will end on November 21, gives over 30 million of PalmPay’s trusted customers and other Nigerians using the payment platform an opportunity to win cash rewards.

Mrs Ahmed said that she has been using the PalmPay app since its inception four years ago and that her experience has been palatable, adding that “PalmPay service is good. I have been enjoying it for four years and counting.”

She added, “I remember during the period of the cash crunch, I enjoyed using PalmPay for a majority of my daily transactions and was excited that it made the cash crunch not be that much of a stress and burden for me.”

“Since I won, I have been telling my family and friends who do not have the PalmPay app on their phones, and they have agreed to download the app so that they too can participate in the campaign and stand a chance to win,” Mrs Ahmed said.

She called on other Nigerians to use PalmPay for their transactions, especially during this period of the giveaway campaign, pledging that she’ll continue to spread the news and let her family and friends know that “PalmPay dey pay.”

The promotion, grouped into three phases, allows PalmPay users to participate in giveaway tasks on the app, which revolves around transactions like airtime, data, transfers and more.

PalmPay users can win prizes by opening the app daily and clicking on as many falling diamonds as possible to get cash rewards, coupons and diamonds. With the diamonds, you will have a chance to share the weekly cash prize.

Once users complete the giveaway tasks, they can receive extra diamonds to share in the weekly prize pool. Users can find the list of the giveaways on the activity page in the app. The more chances obtained, the more cash and diamonds.

In its second week, there is a whopping N100 million in cash up for grabs. The more diamonds you collect, the more cash prizes you can win!

Over one million PalmPay users have joined the giveaway promotion. In the first week, 300,000 people won cash prizes, with the highest winner being N500,000.

With some days to go, the giveaway promotion is open to all PalmPay users. Also, Nigerians not currently using PalmPay can download the app at https:///4805x0K and join the winning spree.

For more information about the campaign, users should click http:///3QAVwjX or follow the PalmPay social media platforms on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.

Legendary fine artist, Abiola Akintola among others shines at Effects Excellence Achievers Awards in US.

An award night aimed at celebrating excellence achievements, has in attendance movers and shakers of industries, who are working hard to touch lives positively to create a better world.

POLITICS- The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Monday reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf challenging his removal by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.

Recall that a three-man panel of judges led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay had sacked Yusuf on September 20, 2023.

The tribunal declared 165,663 of Yusuf’s votes invalid because they were not signed or stamped by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

However, at the appeal court on Monday, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, the lead counsel for Yusuf, asked that the judgment of the tribunal be set aside.

The senior lawyer said this is the first time in history that a tribunal will annul an election over non-signing of the back of ballot papers.

He argued that the tribunal erred, insisting also that it was the first time that a political party would file a matter without joining its candidate as a party in the petition and the candidate would be declared winner of the polls.

However, Counsel to APC, Akin Olujimi, SAN, countered, saying the Appeal Courts stated emphatically that the non-signing of ballots amounted to electoral malpractice.

The appeal court panel subsequently reserved judgment informing that a date would be communicated to the parties.

Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals has called on governments of Nations to see to the permanent eradication of illicit drugs among its citizens and charged the media industries not to seize in creating more awareness of the process among individuals, companies, and government agencies.

They made the call at an online media workshop in the lead-up to the 10th conference of the parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco WHO FCTC-global tobacco in Panama.

The Civil organization Charges the media not to echo the tobacco industry, and to raise awareness of the final goal, adoption, and accurate implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control FCTC.

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BUSINESS- PalmPay, a leading African-focused fintech company committed to driving financial inclusion through technology, has urged players in the financial services sector to put customers’ safety first.

At the 2023 Nigeria Fintech Week at the Landmark Center, Lagos, Folu Aduloju, Head of Operations, PalmPay, rallied the support of other stakeholders in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem to help drive customer safety in the push for economic inclusion.

“In building solutions to bring more customers from the informal into the formal sector, players in the fintech ecosystem should work on building customers’ trust. This is a key factor because customers have a lot of panic due to past experiences of failed banks.

“Therefore, fintech companies need to create a safety net for customers by creating certain safety measures to enable customers to trust the sector. At PalmPay, we are centred on balancing security and user experience. We employ a closed-loop risk management system that involves continuous monitoring, analysis, and response to security threats. It allows us to detect and prevent risks in real time, reducing the potential impact of security incidents.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Adeloju said, “In PalmPay, we also have Wallet Safety Workshop, a way to educate our users on how to safeguard their wallets, educate them on fraud issues and proffer safety tips to apply to limit fraudulent incidents.

“Lastly, adherence to regulations by government agencies like the CBN and NDIC in ensuring users’ money gives PalmPay users the confidence to trust that their money is safe with us.”

This year’s edition of the Nigeria Fintech Week, themed “Resilience, Innovation, and Diversification,” united over 15,000 financial and fintech executives as well as decision-makers from prominent fintech companies, banks, insurers, technology services providers, venture capitalists, media outlets, government representatives, and regulators in over 80 countries of the world.

The event converges traditional financial institutions with innovative fintech companies in Nigeria, one of Africa’s fastest-growing tech start-up hubs. The event also provides stakeholders from diverse industries with technology integration opportunities to actively engage in essential discussions regarding innovative solutions in the fintech sector.

About PalmPay

PalmPay is a leading Africa-focused fintech platform committed to driving economic empowerment in Africa. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay brings top-tier products into the pockets of everyday Nigerians.

PalmPay offers money transfers, bill payments, credit services, and savings on its app and via its mobile money agents.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to 30 million users, and 1.1 million businesses including 600,000 merchants and 500,000 agents are part of its cashless payment ecosystem.

The company has disclosed USD 140m of funding. The PalmPay app is available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store in Nigeria and Ghana, with more markets going live in 2023.

NIGERIA- Workers of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) have shut down the head office of the service in Abuja, protesting the appointment of Tola Odeyemi as Chief Executive Officer/Postmaster-General.

Ajuri Ngelale, a Presidential spokesman, announced last week that President Bola Tinubu changed the leadership of communication agencies, including NIPOST.

However, moments after the news of Odeyemi’s appointment broke, there were reports that Adeyemi Adepoju, the sacked postmaster general, had been reinstated.

In a viral video, Adepoju was seen addressing some workers who claimed Tinubu had reappointed him.

TreasureHunter:


Is it available of Google play Store?

Download Poppin on www.poppin.im/Google Play/App Store.

POLITICS- The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi has demanded that President Bola Tinubu come clean on his true identity.

Obi made the demand on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja.

The former Anambra State governor urged Tinubu to reintroduce himself to the nation he governs, and to the world for avoidance of further doubt.

According to Obi, it’s only Tinubu himself through a direct personal statement that could clear every speculation about his true identity.

Obi said, “He should introduce himself to the nation he governs, and to the world for avoidance of further doubt.

“He should let the world know his name, his nationality, his place of birth, his current age, the primary and secondary schools he attended with dates, as well as the actual universities he attended and certificates he obtained.

“He should indicate clearly when and where he did his national youth service. In addition, if he had a change of name, he should state so clearly the time and circumstances.

“This is a simple task that will only take a few minutes. It requires no affidavit, prolonged talk process, spokespersons, agents or surrogates.

“The task is only Chief Bola Tinubu himself through a direct personal statement can perform. He must perform this task urgently. He has to lay to rest many lingering doubts and speculations about his true identity.”

Daily Post.

TreasureHunter:
What's Poppin?

Poppin is a social App, one of the new brands under Transmios. Transmios is a sister company to Transsion Holdings (the owners of Tecno mobile). Poppin App is a youthful avatar-centric chat app specially designed for target audience around 16-35 years of age in order for them to chase boredom, reach out to their friends & even new friends faster using avatar characters to create mood/activities in a more creative and fun manner as against just regular chats. Just like every other business, we are seriously working to add more features and push new versions in the nearest future.

PalmPay Embarks on Campus Tour in Collaborative Initiative with First African Gen Z Avatar-centric Chat Platform, Poppin



BUSINESS- In an exciting collaboration, PalmPay, a leading innovative Fintech platform collaborates with a chat platform, Poppin, to embark on the “Pop&Pay” Campus Dance Competition, a pan-Nigeria campus tour across 10 (Ten) universities in Nigeria. This initiative is set to bring forth a fusion of financial technology and communication solutions to inspire and educate the next generation of tech enthusiasts.

The participating universities include the University of Calabar, University of Ibadan, University of Port-Harcourt, University of Abuja, University of Lagos, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, among others.

Commencing on October 11 and concluding on December 15, the two-month-long event promises an exciting array of prizes, such as mobile phones, cash awards, special bonuses, and coupons. The grand prize awaits the ultimate champion who will stand out among the talented participants.

The first event will be hosted at the University of Calabar in Cross River from October 11th to October 13th. Enthusiastic students eager to participate can register for free by contacting their university’s Student Union Government (SUG) Director of Socials or the Department Director of Socials.

The joint campus tour is a testament to the shared vision of PalmPay and Poppin to drive innovation and cultivate technological advancements within the Nigerian tech ecosystem. The tour will encompass a series of interactive product demonstrations and workshops aimed at enlightening students. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, this campus tour endeavours to equip students with the necessary tools to thrive in the ever-evolving technology landscape, while also fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

For more information about the joint campus tour and to keep updated on tour dates and locations, please visit PalmPay’s social media platforms – @PalmPay Nigeria, and Download Poppin on www.poppin.im/Google Play/App Store.

About PalmPay

PalmPay is a leading Africa-focused fintech platform committed to driving economic empowerment in Africa. Through its secure, user-friendly and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay brings top-tier products into the pockets of everyday Nigerians.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator licence, the platform has grown to over 30 million users. Over 1.1 million businesses are part of its cashless payment ecosystem.

About Poppin

Poppin is a social App, one of the new brands under Transmios. Transmios is a sister company to Transsion Holdings (the owners of Tecno mobile). Poppin App is a youthful avatar-centric chat app specially designed for target audience around 16-35 years of age in order for them to chase boredom, reach out to their friends & even new friends faster using avatar characters to create mood/activities in a more creative and fun manner as against just regular chats. Just like every other business, we are seriously working to add more features and push new versions in the nearest future.

EPISODE 1– The world mourns the loss of a martyr, a reflection of the struggles faced by many in society. Mohbad, also known as Imole, represents the streets and the cathedral, embodying the reality of Gomorrah. There is no dispute in the truth that while growing, the Cathedral played a vital role in instilling moral virtues and spiritual values. One would see Imole in this case very familiar to such upbringing in the cathedral. This must have been the exact place he caught the glimpse of the light that shone on him. His existence as “Light” raises questions about the nature of this light. For the son of man goeth as it is written on him.

It is disheartening to witness aged cathedral men, commenting on every trending issue, turning out so quick to cast stones and blame the loss of this light. They forget that their descendants were the ones who brought the Sodomite woman to Jesus to be stoned. It becomes obvious truly that the Cathedral which is meant to be a place of refuge for many had constantly been caught playing the role of the throne of Judgement. They only fail to acknowledge that true judgment lies not in harsh condemnation, but in healing and love. If the fingers are pointed at the street then there is a finger pointed back as regards the loss of a cathedral singer, Sinach, murdered by her “born-again” husband, which remains unresolved, highlighting the high level of hypocrisy within the cathedral just like their descendants of Pharisees and Sadducees.

Read More... https://itrybe.com/street-and-cathedral-mohbad-a-martyr-of-gomorrah-by-dimeji-sodeke/

UPDATE: Adebola Akin-Bright: NMA, Private Medical Practitioners, Others Hail Lagos Assembly

Stakeholders in the Nigerian health sector on Thursday hailed the Lagos State House of Assembly over its investigation into the case of ‘missing intestines’ involving late Adebola Akin-Bright.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, officials of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPNP), Lagos State Chapter and other medical practitioners spoke at a public hearing over the case which led to the death of Master Akin-Bright.

Read More... https://itrybe.com/update-adebola-akin-bright-nma-private-medical-practitioners-others-hail-lagos-assembly/

NIGERIA-The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, have suspended the indefinite strike scheduled to commence on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

They made the announcement after a marathon meeting held between the unions and the Federal Government.

The action was suspended for 30 days to allow the government to implement some of its promises

Read More...

https://itrybe.com/why-organised-labour-suspends-nationwide-strike-for-30-days/

BUSINESS- PalmPay, a leading fintech app dedicated to driving financial inclusion, has rolled out its Live Show, a weekly real-time social media livestream designed to revolutionize rewarding customers for their loyalty and engagement following the achievement of the 25 million users milestone in Nigeria.

With PalmPay Live, customers will receive instant gratification for their transactions and engagement with the brand. It is live-streamed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on a periodical basis. Since its commencement, there have been several engagements such as the ongoing PalmPay Bonanza – Recharge Glo and Win, where Glo subscribers on the platform have received various rewards such as 55 inches Hisense Smart TV, PlayStation 5, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung Fold 4 amongst others.

During the PalmPay Live, users will immerse themselves in a captivating experience of:

Real-time Rewards: Customers earn rewards when they engage with the platform. Rewards range from instant airtime top-ups, coupons and cash giveaways.
Interactive Challenges: Every session entails various live quizzes and games.
Exclusive Offers: PalmPay Live provides access to exclusive offers, gift items, discounts, and promotions from a wide range of merchants.
One of the beneficiaries of the PalmPay live, Omale Kingsley Ekene from Enugu expressed loud joy and noted that he only recharged his Glo line using the PalmPay app. After this, he received a call from PalmPay live about being the winner of the weekly raffle draw. He appreciated Glo and PalmPay for rewarding him with a brand-new Hisense Smart TV.

Commenting on the introduction of PalmPay Live, Kevin Olumese, Senior Marketing Manager of PalmPay, said, ‘We are excited to introduce PalmPay Live to appreciate our loyal customers who have brought us thus far. More importantly, we believe in constant interaction with our users and followers across different social media platforms. We encourage our customers to partake in these rewards via our social media channels.’

PalmPay Live is set to redefine the relationship between the business and users by offering a dynamic and rewarding experience that sets PalmPay apart from the competition.

PalmPay is a leading Africa-focused fintech platform committed to driving economic empowerment in Africa. Through its secure, user-friendly and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay brings top-tier products into the pockets of everyday Nigerians.

PalmPay offers money transfers, bill payments, credit services and savings on its app and via its network of 500,000 mobile money agents.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to over 25 million users and over 400,000 merchants are part of its cashless payment ecosystem.

The company has raised USD 140m. The PalmPay app is available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store in Nigeria and Ghana, with more markets going live in 2023.

LMAO................

Pierocash:
Someone founded a party, strangers came into the party and expel founding fathers. Tenant dey evict landlord?