Technology
Minister cautions against fake news on deployment of destructive technology

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami has cautioned Nigerians to desist from the habit of spreading fake news and false narratives about innovative technologies.
The Minister said the primary responsibility of government was to protect lives and property, therefore, scientifically proven destructive technologies would not be deployed in the country.
He gave the advise when he received a delegation from the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, led by the Ambassador, Mr Ketil Karlsen on an official visit.
The EU team was at the Communications and Digital Economy complex, Abuja to share insight with the Minister on 5G technology and its benefits to provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.
The meeting was part of strategic dialogue with close partners.
Deployment of 5G
On the deployment of 5G deployment Dr Pantami said, “I have no objection to the deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria, but we will work hard to engage with Nigerians to enlighten them on the benefits of the technology and we will also allow experts in the field to come up with their recommendations”.
He said 5G is a fifth generation of mobile technology, which is an improvement of today’s 4G technology with enhanced capabilities.
He explained that 5G technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way we live and work.
Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission in November 2019 approved trial test for 5G for a period of three months and the trial has been concluded and installation decommissioned.
In view of this, Pantami informed that all stakeholders and also security agencies were carried along during the initial trial of 5G technology carried out in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC,Professor Garba Danbatta had in a statement said that ’the trial among others was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present. Relevant stakeholders including members of the security agencies were invited to participate during the trial.’’
He maintained that “the NCC will continue to maintain its policy of technology neutrality and will continue to encourage service providers to deploy the best technology that will meet the needs of the society in a secured and friendly manner.
“NCC has not issued any licence for 5G in Nigeria and therefore, the mobile network operators (MNOs) cannot switch on such technology”
“NCC is technology-neutral. As such, we don’t license technology but assigns spectrum to operators for deployment of any service when allocated by National Frequency Management Council (NFMC).”
Danbatta added that “As the telecoms regulator, we enjoin Nigerians to get accurate information from us rather than relying on information emanating on social media by some individuals out of ignorance to misinform our people.”
Technology
It’s finally here! Introducing Instagram for iPad, designed for bigger screens
Today, we’re excited to announce we’re bringing Instagram to iPad. People have asked for this for a while, and we’ve taken the time to design an experience that optimizes your favorite parts of Instagram for a bigger screen.Sit back, relax, and watch Reelsimage.pngInstagram has always been the place where people connect over creativity, and Reels has become a primary way people discover and share entertaining content. With Instagram for iPad, we’ve redesigned the experience to reflect how people use bigger screens today – for lean back entertainment. Now, when you open the app, you’ll drop into Reels, so you can get the entertaining content you love on a bigger screen. You’ll also see Stories at the top, so you can easily connect with the people that matter to you, and messaging is one tap away.image.pngWe’ve heard your requests for easier ways to make sure you’re not missing updates from your favorite accounts, so we’re introducing a new “Following” tab on iPad, which gives you multiple ways to see the latest and greatest from the accounts you follow:All: Recommended posts and reels from accounts you followFriends: Recommended post and reels from accounts you follow, that follow you backLatest: Chronological posts and reels from accounts you follow, with the most recent posts appearing first.You can choose the order of these feeds to prioritize what you want to see first.
Technology
Meta Hosts its First Youth Summit in Nigeria to Drive Innovation and Empowerment
A cross-section of some of the attendees and the Meta team.November 26, 2024 – Lagos, Nigeria: Meta recently hosted its first Youth Summit in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together over 200 young professionals, students, recent graduates, creatives, tech enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs. Themed ‘Empowering Youth Through Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’, the summit included a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, a mentoring session and an interactive workshop designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills, insights and networks needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven world. Commenting about the event, Phil Oduor, Head of Policy Programs, Sub-Saharan Africa said, “At Meta, we believe that today’s youth are tomorrow’s change-makers. Through initiatives like the Youth Summit, we aim to foster innovation, promote digital literacy and empower young Nigerians with the tools and opportunities to realise their potential and contribute to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.”Delivering the keynote address, Femi Aluko, CEO/Co-Founder, Chowdeck, shared his journey of breaking barriers to achieve success in tech. He encouraged attendees to embrace the limitless opportunities within today’s technology ecosystem. A panel discussion, led by Chinny Francis, Public Policy Manager at Meta, featured panellists Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Operations, Alt School; Adaora Mbelu, Co-Founder of Lumination Global and Obaloluwa Adeagbo, Marketing Lead at Talstack. They shared valuable insights about the future of work, emphasising the importance of storytelling to build a personal brand, practicing self-awareness, developing soft skills, lifelong learning and honing problem-solving skills to thrive in a digitally transformed world.Francis Sani, Technical Adviser for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital at the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, spoke at the event. He highlighted the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, emphasising that the program aims to build Nigeria’s technical talent backbone to drive the digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent exporter. He encouraged youth to take advantage of this opportunity.Another panel of industry experts took the stage during the ‘Lunch and Learn: Navigating Entrepreneurship in a Rapidly Changing Landscape’ session, moderated by Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Meta. Seye Bandele, CEO of PaidHR and Damilola Teidi-Ayoola, Head of Platform and Networks at Ventures Platform Fund, shared their invaluable insights. Seye highlighted the importance of grit, curiosity and candour, while Damilola reinforced the need to understand one’s target audience, deliver value through their business and embrace data-driven decision-making in the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. The event also featured inspiring conversations with leading figures in the creative industry. Miss Techy, an award winning tech content creator and Salem King, a creator, storyteller, author and speaker, shared their experiences and advice on achieving long-term success. Attendees also benefited from an interactive workshop and a mentoring session, where industry experts shared practical advice and strategies for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.Meta’s Youth Summit 2024 highlights a commitment to driving positive change, championing youth empowerment and advancing economic opportunities in Nigeria. Through investments in key areas—such as the creative industry, digital literacy, economic impact and youth job training—Meta is dedicated to empowering young Nigerians to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.A group of people posing for a photoDescription automatically generatedCross-section of some of the attendees at the Meta Youth Summit 2024 in LagosA group of people standing on a stageDescription automatically generatedL-R: Chinny Francis, Public Policy Manager, Meta; Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Operations, Alt School; Adaora Mbelu, Co-Founder of Lumination Global and Obaloluwa Adeagbo, Marketing Lead at Talstack.A group of people sitting on a stageDescription automatically generatedL-R: Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa, Meta; Damilola Teidi-Ayoola, Head of Platform and Networks, Ventures Platform Fund, and Seye Bandele, Chief Executive Officer, PaidHR during the Lunch and Learn: Navigating Entrepreneurship in a Rapidly Changing Landscape panel session.A person and person standing on a stageDescription automatically generatedSalem King, a creator, storyteller, author and speaker and Miss Techy, an award winning tech content creator A group of people sitting at tablesDescription automatically generatedDuring a mentoring session workshopA person standing on a stageDescription automatically generatedFemi Aluko, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Chowdeck.A person standing at a podiumDescription automatically generatedFrancis Sani, Technical Adviser to the minister of communications and digital economy of Nigeria
Technology
Introducing Filters and Backgrounds for Video Calls
Conversations on WhatsApp should always feel fun and expressive and today, we’re rolling out filters and backgrounds to make your video calls even more engaging. With these new effects, you can now change your background or add a filter during a video call for a more personal touch.
Filters are designed to help you create a more playful atmosphere, whether that’s adding a splash of color or creating a more artistic feel for your video. With backgrounds, you can keep your surroundings private and transport yourself to a cozy coffee shop or comfortable living room for a more clean and polished look.
With 10 filters and 10 backgrounds to choose from, you can select and mix a wide range of options to create a unique look. Filter options include Warm, Cool, Black & White, Light leak, Dreamy, Prism light, Fisheye, Vintage TV, Frosted glass and Duo tone. Background options include Blur, Living room, Office, Cafe, Pebbles, Foodie, Smoosh, Beach, Sunset, Celebration and Forest.
We’re also adding Touch up and Low Light options that can help you feel more confident and comfortable by naturally enhancing the look and brightness of your environment, making your video calls more vibrant and enjoyable.
To access these during a 1:1 or group video call, select the effects icons on top right of the screen to see the selection of filters and backgrounds and choose the one that suits your mood.
These effects will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
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