Lagos, Nigeria | January 19 — Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has successfully concluded the semi-final stage of the seventh edition of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, unveiling nine exceptional students who will compete at the grand finale of Nigeria’s most prestigious STEM contest. From an initial pool of over 18,000 registered senior secondary school students nationwide, the competition progressed through a rigorous computer-based qualifying test, producing 81 outstanding students drawn from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Following the preliminary rounds, 27 semi-finalists emerged, marking a major milestone in the journey toward the grand finale. From this highly competitive group, nine exceptional students have now been selected as finalists, reflecting the depth of talent, discipline, and scientific excellence demonstrated throughout the multi-stage evaluation process. The finalists are Lyon Awhaisoba of Apt Scholars Universal College, Ogun State; Naetochukwu Ochi of Jesuit Memorial College, Rivers State; Saint Riman of Adedokun International Schools, Ogun State; Emmanuel Ashaolu of Welkin International School, Ogun State; and Gbolamiga Atekoja of Heritreats Private Secondary School, Ondo State. The remaining finalists are David Solomonezemma of Deeper Life High School, Enugu State; Eke David of Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Abia State; Chukwubudem Ezeobi of British Spring College, Anambra State; and David Okorie of Caleb International College, Lagos State. Speaking on the significance of the milestone, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch, said the competition continues to play a critical role in shaping Africa’s future talent pipeline. “InterswitchSPAK was created to identify, inspire, and reward excellence in STEM education while equipping young Africans with the skills needed to solve real-world problems. These nine finalists have demonstrated exceptional brilliance, resilience, and a passion for innovation. They represent the future of science, technology, and problem-solving in Africa,” she said. At the grand finale, the finalists will vie for scholarships and prizes valued at over ₦35 million. The overall winner will receive a ₦15 million tertiary education scholarship spread across five years, a brand-new laptop, and monthly stipends. The first runner-up will be awarded a ₦10 million scholarship over three years and a laptop, while the second runner-up will receive a ₦5 million one-year scholarship and a laptop. Additional cash prizes will be awarded to finalists ranked fourth through ninth, alongside recognition for the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 outstanding teachers whose mentorship supported the students’ journeys. Now in its seventh year, InterswitchSPAK has evolved beyond a competition into a national platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. Through sustained investment in STEM education, Interswitch continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering young Africans with the skills required to drive innovation, economic progress, and long-term socio-economic development across the continent. Viewers can watch the upcoming grand finale episode set to air on Sunday, January 25th 2026 on DSTV Africa Magic Family (Channel 154) at 6:00pm on Sundays, or on AIT Network at 5:30pm. Repeat broadcasts air on DSTV Africa Magic Family (Channel 154) at 5:00pm on Tuesdays. Episodes are also available on YouTube, Facebook, and X via @InterswitchSPAK every Sunday at 6:00pm, and on LinkedIn via @InterswitchGroup at 5:30pm.

Lagos, Nigeria-MAGGI, the culinary brand from Nestlé Nigeria, has announced the launch of its festive campaign, “Taste of Christmas,” designed to celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavours that define the Nigerian Christmas experience.Central to the campaign is a collaboration with Nigeria’s fast-rising pop star Qing Madi and the renowned Loud Urban Choir, resulting in a new Christmas anthem titled “Taste of Christmas.” Now available across all major music streaming platforms, the song blends contemporary sound with cultural warmth, evoking the joy of family, togetherness, and shared meals that characterize the season.Extending beyond music, the Taste of Christmas campaign will roll out a curated series of festive recipes and culinary inspiration over a 12-day period. The collection features creative twists such as Coco Bongus, alongside beloved Nigerian classics, encouraging families to explore new flavours while enjoying MAGGI’s trusted range of seasonings.Commenting on the campaign, Funmi Osineye, Category Manager, Culinary (MAGGI), said:“Christmas is a time when family, culture, and shared experiences come alive. With the Taste of Christmas campaign, we set out to create a platform that resonates strongly with today’s young adults while still celebrating the warmth of home. Partnering with Qing Madi and The Loud Urban Choir allows us to connect music and food in a way that feels authentic, modern, and deeply Nigerian.”The campaign further reflects MAGGI’s commitment to celebrating home-grown talent, nurturing culinary creativity, and strengthening the role of food as a unifying force in Nigerian homes.Consumers can access festive recipes, campaign content, and the “Taste of Christmas” anthem on MAGGI’s digital platforms and social media channels. Conversations around the campaign can be followed using #MAGGIChristmas.MAGGI is a leading culinary brand from Nestlé Nigeria, committed to inspiring better cooking habits and bringing families together through delicious, nutritious meals.

Quickteller, one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms powered by the Interswitch Group, has announced the launch of InsomniaQ, a first-of-its-kind, all-night music and entertainment experience set to elevate Lagos’ iconic December experience. The maiden edition will run from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025, at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island. InsomniaQ promises a 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long, in line with the body’s natural rhythm. Created to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December, InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination. The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season. More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.Speaking on the purpose and vision behind InsomniaQ, Olawale Akanbi, Divisional Head, Growth Marketing (Quickteller Ecosystem) Interswitch, noted; “InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are. Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension. As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season.” Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians. InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem. Fans, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to stay awake as the countdown begins with what promises to be one of the most defining highlights of the entertainment landscape in Lagos during the month of December. To join the waitlist, visit: http://insomniaq.quickteller.com/ and follow Quickteller on social media channels for real-time updates on InsomniaQ: @Quickteller (Facebook & X/Twitter), and @quicktellerng (Instagram).