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AfricaCom 2017: Facebook focuses on connecting Africa
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8 years agoon
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adminAs part of Facebook’s mission to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together, the Facebook connectivity and platform partnerships team will be on the ground in Cape Town at AfricaCom 2017 from 7-10 November. Taking part in a number of events, these aim at showcasing how the platform is being used by businesses, start-ups and individuals across the continent to drive the digital economy.
“We are committed to working with people in Africa connect, helping entrepreneurs and developers grow, and to eliminating barriers to connectivity,” says Emeka Afigbo, Head of Platform Partnerships Middle East and Africa. “AfricaCom 2017 is an opportunity to share what we’re doing to serve the 108 million people on the continent who use Facebook each month, as well as how we’re empowering entrepreneurs and startups”.
Announcing a new Express Wi-Fi by Facebook partnership with Tizeti in Nigeria at AfricaCom, this partnership joins Surf in Kenya and Coollink in Nigeria – all aimed at enabling more communities to connect to the internet easily and for an affordable rate.
“AfricaCom 2017 is an opportunity to share what we’re doing to serve the 108 million people on the continent who use Facebook each month”
During AfricaCom 2017, Facebook will also be taking part in the following events and panels:
- 8 November 2017, 09:50 -10:30: Uche Ofodile will participate in a discussion: Affordable Internet access for all: empowering Africa’s connectivity champions to bridge the digital divide.
- 9 November 2017, 10:50-11:10: Emeka Afigbo will deliver a keynote address: Empowering the architects of Africa’s digital future: fueling innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
- 9 November 2017, 11:30 – 12:00: Emeka Afigbo will take part in a panel: How are large corporate & tech leaders supporting African startups and stimulating the development of Africa’s tech startup ecosystem?
Facebook events in Cape Town during the week include:
- Women in Tech meet- up (7 November) – a gathering of over 50 women in tech from across Cape Town, this meet-up explored the challenges faced by women in this sector in South Africa, and tangible ways to encourage more women into technology.
- Developer Circle meet-up (7 November) – bringing together close to 20 members of the Cape Town Developer Circle for an evening of networking
- Cape Town Partner Workshop (10 November) – an invitation-only full-day workshop hosted by Facebook, designed for Cape Town partners to explore Facebook products, platform partnerships, and the latest from the engineering teams.
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Kano Assembly Moves to Impeach Deputy Governor Gwarzo Over ₦1.6bn Alleged Fraud
Published
16 hours agoon
March 5, 2026By
adminThe Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
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IGP Inaugurates State Police Committee, Gives Four-Week Deadline
Published
2 days agoon
March 4, 2026By
adminThe Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
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Tinubu swears in Disu as IGP, inaugurates RMAFC, FCSC commissioners
Published
2 days agoon
March 4, 2026By
adminPresident Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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