MTN’s Onyinye Ikenna Emeka hails collaboration as digifon debuts power banks, earbuds on e-shop, eyes nationwide rollout

Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has joined forces with premium tech brand digifon to unveil a new range of smart accessories, marking the launch with a high-energy activation event at MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday. The event showcased digifon’s latest products now available through the MTN e-shop, signalling a push to make advanced power and audio devices easily accessible to Nigerian consumers.

The activation moved away from traditional launches, transforming the MTN head office into an interactive tech festival. Attendees were welcomed into an experience centre on the ground floor where they could test digifon’s latest power banks and open-ear wearable stereo audio devices. The event drew notable guests including media personality Olisa Adibua, Dr Lanre Olusola of OLCA Coaching Limited, recording artist Tome, Industry Nite CEO Matthew Ohio and DJ Bootylicious who hosted a silent disco.

The partnership comes as Nigerians demand more reliable technology to match the pace of their digital lives. digifon’s product line-up includes the Stonebuds and Oyster Earbuds—open wearable stereo devices designed for comfort and spatial awareness—and Gorilla Mini Vault Power Banks in various capacities aimed at heavy users seeking dependable battery solutions. A live demonstration at the event saw the Mini Vault XE Pro power a laptop with ease, impressing attendees and driving immediate purchases as many Nigerians continue to grapple with erratic power supply.

Dapo Rowland Okotore, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WTG IT Solutions Limited—the parent company of digifon—said during the showcase that launching on MTN’s e-shop streamlines access for customers. “True digital inclusion requires more than just a great network; it requires reliable, world-class hardware that can keep up with the pacing of the consumer,” Okotore stated. “Today’s incredible energy at MTN Plaza is proof that when you design high-performance tech tailored to local realities, the adoption is instant.”

Reacting to the successful roll-out, Onyinye Ikenna Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, described digifon as a brand that understands modern needs. “At MTN, our goal is to consistently deliver a seamless digital lifestyle to our customers… This e-shop integration ensures our customers can access premium, reliable tech accessories with absolute ease,” Emeka said at the event.

With this launch, digifon products are now officially available on the MTN e-shop platform nationwide. The companies confirmed plans are underway for physical placement in MTN retail stores across Nigeria in coming months.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/digifon-launches-premium-accessories-on-mtn-e-shop-with-high-energy-activation-at-mtn-plaza-lagos-2026062408330960516

CSO warns that proposed law could weaken Assembly oversight, urges Akwa Ibom lawmakers to address accountability gaps

A civil society organisation has raised alarm over sections of a new fiscal responsibility bill currently before the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, warning that the legislation could grant excessive powers to the executive and create loopholes in transparency. The group made its position known on Wednesday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

According to the CSO, certain clauses in the proposed bill would allow the executive arm of government undue discretion over public finance management, limiting effective oversight by lawmakers and reducing opportunities for citizen engagement. The organisation noted that such provisions could undermine efforts to ensure accountability in how public funds are allocated and spent in the state.

The group emphasised that transparent fiscal frameworks are essential for building public trust, particularly as Akwa Ibom grapples with demands for better service delivery and infrastructure. It stated that while fiscal responsibility laws are designed to promote prudent financial management, any gaps or ambiguities can be exploited, potentially leading to mismanagement or abuse of resources.

In its statement, the CSO called on members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to thoroughly review the contentious sections before passing the bill into law. The organisation also urged wider consultation with stakeholders, including civil society and community representatives, to strengthen checks and balances. “We expect our elected representatives to ensure this law protects public interest and does not shield government actions from scrutiny,” it said.

The fate of the bill now lies with lawmakers who are expected to debate its final reading in coming weeks. Stakeholders say a robust fiscal responsibility law is critical for good governance in Akwa Ibom, especially as citizens demand greater transparency around state finances.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890232-cso-raises-concerns-over-executive-powers-transparency-gaps-in-akwa-ibom-fiscal-bill.html

Institution embarks on massive reforestation effort to combat climate change, pledges environmental education and community engagement

Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin has allocated two hectares of land within its main campus for the planting of one million trees, marking a significant step in climate action and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. The initiative was announced on Wednesday, 24 June, as part of the institution’s commitment to addressing the impact of deforestation and climate change in Kwara State and beyond.

According to officials at the polytechnic, the tree-planting programme will be rolled out in phases, with staff and students participating alongside local community members. The plan covers indigenous species selected for their resilience and ecological benefits, with the goal of restoring green cover and improving air quality around Ilorin metropolis.

The move comes amid growing concerns about Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change effects such as desertification, flooding, and rising temperatures. Experts have long warned that unchecked deforestation and poor waste management threaten food security and public health across the country. By dedicating two hectares for large-scale afforestation, Kwara Polytechnic joins other tertiary institutions nationwide adopting practical measures to mitigate environmental risks.

While details on funding sources were not disclosed as at press time, management representatives said the school is working with environmental agencies and non-governmental organisations to mobilise resources and technical support. “This project is not just about planting trees; it is about creating a culture of environmental stewardship among our youth,” an official noted during the launch ceremony.

Environmental advocates have welcomed the development but urged sustained monitoring to ensure long-term survival of planted trees. They also called on other educational institutions in North-Central Nigeria to replicate similar programmes. Kwara Polytechnic has promised periodic updates on progress and intends to incorporate climate education into its curriculum going forward.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/890228-polytechnic-in-bold-climate-action-allocates-2-hectares-for-a-million-trees.html