Tag Archives: technology

Nigeria Strengthens Global Security Alliances with Saudi Defence MoU

December 9, 2025 Editor Leave a comment

In a decisive step toward deepening international security collaboration, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen defence and military cooperation between both nations.

The agreement, concluded on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defence architecture and expand global partnerships.

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, represented Nigeria at the signing ceremony, while Saudi Arabia was represented by its Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khaled H. Al-Biyari. Both officials signed on behalf of their respective governments after extended technical and diplomatic engagements.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Matawalle described the pact as a long-awaited breakthrough. “The signing of this MoU is a significant milestone,” he said. “It has been on the drawing board for some time, and its conclusion will strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and enhance the capacity of our armed forces.”

The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for defence collaboration over an initial five-year period, with the option for review and renewal for an additional five years. It also includes a provision allowing either country to terminate the agreement with at least three months’ written notice through diplomatic channels.

Under the new pact, both nations will cooperate in key strategic areas such as military training, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, technical assistance, logistics, and other mutually agreed defence initiatives. The Ministry of Defence noted that the partnership is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s security capabilities.

Among the anticipated benefits are expanded opportunities for capacity building through specialised training exchanges and professional military education; improved operational effectiveness arising from shared doctrines and joint drills; and strengthened counter-terrorism and internal security operations through deeper intelligence collaboration and coordinated efforts against violent extremism and organised crime.

Describing the MoU as both practical and strategic, the Ministry affirmed that the agreement will support Nigeria’s long-term goals in security, defence modernisation, and regional stability.

Business, News

AI Age: Obaigbena Charts African Response with Lekeelekee Platform to Challenge Global Content Dominance

November 14, 2025 Editor Leave a comment

Nduka Obaigbena, founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel, on Thursday delivered a rousing address at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference in Abuja, calling on Nigerian editors to defend democracy, embrace artificial intelligence, and reclaim Africa’s place in global media distribution.

Addressing more than 500 editors, policymakers, and diplomats at the State House Conference Centre, Obaigbena unveiled plans to launch a new homegrown digital platform, Lekeelekee, in January 2026. The platform, he said, is designed to “dilute the chokehold of the United States and China” over the global flow of information and entertainment content.

“We must engage for the greater good of Nigeria,” Obaigbena declared, reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the execution of journalist Ken Saro-Wiwa under military rule. “Thirty years after, we sit in this same complex under a democratic government. That is why democracy matters.”

In a sweeping speech that wove together history, economics, and media innovation, Obaigbena linked Nigeria’s authoritarian past to its current democratic progress. He invoked the legacies of three historic media figures — Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Bola Tinubu — to illustrate the transformative power of journalism in shaping national leadership.

Obaigbena commended President Tinubu, who hosted the conference and is himself a former media proprietor, for maintaining an open channel with the press. “We are at the crossroads of reforms that have been hard fought,” he said. “We must protect our economic stability with everything we have, because if we lose it, we lose the sacrifices of the last two years.”

He warned that external shocks — including sanctions or geopolitical disruptions — could “destabilise the economy” and undermine recent fiscal gains. Instead, he urged editors and national leaders to “build a coalition of the willing” to confront insecurity, poverty, and the rise of misinformation through cooperation and shared purpose.

Turning to technology, Obaigbena stressed that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the global media landscape. He cautioned that Africa risks becoming “a passive spectator” in a world where “one or two countries control global content distribution.”

“We are entering an AI-dominated information age,” he noted. “Google’s algorithms are changing, search models are shifting, and the monetisation of content is being rewritten. If we do not act, we will again be consumers, not creators, in the new media economy.”

He described Lekeelekee as a strategic intervention — a multimedia hub that would empower African creators, editors, and broadcasters to distribute and monetise their work independently of Western and Chinese digital gatekeepers. “We have a responsibility to build our own technology and algorithms,” he said, “to determine how our content is earned and shared.”

This year’s conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, drew an impressive array of national leaders and media stakeholders.

President Bola Tinubu was joined by the governors of Plateau, Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Kano States, as well as ministers, diplomats, and media veterans including Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, and Femi Adesina.

Law and Order, News

Nigeria’s Defence Ministry To Strengthen Military Cooperation With Israel

April 25, 2025 Editor Leave a comment

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to enhancing military cooperation with the State of Israel during a recent courtesy visit from Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ship House, Abuja.

During their meeting, the two officials discussed strategies for bolstering defence cooperation, strengthening mutual security frameworks, and exploring opportunities for enhanced military training and capacity building within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Ambassador Aduda highlighted the critical need to deepen defence ties in the light of evolving global security challenges. He emphasized the importance of strategic areas such as joint operations, knowledge exchange, and the modernization of defence cooperation.

The discussions also included plans to finalize a new bilateral defence agreement aimed at fostering technical collaboration in defence industry development.

The Ministry of Defence is in the process of reforming the Defence Industry corporation so as to achieve effective regulation of the sector.

Soon Nigeria will have the regulatory arm of DICON to regulate and license participation in the defence industry, as well as the commercial arm that will enter into partnerships and collaborations to assemble or manufacture arms and ammunition, UAVs and armoured vehicles alongside reputable original Equipment6 manufacturers globally.

According to Ambassador Aduda “The Ministry will engage in strategic initiatives to replicate successful Israeli military cooperation frameworks in Nigeria, thereby enhancing our national defence architecture.”

In response, Ambassador Michael Freeman expressed gratitude for the audience and underscored the significance of this partnership as a progressive step toward achieving innovative defence solutions.

He extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Aduda and his team to visit Israel, with the goal of further strengthening the ties between the two countries.

Law and Order, News

How First Bank’s Recklessness Endangered 93 Lives on Oil Rig – GHL Opens Up

January 16, 2025 Editor Leave a comment

A recent statement by General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) has shed light on a disturbing incident involving First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) that put the lives of 93 people at risk on an oil rig. According to GHL, FBN’s repeated failures to meet its financial obligations led to a critical situation on October 7, 2023.

“As we said before and will repeat now, all GHL contracts and invoices were vetted and paid by FBN through their Credit and Risk teams directly to all service providers,” GHL stated. “FBN’s repeated failures to pay on time within the contractual framework of 5 days which became up to 70 days or not at all, in a clear breach of its Tripartite Agreement obligations… led to an international incident on October 7, 2023, when the drilling rig Blackford Dolphin, ran out of fuel, food, water and other critical supplies with 93 Souls onboard, and the Rig was on the verge of declaring MAYDAY.”

GHL claimed that FBN’s Managing Director, Olusegun Alebiousu, who was then the Chief Risk Officer, promised to make payments within three days, but failed to do so. “He then worked the phone, calling Suppliers and Service Providers one after the other and promised payment within 3 days. Based on FBN’s assurances, the Service Providers made emergency supplies, but the payment never came,” GHL stated.

To prevent a catastrophe, GHL had to enter into an Irrevocable Third-Party Payment Order with one of the offtakers to pay the suppliers directly. “GHL had to stand its ground against such bullying… We will meet FBN in court with Daily Reports and log details to debunk this continuing misinformation of diversion,” GHL asserted.

The incident has raised questions about FBN’s commitment to good governance and the rule of law. GHL accused FBN of abusing court processes and failing to comply with a valid court order. “FBN then went to Justice D Dipeolu of the same Federal High Court on December 30, 2024, with same lawyers, without disclosing this relevant judgment to the Learned Justice, to obtain a Mareva injunction Exparte freezing order against GHL and individual directors who never signed personal guarantees and thus not personally liable,” GHL stated.

GHL questioned FBN’s motives, asking why it did not put GHL on notice and why it sought an Exparte order. “Is this how a 130-year old blue chip financial institution committed to good governance and rule of law, should behave? Why the hurry to score cheap points to use on social media? If FBN was so sure of its facts why not put GHL on notice? Why an Exparte?” GHL asked.

The dispute between GHL and FBN highlights the need for transparency and accountability in business dealings, particularly in the oil and gas industry. As GHL stated, “We are ready, willing and able to present the body of evidence to any court… Luckily, FBN has not denied the Subrogation MOU and the benefits it got upfront from GHL’s intervention. They should meet their obligations and all will be well.”

Business, News

OPPO Reno11 Smartphone Launches Globally with Sleek Styling, Superb Experiences and an Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera System

January 17, 2024 activenewsafrica Leave a comment

.OPPO Reno11 features 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera with OIS

.Available in Wave Green and Rock Grey

OPPO, the world’s leading smart device brand, today announced the global availability of its OPPO Reno11 smartphone with the gracing presence of popular celebrities and media partners at it’s launch event.

Fusing eye-catching elegance with an Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera System, spearheaded by a 50MP Main Camera with OIS, and sporting dual stereo speakers, Reno11 unlocks class-leading entertainment, day-long battery life and best-in-class charging speeds.

“Reno11 shines with superb experiences, thin and light design, and excellent entertainment credentials. Its Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera System turns it into a creative powerhouse and the long-lasting, fast-charging battery cements Reno11’s winning balance of style and substance.”

Elevated Style meets Brilliant Visuals and Stereo Sound

Reno11 flows effortlessly into your life with its gorgeous 3D Curved Design and a slim and lightweight body. At just 7.99mm1 thin, it feels sleek, and weighing 182g, is comfortable to hold, even after long bouts of streaming or reading.

Looking striking with its Shimmering Silk Design and OPPO Glow technique, OPPO’s honed its design process to achieve a beautifully textured look with a smooth feel. Available in two colours, Wave Green and Rock Grey, both are inspired by nature and catch light exquisitely.

In Wave Green, Reno11 conjures images of green sea waves under a clear sky with its Shimmering Silk Design. To achieve this elegant style, OPPO pioneered a new technique of pattern transfer from natural fabric, adding an organic authenticity to Reno11’s aesthetic.

For more subdued style, Reno11 in Rock Grey reveals layers of bright and soft silver-grey glitter when held up to the light. Manufactured with the exclusive OPPO Glow process, tiny sparkling crystals are etched at the microscopic level to create a finish that not only sparkles, but also appears soft and smooth.

Embracing contrast, Reno11’s Sunshine Ring camera system rises from its rich-looking back, teasing the capable Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera System within.

OPPO Reno11’s Sunshine Ring Design

When using Reno11, its 120Hz 3D curved screen pulls focus with its large 6.7” size and punchy display technology. Framed by an ultra-slim border for an almost all-screen experience, its 93% screen-to-body ratio is both supremely immersive and class-leading.

This immersion continues to Reno11’s brilliant 10-bit AMOLED screen, showcasing over 1 billion colours for natural-looking gradients and more true-to-life visuals. HDR10+ certification conjures enchanting highlights and atmospheric shadows, and with dual stereo speakers, movies and shows sound as good as they look.

Crank up your favourite tunes or give quiet tracks a boost with Reno11’s Ultra Volume Mode, with 300% volume from the dual stereo loudspeakers. Reno11 also boosts in-call volume by up to 200% for easy-to-hear conversations.

Enjoy studio-grade portrait photography with OPPO Reno11

With OPPO’s Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera System, Reno11 captures studio-grade portrait photography.

Get up close to subjects with a 32MP telephoto camera matched with a 47mm equivalent, 2x telephoto zoom which captures with a classical point of view for portraits, similar to the perspective of a human eye. The Sony IMX709 sensor powering this 2x experience doesn’t just capture crisp, detailed photos, it also features an RGBW pixel arrangement for a 60% increase in photosensitivity and 35% less noise than comparable traditional sensors.

With a powerful 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera with OIS, a fast f/1.8 lens and Sony’s new LYT600 sensor, expect an impressive, all-purpose camera you can lean on. And for expansive landscapes, Reno11’s ultra-wide 8MP camera covers an all-seeing 112º field of view.

OPPO Reno11’s Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera System

Reno11’s camera takes portrait imaging beyond hardware. Having teamed up with portrait photography experts from around the world, OPPO’s Portrait Expert Engine powers Reno11’s portrait photography. This engine results in a four-part process to capture tasteful, beautiful portrait photos, starting with Facial Recognition + Subject/Scene Separation, followed by Skin Tone Protection, then Clarity and Facial Enhancement, and finally Portrait and Environment Merging.

Reno11 combines this advanced portrait algorithm with its pro-grade Portrait Mode. This captures natural-looking portraits at either 1x or 2x zoom with incredible subject, object, and edge separation. In addition, advanced flattering safeguards individuality, while adjustable bokeh empowers the photographer to adjust focus more precisely.

More than a versatile stills camera, Reno11 also captures 4K ultra-clear video from both the main camera and 32MP selfie camera, so you can record, vlog, post and express yourself without sacrificing on quality.

ColorOS 14 for Effortless Work and Play

So much more than just stylish, the Reno11 ColorOS 14 experience is exceptional, fusing beauty, security, productivity, reliability, and longevity.

With File Dock, easily save images, text or files for quick drag-and-drop access across your apps. Smart Touch captures images, text, and even text within images from a screenshot with ease. Finally, Smart Image Matting easily, quickly cuts out up to six subjects from a photo and saves the image in File Dock, so you can turn it into a sticker or share it directly with another app.

Smart Image Matting in action on OPPO Reno11

Behind the scenes, ColorOS 14’s next-generation Trinity Engine ensures fast and smooth performance. ROM Vitalisation can save up to 19GB of extra space from a total 256GB storage by compressing unused data and removing duplicated files. RAM Vitalisation can keep up to 28 apps running in the background for 72 hours. While CPU Vitalisation learns usage habits and optimises processes for a smoother, longer-lasting experience. OPPO’s 48-Month Fluency Protection also means Reno11 is optimised for today, tomorrow, and years to come.

Flagship-level Connectivity and an End to Battery Anxiety

Reno11 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, delivering 6nm computing that makes confident multi-tasking, gaming and demanding tasks like 4K video capture possible.

Up to 12GB RAM and an additional 12GB available with RAM Expansion means Reno11 can work across multiple apps and games without background apps being closed. And with 128GB or 256GB storage and storage expansion of up to 2TB via microSD card, enjoy a library of offline movies and games, making Reno11 a perfect travel companion.

For stable signal you can rely on, whether browsing, talking or texting, OPPO’s self-developed network optimisation engine, LinkBoost, achieves up to 100% higher signal transmission and 44% stronger reception than competitor devices. LinkBoost combines AI network selection and a 360-degree surround antenna design for the most stable signal possible with minimum downtime.

For Reno11 users in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Mexico, OPPO has taken LinkBoost even further, tuning the technology to get you back online up to 87% faster than competing devices after leaving an elevator, dropping signal in a fast-moving vehicle, a crowded environment or when underground.

Go the distance with Reno11’s long-lasting, large 5000mAh battery, confidently getting you through a full, connected day, and with OPPO’s Battery Health Engine, look forward to four years of day-long use. When you do need to power up, unlock 67W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charging4 using the supplied charger for a 33% top-up in 10 minutes, and a 100% charge in just 45 minutes.

Active News Africa