News

‘For Security Of Transactions’, Flutterwave, EFCC To Establish Cybercrime Centre

Published

4 months ago

June 21, 2024

To intensify the fight against internet crime and enhance the security of business transactions, unicorn payments technology company, Flutterwave, says it is partnering the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to establish and a state-of-the-art Cybercrime Research Centre.

The fintech company with fortunes worth over $1bn headquartered in San Francisco with footprints in Nigeria and other African countries said the centre would also provide a “sustainable lifeline to youths across the country”.

To this effect, the Silicon Valley-based company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the anti-graft agency on June 14, 2024 in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.

At the historic occasion were EFCC czar Ola Olukoyede, Flutterwave boss Olugbenga Agboola, Director of Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Christopher Gray, and other senior officials from both the EFCC and the FBI.

Specifically, the MoU was signed by EFCC Secretary Mohammadu Hammajoda, and Flutterwave’s Agboola.

Olukoyede said, “This partnership marks a significant leap forward in our efforts to combat financial crimes and ensure a secure financial landscape for Nigerians. The Cybercrime Research Centre will significantly enhance our capabilities to prevent, detect, and prosecute financial crimes.”

On his part, Agboola said, “This initiative underscores our commitment to creating a fraud-free financial ecosystem and leading the charge in safeguarding transactions across Africa.

“We applaud the EFCC’s relentless efforts to combat internet fraud and other illicit activities in the financial sector.”

The Cybercrime Research Centre, to be established at the new EFCC Academy in Abuja, would serve as a hub for advanced research, training, and capacity building in the fight against financial crimes.

Areas of focus of the centre include advanced fraud detection and prevention, collaborative research and policy development, youth empowerment and capacity building, technological advancement and resource enablement, among other key areas.

“Advanced Fraud Detection and Prevention: Developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies to detect and prevent financial fraud. The centre will offer comprehensive training for law enforcement and industry professionals to combat modern financial crimes effectively.

“Collaborative Research and Policy Development: Engaging in joint research initiatives and policy formulation to enhance the understanding and regulation of financial crime. The centre will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices between the public and private sectors.

“Youth Empowerment and Capacity Building: Providing high-end training and research opportunities for 500 youths, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate and excel in the digital economy.

“Technological Advancement and Resource Enablement: Creating a repository of advanced tools, technologies, and resources to support financial crime investigations, including protocols for addressing emerging threats such as cryptocurrency-related crimes,” the statement concluded.

Birthed in 2016 by Agboola, fondly referred to as GB, Flutterwave, with its corporate headquarters in San Francisco and operational head office in Lagos State, grew within a short time, penetrating the African market with customisable payments applications through its unique Application Programming Interface.

News

Deputy Speaker Mourns New Telegraph Photojournalist, Liberty TV reporter

Published

8 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has expressed sadness over the demise of Mr. Elijah Olaluyi, a photojournalist with the New Telegraph Newspapers.

Until his death on Thursday evening, Olaluyi covered the activities of the House of Representatives with zest and professional integrity.

Kalu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, extended his sincerest condolences to Olaluyi’s family, the publishers of New Telegraph, the House of Representatives Press Corps (HoRPC) and the entire membership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) where the deceased belonged to as a member.

The Deputy Speaker recalled that Olaluyi practiced his career with utmost decency, displaying unassailable photographic skills, guided by the fine ethos and ethics of journalism profession.

According to him, Olaluyi, having covered the parliament for since 1999 had acquired institutional memory while documenting the House proceedings pictorially.

Kalu said that Olaluyi will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and all who knew him.

He however said that the photojournalist will be remembered by the string of legacies he left behind.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker also commiserated with the Senate Press Corps over the death of Malam Mohammed Adamu, a reporter with Liberty Radio and Television who passed on early hours of Wednesday.

While praying God to give the families and the people who knew them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses, Kalu also asked for the repose of the souls of the departed.

News

Despite Sinwar’s death, the war is yet to come to an end-Israeli PM

Published

46 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Killing Yahya Sinwar is Israel’s biggest victory so far in the war against Hamas in Gaza.

His death is a serious blow for Hamas, the organisation he turned into a fighting force that inflicted the biggest defeat on the state of Israel in its history.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, praised the soldiers and made clear that however big a victory, it was not the end of the war.

The remaining hostages are not free and Hamas is fighting and sometimes killing Israeli troops.

A year of war has killed at least 42,000 Palestinians and left much of Gaza in ruins

Source: bbc.com

News

NUJ FCT Council Elections: Group Calls for Fair and Transparent Process

Published

1 hour ago

October 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of the inauguration of the Credentials Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Saturday, 19th October 2024, which is expected to oversee the election of a new leadership, an advocate group under the auspices of Make A Difference Initiative (MAD) has called for a level playing field to ensure a peaceful transition.

The group, known for promoting justice and equity, has urged journalists in Abuja to set an example for the political class by conducting elections free from manipulation, rancour, or crisis.

According to the group, this can only be achieved through a leadership committed to the collective good of the union, protecting members’ interests, and resisting undue influence from self-serving individuals or groups.

In a statement signed by Executive Director of MAD Initiative, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, the group placed the responsibility of ensuring a fair electoral process on the incumbent chairman, Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, and his executive team.

He therefore urged them to create a conducive environment that allows all aspirants and voting members to participate freely and without intimidation.

“It is our hope that Osadebamwen will seize this opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by managing the process with transparency, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the union’s values”, the statement read.

MAD Initiative also called on the NUJ National President, Comrade Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo, to closely monitor the process and offer timely guidance to the FCT Council leadership if necessary.

The group concluded by expressing its hope for a smooth, peaceful transition that reflects the true will of the union’s members.

The NUJ FCT Council election is seen as an important opportunity for journalists in the nation’s capital to demonstrate that credible elections are possible, even in challenging environments.