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AI Integration in Nigeria’s Financial Services Receives A Boost
AI Integration in Nigeria’s Financial Services Receives A Boost
By: Michael Mike
3line Limited, one of the trailblazers and creators of secure payments platforms in Nigeria has organized a hackathon to explore the untapped opportunities for AI integration in the payment space.
The event, called Hack-It Challenge at Covenant University, is aimed to bring together tech-savvy youths to collaborate and develop innovative digital solutions that can address the challenges in the sector.
The participants were grouped into teams and guided to use an iterative product development method (Agile Scrum Framework) to enable digital dexterity, talent development, and team competition.
The hackathon resulted in various community-based solutions around wallets that made transactions easy and seamless, making it possible to transact with friends with ease
CEO of 3line Limited, Femi Omogbenigun, emphasized the importance of reaching out to young stars and mentoring them to become innovative and successful entrepreneurs.
He mentioned that the future of financial services would belong to the operators who leverage AI early and use it to solve problems in society.
According to Omogbenigun, the company organized a challenge with two objectives: to reach out to young stars and provide mentorship, and to showcase their commitment to innovation. The challenge aimed to engage with young people and gather insights into their perspectives on the future of payments and financial services.
Omogbenigun spoke about the potential for new technology to make payments easier and more seamless for consumers. He believes that the next game changer in payments will be a solution that solves these problems. Many of the students who participated in the challenge developed solutions around wallets to make transactions easier and more convenient, often with a community-based focus.
Omogbenigun said it was noticed that although the students demonstrated technical expertise, they lacked business pitch skills. He however said this is an area where mentorship can be particularly valuable, as it helps students to develop ideas that are bankable and can be built as a business with a structure in place.
Omogbenigun said while looking to the future of financial services, the importance of leveraging AI to solve problems in society needs to be emphasized, noting that: “While AI is not a new concept, the market is now ripe for its integration into financial services.”
Omogbenigun said that AI can help businesses become more efficient, offer better customer service, and improve business processes overall.
He disclosed that 3line Limited takes pride in being innovative and providing secure payments platforms in Nigeria. They are committed to promoting and fostering innovation in the sector, which is why they organized the Hack-It Challenge. He revealed that the winners of the hackathon were KiwiPay, Team Owo, and Quasars, who were awarded N2 million, N1 million, and N500,000 prizes, respectively.
The Hack-It Challenge successfully brought together young innovators in Nigeria and provided them with the opportunity to collaborate and create solutions that can transform the payment space. 3line Limited remains committed to promoting innovation in the sector and providing secure payments platforms that meet the needs of Nigerians.
AI Integration in Nigeria’s Financial Services Receives A Boost
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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