The Global Clusters has unveiled a new initiative called “Content Revolution” as it marked its second anniversary, saying it wants to use digital platforms to promote practical skills, entrepreneurship and responsible online content across Nigeria and Africa.

The initiative, announced during an anniversary event in Ikeja, Lagos, is aimed at encouraging development-centred digital content while discouraging the spread of misleading, unverified and harmful information online.

Why it matters

Digital platforms increasingly shape how people learn, work and do business, particularly young Africans. However, experts have warned that misinformation, poor-quality online content and digital scams can undermine education, public trust and economic growth.

The Global Clusters says its new strategy is designed to ensure technology becomes a tool for learning, innovation and enterprise rather than a platform for misinformation.

Speaking at the event, the Global President of the organisation, Ambassador Dr. Adekunle Badmus, said purposeful content could become a powerful force for national development.

“Real change happens when content meets purpose. Content is more than just information; it is a catalyst for transformation. Nations are changed by content, competence and character,” he said.

Badmus explained that the organisation would expand the use of its digital platforms, including SparkHubs and The Global Clusters platform, to help young people and professionals acquire practical skills, strengthen business networks, encourage innovation and create economic opportunities.

Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, he said:

“Two years ago, we made a covenant that we would not chase opportunities but create them. Today, we celebrate two years of impact—from one idea to a global movement, from conversations to content for change, and from online engagements to real-life impact.”

He added that the organisation plans to strengthen leadership development, expand internationally, improve security innovation through smarter systems and empower more communities through technology.

“The work has only just begun. The best of The Global Clusters is still ahead. We remain committed to connecting nations, empowering people and driving sustainable development through education, technology and purposeful content.”

Experts highlight digital literacy

Joining virtually from the United States, the President of Globally Pioneers, Dr. Cary Goulston, described digital technology as one of the greatest opportunities for advancing education and social development.

He said online platforms could help improve literacy, promote positive values and build the mindset needed for long-term economic growth.

The organisation’s co-founder, Dr. Mrs. Michelle Ukoh, also stressed the importance of helping people distinguish credible information from harmful digital content.

Ukoh, an African-American counselling expert based in Lagos, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace their originality while using technology to unlock new opportunities.

Industry perspective

Digital policy analysts say initiatives that combine digital literacy with entrepreneurship could help prepare more young Nigerians for opportunities in the growing digital economy.

However, they note that lasting success will depend on sustained investment, quality training programmes and collaboration between governments, educational institutions, technology companies and civil society organisations.

Panel discusses future of digital content

The anniversary programme also featured a panel discussion on digital literacy and responsible content creation.

The session was moderated by communications professional, businessman, activist and Publisher of The Conscience NG News, Comrade Israel Bolaji, who led discussions on how digital platforms can support education, innovation and national development.

About The Global Clusters

The Global Clusters is a non-governmental organisation focused on nation building, leadership development, enterprise networking and digital empowerment through technology, innovation and strategic partnerships across Nigeria and Africa.

What’s next?

The organisation says the Content Revolution initiative will now be rolled out through its digital platforms and partnerships, with programmes aimed at expanding skills development, entrepreneurship, leadership training and community empowerment.

Whether the initiative delivers measurable social and economic impact will likely depend on how widely its programmes are adopted and the strength of collaborations it builds across the public and private sectors.

Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator has appealed to students across the country to help safeguard telecommunications infrastructure, warning that vandalism and theft are disrupting digital services, education and economic activities.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) made the appeal during a meeting with the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at its headquarters in Abuja.

Why it matters

Telecommunications infrastructure supports internet access, mobile communications, online banking, digital learning and government services.

When fibre optic cables are cut or telecom equipment is stolen or vandalised, millions of Nigerians can experience network outages, affecting businesses, emergency communications, schools and public services.

The NCC says protecting these facilities has become increasingly important as Nigeria expands its digital economy and relies more heavily on technology for education and commerce.

NCC seeks students’ support

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, congratulated the new NANS leadership and praised the longstanding relationship between both organisations.

She said the Commission wanted students to play a greater role in protecting telecommunications facilities both on campuses and in surrounding communities.

Dr Maida said vandalism of telecom facilities, theft of fibre optic cables, destruction of network equipment and right-of-way challenges remain some of the biggest obstacles to quality telecom services across Nigeria.

“Telecommunications infrastructure remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy and plays a crucial role in learning, research, innovation and communication. Students can support national efforts aimed at protecting telecommunications infrastructure through awareness and responsible civic engagement,” he said.

He also encouraged NANS to participate more actively in the Commission’s public consultations so students’ interests can be reflected in future telecommunications policies and consumer protection initiatives.

Expanding digital opportunities

The NCC also highlighted programmes aimed at increasing digital access for young Nigerians.

According to Dr Maida, these include digital infrastructure projects funded through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions and initiatives designed to improve digital learning and innovation.

He also revealed that the Commission is consulting stakeholders on a proposal that could allow students to access approved educational platforms without paying for mobile data under specific conditions.

“The Commission is currently consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that may enable access to certain approved educational platforms under specific conditions without data charges.”

The proposal, if implemented, could lower the cost of online learning for many Nigerian students.

Consumer protection remains a priority

The Commission said consumer protection remains central to its regulatory responsibilities.

Students were encouraged to make use of consumer education materials available through the NCC to better understand their rights, manage their data usage and resolve service-related complaints.

NANS welcomes stronger collaboration

The President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, welcomed the continued partnership with the telecommunications regulator.

He thanked the Commission for maintaining open communication with the student body and said the engagement has encouraged peaceful dialogue on national issues.

According to him, sustained collaboration between students and regulators can help strengthen awareness and support national development.

Expert perspective

Telecommunications analysts say attacks on network infrastructure have become one of the major causes of service disruptions in Nigeria.

Industry experts note that damaged fibre optic cables and vandalised telecom installations increase maintenance costs, delay network expansion and reduce service quality for consumers.

They argue that public awareness campaigns involving schools, host communities and youth organisations could complement government efforts to protect critical national infrastructure.

Public impact

For millions of Nigerians, reliable telecommunications services affect nearly every aspect of daily life—from making phone calls and accessing online classes to operating businesses and using digital financial services.

The NCC believes greater public awareness, particularly among young people, could help reduce vandalism and improve network reliability nationwide.

What’s next?

The Commission is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders on its proposed educational data access framework while expanding digital infrastructure projects across the country.

It also plans to deepen engagement with students and other groups as part of efforts to strengthen consumer protection and preserve Nigeria’s communications infrastructure.

Wema Bank has launched the seventh edition of its flagship innovation programme, Hackaholics, inviting young Nigerians with technology-driven business ideas to compete for grants, mentorship and national recognition.

The programme, unveiled at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, introduces three competition tracks and seven innovation sectors as part of efforts to support startups and strengthen Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem.

Why it matters

Nigeria has one of Africa’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, but many early-stage innovators struggle to access funding, mentorship and market opportunities.

Hackaholics aims to bridge that gap by providing entrepreneurs with a platform to develop their ideas, connect with investors and compete for financial support.

Since its launch in 2019, Wema Bank says the initiative has engaged more than 50,000 participants, supported over 10,000 startups, helped develop more than 100 technology solutions and awarded grant funding to dozens of innovators.

This year’s edition is themed “Powering Possibilities.”

Applications are open through the Hackaholics portal for innovators working in seven sectors:

Financial Inclusion

Healthcare

Digital Transformation

Education

Sustainability

Social Impact

Future of Work

Participants can apply under one of three categories:

Startup Pitch Competition

Hackathon

Newly introduced Social Impact Track

Following the application stage, the competition will move to 10 regional pitch centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones before culminating in a national grand finale.

Wema Bank explains expansion

Speaking during the launch, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said the bank sees innovation as part of its broader responsibility to support economic development.

“At Wema Bank, we believe that institutions have a responsibility that extends beyond providing commercial services. We have a responsibility to create meaningful opportunities, provide the right resources, enable innovation to thrive, and support the ecosystems that will shape today’s youth as well as tomorrow’s economy.”

He added:

“This sense of responsibility is what has driven the evolution of Hackaholics from inception till date. With Hackaholics, we have, and we are investing in the next generation of innovators, inspiring innovation that will impact lives, strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and giving youth a platform to make meaningful use of their creativity; and the numbers continue to speak volumes.”

Applications now open

Declaring the application portal open, Wema Bank’s Divisional Executive for Business Support, Tajudeen Bakare, encouraged young innovators to participate.

“As we launch Hackaholics 7.0 today, we are opening up a new phase of opportunities for more Nigerian youth to challenge themselves, explore their creativity and become startup founders.”

He continued:

“I encourage every young Nigerian with a passion for innovation to leverage the opportunity that we have carefully curated through Hackaholics and get ahead of the curve in today’s dynamic work landscape. Together, we can continue to build an ecosystem where innovation flourishes, opportunities expand, and young people are empowered to create solutions that shape the future.”

Industry perspective

Technology ecosystem analysts say programmes like Hackaholics have become increasingly important as startups face tighter investment conditions globally.

Innovation competitions backed by financial institutions can provide entrepreneurs with early-stage capital, business mentoring and exposure to investors that may otherwise be difficult to access.

However, experts note that long-term success will depend on continued support after the competition, including access to funding, business advisory services and opportunities to scale successful innovations.

What it means for young Nigerians

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Hackaholics offers an opportunity to test business ideas, receive expert feedback and compete for grant funding without paying an application fee.

The programme is open to Nigerian youths with innovative technology solutions, regardless of whether they already operate a startup or are developing an early-stage idea.

What happens next?

Applications are now open through the Hackaholics portal.

Successful applicants will participate in regional pitching events before finalists compete for grants and recognition at the national finale later this year.