Nigeria’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operator, Vitel Wireless, has announced the successful completion of interconnectivity with all major Mobile Network Operators in Nigeria.

It said in a statement on Monday that Vitel is the first MVNO to receive a dedicated number series (0712) from the Nigerian Communications Commission, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications industry.

With its new feat of completing interconnectivity with all major network operators in Nigeria, all Vitel Wireless subscribers can now make and receive calls with users on MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and 9mobile Nigeria.

The breakthrough also marks the first time an MVNO in the country has successfully interconnected with all the major MNOs, setting a new precedent for Nigeria’s telecom sector.

Following the NCC’s licensing of 46 MVNOs, Vitel Wireless continues to lead the way in establishing a dynamic MVNO sector in Nigeria, Africa’s largest market and most populous nation.

The company has already achieved several historic firsts: the first MVNO to issue a numbering plan and national and international routing codes, the first to launch a location awareness network in Africa, and the first to unveil a strategic nationwide rollout plan.

“We are gathering momentum for our big launch,” said Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless, Kenneth Emeka Nwabueze, MFR.

“We are proud to be showing what’s possible for MVNOs, while also creating a path for others to follow. By leveraging our years of experience in Nigeria’s telecom industry, we are opening up new possibilities where there used to be none.”

Interconnectivity was achieved through a combination of direct fibre connections with some MNOs and indirect routing via third-party providers. This milestone was the result of a collaborative effort involving engineers from Vitel Wireless, Wireless Technology Labs, and Interconnect Clearinghouse Nigeria, working closely with engineers from MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.

“We wish to thank the regulatory agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission, for their timely interventions and guidance, which were instrumental in achieving this interconnectivity and bringing the formal launch of the Vitel Wireless nationwide network one step closer to reality,” said Nwabueze.

Vitel Wireless entered a nationwide pilot phase in May 2025, with plans for a full rollout in July 2025, aiming to deliver next-generation mobile services to millions across Nigeria. The company provides comprehensive network services—voice, SMS, and data—across all 36 States in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The firm expressed its commitment to delivering accessible telecom services to the Nigerian market and combines innovation with advanced technology, including the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and data-driven solutions, to enhance mobile experiences.

The company’s offerings range from personal safety tools to scalable solutions for government welfare programmes, continually pushing the boundaries of what mobile technology can achieve for Nigerians.

Pascal Dozie, Founder of Defunct Diamond Bank, Ex-Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dies

Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at 85 from an undisclosed ailment, a source close to the family has told Akelicious.

This is a developing.

CIG Group has appointed Adeleye Fabusoro as its new Group Marketing and Corporate Communication director in a move to enhance the brand of the company.

In this key role, Fabusoro will spearhead marketing, PR and corporate communication initiatives across a diverse portfolio of esteemed brands, including GAC Motors, Lagride, Wulling, Lontor, and Gree, overseeing all marketing efforts within the group’s multiple business units.

CIG Group is a leading conglomerate with a dynamic portfolio spanning various industries. The group is committed to innovation, quality, and excellence, consistently delivering premium brands and services to a global clientele.

With an impressive career trajectory, Adeleye Fabusoro brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in various high-profile roles. Before joining CIG Group, he was the Head of West Africa for CNBC and Forbes Africa, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the brand’s regional presence and influence.

His tenure as Head of Development and Production for Dentsu Storylab further cemented his strategic marketing and leadership expertise.

Adeleye’s extensive industry experience is complemented by his impactful work as a UN consultant, where he had the unique opportunity to collaborate across 18 African nations, offering innovative solutions and driving sustainable growth initiatives. His earlier career in the banking industry equipped him with a diverse skill set and a profound understanding of business.

Adeleye holds a doctorate degree in Fine Arts from Prowess University, a postgraduate diploma in Data Science and Business Analytics from the University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo, and a BA(Hons) from the University of Ibadan.

Other features include estimates of a woman’s ovulation cycle and an extended battery life of 36 hours

Apple on Wednesday introduced the Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE with two new impressive safety innovations.

With the Apple Watch Series 7 being crowned the best-selling smartwatch worldwide, Series 8 will feature the special design of the Apple Watch, including a large, always-on retina display and a solid crack-resistant front crystal.

With an18-hour battery life, the Apple Watch Series 8 introduces temperature-sensing capabilities, retrospective ovulation estimates, crash detection, and international roaming.

Meanwhile, the new Apple Watch SE delivers the core Apple Watch experience, including activity tracking, high and low heart rate notifications, emergency SOS, and a completely redesigned back case that perfectly matches the three classic case finishes: all at a price of Dh 999.

Both models are powered by watchOS 9, introducing new and more customisable watch faces like Lunar and Metropolitan, an enhanced Workout app, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, and an all-new Medications app.

The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE are available to order today, beginning Friday, September 16.

“We hear from customers how the Apple Watch helps them stay connected with loved ones, be more active, and live healthier lives,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.

He added, “Apple Watch Series 8 reinforces our commitment in areas with the addition of pioneering technology, while Apple Watch SE brings advanced core features at a new starting price. The smartwatches are powered by watchOS 9, delivering more capabilities than ever.”

Here are some impressive specs on Watch Series 8

Wrist Temperature Sensing for Women’s Health

• Apple Watch Series 8 features innovative temperature-sensing capabilities that give women further insights into their health
• Unique approach to temperature sensing with a two-sensor design — one sensor on the back of the watch, nearest the skin, and another just under the display — reducing bias from the outside environment
• Nighttime wrist temperature can be a good indicator of overall body temperature
• The sensors in Apple Watch Series 8 sample the wrist temperature during sleep every five seconds, and measure changes as small as 0.1°C

• In the Health app, users can see nightly shifts in baseline temperature, which can be caused by exercise, jet lag, or even illness
• Utilising the new temperature-sensing capabilities in Apple Watch Series 8, users can receive retrospective ovulation estimates
• Knowing when ovulation has occurred can be helpful for family planning
• Temperature sensing also enables improved period predictions
• With iOS 16 and watchOS 9, all Cycle Tracking users can now receive a notification if their logged cycle history shows a possible deviation, such as irregular, infrequent, or prolonged periods and persistent spotting, which can be symptoms of underlying health conditions.

Crash Detection

An advanced sensor-fusion algorithm leverages a new, more powerful gyroscope and accelerometer on the Apple Watch. It now has the highest dynamic range accelerometer in any smartwatch.

To create the algorithm, data was collected from these new motion sensors at professional crash test labs with ordinary passenger cars in simulated real-world accidents, including head-on, rear-end, side-impact, and rollovers.

In addition to motion data, Crash Detection uses the barometre, GPS, and the microphone on the iPhone as inputs to detect the unique patterns that can indicate whether a severe crash has taken place.

When the Apple Watch detects a severe car crash, the device will check in with the user and dial emergency services if they are unresponsive after a 10-second countdown. Emergency responders will receive the user’s device location, which is also shared with the user’s emergency contacts.

When combined, Crash Detection on Apple Watch and iPhone work seamlessly to get users help efficiently. When a severe car crash is detected, the emergency services call interface will appear on Apple Watch, as it is most likely closer to the user. In contrast, the call is placed through iPhone if it is within the best possible connection range.

Low Power Mode

A new Low Power Mode can extend battery life to 36 hours for Apple Watch Series 8 with an iPhone present. This new mode temporarily disables or limits select sensors and features, including the Always-On Retina display, workout autostart, heart health notifications, and more.

What else to look forward to?

• With international roaming coming later this fall, users can stay connected to a cellular network while travelling abroad.
• Plans can be extended to Apple Watch from iPhone for little or no additional fee, and will be available with over 30 carriers worldwide.
• Users diagnosed with AFib can turn on the FDA-cleared AFib History feature and access important information, including an estimate of how frequently their heart rhythm shows signs of AFib – providing deeper insights into their condition.
• Users will receive notifications with an estimate from the previous week and access a detailed history in the Health app on iPhone, including lifestyle factors that may influence AFib, like sleep, alcohol consumption, and exercise.
• Users can download a PDF from the Health app on iPhone that details the history of their AFib and lifestyle factors

The challenge to deliver more stuff

The future of last-mile package delivery is fast and contactless, with delivery providers focused on eliminating traffic and parking challenges. An increasingly prominent option is the use of uncrewed aerial vehicles or drones. 

This week research comparing the environmental impact of different forms of last-mile delivery was published in the scientific journal Patterns.

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University compared the energy consumption of quadcopter drones against diesel and electric medium-duty trucks, small vans, and electric cargo bicycles on a per-package basis.

They found that greenhouse-gas emissions per parcel were 84% lower for drones than for diesel trucks. Unsurprisingly, drones consumed up to 94% less energy per parcel than trucks.

Small quadcopter drones and electric cargo bicycles are among the most energy-efficient modes for small package delivery on an energy consumption per-package basis. 

However, the researchers also found that the greenhouse gas emissions of package delivery by drone depend on the total electricity needed for the delivery and the emissions intensity of the regional electricity grid.

For example, a drone package delivery in the carbon-intensive central Midwest would emit up to 93% more CO2e per km traveled compared with regions with cleaner grid mixes like New York. This raises issues for competitive delivery pricing and in rolling out operations for national carriers like Amazon. 

We’re not comparing like with like

While a great start, the research has some limitations. Currently, drone delivery operators have to comply with geo-cached local airspace regulations. In many instances, sight-free drones may be restricted from flying over people and/or motor vehicles – this could impose longer delivery routes, something not factored into the current study. 

This longer route could potentially increase the drone’s energy consumption and GHG emissions per package delivered.

Furthermore, this study focused on small, commercially available quadcopter drones with a payload of 0.5 kg (0.3 miles). These are most profitable in delivering small and light items with high added value, such as medical deliveries, critical packages, and small electronics. 

Compare this to the overall utility of an eCargo bike with a trailer that can carry an apartment building’s worth of small packages, and the cargo vans seem far more efficient. However, from a staffing perspective, you also need to factor in the logistics of what I call “the last steps.”

The last steps challenge

A package-carrying drone can fly directly to the recipient. But it requires someone to come outside and take the delivery from the lowered drone. 

I’d also be interested in a comparative analysis of the energy use and efficiency of a drone and a sidewalk delivery robot like those made by Starship Technologies. 

As both offer single-order deliveries, the comparison could bring more insight into the challenge of small order deliveries. 

Ultimately, all solutions to remove and reduce diesel trucks in our cities need priority. This research offers some compelling statistics into the mix about greening our cities.

In the wake of the dot-com crash and the global financial crisis, many corporate venture capital firms ran for the hills with their capital, earning a reputation of being fair-weather VC investors, but this time might be different.

Since then, CVCs have significantly increased their presence in VC deals with their participation in global rounds rising by 462.5% in the 10 years ending in 2021. Firms like Coinbase Ventures and GV have found themselves among some of the most active investors in VC deals in recent years. But as a new downturn hits, many investors are wondering if the past will repeat itself.

“Everybody’s hurting, so of course CVCs are pulling back, but they are behaving more similarly to their institutional peers than ever before,” Touchdown Ventures President Scott Lenet said. “A few will quietly ‘press the pause button,’ but they are not abandoning ship like they did in previous downturns.”

So far, the data suggests that CVCs are retrenching quicker than traditional VC investors but not altogether retreating from the asset class. In Q2 2022, CVCs participated in 2,167 deals worth an aggregate $53.1 billion, according to PitchBook data, a quarter-over-quarter decline of 18.9% and 33% respectively. In comparison, the number of rounds closed featuring just traditional VCs saw a QoQ decline of 10.3% over the same period.

A key difference in CVCs’ behavior in this downturn compared to others is that they have become much more sophisticated in how they approach investing, Lenet said.

In the earlier days of corporate venture, most of these investors were more focused on their parent companies’ priorities rather than those of the startup, even including terms in deals allowing them to block acquisitions to competitors or IPOs if they didn’t align with the former’s interests. As their activity increased, and to improve their image with the wider community, CVCs have modeled themselves after traditional investors, becoming more financial-first in their approach in order to receive solid returns as well as strategic value.

The extent to which CVCs slow their investment activity may not reveal itself fully in the short term due to their structure. Most corporate arms operate out of evergreen funds, with their parent company allocating predetermined amounts of capital at set intervals. With a budget having already been set before or in the early stages of the downturn, CVCs still have plenty of dry powder to invest and don’t have the same fundraising concerns as traditional VCs who are reliant on LPs to replenish the coffers.

However, if the downturn persists and recession hits, we could see a further pull back in activity, said Matthew Gilmour, corporate finance manager at accounting firm BDO‘s growth advisory team. With more pressure on corporations to shore up their balance sheets, they could cut the amount allocated to venture activities in the next annual budget.

“A recession naturally means that the focus will be more on the core business away from riskier projects like venture,” Gilmour said. “You’re more likely to make stable returns off large capital projects than [investing in startups] and I think the bar could be set higher for investments than before.”

The CVCs who are more likely to step back from venture will most likely depend on how their parent company’s core business is performing, Lenet believes. Corporations that are highly reliant on consumer spending or offer products and services that are seen as non-essential could tighten their budgets as revenue contracts.

“If you have the cash on the balance sheet, and it’s financially responsible to continue with the same rate of capital deployment, then they will invest,” Lenet said. “But if your revenue is shrinking and you’re worried about cash, then I think those companies will question whether it’s the right type of thing for them to do. It also depends on how much they perceive a need for external innovation.”

A deeper downturn could not only affect the investment activities of existing CVCs but also the creation of new ones, according to BDO growth advisory director Adam Baron. Only four new corporate venture arms are on record to have launched so far in 2022, according to PitchBook data, compared with 42 in 2021.

“I spoke to a company that was supposed to launch a corporate venture arm last month and that’s been pushed back because 20% of their market cap has been wiped out,” Baron said. “With the current environment, I think venture has fallen down the list of priorities for a lot of companies.”

While Baron believes that new CVCs may be launched at a slower pace, corporations with a clear strategic and financial purpose will still go ahead with plans but will perhaps wait and see how the next few months will play out before jumping in.

The natural instinct when the economy becomes more challenging is to become more defensive, but investing in innovation can give corporations an advantage during a crisis, Gilmour said.

A well-defined and managed CVC program offers valuable market intelligence to see where an industry is heading and how it can be disrupted. It can also be a powerful way to accelerate a company’s digital transformation by giving larger organizations access to new technologies. With depressed valuations and less competition for deals from investors like hedge funds, which have largely fled the market, it can be a buyers’ market for CVCs looking to put their capital to work.

The continued participation of corporate investors is also vital for startups, Lenet said. With trickier times ahead, it is even more important to have board members that have experience in building and running a successful business, as well as giving startups access to services that are beyond the remit of traditional VCs.

“For the most part, VCs are there to write checks and give advice, but corporates can potentially do a lot of things that they can’t,” Lenet said. “Corporates can bring revenue, distribution and product expertise, which leads to getting the product out to market and reduces risk. They’re effectively forms of non-dilutive capital which you need in a downturn, providing a unique competitive advantage to startups.”