By Sam Otuonye

Customers who pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold8 at any Gloworld outlet across the country will receive 10GB of free Glo data every month for six months, plus additional Samsung pre-order benefits valued at up to ₦1 million.

This came to the fore on Wednesday as both partners shared the innovations in the Galaxy Z Fold8 Series in Abuja with Glo customers and high net worth individuals at an exclusive Masterclass at Gloworld, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 series is Samsung’s most sophisticated foldable smartphone to date, according to Bobby Ochang, North Regional Trainer for Samsung Nigeria, who spoke at the Masterclass. He disclosed that the devices combine strong performance with clever AI capabilities to make daily living easier and activities more productive.

“The Galaxy Z Fold8 is more than just a smartphone. It can serve as your personal assistant by taking calls on your behalf, transcribing conversations and helping you stay organized. It is designed to help users work smarter while enjoying an even more seamless mobile experience,” he said.

According to Ochang, the new foldable series has a larger battery with 45-watt rapid charging that can go from zero to over 60 percent in 30 minutes, a brighter display, faster processing for more seamless multitasking, and an improved camera system. Additionally, he disclosed that people now have more faith in the device’s endurance because its revised foldable construction has been tested up to 400,000 times under controlled circumstances. Within the first year of purchase, customers who sign up for Samsung Care Plus can replace a damaged screen for as little as ₦45,000.

Speaking at the event, Oghenemaro Ugoje, Head of Gloworld Sales, stated that the purpose of the Abuja Masterclass was to provide customers in the Federal Capital Territory with an equal chance to personally experience Samsung’s most recent advancements. He expressed confidence that consumers would value the new foldable devices’ performance, design, and AI capabilities, pointing out that Abuja remained one of Globacom’s strongest markets.

“The Galaxy Z Fold8 series offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a compact device or a smartphone built for productivity and multitasking. With Glo’s exclusive 10GB data offer monthly for six months, customers can immediately enjoy everything these devices have to offer,” he said.

Guests also witnessed live demonstrations of the Galaxy Z Fold8 series, exploring its AI-powered productivity tools, improved display quality, advanced editing features and real-time transcription capabilities. The session gave attendees a closer look at how the devices can support work, entertainment and everyday communication.

The highlight of the Masterclass was Globacom and Samsung reaffirming their partnership, with a focus on delivering technology that helps people stay connected, be more productive, and get ready for the future.

Additionally, guests at the event saw live demonstrations of the Galaxy Z Fold8 series, learning about its advanced editing features, enhanced display quality, AI-powered productivity tools, and real-time transcription capabilities.

By Sam Otuonye

Digital solution provider, Globacom has recorded the highest Internet subscriber growth among Nigeria’s major telecom companies for the month of May.

Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Nigeria’s total Internet users increased to 157 million in May, up from 154.3 million in April. That is a growth of 2.67 million users in one month.

Globacom led the market by adding about 1.2 million new Internet subscribers. This means Glo was responsible for almost half of all new Internet users in May.

The company’s subscriber base grew from 15.5 million in April to 16.8 million in May. Airtel came second with 1.07 million new users, moving from 54.8 million to 55.8 million. MTN added 382,894 users to reach 83.5 million.

T2 Mobile, formerly 9mobile, recorded no growth for the second month in a row. Its subscriber base remained at 802,534. This is despite its roaming agreement with MTN, which was approved almost a year ago to help T2 customers use MTN’s network in areas with poor coverage.

Industry experts say Glo’s strong growth is due to its ongoing network upgrade. Since last year, the company has been building new base stations, expanding its fibre network, and adding thousands of new 4G sites across cities and rural areas.

The upgrades have improved voice and data quality for customers, while Globacom remain committed to providing better network experience and affordable Internet services to more Nigerians.

The Transmissions Company of Nigeria (TCN) has come to refute the allegation that the agency paid N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects which was “outside its mandate.”

The clarification comes after it was published in an online medium as authored by one Emmanuel Oluwole Uti of FIJ, who alleged that TCN paid N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects “outside its mandate.”

But in a statement by the management of TCN, it noted that the “projects referenced are National Assembly Constituency Projects duly captured in the Federal Government approved appropriation budget and nominated by Honourable Members and Distinguished Senators to serve vulnerable communities.TCN did not initiate or request these projects.”

The statement added that projects in question “were included in TCN’s capital projects by the National Assembly, with the Company designated as the implementing agency by the relevant authorities, in line with established government practice.

“It is important to emphasize that the funds utilized for these projects do not belong to TCN and are not sourced from the Company’s Internally Generated Revenue. They are Federal Government appropriations budget duly approved by Mr. President. Consequently, all payments, including those referenced by FIJ, were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in strict compliance with extant financial regulations. Furthermore, the procurement process was carried out with approvals from relevant Government agencies such as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“As an organization whose 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers crisscross the nation, TCN has consistently undertaken nationwide sensitization programmes on safety, asset protection, and the dangers of vandalism and bush burning. Experience has shown that well-lit communities help boost public confidence, reduce vandalism and theft, and ultimately safeguard the integrity of the national grid.

“The interventions listed by FIJ in Jigawa, Kano, and Kogi States were therefore implemented by TCN at the instance of the National Assembly request to improve security in vulnerable communities, enhance visibility, and support socio-economic activity in beneficiary areas, while also contributing to the protection of national power infrastructure.

“While TCN’s core statutory mandate remains bulk power transmission, the Company is empowered to execute constituency and other federal government projects when duly assigned. These interventions should not be erroneously interpreted as a deviation from TCN’s primary responsibility as the transporter of bulk electricity nationwide.

“It is also worthy of note that, as a government agency, there is no provision in law prohibiting TCN from executing projects assigned to it by the National Assembly or other arms of government, provided due process is followed in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

“All procurements relating to these projects, including the seven payments cited by FIJ to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited, and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited, were carried out in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act. Competent contractors were engaged, and the projects are being monitored to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact for the benefiting communities.

“TCN therefore appeals to media organizations and stakeholders to verify information with the Company prior to publication. This will ensure factual, balanced, and accurate reporting, while preventing the spread of misinformation.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria remains committed to its statutory mandate of wheeling bulk power across the nation and to supporting national development objectives through the transparent execution of projects duly assigned by the government and the National Assembly.”