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Itel Energy Opens Flagship Centre In Ikeja

Itel Energy has opened its newest flagship Sales and Service Experience Centre in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of efforts to deepen its customer engagement, distributor support, and after-sales service across Nigeria. The launch marks a significant expansion for the solar energy brand, positioning it at the heart of Nigeria’s largest technology and gadget hub amid rising demand for reliable and affordable off-grid power solutions. Speaking at the launch, the PR Manager of itel Energy, Olaotan Fawehinmi, said the Ikeja centre was designed not only for walk-in customers but also for distributors and EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) partners seeking real-time support. “For us at itel Energy, customer experience doesn’t end at the point of purchase. It begins there,” he said in a statement to The PUNCH. “This Ikeja store is purpose-built for distributors and EPC partners to easily access support and logistics while also allowing end-users to experience, understand, and trust the technology they’re buying. “With a three-year replacement warranty on inverters and a five-year warranty on batteries, plus our Carlcare centres across all 36 states, we are redefining what after-sales care means in this industry.” The new outlet, located in the heart of Lagos’ technology ecosystem, provides access to itel Energy’s full range of solar products, including solar panels, batteries, inverters, plug-and-play solutions, and accessories. Customers also benefit from on-site consultations, product testing, and technical support, all delivered under the company’s after-sales service model. During the inauguration, the brand unveiled its latest 3.6 kWh all-in-one solar system, which was met with strong interest and sold out on launch day. The compact unit is aimed at students, small businesses, and urban dwellers in need of portable, plug-and-play energy alternatives. Industry stakeholders at the event praised the move by itel Energy, saying the new centre will improve the speed of transactions, logistics coordination, and general support for solar service providers. General Manager of Flotel Electronics Limited, John Nwoye, described the development as a major boost for the ecosystem. “I’ve worked with several solar brands, but itel Energy stands out,” he said. “The products are reliable, the pricing is competitive, and the after-sales service is unmatched. Having a physical shop and support team here in Computer Village makes doing business faster and far more efficient.” His view was echoed by the Operations Manager of Flotel Electronics Limited, James Agbo, who highlighted itel’s understanding of the local market.  “This is a game changer. Beyond the products, itel understands the Nigerian customer and the Nigerian market,” he said. “From flexible warranty options to nationwide service coverage and instant tech support, it’s clear they’re in it for the long haul.”  The flagship centre also serves as a logistics hub for regional EPC partners, enabling quicker fulfilment of orders and immediate technical support during installations and solar deployments. The company said it is encouraged by the strong market response and announced plans to introduce more portable energy products across its national retail footprint in the coming weeks. This decision, the firm noted, is driven by the growing need for reliable alternatives amid irregular grid supply, rising fuel costs, and the demand for uninterrupted productivity in homes and businesses. With the Ikeja experience centre now operational, itel Energy has reaffirmed its commitment to affordable quality, service excellence, and innovation across Nigeria’s rapidly expanding solar energy space.

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Guru Dutt Biopic: The Iconic Dream That Never Made It To The Screen

On July 9, India celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of one of its most legendary film personalities, Guru Dutt. Known for films like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, and Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Guru Dutt was more than just an actor or director; he was a poet of the silver screen. Though he passed away at the young age of 38, his contribution to Indian cinema remains unmatched. Even after six decades of his passing, his legacy continues to inspire generations, and conversations around a biopic on his life still spark excitement among fans and filmmakers alike. Over the years, some of Bollywood’s biggest stars have expressed a deep desire to portray Guru Dutt on screen, most notably Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. It all began with a tweet in 2016, where a film journalist suggested that Guru Dutt and Geeta Dutt’s story was “ripe for a sensitive biopic,” ideally helmed by a filmmaker like Imtiaz Ali or Mani Ratnam. The journalist added that no one other than Shah Rukh Khan could portray the pain, romance, and complexity that Guru Dutt carried. SRK, always quick to recognize poetic beauty, responded warmly: “Absolutely. I should do it. And as you lovingly say, my friend, my face is like a beautiful poem… in black & white.” This wasn’t just a passing thought. In an interview with Hindustan Times in 2017, when asked about biopics, Shah Rukh Khan revealed his wish clearly: “I’d love to essay Guru Dutt Saab’s life.” It’s easy to understand why SRK would be drawn to the idea. Much like Guru Dutt, Shah Rukh has built his stardom on intense performances that oscillate between charm, pain, and raw vulnerability. And with his classical looks and deep understanding of romantic tragedy, he could potentially bring Guru Dutt’s spirit alive for a modern audience. But if there was ever someone who got really close to portraying the legendary filmmaker, it was Aamir Khan. In 2008, Aamir recreated the iconic Pyaasa still with Katrina Kaif for a CineBlitz Gold coffee-table book titled Love & Longing in Hindi Cinema. The photographs sparked major speculation: were Aamir and Katrina starring in a Pyaasa remake? As it turned out, the shoot was a tribute, not a teaser. Still, the resemblance was uncanny. At the launch of the book, Aamir shared his process: “I looked at the photograph very closely and tried to be in that headspace to understand what I could feel from watching Guru Dutt ji in that moment.” Karan Johar, also present at the event, was taken aback by the power of the image. “I thought this was a film being made on Guru Dutt. Aamir portrays him so effortlessly,” he said, calling the visual “a befitting portrayal of romance.” Even V. K. Murthy, Guru Dutt’s trusted cinematographer for eight of his classics, once said in a 2010 interview that only Aamir Khan could do justice to a biopic on the icon. “I don’t get impressed by actors easily, but Aamir is in a different league… He reminds me of Guru Dutt.” Interestingly, a biopic almost did happen. Anurag Kashyap, known for his gritty and sensitive storytelling, had written a detailed script on Guru Dutt’s life. The film was to be directed by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, now known for his work in film preservation through the Film Heritage Foundation. What made the project even more authentic was the support from Guru Dutt’s family. His son, Arun Dutt, had not only approved the idea but also personally approached Aamir Khan for the role. Aamir, ever the perfectionist, asked for the script but never gave a public response. Over time, the project quietly faded into the background. The reasons remain unclear. Meanwhile, filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi, niece of Guru Dutt and daughter of artist Lalita Lajmi, had also planned to make a film on her uncle’s life. However, once she learned about the Kashyap-Dungarpur project, she respectfully stepped back. “My mother told me that Anurag Kashyap is scripting and Shivendra Singh is directing the film. Arun Dutt has also given his nod. So, we’re all for it,” Kalpana had said in support. The biopic may be shelved for now, but the fascination with Guru Dutt’s story hasn’t died. His life, filled with artistic brilliance, romantic intensity, and emotional turbulence, is made for the silver screen. Whether it’s SRK’s poetic longing or Aamir’s quiet immersion, the idea of either of them playing Guru Dutt is enough to stir any film lover’s heart. As we mark the 100th birth anniversary of this cinematic maestro, maybe it’s time the dream is revived with the right script, the right vision, and the right heart. Because some stories don’t just deserve to be told, they demand it.

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News_Naija

Protecting Your Phone Screen

JUSTICE OKAMGBA explores how a single fall can shatter not just your phone screen but your budget, outlining key steps to avoid costly repairs in today’s smartphones-dependent world Uche Emmanuel was on the back of a motorbike in Lagos when it happened. His iPhone 12 Pro Max slipped from his pocket, bounced off the road, and landed face down. The screen, bright, sleek, and once flawless, was shattered. “When it fell on the ground, I picked it up, and the screen was gone,” he lamented. He made several calls to phone dealers. Eventually, he headed to Computer Village in Ikeja, the largest phone and tech market in West Africa. The response from technicians was unanimous: it would cost at least N230,000 to replace the screen. “That’s almost three months of minimum wage in Nigeria,” he said. “I’ve spent too much fixing damaged screens already: my laptop, my old Nokia, even my last tablet. These things are not cheap.” His experience is far from unique. Across the world, millions of users grapple with broken phone screens every day. And in an era where smartphones are practically extensions of ourselves, one small crack can have massive implications, financially and environmentally. Why are screens so fragile? According to the World Economic Forum, smartphone screens are complex creations made of multiple layers of glass and plastic, all coated with a rare metal called indium, a transparent conductor essential for touchscreens to respond to our fingers, which also conduct electricity. When you touch the screen, your finger completes an electric circuit, changing the charge at that point. The device reads this change as a “touch event” and reacts accordingly. It’s an impressive bit of science but also a vulnerability. Despite improvements in materials like Gorilla Glass, screens remain susceptible to cracks from even modest drops. And the stakes are high. Most modern smartphones, whether Samsung, iPhone, or other brands, contain over 80 per cent of the stable elements on the periodic table. Many of these, including indium, are considered at risk due to their scarcity, environmental impact, or dependence on fragile global supply chains. “I always put my phone in a clear, rubbery case that protects the edges,” Laurence Brevard, an iPhone user and tech enthusiast, said. “And I never go without a tempered glass screen protector.” Brevard recalled an incident involving her old iPhone 6 Plus. She had loaned it to her brother, “not the most careful with phones”, she admits, and when it came back, it appeared to have two nasty cracks. “I brought it to a shop hoping to trade it in any way,” Brevard said. “The staff peeled off the Zagg protector, and, to my surprise, the real screen underneath was perfectly fine. I got full trade-in value. Since then, I never leave the store without a screen protector installed.” Screen repair The costs of repairing screens continue to rise, especially for high-end models. In Nigeria, fixing a broken iPhone screen can range from N150,000 to N350,000, depending on the model and authenticity of the parts used. Mobile developer and tech analyst James Davis said the growing size of smartphone displays makes them even more vulnerable. “Manufacturers are trying to develop sturdier glass,” he explained. “But nothing is indestructible. That’s why users need to take these precautions.” Glass screen protectors “Tempered glass is your best defence,” said Davis. These protectors absorb shock during a fall, often cracking themselves while saving the actual screen. Many also come with oleophobic coatings to resist smudges and fingerprints. A proper case is more than just a fashion accessory. Brands like Otterbox, Spigen, and Incipio offer cases with shock-absorbing edges and reinforced corners. Some even come with built-in screen protectors or extra battery packs. PopSockets and grips “These small accessories stick to the back of your phone and make it easier to hold,” said Mr Davis. “Especially helpful when taking selfies or texting on the move.” Maintenance “Use a soft microfibre cloth to clean your screen,” he advised. “Avoid tissue paper or clothing fabric which can leave scratches over time.” Replacing screens isn’t just expensive for individuals; it’s also harmful to the planet. The rare metals required to build smartphones often come from environmentally sensitive regions and conflict zones. Discarded devices frequently end up in landfills or are poorly recycled, leading to the release of toxic substances into soil and water. Each screen replacement increases demand for rare materials like indium, cobalt, and lithium, driving unsustainable extraction and geopolitical tension. “We need to think of screen protection not just as a cost-saving measure,” said Mr Davis, “but as a small step towards more responsible tech ownership.” With smartphone prices soaring, some models now rival the cost of a used car, and repair costs follow closely behind. Taking simple preventive measures can save hundreds of thousands of naira and extend the life of your device. As Uche Emmanuel now knows, a single drop can be devastating. But with the right tools and habits, such as a tempered glass protector, a shock-absorbing case, and a little extra care, you can avoid joining the long queue of frustrated phone users at Computer Village. “I’ve learnt my lesson,” he said, shaking his head. “Next time, my phone is wearing full body armour.”

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News_Naija

Compliance Gaps Threaten Future Of African Fintech

A compliance and risk executive in the financial services industry, Griffith Onus Ehebha, has warned that African fintechs expanding into international markets could fail to scale sustainably if they do not treat compliance as critical infrastructure. Speaking at a recent leadership roundtable, Ehebha, who has held senior roles at Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank, and Interswitch Holdings, said many institutions still see compliance as a regulatory formality rather than a strategic asset. “Compliance must evolve from being a control function to becoming a business enabler,” Ehebha said in a statement to The PUNCH. “When embedded early, it drives investor confidence, unlocks new markets, and builds a foundation for sustainable growth.” With African fintech firms increasingly expanding into regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Onus emphasised that regulatory scrutiny would only intensify. According to him, startups and financial institutions that fail to build governance frameworks into their core operations may struggle to meet the rigorous demands of cross-border oversight. “Institutions that treat compliance as an afterthought will find it difficult to scale globally,” he said. “But those that embed it at the foundation will not only grow; they’ll last.” Onus’ remarks come as Africa’s financial and technology sectors continue to gain global relevance. While the ecosystem has often been measured by innovation, funding rounds and user growth, trust and governance are increasingly becoming the defining factors for long-term success. Throughout his career, Onus has worked to reframe the role of compliance in Africa’s financial institutions. At Interswitch, he helped build out anti-bribery and corruption frameworks that extended beyond internal operations to include third-party vendors, a move seen as rare but necessary in emerging markets, where governance standards remain inconsistent. “He made integrity a shared responsibility, not a checkbox,” said one compliance officer familiar with Ehebha’s work. “His frameworks raised the bar not just for internal teams but for everyone who touched the business: suppliers, partners, and consultants.” Under his leadership, Interswitch and other organisations did not merely pass regulatory audits; they prepared for them, embraced them and, in some cases, invited them. International standards such as ISO 20000 (IT Service Management), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) were not treated as symbolic achievements but as practical tools for institutional resilience. According to Ehebha, embedding governance into enterprise design, from cybersecurity to anti-money laundering systems, is no longer optional. “True compliance means embedding security into the fabric of your operations and consistently demonstrating that you take protection and trust seriously,” he said. “It’s about building institutions that people can rely on, institutions grounded in integrity, resilience and accountability.” Ehebha also pushed for compliance to be taken beyond risk and legal departments, advocating for boardroom-level engagement and executive alignment. He noted that when senior leadership views compliance as a strategic lever, rather than a burden, organisations are better positioned to raise capital, meet due diligence standards, and protect customer trust. Industry experts say his approach is timely. As fintech adoption accelerates across the continent, many startups continue to face challenges in navigating fragmented regulations, especially when expanding into jurisdictions with stricter data privacy, consumer protection, and anti-corruption laws. While some companies scramble to implement compliance only after securing funding or facing scrutiny, Ehebha has argued for a proactive approach. “Compliance-by-design”, he noted, should be standard practice for any company with global ambitions. He also cautioned against seeing certifications as the end goal. “Certifications are not trophies; they’re tools,” he said. “They must reflect practices that are already part of the organisation’s DNA.” As fintechs from Nigeria to Kenya eye international markets, the lessons from Mr Onus’ governance model offer a blueprint for balancing agility with accountability. “Growth is important”, he said, “but not at the cost of integrity. The future belongs to companies that can scale with structure, and compliance is that structure.”