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How GLO’s Customer-Centred Innovations’ Keeping Nigerians Connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba

The FIFA World Cup is more than just a football tournament. It is a global celebration that unites families, friends, colleagues and even strangers through a shared passion for the beautiful game.

During previous FIFA World Cups, it became a tradition for many Nigerians to gather in homes, viewing centres and sports bars to watch the matches together. In my own case, particularly during the 2014, 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, friends and professional colleagues regularly converged at my residence to enjoy the excitement, analyse the games and celebrate memorable moments together.

However, the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a different reality. Hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, many of the matches are scheduled to kick off at 12:00 a.m., 1:00 a.m., 2:00 a.m. and even 3:00 a.m. Nigerian time. These unusual hours make it difficult for many football lovers to travel to commercial viewing centres.

Even where viewing centres are available nearby, concerns about insecurity discourage many people from leaving their homes in the middle of the night. Added to this are the familiar challenges of unreliable electricity supply and the high cost of maintaining generators, solar systems, televisions and satellite subscriptions. For millions of Nigerians, watching the World Cup from home on a conventional television setup is simply not practical.

Fortunately, one device has become almost universal, the smartphone. With a smartphone and internet access, millions of Nigerians can now enjoy the World Cup from the comfort and safety of their homes through football streaming and live-score applications. Platforms such as Yacine TV, the World Football App, and other similar football streaming and match-tracking applications have made it possible for fans to watch live matches where available, follow live scores, receive instant match updates, enjoy highlights and remain fully engaged throughout the tournament without relying on a traditional television setup.

This is where Globacom’s recent customer-focused innovations become particularly significant.

The introduction of the “More Data More Value” initiative gives subscribers substantially more data for the same amount spent. Since live football streaming consumes considerable data, larger data allocations make it more affordable for football enthusiasts to watch matches, follow highlights, monitor statistics, engage in online discussions and enjoy uninterrupted streaming throughout the tournament.

Just as important is Globacom’s decision to expand its Borrow Me Credit service. Anyone who has experienced running out of airtime or data moments before an important match understands the frustration. Missing a decisive penalty, a dramatic comeback or the final minutes of a knockout game simply because of insufficient credit can be heartbreaking.

With the enhanced Borrow Me Credit service, eligible subscribers have an additional safety net. Even when airtime or data runs low unexpectedly, they have the opportunity to stay connected instead of being completely cut off from the action by simply dialing *303# and choosing from the available airtime or data borrowing options. This simple and convenient solution ensures that an empty balance does not necessarily mean missing the next goal, a dramatic equaliser or the decisive moments of a World Cup match.

These initiatives reflect Globacom’s customer-centred philosophy of developing practical solutions that respond to the everyday realities of Nigerians. As the world focuses on the biggest football tournament on earth, millions of Nigerians are not just looking for a network; they are looking for reliable, affordable and uninterrupted connectivity that allows them to experience every goal, every save and every unforgettable moment.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup may be taking place thousands of kilometres away in North America, but through innovative services such as More Data More Value and the expanded Borrow Me Credit service, Globacom is helping bring the excitement closer to millions of football-loving Nigerians. Whether they are watching from their living rooms, bedrooms, hostels or offices during break periods, Glo’s customer-centred innovations are making it easier for fans to remain connected to the world’s biggest sporting event.

Beyond the World Cup, the impact of these innovations extends even further. Thousands of small businesses across Nigeria depend on reliable and affordable internet connectivity to communicate with customers, market their products on social media, process online transactions, attend virtual meetings and deliver digital services. By providing more value through its data bundles and ensuring that eligible subscribers can remain connected through the expanded Borrow Me Credit service, Glo is also supporting entrepreneurs, freelancers, students, content creators and other participants in Nigeria’s growing digital economy whose livelihoods depend on sustainable network access.

For many Nigerians, these are more than telecommunications products; they are timely innovations that offer hope and convenience at a time when the challenges of electricity, insecurity and economic realities could easily prevent football lovers from enjoying the World Cup. They are equally long-term investments in Nigeria’s digital future, empowering individuals and businesses to remain productive long after the final whistle of the tournament has been blown.

Globacom deserves commendation for consistently demonstrating that innovation is most meaningful when it is driven by the needs of customers. Through the “More Data More Value” initiative and the expanded Borrow Me Credit service, the company has once again shown its commitment to solving real-life challenges facing Nigerians. By making it easier for football lovers to enjoy the 2026 FIFA World Cup and by empowering small businesses with more affordable and reliable connectivity, Glo has reinforced its reputation as a truly customer-centred and solution-driven network. These innovations are not merely new products; they are practical responses to everyday challenges and yet another testament to Globacom’s enduring commitment to enriching the lives of Nigerians through innovative telecommunications solutions…

Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com

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National

Motion to Summon Tinubu over Constituency Projects Divides House of Reps Members

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The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, witnessed a heated debate over the alleged non-funding of constituency projects across the country.

Alex Mascot, a member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency in Abia State, had moved a motion demanding that President Bola Tinubu be summoned to the House to explain the persistent lack of funding for constituency projects.

“Come and explain to us why we are spending trillions of Naira drilling roads, doing constant roads, yet Nigerians are dying.”

The motion was seconded, with some lawmakers arguing an amendment that the House should shut down for one week until the matter is fully resolved.

The proposal triggered sharp divisions. Yusuf Gagdi strongly opposed the motion, arguing that summoning the President is unnecessary since heads of relevant agencies are responsible for the implementation and funding of such projects.

He also rejected the idea of closing the House for one week, describing it as unwarranted.

Gagdi’s counter-amendment faced stiff resistance from opposition members, leading to rowdy scenes as lawmakers shouted and traded arguments.

In an attempt to restore order, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, ruled that members should vote to take a clear stand on the matter.

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Probe Alleged Fake Presidential Agency, Tinubu Orders ICPC

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President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of a “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC) and all related matters.

The President directed that the investigation be concluded and a comprehensive report submitted to him within 30 days.

The directive follows the discovery of the fictitious PFIPC, which was never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of Government.

The statement has noted that “One Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew presented himself as the Director-General of the so-called PFIPC and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.”

Among the issues to be investigated by the ICPC, according to the statement, are the forged appointment letters and other official government documents; the use of a false claim of presidential appointment to seek or obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation; and the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.

Tinubu further directed the ICPC to investigate not only the conduct of the principal individual and other collaborators involved but also the wider circumstances that may have enabled a fictitious body and a false claim of presidential appointment to acquire an appearance of official legitimacy.

The investigation is to examine the provenance and use of false official documents; the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained; the opening and operation of any related bank accounts; the source and movement of any funds involved; and the role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, intermediary or other person or entity that may have facilitated, enabled or participated in the alleged scheme.

The President further directed the Commission to identify any weaknesses in government and institutional procedures that may have been exploited and to recommend immediate measures to prevent the recurrence of similar abuses.

All ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government have been directed to provide the ICPC, upon lawful request, with all relevant information, records and assistance required for the expeditious completion of the investigation.

President Tinubu stated that the integrity of the Presidency and the institutions of the Federal Government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service.

The President directed that all persons found culpable be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law.

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Falana Asks Gbajabiamila to Step Aside for Probe over Alleged PFIPC Fraud

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Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has charged President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff (CoS), Femi Gbajabiamila, to step aside and give room for investigation into the allegation of fraud involving his office and the self-acclaimed Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi.

On June 11, 2026 Gbajabiamila denied knowledge of Adeyemi when he presented himself as the Director General of PFIPC which he claimed was non-existent.

Gbajabiamila said he petitioned security agencies in October 2025 after forged appointment letters surfaced and Adeyemi was later charged before the Federal High Court for forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

In his reaction, Adeyemi dismissed all the allegations against him, saying he was ready to clear his name in court.

Adeyemi called for an independent panel from Tinubu because those behind the allegations were trying to silence him, stressing that Gbajabiamila issued him an appointment letter.

However, Falana said the Presidency has explanations to make to Nigerians on Adeyemi’s travail.

Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM, Falana insisted that the presidency has exposed Nigeria to “unprecedented ridicule.

He said: “How did an agency that is not created by law find its way into the Appropriation Act of Nigeria? How did that body get an office in the Federal Secretariat? How did that body successfully open accounts in the Central Bank of Nigeria?

“How did the Head of Service post about 300 staff to that office? The government will have to explain to Nigerians how a sum of N24 billion was budgeted for an unknown agency, as well as how that agency had accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“If this is a conman that can con the Presidency into issuing a letter of appointment, con the Central Bank into opening accounts, con the National Assembly into inserting the agency into the budget, I think the government is kidding.”

Falana said the National Assembly must explain how an “agency unknown to law” was inserted into the budget. Citing Section 81 of the Constitution, he noted that appropriation bills originate from the Executive.

“You cannot have an agency that is not created by law in the budget of a country.

“The government has a duty to ask Mr. Gbajabiamila to step aside to allow for a full investigation in the interest of the country and even in his own interest.”

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