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Truecaller Launches Spam Eliminating Feature, Two Other Things And A Trivia

This line-up of stories will help you discover the latest happenings around the tech world, today.

1. Truecaller launches spam eliminating feature

The world’s most trusted and accurate Caller ID and telephone search engine, Truecaller, has launched a new feature to further augment its user experience.

The new feature will serve as a spam filter, helping users focus on important messages.

According to Truecaller, the feature was introduced based on user feedback and was designed to cater to the evolving needs of consumers.

It is expected that the new feature will offer a host of new services to make day-to-day communication a lot more convenient.

Speaking on the development, Zakaria Abdulkadir Hersi, Truecaller’s Director of Business Development & Partnerships Africa, noted that the new feature was to reduce distractions of users.

He said: “Roughly 80% of SMSes one receives daily are from businesses, disengaging users from important/useful messages. To combat that, SMS apps need to become smarter by filtering out spam and categorising useful information”.

Tech Trivia: Brilliance Auto is from which country?

A. Nigeria
B. Korea
C. China
D. Russia

Answer: See end of post.

2. Ghana’s Motito launches interest-free credit venture

Ghana’s ‘buy now, pay later’ platform, Motito, has announced launching a venture to offer interest-free credit to small businesses.

The startup, which only launched in Ghana last November, participated in MEST Express accelerator programme, and is one of the three Ghanaian startups selected to receive equity-free grant funding and support from MEST and the Mastercard Foundation.

According to local media, Motito is a value added service for merchants, and offers consumers increased affordability and convenience.

The startup recently took part in the Pan-African Fintech Accelerator programme.

Since its launch, users can download the app, sign up, go through an underwriting process tied to source of income, and then proceed to buy now, while they pay later.

Speaking on what inspired the initiative, Tobi Martins, co-founder of Motito, lamented the inefficiencies of exciting solutions.

He said: “Access to credit is still relatively low on the continent, credit cards are practically ineffective and micro lenders have high interest rates.

“For payment plans that go beyond four weeks, we charge a five per cent service charge to our customers as well.”

3. Payment24 launches ‘vehicle biometrics’ to fast track refueling

South African payment solutions specialist, Payment24, has launched a ‘pay by car, not by card’ model as it looks to drive cardless, contactless payment in South Africa.

Under the name FastLane, the technology works as a ‘biometrics for the vehicle’ and is capable of identifying any vehicle enrolled in the system as it drives into the forecourt.

According to Payment24, after identity is confirmed, the technology then authorises refuelling and automates payment.

The new solution is designed to allow petroleum companies and organisations operating their own fuelling homebases to improve service and efficiency, while also reducing the risk of fraud.

Operating in the artificial intelligence field, FastLane system uses programmed cameras to detect a vehicle’s registration number, make, model, colour and type as it drives into the refuelling station.

Speaking on the new technology, Nolan Daniel, CEO, Payment24, stated that the development of the new model was to shift the payment game away from traditional methods while leveraging technology.

He said: “We are advancing to a stage in which the vehicle becomes the payment mechanism, taking away the time and effort that was traditionally needed to refuel a vehicle. Using advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence, we have made ‘paying by car’ a lot faster and more secure than using something like a fleet card.

“It’s the gateway to a world of cashless transactions, real-time visibility, and satisfied customers. Payment24 FastLane is a way to distinguish yourself, giving customers peace of mind and building loyalty with them.”

Tech Trivia Answer: China

Huachen Automotive Group Holdings Co. Ltd., known for its brand name Brilliance Auto Group, is a Chinese automobile manufacturer headquartered in Shenyang. Its products include automobiles, microvans, and automotive components. Its principal activity is the design, development, manufacture and sale of passenger cars sold under the Brilliance brand.

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Reps move to harmonize various taxations by FG, States, LGAs

The House of Representatives at the plenary, on Wednesday passed through second reading a Bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), to clarify the taxation powers of the Federal, State and Local Governments.

The proposed legislation titled, “Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to Clarify the Taxation Powers of the Federal, State, and Local Governments; to Define the Scope of Taxes and Levies Collectible by Each Tier of Government; to Prevent Multiple Taxation and Unlawful Outsourcing of Revenue Collection and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Ph.D, CFR and six other lawmakers.

Leading the debate on its general principles, one of the Co-Sponsors, Hon. Joshua Audu Gana said the bill seeks to clearly define the scope of taxes and levies on Nigerians by each tier of Government and if passed, would prevent multiple taxations and unlawful outsourcing of revenue collections.

Gana argued that, the Bill would “bring order where confusion reigns”, to create clarity where overlaps have persisted, “and to ensure that every naira raised, shared or spent by government is traceable, lawful, and transparent”.

He added that, these government agencies contract private consultants or agents unlawfully to collect taxes and levies, giving room for corruption, harassment and revenue leakages.

He said, “At the heart of this Bill is a simple but transformative goal which is to align the revenue powers of the Federation, States and Local Governments in a way that promotes efficiency, discourages duplication, and restores trust in the fiscal system.

“Honourable Colleagues, the fiscal architecture of our federation has, over time, become congested and conflicting. Multiple taxes and levies are imposed at different tiers of government, often on the same taxpayers. Revenue agencies overlap, creating inefficiencies and litigations over collection rights; as seen in the disputes over Value Added Tax (VAT), Stamp Duties, and Personal Income Tax”.

The Bill was passed and referred to the Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative actions.

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Reps to probe harmful substances use in preserving frozen foods

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged use of harmful chemicals as preservatives for frozen foods across the country.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought before the Green Chamber in plenary by the member representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, Imo State, Hon Chike Okafor, on Wednesday.

Some non-governmental organisations operating in the health sector have been consistent in their outcry over the alleged use of dangerous chemicals, including formalin, sodium hydroxide, snipers, kerosene and carbide as preservatives in frozen fish, prawns, shrimp, meat, and other food items in Nigerian markets.

There are reports from regulatory bodies, health experts, and media investigations revealing that some of the chemicals used for embalming corpses, industrial processes, and ripening fruits are now being used to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods.

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Police arrest Sowore

Sowore brands Buhari’s govt despicable, as ASUU, COEASU strikes linger

Nigeria Police have reportedly arrested human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore was taken into custody at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

This was revealed in a post on X by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who accused the police and President Bola Tinubu’s administration of undermining Nigeria’s judicial system.

He wrote: “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous.
“The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system.He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”

Sowore had earlier posted on Facebook that he was with Kanu Agabi, the lead lawyer for Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court.

According to him, Agabi disclosed that his team would be withdrawing from the case, leaving Kanu to continue his trial without representation.

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