News

Anambra Bags Multiple Technology Awards at National Innovation and Digital Economy Council Meeting

 

Anambra State has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, securing an incredible four prestigious awards during the ICT peer review session at the 11th National Council on Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) meeting held in Kano.

The meeting was chaired by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and hosted by the Kano State Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The vision of the administration of Mr Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, is to build a liveable and prosperous Smart Mega City and Mr. Governor is massively leveraging technology and digital innovation towards achieving this vision.

The awards, a testament to Anambra’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and progress in the digital realm, are as follows:

*The Overall Winner Best State in Digital Technology Development:* Here, Anambra State stood tall as the undisputed overall winner, scoring the highest number of points in all categories, showcasing its comprehensive dedication to advancing the state in the digital landscape. This award was presented to the MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA) by the Kano State Governor, His Excellency, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf.

*First Position Best State in Digital Infrastructure Technology Development:* Under this category, Anambra State was recognized as the leading state in ICT infrastructure development, following the full implementation of the Zero Right Of Way (RoW) policy, implementation of an Internet Exchange Point; all emphasizing the state’s commitment to building a robust foundation for the prosperity of its people, using Technology. This award was presented by the Minister of CIDE, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

*First Runner-up in e-Government Implementation:* Anambra’s innovative e-government initiatives earned it the second position, highlighting the state’s effective use of technology in governance. The award was presented by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

*First Runner-up in Digital Technology Human Capital Development:* This award reinforces the state’s commitment to building a digitally-skilled and knowledgeable workforce and society in general. The final award was presented by the Kano State, Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Mohammed Othman.

It is noteworthy that Anambra’s impressive outing at the annual event that brings together the federal government and state underscores its strategic vision and exemplary but detailed execution in the realms of infrastructure, e-government, and human capital development under the visionary leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.

The awards during the official opening ceremony, followed the earlier recognition received during the ICT Peer Review session, where Anambra’s presentation made by Dr. Florence Idigo, a Director in the State ICT Agency, garnered enthusiastic applause and commendation from industry experts.

Receiving the awards on behalf of Mr. Governor, the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Governor for creating the enabling environment and a vision which guides the Agency in line with the ‘Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere’ mantra.

CFA also dedicated the awards not only to the team at ICT Agency but to the co-operation and collaboration of the entire solution team for their hard work and dedication to Mr. Governor’s vision.

“This achievement no doubt reflects our unwavering commitment to technological advancement and the transformative journey we are championing in Anambra State,” he concluded.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Security Society

EFCC Condemns False Narratives on Loss of Officer

post-image

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, expresses grief on the loss of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE II Aminu Sahabi Salisu who was killed in cold blood while on a legitimate duty on January 17, 2025 by a suspected internet fraudster,  Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu.

Additionally, the Commission views with great concern the irresponsible,  callous, inhuman and outrageous narratives being circulated on social media on the whys and wherefores of the fatal accident. It is heinous to reduce the death of a gallant officer who was carrying out patriotic and official duties to social media razzmatazz.

More worrisome is the fact that some faceless commentators are pitching their tents with an alleged criminal who unleashed terror on officers of the EFCC in their line of duty. There is no justification whatsoever to rationalise a murderous act. The milk of human kindness demands that a grieving…

Read More
Business Opinion Society Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Telecom Sector News: Call Rates Set to Increase to N18/Minute Under New Tariff Plan

post-image

In a significant development for Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has announced that telecom service tariffs are set to increase by 30 to 60 percent. This adjustment, far below the 100 percent hike initially demanded by mobile network operators (MNOs), aims to balance industry sustainability with consumer affordability.

During an interview on Channels TV, Dr. Tijani revealed that the new rates would see call charges rise from the current average of N11 per minute to approximately N18.33 per minute, if a 60 percent adjustment is adopted. SMS charges will increase from N4 to N6.67, while the cost of 1GB of data could climb from N1,000 to N1,667.

“The sector drives growth in our country. Allowing a 100 percent tariff increase would be harmful to citizens who heavily depend on telecom services,” Dr. Tijani stated, underscoring the government’s focus on protecting consumers while…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Fintech Opinion

FRIEND, WHEN YOU SEE THE FOLLOWING SIGNS, KNOW THAT YOUR SACK IS IMMINENT

post-image

 

By Anayo Nwosu

The current economic situation of bank customers that makes it difficult or almost impossible for them to drop idle deposits for their account officers or to even repay their bank loans is like a rat poison to many bankers.

Bank owners or executive management are getting very impatient with bank employees’ low performance on set deposits and profit targets and have decided to curtail their expenses on salaries of staff they have categorized as value eroders or laggards.

This is the time to remember your banker friends in prayers as their seemingly long flap is no longer the size of their brokus.

The reality check is here and that which most bankers had feared most is now upon them. Sack now stares them in the face.

If you are a banker, I encourage you to read and internalize this piece. It is in your own enlightened self interest to do so.

A…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Energy

Ndubuisi Ekekwe Applauds Dangote Refinery’s Transformational Impact on Global and Local Markets

post-image

 

Renowned Nigerian academic and entrepreneur, Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, has commended the Dangote Petroleum Refinery for its groundbreaking contributions to the global and Nigerian energy sectors. In a recent Facebook post, Professor Ekekwe described the refinery as a “game changer” with far-reaching implications for international fuel markets and Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Citing a report from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), he highlighted the refinery’s impressive production capacity and high-quality output, which are redefining market dynamics. “With its impressive production capacity and high-quality petroleum products, the refinery has begun disrupting international fuel markets while gaining traction as the preferred supplier for Nigerian consumers,” Ekekwe noted.

The professor emphasized how the refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependency on fuel imports, a significant shift that has disrupted global supply chains. He pointed out the decline of several European refineries, which are losing market share to West African producers. While acknowledging the challenges faced by…

Read More
Announcements Business Economy Education Health News

Peter Obi Reaffirms Commitment to Education and Healthcare Development, Donates ₦10 Million to College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi

post-image

 

Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Hopeful of the Labour Party, has once again demonstrated his dedication to the development of education and healthcare in Nigeria. During a visit to the College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi, Anambra State, Obi shared insights into his long-standing efforts to uplift critical sectors and pledged ₦10 million to support the College’s mission of training healthcare professionals.

A Legacy of Development

Recounting his tenure as governor, Obi spoke about his instrumental role in reviving the Amichi Diocesan Hospital, which had been neglected and overrun by weeds. Collaborating with the hospital’s proprietor, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, Obi facilitated the transformation of the hospital into a functional healthcare center. He also supported the establishment of the School of Nursing, Amichi, which has since grown into the College of Nursing Sciences.

“What began as a vision during my time as governor has blossomed into a beacon…

Read More
Business Economy

A booming continent needs a new payment infrastructure

post-image

Africa is an exciting, vibrant and creative place to do business. But make no mistake, it has its challenges. Currency devaluation, political instability, and service disruptions are endemic. Africa is not for sissies, as the saying goes.

 

In navigating those challenges, relationships matter. It’s not so much about throwing money at a problem, it’s about investing time, building trust, meeting with partners and regulators, and understanding each other’s needs.

Africa offers an enormous upside for those prepared to make this time investment. The continent’s population is set to reach 2.5 billion (http://apo-opa.co/3W7Kp4w) by 2050, and Africa’s people are embracing digital technology, as the World Bank (http://apo-opa.co/3Waln4F) confirms. They are leveraging digital connectivity to improve their lives, educate themselves, send remittances, and start small enterprises. There is value in investing in that level of human development.

The payments opportunity

Running through this African growth trajectory is…

Read More
Business Economy Government

Nigeria Data Protection Commission Partners with Civil Service to Advance Privacy Practices

post-image

 

The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The visit, held in Abuja, was aimed at fostering collaboration, promoting privacy awareness, and enhancing data protection practices within Nigeria’s civil service.

During the meeting, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the importance of data protection in the digital era and commended Mrs. Walson-Jack for her unwavering commitment to the rule of law, especially in advancing digitalisation and data protection in Nigeria. He delivered a detailed presentation on the NDPC’s establishment, outlining its strategic roadmap and its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, particularly in governance and job creation.May be an image of 5 people, dais and text

Achievements and Plans Shared by NDPC

Dr. Olatunji noted the…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Travels Trends

Margaret Olele Shares Vision for 2025 with Focus on Empowering Women and Driving Change

post-image

 

Margaret Olele, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, has highlighted her aspirations for 2025, drawing on the impactful activities she engaged in last year. While some may advocate for leaving the past behind, Olele emphasized that certain initiatives from 2024 have laid the groundwork for her plans to make a significant impact this year, particularly in empowering women and fostering meaningful collaborations.

“Some may suggest we completely shut the door to last year. For me, some activities last year serve as the foundation that will shape the critical part of my 2025 plans. One is involvement with purposeful women-led activities,” Olele stated.

Her efforts included a week in December dedicated to initiatives aligned with her vision. Among…

Read More