Government International Society Technology Technology Trends July 29, 2024July 29, 2024

Nigeria’s Energy Security and Sufficiency Pursuit: Leapfrogging Through Challenges for Sustainable Energy Development – ECN Boss

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Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology and Energy Commission of Nigeria Mark Groundbreaking Ceremony of Assembly Plant Construction at Ihunekwagu Autonomous Community, Akpugo

Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of energy security and sustainable development as the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) breaks ground on a new solar PV module assembly plant at Ihunekwagu Autonomous Community, Akpugo, Nkanu West Local Government. The ceremony was led by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, alongside the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakibie.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Abdullahi emphasized the critical need to boost access to electricity across Nigeria. Despite the nation’s vast resources, grid electricity remains inefficient and inaccessible to many, hindering socioeconomic development and impacting the quality of life for millions. Dr. Abdullahi stated, “In addressing these challenges, photovoltaic (PV) electricity emerges as a crucial solution. Solar energy offers a sustainable, reliable, and decentralized power source that can reach the remotest corners of our country, bringing light and hope to all.”

The new solar PV module assembly plant represents a giant leap forward in translating ECN’s research outputs into indigenous solutions capable of transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape. Dr. Abdullahi highlighted the importance of the project, noting, “This assembling plant is not just a technological advancement; it is a testament to our dedication to fostering home-grown innovation and self-reliance. It also perfectly aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda under the leadership of His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”

The Energy Commission has been committed to research and development in renewable energy, particularly PV technology, for several years. This commitment has led to the development of demonstrable products that address various energy-related problems, from bio-energy systems reducing dependence on fossil fuels to solar drying systems aiding rural farmers.

Dr. Abdullahi believes that the new plant will significantly boost the Commission’s capacity to domesticate solar PV technology in Nigeria. He commended the efforts of research institutions and individuals who have made strides in PV module production with limited resources. The new facility will transition from small-scale attempts to a full-fledged production facility, meeting the country’s growing energy needs, creating jobs, and providing opportunities for youth and skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector.

Dr. Abdullahi expressed his gratitude to the Honourable Minister, Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakibie, for his unwavering support and political backing. “Your belief in this project and your commitment to its success have been invaluable and extremely crucial,” Dr. Abdullahi remarked. He also acknowledged the dedicated team at the Energy Commission of Nigeria for their hard work and vision.

The event was graced by other distinguished guests, including members of the House of Representatives from Enugu State, and Directors-General of NASRDA, NNMDA, PRODA, NICFOST, NACETEM, NITR, and NBTI.

This groundbreaking ceremony marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving sustainable energy development and energy security for all.

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Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo Commits to Transforming Anambra State Polytechnic

Enriching lives: A Guiding Principle (By Fhulu Badugela)

Sanâa Kiadi Reflects on Participation in IOM Workshop on Migration Data in Rabat, Morocco

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Sanâa Kiadi, a distinguished Global Strategist and International Executive, recently had the honor of representing the African Migration Observatory (AMO) at the Sub-Regional Workshop on Migration Data and Research, which took place on October 16th and 17th in Rabat, Morocco. This significant event was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Government of Morocco, bringing together key stakeholders dedicated to advancing the understanding of migration dynamics in the region.

During her participation, Kiadi presented AMO’s mission, which is focused on enhancing migration data collection and analysis across Africa. Her presentation underscored the importance of establishing robust data systems that inform evidence-based migration policies. “Accurate and comprehensive migration data is essential for shaping policies that address…

Business Economy Energy Environment Government November 4, 2024November 4, 2024

Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara Shuts Down NNPC and Oil Companies, Proclaims “No Allocation for Rivers State, No Oil for Nigeria”

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In a bold and unprecedented move, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has ordered the shutdown of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and all oil companies operating in the state. His declaration, “No allocation for Rivers State, no oil for Nigeria,” reflects a deep frustration over what he perceives as the unfair distribution of oil revenues.

This decisive action has sent ripples through the nation, resulting in Nigeria’s global oil production ranking plummeting from 4th to 24th almost immediately. Governor Fubara’s stance not only puts the spotlight on the importance of Rivers State to Nigeria’s oil supply but also raises questions about the broader implications for the economy and energy sector.

In a heartfelt challenge to influential leaders, including Minister Nyesom…

Business Economy News Opinion November 4, 2024November 4, 2024

The business case for automating customer due diligence and FICA compliance

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By Sameer Kumandan, MD of SearchWorks

Automation has been labelled as a way to tighten up the corners, without cutting them. An apt description, it’s all about using technologies to up productivity, boost efficiency, reduce errors and save businesses a lot of time without having to make any sacrifices when it comes to quality or performance.

Customer Due Diligence (CDD) plays a critical role in mitigating financial crime risks by helping businesses establish that their customers are not involved in illegal activities and that they are who they say they are. In addition, CDD is essential to ensure compliance with South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). And it’s not a one-time activity. Ongoing monitoring is vital to keep close tabs on how a customer’s circumstances and activities change over time. This is important, because risks evolve over time and because of the rise of what

Business Culture Economy Health November 3, 2024November 3, 2024

The Heart of Moppet Foods: How Loyal Customers Like Marian Are Building a Nigerian Brand Together

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When Roberta Edu launched Moppet Foods, a locally-produced baby food brand, she hoped parents across Nigeria would find value in a nutritious, homegrown option for their babies. But what she didn’t expect was the level of passion and loyalty she’d see from her customers—people who believe in her brand so deeply that they’ve become its unofficial guardians.

Recently, Edu shared a story about one of her most devoted customers, Marian, who lives in Akoka and buys Moppet baby food from the Justrite store in Bariga. Marian’s dedication goes far beyond simply picking up a carton of baby food; she’s become almost a part of the Moppet team. “The way she looks out for us—it’s something I can’t even describe,” Edu said.

Marian has taken it upon herself to monitor Moppet’s stock levels at the store, as if the brand were her own. Every time she’s at Justrite, she’ll check the shelves,…

Announcements Business Culture Economy November 2, 2024November 2, 2024

Umo Eno: Akwa Ibom Embarks on 18-Storey Ibom Towers Project in Lagos to Drive Economic Diversification

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Akwa Ibom State has launched a notable development initiative outside its borders, breaking ground on an 18-story building, the Ibom Towers, in Lagos. The project has stirred discussions around its location, with some questioning why the state would invest in infrastructure outside Akwa Ibom. Governor Umo Eno clarified the motivation behind the decision, describing it as a strategic move aimed at diversifying Akwa Ibom’s economy and establishing new revenue sources.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event, Governor Eno stated, “Today, as part of our efforts to diversify Akwa Ibom’s economy, we marked the groundbreaking of the 18-story Ibom Towers in Lagos. This project, expected to be completed in 24 months, will drive substantial revenue growth and economic ties between Akwa Ibom and Lagos States.”

The governor extended gratitude to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who led the ceremony, as well as to former Akwa Ibom Governors Udom Emmanuel, CON, and Obong Victor…

Business Economy Education Gadgets Government Technology Technology Trends Telecoms November 1, 2024November 1, 2024

NITDA Fosters Indigenous Technology Production and Digital Literacy in Nigeria

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In a strategic initiative to promote indigenous technology production and enhance digital literacy across Nigeria, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), welcomed a delegation from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Imose Technologies Limited at the agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

During this meeting, the team presented locally produced laptops and tablets manufactured by Imose Technologies in partnership with NASENI. This collaboration aims to ensure the availability of affordable digital devices for Nigerians, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority areas of accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.

Furthermore, Director General Abdullahi met with the management team of Strengths Africa to discuss collaborative strategies aimed at advancing capacity building within NITDA. This partnership seeks to enhance the skills,…

Art Business Culture Economy October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

Voices of a new generation: looking at how young Nigerians make use of the media and internet on Youth Day

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Many countries worldwide celebrate Youth Day in some form or another. However, this day is observed in Nigeria on November 1, highlighting the country’s youth population.

As a tribute to tomorrow’s leaders, this annual salute to the youth aims to highlight the challenges faced by the youth and find potential solutions for these issues. According to a paper published by Cambridge University Press, young Nigerians have to navigate numerous problems, including unemployment, poverty, and a lack of access to education.¹

At Aleph Group, we believe quality education is essential for equipping young Africans with the skills they need to enter the global workforce. This includes practical training in suitable industries and technology, said Stanislaus Martins, Aleph’s Managing Director for West Africa.

To that end, Nigerian youth have embraced technology with open arms. A recent study by Aleph…

Business October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

Datacentrix graduates singled out as only Southern Hemisphere winners in IBM watsonx Generative AI Challenge

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Datacentrix, a leading provider of high performing and secure ICT solutions, is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of two graduate teams. The two teams entered the recent IBM watsonx Generative AI Challenge and achieved first and third place in the watsonx AI Assistant Challenge track.

The aim of the interactive, hands-on competition was to allow participants to transcend theoretical generative AI concepts and create practical, AI-infused solutions for real-world customer use cases.

Competing against teams from 44 different countries across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, Datacentrix’s X-men group, composed of graduates from Cape Town and Johannesburg, secured first place, while the Quadbots, hailing from Durban, earned third place, marking a significant milestone for Datacentrix as the only winning teams from the Southern Hemisphere across the entire competition.

The IBM watsonx Generative AI Challenge focused on three key trials: using prompt engineering to analyse customer experience with watsonx.ai; automating…