admin

Total Post: 5154

Nigeria Advances Digital Connectivity with USTDA Grant and Strategic Partnerships

Nigeria Advances Digital Connectivity with USTDA Grant and Strategic Partnerships

The year began on a promising note for Nigeria’s digital economy as Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, led a delegation of prominent Nigerian telecom and tech leaders to the United States for a landmark event.

The delegation witnessed the signing of a historic U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) grant, aimed at developing 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria. This transformative project will follow critical routes along the national power grid, railways, roads, and oil and gas pipelines, significantly boosting the nation’s digital connectivity.

Kendall Ananyi, CEO of Tizeti, emphasized the project’s potential to revolutionize broadband accessibility in Nigeria. “Once completed, this initiative will reduce Tizeti’s bandwidth cost of sales by 90%, enabling us to generate additional free cash flow to accelerate broadband penetration through our recently launched FreeFiber.Africa project,” he stated.

Strategic Engagements at U.S. Institutions

The Nigerian delegation commenced the day at the U.S. Department of State, engaging with senior officials to solidify bilateral relations. The group then participated in a U.S.-Nigeria Strategic Technology Dialogue roundtable, hosted by the U.S.-Africa Business Center at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The panel discussions, led by Kendra Gaither, provided a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

The delegation featured notable figures, including Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity), Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide (Chairman, House Committee on Digital Economy & ICT), Ambassador Samson Itegboje, and Jane Egerton-Idehen of NIGCOMSAT. They were joined by tech leaders like Dr. Bunmi Ajala of NCAIR Nigeria, Victoria Fabunmi of NITDA, and Osibo I., representing Nigeria’s thriving telecoms and tech industries.

On the U.S. side, key government officials such as Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong, and USAID Chief Digital Development Officer Christopher Burns joined the discussions. Jennifer Bachus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, and Sarah Whitten, Senior Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, further enriched the dialogue.

Tizeti, a pioneer in Nigeria’s broadband sector, also highlighted its previous collaborations with the USAID Incentive Fund, underscoring the impact of U.S.-Nigeria partnerships in driving development.No alt text provided for this image

Strengthening Ties in Silicon Valley

The delegation’s visit extended to Silicon Valley, where Tizeti hosted the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy team, along with notable figures such as John Onwualu of Flourish Ventures and Chukwuemeka Afigbo. The gathering in San Francisco furthered discussions on the Nigeria Startup House initiative, reinforcing the commitment to foster innovation and technological growth in Nigeria.

The signing of the USTDA grant and the engagements in Washington and Silicon Valley mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward achieving robust digital infrastructure and economic transformation. These strategic collaborations between Nigeria and the United States will undoubtedly accelerate the nation’s push toward a more connected and innovative future.

Rev. Fred Obetoh Inspires Worshippers with Transformational Sermon on the Power of Decisions

Rev. Fred Obetoh Inspires Worshippers with Transformational Sermon on the Power of Decisions

 

 

At a deeply moving Sunday service, Rev. Fred Obetoh delivered a profound sermon on the theme “Decision Making,” emphasizing the life-altering power of choices and their role in shaping personal and spiritual destinies. Drawing from the scriptural passage Matthew 4:1-11, Rev. Obetoh highlighted how chance, choice, and change are integral to navigating the journey of life.

“It is your choice to fast or indulge in excess,” he began. “But remember, man shall not live by bread alone. Your choices determine your outcomes.”

Overcoming Temptations and Staying Firm

Rev. Obetoh recounted the temptations faced by Jesus during His time in the wilderness, using the narrative to illustrate how trials often intensify during moments of spiritual focus. He encouraged the congregation to remain unwavering and resolute in their faith, even when challenges arise.

“Temptations will come, especially during periods of fasting or spiritual discipline,” he said. “It’s your decision to remain steadfast.”

The sermon also touched on the subtle dangers of success, with Rev. Obetoh issuing a cautionary note:

  • “Satan can use success to destroy you.”
  • “It’s not only the cross that kills; the crown can also kill.”
  • “The praise of men is deceitful, and if you can’t manage success, the enemy will use it to ensnare you.”

Declaring 2025 as a Year of Breakthrough

Rev. Obetoh declared 2025 as a year of breaking limits and achieving breakthroughs. Leading the congregation in prayer, he proclaimed, “This year, you will break even. You will not struggle. Positive changes are coming your way!”

He emphasized the importance of mindset, urging worshippers to take charge of their thoughts and self-perception.
“Call yourself ‘SUCCESS.’ Break limits and exceed boundaries. Look at your problems and call them ‘NOTHING.’ You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”

The Right People in Your Life

Citing Luke 12:15-20, Rev. Obetoh provided a fresh perspective on relationships, reminding the congregation that God places people in our lives not for what we want but for what we need. “The people you need will love and build you up, even when it’s uncomfortable,” he said.

A Practical Framework for Balanced Living

To help the congregation manage their time effectively, Rev. Obetoh introduced the 8+8+8 Rule, a simple yet powerful approach to balancing life’s demands:

  • 8 hours for hard work to drive productivity and purpose.
  • 8 hours for sleep to ensure physical and mental well-being.
  • 8 hours divided among the following priorities:
    • 3F: Family, Friends, and Faith.
    • 3H: Health, Hygiene, and Hobby.
    • 3S: Soul, Service, and Smile.

This framework, he explained, allows individuals to maintain a holistic and fulfilling lifestyle.

Money as a Messenger of Purpose

Rev. Obetoh spoke on the role of money, describing it as a tool that serves those who solve problems. “When you focus on service and adding value, financial blessings will follow,” he assured the congregation.

Final Charge for 2025

The sermon concluded with a powerful declaration for the year:
“In 2025, my life must change for good!”

Rev. Obetoh’s message left the congregation inspired and reflective, equipping them with spiritual insights and practical tools to navigate the year ahead. The sermon reinforced the importance of making intentional decisions, embracing positive changes, and remaining anchored in faith and purpose.

Why Every Man Must Have a Reliable Job Before and After Retirement (Beyond Pension)

Why Every Man Must Have a Reliable Job Before and After Retirement (Beyond Pension)

 

Gentlemen, do not be deceived. A significant part of why your marriage thrives today is because you can provide for your family.

Your wife respects and submits to you largely because you meet her needs, not just because of love. While love is important, it can sometimes falter under pressure.

When you lose your job and struggle to find another, you’ll soon realize that money can hold more weight than love in a marriage.

I’ve had many men reach out to me, expressing how their wives’ behavior changed when they lost their jobs. Reading through their comments, I couldn’t help but smile. It’s clear that many men misunderstand women’s perspectives.

As an expert on relationships, I can tell you this: most women will change their attitudes when their husbands lose their jobs and are no longer able to provide.

And when I say “most,” I mean the majority, with few exceptions.

There are four stages that many women go through when their husbands lose their source of income:

  1. Sympathetic Stage
    At first, your wife will feel sympathy for you. She’ll recall all the good times when you provided for the family, when food was always on the table, and you took care of her and the kids. If she’s working, she’ll step up and support you without complaint. She’ll respect you even more, offering emotional and moral support, believing that this is only temporary. She’ll give you a time frame to get back on your feet. If you’re fortunate enough to secure another job within that time frame, she’ll commend your resilience. But if you don’t, prepare for the next phase.
  2. Annoying Stage
    At this point, small things you do will irritate her. She won’t express it directly, but internally, she’s frustrated. Why are you pressing the toothpaste in the middle? Why didn’t you hang the towel outside to dry? Why aren’t you preparing dinner when she comes home, despite you being home all day? These issues weren’t a problem before, but now they are, and her respect for you begins to dwindle. If this stage drags on without any progress from you, you’ll find yourself moving into the next stage.
  3. Irritating Stage
    Now, you become intolerable to her. The sympathy she had for you turns into resentment. Every little thing you do irritates her, and she starts comparing you to other men who’ve managed to secure jobs after losing theirs. She stops allowing intimacy, withdraws her affection, and may even deny you some privileges. If you still haven’t secured a job, you’re about to enter the final stage.
  4. Frustrating Stage
    In this stage, the relationship reaches a breaking point. It becomes clear that she can no longer live with a jobless husband. Whether she leaves you or you decide to move out, the marriage is on the brink of collapse.

No woman is wired to be the breadwinner for long. While the timeline for each woman differs, no woman will forever respect and submit to a man who cannot provide. Some might transition from one stage to the next within months, while others may take years. But the truth remains: without a reliable income, your marriage and happiness are at risk.

This is why it is crucial to protect your income source by any means necessary.

Your mental peace, the success of your marriage, and even your overall well-being depend on it.

If you lose a job and your dream role doesn’t appear immediately, take on any legitimate work that allows you to maintain your dignity and put food on the table.

Women, I apologize, but the truth is tough to hear. Gentlemen, you’ve probably seen this happen, or at least heard about it. Don’t be angry; this is how most women respond, as it is in their nature.

Only a very small percentage may act differently. Where does your marriage stand?

Copied 

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

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

 

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 visit to my friend’s poultry farm taught me a lesson of my life.

My friend is also my bank’s customer.

While taking me round his poultry farm, my friend showed me his broilers and other species of his other birds.

He kept emphasizing on how well fed, healthy and well maintained his poultry was.

He said that he loved the old layers more because they laid enough eggs which sales generated the cash flows he so much needed to service his bank loan. Other fowls were being grown and sold at maturity.

He revealed that he segregated the hens or old layers into three categories:
i) those that just started laying eggs;
ii) the ones at the peak of their efficient egg laying and;
iii) those that were either tired or could no longer lay eggs as they used to.

The third category (i.e tired old layers) were earmarked for sales or will be killed, processed and supplied to restaurants and other buyers.

My friend told me that each bird in his farm would one day be sold off or be eaten by him.

Is the fate of the old layer any different from the career of many bankers?

Every banker, if he or she does not resign or retire voluntarily, would be shown a way out one way or the other.

Even bank owners are often sacked by regulators these days.

Is it not wise to study what happened to others and read the signs of times and mitigate the effects when the unexpected happens?

Dear banker, be smart and perceptive, watch out for the following sack-preceding signs:

1. When you have a score of below 40% in the last your two appraisals. It is a sound HR practice to ease out 20% of the worst performers regarded as laggards.

2. When as a branch manager or head of marketing or strategic business unit (SBU), you have been posting losses for up to 4 months. It will be a miracle if you remain at your post after the 6th month.

3. If by an act of omission or commission you superintended a unit responsible for a bank’s loss of income arising from reversals, wrong postings or avoidable expenses. Those who booked bad loans are tagged in this category.

4. If your immediate boss feels threatened by your potentials especially if you had acted when he or she was on leave and had impressed the management by your performance or carriage. Your days are numbered.

Your boss would plan for your exit because you are deemed as his/her perfect replacement.

Many insecure bosses would always run you down before management until you are sacked. If you escape with a transfer to another location, you are lucky.

5. If during a bank-wide performance review meeting, more than one influential member of the executive committee pick you for shredding.

Count your days if they say you are rude, unprofessional and uncooperative. You have been discussed and you most likely will make the next sack list.

6. If you feel, and are convinced that your boss wants to see how you look when you pull off your apparels, and you are not ready to play ball. The lust would soon turn to irritation and unwarranted annoyance. Your sack would be quickened if your performance scores are low.

7. If, as a guy, you are dating or perceived to be interested in a lady your boss has been scheming to have. If you are not sacked summarily, you may be transferred to a remote location.

8. If you are deemed too old and dispensable, just know that the time to quit is near. This is after you have worked in virtually all the departments of the bank and are parked in one not-too demanding function.

Sometimes, you see yourself answering to an inaudible calls only to hear, “I was not talking to you” from your colleagues.

9. If the bank’s leadership believes that you are not to be trusted with sensitive information. Have they narrowed down a major leak or gossip to your side? Your rival colleague might have sold the news to management to do you in.

10. When you have lost seniority to two sets your juniors without any reason known to you. That you have not been sacked is that management has been looking for a plausible reason to carry out your sentence.

All through my banking career, I have seen very bright stars dim; rapidly promoted staff stagnated and hounded out of the bank.

I have also seen yesteryears laggards become the new kids on the block. It’s like a yoyo.

You may never know your fate whenever there is a slight change of leadership at the top or middle management.

I know of one self-confident operations department head who was de-feathered by a redeployment to a market-facing function. All the swagger and arrogance melted into priestly humility. He was asked to go within six months due to non-performance.

Banking has taught me that monkeys are deemed magnificent when the trees are near to each other in the forest but would understandably become very ordinary in the desert.

Once the performance facilitating dynamics of you current posting change, your rating and relevance change.

Because every fowl in my friend’s poultry farm would one day be sold or eaten just as your banking career would one day end, why not do things differently?

I advise that you work so hard to make great friends with many of your colleagues (both junior and senior) and customers. They would be your the safety net when you find yourself like a fish out of water.

An intelligent peep into the after-career lives of wicked bosses or those who willingly allowed themselves to be used to truncate the careers of fellow colleagues for transient gains, would be a correctional slap you may need now to think straight.

Now that you know this, what is your exit strategy or Plan B?

Your services may be deemed not-required earlier than you think.

NITDA, NFIU Collaborate on AML/CFT Data Management System Upgrade

NITDA, NFIU Collaborate on AML/CFT Data Management System Upgrade

 

In a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s financial challenges and advancing its digital transformation agenda, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) met with the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to present plans for the development and implementation of Project Exit: Upgrade of NFIU Data Management System and Compliance Platform.

This initiative stems from the findings of the Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) of Nigeria, which highlighted significant deficiencies in data availability and statistical analysis. These gaps hinder a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s Money Laundering (ML) and Terrorism Financing (TF) risks and the effectiveness of its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. As a result, Nigeria was placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List—a designation with far-reaching implications for the country’s global reputation, economic stability, and access to international financial markets.

In response, the NFIU sought and received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approval for NITDA to spearhead the enhancement of the existing AML/CFT/CPF Data Management Framework.

The project is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Achieve FATF compliance, enabling Nigeria’s removal from the Grey List and restoring international confidence.

2. Enhance NFIU’s operational capacity *in AML/CFT/CPF Data Management* through automation, intelligence integration, and scalability.

3. *Establish a robust and sustainable framework to ensure long-term operation of the data management platform that will support subsequent FATF mutual evaluation and other international assessments.*

4. Position Nigeria as a global leader in financial intelligence and AML/CFT practices, setting benchmarks for other nations.

To bridge the gaps identified in the MER, the collaboration is set to leverage advanced technology to strengthen Nigeria’s financial intelligence infrastructure and also improve its standing in global financial systems.

In attendance were Chairman House Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Olajide, Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; Chief Executive Officer, NFIU, Barrister Hafsat Abubakar Bakari; top management staff of both organisations.

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

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

 

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 competitors, Ekekwe stressed that Africa’s ability to build and sustain such industrial ventures is crucial to gaining global respect.

“Daily, I still wonder why Nigerians are hungry when we have Ekiti, where every home has a PhD, Ohafia, with its wealth of mansions, Kano’s historical trade routes, and Jos’s enviable climate,” he lamented, pointing to Nigeria’s vast yet underutilized potential.

Ekekwe urged stakeholders to replicate the success of the Dangote Refinery in other critical sectors such as steel and electricity. He argued that resolving Nigeria’s energy challenges at the household level would revolutionize the country’s economy and significantly enhance the quality of life for millions of citizens.

He concluded with praise for Aliko Dangote, the founder of the refinery, describing him as a visionary leader who empowers Nigerians and inspires hope for a prosperous future. “Aliko Dangote: Chukwu gozie gi (May our good Lord continue to bless you). He does what it takes to give people back their power,” Ekekwe wrote.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is Africa’s largest, continues to attract global attention, solidifying its status as a beacon of industrial progress in Nigeria and beyond.

 

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

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

 

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 of academic and healthcare excellence,” Obi remarked.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

Obi commended the College for its remarkable achievements, particularly its 100% pass rate in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria exams held in November 2023. This milestone, he noted, reflects the dedication and hard work of the institution’s management, staff, and students.

“I am delighted to see how far the College has come, thanks to the commitment of everyone involved. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we prioritize education and healthcare,” Obi said.

Financial Support for Growth

In a bid to further enhance the College’s capacity to train more nurses and midwives, Obi announced a donation of ₦10 million. The financial support, he explained, is aimed at equipping the institution with the resources needed to maintain its high standards and expand its impact on the healthcare sector.

“This donation is part of my tradition of supporting critical areas of development. Through continuous investment in education and healthcare, we can build the new Nigeria we all aspire to,” Obi emphasized.

A Vision for the Future

Peter Obi’s visit and his generous contribution underscore his commitment to addressing the gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare and educational systems. By empowering institutions like the College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi, he hopes to inspire more young Nigerians to pursue careers in healthcare and contribute to the nation’s growth.

As the country faces significant challenges in healthcare delivery, Obi’s actions serve as a reminder of the critical role that targeted investments and leadership can play in driving progress. His pledge to prioritize education and healthcare reflects a broader vision for a Nigeria where essential services are accessible, efficient, and impactful.

The College’s management and students expressed their gratitude, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the standards that have earned the institution national recognition. With Obi’s continued support, the College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi, is poised to further its contributions to the nation’s healthcare workforce.

Through initiatives like these, Peter Obi continues to exemplify the leadership and dedication needed to move Nigeria forward.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

NDPC CEO Advocates Data Protection Compliance at Lagos Workshop

NDPC CEO Advocates Data Protection Compliance at Lagos Workshop

 

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, delivered a keynote address and participated in a high-level panel discussion at the Data Protection & Privacy Awareness Workshop held in Lagos State.

Organized by Imperial Edtech, the workshop aimed to sensitize startups on the critical importance of data protection and privacy. Commending the organizers, Dr. Olatunji emphasized the pivotal role startups play in driving global economic growth, noting that they contribute approximately 3 million new jobs annually. He highlighted the strategic value of data protection for startups, asserting that compliance builds trust, enhances global competitiveness, and mitigates risks associated with data breaches and cyberattacks.

Speaking on the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, Dr. Olatunji outlined the legal obligations for startups, stressing the importance of implementing technical and organizational measures to protect data subjects’ rights. He warned of the consequences of non-compliance and encouraged startups to ensure individuals can exercise their privacy rights effectively.

During the panel session, Dr. Olatunji elaborated on the NDPC’s initiatives to foster compliance across public and private sectors. He unveiled the Commission’s strategic roadmap, focusing on awareness creation, human capital development, and innovation. Addressing key topics such as data localisation, sovereignty, and harmonization, he also discussed challenges facing the data protection ecosystem both locally and globally.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Olatunji urged participants and startups to collaborate with regulators in building a secure and sustainable digital future for Nigeria.

The workshop reaffirmed the NDPC’s commitment to championing privacy rights and supporting startups in navigating the complexities of data protection compliance.

 

MATAWALLE CALLS FOR ENHANCED COLLABORATION AND FUNDING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY

MATAWALLE CALLS FOR ENHANCED COLLABORATION AND FUNDING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY

 

 

…Emphasizes the Need for Modern Equipment to Combat Banditry and Criminality

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H. E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, has urged for increased collaboration and funding for the Defence sector to effectively combat and eliminate banditry and other forms of criminality across the nation.

The Minister made this appeal during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Proposal for the Ministry of Defence to the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Defence at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

In his address, Minister Matawalle underscored the importance of robust collaboration with lawmakers, commending the unwavering commitment and cooperative efforts of both the House and Senate Committees on Defence. He noted that their steadfast support has been instrumental in the Ministry’s achievements to date.

Addressing the critical issue of funding, he described the current budget as insufficient given the modern security challenges faced by the nation. “With the right equipment, we can significantly resolve the battle against banditry,” he stated. He further elaborated that the Ministry of Defence is tasked with providing essential equipment to various regions, a goal that remains unfulfilled due to budget constraints. “In 2024, we were only able to procure some Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). We need more APCs to tackle insecurity swiftly ” he said.

The Minister expressed his hope that the legislative bodies would consider increasing the budget allocation for the Ministry of Defence, enabling the provision of necessary equipment to areas experiencing fresh attacks and facilitating a decisive action against banditry.

He extended his gratitude to the leadership of the committees for their continued support, emphasizing that their cooperation has significantly contributed to the Ministry’s progress.

In response, the leadership of the committees assured Minister Matawalle of their ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Defence to ensure the successful realization of President’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Security.

The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, and Directors of the Ministry.

 

NITDA Launches Comprehensive Digital Literacy Training for Federal Civil Servants

NITDA Launches Comprehensive Digital Literacy Training for Federal Civil Servants

 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, has unveiled an ambitious Digital Literacy Training and Certification Programme for federal civil servants. The initiative aims to equip government employees with critical IT knowledge and skills to enhance public service delivery and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a global technology hub.

The 3-day training, hosted at the e-Government Training Centre, Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), will train 69,000 federal civil servants weekly, reaching the entire workforce within nine months. The programme is a significant step towards achieving NITDA’s mandate of upskilling public sector employees to implement digital solutions for improved governance and service delivery.

In his remarks at the launch, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi underscored the government’s commitment to reaching 70% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2027, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He highlighted the transformative role of digital literacy in governance, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

This initiative is a testament to NITDA’s dedication to fostering human capital development in the digital economy, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of technological advancements and innovation.