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Pantami, Danbata Call for Promotion of Indigenous Digital Solutions

Pantami, Danbata Call for Promotion of Indigenous Digital Solutions

…as NCC Rewards Winners of Covid-19 Virtual Hackathon

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has advocated the need for all stakeholders to join hands with the Ministry and its agencies in their quest to promote the development of indigenous digital solutions in Nigeria.

Pantami made the call during the presentation of N3 million prize money to each of the three promising startups that emerged winners in the COVID-19 Virtual Hackathon organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.

The Virtual Hackathon was initiated by NCC to ignite the Nigerian youths to develop adaptable and innovative digital solutions that can address some of the challenges that have come about as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The start-ups who made it to the top three are Elizade University Team, Primed E-Health Solutions and Cyberfleet. The Elizade University Team’s tech solution is an Automated Temperature Scanner (ATS), a device designed to conduct automatic temperature screening and contact tracing of persons with body temperature above the normal level for human beings.

Primed E-Health developed a mobile and web solution called SmartClinic, which can link a patient-based mobile health app with a hospital-based information management system while ‘KlassConnect’ by Cyberfleet is an online platform that can be deployed by schools to continue with teaching and learning activities regardless of any health challenges that may prevent face-to-face physical interactions.

Speaking at the event, Pantami commended the leadership of the Commission for embarking on the tech contest. He said the initiative is not only in tandem with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) but also aligns with the implementation of the Executive Order 003, which aims to promote indigenous content development and patronage in Nigeria.

“No country will develop without taking deliberate decisions to promote its indigenous solutions to solve national problems. Through this contest, the NCC has demonstrated its resolve to drive the Ministry’s efforts in leveraging indigenous digital solutions to address challenges thrown up by COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” the Minister said.

The COVID-19 Virtual Hackathon is a follow-up to the first hackathon by the Commission, which culminated in the hosting of an ‘ICT Innovation, Competition/Exhibition Forum’ at the Lagos Campus of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in December, 2019. At the end of the maiden edition, three (3) Startups namely, Quataloog, Wicrypt and Phaheem Nigeria Limited emerged winners.

The annual Hackathon is part of the strategic initiatives of the Commission to promote ICT innovation and investment in the Nigerian telecommunications sector and improve the nation’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Speaking earlier at the prize-giving ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the hackathon is expected to throw up innovative and adaptable solutions in five thematic areas namely health, community, productivity, economy and education.

Danbatta stated that the Commission is committed to encourage innovation and has regularly sponsored Nigerian youths with innovative ideas to various competitions organised by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and other international bodies.

“The NCC, has in the past two years, facilitated similar ICT-based innovations and research competitions among tertiary institutions in the country” he said, while reiterating the NCC’s commitment to driving indigenous digital innovations to address national challenges.

Director, Research and Development, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, stated that the Commission received 282 proposals and shortlisted 56 from which three promising startups emerged winners. He said the NCC will track the development of their ideas into full-blown products that can be deployed on a commercial basis.

NCC is committed to enabling home-grown digital innovative solutions that improve the quality of lives of the citizenry, create wealth and achieve the overall goals and objectives of the new digital economy agenda of the Federal Government.

Digital transformation and its role in building the African network

Digital transformation and its role in building the African network

Driving inclusive growth across Africa should be a collective goal for all its inhabitants. In particular, building an African-wide technology ecosystem, is essential for the development and empowerment of business in Africa. CMC Networks, Africa and the Middle East’s premier data connectivity network provider, says that building an African network for Africans should be an imperative if technology is to play a role in developing a vital emerging market.

Marisa Trisolino, CEO of CMC Networks, says that digital transformation plays a key role in the focus and growth of an African-wide network: “Digitilisation and the Covid-19 pandemic has assisted in -accelerating many CIOs to reconsider the benefits of a locally driven network, as well as the role of peering.”

According to Trisolino, Africa, despite its progress, still remains behind global counterparts when considering its level of digital transformation and in particular, cloud and peering adoption: “Thanks to the arrival of key cloud providers, CIOs have started to consider the viability of developing stronger and more functional local networks, relying less and less on offshore support or services. Traditional practices such as IP Transit remains popular, despite its prohibitive cost. We need to start changing the mindset and approach in building an African-focused network.”

Believing that a cloud strategy was exorbitantly priced, CIOs have been apprehensive about implementing a fully-fledged one, however Trisolino says that the mood has changed with many CIOs now -fast tracking a cloud implementation: “While the pandemic forced a more focused look at cloud computing, CIOs have become far more aware of the benefits of digital transformation. Not only in terms of managing IT infrastructure, but more importantly, the availability of services and solutions that can be offered as a result.”

While the Tier 1 Operators are leading the transformation, Trisolino says that CMC Networks has seen significant uptake within the industry ranging from corporate law firms, to courier companies realising the far-reaching benefits of digitilisation and of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and the Internet of Things.

Of significant importance, says Trisolino is CMC Network’s relationship with vendor-neutral data Centre, Teraco: “Being on Teraco’s Africa Cloud Exchange provides direct connection to a wide range of local and global cloud services. This enables us to push our agenda of building an African network more easily, and cost effectively.”

In its drive to keep traffic onshore, CMC Networks has developed a unique peering strategy and works closely with Africa’s largest Internet exchange, NAPAfrica. Jan Hnizdo, CEO of Teraco, says that the data centre is a passionate advocate for carriers building networks to broaden the reach across Africa: “We are Africa’s most interconnected data centre, offering not only access to NAPAfrica, but also to the Africa Cloud Exchange, which is aimed at improving hybrid and multi-cloud performance through direct interconnection.”

Through its presence within Teraco, CMC Networks is able to offer access to its African network, which services 51 of the 54 African countries, quickly and cost effectively. In addition, Trisolino says that cross-border connectivity is a seamless experience if both parties are located within the exchange.

“Not only does Teraco have the infrastructure in place, it also has the skills and knowledge to ensure cross-connections are done within hours. Together with NAPAfrica, CMC Networks uses remote peering and its 80+ African Points of Presence, as a viable option versus a pricey alternative of IP Transit.”

She says that as more edges are built to the Internet, content grows, transit increases and economies can flourish: “If we collectively aim to support local exchanges and utilise locally-based peering services, we can grow the connected economies and further develop and grow the networks across the African continent.”

ENDS

About CMC Networks

CMC Networks is a carrier-neutral vendor that provides and enables connectivity and solutions across the entire African continent and Middle East region, with 80 PoPs across 51 countries in Africa and 110 PoPs globally across USA, Europe, UAE, India, and Asia Pacific regions.

CMC Networks provides customers with world class, next generation connectivity and solutions across a traditionally difficult geography in a manner normally associated with first world countries to their end-users, making true one stop shopping for wholesale telco services a reality, and ensuring all customers are and will be future ready.

CMC Networks is majority owned by The Carlyle Group, which is one of the world’s largest and most diversified alternative asset management firms with over $200B of assets under management. www.carlyle.com

NITDA TO EXTEND NAVSA PROGRAMME TO ALL STATES -DG

NITDA TO EXTEND NAVSA PROGRAMME TO ALL STATES -DG

The Director General, National Information technology Development Agency, (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE has reaffirmed the commitment of the Agency to extend the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture, (NAVSA) to other states in the country.

The DG disclosed this today when he played host to the Management of Jigawa Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (JICCIMA) at the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

Mallam Abdullahi stated that NAVSA remains one of the success stories of the Agency in the state it has been piloted and implemented and” the Agency would ensure that the programme covers all the 36 states of the federation.

The National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA), which is an initiative of the Agency is to create a digital database for farmers where they can buy and sell their farm produce. The project was piloted in Jigawa State in July with the plan to capture all the states in the country.

According to Abdullahi, the project’s goal is to build digital capabilities and innovations across agriculture value chain aimed at creating massive jobs and improve the income and wealth of every ecosystem players.

The DG recalled that in January this year, during the commissioning of ICT centre at Hadeija. Jigawa State, the state governor, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru has indicated willingness to partner with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and NITDA to make the state ICT compliant in its operations.

He assured them that the Agency will look into the requests of the Chambers and work with it to build the capacity of the citizens through e-learning platforms. “Training is one of the Agency’s mandate. With the outbreak of COVID-19, our trainings have been going on virtually which is in line with the Presidential Task Force guidelines to maintain social distancing, such special trainings can be done virtually to impact the citizens of the state. He added, “The e-learning center will enable the state create jobs and aid in lifting 100 million people out of poverty which is in line with the Present Administration mandate to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, providing direct or indirect jobs for the growth and development of the country.

Earlier, the president of JICCIMA, Hon. Muhammed Mukhtar has solicited for support of the Agency in the following areas; construction and provision of equipment for e-Library, support survey and data collection for building of database that will bring out JICCIMA handbook and training of 500 JICCIMA on online businesses and e-marketing.

He said, “We believe by doing so, JICCIMA will improve the capacity of its members in doing business and also boost the economic activities of the state generally thereby creating jobs and revenue flow for the state.

NITDA

WHY IGBO MAN CAN’T BE ALLOWED TO RULE NIGERIA! – TUNDE EDNUT

WHY IGBO MAN CAN’T BE ALLOWED TO RULE NIGERIA! – TUNDE EDNUT

Though with a funny musical career or do we say faltering musically with no album this last few years, no single, no “banger”, no LP Tunde Ednut made a name when the Nigerian pop culture was in her nascent period when competition wasn’t there much ! He has been in the news lately for his love for Igbo staying in Nigeria and his phobia for Igbo being a president because of Biafra! Whichever way you look at it, Tunde is in news and possibly using Biafra to trend once again!

All for the gram, Tunde, just like tundra took to the Instagram and made his position clear to those that follow him and said ““An Igbo man should not be allowed to be president of Nigeria. I have a feeling that BIAFRA will be established if that happens. They will leave us Oo and Nigeria will crumble if they leave Oo. Igbos have been planning BIAFRA since. They have their plan together. Let’s not give Igbos the opportunity to leave now. We are in this Nigeria together, you will not run anywhere. we die here.”

Now we have a different school of thought here,some folks are saying that Tunde has demonstrated his hate for Igbo and that he has made it clear that no Igbo will ever be president if he has the opportunity, while others have seen this statement as a patriotic statement which is in tune with the “indivisibility” of Nigeria and the need to keep the Igbo ethnic group in the country having seen the tremendous glory and strides they have brought to the nation.

Though,the Igbo enthic group has been fighting for their independence and a state of their own called Biafra, citing injustice, inability to express themselves economically, politically and above all marginalisation. An accusation that the Nigerian Governemnt has clearly denied after the first civil war which saw millions of people especially the Igbo and the erstwhile Biafrans die.

The country has made tremendous effort to reintegrate the Igbo back to the nationhood and make them feel and have a sense of belonging, but the big question is; are the Igbo feeling this sense of belonging?

Well, Tunde has come out to clarify his position now that it is Igbo turn to produce the president of the country for the first time ever, Tunde is advising and saying that it is pointless or suicidal to allow an Igbo man ever be a president in his own country and possibly, he doesn’t and wouldn’t allow them to have their own country to govern themselves!

Tunde has a feeling that if that happens, Biafra will be established, the Igbos will leave and Nigeria will crumble.He said an Igbo man should not be allowed to be president of Nigeria for now. Doing so will allow them establish Biafra which many Nigerians are uncomfortable with and it is understandable,no nation would sit back and let the critical people .

Igbo people in their traditional wears

Though, some Igbo folks like Kanu ain’t taking that either, they have been demanding for referendum to exit , but (un)fortunately,the Nigerian constitution doesn’t recognize plebiscite or referendum and Kanu with his group proscribed. A quagmire the country might find herself in! How they would navigate this waters is what Tunde Ednut seems to offer via the Instagram!

Igbo people are one of the major ethnic group of the country, numbering over 40 million,very urbanised and Western. Having produced one of the finest brains in the country ranging from literature ,Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie , Buchi Emecheta to Economic gurus such as Pat Utomi, Charles Soludo, Paschal Dozie, Jim Ovia, Ngozi Iweala and Paul Ogwuma! Having notables in sports such as Kanu Nwankwo, Austin Okocha, Mikel Obi etc. Igbo people have been appointed globally as world class citizens offering top notch services in the world organization such as the international court of justice (ICJ) Louis Mbanefo, though no Igbo man had ever been the Chief of justice in Nigeria ! Ngozi Iweala in the global financial space and others but with all these strides including an appointment of Igbo man.

Obinna Ukwuani just few days ago to pilot Rwanda’s agro revolution and fintech space, majority of Nigerians feel that it would be unwise to let the Igbo be president and show case what they have done globally and locally in their region. A lot of Igbo are Mayors in Western world ,many are members of parliament and handling policy making offices in the developed world but in their own country many of their compatriots seems to have this phobia of them and wouldn’t want them to be at the decision making process, a coinage they (Igbo ) call “Igbophobia” which Chinua Achebe explained in his last work “There was a Country. ” But,the Igbo has consistently demonstrated that they are more Nigerian than the rest by building structures, investing heavily in non Igbo areas.

It is believed that the Igbo region has the highest start up ecosystem in the continent with their bespoke business settlement scheme which they call “igba boy” which has produced many millionaires like the car manufacturing man, Innocent Chukwuma and the only Rolls Royce and BMW franchise dealer in Nigeria , Cosmos Maduka known as Coscharis. As it stands now, folks like Ednuts are saying “Hell No” we can’t allow them to govern, we ain’t gonna have it and they ain’t going no where either …we all gonna die here. But as it is said before, it is all for the gram!

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

“Though, some Igbo folks like Kanu ain’t taking that either, they have been demanding for referendum to exit , but (un)fortunately,the Nigerian constitution doesn’t recognize plebiscite or referendum and Kanu with his group proscribed. A quagmire the country might find herself in…”

OBINNA APPOINTED BY RWANDA TO PILOT THE BANK OF KIGALI’S FINTECH DEVELOPMENT

OBINNA APPOINTED BY RWANDA TO PILOT THE BANK OF KIGALI’S FINTECH DEVELOPMENT

Rwanda, one of the major Sub Saharan Africa’s reference point and a country that has demonstrated that it can rise out war seamlessly and building a resilient economy appoints a Nigerian , Obinna Ukwuani to pilot critical portfolio in their apex bank, Bank of Kigali. A testament of a nation putting square pegs in square holes which is rare in sub Saharan African nations riddled with tribalism and nepotism. No wonder Rwanda is making tremendous strides more than nations that have access to sea.

Obinna Ukwuani’s appointments would be the Chief Digital Officer of the Bank of Kigali. According to the announcement, he is replacing Regis Rugemanshuro at the new role.

This can be described as the Digital Factory division for product innovation and development in digital banking at the country’s apex bank. A core financial technology (fintech) space he would be in charge of churning and developing world class digital products and also upgrading their digital wallet called Ikofi.

Through Ikofi, the Bank of Kigali offers financial services that farmers, agro-dealers, Agri-businesses and other stakeholders in the country’s agricultural space and Obinna would be making (in)direct impacts on these sets of people and also deepening the good security of the Central African Nation.

With a degree in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and fantastic interest in Robotics. Obi is the founder of Exposure Robotics Academy where STEM programs were taught to secondary school pupils.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

BENUE STATE GOVT TO ESTABLISH INTERNATIONAL FOOD MARKET

BENUE STATE GOVT TO ESTABLISH INTERNATIONAL FOOD MARKET

Benue State government is to establish an International Food Basket Market in Makurdi, Governor Samuel Ortom has stated.

He announced this today at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi during a courtesy call on him by members of the National Association of Yam Farmers, Processors and Marketers.

Governor Ortom said government had began negotiations with members of the community at Agan in Makurdi local government area for acquisition of about 500 hectares of land for establishment of the market which would have state of the art facilities.

Governor Ortom urged the agriculture commissioner with his Trade and Investment counterpart to liaise with the Association’s President to look into requests and proposals they had brought for consideration.

The Governor pledged his administration’s readiness to support the association to carry out its activities, saying he was impressed by the National president’s struggles over the years to succeed despite challenges.

Earlier, the President, National Association of Yam Farmers, Processors and Marketers, Professor Simon Irtwange, solicited support that could help to establish yam confectionary products as empowerment strategy for Benue women and youths.

Professor Irtwange called on the state government to support private sector investment in production of cartons for yam export packaging as there was no such facility in North Central Nigeria.

He also appealed for the optimisation of the Zaki Biam International Yam Market in addition to other logistics support to facilitate activities and programmes of the Association.

By Jimin Geoffrey

IMO ROAD CONSTRUCTION: GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA CHANGING THE NARRATIVES IN JUST SEVEN MONTHS.

IMO ROAD CONSTRUCTION: GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA CHANGING THE NARRATIVES IN JUST SEVEN MONTHS.

There is no disputing the fact that IMO State was the capital of dilapidated road infrastructure throughout the eight years of the “family-rescued” administration of Rochas Okorocha. The roads terribility is such that it became an article of caricature and identification to Imolites across the world. The photo-ops termed rural road construction paraded by Okorocha was an additional avenue to siphon public funds while the poor status of the roads degenerated into criticality.

An Image of a set of people seated at the center of a newly constructed road went viral in 2018/2019 and it had the caption “…when IMO state people visited Anambra and saw a road” – what a devastating description of the easter heartland, a state that was a national envy to others as a result of Dee Sam Mbakwe’s uncommon governance.

Imolites yearned for an immediate turnaround; a total overhaul and an absolute restoration. Imolites sort for the emergence of an angelic being, one with a competent leadership skills and qualitative capacity to deliver swiftly, smoothly and strategically the dividends of democracy to the people. The desire and crave were so strong that Imolites expects a miraculous manifestation within days.

His Excellency, the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma came into office and swung into action immediately – man like no other. Adopted the fraudulently awarded contracts of the ousted PDP administration and as well awarded additional roads, for a start, with quality and swiftness as his penchant while addressing contractors.

Everyday inspection, everyday supervision. The Governor has been so devoted and focused towards delivery on the rehabilitation of the road infrastructural deficit of the state while reconstructing dilapidated roads and recovering abandoned ones. These are the constituent cardinal points of the Shared Prosperity administration.

Fast forward seven months later, the ambience in the state turned around; the airways was beautified with the miraculous commissioning of completed road projects within the state. The Governor has surmounted the obstacles and broken the jinx of impossibilities. A feat that could not be recorded within eight years of acidic rain, a feat that could not be recorded within seven months of “allowing the rains to subside” has been overwhelmingly and exceedingly commissioned, even with the rains.

This narratives as being changed by His Excellency, the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma are so striking, splendid, impressive, admirable and magnificent to the point that the “doubting Thomas” have flooded in their numbers, with disbelief and left in awe wondering how these impossibilities became possible. A very magic touch.

The entire state is a construction site with ongoing work. A review and revocation of nonperforming contracts have been initiated, an MOU signed with construction giant JB for the ever busy, economically important and strategic roads connecting the three senatorial zones of the state vis-à-vis Owerri-Okigwe and Owerri-Orlu road. As the rains wind up for the year, greater and speedy works would be witnessed accros the state.

His Excellency has truly responded, in the best and appropriate format, to the popular question in a parlance peculiar to Ndi Imo – “who say men no dey”, for in him, “men dey”.

© Ezeafurukwe Paul Ihunanya

writing from the Office of the Governor New and Electronic Media

HopeNewAndElectronicMediaCenter

AudacityOfHope

Boss Mustapha Disagrees With Sanwo Olu On Reopening of School

Boss Mustapha Disagrees With Sanwo Olu On Reopening of School

The federal government has warned state governors against the full reopening of schools – Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state had on Saturday, August 29, announced that all the schools in the state would resume on September 21 –

The Nigerian Federal Governemnt has Warned all the states Governors Clamoring for the re-opening of schools not to do so, According to Federal Government, Other countries where in a haste to re-open schools and that action worsens the cases of Corona-virus in that countries, FG used The United States as a case study’


Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state had on Saturday, August 29, announced that all the schools in the state would resume on September 21.

Boss Mustapha, the chairman of PTF, however, advised the states to learn from the US experience where reopening of schools escalated the cases of COVID19- Ahead of the proposed resumption of academic activities in Lagos and some other states of the federation, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has called for caution among the stakeholders. The Nation reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, cited how such haste escalated the COVID-19 management situation in some other countries.

Npowernews learnt that Mustapha said it would be in the best interest of Nigeria to stick to the pattern proven effective since the national response was launched. “It is in the above context that the PTF appreciates the on-going calls for re-opening of the education sector and indeed some sub-nationals are already making preparations for such.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, during a briefing.

“Whilst the PTF does not discourage making such preparations, we need to be guided by experiences from countries such as Germany, France, the United States and the UK where opening of schools in some cities led to an increase in confirmed cases and fatalities.”

He further said that more sectors of the economy may soon be reopened, especially as the nation would be entering a new phase of the eased lockdown. Mustapha said the PTF would present its recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari this week, which will determine the next phase in the national response. He noted that the last three weeks had shown a slowdown in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country, noting that, in the last four months of testing, the lowest daily figure of confirmed cases (138) was reported on Sunday, August 30.

The PTF boss, however, urged caution and vigilance on the declining numbers as he noted that the virus is still potent and very dangerous.

Source: NpowerNews

SANWO OLU ANNOUNCES SCHOOLS RESUMPTION THIS SEPTEMBER

SANWO OLU ANNOUNCES SCHOOLS RESUMPTION THIS SEPTEMBER

Covid 19 known as Corona Virus has brought the closure of economic activities globally and Nigeria is included here. Here in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria has seen schools and other academic facilities closed since March 2020. Having seen the state recover from the pandemic and gradually coming out,the state Governor,Babajide Sanwo Olu decided to ease up the economy and open it up eventually this September. To the respite of parents , guardians and students ,the governor announced recently of the resumption of academic activities starting from 14th – 21st September.

Speaking through his verified social media handle,he said “Following the progress we have made in the management of #COVID19 and in line with our desire to gradually open the economy and critical sectors, today I announced that tertiary institutions will re-open from September 14th 2020. “

Speaking also about the nite clubs and social centres he said “In the same vein, social clubs and recreational centres with trustees are allowed to open as long as they meet all the protocols for reopening while restaurants are now permitted to have in-dining in line with all safety rules and guidelines.”

“We remain sympathetic to the plight of business owners, especially those operating in the hospitality and tourism sector. We are reviewing permissible opening dates and we assure you that concrete decisions will be taken before the end of September”,he added.

The governnor also made it known that the state is engaging experts in the various fields of life on the newest way to move the state forward in a post covid economic narrative. He said “We will continue to responsibly manage our response and be guided by experts’ advice as we work to return all socio-economic activities.”

“We will constantly keep you informed on the decisions we take in response to the pandemic and we ask for your understanding and patience” he quipped.

Babajide pleaded for patience and sacrifice this challanging times . In his word he said “These are challenging times for all of us and it requires extra levels of patience, sacrifice and understanding.”

He reiterated that the pandemic isn’t yet over and that citizens must ensure that they follow the rules “The gradual easing doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. It is not an invitation to carelessness or nonchalance.The goal is to stay healthy and remain safe,” he added.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

LAGOS SET TO MARK WORLD COCONUT DAY

LAGOS SET TO MARK WORLD COCONUT DAY

The Lagos State Government has disclosed its intention to empower more than 5,000 Coconut Value Chain entrepreneurs through its Coconut Renewal Initiatives such as Eko Coconut Bread Initiative, Coconut Processing Inputs and Training/Capacity Building of Youths and Women, as part of planned activities to mark the Year 2020 World Coconut Day celebration in the State on Wednesday, 2nd September 2020.

The State Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who disclosed this today at Ikeja, noted that these activities are part of the efforts of the State Government to arouse interest in Coconut and increase public awareness on the socio-economic importance of its value chain.

She added that there are a lot of untapped economic potentials in the Coconut industry which need to be exploited, hence the need for the State Government to create awareness about the produce.

Olusanya opined that the State would take advantage of this year’s celebration with the theme ‘Coconut in the 21st Century Economy’, to showcase the many potentials available in the Coconut value chain and how to essentially tap from its wealth.

According to her, “It is of utmost importance to sustain the awareness on the development of the Coconut value chain as it remains one of the Agricultural crops capable of ameliorating the long-term effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the economy”.

“We will be distributing improved Coconut seedlings to the representatives of Coconut growers, presentation of Certificates to participants at the just concluded Arts and Crafts training (Waste to Wealth Initiative) and exhibition of Coconut products ranging from edible to non-edibles”, she stated.

The Acting Commissioner further disclosed that a symposium by a plant geneticist and a retired Director with the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Dr. Joshua Olusesan Odewale, will be held to further bring awareness to the potentials that have not been fully tapped in the Agriculture sub-sector.

In her words “We will use this year’s World Coconut Day to create a robust relationship among Coconut Value Chain actors, Service Providers and Institutions in an effort to make them contribute significantly to the process of Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy”.

“It is important to sustain awareness on the development of the Coconut value chain especially as it is one of the Agricultural crops capable of ameliorating the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and food production”, Olusanya noted.

She revealed that the event, which will hold at the Farm Service Centre, Oko-Oba, Agege, will be in accordance with the physical distancing rules of the State Government.

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos