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WE CAN DEVELOP WORLD CLASS SOFTWARE FOR ANYONE HERE IN PORT HARCOURT – DAVID JOHNSON

WE CAN DEVELOP WORLD CLASS SOFTWARE FOR ANYONE HERE IN PORT HARCOURT – DAVID JOHNSON

In this media chat, David Johnson the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Rasonad, an indigenous software development company based in Port Harcourt talks on how Rasonad is focusing on next level digital solutions. Anthony Nwosu captured this in an exclusive interview.

Rasonad is a full-stack, agile software development company. With our primary services being web & mobile app development, product design, and software development consulting, brand development & digital marketing. We focus on helping our clients to accelerate their business growth by leveraging the internet and next-level digital solutions. We know that the success of any business rests on its ability to keep attracting new customers and retaining them, that’s why all of our work is centered around building custom digital solutions that make this the constant reality of our partners.

As a software firm, can you confidently say that your software is wholly indigenous?


Yes, our software solutions are wholly indigenous. We build for all kinds of businesses and save local businesses the hassle of relying on foreign software solutions. However, you can rest assured that we build to a standard that is globally competitive. We strongly believe in bespoke solutions, we don’t just dump software on our clients, ours is to engage our clients, know what they want and how they want them, and then we translate this to software. We initiate and develop our software solutions here in our office, from our web solutions to mobile app. We have built capacity in this area, we have the competent skills that will undertake any projects and above all, we have a support system that caters for our clients.

What are the unique attributes of your Enterprise software?


We currently don’t have Software as a Service (SaaS) yet, but we are working on a disruptive solution for business processes automation and edtech. We’re working hard to release the first version of this solution in 2021. We believe that once this comes out, the software is designed to change the narratives on how businesses operate in the country.


Do you think that Nigerian software developers have come of age?


Yes, a lot of Nigerian developers have come of age, although I believe there are greater heights to be conquered. In the Nigerian tech ecosystem, a handful of indigenous software companies are providing world-class solutions. They include the likes of Precious Chukunda of Chigisoft, Mavin of Cloudnetiq, Evans Akanno of Cregital, Tekena of Ispace, etc. who are all doing great exploits.

Do you have footprints in other parts of Africa?


Currently, we don’t have a footprint in any part of Africa but, we have worked with a client in Europe. The solution we built for that client was padidoctor – a digital solution created to help fight drug abuse in Africa. If this can be a stride, yes, we have deployed out of Africa and the client has shown satisfaction. Maybe in the future, we can have a physical presence in other parts of African countries, but as it is now, we can be contracted to deliver solutions at any part of the world and we would do just that.

Why Rivers State? A lot of IT firms are based in Lagos⁷, so why dwell in a state known for oil and gas exploration?


Rivers state is currently gaining traction and attention when it comes to tech, hence it’s not a bad idea for any tech firm to choose to be here. Also, as a digital agency and a service-based company we don’t necessarily need to be in Lagos to do business with anyone around the world. However, we are very happy to collaborate with other developers and tech companies in other parts of Nigeria and the world. We are trying to change the narrative of Rivers State as an Oil and Gas state; you know that in a few years, oil and gas would be a thing that many nations wouldn’t be keen on but capacity building. So, in this age where nations are gearing up for the 4th Industrial Revolution, the need to position Rivers State and Niger Delta for the future IT revolution become very imperative and we are happy to be at the forefront. Maybe, in 10 years, Rivers State would be an IT destination.

What about skills and capacity? How do you source these?


When hiring we lookout for people who are passionate and self-motivated about what they do and also have a growth mindset. We believe possessing a growth mindset is important because we understand that no matter how talented or skillful a person is, there’s always, always a need to keep improving, reskilling and upskilling in order to remain globally competitive. Though, this notion is a bit difficult considering our education system where graduates are churned out so that they would look for a job not to grow with the organization. The growth mindset brings the concept of delayed gratification which is a very good concept and builds competency in the chosen field.

What are the few challenges that you face doing your business in a place like Port Harcourt?


Poor internet connection, erratic power supply, and insecurity have been issues for us. Trying to navigate these challenges has meant we have to spend more money on running the business. However, we’re committed to excellence and as such keep finding innovative ways to surmount these difficulties as the business grows.

Do you think that the Nigerian Government is doing enough in the area of diversification?


Yes, I’d say the Federal government and the Rivers state government are making commendable moves in the area of diversification. The recent press release by NITDA that outlines their TIES Scheme aimed at supporting tech entrepreneurs and technology innovation as well as the Rivers state government’s active involvement in empowering youths with digital skills and competencies both support my stance.

As a stakeholder, what will you tell the government to deepen software development?


The tech industry is becoming the new oil industry. During the pandemic, it became even more obvious as tech and internet-based businesses kept thriving even as other sectors were declining. With what the government is already doing in the area of diversification I believe that it can be taken to another level as the software industry can massively drive economic growth, now and in the future. The Federal government can amplify its efforts by adopting and promoting indigenous software companies and solutions so that indigenous software companies can grow and even become major players within the global software market.

As we are emerging in a post-COVID narrative, what are your plans for the later part of the year?


COVID-19 has caused businesses to see the urgent need to leverage technology in doing business. As a result, we are positioned to help create top-notch custom software solutions for businesses in Africa and other parts of the world to digitize their business processes and taking into consideration the hit on the economy we have decided to give our clients up to 20-50% discount on all our services for August 2020 to skyrocket their business; to take advantage of this visit Rasonad to get a quote and free consultation for your project.

As a result, we are positioned to help create top-notch custom software solutions for businesses in Africa and other parts of the world to digitize their business processes and taking into consideration the hit on the economy we have decided to give our clients up to 20-50% discount on all our services for August 2020 to skyrocket their business; to take advantage of this visit Rasonad to get a quote and free consultation for your project.

ABIODUN SIGN SECURITY TRUST FUND, OGROMA BILLS INTO LAW

ABIODUN SIGN SECURITY TRUST FUND, OGROMA BILLS INTO LAW

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has signed the State Security Trust Fund Bill, passed by the State House of Assembly into Law.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. kunle Somorin stated the Bill was signed by the Governor after it was presented to him by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo at the Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan,Abeokuta.

Similarly, the Governor has also signed into Law the Ogun State Road Mantaince Agency (Amendment) 2019, passed by the State Assembly.

Prince Abiodun, the Statement added, had last weekend inaugurated the Committee of the Trust Fund, headed by Mr. Bolaji Balogun to source for money for the acquisition and deployment of security equipment and such human materials and financial resources that would be necessary to prevent crime and preserve public peace.

The statement said the Committee is also to promote the effect encyclopedia of all security Agencies in the State, hold gifts property and money for the purpose of crime prevention, moblise funding and resources in Cash or kind from the public, private, corporate or institutional or all other sources and manage those resources in a transparent and accountable manner for the purpose of Public security.

It added that the Committee is also to reserve part of the Fund for the training and retraining of security personnel, as well as do and perform other functions for the purpose of public security as contained in the State Security Law 2011as amended by the State Security Trust Fund Law, 2019.

They statement further added that with the passing of the Bill and signing into Law, the Ogun State Road Mantaince Agency (OGROMA), deplorable township and rural roads in the State would soon begin to wear new look as the Agency swings into action.

It stated that the administration of Prince Abiodun resuscitated the agency to serve as a quick fix mechanism to address the deplorable condition of township and rural roads.

Kunle Somorin,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ogun State.

A NIGERIAN MAN, OKOLOKO MADE JUDGE OF A SUPERIOR COURT IN AMERICA

A NIGERIAN MAN, OKOLOKO MADE JUDGE OF A SUPERIOR COURT IN AMERICA

Irrespective of the negative vibes that the arrest of Hushpuppy and his gang generated for Nigeria and her citizens globally,we have tons of Nigerians that have been contributing positively to the world. It is no more news that Nigerians are among the most educated immigrant community in the United States of America. This situation has seen a lot of Nigerians taking up positions that are very sensitive and delivering.

The recent appointment of a Nigerian,Ediri as a judge is a testament to this. A Nigerian from Delta Central (Urhobo extraction), Delta state, EDIRIN O. OKOLOKO, being sworn in, as a judge of the Snohomish County Superior Court in Washington State, U.S.A. Okoloko will replace Judge George Bowden who is retiring.

Okoloko bagged his Bachelor of Law from the University of Benin in Nigeria. He also received a law degree from the Seattle University School of Law, and has worked for the past 13 years in the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where he is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney working on homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse cases.

Before working as a prosecutor, Okoloko served as a judicial law clerk for former Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Michael Downes. Congratulation to you Edirin Okoloko, may you continue to represent well.

Anthony Nwosu and Chike Ofili

Resumption: Enugu govt moves to ensure workers’ compliance with COVID-19 protocol

Resumption: Enugu govt moves to ensure workers’ compliance with COVID-19 protocol

…Decontaminates offices ahead of August 3

Ahead of August 3 resumption of duty, after four months of lockdown, the Enugu State Government has reminded all civil servants in the state of the need to adhere strictly to the laid down preventive measures for containment of the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

The reminder was made by the state’s acting Head of Service, Mr. Ken Chukwuegbo, when he joined the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Ministerial Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Mabel Agbo and the Chairman, State Civil Service Commission, Chief Martin Ugada, to supervise the decontamination and fumigation of the State Secretariat complex and other offices, ahead of resumption of work on August 3.

Chukwuegbo, who applauded the sustained commitment of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi towards the wellbeing and safety of the workers, disclosed that “the desk officers from the office of the Head of Service have been mandated to ensure strict compliance in addition to what the Permanent Secretaries of the MDAs will be doing from Monday, the 3rd of August”.

Describing the decontamination exercise as a welcome development, the acting Head of Service also reminded the workers “that on Monday the 3rd of August they should walk into their offices with their face masks and maintain physical and social distancing as well as adhere to other precautionary measures as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)”.

Speaking further he said: “They (workers) should not loiter around; they should remain in their offices and work; they should not move from one office to another, so that together we can have a safe environment and stay safe”.

Chukwuegbo, on behalf of the workers of Enugu State, appreciated Ugwuanyi, who he described as “the workers’ friendly governor” for paying their salaries regularly even when they are at home” as well as pensions and gratuities of retired workers of the state.

Earlier in her speech, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Ministerial Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Agbo, explained that the decontamination/fumigation exercise was approved by the governor to create a safe environment for the civil servants as they resume work on August 3.

She added that the exercise will eliminate reptiles and rodents that must have invaded the offices during the lockdown as well as prevent the spread of COVID-19, saying: “Enugu State is blessed to have a Governor in the person of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who cares for the indigenes and residents of the state by protective means”.

Stressing that the workforce is a veritable organ of government with which it achieves its economic goals, the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Chief Ugada, lauded the governor’s sensibility and wise counsel that the State Secretariat should be decontaminated and fumigated for the safety of the workers and visitors.

On his part, the State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, pointed out that the state government is not only decontaminating the state secretariat but “is equally fumigating it by adding all those insecticides that can kill reptiles and mosquitoes”.

Engr. Ohaa, who handed over 600 Disinfectant Hand Sprayers to Hon. Mrs. Agbo, for distribution to offices as approved by the governor, advised the workers to stay safe and obey all the laid down COVID-19 protocol as adopted by WHO and NCDC.

Ugwuanyi News Update

COVID-19: Ministry Launches App Development Challenge to Fire Up Creativity in Youth

COVID-19: Ministry Launches App Development Challenge to Fire Up Creativity in Youth

In response to the on-going Covid-19 Pandemic, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in partnership with the public and private sector actors, has invited young Nigerians to participate in the 60 Day App Development Challenge aimed at engaging them to compete with one another in the art of mobile application design.

The Ministry, who announced this via a statement, said app developers interested in the project should be inspired by the desire to get their fellow Nigerians connecting seamlessly and safely with each other, and conducting their businesses even as the pandemic is still an ongoing concern. App submissions must solve a problem within the following fields: Edu-Tech, Agri-Tech, Sport, Health, Fin-Tech and Telecommunications.

“Through this competition, we hope to see a slew of highly innovative and easy-to-use apps, which can be used to improve a range of processes and increase the ease of accessibility to services available to the citizenry,” the statement said.

The best set of applications will attract multi-million naira prizes and training to further develop the applications. Modalities and rules for participation can be found at noya.ng or ministry of youthandsport website

The challenge kicked off on Wednesday 8th July, 2020. The project is supported by the Bank of Industry (BOI), Industrial Trust Fund (ITF), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), IBM, Microsoft, Afrilabs, 21st Century and NINE.

Signed

Media Office to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development

The rise of Sub-Saharan Africa as a fintech hub

The rise of Sub-Saharan Africa as a fintech hub

Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest-growing investment zones for financial technology companies according to new research says Forbes. The GSM Association says in its Mobile Economy, Sub-Saharan Africa 2019 report that the region will remain the fastest growing worldwide. Predicting a total subscriber base of over 600 million by 2025, which represents approximately half the population, Sub-Saharan Africa will become a flagship for mobile disruption.

One of the driving forces behind this growth, according to Mike Smits, co-founder, uKheshe, a micro transaction platform, is the unbanked: “Mastercard reports that while around 1.2bn adults opened bank accounts for the first time over the past decade, 1.7bn remain outside the formal banking sector worldwide. Our challenge, as a continent, is to reach these “unbanked” individuals and better understand, as financial service providers, why they opt to stay in the informal sector.”

Smits says that since launching uKheshe 10 months ago, the plight for financial inclusion has become glaringly obvious: “While progress has been made in terms of mobile money, it’s become imperative that we move beyond that and look into digital payment solutions. What we have realised is that financial inclusion is not just about technology disruption, but more about solving greater economic problems.”

He says that consumers need simpler, more cost-effective ways to do simple tasks such as sending or receiving money and buying airtime as examples. Of course, financial inclusion goes beyond consumers and plays a far greater role in the lives of small-scale entrepreneurs: “The gains for these informal merchants is significant, bringing income for the community at large. We have seen this as so many of our users have trebled their businesses since using our platform to trade,” says Smits.

It’s ultimately about inclusive economic growth and how digital financial services can play a major role in the increase of financial inclusion in Africa. With an ever-growing mobile base, Sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to lead the way, while also creating widespread economic prosperity.

Sanwo-Olu, Wife Celebrate Eid-El-Kabir with Patients, Health Practitioners at Hospitals

Sanwo-Olu, Wife Celebrate Eid-El-Kabir with Patients, Health Practitioners at Hospitals

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke, on Friday visited the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Broad Street and some other hospitals in different parts of the State, to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir with in-patients and health practitioners.

The Governor and his wife while at the various hospitals chatted with the patients and the medical personnel, cheering them up, encouraging them and also prayed for their recovery.

Speaking to journalists, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his unscheduled visit to Lagos Island Maternity, was to share Eid-el-Kabir moments with those in the hospital at a time when every other person is in joyous mood at home.

“It is really about the season. So, if you reflect, Eid-el-Kabir is about season of love. It is about season of remembering one another. So people are remembering Prophet Ibrahim; he slaughtered ram, which showed it is a season of giving.

“There are people on two sides, the medical officers on the frontline that are meant to be at work but more importantly are patients who for one reason or the other, cannot be with their loved ones,” he said.

Justifying his decision to pay unscheduled visit to health practitioners and in-patients at the hospitals, Sanwo-Olu said: “I felt that this is the best place to come and show love; not just to see them but to encourage them and to give them little support from myself and my government.

“Coming here, we would also see things around ourselves. It is an unscheduled visit. So, we didn’t prompt anything. I saw them in their natural habit. You can see so many doctors and nurses are on duty and patients are also happy.

“We have also seen several patients; mothers that gave birth overnight to fresh new born babies. So, it is just a season to come and thank God for them and their lives and for their families who are not here. For me, that is the most important thing.

The governor with a new born baby and the mother

“We all have to stay calm. It is a period we all need to understand that we need to stay calm and know that government cares. We might not be ‘A Star’ but we have a good conscience. We have a good heart to do something good to almost everybody. I just want my citizens to see that if we have more resources, we will do a lot for them. This is just simple way of saying thank you to everyone.”

Speaking on his response to a recent viral video of a boy begging his mother to calm down while punishing him for an offence he committed, Governor Sanwo-Olu said he believes strongly in paying attention and creating time to little things because there might be somebody somewhere who needs a help.

He said: “You look at big things but you need to certainly create time for little things as well. That is the difference. You know, you are going to build a bridge and it is nice but you have somebody who is just somewhere who needs a help.

“Just this morning (Friday), we rescued somebody who was planning to jump at the Third Mainland Bridge all because he said he has a debt of N500,000. We had to rescue him and we paid the debt. Those little details are what make the difference.

“I don’t have two heads, I don’t have 15 fingers. We are still same human beings. So, we need to show that human part of us while we are not losing sight of the big picture. The big picture is that we want to build roads, bridges and new schools. But we also need to pay attention to little one like the young boy on that video. By the way, I have spoken to him and his mother. They are doing great and I will see him one of these days very soon.”

AISHA BUHARI PRAYS THAT WE OVERCOME THE PANDEMIC

AISHA BUHARI PRAYS THAT WE OVERCOME THE PANDEMIC

The amiable and vocal wife of the President Buhari and the First Lady, Aisha Buhari observes the Eid as it is required by the Muslims. As a woman, she thanked the Muslim community for their compliance with the social distancing and used the opportunity to congratulating them.

The First Lady called in Nigeria to access the apex bank ,Central Bank of Nigeria credit tools to boost their business especially those who have been affected adversely by this Covid 19 pandemic.

Aisha Buhari and family members observing the Eid by praying to Allah

She took to her social media and prayed that we get over this pandemic soon and get back to our normal lives.

In her words,Aisha said “On this occasion of Eid el Adha, which signifies the spirit of sacrifice, I wish to congratulate Nigerian muslims and charge them to imbibe the lessons of the period. “

“I wish to use this opportunity to thank Nigerians for respecting the protocols designed for COVID19, and to call on them to remain resolute in ensuring that the pandemic is controlled. I also call on Nigerians to make best use of the financial support being provided through CBN to boost their businesses in order to cushion the effects of COVID”,She added.

“It is my ardent prayer that we overcome the pandemic as soon as possible so that we return to our normal lives in earnest”she prayed.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS ON THE EID

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS ON THE EID

Globally, the Muslim world is in a joyous mood as they celebrates Eid Kabir, this is signified by killing ram and merryment. The Nigerian President , M. Buhari has encouraged the Muslim community to ensure that they conform with the social distance rules that is in place due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

The President said, “I wish all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid El Kabir celebration. We can create the greatest impact by putting into practice the noble teachings of our religion. We must put the fear of God in our daily activities in order to make our society better. “

“I would like to call on Muslims and other faithfuls to continue to show more understanding with the government as we take steps to protect our people through social distancing and other guidelines”, Buhari added.

On the issue of health and safety of lives, the president said “The guidelines are dictated by necessity in order to safeguard public health, and should not be perceived as an infringement on people’s right to worship. These are challenging times for the entire world; COVID-19 has had devastating adverse impact on every aspect of our lives.”

“The preventive guidelines we have introduced to contain the spread of the Coronavirus have unfortunately limited people’s freedom to gather and worship in large numbers in Mosques and Churches. I call for continued patience and understanding from all. We will overcome this pandemic.”

The President ensure that his prayer was done indoors especially with his family as a way to show and demonstrate leadership by example and he reiterated the need for others to do so.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Eid Mubarak!

PROF OSIBANJO AND FOLA TALK ON THE DEATH OF AYO FASANMI

PROF OSIBANJO AND FOLA TALK ON THE DEATH OF AYO FASANMI

Nigeria and, the Yoruba people especially has lost a gem in the name of Senator Ayo Fasanmi who passed away lately at a ripe old age. Known as a cultural icon in the Yoruba space. The Vice President, Prof Osibanjo has been surprised on his demise.

In the words of the Vice President, he said”We received the news of the passing of Senator Ayo Fasanmi, with deep sadness and grief.”

“A founding leader of Afenifere, a true patriot, a forthright servant of, and interlocutor for the common man. He was a man of deep conviction who remained loyal to the end to compatriots and colleagues from the Action Group (AG) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, he also added.

In conclusion,the Vice President said “We thank God for giving him to us for 94 years, his legacy and consistent egalitarian beliefs, social justice and action will live on.”

According to his profile in Wikipedia,He was born in 1925 at Iye Ekiti, a local government area of Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria. He attended St Paul’s primary school, Ebutte Metta and Government School, Ibadan before he proceeded to the Pharmacy School of Yaba where he received a diploma certificate in pharmacy.He practiced as a pharmacist at Oshogbo briefly before he joined the Nigerian politics.

“Life expectancy in Nigeria is 53 years; that is an upward movement from 49. If someone has lived up to 94, it is a good thing and we take solace in the fact that Baba lived a good life. Baba was a councillor, a member of the House of Representatives, a senator and an aspiring governorship candidate in the old Ondo State. We cannot, but give glory to God for his passing, which was very easy. He was not sick for long. He passed on peacefully” Fola Fasanmi, the last child of the demise Ayo .

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU