by Olutayo Irantiola

With the recent revamp of the National Theatre by SANEF Creatives Limited, a special purpose vehicle of the Bankers’ Committee, which is composed of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Body of Bank CEOs in Nigeria. The mind-blowing revamp has restored the glory of the National Theatre, putting it back into the spotlight and making it a sight to behold.

The National Theatre is one of Nigeria’s foremost historic monument and supposedly creative industry hub that was in ruins for many years. When the project began in April 2022, the estimated cost for the revamp was N21 billion. The Bankers’ Committee explained that the revamping of the theatre is necessary considering that Nigeria has the potential to earn over $20 billion annually from the creative industry. It is projected that the National Theatre will be able to support skills acquisition and job creation for over 1 million Nigerians over the next five years.

The images showing the completion of the national monument is a resounding revelation of Nigeria’s readiness host any global event within the creative industry.  The upgrade includes replacement of the entire Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, fire safety standards, power, replacement of the water supply and sewage systems. The interior designs were not left out with the installation of Audio Video Lighting (AVL), world stage engineering system, 17 passenger lifts, solar power, new furniture for spaces and restoration of artworks including those on the internal wall panels and the building façade. At best, it could be described as a rebirth!

Having said this, I believe that the journey of the creative sector should go beyond the National Theatre and cascade into the various states to orchestrate a national revival of the creative sector. In recent years, cultural centres that should showcase the arts of various states have gone moribund. Events that should be done in these locations are moved to privately-owned venues because the state governors cannot stand the level of dilapidation of these centres.

The art sector has been in a comatose for many years Pan-Nigeria and there is a need to reverse this trend. With the limited number of creative people, there are limited spaces that give room for expressions across the country. Asides from the spaces in the tertiary institutions of learning and the premium theatric locations ran by deep pocket art connoisseurs, many people within the arts community are struggling to survive.

For the Nigerian creative sector to survive, we need investors that will enjoy some benefits akin to the Federal Government Roads Infrastructure Tax Credit policy and for the state government should also come up with modalities of engaging investors for the creative sector. Let the various regions in the state have art spaces, just like Lagos State did during the administration of Governor Akinwumi Ambode. Once, there are befitting affordable spaces, people can be expressive.

Few persons within the creative spaces that have deep pockets such as Bolanle Austen- Peters’ BAP Film Village, Epe, Lagos State; Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film Village and Resort, Igbojaye-Komu Itesiwaju, Oyo State and Ibrahim Chatta’s Film Village and Resorts, also known as Africhatta, Oyo State, Nigeria have established places that can support the creative industry. Other places such as MUSON Centre, Ebonylife Place, TerraKulture, Freedom Park in Lagos; New Culture Studio and NuStreams in Ibadan, Oyo State have given life to the creative endeavours of some few creatives. These private venues come at rates that cannot be afforded by budding artistes. There is a need to change the rhetoric in the creative circles.

About two months ago, Mr. Akosile produced a stage play and it was done at TerraKulture. How I wish it was done at the State Arts and Culture Centre. These are the realities that we face together. The state facilities are left to rot while we keep patronising private centres which is optimally being managed. It is time to seek homegrown solutions for arts. Many thanks to Lagos State for establishing the Lagos State Infrastructure Agency (LASIAMA), it will be nice to see their Midas touch at the state’s cultural centre too.

The state government needs to task the tourism, arts and culture team on the number of performances and festivals that they must come up with annually. This parastatal must not be docile. There are a lot of people and creative organisations seeking for partners for Africans to tell their stories and it is important for the state governments to be involved in all these well-curated events. This will also challenge the civil servants and make them know that they must justify their earnings.

Despite the advocacy for the revamp of the cultural centres across the country, there is a need to integrate sustainability features into the building considering the cost of fueling. The buildings must have good aeration, lightening so that rehearsals and other activities can be done with ease. We are in an era now where funds must be judiciously used. To optimize any venue now, renewable energy must be used to power it.

To strengthen the creative economy of Nigeria, there is a need to return to our national and state monuments and facilities. The refurbishment is completed but putting it to optimal use is the way to go. We need investors in our cultural centres pan-Nigeria like Ogun State did during the leadership of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun amongst others. When these facilities come to life, we are ready for the resurgence of creative on a very large scale. If arts must thrive, it has to be Public-Private Partnership (PPP) driven and we must all patronize these venues.

Olutayo Irantiola is a PR Consultant, Cultural advocate and Creative writer. He can be reached via abolz2001@yahoo.com

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While a one-size-fits-all approach may have cut it in the past, today, organisations need unique, customised solutions that truly speak to their specific needs.

Nowhere does this apply more than in the world of software development, says Carla de Abreu, newly appointed Senior Portfolio Manager at Dariel Software. “Businesses today need tailored solutions that address their unique strategies, goals, and pain points. But offering it is not enough – it should be an integral part of your sales approach to gain that competitive advantage.”

De Abreu, who has vast experience in sales, operations, and technology at the likes of e4 and VAT IT, says today’s organisations are businesses that face a multitude of complexities that can be alleviated by working with a consulting technology provider. “This offers so many advantages that empower businesses to focus on growth and innovation. Additionally, working with a consulting provider can lead to significant cost savings. By outsourcing projects, businesses reduce the overhead costs of hiring, training, and retaining full-time employees. This also allows for more flexible resource allocation, optimising operations without adding financial risk.”

These are the reasons she believes partnering with a consulting technology provider helps organisations get the competitive edge they need.

A superior experience

Working with a consulting technology provider like Dariel means tapping into a team of experts who understand your industry’s complexities and are equipped to deliver solutions tailored to your needs. “This approach is critical if a project is to succeed. In the case of software development, developers and clients operate as a team. These valuable insights benefit both parties – the client gets a better solution, the developers can identify potential stumbling blocks early on to reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes and delays, and both parties benefit from greater efficiency,” says de Abreu.

A better client experience

Open dialogue and continuous feedback also allow clients to help create the best solution possible while focusing on products and strategies that are more in touch with the broader market’s needs. “This minimises missteps and ensures market relevance. A consultative approach means there is a willingness to pivot or even radically change strategies in response to market demands or technological advancements,” explains de Abreu.

“This approach transcends short-term revenue targets. Instead, the focus is on solid foundational elements, fostering a good customer relationship and market relevance to ensure the client’s longevity. This long-term relationship ensures that both parties grow together. By consistently delivering value and staying relevant, consulting providers become an integral part of their clients’ success stories, fostering trust and lasting collaboration.” she adds.

Getting back to core business functions

By outsourcing non-core functions to consulting providers, organisations free themselves to concentrate on strategic initiatives that drive growth. “This allows your internal teams to focus on what they do best, improving productivity and overall efficiency. Letting the experts take care of software development and data management frees up much-needed resources for you to prioritise core business objectives,” says de Abreu.

In fast-moving markets where speed and agility can make all the difference, consulting providers can implement solutions far more efficiently enabling organisations to reduce time-to-market. By identifying risks early and employing proven project management methodologies, consulting providers can mitigate potential challenges, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget. “This approach lends itself to a more responsive business model that can spot and seize new opportunities at the right time,” she says. “And when engineering principles are integrated into technological solutions from the get-go, it means those solutions are not only practical but also aligned with your organisational goals.”

People-centred innovation

In the competitive world of software, the synergy between product development, sales and marketing is essential. “When these teams operate in isolation, there is the danger of a disconnect that damages trust between teams, employees, and customers. Regular strategy sessions and clear communication between sales, marketing, and product development is crucial. Not only does this ensure better products and client relationships, but also improved company culture and synergy.”

Though a consultative approach is people-centric its core, it has the added benefit of ensuring financial success as well, says de Abreu. “By ensuring that people are at the heart of the organisation, you’ll build a future-proof company with sustainable purpose – and that’s the key to achieving long-term financial success.”

The Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (CON, mni), has embarked on an operational tour of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and other military installations in Enugu and Imo States.

Upon his arrival in Enugu, the Minister was warmly received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander of the Joint Task Force Southeast (Operation Udoka), Major-General H.T. Dada, alongside senior military officers.

The tour is expected to include engagements with key stakeholders in the South East region to discuss strategies and chart the way forward on security and defence matters.

Further details of the Minister’s visit will be provided in subsequent updates.

Henshaw Ogubike
Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe
Director, Information and Public Relations

December 2024, COP29, Azerbaijan – Tariye Gbadegesin, the Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), shared his insights on two critical climate issues during a busy weekend at COP29. His statements underscored the urgency of tackling industrial emissions and promoting clean cooking solutions, both of which have significant implications for the climate and global health.

Decarbonizing Industry: A Vital Climate Strategy

Addressing the pressing challenge of decarbonizing industry, which accounts for 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Gbadegesin emphasized the need for rapid action. He highlighted the importance of fast-tracking decarbonization strategies and bringing promising low-carbon technologies to the market. “We need to accelerate the transition to cleaner, greener industries,” said Gbadegesin.

In support of this goal, CIF is a proud partner in the newly launched Global Matchmaking Platform. This initiative, which was unveiled on Friday at the conference, aims to connect developing countries with the necessary finance and technical assistance to implement decarbonization strategies. Gbadegesin explained that the platform is in perfect alignment with CIF’s own program, which focuses on accelerating the decarbonization of industries in developing regions.

Clean Cooking: Dual Climate and Health Benefits

Gbadegesin also addressed the importance of clean cooking, which is both a climate and health target. “Universal access to clean cooking can prevent 1.5 gigatons of CO2 equivalent emissions while providing substantial health, equality, and biodiversity benefits,” he explained. This dual benefit of clean cooking not only tackles climate change but also improves public health and empowers vulnerable populations.

At COP29, Gbadegesin participated in a vibrant event hosted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Azerbaijan Presidency. The session provided a platform for CIF to share its experiences in financing clean cooking projects across developing nations. Gbadegesin expressed gratitude to CIF’s international partners—including India, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, the Netherlands, the UK, the US, France, Namibia, Tanzania, and Brazil—for their collective efforts in addressing this urgent global issue.

Strengthening Partnerships and Innovations in Climate Finance

The CIF CEO also took time to appreciate the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), led by Makhtar Diop. He conveyed his thanks for the IFC’s contribution to the successful implementation of CIF’s Capital Markets Mechanism, which aims to leverage private sector investments for climate projects in developing countries.

Additionally, Gbadegesin shared his excitement about meeting Habiba Ali, CEO of SOSAI Renewable Energies Company, at the conference. They discussed Ali’s innovative work in making energy more affordable, efficient, and sustainable. “Her vision for energy access is inspiring, and CIF is committed to supporting such visionary leaders in our shared goal of building a sustainable future for all,” Gbadegesin remarked.

With his remarks at COP29, Gbadegesin reinforced CIF’s ongoing commitment to driving impactful climate solutions that benefit both the planet and the global community, especially in developing nations. The conversations and collaborations at the event have set the stage for future progress in industry decarbonization and clean cooking initiatives.

By: Cybersecurity specialists at ESET Southern Africa

South African shoppers are turning to their social media feeds to find the best Black Friday deals – unfortunately, cybercriminals aren’t far behind. In 2023, an estimated 90.6 million people worldwide shopped online on Black Friday, with South Africa’s BankservAfrica recording 1.4 million online transactions – an 11% increase from the previous year. While seasoned shoppers may feel confident in avoiding scams, fraudsters have become adept at blending in with the flood of social media discounts. Leveraging the trust consumers place in these platforms, cybercriminals mimic legitimate brands and deals, making it all too easy for shoppers to overlook critical warning signs in their rush to snag a bargain.

Common social media shopping scams

1. Fake or cloned websites. One of the most common scam tactics involves directing shoppers to websites that look identical to those of reputable brands. These sites use similar branding, logos, and layouts, but have subtle differences in the URL, such as .co instead of .com or .co.za. The pressure of losing out on Black Friday deal can make consumers less vigilant, which fraudsters exploit by creating fake sites that lure shoppers in with unbeatable offers.

2. Deceptive dropshipping ads. A number of ads on social media lead to dropshipping sites masquerading as local businesses, promising quick delivery and premium products. Shoppers may not realise they’ve purchased low-quality knockoffs until their orders arrive, with little to no recourse for returns or refunds. These ads often present as South African-based companies but are actually sourcing cheap goods from overseas, relying on the perception that because the advert appears on a reputable social media platform, the store is 100% legitimate too.

3. Phishing for personal and payment details. Social media scams frequently employ fake checkout pages or order forms to harvest sensitive information. These sites often display trusted payment icons, creating a false sense of legitimacy.

If a site linked from social media seems suspicious, avoid entering personal details. Scammers often use this information for fraudulent transactions.

4)   Black Friday giveaways and limited offers. Scam ads offering Black Friday giveaways or urging users to act quickly are designed to bypass normal caution. These pages might ask users to claim a prize by entering personal information or paying a small fee. Countdown timers and ‘last chance’ messages are used to create a sense of urgency, but it’s worth keeping in mind that legitimate retailers don’t use these methods like this to pressure shoppers.

Tips for social media shoppers

• Only trust ads from verified brand accounts, indicated by a blue checkmark, and review their post history and follower count to ensure you’re engaging with the real account.
• Double-check URLs carefully. Scammers use slight URL variations to mimic official sites. When in doubt, type the brand’s website into your browser directly.
• Take a second look at deals that seem too good to be true. While Black Friday discounts are enticing, extreme markdowns, especially on high-end products, are red flags not to be ignored.
• Check for clear contact details. Legitimate sites usually display a customer service phone number, address, or live chat. A lack of contact options should be viewed with suspicion.
• Ensure your security is up to date. Cybersecurity solutions like antivirus, firewalls and internet protection must be installed on any connected device, especially your mobile phone.

It’s important to balance the excitement of shopping with a healthy dose of caution. By being a bit more vigilant, consumers avoid cybercriminals looking to make a quick buck. If a deal or an ad feels off, take a moment to double-check because protecting yourself online is just as important as finding a Black Friday bargain. To help shoppers have a safer online experience, ESET is offering up to 50% off its award-winning Home Security products this Cyber Monday, 2 December 2024.

Ends.

About ESET
For more than 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure and consumers worldwide from increasingly sophisticated digital threats. From endpoint and mobile security to endpoint detection and response, encryption and multifactor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use solutions unobtrusively protect and monitor 24/7, updating defences in real-time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company that enables the safe use of technology. This is backed by ESET’s R&D centres worldwide, working in support of our shared future. For more information, visit www.eset.com/za or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

In a move to simplify Nigeria’s often complicated telecom tariffs and improve the overall consumer experience, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new initiative aimed at reducing the overwhelming number of tariff plans and promotions in the telecommunications sector. This decision reflects the commission’s commitment to fostering transparency and empowering consumers to make more informed choices about their telecom services.

Speaking at a media capacity-building session held on Thursday at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Oshodi, Lagos, the NCC’s Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, Ikechukwu Adinde, highlighted the need for clarity and simplicity in the sector.

“The current tariff structure is inundated with multiple promotions and add-ons that leave many consumers puzzled. It’s often difficult for users to discern which plans truly meet their needs,” Adinde explained. “Our goal is to simplify these options, creating a seamless process that allows every consumer to select what works best for them without confusion.”

Overloaded Tariff Options

Adinde provided striking examples of the complexity that consumers currently face. According to the NCC’s data, some telecom operators offer up to 145 data plans and 14 voice plans, while others have 41 data plans and 27 voice plans.

“With this level of variety, even the most tech-savvy users can find themselves overwhelmed. For the average consumer, the choices can feel almost impossible to navigate,” he said.

To address this, the NCC has proposed a cap, limiting telecom operators to seven tariff plans each. This streamlining effort is expected to significantly enhance consumer clarity and make it easier for Nigerians to choose affordable and relevant services.

Data Depletion: A Growing Concern

Adinde also addressed a pressing issue for many Nigerians—data depletion. For years, consumers have expressed frustration over the rapid consumption of their data plans, often without understanding why it happens.

“The relationship between data tariff plans and consumption needs to be better understood by consumers. That’s why the NCC is rolling out awareness campaigns to educate users on managing their data effectively,” he said.

These campaigns aim to demystify the factors that influence data usage. For instance, smartphone apps often consume large amounts of data in the background, a fact many users are unaware of. Adinde advised consumers to regularly review their app settings, disable automatic updates, and monitor high-data-consuming apps to stretch their plans further.

Additionally, the NCC is taking proactive steps to ensure transparency by publishing all approved tariff plans on its website. This will serve as a reliable resource for consumers, providing accurate and up-to-date information to help them make better decisions.

A Consumer-Focused Approach

For the NCC, these reforms are about more than just simplifying tariffs; they’re about putting consumers at the heart of the telecom experience.

“These changes are designed to restore trust and confidence in the sector,” Adinde emphasized. “We want every Nigerian to feel empowered, to know that their needs and concerns are being heard and addressed. Simplifying the market is just one step in a larger journey toward a more consumer-centric telecommunications industry.”

What’s Next?

As the NCC rolls out these initiatives, industry stakeholders and consumers alike are watching closely. For many Nigerians, the promise of simplified tariffs and greater transparency represents a much-needed shift in an industry often criticized for its complexity.

By prioritizing consumer education, simplifying choices, and fostering transparency, the NCC is setting the stage for a telecommunications sector that works better for everyone—one that is easy to navigate, fair, and consumer-friendly.

For now, the message from the NCC is clear: telecommunications in Nigeria are about to become less complicated and more empowering.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu