NAPTIP lauds Ugwuanyi’s development strides, support for frontline health workers

NAPTIP lauds Ugwuanyi’s development strides, support for frontline health workers

…As governor inaugurates state task force on human trafficking

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, for his administration’s “giant developmental projects” in the state since its assumption of office in 2015.

NAPTIP also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for “your recent consistent support for your frontline health workers to safeguard the lives of the citizens of Enugu State, to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The body gave the commendations when the Director General (DG), Dame Julie Okah-Donli, led a delegation to the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, for the inauguration of the Enugu State Task Force on Human Trafficking, which was performed by Gov. Ugwuanyi.

Okah-Donli said that “it takes a man with strong vision and purpose to achieve these feats”.
The DG explained that NAPTIP as the focal agency in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria, “is also the implementing agency for the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, which Enugu State domesticated on 8th May 2019”.

She disclosed that NAPTIP was collaborating with state governments to set up task forces against human trafficking, under the supervision of the state governors, to be chaired by the State Attorney Generals, in order to consolidate the efforts of the agency and other stakeholders.

The NAPTIP boss pointed out that the problems associated with human trafficking as well as irregular migration have become of great national concern, “especially with the large number of Nigerians trapped in sexual and labour exploitation in various African and European countries”.
Expressing worries that human trafficking portends danger to human and national security, the NAPTIP DG stressed that “it must be addressed boldly and frontally”.

She therefore maintained that the state task forces on human trafficking have a pivotal role to play in ensuring adequate sensitization at the grassroots and among vulnerable groups, “providing services and support to victims who have been rescued and returned, as well as information sharing and law enforcement”.

Inaugurating the Enugu State Task Force, chaired by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Miletus Eze, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who described human trafficking as “an open wound on the body of our society, a crime against humanity, and a global phenomenon that exceeds the competence of any community or country”, stated that it requires a mobilization comparable to the size of the phenomenon, in order to be eliminated.

The governor noted that his administration had earlier demonstrated commitment to the elimination of the human trafficking menace, disclosing that Enugu was among the first few states in Nigeria to pass the Child Rights and Responsibility Law of 2015.

Gov. Ugwuanyi appreciated the laudable efforts of NAPTIP and its brilliant move in reconstituting the state working groups into state task forces “to provide a platform to articulate and consolidate state governments’ policies and programmes to counter the terrible scourge of human trafficking”.

He therefore called for enhanced partnership among government institutions, the private sector, academic institutions, the media, civil society and the faith-based organizations, to eradicate trafficking and rehabilitate survivors.

Responding, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the state task force, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for finding them worthy to serve the state in that capacity and promised him that they will discharge their duties diligently, stressing: “We will not disappoint Your Excellency and the people of Enugu State”.

Members of the state task force include Tochukwu, Emmanuel Anyanwuma (State Ministry of Justice); Mr. Chuka Umunna (Federal Ministry of Labour& Employment); Okenwa Uzoamaka Uzoechina (State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development); CSP Ezenwa Onyekaba (Nigeria Police Force); CIS Nneka Ilojeme (Nigerian Immigration Service); Achi Idris (National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency); Ikpa Chinyere Rose (National Security and Civil Defence Corps), and Uwa Chioma (Federal Road Safety Corps).

Others are HRH Igwe Emmanuel Umunna (Representative of Traditional Institutions); Prof. Fred Eze, (OHANEZE) (Representative of Socio-Cultural Organizations); Ogbuefi Esther (Representative of Youths and Women Group); Ogbonna Ugochukwu (WACOL), Chinelo Dim (WINET), Comrade Elias Agu (CLO), Amara Amusi (DOVES Foundation) and Chinyere Mgbo (NAWOJ).

Enugu State is in the hands of God!#amokelouis

UZODIMMA COMMISSIONS A NEW PRIVATE DIGITAL LIBRARY

UZODIMMA COMMISSIONS A NEW PRIVATE DIGITAL LIBRARY

The public private partnership call by the Government of shared prosperity had began to yeild fruits as Governor Hope Uzodimma Commissions a firstclass state of the art, Digital Library at Amiri, Oru East, Imo State.

The Angela Nwanneri Memorial Digital Library, built by professor Uche Nwaneri, is digitally equiped for Children in Amiri and its environ to study online as well as a conventional library with state of the art books.

“We can only say we have achieved the goal of this library when these Children develop academically and go on to pass the ACT and gain admission into Universities as excellent scholars” Uzodimma stated while commissioning the Library.

The Governor used the occasion to call on other private individuals and Corporations to partner with Government as his Government will continue to provide the enabling enviroment.

Professor Uche Nwaneri in his speech stated that the children will be given tablets linked to the online Library to also study at home.

Oyo releases COVID-19 Testing Centres across state

Oyo releases COVID-19 Testing Centres across state

…urges residents to go for testing

The Emergency Operations Centre, EOC, of the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, has released a list of locations where residents of the state can undertake COVID-19 tests across the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, stated that the list of centres was ratified on Monday at the state’s COVID-19 Task Force meeting presided by Governor Makinde.

The statement added that the Task Force called on residents of the state to avail themselves the opportunities of its decentralised testing system, to get themselves tested for the virus.

The Task Force maintained that contrary to misinformation that the virus has been defeated, it is still very much active, warning that adequate and observance of all the safety protocols remained the effective ways of combating the virus.

According to the statement, the available testing centres in the state include: State Hospital, Oyo; General Hospital, Saki; General Hospital, Iseyin; General Hospital, Igboora; General Hospital, Apata, Ibadan; Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan; Health is Wealth, Secretariat Road, Ibadan; and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

It added that testing is also available in approved private laboratories across the state.

The statement further indicated that residents can call the following numbers for enquiries: 08095394000, 08078288999, 08078288800, 08095863000 or dial 72319*6# and follow the promptings.

Signed:

Taiwo Adisa

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde

Danbatta inaugurates Evaluation Committee for 2020 Research Proposals

Danbatta inaugurates Evaluation Committee for 2020 Research Proposals

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has inaugurated a 15-member Evaluation Committee for the assessment of the 2020 Telecommunications based research from Academics in the Nigerian tertiary institutions. 

The Committee, chaired by Prof. Mu’azu Bashir, a professor of Computer and Control Engineering and Head of Computer Engineering Department at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was inaugurated at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja on Wednesday, September 24, 2020.

Speaking during the inauguration, Danbatta said that the initiative speaks to the Commission’s commitment towards encouraging the development of indigenous innovative solutions that impact not only the Telecom industry/ICT sector positively but also the nation as a whole.

“We want to continuously support research projects that can lead to the development of new products and services in the industry as the key enabler of the nation’s digital economy. We are all aware of the appreciable contributions of the Nigerian Telecommunication sector to the growth of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the years, which peaked at 14.53 per cent in second quarter of 2020,” he said.

Danbatta, stated that the Commission understands that funding Research and Development (R&D) is fundamental to ensuring that the needs of consumers are properly anticipated and met while enabling sustainable economic growth, adding that the Digital Economy-based Research Innovations project underlines the importance of funding R&D.

According to the EVC, for the year 2020, the request for proposals was tailored to providing innovations and solving challenges in five emerging areas of technology. These include innovative clean energy technology; 5G deployment in Nigeria; Internet of Things (IoT), low power Wide Area Network (WAN) technology; advanced methods of Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) management and test mechanism as well as monitoring and localisation of drones.

While emphasising the importance of telecommunication/ICT industry to innovative developments and transformations within the economy, Danbatta tasked members of the Committee to thoroughly evaluate all submissions in order to sieve, identify and select the best from the proposals submitted.

“Members of this Committee have been carefully selected from the Academia, related government institutions and the industry based on their pedigree. I have no doubt in my mind that you will carry out the assignment to the highest acceptable standards,” the EVC said.  

The Committee is expected to carry out the assignment and submit its report within four (4) weeks from the day of inauguration.

Orange improves access to mobile internet in Africa supported by Google

Orange improves access to mobile internet in Africa supported by Google
Orange announced the Sanza touch – an exclusive Orange smartphone and the most affordable 4G Android (Go edition) device globally
Affordability of devices remains one of the most significant barriers to smartphone adoption in Africa. The average cost of an entry level smartphone in Africa still exceeds 60% of average monthly income (https://bit.ly/36hb2e2) making smartphones largely inaccessible for the majority of the population. As part of the line-up of activities for the GSMA Thrive Africa 2020 (https://bit.ly/3cG3GSt), Orange (www.Orange.com) announced the Sanza touch – an exclusive Orange smartphone and the most affordable 4G Android (Go edition) device globally. This exciting new launch is supported by Google and builds upon efforts since the launch of Android (Go edition) (https://bit.ly/349O0D8) in 2018 to accelerate the pace of digital adoption across the continent. The device will retail around 30 US$ and the ultra-affordable price point is intended to make it the most accessible on the market with the goal of driving digital inclusion and providing more people access to mobile internet.

The Sanza touch is an accessible alternative for everyone due to its price point and features including the Payjoy application, which allows customers to overcome budget issues by paying for their smartphone over several instalments (depending on availability in their country [1]).

This 4G Android (Go edition) smartphone has a 4” screen, 8GB memory and a 1750mAh battery, offering over 4 hours battery life while streaming videos. Customers can use the Orange app collection (My Orange, Orange Money and Livescreen to stay informed on the latest news trends) and access the most popular apps including YouTube Go, Google Go, Facebook and WhatsApp.

The Sanza range was first launched in April 2019 in 13 countries [2] in Africa and the Middle East, making it easier for many customers to come online for the first time and discover the benefits of connectivity.

From October 2020, the Sanza touch smartphone will be available with a bundled mobile data plan (voice, SMS, data) at around 30 US$. It will be sold in most countries in the Middle East and Africa region, starting with Guinea Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire and Madagascar.

For Alioune Ndiaye, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa: “Orange wants to strongly accelerate access to connectivity on the African continent. One of the barriers to Internet use is the price and ease of use of most smartphones. The partnership with Google to offer the Sanza touch smartphone for sale will enable us to solve this problem thanks to its affordable price and advanced functionalities. While 90% of the world’s population is now covered by mobile broadband, 3.3 billion people who live in areas covered by mobile broadband remain unconnected for reasons such as affordability, low levels of literacy and digital skills​ [3]. »

Mariam Abdullahi –​ Director, Platform Partnerships, Android and Play​ – Africa for Google added: “Our mission at Google has always been to “Organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible to everyone”.​ We deliver this mission through building and providing our products and services via key partnerships like this one with Orange.​ We are excited about the endless possibilities this Sanza touch smartphone will present in learning, economic​ opportunities and digital accessibility.​ The Goal of our Android​ devices, including this first-of-its kind highly affordable Android (Go edition) device is to bring the power of computing equitably to all.​ We can only achieve this mission if everyone is able to access devices at affordable price points to use in their daily lives and have access to the benefits presented by the digital world.“

Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East where it had 124 million customers on 30 July 2020. With 5.6 billion euros in turnover in 2019 and 6% annual growth, Orange MEA is the Group’s main region of growth. Orange Money, its mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has 54 million customers. Orange, a multi-service operator, benchmark partner of the digital transformation, provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.

Sanza touch images available: Mediacenter Orange.com[1] Available in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Madagascar[2] Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of 

Anambra holds service to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary

Anambra holds service to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary

Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has called on all religious groups and leaders in the state to offer prayers to God on promotion of peace as the country turns 60.

Anambra has just celebrated its 29th Anniversary since being carved out of the Old Anambra State on Aug. 27, 1991.

The governor was speaking during a Special Thanksgiving Service organised by the state Government, to mark the country’s 60th anniversary at the Cathedral of St. Faith, Awka.

According to the Governor, with an array of brilliant people in Nigeria, the nation’s glorious destiny is still attainable in spite of trials and setbacks.

He cited God’s promise to Abraham that he would spare the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, if only he could find just 10 good people there.

The governor, who was optimistic that there must be some good people in Nigeria, then, called on all religious groups to keep praying that things would get better in the country.

“God will be kind to hear our prayers and save our land,’’ Obiano said.

The Governor was represented at the service by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu at the service.

Gov. Obiano, then, thanked God for the gift of good leaders that He had blessed Anambra with, observing that it was through the good stewardship of such dogged leaders that Anambra had been making steady progress at just 29 year of its creation.

The Governor observed that as a state, Ndi Anambra had reasons to appreciate Gov. Obiano, for his wonderful efforts on security of life and property as Anambra was currently ranked as the most secure state in the country.

He also reminded Ndi Anambra that recently the state was declared the least in unemployment rate in the country and also the most fiscally stable state in the nation after Rivers.

The anniversary thanksgiving service was led by the Archbishop of the Province on the Niger and Bishop of Awka Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr) Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim.

The prelate, who did not mince words in addressing the poor state of the nation and the evident hopelessness, called leaders to sit up to their responsibilities as elected representatives of the people.

He observed that the killings across the country following insecurity, armed robbery, rituals, illegal acquisition of wealth as well as other heinous crimes, had left the country looking like a child that had fallen into a deep pit.

The archbishop, then, prayed for the country and the leaders, particularly those of Anambra.

In attendance include a large number of the clergy and lay Christians, the Chief Judge of Anambra, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu; the Service Chiefs; members of the Anambra State Executive Council.

Others are Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba; Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Ven Amaechi Okwuosa; the Anambra Head of Service, Barr Harry Uduh. (MOI)

By Juventus Chukwunwike Okoli/ Uchechukwu Iwuchukwu :

RMAFC Deducting Bayelsa Funds In Favour Of Rivers Unacceptable – Gov. Diri

RMAFC Deducting Bayelsa Funds In Favour Of Rivers Unacceptable – Gov. Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday flayed the deduction of the state’s revenue by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in favour of Rivers State following a high court ruling.

Governor Diri said the hurried implementation of the ruling was unacceptable and sub judice as the state’s appeal was pending at the Supreme Court.

He also said it was tantamount to ceding of Bayelsa territory indirectly to Rivers.

The Bayelsa governor expressed his dissatisfaction when RMAFC Federal Commissioners representing the South South region paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

The Governor called on the commission to revisit its decision until the apex court gave a final verdict on the boundary dispute between both states.

He lamented that the action had significantly affected the state’s allocation for the month of September.

His words: “The action by the commission is tantamount to ceding a part of Bayelsa State to Rivers State, which can breach the peace between both sister states.

“I will still appeal to your chairman and members of your commission to revisit this deduction from the monthly allocation of Bayelsa. I have in this regard written letters to the President, the Vice President, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Accountant General. I will follow it up by visiting their offices.

“We want to explore a peaceful method. But what the commission has done can degenerate the peace that we are having between these sister states. I don’t think that my people from Oluasiri in Nembe and all of us from Bayelsa will accept ceding any parts of our territories to anybody.

“So, what your commission has done is indirectly ceding our territories to Rivers state and that is totally unacceptable to us as a people and a state.”

Senator Diri while commending the Federal Commissioners from the South South in the commission for their peace moves, said they can do more in spearheading the upward review of the 13 per cent derivation accruing to the oil producing states.

“May I also seize this opportunity to call on you, our worthy representatives, to look at the issue of reviewing the 13 per cent minimum derivation that is being given to oil producing states.

“I know it is not all within your powers. It is something that may come from the National Assembly but as our worthy representatives, that can start with you and we can be part of it by calling on our representatives in the National Assembly to look at a review of the principle of derivation, which has been pegged at 13 per cent till date.”

Governor Diri also called on other governors of the South-South to exercise restraint in dealing with issues of boundary adjustment in the region, noting that there is a deliberate policy of divide and rule to further exploit the resources of the Niger Delta.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and representative of Akwa Ibom State in the commission, Mr. Sunday Anyang, said as ambassadors of the region, they have a common goal to protect the interest of the people they represent from external influence.

Mr. Anyang said there is the need to review the indices that make up the 13 per cent derivation to oil producing states and that it behoves on key actors from the region to synergise for an upward review of derivation formula.

Also on the visit were the Federal Commissioners representing Delta, Andrew Agbaga, Alfred Egba (Bayelsa) and Victor Eboigbe (Edo).

BAYELSA GOVERNMENT CALLS ON YOUTHS TO SHUN CULTISM, CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES

BAYELSA GOVERNMENT CALLS ON YOUTHS TO SHUN CULTISM, CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy Hon. Ayiba Duba wants youths to abstain from drugs, cultism, and criminal activities that are detrimental to their progress and society.

The Commissioner made the remark when members of the Executive Council of the National Union of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS)
paid him a courtesy call in his office, in Yenagoa.

Hon. Duba stated that loss of lives, mental illness, high crime rate, drug addiction, proliferation of small firearms, school dropouts, unwanted pregnancy, prostitution and negative peer influence are on the rise as a result of social vices.

The Commissioner who noted that the objective of being a student is to be found worthy in both character and in learning, urged youths to be focused on their academics and shun acts inimical to their growth.

Earlier, the Executive President of NUBSS, Comrade Dieprebra Solomon Bigbo stated that the union seeks to promote educational campaigns to enlighten and orientate Bayelsa students against social vices and youth restiveness.

Comrade Bigbo noted that education is a beacon to overcome social challenges, emphasizing that their campaigns center on promoting moral values and self improvement of young people.

He therefore urged Bayelsa students to be abreast with NUBSS activities and campaigns through their social media platforms, @NUBSSWWTV, both on facebook and instagram.

PANTAMI’S REMARKS AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE DIGITAL NIGERIA PORTAL AND MOBILE APP

PANTAMI’S REMARKS AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE DIGITAL NIGERIA PORTAL AND MOBILE APP

All Protocols duly observed.

May Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon you!

I am highly delighted to launch the Digital Nigeria Portal and Mobile App as part of the implementation our National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria.  I am also very happy to welcome our partners- the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Microsoft, represented by Ebrima Faal, Senior Director, Nigeria Country Department, AfDB and Ghada Khalifa, Director for Middle East and Africa, Microsoft Philantropies, respectively.

Our journey towards developing Nigeria’s Digital Economy commenced when Mr President approved our request of redesignation of the Federal Ministry of Communications as the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, along with an upgrade of the mandate, on the 17th of October 2019.   This was then adopted by the Federal Executive Council on the 23rd of October 2019 and the implementation of the revised mandate of the Ministry commenced on the 24th of October 2019.

The development of our National Digital Economy is anchored on the following 8 pillars as stated in NDEPS:

1.   Developmental Regulation;

2.   Digital Literacy & Skills;

3.   Solid Infrastructure;

4.   Service Infrastructure;

5.   Digital Services Development & Promotion;

6.   Soft Infrastructure;

7.   Digital Society & Emerging Technologies; and

8.   Indigenous Content Development & Adoption.

We have recorded a number of unprecedented achievements since we began implementing NDEPS.  A few of these include:

  i.   resolution of the lingering issues of excessive Right of Way charges and vandalism of telecommunication infrastructure;

  ii.   rapid broadband penetration, with an increase by about 10% in 11 months (with a value of 42.02% at the end of July 2020), instead of the average annual increase of about 1.7%;

  iii.   development and swift implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP);

  iv.   significant increase in the contribution of ICT to the GDP based on the Q2 2020 GDP – 17.83% – as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics;

  v.   promotion of digital services in government, including Virtual Federal Executive Council meetings;

  vi.   etc

The effect of the digital economy is far greater than the ICT contribution shows.  The Digital Economy encompasses ICT and all Digital Services, which includes all online activities in financial institutions, ecommerce, online tax payment, any form of online payment, online banking, etc. When we consider these, the contribution of the Digital Economy could be up to 45% or even more.

Today’s launch is towards the implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Pillar #2.  It is a follow up to the Mr President’s flagging off of the Digital Nigeria Programme on the 19th of March 2020 to support Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training for Nigerians.

The Digital Nigeria Programme will provide a National Platform for improving the digital literacy of Nigerians and it will enable Nigerians from all walks of life to acquire high level digital skills.  It will have a strong emphasis on Skills for Jobs and will include Nigerians in all strata of society, such as youth, women, children, internally displaced persons, people living with disabilities, etc.

We are championing a paradigm shift that lays emphasis on skills, in preference to merely having degrees without skills. Degrees are only meant to validate skills. This is a growing trend across the globe. For instance, China recently started the process of turning 600 of the country’s general universities into skill centres. Also, the President of the United States of America signed an Executive Order on the 26th of June 2020 directing the federal government lay emphasis on skills rather than degrees when hiring staff. The curriculum vitae of today should have 2 main parts- soft skills and hard skills.

The digital literacy and skills pillar recognises the fact that citizens are the greatest assets in any economy, including the digital economy. It will support the development of a large pool of digitally literate and digitally skilled citizens. We recently provided a platform to support the Digital Nigeria program, enabling Nigerians to receive training in diverse digital skills. As part of these efforts, I earlier launched another online academy executed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Over 40,000 Nigerians have enrolled across both platforms since the 2nd of April, 2020.

Today, we are formally launching the www.digitalnigeria.gov.ng portal and the ‘Digital Nigeria’ Mobile App. We are committed to enabling Nigerians acquire high level digital skills from the comfort of their homes.

Some of our objectives for launching these platforms including the following:

  i.   to empower innovators and entrepreneurs with skills required to thrive in Nigeria’s emerging digital economy;

  ii.   to provide capacity building in a wide range of areas, including Digital Literacy, Productivity Tools, Web Development, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Database Administration, Networking, Programming, Internet of Things and Soft Skills; 

  iii.   to create a platform to support a paradigm shift from degrees to skills and bridge the gap between the academia and industry;

  iv.   to promote the development and distribution of instructional materials in electronic format; and

  v.   to create an enabling environment for building the capacity of Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through e-learning channels.

The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy emphasizes the importance of partnerships as a key requirement for the successful development of our National Digital Economy.  As such, we are very delighted to partner with the African Development Bank and the Microsoft on this very important initiative.

The training content covers areas like Digital Skills, Productivity Tools, Web Development, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Database Administration, Networking, Programming and Internet of Things.  There is also training on soft skills like entrepreneurship, research, marketing, business and how to create excellent resumes. As such, a wide spectrum of users, from beginners to advanced students, can find appropriate courses.

We will regularly update the platform to include more courses from time to time.  It will enable us identify skilled Nigerians for additional capacity building opportunities and allow us to easily conduct surveys to identify courses of interest.  Students will receive certificate of completion after completing the courses.

 Conclusion

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is committed to developing the capacity of Nigerians to use technology to solve problems. We will keep updating the course offerings to reflect global trends. The step by step procedure for using the platforms will be available on our website and social media pages.The Digital Nigeria programme will provide a platform to empower Nigerians to develop relevant skills and build innovative solutions to address challenges within our community. #DigitalNigeria

REMARKS AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE DIGITAL NIGERIA PORTAL AND MOBILE APP BYISA ALI IBRAHIM (PANTAMI), (PhD, FNCS, FBCS, FIIM), HONOURABLE MINISTER, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL ECONOMY, NIGERIA ON MONDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER 2020.

All Protocols duly observed.

May Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon you!

I am highly delighted to launch the Digital Nigeria Portal and Mobile App as part of the implementation our National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria.  I am also very happy to welcome our partners- the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Microsoft, represented by Ebrima Faal, Senior Director, Nigeria Country Department, AfDB and Ghada Khalifa, Director for Middle East and Africa, Microsoft Philantropies, respectively.

Our journey towards developing Nigeria’s Digital Economy commenced when Mr President approved our request of redesignation of the Federal Ministry of Communications as the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, along with an upgrade of the mandate, on the 17th of October 2019.   This was then adopted by the Federal Executive Council on the 23rd of October 2019 and the implementation of the revised mandate of the Ministry commenced on the 24th of October 2019.

The development of our National Digital Economy is anchored on the following 8 pillars as stated in NDEPS:

1.   Developmental Regulation;

2.   Digital Literacy & Skills;

3.   Solid Infrastructure;

4.   Service Infrastructure;

5.   Digital Services Development & Promotion;

6.   Soft Infrastructure;

7.   Digital Society & Emerging Technologies; and

8.   Indigenous Content Development & Adoption.

We have recorded a number of unprecedented achievements since we began implementing NDEPS.  A few of these include:

  i.   resolution of the lingering issues of excessive Right of Way charges and vandalism of telecommunication infrastructure;

  ii.   rapid broadband penetration, with an increase by about 10% in 11 months (with a value of 42.02% at the end of July 2020), instead of the average annual increase of about 1.7%;

  iii.   development and swift implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP);

  iv.   significant increase in the contribution of ICT to the GDP based on the Q2 2020 GDP – 17.83% – as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics;

  v.   promotion of digital services in government, including Virtual Federal Executive Council meetings;

  vi.   etc

The effect of the digital economy is far greater than the ICT contribution shows.  The Digital Economy encompasses ICT and all Digital Services, which includes all online activities in financial institutions, ecommerce, online tax payment, any form of online payment, online banking, etc. When we consider these, the contribution of the Digital Economy could be up to 45% or even more.

Today’s launch is towards the implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Pillar #2.  It is a follow up to the Mr President’s flagging off of the Digital Nigeria Programme on the 19th of March 2020 to support Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training for Nigerians.

The Digital Nigeria Programme will provide a National Platform for improving the digital literacy of Nigerians and it will enable Nigerians from all walks of life to acquire high level digital skills.  It will have a strong emphasis on Skills for Jobs and will include Nigerians in all strata of society, such as youth, women, children, internally displaced persons, people living with disabilities, etc.

We are championing a paradigm shift that lays emphasis on skills, in preference to merely having degrees without skills. Degrees are only meant to validate skills. This is a growing trend across the globe. For instance, China recently started the process of turning 600 of the country’s general universities into skill centres. Also, the President of the United States of America signed an Executive Order on the 26th of June 2020 directing the federal government lay emphasis on skills rather than degrees when hiring staff. The curriculum vitae of today should have 2 main parts- soft skills and hard skills.

The digital literacy and skills pillar recognises the fact that citizens are the greatest assets in any economy, including the digital economy. It will support the development of a large pool of digitally literate and digitally skilled citizens. We recently provided a platform to support the Digital Nigeria program, enabling Nigerians to receive training in diverse digital skills. As part of these efforts, I earlier launched another online academy executed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Over 40,000 Nigerians have enrolled across both platforms since the 2nd of April, 2020.

Today, we are formally launching the www.digitalnigeria.gov.ng portal and the ‘Digital Nigeria’ Mobile App. We are committed to enabling Nigerians acquire high level digital skills from the comfort of their homes.

Some of our objectives for launching these platforms including the following:

  i.   to empower innovators and entrepreneurs with skills required to thrive in Nigeria’s emerging digital economy;

  ii.   to provide capacity building in a wide range of areas, including Digital Literacy, Productivity Tools, Web Development, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Database Administration, Networking, Programming, Internet of Things and Soft Skills; 

  iii.   to create a platform to support a paradigm shift from degrees to skills and bridge the gap between the academia and industry;

  iv.   to promote the development and distribution of instructional materials in electronic format; and

  v.   to create an enabling environment for building the capacity of Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through e-learning channels.

The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy emphasizes the importance of partnerships as a key requirement for the successful development of our National Digital Economy.  As such, we are very delighted to partner with the African Development Bank and the Microsoft on this very important initiative.

The training content covers areas like Digital Skills, Productivity Tools, Web Development, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Database Administration, Networking, Programming and Internet of Things.  There is also training on soft skills like entrepreneurship, research, marketing, business and how to create excellent resumes. As such, a wide spectrum of users, from beginners to advanced students, can find appropriate courses.

We will regularly update the platform to include more courses from time to time.  It will enable us identify skilled Nigerians for additional capacity building opportunities and allow us to easily conduct surveys to identify courses of interest.  Students will receive certificate of completion after completing the courses.

 Conclusion

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is committed to developing the capacity of Nigerians to use technology to solve problems. We will keep updating the course offerings to reflect global trends. The step by step procedure for using the platforms will be available on our website and social media pages.The Digital Nigeria programme will provide a platform to empower Nigerians to develop relevant skills and build innovative solutions to address challenges within our community. #DigitalNigeria

LAGOS CBD TO PROSECUTE TRAFFIC, ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENDERS IN MOBILE COURTS

LAGOS CBD TO PROSECUTE TRAFFIC, ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENDERS IN MOBILE COURTS

The Office of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Business Districts has concluded plans to deploy Mobile Courts to prosecute all traffic and environmental offenders within Lagos Island District.

The Special Adviser, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of Market Associations in Lagos, led by Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo and members of Community Development Associations, CDAs, within the Lagos Island Business District at the Agency’s office over the weekend.

Oyerinde, while appealing to the stakeholders to caution members of their communities against violating traffic and environmental rules, stated that the introduction of Mobile Courts underscores the fact that CBD must create a conducive environment for business to thrive within all areas designated as business districts within the State.

He reiterated the determination of the present administration to restore the original master plan of the Lagos Island Business Districts and its adjoining axis by checking the activities of street traders and developers, who have converted all available spaces like walkways, streets and roads to shops.

Speaking on the need to open up the roads and streets blocked by traders especially Breadfruit, Mcween and Gbajumo Streets, the Special Adviser said the State Government is determined to restore safety and environmental sanity to all nooks and crannies of the Lagos Island Business District, saying that illegal activities of shops and plaza owners, who violate the physical planning laws, will be checked.

Warning miscreant who attack government officials on lawful duties, Oyerinde said no amount of resistance and intimidation by hoodlums parading as “Omo Adugbo” can make the State Government go back on its resolve to clean up the entire Lagos Island Business District.

The Special Adviser called on traders, especially those selling on the streets and walkways, to remove their extensions and makeshift shops from the roads immediately.

He also cautioned street urchins and area boys parading as developers to desist from supporting the illegality of converting streets and roads to trading places forthwith or face the full wrath of the law, stressing that no pleading on behalf of anybody convicted by the court will be entertained by his Office.

Speaking at the meeting, the Iyaloja-General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, pledged the cooperation of members of the market associations in realising the goals and objectives of the Agency.

She, however, requested for joint inspection of areas and shops that are notorious for violating the physical planning laws of the State in a bid to correct the anomalies.

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos