ATCON SECTORAL FORUM 2020: TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES ARE BEING OWNED OVER 17 BILLION NAIRA – NCC EVC

ATCON SECTORAL FORUM 2020: TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES ARE BEING OWNED OVER 17 BILLION NAIRA – NCC EVC

​In a post Covid 19 workplace and era, information technology, communication and data will be the critical drivers that would power the era. Having seen the change of narrative, the Association of Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ATCON) headed by Olusola Teniola invited the key stakeholders in an online forum tagged “ATCON’ Sectoral Virtual Forum 2020.” Isa Pantami ,the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy in Nigeria, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Office (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi  the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and host of others looked at how ICT will play a vital role in  post Covid 19 economic realities.

Taking to zoom conference, Isa Patanmi promise to look at the cost of broadband deployment, the minister said that the ministry is looking at reviewing the taxes that are collected by various states of federation to the Infracos and also promising to  look at giving preferential treatment to indigenous firms using the Executive order 003 and Presidential order 005.He also buttressed the need for patronage for the local Telco firms, a policy is being formulated to this regard. The Minister said that the government is doing the desired intervention to ensure that the indigenous telecom firms which ATCON is the body would be looked at.

NITDA has aided growth of Nigeria's tech ecosystem -- DG, Kashifu ...

On the interest of consumers, the Minister said that it is in the interest of the Ministry to protect the subscribers and consumers of telecommunication products and services is paramount to the Government. The Minister is working with NCC Operators to ensure a robust framework that would protect the interest of consumers. The minister used the forum to harp on the quality of service, though in most cases are caused by vandalization. The QoS is key to the government, especially the price of data will be looked at. The minister made it known that the right of way has a way of impacting on the price of data and there are efforts made to come up with packages.

The leadership of ATCON, is the body that helped to push the National Broadband Plan and the minister is looking at 70% penetration rates in the next 5 years. The Minister promised to work with ATCON members to ensure that this is feasible in a few years’ time. Speaking on the forum, Olu Teniola, the President of ATCON said that the organisation is desirous to assist the ministry on the issue of right of way and double taxation. The Minister said that telecom infrastructure is seen as national infrastructure. The minister said that the issue of Right of Way has been lingering and he is working with governors on this.

NITDA Begins Registration, Licensing of Indigenous Information Technol

Prof Danbatta, opined that the Covid 19 impact affected the whole economy and there is need to utilise the power of Information Technology and in the heart of ICT, infrastructure is the key. He said that NCC is striving very hard to meet up especially in the area of broadband deployment. On the issue of underutilisation of submarine broadband and landing capacity, the EVC said that the Commission is in the process of reviewing the Infraco framework as mandated by the National Bureau for Privatization (NBP). He said that the spectrum utilization especially 800MHz CDA, 1800MHz for LTE and Spectrum auctioning, the EVC reassured Nigerians that the NCC is in the process of issuing last mile satellite operators’ licenses to provide broadband services.

On the protection of consumers, NCC has brought out measures such as DND lines 2442 and a toll-free line of 622 has been in place. Over two hundred and seventy thousand complaints have been received by the commission. On the issue of Mobile number portability, over 1.1 million have utilised this service. The commission also launched a web portal as an alternative platform where consumers can lay their complaints. The draft review of consumer code of practice is being concluded for publication.

NCC Denies N300m Subventions To NITDA - Brand Communicator

The teething problem of Right of Way, the Commission has made tremendous strides in this regard. This year alone, NCC resolves Right of Way (RoW) disputes in Ekiti, Imo, Kaduna, and Plateau states and is working towards the harmonization of right of way charges. As a proactive agency, The NCC has allowed mobile numbers operators (MNOs) to participate fully in the provision of mobile money services through the National Financial Inclusion Strategy. This is designed to achieve an 80% financial inclusion target of the Federal Government. The EVC lamented on the huge debt being owed to telecommunication firms by many agencies, saying that over 17 billion is being owned and this has hampered the full capacity utilisation.

Kashifu Adullahi, the Director General of NITDA in his remarks said that “In a post covid 19 era, the economy would be powered by information technology. “We are witnessing the emergence of new trends such as remote work, conferences and meetings. There is a need for government intervention here because strains are being put on existing infrastructure. With over 30 million subscribers using smartphones to access the internet, there is a need for a robust framework which the president did by launching the national broadband plan”, he said.

Nigeria: ATCON to hold virtual meeting on impact of Covid-19 on ...

The DG of NITDA said that the Agency is involved seriously in the area of developmental regulation especially in the area of privacy and trust. The data assets guidelines, blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are the frameworks that the agency is working on. The agency has built about 3 IT hubs, 80 Digital learning centres and other key infrastructures.

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

On the issue of underutilisation of submarine broadband and landing capacity, the EVC said that the Commission is in the process of reviewing the Infraco framework as mandated by the National Bureau for Privatization (NBP). He said that the spectrum utilization especially 800MHz CDA, 1800MHz for LTE and Spectrum auctioning, the EVC reassured Nigerians that the NCC is in the process of issuing last mile satellite operators’ licenses to provide broadband services.

FINTECH GURU, SIMEON ONONOBI CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY

FINTECH GURU, SIMEON ONONOBI CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY

One of the few start-ups in the country that have shown promise over the years, Simeon Ononobi, as he celebrates his birthday, his strides in the ICT space must be looked at. Just like Biblical Simeon Peter whom Our Lord handed the keys of the heaven, Simeon Ononobi seems to have the key of serial entrepreneurial spirit and giving hopes to the youths and start up, in a country that is more focused on music, culture and everything apart from ICT, Simeon has shown that Nigerians can run and float a world class financial technology ( FinTech) firm and have foreign partners collaborating with him.

Having founded SimplePay from a humble place in Lagos, the organisation has grown to be one of the few fintechs in the country that has demonstrated resilient and hope. “I don’t believe that you can just borrow something from America and use it in this environment. You have to get into the psyche of the individual” In his words with Muyiwa of TechPoint.

Advice for Founders with Simeon Ononobi | by microtraction ...

This singular statement has been his watchword and a propeller that has made him build world-class solutions for Nigeria and Africa. According to Techpoint, “SimplePay was awarded “Best Nigerian Start-up” in the 2013 edition of Seedstars World Lagos. Ononobi went on to represent Nigeria at the global event where SimplePay emerged 1st runner up to secure $330,000 in funding. In the space of less than 2 years, the start-up has grown to upwards of 60,000 transactions a month, amounting to about 80 to 100 million naira.”

Not yet done, Simeon is the Co-Founder/CEO at ThankUCash! With thevision is to create sustainable solutions to help connect 10,000 businesses to 10,000,000 customers by the year 2023. Currently, the CEO at a great company called Connected Analytics Inc., a 500 Startup portfolio company and passionate about helping small businesses stay alive and grow using data analytics and rewards. A Software Analyst/Engineer in a previous life and product developer.

As Simeon celebrates his birthday in a quiet and humble way, considering the social distance, we wish to use this opportunity to felicitate with him.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Tshimologong launches a programme to help grow female-owned tech businesses

Tshimologong launches a programme to help grow female-owned tech businesses

Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct kicks off its inaugural Ya Basadi in 4IR programme, with the financial support of J.P. Morgan. Ya Basadi, meaning ‘for women’ in Setswana, is an acceleration programme that will enable Tshimologong to support established small businesses in transitioning into both technology and/or technology-enabled companies with the purpose of optimising their operations quickly and efficiently. The programme is targeting primarily women-owned businesses, which are already trading and have a clear understanding of how tech can scale their businesses. Ya Basadi will also include underserved female entrepreneurs from low income backgrounds.

Khwezi Fudu Cenenda, Enterprise Development Manager at Tshimologong says the Ya Basadi programme taking place this month is well timed as the country dedicates the month of August to saluting women: “Entrepreneurship is fast becoming a chosen way to counteract the low economic growth and increasing unemployment. This is particularly prevalent when looking at the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) research, which notes that 72% of micro-enterprises and 40% of small enterprises are currently owned by women. Unfortunately, these businesses often require funding as well as support in terms of digital transformation.”

Of significance is the imminent rise of the Fourth Industrial revolution (4IR) and how this can be transitioned into each business. Developed with three main components: technology training, experiential learning through immersions in industry and the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), the programme will enable participants to understand how to apply and adopt new technology into their business such as, amongst others, Machine Learning (ML), data analytics, robotics and Internet of Things (IoT), that can lead to growth with smarter data-analysis, rapid prototyping and understanding of adaptive manufacturing principles. The ultimate goal of the programme is to help women-owned businesses scale, generate more value and create employment in Johannesburg economies.

Senior Country Officer for J.P. Morgan, Kevin Latter, said: “We are excited to support this innovative programme at a time in our country where small business growth is crucial. As a firm, J.P. Morgan globally focuses on supporting small business and the empowerment of women. This programme therefore fits perfectly with our global ethos. The devastating impact of Covid-19 in South Africa has made it even more important for the business sector to support the development of smaller businesses and job creation.”

In addition, Cenenda says that the programme will also focus on 4IR because of the opportunities that it presents for women’s businesses and how this evolution could assist them to flourish beyond micro and small business status: “Only 13% of women graduate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) while only 23% hold IT jobs. This means that the potential for women to participate in 4IR is limited. Our objective with the programme is to innovate and collaborate to find new ways of increasing access for women in technology.”

With a selected cohort ready to go, she says that the entrepreneurs will be challenged to develop or build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that will be presented at the end of the programme. A cross section of some of the solutions that the cohort brings, includes the provision of a travelling nurse using an online booking system; automated recycling; the provision of WIFI to households in townships; offering assessments and career guidance purely through automated calendar bookings and video calls and using financial tools to protect Africa’s green assets.

“The key to success will be to support women-led businesses to transition to becoming tech or tech-enabled companies and to help them move to the next level as a business. Those companies that are already classified as tech businesses will get the opportunity to deepen their use of tech. This pipeline will need to be nurtured, developed and grown, which is why we are looking to secure additional partnerships to assist in developing the programme moving forward,” says Cenenda.

The year-long Ya Basadi programme will comprise of technology masterclasses in 11 areas of technology such as App and Web Development, 3D Printing, AI, Robotics, IoT, VR and Cybersecurity. In addition to this, the entrepreneurs will get practical, on the job experience in industry; learning circles for the cohort to share experiences; and will conclude with at least a MVP being developed for or by each start-up.

Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg once said, “No industry or country can reach its full potential until women reach their full potential. This is especially true of science and technology, where women with a surplus of talent still face a deficit of opportunity.”

Join Tshimologong Precinct to improve the quality of opportunities for female – led businesses, and build an ecosystem of women in technology that will forever change the landscape, shaping the way forward for women and young girls.

To partner with Ya Basadi and to get more information on the programme, please contact Khwezi Cenenda on khwezi@tshimologong.joburg.

Ends

NCC Revises Determination on USSD Pricing

NCC Revises Determination on USSD Pricing

…Initiates fresh engagement with stakeholders 

The Nigerian Communications Commission, in furtherance of its mandate to protect the interests of consumers and support a robust telecommunications sector, has revised its Determination on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) pricing published on the 23rd of July, 2019.The amendment was necessitated following a protracted dispute between Mobile Network Operators and Financial Institutions on the applicable charges for USSD services and the method of billing. 
As a responsive and effective regulatory authority, the Commission recognises that its policies are not static and may be modified from time to time as circumstances demand.

This is coming on the heels of a recent directive by the Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, regarding a review of the USSD pricing by all parties involved, following a presentation made by the Commission on the billing structure, determination of USSD pricing, current status and the way forward.

Speaking during the presentation, the Minister stated that he took the decision to suspend the commencement of end-user billing (where the consumers are charged directly from their airtime balance for use of USSD channels as opposed to corporate billing where the banks paid the MNOs for the use of USSD service) because he was “genuinely besieged with a barrage of complaints at the attempted commencement of end-user billing by service providers.”The Minister also clarified that “USSD is a service to banks and not to the Telecom Consumers, and as such, banks should see themselves as corporate customers of telecom operators with a duty to pay for using the telecom network and infrastructure, including USSD channels extended to them for service delivery to their customers.” 
According to him, “Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have no direct relationship to bank customers, and cannot, therefore, charge directly for usage of USSD channel.”

The USSD channel has evolved over time from a telco-exclusive channel used for only telco services such as balance inquiry and recharges to a channel for the deployment of a broad spectrum of services, including financial, insurance, agricultural, government services and more. The use of USSD channel has become a critical resource in the economy even more so in this era of the Covid-19 pandemic that has witnessed a rise in reliance on digital services.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, in the interest of the consumers and other stakeholders, has revised the Determination previously issued by removing the Price Floor and the Cap to allow the Mobile Network Operators and the banks negotiate rates that will be mutually beneficial to all parties concerned.

The NCC also determined that Mobile Network Operators must not charge the consumers directly for the use of USSD channels for financial services in the form of end-user-billing. The transaction should be between the MNOs and the entity to which the service is provided (i.e. Banks and Financial Institutions). 

A copy of the Determination is available on the NCC’s website, www.ncc.gov.ng.

Signed

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde

HOW A PROMISING YOUNG GIRL BECAME A POWERFUL NATIVE DOCTOR

HOW A PROMISING YOUNG GIRL BECAME A POWERFUL NATIVE DOCTOR

Exactly three years ago, I was on one of my usual trips to Nnewi, Anambra to check on my ailing mother and I needed to stop by a shop on Igwe Orizu road to buy some provisions. I was attended to by a young beautiful girl, who was so courteous and customer-centric that I had to ask why she chose the salesgirl’s job instead looking for a better earning career.

The young girl told me that it was her father’s shop and that she had to help out since she could not get a job; that she just finished her youth service. I pitied her and dropped my call card asking her to send her CV to me so that I could help get her tested for employment in a bank. And she did. Her mom and dad later called to thank me for choosing to help their first daughter. And I did.

The young girl, Ebere who made a second class upper degree from a federal university proved her mettle by smashing the bank’s aptitude test at first attempt and was scheduled for oral interview. That was when I noticed she has a problem.

Candidate Ebere refused to appear for the her interview despite many opportunities created for her. Hours before her interview time, her phone would go off and she would never call back to apologize. The apologetic mother and the infuriated father were embarrassed. I forgot about her until one day she called asking for a physical meeting with me. She was in Lagos.

I could barely recognise her as she majestically walked into my office. Her resplendent looks, height, gait and measured queenly carriage distracted a couple of young boys working under me, who had to enter my office to give me undue updates on assignments. They just wanted to meet the young girl in Oga’s office.

My mouth remained agape as this young girl told me the story of her life. How her dead ancestors had been on her case and were insistent that she must take on the herbalist profession of her great grandmother and how they interfered in her life choices and how, many men of God had failed to deliver her from the nagging spiritual interference. She also narrated how her parents wouldn’t approve of any deliverance that involved spiritual sacrifice, propitiation or any solution outside their christian faith.

And she continued to suffer.

Finally, the young lady assured me that she was okay now but not after taking her destiny into her hands to seek for help from practitioners of African Traditional Religion. I would not bore you with the details. Her troubles melted away after she accepted to become a herbalist.

Herbalist Ebere told me how the ancestors would show him the herbs that cure specific illnesses and she would wake up to find those herbs exactly in those locations. She would use them to prepare her medications and her customers would come back with testimonies. And her clientele base is growing.

I had asked Ebere to get NAFDAC license for her products and she laughed. I guess she wondered if NAFDAC has ancestors as staff who could certify native medicine.

Ebere’s call to service would not surprise any grounded Igbo person as that was how all healing native doctors were called.

I had a singular opportunity of interviewing the great Nwakobe Ogbuebunu from Umuanuka Otolo in the early 1980s. And he told me that he was ordered to leave Aba in then Imo State back to Nnewi to become a native doctor, a trade his father and his ancestors plied. He told me how he would be woken up in the dead of the night and led into the bush to be shown the herbs to use. At that time, the herbs would be speaking audibly announcing what they cured. So was the case of Okeke Alịkọ of Ụmụicheke in Umuenem Otolo Nnewi.

Those called to become native doctors in Igbo land usually succeed. They are not like my neighbour who decided to learn it from a popular native doctor named Nnsọfọ from Ụmụenem Otolo Nnewi but cured nobody. He fizzled out. Some others, the bad eggs use their talents in the wrong way as some people use guns given to them for hunting for shooting people. The can cure and can also afflict illnesses on people.

It is becoming clearer to me that God had given every nation or people their own doctors with sound ways of diagnosis and treatments of their peculiar aliments or diseases. Unfortunately, the colonial masters and their religion experts have made us see what God gave us as evil. And we don’t care.

I wish Ebere, my young friend, who has decided to obey the call of her ancestors to become a medical doctor, success in her ordained profession. By the way, she doesn’t do divination or prepare charms. She is just a curative doctor.

By Anayo Nwosu, OON

NSE Simplifies Investing in the Capital Market with Comic Book

NSE Simplifies Investing in the Capital Market with Comic Book

The proliferation of dubious investment schemes that often result in loss of money by unsuspecting members of the public continues to make the role of financial literacy imperative. To play its part, Nigeria’s leading bourse, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE or The Exchange) has issued the second edition of its comic, StockTown, dedicated to providing financial literacy education to Nigerians.


The comic, available in digital format on a dedicated website at www.nse-stocktown.com builds on The Exchange’s advocacy for safe and trusted investment schemes. 


The story picks up from the first edition, following the life of Mora Johnson as she seeks to liberate her family from their financial struggles by investing in the capital market. This second edition highlights some major lessons for potential and existing investors including the need for vigilance in avoiding Ponzi schemes and unregulated investments, whilst advising prospective investors to seek proper guidance before making investment decisions. Readers can look forward to a simplified explanation of the history of the capital market, its evolution over the years, and how anyone can start making investments today in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of StockTown. 


Commenting on the importance of this comic book, Head, Corporate Communications, NSE, Olumide Orojimi said, “Investor Education is a priority for us at The Exchange. We have identified the need to empower individuals across all levels to make good financial decisions and better their lives now and in the future. As the investment landscape continues to evolve to accommodate more retail participants, we are excited to leverage new and existing platforms to present investment products and processes in ways that are both appealing and easy to understand, particularly in this new normal. We hope that StockTown becomes a widely-read resource for potential and existing investors, the financially excluded, millennials and the larger public.” 


StockTown is just one of the many ways NSE demonstrates its strong commitment to promoting financial literacy in Nigeria. Even amidst the Coronavirus pandemic and the temporary closure of The Exchange’s facilities, NSE continues to host virtual financial literacy workshops with students and young upwardly mobile professionals. Furthermore, The Exchange has hosted several webinars on various products including Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Green Bonds, and Securities Lending to provide more information to the market on available securities and how to trade them. 


It should also be recalled that NSE is a member of the Financial Literacy Technical Committee of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); as well as the National Finance Inclusion Steering Committee led by the Central Bank of Nigeria with a mandate to reduce the level of financial exclusion in Nigeria to 20%.

NSE

6 ways connectivity can change Africa for the better

6 ways connectivity can change Africa for the better

#Africa

As we edge closer to Industry 4.0, nowhere in the world will you find the same pace or scale of change as here in Africa.

Today, 850 million people across Africa and the Middle East are connected to mobile broadband. In just five years’ time, this number will almost double, according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report. The impact of this will be far reaching.

It will also accelerate an exponential demand for data. By 2024, mobile data traffic in the region will rise by up to a third year-on-year – by far the highest growth rate worldwide according to the Ericsson Mobility Report.

Africa isn’t just playing catch up. There is a real buzz here about the extent to which connectivity can impact the continent’s sustainability efforts.

The development of LTE and 5G digital infrastructure is an integral part of Africa’s growing economy and has proved to be an essential driver of an inclusive information society that integrates digitization in all critical aspects of life, such as education, transport, health, energy and even homeland security.

All of this, of course, carries significant potential to contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.


Connectivity is a critical enabler of social and economic change. Its dynamism constantly offers us new ways to overcome both global and regional development challenges. If leveraged for good, the introduction of 5G and expansion of LTE networks across Africa can accelerate this process exponentially.

As we continue toward a more urbanized world and the impacts of climate change grow progressively dire, the need for sustainable technologies which support the SDGs will become truly paramount. It’s still early, but the use cases which we have been deploying across the continent are already delivering on their potential.

Below, let me take you on a short tour of some of the ways we’re connecting Africa for the better.

  1. Mixed Reality for Urban Design (SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities)

    Together with UN-Habitat, we are explored visualization technologies that have the potential to revolutionize how we approach urban design. This new visually realistic blending of reality with virtual imagination can create a more intuitive space for planners, architects, residents and other stakeholders to viscerally experience and re-imagine future environments. Architectural sketches and designs can be made more legible and accessible, thus pulling users into the process of design and strengthening the long-term viability and buy-in of urban projects.

    This innovation was piloted by UN-Habitat and Ericsson in Johannesburg, South Africa. Find out more by reading our joint publication ‘’Mixed reality for public participation in urban and public space design: Towards a new way of crowdsourcing new inclusive smart cities’’ which we recently launched at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Kenya.
  2. Innovative approach to mitigate and adapt to climate change (SDG 13: Climate action)

    Detailed rainfall patterns with high resolution are difficult to monitor with existing technologies (radar, satellite and gauges) and lack of weather monitoring infrastructure in many emerging markets.
    Currently being piloted in Rwanda, the Ericsson Weather Data initiative is a new innovative solution which helps in measurement of rainfall in real time utilizing signal disturbances in microwave links used as backhaul in cellular networks.

    Deployed in partnership with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), the technology uses microwave links and works with existing rainfall measurement technologies to enable vastly greater accuracy in real-time rain measurement, and therefore provide more detailed rain modelling information. This results in detailed and cost efficient rainfall and flood predictions utilizing existing telecom infrastructure. Use cases include climate mitigation efforts; flood prevention in sewage and stormwater systems in cities, agriculture, transport solutions, tourism, insurance weather agencies and water utilities, as well as malaria and dengue prevention in tropical areas.

    According to Ericsson research, ICT solutions could help to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 15% by 2030, amounting to around ten gigatonnes of CO2e—more than the current carbon footprint of the EU and US combined. Examples of areas where the savings can be enabled by ICT solutions are : transportation, energy, industries and agriculture.
  3. Use of mobile financial services to reduce inequalities (SDG 10: Reduced inequalities)The freedom to send, spend and receive money with a mobile phone is quickly becoming an essential part of life for billions of people. It is a freedom which also impacts accessibility to energy, health, education and employment opportunities.In Africa today, more than half of consumers use mobile money services through an agent, and some 20% use mobile money themselves on a mobile phone. However, the unbanked are the ones who are least involved in the formal financial system, due to factors such as distance to banks, education, and the inability to authenticate their identity, according to data from Ericsson ConsumerLab.The Ericsson Converged Wallet m-commerce solution is a new innovation which contributes to a more open, easy and accessible mobile money network in Africa. Together with our customer MTN, we will continue to deploy new products and provide Managed Services for Mobile Money services in 13 countries across Africa by 2024.
  4. ICT in Education and our Connect to Learn initiative (SDG 4: Quality education)Since its inception in Africa in 2010, the Connect to Learn program has been leveraging the power of mobility, broadband and cloud solutions to enhance the quality and access to teaching and learning resources in a safe, cost effective, and user-friendly way.We have brought technology tools, digital learning resources and new interactive forms of teaching pedagogies to schools and community learning centers in 12 sub-Saharan African countries. This includes schools in the Millennium Villages of 8 countries from 2010 to 2015, namely Rwanda, Uganda, Malawi, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia. We have also invested in other ICT in school projects in 3 countries, namely Djibouti (2012), Burkina Faso (2014) and South Africa (2017). More than 30,000 students have been positively impacted by these.
  5. Role of technology in peacebuilding with youth (SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions)Through an initiative which provides ICT equipment, training and connectivity to young victims of conflict in South Sudan and Northern Uganda, we are leveraging technology to create positive, sustainable change in the region. Together with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), and  some of our  mobile  network operator customers, we have already impacted  more than 31000 young people (direct and indirect beneficiaries) and have 12  local computer-equipped Community Learning Centers (CLCs) running in Africa.
  6. Public Private Partnerships to Connect the Unconnected (SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals)We joined the Millennium Villages Project (MVP) as a technology partner in 2007 and committed to support the MVP along with our partners by bringing voice and internet communications to approximately 500,000 people living in the village clusters, with the intention of improving social and economic conditions.The integration of ICT quickly came to play a critical role in the project. As basic interventions in the areas of health, education, agriculture and entrepreneurship began to achieve success, ICT helped to take the fight against poverty a step further by empowering individuals and institutions with the ability to communicate, and to access and share vital information. Ericsson’s long-term engagement in the MVP demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships and how they can help to spread the impact of mobile broadband in a way that enables the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.Read more about our education related insights from this project in our ten-year anniversary publication: ‘Technology Assisted Education: Connect to Learn multi-year, multi-country experiences.

Next steps to innovate for sustainable development in Africa

As we look ahead, it’s clear that Africa shows significant promise by way of economic, technological and infrastructural growth over the coming years. Yet, there are still many challenges we must overcome if we are to deliver real sustainable change for all. While there are parts of the continent on the cusp of 5G rollout, there remains other parts where 3G and 4G are still in infancy.

More than just a business opportunity, digitalization is fundamental to achieving all 17 of the SDGs and a powerful way to make a positive impact on society. To truly leverage the full potential which this offers, it’s important we reach out to all stakeholders across government, and public and private enterprise. This is how we make positive, sustainable impact in areas such as climate change, education, human rights and humanitarian response.

Read the Ericsson sustainability pages to find out more about our activities to connect change.

Find out how IoT can be deployed to support sustainability efforts in the WEF’s sustainable IoT report.

Mikael Bäck

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES NEW NBA PRESIDENT, OLUMIDE AKPATA

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES NEW NBA PRESIDENT, OLUMIDE AKPATA

President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Olumide Akpata on his election as the President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), wishing him every success in the new position of leading Nigerian lawyers to chart a path of professional development and fulfilment.

As a lawyer of over two decades who has held several strategic positions in the legal association, President Buhari trusts that Mr Akpata’s vast knowledge and experience in litigation, corporate world and engaging with government at different levels, will greatly benefit the Bar and indeed all Nigerians, who look up to the learned fellows as crucial stakeholders in a modern democracy.

President Buhari assures the new leadership of the NBA of the continued cooperation of his administration in addressing the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the legal profession and the country.

Femi Adesina

POLICE ARREST 35 SUSPECTS FOR KIDNAPPING AND OTHER HEINOUS CRIMES

POLICE ARREST 35 SUSPECTS FOR KIDNAPPING AND OTHER HEINOUS CRIMES

Recovers 4 Ak47 Rifles, 5 other Assault Guns, 378 Rounds of Ammunition, 18 Vehicles and 1 Anti-Tracker Device amongst others
Police Operatives attached to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested thirty-five (35) suspects across the country for their active involvement and participation in series of kidnapping, armed robbery and other heinous crimes across the country. The arrest is sequel to the unrelenting efforts by the Force to rid the country of heinous criminals and to get justice for victims of these crimes.

Notable among the arrests is a criminally minded pastor, Adetokumbo Adenopo ‘m’ 52years, Founder and General Overseer of New Life Ministry, Lukosi, in Shagamu Area of Ogun State and three other members of his criminal gang namely; Chigozie Williams 22years, native of Umuahia North, Abia State, Ugoji Linus 30years, native of Ezinifite in Imo State and Emmanuel Chris Ani, 27years, native of Aniri in Enugu State, all responsible for the kidnap for ransom of one Jonathan Ekpo ‘m’ 35years from Benue State. Curiously, the pastor told the Police operatives that he embarked on the crime for the expansion of his church and charity works.

The victim, an employee of a logistic company was kidnapped on 17th July, 2020 while on official duty to deliver goods in Shagamu, Ogun State. The victim was kept in an underground cabin inside the Pastor’s church building in Ogijo town, Ogun State by his abductors who demanded the payment of twenty million naira ransom as condition for his release. He was subsequently rescued unhurt nine days after and reunited with his family by the Police.

Similarly, the Police also arrested one Udodiri Bright aka Ability ‘m’ 30years old, native of Osuachara Village, Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo state and three others, Ekwuru Shadrack aka Escobar ‘m’ 26years native of Arondizuogu village in Okigwe LGA of Imo state, Chimerie Igwe aka 4real ‘m’ 30years old, native of Umucheke Village in Orlu LGA of Imo State and Chibuike Sunday, 28years old from Arondizuogu of Imo State.

They were arrested on the 5th of July, 2020 for the abduction and killing of a Nigerian US Soldier, Chuks Okebata who came into Nigeria for holidays in his home town, Okigwe, Imo State in 2017. The suspects who are one of the foremost kidnapping groups terrorizing the South Eastern part of the country were arrested 31 months after, following intensive manhunt by the Police team.

The Police team also arrested a 9-man trans-boundary armed robbery and car snatching syndicate led by one Yakubu Hayatu, 30years from Borno State. Members of the gang include; Adamu Awalu, 28years from Kano State, Abdulrahman Yakubu, 23years from Zaria, Yususf Adamu, 22years from Zaria, Kamal Japhet, 22years from Katsina, Abubakar Samaila, 20years from Zaria, Muhammadu Abdulahi, 20years from Zaria, Yahaya Mohammed, 18years from Kaduna State, Ibrahim Abubakar, 21years from Kwara. Investigations reveal that the syndicate has snatched over thirty exotic cars at gun point and killed two Policemen.

They use anti-tracker devices to evade arrest and deliver the vehicles to one Alhaji Garba in Maradi, Niger Republic. Eighteen vehicles have so far been recovered by the Police team. The team is working with the INTERPOL to apprehend Alhaji Garba and to recover the remaining vehicles.

Exhibits recovered include: 4 Ak47 Rifles, 1 FMC rifle, 1 Pump Action Gun, 2 double barrel guns, 1 Beretta pistol, 4 AK47 Magazine, 6 cartridges, 378 Rounds of live Ammunition, 1 Network Jammer (anti-tracker device), Others.

While noting that the suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni assures that the battle against criminal elements in the country is a continuous one.

DCP FRANK MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA

MMANTI UMOH SPEAKS ON “SHAPING THE FUTURE ECONOMY”

MMANTI UMOH SPEAKS ON “SHAPING THE FUTURE ECONOMY”

In a country that the demographics are in favor of the youths, with over 60% of the population known to be young people, the need to tap into this youthful and energetic group becomes imperative for the country to grow. Having said this, Mmanti Umoh will be speaking on “SHAPING THE FUTURE ECONOMY” powered by TEENNATION.

TEENNATION is Africa’s largest community of young leaders, change makers and social entrepreneurs bold in undertaking a sense of shared responsibility, impact and ambition.

Speaking on the importance of the event, Mnati said”Can I tell you about; Jefferson in Kenya who has “The Eden Horticultural Hub which grew and distributed 2.5 tons of tomatoes to more than 100 households, as well as local schools and hospitals. Balbina in Tanzania the founder of Huduma Smart, an enterprise that trains domestic workers and provides a job market for them via their website, where employers can recruit workers of their choice according to the qualifications given by employers and acceptability of a worker.”

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She added “Regardless of their language, level of education, or nationality, young people see entrepreneurship as a means to achieve social and economic development. Young entrepreneurs are drivers of innovation, economic growth, and are keen to make a positive change in their societies. They are also the source of innovative solutions that governments and the private sector need to address current and future development challenges.”

“This Friday, August 7th, 2020 on INSTAGRAM LIVE – @TeennatiomHQ as I speak with teen entrepreneurs in Africa”, She concluded.

Mmanti Umoh is the CEO & Lead Consultant, The PurplePatch Consults. Mmanti Umoh is described by the International Community of Leaders as a “Quintessential Kingmaker and Polymath. Catalyzing the growth of Africa’s next-generation leaders.” She is the Lead Consultant of The PurplePatch Consults.A polymath – award-winning Management Consultant and Education Psychologist who is using skills development for job creation, economic growth and poverty reduction. She specializes in transforming the economy, empowering people and building sustainable communities through collaboration.She loves people, organizations, systems, ideas, and change. She is passionate about maximizing human creative potential.

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU