Chooya, Aba Startup Receives $950,000 in Cash & Program Support from Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC), Misk Global Forum and others

Chooya, Aba Startup Receives $950,000 in Cash & Program Support from Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC), Misk Global Forum and others

Chooya, an Aba-based eCommerce Startup digitizing word-of-mouth marketing for African businesses and consumers, today announced funding of $950,000 in cash and program support from Entrepreneurship World Cup.

As one of the top 100 EWC finalists chosen from 200,000 participants spread across 200 countries, Chooya benefits from the over $75M service support from Misk Global Forum, Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), and other world-class partners.

Chooya will plow the resources into product development, marketing and human resources to reach businesses (local and online) struggling with new customer acquisition to help them digitize word-of-mouth marketing and grow their sales.
By default, for any business to reach new customers and grow their sales they have to engage in marketing. Unfortunately, currently available channels do not provide an easy or budget friendly way to automate word-of-mouth marketing which by research is the most effective type of marketing.
Chooya’s word-of-mouth mobile solution called “addds” plans to target 5,000 businesses by Q3, 2022 and help them boost sales by 3x.

Quick Facts

● Chooya was founded in 2019 as a “search engine for African traditional markets”.
● Chooya has been bootstrapped since its inception.
● Chooya has previously received recognition and awards from Alibaba Business School and African Leadership University (2020).
● Igwe Uguru the Founder and CEO of Chooya, is also the co-founder of RAD5 Tech Hub, an innovation hub focused on venture building.
● The Entrepreneurship World Cup is more than just a pitch competition. It gives everyone who enters access to the knowledge, networks and for some, the capital they need to start and scale a company.
● Chooya received a $100,000 national and $850,000 global prize from the EWC.

Quotes

“I was inspired to digitize word-of-mouth marketing by my experience helping my 72-year-old father at his local business. Without any form of paid commercial or social media ads, I watched the customers grow every single month through word-of-mouth marketing and helped my father train all his five children in the high institution. We are very excited about Chooya’s future and the impact we are set to make considering the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, especially on small businesses.”

  • Igwe Uguru, Founder and CEO of Chooya
    “As one of the top 100 EWC finalists chosen from 200,000 participants spread across 200 countries, we are excited to have Chooya join this community of promising founders. Through the Club, GEN Starters access global connections with experienced entrepreneurs, mentors and investors within the Global Entrepreneurship Network and our partners – as well as year-round opportunities for additional support and visibility through curated networking opportunities at special events and learning experiences through GEN Accelerates – our training platform.”
  • Jonathan Ortmans, President, Global Entrepreneurship Network

CHILD ART PRODIGY KANYEYACHUKWU TAGBO – OKEKE’S WORKS THRILL ADMIRERS AND COLLECTORS AT THE NEW YORK ART EXPO AND UNICEF

CHILD ART PRODIGY KANYEYACHUKWU TAGBO – OKEKE’S WORKS THRILL ADMIRERS AND COLLECTORS AT THE NEW YORK ART EXPO AND UNICEF

Nigerian child prodigy, Kanyeyachukwu chukwu Okeke’s strides in the art world is bringing more recognition to the country. Recently, Kanye as he is fondly called, was amongst the list of prestigious artists from around the world exhibiting their works at the prestigious New York Art Exhibition which took place at the popular Pier 36 Van Gogh auditorium in New York, United States of America. The event ran for 4 days between 26th – 31st of October and had artistes from all over the world but most especially those based in North and Southern America states, showcasing their works for art lovers and buyers to view.

Kanyeyachukwus presence and participation caused such a huge buzz at the event because not only was he the youngest artiste to ever showcase works here, but he is also one who is struggling with autism but doesn’t let it get in his way.

Kanye has over the years shown that children living with autism can make a difference in the world when given adequate support and through the support Kanyeyachukwu has gotten from friends, family (especially his mum and dad), institutions etc. his works have graced various galleries from Africa to Europe and now North America, thus drawing widespread commendation from his admirers.

An art enthusiast, collector , art critics , galleries and the organizers of the event, the Redwood Media Group, US, showered praise upon praise on Kanyeyachukwu as they remarked that “this is one of the most creative childs they have ever seen, especially from Africa. His works are world-class and his strokes are well mastered. He will go a long way in the art world”

Not done yet, Kanyeyachukwu in company of his parents and family, were accorded a welcome reception by Rytis Paulauskas, the President of the UNICEF who on behalf of the organization received one of the artists paintings, a donation titled “Basket of Unity” to help spread awareness about the scourge of autism and the “no child left behind” campaign of the artists K.A.S foundation.

It was all celebrations and outpouring of encomiums from all those who witnessed the ceremony at the UNICEF headquarters in downtown Manhattan New York as all, including the President of UNICEF were amazed at what they were seeing.

What could be said as the highpoint of that reception was when Kanyeyachukwu upon requesting for painting materials, began and produced a painting right there in the conference room where the reception was taking place and presented it to the President of the UNICEF as a personal gift to the utter astonishment of all present.

Speaking at the event, The Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Prof Muhammed Tijani -Bande who joined the President of UNICEF to receive the artist and his entourage said “This is a young man who has produced wonderful works, notwithstanding what seems like a disability, and he has shown that with good nurturing and support, any child can make it. I am really happy that he is sharing his talent to the world. We must know that special children like this must be guided and Kanye’s parents have done a wonderful work in this aspect.”

Rytis Paulauskas,the president of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in his remarks while going through the brochure of his past works, declared that Kanyechukwus’ artworks are “outstanding” and that they send a clear message of hope that no child should or will be left behind. The reception and presentation rounded up with the presentation of the “no child left behind” official campaign T-shirt adorned with art works of the artist, to the UNICEF President and his team.

Still not done yet. The artiste and his entourage where again hosted to another memorable and heart warming reception as another masterpiece by Kanye titled “abundance” was this time unveiled at the Nigerian House in New York, the edifice that is still regarded as the pride of all Africans who live and work in New York.

Upon arrival, the group met with The Consul General Amb Amb Benayagha Bernard Mese Okoyen and were immediately ushered to the 2nd floor of the building, where the painting had already been well hung and positioned, awaiting its unveiling and a small reception had been organised.

Once again, it was a showering of encomiums and praise, starting with the Consul General Amb Benayagha Bernard Mese Okoyen , who spoke glowingly about Kanye and quite impressively spoke about autism and children with special needs as one of the issues they see everyday over there and how they take into cogniscance such issues when planning their days at work.

“When you realise that according to the CDC (center for disease control and prevention), in America alone 1 in 54 children has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder and about 1 out of every 6 children aged 3 – 17 years have been diagnosed with a developmental disability in the last 10 yrs. These figures are bound to get worse and even more here in our still developing Nation and continent and where it has become almost difficult to get accurate statistics concerning this problem as facilities to cater for them are still almost non-existent and so many parents still have stigmas and superstitious beliefs to deal with before the care for their child/children begins.”

Others who spoke at the Nigeria House unveiling of “abundance” where Kanye’s grandfather Chief Simon Okeke, who gave a glowing tribute to his grandson and Consul Natalia Adanu who is the Head of Admin in the consulate.

Kanye has over the years showcased and exhibited in many art exhibitions and galleries all over the world and today, his work stands tall at the headquarters of the UNICEF and the Nigeria House Nigeria Consulate both in New York, a testament to the gift in him.

His story has proven that with love and care, children, Special needs or not, with whatever ailment or condition, are still important and integral parts of us all. They can contribute to the betterment of the society, they can also be nurtured to live a productive and independent life once they are taken good care of hence the mantra “No Child Should Be Left Behind”. This Twelve year old child’s art and his story has shone bright lights on the issues surrounding the care for children with Special needs in Nigeria and the world at large.

Should you ever be a visitor to the UNICEF hq in new York, stop and ask for the site where Kanyeyachukwu’s painting is on display within the building. Should there also be any reason for you to visit the Nigeria House on 2nd ave New York, it would also be a good opportunity to have a look at this young mans abstract work on display and let pride and joy fill you up even as I assure you will be mesmerized.

Cybercrime: NCC Reports new Malware AbstractEmu, attacking Android Devices 

Cybercrime: NCC Reports new Malware AbstractEmu, attacking Android Devices 

Cybercrime: NCC Reports new Malware AbstractEmu, attacking Android Devices

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) wishes to inform telecom consumers and the general public that a new Android malware has been discovered.

The malware, named ‘AbstractEmu’, can gain access to smartphones, take complete control of infected smartphones and silently modify device settings while simultaneously taking steps to evade detection.

This discovery was announced recently by the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), the national agency established by the Federal Government to manage the risks of cyber threats in the Nigeria, which also coordinates incident response and mitigation strategies to proactively prevent cyber-attacks against Nigeria

AbstractEmu has been found to be distributed via Google Play Store and third-party stores such as the Amazon Appstore and the Samsung Galaxy Store, as well as other lesser-known marketplaces like Aptoide and APKPure.

The advisory stated that a total of 19 Android applications that posed as utility apps and system tools like password managers, money managers, app launchers, and data saving apps have been reported to contain the rooting functionality of the malware.

The apps are said to have been prominently distributed via third-party stores such as the Amazon Appstore and the Samsung Galaxy Store, as well as other lesser-known marketplaces like Aptoide and APKPure. The apps include All Passwords, Anti-ads Browser, Data Saver, Lite Launcher, My Phone, Night Light and Phone Plus, among others. 

According to the report, rooting malware although rare, is very dangerous. By using the rooting process to gain privileged access to the Android operating system, the threat actor can silently grant itself dangerous permissions or install additional malware – steps that would normally require user interaction. Elevated privileges also give the malware access to other apps’ sensitive data, something not possible under normal circumstances.

The ngCERT advisory also  captured the consequences of making their devices susceptible to AbstractEmu attack. Once installed, the attack chain is designed to leverage one of five exploits for older Android security flaws that would allow it to gain root permissions. It also takes over the device, installs additional malware, extracts sensitive data,  and transmits to a remote attack-controlled server.

Additionally, the malware can modify the phone settings to give app ability to reset the device password, or lock the device, through device admin; draw over other windows; install other packages; access accessibility services; ignore battery optimisation; monitor notifications; capture screenshots; record device screen; disable Google Play Protect; as well as modify permissions that grant access to contacts, call logs, Short Messaging Service (SMS), Geographic Positioning System (GPS), camera, and microphone.

The ngCERT also asserts in the advisory that, while the malicious apps were removed from Google Play Store, the other app stores are likely distributing them. Consequently, the NCC wishes to reiterate a two-fold ngCERT advisory in order to mitigate the risks. The two-fold advisory include:

1.     Users should be wary of installing unknown or unusual apps, and look out for different behaviours as they use their phones.

2.     Reset your phone to factory settings when there is suspicion of unusual behaviours in your phone.

The NCC, in exercise of its mandate and obligation to the consumers, will continue to sensitise and educate telecoms consumers on any cyber threat capable of inflicting low or high-impact harms on their devices, whether discovered through the ngCERT or the telecom sector’s Centre for Computer Security Incident Response managed by the Commission.

It will be recalled that the NCC, in October 2021, alerted telecom consumers of the existence of new, high-risk and extremely-damaging, Android device-targeting Malware called Flubot and outlined steps to prevent the eir devices from being attacked by the virus.

Want to be more financially savvy? Then stop reading so much

Want to be more financially savvy? Then stop reading so much

Information overload is, conversely, one of the biggest barriers to financial health. Here’s how to stop the analysis paralysis.

By Sakhile Mabena, CEO of OFIN

With the best intentions, many people turn to Google when trying to improve their financial health. And five minutes later, they give up. Why? Because searching for “how to improve financial health” delivers no less than 83 ‘steps’ to do so on the first page of the search results. Any would-be financial mogul has just been bombarded with so much information – some of it simple, some of it complex, and some of it conflicting – that they’re too overwhelmed to even start.

Down the rabbit hole

Though there’s an abundance of information available on any given topic today, the financial services sector is particularly prone to information overload. Financial products are often complex and can be overwhelming for consumers who aren’t financially literate or astute.

On top of that, the conventional view that the more choices we have, the more likely we are to find the best solution, is a fallacy. Research shows that if there are too many options, people are less likely to buy a product. More options require more time and effort to process, causing processing overload and leading to inertia or procrastination. Even if the more adamant consumer pushes through, they’re more likely to have buyer’s remorse – their high expectations, given the variety of options, leaves them feeling less satisfied than customers who had a limited selection.

Coming up for air

The answer? Limit the flow of information. As Voltaire said: Best is the enemy of good. By trying to learn everything about financial health, you’re setting yourself up for failure. So, limit yourself to two or three choices. Do some basic research, but stop there. It’s much better to get started somewhere and learn and adjust as you go along, than to aim for perfection and never achieve anything.

Secondly, set a deadline. Decide to read up for an hour or so each night and to then make your decision within a week. This can help you cut down the options.

Lastly, talk to someone in person. It doesn’t have to be a financial advisor, but it should be someone who has some experience and seems to be financially healthy. Ask them to guide you on how to get started.

Taking action

Information overload is, of course, not the only reason people don’t take control of their financial health. Once they have the right information and have set a goal, the so-called intention-action gap is the next big canyon they must traverse. Everyone has experienced the destructive cycle of setting a goal at New Year and not following through – and this applies to finances too. Sometimes, the reason is our tendency to favour immediate gratification over long-term rewards. Other times, the goal was simply too ambitious.

The best way to overcome the first is to use a so-called commitment device. In the world of finances, this could be a savings account that disallows withdrawals or imposes fees for early withdrawal, or a debit order that collects savings or retirement funds on payday.

For the over-achievers, remember to keep things simple. Aim for smaller goals – don’t overspend, take out insurance, aim to beat inflation, and continuously improve your skills – and trust that, in the long-term, these small steps will reap big rewards.

Mera@25: Justice is key to entrenchment of credible leadership, says Gov. Bagudu

Mera@25: Justice is key to entrenchment of credible leadership, says Gov. Bagudu

Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu says justice is key to the entrenchment of credible leadership.

He said,” Justice is a hard ware for good leadership and it’s not external to it.”

Bagudu spoke in Argungu on Frdiay at the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Sarkin Kabin Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mohammed Mera and investiture ceremony of Senate President Ahmad Lawal as the ” Ganuwar Kabi’, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate as ‘ Kibiyar Kabi’ and Engr Garba Haruna , the MD/CEO KAEDCO as Garkuwan Kabi’

Bagudu stated that to deliver good Justice, leaders must hold unto something that serve as recipes.

According to the Kebbi State Governor, political leaders in Nigeria have a lot of sterling lessons to learn from the traditional institutions,especially the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar and the Emir of Argungu.

He particularly extolled the celebrant, saying, ” he has exemplified leadership and best character, as well as an unblemished responsibility.

” It is not however surprising as he succeeded his late father who also successfully ruled the ancient Kanta Dynasty for 36 years.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum said that Mera has remained steadfast , just as he exemplified personal leadership.

He noted that the celebrant was doing his best to uplift Argungu Emirate, Kebbi State and Nigeria,in general.

” We appreciate all that you have been doing and we are fervently praying for abundant good health and long reign for you,” Bagudu, added.

He also lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for always identifying with Argungu Emirate and Kebbi State, in general.

Bagudu averred,'” we are thanking him for his ceaseless support and for what he is excellently doing for Nigeria.”

The governor also stressed the need to use the high population of Nigeria as an opportunity to further unite the nation and not divide it.

” We should always focus on what unify us and what is established in the world , in order to deliver more prosperity to our people,” Bagudu, urged.

Bagudu congratulated the Emir of Argungu on his 25th anniversary on the throne as well as the Senate President, Ahmad Lawal for the traditional title of ‘Ganuwar Kabi’, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate as ‘Kibiyar Kabi’ and Engr. Garba Haruna Argungu, the MD/CEO KAEDCO as ” Garkuwan Kabi’.

Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is the Chairman of occasion called upon leaders in Nigeria to uphold justice in whatever they do. He said justice was the foundation of any society.

He cited example of late Shiek Usman Dan Fodio style of good leadership and justice“Sheikh Usmanu Dan-fodio once said:’ A nation can endure with unbelief but it cannot endure with injustice’; and we should take note of this and work on it.”

The President General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs thanked Allah for making the event possible and the people who had come far and near to grace the occasion.

“By the will of Almighty Allah, we have all gathered here to be part of history and happily come together to pray for our brother, the Emir of Argungu, who has just clocked 25 years in the service to Islam and service to humanity.

“We are one family, in spite of our different backgrounds, as we have gathered here to continue to strengthen brotherhood as brothers and sisters from different parts of the world.

He also wished the emir best in the future years to come, praying that may Allah make it possible for the emir and all the leaders that gathered to come back and mark 50 years of leadership.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari represented by Minister of Justice and Attorney- General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, (SAN) Senate President, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan, Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar-Garbai, El-Kanemi of Borno, other traditional rulers and senators, governors, and members house of representatives and politicians who attended the occasion.

The celebrant, Emir of Argungu , Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera who clocked 25 years on the throne
thanked all those who attended the ceremony.

Mera thanked Allah for giving him the opportunity to inherit the throne of his ancestors which was established 500 years ago and protected by its founding fathers from demise.

The monarch expressed gratitude to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for his immense support to Argungu emirate and for making the celebration a huge success.

He also appreciated late Head of State, General Sani Abacha for keeping Argungu emirate peaceful and the ruling house intact , saying he received his letter of appointment as an emir two days before the announcement of his appointment.

Mera thanked Sultan of Sokoto for his fatherly advice to him as well as appreciated his colleagues, the Shehu of Borno, Emir of Gwandu and traditional rulers from Niger republic who graced the occasion.

He thanked the entire people of Argungu emirate for their support and contribution to the prosperity of the emirate.

‘ The turbaning is a great event of national unity because traditional titles throughout history have served to unite warring parties ,build alliances and promote friendship among tribal groups.

” My reasons for conferring traditional titles on different personalities is aimed at unifying Nigerians and promote national unity ‘, he averred.

In his vote of thanks , on behalf of the Senate President, Ahmad Lawal who bagged the traditional title of ‘ Ganuwan Kabi’ said bestowing traditional titles on them and their turbaning has been a great honor to them that has consequently made them sons of Argungu emirate.

According to him, they would do everything possible to protect and contribute to the development of the emirate .

‘ We have enormous responsibilities on our shoulders which we shall discharge deligently’

He described the emir of Kabi’ as a just ruler who has been mobilising Nigerians towards strengthening national unity and cohesion.

Highlights of the historic event was the delivery of a lecture titled ‘ Leadership, Responsibility and Justice by the Chief Imam of National Mosque, Abuja, Shiek Ahmad Ibrahim Maqari .

The historic event was attended by important personalities which include Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) who represented President Muhammad Buhari, Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed , the governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni who is the Chairman APC Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Rt Hon Aminu Bello Masari,Gov of Katsina State , former governors, Alhaji Musa Garkuwan Yauri, Alhaji Saidu Nasamu Dakingari , Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa and the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Rt Colonel, Samaila Yombe Dabai.

Others are emirs, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, State House of Assembly members, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers, religious leaders, civil servants and politicians among others

INTERROGATING IHEDIOHA’S 2019 ELECTION WIN CLAIM: DID HE WIN ELECTION, OR STOLE ANOTHER PERSON’S MANDATE?

INTERROGATING IHEDIOHA’S 2019 ELECTION WIN CLAIM: DID HE WIN ELECTION, OR STOLE ANOTHER PERSON’S MANDATE?

By Collins Ughalaa KSC

Last year we came across a book written by Barr. Willie Amadi titled SECOND CHANCE. Willie Amadi is no new name in Imo State politics. He was Special Adviser under former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. He later became a Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, otherwise called OMBUDSMAN. He has been involved in various political arrangements since 2011 when Ohakim left office. Few days ago we had cause to read his book we had forgotten on the shelf. It was Hon. Ethelbert Okere, the Director General of the Imo State Orientation Agency, that called our mind back to the book.

Writing on “HON HENRY NWAWUBA: AMAZING BRILLIANCE POLLUTED BY SOPHISTRY”, Okere delved into Ihedioha’s purported victory at the 2019 governorship polls. The reference to the book forced us to open it for the very first time and we read it from cover to cover. We are amazed at the quantum of revelation in the book, especially as it concerns the 2019 governorship election in Imo. From what we gleaned from the book, Ihedioha did not win the 2019 governorship election. At best, what Ihedioha got on Sunday, March 10, 2019 was what we at the Global Association of Concerned Imo Youths (GACIY) now call “Negotiated INEC Declaration”.

According to Willie Amadi’s SECOND CHANCE: “While the collation of votes was going on in the early hours of March 10, 2019, insider information from INEC showed a likelihood of a run-off between Nwosu and Ihedioha. I reached out to Chief Tony Chukwu whom I knew had access to the Presidential Villa, Abuja. As collation entered into a critical and determining stage, I drove to his residence at Civic Centre [Owerri]. I met him with Chief Longers Anyanwu sitting alone in his expansive parlour”.

He continued: “I intimated them with the feelers I was getting from INEC and demanded to know from [Toney Chukwu], who, between Nwosu and Ihedioha, we should support. He replied angrily that Nwosu was a no-go area. He explained that he was not ready to help sentencing Imolites to another gruesome eight years since he was certain that Nwosu was going to be a surrogate governor to his father-in-law, the outgoing governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha. On Ihedioha, he had mixed feelings based on the latter’s disrespect to him and an allegation that Ihedioha had told some powerful people in the presidency that he, Chukwu, voted for Atiku Abubakar rather than Buhari the previous week. It took me close to forty minutes to placate him with an appeal that he should forgive Ihedioha since time was of [the] essence. Longers intervened and spoke in a similar vein, pleading with Tony to help in delivering Ihedioha (sic).

“Before going to Tony’s place, I had called Ihedioha to find out how he was faring and whether reports from his election control room was favourable. Typical of Ihedioha, he confessed that he was having problems with the issue of spread but that [he] hoped that the six remaining local government areas would sway in his favour; a hope that was eventually dashed. While Tony was still trying to make up his mind, Chief Anyanwu took a step further by putting a call across to Chief Emeka Offor, a well known and influential businessman from Anambra State and solicited for his intervention (sic).

“Not too long after, Chief Offor called Tony and spoke with him. After their conversation, Tony received calls from governors of Ebonyi and Abia states. When I realized that Chief Chukwu had been [captured] emotionally, I conspired with Longers to take him to Senator Hope Uzodimma. We returned to Tony Chukwu’s house and once there, I called Ihedioha to alert him that action would soon commence.

“As soon as we got back to his house, Chief Chukwu called Mallam Abba Kyari, the late Chief of Staff to President Buhari; the Minister of Interior, Major General Dambaba; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami as well as the National Security Adviser, Major-General Monguno. According to him, they all agreed with him that Okorocha’s candidate, Nwosu, was not favoured by the new power configuration for 2023. When it appeared that our efforts were beginning to yield fruits – in fact 70 per cent successful – with directives communicated to the INEC Chairman from the appropriate quarters, I suggested to Tony to invite Ihedioha and Jones Onyereri for the final capture and possession. While the two were in Tony’s house, the result was announced and Ihedioha was declared winner. An obviously dazed Ihedioha turned to Tony and asked: ‘What is the Source of Your Power?’ Tony brought out his Rosary, waved it before him” (sic).

Willie Amadi’s book was released in November 2020 amidst fanfare. For one year there has been no response whatsoever from Ihedioha or his handlers on the issues raised in the book. Willie Amadi told the story of his involvement, leading to the Negotiated INEC Declaration of Emeka Ihedioha as the governor of Imo State. But beyond Willie’s roles, other things played out in the election. Ihedioha was helped to power with undeserved, outrageous and magical 64,219 votes from Aboh Mbaise, 32,987 votes from Ahiazu Mbaise, and 30,035 votes from Ezinihitte Mbaise, totalling 125,241 votes from the three local government areas of Mbaise clan.

According to the Negotiated INEC Declaration, Ihedioha became Governor with 273,404 votes, representing 38.29% of the total votes cast. Out of the 273,404 votes alloacted to Ihedioha, 125,241 votes came from Mbaise alone. Simple arithmetic shows that Ihedioha garnered mere 148,163 votes in other 24 local government areas of the State, and 125,241 votes from just three local government areas. On the average, Ihedioha and the PDP got 6,173 votes from each of the remaining 24 local government areas. And Ihedioha claims to be the popularly elected governor, with 148,163 votes from 24 local government areas! If the magical 125,241 votes from Mbaise alone did not strike you, then you have developed thick skin for anything. But you may consider yet another scenario, where Ihedioha’s agent at the State Collation Centre, Barr Uche Onyeagucha, shamelessly chew election results like Crackers biscuits, which landed him in custody.

Ihedioha knew what transpired in the election and how he became Governor. As a matter of fact, the ghost of that election haunted him for the seven and a half months he was in office. Despite his Negotiated Declaration as the winner of the 2019 governorship polls, he carried the toga of a governor that did not have the spread to win. This was made worse by the candidate of the Action Alliance (A.A), Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, who dragged him to court – from Tribunal to Appeal Court and the Supreme Court – asking the courts to nullify Ihedioha’s Negotiated Mandate for lacking the required spread. If you noticed, the Rebuild Imo Administration was prepared for a rerun. That was what they hoped could be the worst case scenario. That was why they were flagging off road projects just to be in the good books of the people. Apart from Ihedioha and his team, Ifeanyi Araraume and Uche Nwosu were also ready for a rerun election. That was what formed the midnight alliance between Okorocha/Uche Nwosu and Araraume.

The rerun election did not come. Rather the Supreme Court relied on irrefutable evidence from the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma showing that votes due to him from 388 polling units were denied him, and that if those votes were added he would have been declared winner of the election by INEC. The Supreme Court delivered justice by retrieving the mandate from those who stole it, handing it over to the man who earned it – the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma. The Supreme Court, in its landmark judgement on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, held “that on the preponderance of evidence, the appellants discharged the burden of proving that the results from 388 polling units, which were in their favour, were excluded from the collation of results and that if the excluded votes are added to the results declared in their favour, they would have emerged as the winners of the election”.

The PDP has not allowed the entire Imo State have peace since January 2020. From one phantom claim to the other, the party has turned itself not only into a sad orphan but the troubler of the whole State and the agitator-in-chief. Its guber candidate, Ihedioha, cries to the rooftop that his mandate was stolen, whereas evidence shows that the PDP is the actual mandate thief.

In those days, when you catch a thief he was usually remorseful, even if he would steal again. But these days, thieves can kill the owner of the property for daring to challenge them, for daring to recover his property. This is akin to the PDP refusing to be remorseful that they were caught pants down stealing another man’s mandate. They think they can only hold everyone down with lies. That’s why they continue to pollute the minds of young Imo people with the lie that they were popularly elected but the Supreme Court deprived them their victory. For this reason, they would rather Imo burns than give Governor Hope Uzodimma breathing space.

You would think that those the PDP are deceiving are ignorant folks. Or that only Ihedioha and his party are deceiving the people. That’s not so. Other PDP leaders, such as Hon. Henry Nwawuba, are among those who have not been able to rescue themselves from the lies and deceit from of Ihedioha. Instead they have become agents spreading same falsehood.

….to be continued…..

400 PEOPLE TO BENEFIT FROM LAGOS’ FREE LIMB DEFORMITY INTERVENTION

400 PEOPLE TO BENEFIT FROM LAGOS’ FREE LIMB DEFORMITY INTERVENTION

… 80 Children to Undergo Corrective Surgery

No fewer than 400 people will benefit from the latest phase of the Lagos State Government sponsored Free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery and Rehabilitative Programme – an intervention programme targeted at rehabilitating people, especially children, with lower limb deformities such as rickets or Blount disease, and other lower limb deformities that affect their normal growth and function.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, disclosed this during his visit to the screening site for the latest batch of beneficiaries at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on Monday.

According to him, the current phase of the exercise has recorded over 400 potential beneficiaries, who will be screened over a period of two days, while appropriate medical examinations are conducted.

He explained that during the current phase, 80 children will benefit from corrective surgical intervention, just as others will be offered physiotherapy, nutrition and health education as well as assistive mobility devices that will improve their health.

Ogboye noted that the results of their examination will be reviewed by a team of specialists and those that qualify for surgery will be booked for surgical intervention within the next 10 days, adding that the process will be at no cost to the patients.

He said: “The process involves a screening where surgeons examine patients and select those eligible to benefit from surgery and others that may benefit from assistive devices and other forms of physical rehabilitation. Those who pre-qualify for surgery will then go through a series of diagnostic investigations including x-rays and blood tests to check for the form of the bone malformation, calcium levels and other basic parameters. Patients are then offered surgery and kept overnight for observation”.

“This is supervised by our team of orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other health professionals. After discharge, patients will come for follow-up visits at the clinic, and then also go through physiotherapy to ensure we get the best outcomes”, the Permanent Secretary added.

He noted that many of the limb deformities, which can be corrected by surgery and rehabilitation, will improve the health status of the beneficiaries and give a greater sense of self-worth, stating that the patients would have better chances for economic empowerment and financial independence.

His words: “This programme often leads to improved mobility and health outcomes for the beneficiaries, and allows us to demonstrate our commitment as a State to develop our human capital and give our children a good platform to achieve their dreams and aspirations”.

“The programme also allows us to generate data to create other targeted disability intervention strategies to help more people that may have been disadvantaged healthwise in one way or another”, Ogboye said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Coordinator of the Programme, Dr. Tolulope Ajomale, noted that over 6,000 patients have benefitted from the programme since inception, adding that the programme has evolved into a multidisciplinary surgical outreach programme that explores surgical intervention, physiotherapy and assistive mobility devices to improve their health.

He noted that the programme, usually held biannually, was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that the surgical and rehabilitative intervention programme has been rejigged to ameliorate the suffering of patients and their families.

Ajomale added that the massive turnout of potential beneficiaries at the screening exercise is an affirmation of the impact the programme has on citizens who have benefitted from the programme, stressing that another screening exercise will be organised before the end of the year to expand the window for more potential beneficiaries.

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos

Mitigating the risks of payments fraud: 6 ways CFOs can stay ahead of hackers 

Mitigating the risks of payments fraud: 6 ways CFOs can stay ahead of hackers 

Global losses from payment fraud have tripled from US$9.84 billion in 2011 to US$32.39 billion in 2020, according to Deutsche Bank’s 2021 report on the future of payments. And financial professionals are saying COVID-19 hasn’t helped matters, with 65% believing that the global pandemic is to blame for some of the accelerated rate in fraud activity, revealed by a 2021 survey by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP).

While these cybercriminals can target many areas of an organisation, the dangers are ultimately measured in financial terms. This means that Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) can no longer ignore cyber security simply because it is a complex issue outside their area of expertise. As custodians of the company’s monetary assets and financial data, CFOs are responsible for safeguarding the enterprise from threats to its financial health, especially those that can result from processes within the finance domain, such as accounts payable.

Ryan Mer, Managing Director, eftsure Africa, a Know Your Payee™ (KYP) platform provider, says that CFOs need to play a key role in their company’s cyber security. The CFO is responsible for some of the most sensitive and valuable data the organisation possesses. “It is potentially disastrous for the finance team to be ignorant of cyber risk,” he says. 

Below are six ways CFOs can combat the risk of payment fraud:

Know your vulnerabilities and understand risks


The first line of defence is to identify which information requires the most protection and research the many ways your organisation could be attacked. Hackers often target the finance department and team members directly in attempts to defraud. CFOs need to ensure that these vulnerabilities are both understood and addressed. This means testing current processes and systems to find weak spots, perhaps with the help of external experts.

Many organisations’ weak areas lie in their manual processes, which use human inputting methods and decision-making, often resulting in errors and gaps in security. Independent third-party platforms, such as eftsure, can help manage supplier data and automate payment checking and supplier verification, saving time on manual processes and reducing human error and manipulations.

Improve your basic security


Review your company practices in relation to password and security controls. Look at whether you can strengthen your company’s passwords and ensure that they are changed on a regular basis, if possible, adding an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication. 

Move data to the cloud


Stay ahead of ever-changing security demands by moving sensitive data to the cloud, where it is kept in centralised storage that can only be accessed through sophisticated authentication methods. Cloud providers update their systems frequently based on the latest security best practices, providing new encryption techniques, improved login protocols and real-time identification of unauthorised users and suspicious activity.

Tighten your payments security


Look at your payments processes and identify potential weaknesses, possibly re-evaluating your financial procedures for approving payment releases. Ways to address weaknesses include ensuring there is clear separation of duties between staff and adding more verification steps.

While checking with senior executives,verifying by phone or relying on staff to perform other account verification procedures are options, they are manual, time consuming and hold their own risks. A Software as a Service (SaaS) provider like eftsure can help limit the risks by providing an integrated payments system that cross-references the payments an organisation is about to release with a database of verified bank account details. The platform alerts you to any suspect payments, at point of payment, allowing you to deal with the problem before the flow of funds have occurred.

Educate your staff


Employee email accounts are gateways to sensitive information and attacks, especially those in finance and accounts payable, making them targets of cybercrime. Equip staff with the skills and tools to spot threats and respond appropriately by introducing cyber safety awareness programmes, workshops and simulations. Enforce policies that restrict what information can be kept in email inboxes prior to secure archiving. eftsure’s secure, digitised payee onboarding platform can assist with the collection and management of payee information, thereby avoiding trying to manage this through email workflows and inboxes.

Keep your cyber security updated


As cyber risk grows and cybercriminals get better at what they do, it pays to be proactive about the controls, oversight and data management processes you have in place. Avoid waiting for a fraud incident or assuming your organisation is fully protected from fraud. Constantly remind staff at all levels about the risks of cybercrime to help build a strong security-conscious culture and continuously update controls to adapt to new fraud patterns. Collaborate with the chief information security officer (CISO), if your organisation has one, or enlist the help of an outsourced CISO-as-a-Service to address these risks and for assistance in deploying new defences.

In South Africa there is case precedence for firms being held liable for payments that did not reach the intended recipient, a situation that demands every CFO’s attention. “It’s a war out there – and cybercriminals are bringing the battle to you. Don’t wait for them to succeed – be proactive and get on the front foot now so you stop them before they succeed,” advises Mer.

NCC Awards N20m Grant to Four Start-ups

NCC Awards N20m Grant to Four Start-ups

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has awarded N20 million grant to four deserving Nigerian tech startups in furtherance of its commitment to encourage development of new indigenous technologies and contents, that are oriented in cutting-edge research to stimulate sustainable economic growth.

The four tech startups are: Clearflow System Hub, Aelaus Engineering Teams/Hyech Electronics Solutions, Kalibotics, and CyberNorth Tech. They emerged winners of Virtual NCC Internet of Things (IoT) Code Camp and Hackathon 2021, and they received N5 million each on their innovative technology solutions aimed at making life better for Nigerians.

While the first two startups, Clearflow System Hub; and Aelaus Engineering Teams/Hyech Electronics Solutions, emerged winners on IoT category on kidnapping and banditry, Kalibotics and CyberNorth Tech, emerged winners on assistive robotics for effective e-waste management solutions.

The grant was for the novel digital solutions of four startups, aimed at finding innovative digital solutions in addressing the challenges of insecurity and to stem the growth in national e-waste rates, while advancing the frontier of Internet of Things (IoT) in Nigeria.

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters, in Abuja recently, Director, New Media and Information Security, NCC, Dr. Haru Al-Hassan, who delivered a speech at the event, on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said the Commission, as a frontline driver of innovation in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, organized the second edition of the NCC Hackathon with a view to drive the creation of problem-solving tech innovations.

Danbatta said that the initiative was in line with the objectives of the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) 2020, NCC’s Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) 2021-2025, Executive Order 5 of 2017, and Section 1 (f) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003 which focuses on promotion of Nigerian content in contracts, science, engineering and technology.

The EVC added that the occasion also symbolises the NCC’s commitment to deliver objectives of pillars 4, 7 and 8 of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, and the aspirations of the Commission’s SVP 2021-2025 in promoting innovative services and maintaining effective partnership and collaborations with relevant stakeholders.

Earlier, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Ubale Maska, who was represented by Head, Research and Development, Kelechi Nwankwo, noted that the event demonstrated the critical role that the telecommunications sector plays in addressing Nigeria’s social and environmental problems with innovative solutions. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment towards continuously supporting innovations for nation building.

Underscoring the determination of the Commission towards harnessing the potentials of Nigerian youth in addressing emerging challenges through ICT, Maska said the event boldly demonstrates Commission’s resolve to champion the efforts of government to leverage telecommunications-based solutions to address societal issues that need urgent attention.

Representatives of agencies in the security governance sector, telecommunications operators, National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that attended the event lauded the NCC for the meaningful initiative.

NITDA, NJI, PLAN TO DEPLOY IT SKILLS FOR EFFICIENT SOCIAL JUSTICE

NITDA, NJI, PLAN TO DEPLOY IT SKILLS FOR EFFICIENT SOCIAL JUSTICE

The appropriate deployment of information technology (IT) in the Judicial system according to the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, can help improve efficiency of court processes as well as curb any form of corruption whether actual or perceived. A fact which in his opinion has made it highly imperative to train and retrain Judiciary officers on the full understanding of IT skills for them to derive and enjoy the maximum value from digital technology.

The DG made this submission today when he received the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Hon Justice Salisu Garba and his team who were at the corporate headquarters of the Agency in Abuja to discuss possible areas of collaboration.

Inuwa who described the visit as very important and apt stated that the application of Artificial Intelligence is now making evaluations and decisions for humans based on available data, which has made it important for the judiciary system to adopt the use of IT in their work processes.

“We live in a world where technology can be used to profile and make recommendations. It is therefore very important to incorporate the use of IT into our judiciary system for enhanced work performance”, Inuwa noted.

He further added that the appropriate deployment of IT in the Judicial system will enable courts deal better with the increased size of their case loads, help in speedily clearing backlogs of cases and also help accomplish the research and planning tasks necessary for the proper administration of justice.

Inuwa averred that in enjoying the benefits of digital technology in the country, the judges need to have an indepth understanding of digital literacy skills, a responsibility which he stated falls on the Nigerian Justice Institute.

He further disclosed that in line with the actualization of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), the full introduction and implementation of Digital Transformation by the Agency for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been in top gear.

“We have set up Digital Transformation Technical Working Groups in several MDAs while a few more will be inaugurated soon. Your Institute can be taken on board in this laudable initiative and inaugurated as well if you are ready”, the DG assured.

Inuwa while laying emphasis on the importance of protecting data, implored the visitors to include the Nigerian Data Protection Regulations in their curriculum and promised a robust capacity building support in that regard.

“Most of the sources we get our information from now is online and these big techs use artificial intelligence to know our preferences by gathering data. It is therefore important to ensure protection of our data by all means necessary”, he opined.

The DG congratulated the Institute’s newly appointed Administrator and hoped that his wealth of experience would add value to the Nigerian Judiciary Institute and the Nation’s Judiciary system as a whole.

Hon Justice Salisu Garba while speaking earlier appreciated the DG and his team for the warm reception given and described it as the beginning of partnership between the two organizations.

He disclosed that the objective of the Institute is to conduct trainings for all judicial officers and supporting staff.

He further stated that the Institute’s Judiciary Information Technology Policy Committee which is saddled with the responsibility of formulating policies have been faced with challenges but however believes that Information Technology will bridge the gap.

“The essence of this meeting is to collaborate with NITDA in developing our IT skills in order to build our workforce’s digital skills as well as develop virtual court proceedings and conferences in order to reduce our backlogs”, Hon Justice Garba concluded.