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Ministry of Women Affairs Partners with Atlanta to Boost Sunflower and Jatropha Exports

Ministry of Women Affairs Partners with Atlanta to Boost Sunflower and Jatropha Exports

 

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women and driving economic growth, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has announced a strategic partnership with Atlanta, Georgia. This collaboration will focus on the cultivation and exportation of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, marking a significant step towards elevating small-scale women-owned businesses and contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.

The Honourable Minister, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, revealed this development today during a 2-day Capacity Building Workshop for Commissioners of Women Affairs. The workshop was organized by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, in partnership with UN Women and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.

In her address, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized that the partnership with Atlanta will facilitate the production and export of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas plants. This initiative is designed to raise capital for women entrepreneurs, alleviate poverty, and create job opportunities, ultimately boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The medicinal plants will be cultivated in designated dams, with profits from the venture to be shared among participants.

To support this initiative, the Ministry has requested the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for land allocation in all dams for a seven-year period. The Ministry is also working with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to secure the necessary dam sites for cultivation.

“This pioneering project signifies a brighter future for Nigerian women,” stated the Minister. “By leveraging the potential of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, we anticipate a notable reduction in poverty, enhanced women’s empowerment, and a significant boost to our national economy.”

The Ministry’s efforts also include a call to State Commissioners of Women Affairs to maximize the use of sustainable empowerment equipment previously distributed. This includes industrial sewing machines, rice, garri, and cassava processing machines. The Minister urged the Commissioners to deploy these resources through cooperative societies to transform the lives of women across the 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye also commended UN Women for its unwavering support for gender equality and highlighted the workshop’s role in advancing women’s participation in governance and decision-making positions.

In her welcome address, Dr. Asabe Bashir, Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), called for collective efforts from all levels of government to help women realize their full potential in alignment with global standards. She stressed the importance of strengthening institutions and promoting gender-sensitive policies and programs.

UN Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, represented by Mr. Zephaniah Aura, underscored the need for increased funding to the Ministries of Women Affairs to enhance their coordination and mandate. She urged gender advocates to use their leadership and advocacy skills to establish Resource Centres in all states, ensuring greater sensitization and knowledge creation on the importance of women in decision-making roles.

This collaborative effort highlights the Ministry’s commitment to transforming women’s lives through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, reflecting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration.

Hope Nwosu Set to Present Her Debut Novel “SoldOut” at Helsinki’s International Grand Event

Hope Nwosu Set to Present Her Debut Novel “SoldOut” at Helsinki’s International Grand Event

 

Nigerian author Hope Nwosu, known for her powerful debut novel SoldOut (2024), will be among the distinguished guests at the upcoming International Grand Event in Helsinki, hosted by Ceci Educare Oy. The event, which will take place on August 30, 2024, at Redi Neuvottelee, promises to be a highlight of the year, bringing together leaders and innovators from various sectors.

SoldOut tells the compelling story of a young African woman who is betrayed and sold out both in her home country and Europe. Despite facing numerous challenges at the hands of human traffickers, she remains determined to start anew in a foreign land. The book has quickly gained attention for its raw depiction of resilience and the indomitable human spirit.

During the event, which runs from 14:30 to 21:00, Nwosu will present her novel and engage with attendees at an exclusive exhibition stand, where they will have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of SoldOut.May be an image of 1 person, plaits and smiling

The International Grand Event is being organized by Ceci Educare Oy, a registered company in Finland that provides services in education, social services, and healthcare. The event will mark the official launch of the Finland Academy of International Business and recognize outstanding individuals with global awards. The agenda includes a business conference, the academy’s official launch, an awards ceremony, and a dining experience.

Speaking about her participation, Nwosu said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event. It’s an honor to share the stage with such inspiring individuals and to introduce my book to a wider audience. I believe that SoldOut will resonate with many, as it touches on universal themes of struggle, hope, and the pursuit of a better future.”

The event is spearheaded by Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, CEO of Ceci Educare Oy, who is recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to making a difference in the community. Attendance at the event is by registration only, and interested participants can secure their spot by visiting the company’s website.

For more information about the event or to order a copy of SoldOut, visit Rosetta Versos.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Hope Nwosu is known for her uplifting messages on resilience and the power of laughter. “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” she often says. “Laughter knows no boundaries – it unites us, uplifts us, and reminds us of our shared humanity.”

For those interested in inviting Nwosu to speak about her book at their organization or events, she is open to engagements and looks forward to sharing her inspiring journey with diverse audiences.

#conference #awardceremony #education #Finland #booksigning #exhibition #networking

NASENI, Ministry of Defence, DICON Sign Landmark MoU to Establish Nigeria’s Ammunition Production Factory

NASENI, Ministry of Defence, DICON Sign Landmark MoU to Establish Nigeria’s Ammunition Production Factory

 

In a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities and achieving self-reliance in military hardware production, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) today 14th August 2024, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Defence.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest to strengthen its defence infrastructure through Indigenous innovation and technological advancement.

 

During the MoU signing ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr, Khalil Suleiman Halilu highlighted the importance of the Military Industrial Complex (MIC), as not just a strategic initiative but a national imperative.

 

Khali emphasized that in a rapidly evolving global security environment, it is crucial for Nigeria to position itself to address emerging threats with homegrown solutions.

 

“Today, we are embarking on a journey that will redefine Nigeria’s defence landscape and secure our nation’s future,” said the NASENI Executive Vice Chairman. “This partnership between NASENI and the Ministry of Defense is a testament to our commitment to harness Nigeria’s scientific and engineering expertise in the service of national defense.”

 

NASENI’s track record in research, development, and manufacturing positions the agency as a key player in the establishment of the MIC. The new Military Industrial Complex will serve as a hub for the development, production, and maintenance of military equipment, ranging from small arms to advanced defense systems.

The project aims to create a robust ecosystem that supports the needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces while fostering the growth of local industries, thereby reducing reliance on foreign imports.

 

“This MoU represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing our defence capabilities through innovation and indigenous production,” the Executive Vice Chairman continued. “Our goal is to ensure that our military is equipped with the best tools to defend our nation, and through this partnership, we will lay the foundation for a self-reliant defence industry that will also contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”

 

Halilu expressed his deep appreciation to the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON and the entire Ministry for their unwavering support and confidence in NASENI. “We are ready to work tirelessly to ensure that the vision of a Nigerian Military Industrial Complex becomes a reality. We owe it to our nation, to our Armed Forces, and to the generations yet unborn,” he said.

 

This MoU signifies the start of a strategic partnership that will elevate Nigeria’s defence capabilities and contribute to the broader goal of national security and economic development.

 

Other stakeholders present to witness the signing of this landmark agreement included the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Senior Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Nigerian Students for 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee: A Milestone in Educational Opportunity

Nigerian Students for 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee: A Milestone in Educational Opportunity

 

  1. For the first time in history, Nigerian sstudents will be able to participate in the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., next year. This momentous occasion not only marks Nigeria’s debut but also positions the country alongside Ghana as the only African nations in the competition’s illustrious century-long history.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in May of 2025, is a rigorous test of spelling and vocabulary skills. It has long been a platform where young minds showcase their linguistic prowess and determination. For many students, the road to Washington, D.C., is paved with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for words.

At an interactive session held at the British Council in Lagos recently, Eugenia Tachie-Menson, CEO of the Young Educators Foundation, shared her excitement about Nigeria’s upcoming participation. Her foundation’s collaboration with Lucid Education Initiative has paved the way for Nigerian students to compete on the global stage. “This program is designed to give the African child a chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers worldwide,” Tachie-Menson emphasized.

For the students, this is more than just a spelling competition; it is an opportunity to gain invaluable skills that are not taught in the classroom. “We are introducing young learners, aged 7-13, to the basic rudiments of spelling, an initiative that makes learning more enjoyable whilst helping them understand the etymology of words, enhancing their overall literacy,” she explained.

We are impressed to have already received interest from schools in Lagos including Lagoon School, Corona School, Bridging Gaps, The Riverbank School and Starling School to name a few; we know there are many more parents out there who want this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for their children. We encourage them to go ahead and register their children right away. The impact of this program extends beyond the students; parents and educators alike, will gain exposure to innovative teaching techniques and efficient learning strategies. “Through this competition, students will improve public speaking and critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, etiquette, and resilience,” Tachie-Menson added, highlighting the holistic benefits of the initiative.

With over 11 million participants from all 50 U.S. states and seven countries, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is a testament to the power of educational excellence and cultural exchange.
Open to students aged 8-13 in Nigerian schools, parents can register their students in the competition on the website https://yefoundationghana.org/the-spelling-bee-ng/ where full details are shared.
Mr. Folajimi Akinyoyenu, Director of Lucid Education Initiative, expressed his hope that this collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana will deepen an appreciation for literacy and provide a robust platform for children to engage in co-curricular activities. “This initiative is about creating well-rounded individuals through literacy,” he remarked.

For nearly two decades, Ghana has proudly represented Africa at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Now, as Nigeria joins the fray, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and pride. The champion of this spelling contest will earn a coveted spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., next May, ready to make their mark on the global stage.

 

NITDA DG Advocates for Digital Literacy in Education at National Stakeholders Dialogue

NITDA DG Advocates for Digital Literacy in Education at National Stakeholders Dialogue

 

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, participated in the National Stakeholders Dialogue and High-Level Policy Committee on the Review of Basic Education Curriculum, hosted by the Nigerian Educational Research & Development Council (NERDC).

During the meeting, the Director-General emphasized NITDA’s ongoing efforts to integrate digital literacy into the school curriculum at all levels of formal education, from nursery to university. This initiative is in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to accelerate economic diversification by enhancing productivity in key sectors through technological innovation. The goal is to achieve 95% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030.

The meeting served as a platform to discuss and ratify the structure and benchmarks of the basic education curriculum, paving the way for NERDC to begin the design of a new curriculum tailored to the needs of Nigerian students.

This collaboration underscores the importance of equipping the next generation with the necessary digital skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy, ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive and innovative in the years to come.

NITDA Celebrates Winners of iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Cohort III

NITDA Celebrates Winners of iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Cohort III

 

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, alongside the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, proudly celebrated the winners of the iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Cohort III. This programme, a collaborative initiative between NITDA and the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), marks a significant achievement in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

This partnership aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly the pillars of forging strategic partnerships and nurturing an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The iHatch programme is also in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s priority to accelerate diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.

Through the iHatch initiative, a thriving ecosystem for startups is being cultivated, empowering the next generation of tech innovators in Nigeria. The success of Cohort III reflects the programme’s impact in driving technological advancement and economic growth in the country, positioning Nigeria as a hub for digital innovation.

The celebration of the iHatch winners underscores NITDA’s commitment to supporting startups and entrepreneurs, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of technological innovation and industrialisation.

Advisory on Telegram Zero-Day Vulnerability

Advisory on Telegram Zero-Day Vulnerability

 

A critical zero-day vulnerability has been discovered in the Telegram messaging app for Android, potentially exposing millions of users to malicious attacks. This vulnerability is exploited when users attempt to play a malicious video file within the app. Instead of playing the video, Telegram displays an error message, prompting the user to use an external player. When the user clicks the “Open” button, it triggers the installation of a malicious app disguised as an external player.

To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, Telegram users are strongly advised to update their app to the latest version immediately. Additionally, users should exercise caution when interacting with media files from unknown sources to avoid falling victim to such exploits.

Organizations and individuals are also encouraged to evaluate the necessity of using Telegram for their operations, particularly in sensitive environments. Restricting application use and ensuring that only essential and fully updated apps are installed can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to this and other potential threats.

For further information and updates, users should stay informed through official channels and take proactive measures to protect their data and privacy.May be an image of phone and text

July 2024’s Most Wanted Malware: Escalating Cyber Threats in Africa

July 2024’s Most Wanted Malware: Escalating Cyber Threats in Africa

 Multiple African countries feature in the global rankings for cyber-attacks

Johannesburg, South Africa – July 14, 2024 Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cybersecurity platform provider, has published its Global Threat Index for July 2024. This month, the analysis reveals a concerning rise in cyber threats across the African continent, with several countries now among the most attacked globally. The recent exploitation of a security flaw in the CrowdStrike Falcon sensor has further underscored the vulnerabilities faced by organisations in the region, particularly as cybercriminals increasingly target Africa.

Alarming Shifts in Cybersecurity Trends in Africa

Cybersecurity threats are intensifying across Africa, with multiple countries prominently featured in the global rankings for cyber-attacks. According to Check Point’s latest data:

·       Ethiopia holds the top spot among all the countries surveyed with a Normalised Risk Index of 78.9, highlighting its vulnerability to cyber threats.

·       Zimbabwe ranks as the third most attacked country globally, with a Normalised Risk Index of 80.4.

·       Nigeria has seen a sharp rise in its risk ranking, placing 19th globally with a Normalised Risk Index of 76.2.

·       Kenya and Ghana have also experienced significant increases, ranking 11th and 15th, respectively, indicating the growing cyber threats across the continent.

·       South Africa has moved up in the rankings, now placing 59th globally with a Normalised Risk Index of 72.1, reflecting the escalating cyber risks faced by organisations across the country.

·       Other African countries placed in the Top 20 most vulnerable to malware attacks are Maldives (4th), Angola (5th) and Mauritius (9th).

“These rankings highlight the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures for African businesses and organisations. The evolving threat landscape, coupled with recent vulnerabilities like the CrowdStrike Falcon sensor exploit, continues to pose significant risk,” says Issam El Haddioui, Head: Security Engineering, EMEA – Africa.

The Most Prevalent Malware in Africa

In July 2024, the top malware families impacting Africa included:

·       FakeUpdates (SocGholish): The most prevalent malware globally, FakeUpdates remains a significant threat in Africa, employing fake browser update prompts to install Remote Access Trojans (RATs) like AsyncRAT.

·       Remcos: Following the CrowdStrike update issue, Remcos has emerged as a prominent threat, particularly in Africa, where it has been used to gain unauthorised access to systems.

·       Qbot: Continues to pose significant risks, targeting organisations in South Africa and beyond with credential theft and ransomware deployment.

·       Phorpiex: Known for orchestrating large-scale spam campaigns, Phorpiex has been particularly active in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

·       Vidar: An infostealer malware operating as malware-as-a-service, Vidar has been increasingly observed across African networks, collecting sensitive data from browsers and digital wallets.

Top-Attacked Industries in Africa

The sectors most affected by these rising threats include:

1.     Government/Military: High-value targets requiring robust defence mechanisms to protect national security interests.

2.     Finance/Banking: Financial institutions continue to face persistent threats, jeopardising sensitive data and critical operations.

3.     Utilities: The utilities sector remains vulnerable, with potential disruptions to essential services.

4.     Communications: A key target for cyber adversaries, threatening both infrastructure and data.

5.     Education/Research: Educational institutions and research organisations are increasingly targeted, risking the loss of sensitive information.

Strategic Insights and Recommendations

Maya Horowitz, VP of Research at Check Point Software, emphasizes the importance of a multi-layered security strategy, “The continued rise of malware like Remcos, driven by security flaws, highlights the opportunistic nature of cybercriminals. Organisations in Africa must adopt robust endpoint protection, vigilant monitoring, and comprehensive user education to mitigate these growing threats.”

“As cyber threats continue to increase across Africa, it is imperative for organisations to invest in advanced security solutions and foster a culture of cyber resilience. By staying proactive and informed, businesses can better defend against the increasing number of cyber threats and safeguard their digital assets,” El Haddioui concludes.

Follow Check Point via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies

X: https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware

Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal

 

MultiChoice Talent Factory 2025 Calls for Entries

MultiChoice Talent Factory 2025 Calls for Entries

MultiChoice Talent Factory (www.MultiChoice.com) is thrilled to announce that it’s once again calling upon all aspiring filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, and storytellers to apply for entry into the 2025 fully funded academic year.

 

Whether you’re a young professional looking to change careers and expand your horizons or a newcomer eager to make your mark in the TV & Film industry, MTF welcomes applicants from all backgrounds across the 13 countries in Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Since its inception in 2018, MTF has welcomed 60 students each year giving them an opportunity to reach their dreams and to unleash their potential by providing a platform that nurtures and develops talent across the continent, providing opportunities for growth, networking and success in the entertainment industry.

Through a series of rigorous training programs, MTF believes in using hands-on approach and mentorship from industry experts. Participants not only get a chance to sharpen their craft but also gain invaluable insights into the business of filmmaking. Imagine being chosen as one of the participants to learn from some of the industry’s best minds and gaining practical experience in areas such as cinematography, sound design, editing, and more. MTF gives you all these opportunities and does not stop there.

At the end of the programme, top performing students from each academy will get further training, mentorship and internship opportunities with MTF global partners, such as the New York Film Academy (NYFA), Indian-based platform Zee World and will get an opportunity to work on productions in South Africa. Upon completion students receive accredited and recognised qualification and get a chance to produce and direct short films showcased on MultiChoice platforms.

All these initiatives are indicative of MTFs commitment to supporting MultiChoice’s content selection of delivering exciting local content, which is rich in culture. Africa has many untold stories and by investing in African talent, MultiChoice gets to uncover and showcase these stories by supporting MTFs students, giving them necessary skills and the platform to produce content that resonates with Africans and the global market. Through this support, MTF alumni’s have achieved phenomenal success in their productions.

Just last year, five alumni secured nominations across three categories at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). In addition to this, Many MTF alumni occupy significant industry roles across the continent, working as directors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors, scriptwriters and editors on major African productions which include Salem, Tempted, Engaito, Mvamizi, Mum vs Wife, Makofi, County 49 and many others. Habtamu S. Mekonen, MTF student from the East Africa Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, recently won an International Emmy Award for a short film that he produced and directed. The success of MTF is best illustrated by the feature films produced by its students. The films highlight the talents and creativity of participants and demonstrate the programme’s profound impact.

MTF also fosters entrepreneurial spirit, giving young people the confidence to start their own projects and businesses. To date, thirty of its alumni have registered production houses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economy. The knowledge and skills imparted by MTF empowers graduates to be catalysts for economic growth and cultural enrichment in their communities.

Applications are now open and will close on 15 September 2024. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/4cjKojb to submit their entries and learn more about the program’s requirements.

Are you ready to unleash your talent and step into the spotlight as one of the next generation of filmmakers? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to ignite your career in film and television with MultiChoice Talent Factory.

NCC Directs Telecommunications Operators to Simplify Tariff Plans and Promotional Offers

NCC Directs Telecommunications Operators to Simplify Tariff Plans and Promotional Offers

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a new directive mandating telecommunications operators to simplify their tariff plans, bundles, and promotional activities. This initiative is aimed at providing subscribers with clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate information regarding the cost of voice, SMS, and data services.

The directive, titled “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector,” was released on July 29, 2024. It requires Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to publish a comprehensive table outlining the features of their tariff plans and bundle offers. This table must include all necessary information for subscribers to make informed decisions, such as details on add-ons, pricing, opt-in/opt-out procedures, terms and conditions for renewal, and rollover policies.

This guideline is the result of extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, including MNOs and Consumer Focus Groups, as well as detailed data analysis on consumer preferences and expectations.

The objectives of these simplification guidelines are to reduce the complexity of tariff plans and bundles, ensure transparency and fairness in promotional activities, protect consumer interests by providing clear and understandable tariff information, and promote fair competition among licensees by standardizing tariff structures.

Service providers are also required to display all relevant information about their tariffs, including the name of the plan, price, validity period, price-per-second for on-network, off-network, and international calls, expected data speeds, and fair usage policies.

The directive allows operators to maintain existing bonus-led tariff plans until December 31, 2024. Within this period, operators are expected to educate and migrate all subscribers to the simplified tariff plans.

Furthermore, the guidelines mandate that MNOs communicate tariffs to subscribers in clear language and a user-friendly format, with full disclosure of a subscriber’s tariff plan via Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).

Additionally, operators must offer stand-alone data bundles at fair prices, avoid tying consumers to products they do not need, clearly state bonuses on promotions in actual value, and eliminate access fees and asymmetric fee structures.

The NCC has emphasized that while adhering to these guidelines, operators must also meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) standards set out in the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations.