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All Contractors To Move to Site within 14 days – Umahi

All Contractors To Move to Site within 14 days – Umahi

 

Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi has directed and appealed to all Contractors to move to site within 14 days.

The Minister gave the directive today Tuesday October 11th, 2023, during a meeting with Contractors, Partners and Stakeholders in the Works Sector at the Ministry’s Conference room, Mabushi. Abuja.

He called on contractors to desist from saying what will be done rather they should do what is expected of them. “It is my ability to pay you and it’s your ability to do the work that is what matters, he said.

Umahi directed that letters be issued to all contractors against having any negations on their contacts rather to go back to site and do a permanent work.

He informed that there’s no processing of certificate or payment of mobilisation fee to contractors who failed to obey the rules. “If you want me to pay your mobilisation fee or process your certificate, please obey first. We want to know how you got your POP, how your POP probably occurred in labour, we want to know how much you spent on disiel that is used in production of asphalt, in doing the work, so we want to know what the contractor is doing, we most know so that we can find out how we can come in to help.” He said.

” No program of work, no processing of your certificate and certification of your POP and if there’s increase in your contract you have to let us know how. So if you are waiting for payment, I will not pay, if you are waiting for certificate to be signed I will not do it. The truth is it’s our right to asked so that if I’m signing any certificate am bound to explain. So if they sue me it is not the Directors, Please give me the privilage to preserve my future by allowing me know, if I carry the Bible or the Qur’an I will be able to say I know about it” he added.

The Minister expressed displeasure over where asphalt used is been sourced from, with research showing that the importation of butimen into the Country is not up to five percent.

Umahi said enough is enough that Nigerians are tired of game playing, that they want to see good 10km of good roads.

Blessing Lere-Adams

Meet Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who takes over from Professor Umar Garba Danbatta,who was EVC NCC from 2015 to 2023

Meet Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who takes over from Professor Umar Garba Danbatta,who was EVC NCC from 2015 to 2023

 

Aminu Maida, PhD,Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer,Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida was appointed the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) by President Bola Tinubu, GCFR on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.Dr. Maida holds an MEng in Information Systems Engineering from Imperial College, London in 2002, and in 2006, he bagged a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, United Kingdom.

Between 2018 and 2019, Maida completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (FinTech Pathway) program at the Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Until his latest appointment by the President, Dr. Maida was the Executive Director, Technology and operations at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), the country’s central switch company owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all licensed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria.

At NIBSS, Dr. Maida was responsible for holistically spearheading the technical and operational standardization of all devices deployed in the financial system in Nigeria for interoperability. Maida led a dynamic team that ensured that all terminals used in the e-payment industry and all devices deployed in Nigeria would accept all cards issued by banks and other licensed card schemes without
discrimination.

Prior to his appointment at NIBSS, Maida was the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at the Nigerian-based FinTech Arca Payments Network and Senior Manager at Cisco Systems, United Kingdom.
As a seasoned technical professional with over 15 years of multi-functional and international experience in FinTech & Telecoms & Enterprise Technology, Maida

between 2010 and 2014, worked as a Network Design Consultant at EE, part of BT Group, and one of the largest mobile communications companies in the UK.He was also at some point (2006-2010) a System Engineer at Ubiquisys, a leading company in intelligent 3G and LTE small cells, which is now part of Cisco.

Dr. Maida, a professional par excellence with a broad range of experience, making him technically strong and commercially aware, is married with children.

 

 

GOVERNMENT WILL NOT STIFLE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION- IDRIS

GOVERNMENT WILL NOT STIFLE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION- IDRIS

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that it is not in the interest of the government to stifle freedom of expression but to promote healthy communication; adding that information is critical to the survival of any country. The Minister made the remark when he received a team from Google West Africa, on a courtesy call to his office on October 12, 2023.

The Minister believed that it is important to have a platform where people can express themselves freely, but added that freedom comes with enormous responsibility which should not translate to an avenue for the creation of anarchy in the country.
He commended the effort to collaborate and find common ground for the regulation of online platforms such that they will not be used against the people that they are meant to serve.

Mr. Idris disclosed that the federal government will continue to promote freedom of expression, allowing the environment to be free for everybody to express themselves and have the right of access to information. He noted that it is critical that those who are responsible for bringing out this information or creating the platforms are also very conscious of the fact that it can easily be used against the people it is meant to serve.

“We will partner with Google in promoting the free flow of information because democracy cannot survive without freedom of expression.”

He commended Google for the good work they are doing and stated that the Ministry would continue to engage with them and with others in its category to see that the issue of fake news becomes a thing of the past.

In his remark, the leader of the delegation from Google West Africa, Mr. Olumide Balogun, stated that in the last three years, Google has trained over 3,500 journalists to use different tools for news verification, including digital tools to manage misinformation.

“We have the Google News integration team that helps news organizations across the world, including Nigeria through what is called “Google Innovation Challenge” to innovate and introduce new innovations to news organizations, one of the innovations that we funded, called ‘full fact’ is an AI technology that helps in fact-checking”.

The Google team pledged to support the Ministry by training staff on online skills.

Suleiman Haruna

MINISTER OF INFORMATION URGES ADVERTISING REGULATOR TO PROMOTE LOCAL CONTENT

MINISTER OF INFORMATION URGES ADVERTISING REGULATOR TO PROMOTE LOCAL CONTENT

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Idris Mohammed has urged the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to promote local content in all advertising materials used in the country. The Minister stated this on Friday, October 13, 2023, when he visited the ARCON as part of his ongoing familiarization visit to Agencies under his Ministry.

The Minister however noted sadly that many opportunities in the Advertising industry are lost to other countries despite the huge and rich talents that abound in the country resulting in unnecessary capital flight.

“We cannot afford a situation where all the jobs that are meant for Nigerians are taken out of this country. There is nothing that is in advertising that cannot happen in this country, we have every potential. It is important that Nigerians play a key part in the affairs of Nigeria, and advertising should not be an exception”

The Minister explained that Advertising is not just business, it is also a way of engaging the nation, promoting culture and values, reflecting the diversity in the country, and also providing direct and indirect jobs.

He commended the effort of ARCON in regulating advertising practices in Nigeria and ensuring that practitioners adhere to the highest standards.

“I am aware of the audience measurement insight being handled by your office; I am hopeful that you have achieved some milestones regarding this important issue, to ensure maximum return on media investments,” He said.

The Minister expressed his commitment to working closely with ARCON in promoting innovation, adding that it is the goal of the Ministry to ensure that the Advertising industry in Nigeria not only meets international standards but also serves as a catalyst for national development.

He equally commended ARCON for working in synergy with other sister Agencies in promoting the core values of the nation and the reorientation of Nigerians while urging them to maintain a good relationship with her stakeholders as any attempt to deviate from the Agency’s mandate would not be beneficial to the Nation.
“We need to come together on the issue of National Orientation and National Rebirth. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to preserving Nigeria’s core values and positioning the nation once again in the global community, while the Ministry of Information and National Orientation is the custodian and chief implementer of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

On his part, the Director General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, in his remark thanked the Minister for the visit while appealing to the Minister to intervene on the issue of the planned removal of the Agency from the Federal Government Budget, adding that the step would reverse some of the gains made by the Agency. He equally appealed to the Minister to facilitate the timely inauguration of its Governing Council for ease of operation.

The Minister was accompanied by some Directors in the Ministry.

Suleiman Haruna,

Artoj Announces Strategic Partnership with Cisco Systems for Groundbreaking SMB Event

Artoj Announces Strategic Partnership with Cisco Systems for Groundbreaking SMB Event

Artoj, a prominent indigenous Information Technology (IT) firm headquartered in Ilupeju, Lagos, is thrilled to unveil an exciting collaboration with the global IT giant, Cisco Systems. Together, they are set to host a cutting-edge event titled “SMB MERAKI, CISCO SECURITY, COLLABORATION, AND ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT,” an event that will cement their position as an industry leader in the IT ecosystem .

During a recent media briefing, Toluhi Rotimi, the Managing Director for Artoj Technology Limited, expressed their company’s extensive experience in providing advanced IT solutions to the Nigerian market, both in the corporate and public sectors. He highlighted their longstanding partnerships with reputable global brands, emphasizing the trust and confidence that their partners have in their capabilities. Rotimi underscored the significance of the partnership with Cisco Systems as a testament to this trust.

“Our partnership with Cisco will ascend to new heights at this event, and we extend a warm invitation to industry observers, stakeholders, and corporate entities to partake in this SMB Event. This event will unveil and showcase the latest advancements in cyber security and other IT solutions that will enhance business continuity and agility within the country. Cisco is renowned for its expertise in small business integration,” Rotimi stated.

Artoj has established itself as a leading independent integrated Information Technology and Telecommunications services firm, committed to helping clients seamlessly merge their IT, Telecommunications, and Human Resources to consistently achieve profitable returns. The company prides itself on maintaining a reputation of honesty and integrity in product and service delivery, as well as in interactions with clients, suppliers, associates, and colleagues.

 

National Association of University Students (NAUS) Recognizes FINTRAK Software Limited for Outstanding Contributions to the Nigerian Tech Space

National Association of University Students (NAUS) Recognizes FINTRAK Software Limited for Outstanding Contributions to the Nigerian Tech Space

 

The National Association of University Students (NAUS) recently bestowed its prestigious recognition upon FINTRAK Software Limited for its remarkable contributions to the Nigerian tech industry, with a special emphasis on capacity building and training.

The fintech firm, FINTRAK Software Limited, received this distinguished award in honor of its commitment to training Nigerian students, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in the competitive labor market. The highlight of their educational efforts is the esteemed FINTRAK Software Limited training school, which has nurtured numerous tech luminaries, making this award unquestionably well-deserved.

The award ceremony was held at the company’s head office in Gbagada, Lagos, and was attended by prominent figures within the tech and educational sectors. Mr. Ladi Ipaye, Executive Director of Business Development at FINTRAK Software Limited, had the privilege of accepting the award on behalf of the organization from Comrade Olalere Benedict, Chairman of the Award Committee of the National Association of University Students (NAUS).

Comrade Olalere Benedict explained the motivation behind the award, stating, “The award recognizes FINTRAK’s substantial impact on the Nigerian economy through its FinTraks Academy, a platform that prepares recent graduates for the IT industry. As a Nigerian company that has excelled in fintech both domestically and internationally, their contributions are commendable.”

He further emphasized the importance of local support, stating, “If the government provides the necessary backing, more indigenous companies like FINTRAK will play a vital role in reducing the unemployment rate that our country currently faces.”

On the subject of capacity building, Mr. Ladi Ipaye expressed the organization’s vision, saying, “At FINTRAK Software Limited, we firmly believe in nurturing talent from a young age. Our commitment is to ensure that the tech space, especially in software development, remains firmly in the hands of Nigerians.”

FINTRAK Software Limited’s dedication to empowering Nigerian students and fostering a thriving tech industry is a testament to their positive impact on both the economy and the future of technology in Nigeria. This award from NAUS recognizes their unwavering commitment to these goals.

 

UMAR GARBA DANBATTA ADDRESSES NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION’S ROLE AND COMMITMENTS AT THE 18TH ABUJA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

UMAR GARBA DANBATTA ADDRESSES NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION’S ROLE AND COMMITMENTS AT THE 18TH ABUJA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

 

Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), delivered a compelling speech at the “NCC Day” during the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair held at the Abuja Trade & Convention Centre, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Way, Airport Road, Abuja. The event was organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on October 5th, 2023.

In his address, Prof. Danbatta expressed NCC’s delight in participating in the prestigious trade fair, emphasizing the Commission’s strategic partnership with commerce, mines, and industry sectors. The theme of this year’s trade fair, ‘Sustainable Financing and Taxation,’ resonated with the NCC’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing citizens’ quality of life through the telecommunications sector.

Acknowledging the telecommunications industry’s crucial role in the digital economy agenda, Prof. Danbatta highlighted NCC’s efforts in ensuring sustainable financing and fair taxation practices. He stressed the importance of balancing taxation for revenue generation with industry growth, advocating for an environment where telecommunications companies can thrive without stifling innovation or burdening consumers.

Providing valuable statistics, Prof. Danbatta stated that Nigeria had achieved significant milestones in the telecommunications sector, including 220.7 million active mobile subscriptions and 159 million active Internet subscribers as of August 2023. He emphasized the importance of digital skills for businesses to remain competitive globally and highlighted NCC’s initiati

Koree, a Cameroonian Fintech Emerges as Winner of the 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge

Koree, a Cameroonian Fintech Emerges as Winner of the 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge

Koree from Cameroon is the competition’s first ever female-led fintech winner having beaten eight other finalists to claim the top prize of US$50,000; Wolf Technology from Democratic Republic of Congo came in second, winning US$10,000, while Kenya’s Flexpay Technologies were the second runner-up, taking home US$5,000; the 2023 edition drew participation from over 1,400 fintechs spanning 64 countries.

 

Pan-African Banking Group, Ecobank Group, has announced Koree, a fintech company based in Cameroon, as the overall winner of the 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge. The announcement was made by a distinguished panel of judges during the competition’s Grand Finale at the bank’s headquarters at the Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo.

 

Koree emerged winner after facing fierce competition from seven other fintechs, all of whom pitched their innovative fintech solutions to an independent panel of five judges. These eight finalists were carefully selected from an initial pool of over 1,400 fintechs from 64 countries, underscoring the significant growth in popularity of the competition since its inception six years ago, as well as the wealth of innovation and ingenuity, particularly on the African continent.

 

The eight finalists are Flexpay Technologies (Kenya), IPOXcap AI (South Africa), Kastelo (South Africa), Koree (Cameroon), Kori Tech (Senegal), Smart Teller Technologies (Nigeria), Rubyx (Belgium) and Wolf Technologies (DRC) .

 

Koree was declared the ultimate winner after three judging rounds and will receive a cash prize of US$50,000 for this outstanding achievement. Wolf Technologies, who were the first runner-up, will take home US$10,000, while Flexpay Technologies, second runner-up, receives US$5,000.

 

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge cash prize is one of the most substantial no-strings-attached fintech cash prizes available in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically aimed at encouraging innovation within the fintech sector. With their card wallet payment solution that digitizes merchant payments, Koree impressed the judges, securing their well-deserved victory.

 

The winner, along with the other seven finalists, were inducted into the prestigious Ecobank Fintech Fellowship. This unique programme offers fintech companies the opportunity to explore potential commercial partnerships with Ecobank, including the possibility of seamless integration with the bank’s platforms and the potential for scaling up their fintech ventures across Ecobank’s 35 African markets.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Koree, the first ever female-led fintech winner of our challenge

 

Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, said: “This year’s eight finalists have demonstrated exceptional innovation and promise. We look forward to collaborating with them to develop groundbreaking products, services and solutions that will ultimately benefit our valued customers and contribute to the advancement of our continent. We are convinced that forging sustainable partnerships with fintechs and the overall tech ecosystem remains a viable strategy in our pursuit of delivering convenient, affordable services to our customers.”

 

Acknowledging the winner, Jeremy Awori added, “We extend our warmest congratulations to Koree, the first ever female-led fintech winner of our challenge, for their outstanding victory and innovative contributions to the fintech landscape. We look forward to a greater collaboration.”

 

Mr. Awori delivered his remarks during the Grand Finale, which was also attended by Madam Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation, Republic of Togo. In his speech, Mr. Awori expressed Ecobank’s profound gratitude to the jury and conveyed appreciation to the sponsors and partners, including Huawei, this year’s gold sponsor, Arise, Proparco, Asky Airlines, Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report.

 

Of special note, sponsor Asky Airlines, which flies to 28 destinations across Africa, awarded free roundtrip tickets to the top three winners. Asky CEO, Esayas Woldemariam handed over the tickets to the winners during the event.

 

Magalie Gauze-Sanga, CEO of Koree, expressing her excitement of winning the Fintech Challenge, commented: “Koree winning the Ecobank Fintech Challenge is a triumph for innovation and for diversity. We are very proud that the technological innovation we have been implementing in Cameroon for many years has been rewarded, and it is also noteworthy that this is the first time a woman has won the Ecobank Fintech Challenge prize. We’re excited to work with Ecobank Group across its large footprint to further transform the financial landscape in Africa by digitizing cash-based payments while simultaneously empowering millions of consumers and bringing value to local brands and retailers.”

 

Since its inception in 2017, the Ecobank Fintech Challenge has attracted over 5,500 submissions from fintech innovators representing 64 countries across its six editions. Out of this impressive pool of talent, 60 exceptional fintechs have been inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship.

 

Other partners in this year’s challenge include Konfidants, TechCabal, Africa Fintech Network, ALX Ventures, Afrilabs, MEST Africa, Africa Business Angels Network, BlueSpace, and Naija Start-ups.

Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority to unveil Groundbreaking Initiatives at GITEX Technology 2023

Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority to unveil Groundbreaking Initiatives at GITEX Technology 2023

 

Transforming Governance Through Innovation: ADAA’s Technological Advancements to Redefine Accountability and Auditing

In a resolute move to reinforce its dedication to digital transformation, the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA) is pleased to announce its upcoming participation in GITEX Global 2023, the region’s leading technology exhibition.

Operating under the overarching theme of “Technology & AI: Transforming Accountability and Auditing,” ADAA will present groundbreaking initiatives that underscore its commitment to cultivating integrity, accountability and transparency within the government ecosystem.

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 16th to 20th, GITEX Global 2023 will see the convergence of over 30 entities, unified under the Abu Dhabi Government platform and organized under the theme, “Leading Digital Future”.

For 2023, the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion highlights the Abu Dhabi Digital Government agenda, which includes 5 basic axes: Government Services, Data and AI, Government Solutions, Cyber Security and Digital Ecosystem.

ADAA’s contributions aspire to reshape the landscape of the auditing and accountability sector, in perfect harmony with its strategic vision to maximize the efficient utilization of public funds and assets. Serving as the foremost advocate of transparency and accountability within the government ecosystem, ADAA’s pioneering initiatives are positioned to mold the trajectory of governance in the years to come.

Mahmoud Al Alawi, Executive Director of the Corporate Support Sector at Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming event, saying, “GITEX has become a global hub for technology innovation, and provides an ideal opportunity to showcase ADAA’s initiatives and demonstrate how technology and artificial intelligence are leveraged to fulfill the Authority’s mandate.”

Al Alawi added, “Technology and AI are shaping the auditing industry, and we are collaborating closely with our strategic partners to lead the way for digital transformation in the field of accountability and auditing, ensuring the best use of AI & Data to preserve public funds.”

Contributions to Digital Transformation Strategies

ADAA’s participation at GITEX aligns seamlessly with the Abu Dhabi Digital Transformation Strategy, envisioning the emirate as a pioneer and key driver of its digital future. Emphasizing priorities in government services, data, applied technologies, governance, and ecosystem enablement, ADAA’s initiatives resonate with the strategy’s core objectives.

As GITEX 2023 unfolds, ADAA invites attendees to witness the future of accountability and auditing. The groundbreaking initiatives showcased at the event will not only revolutionize the sector but also reinforce ADAA’s pivotal role in spearheading the digital transformation journey in the region.

 

Heirs Holdings: Transforming Communities Through Profitable Ventures – Elumelu

Heirs Holdings: Transforming Communities Through Profitable Ventures – Elumelu

At Heirs Holdings, we create institutions that do more than just make profits – we do well in business and do good in society.

We carry a vision: To improve lives and transform Africa by investing our resources, our time, and our knowledge in critical sectors of the economy, and the UBA Group Graduate Management Accelerated Program (GMAP) is a testament to this vision.

UBA Group recently concluded its Graduate Management Accelerated Program – a program focused on identifying outstanding, young, fresh graduates across Africa, and equipping them with a wide range of specialized training to launch their careers in UBA Group, Africa’s Global Bank.

For me, it is a critical testament to our mission to be truly pan-African and truly invest in African talent. UBA is Africa’s Global Bank – we had young graduates from Cameroun, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and other African countries. There were 700 graduates in the 2023 GMAP cohort!

After undergoing the 6 months of intensive training program, spanning Treasury, Sales, Marketing and Customer Service, Financial Accounting, Risk Management, and Governance, these aspiring young professionals have now been equipped with the best skills and knowledge required to accelerate their banking career – and Africa.

We all know the reality when it comes to youth unemployment in Africa. Unemployment is the biggest challenge we face – a betrayal of a generation. We know governments alone cannot create all the jobs we need on the continent – so it is up to us, African private sector leaders to intervene and support the government in solving this unemployment deficit. And it is gratifying to see UBA play its part.

Listening to and interacting with the brilliant minds at the graduation ceremony, I am proud to say that we made the right decision. I would like to see branch managers form this cohort in the next 3 years and CEOs in the next 5 years. I believe that this is possible because we have selected the best talents, with the right enthusiasm and energy, and we, at UBA Group will continue to provide the right environment for them to flourish – this is a testament to our corporate mantra of “building to last”.

We have all learned the importance of Enterprise, Excellence, and Execution. So, congratulations to you all, the world is just about to start.

My sincerest appreciation goes out to the Group Managing Director, UBA Group, Oliver Alawuba, and his executive team, as well as our Group HR Director, Katrina Modupe Akindele, and her amazing team for delivering this wonderful project.

And to everyone else who was part of this dream, I appreciate so much your commitment to transforming lives the #HeirsHoldingsWay, #TheUBAWay #TheTOEWay.