Focus Softnet Services Limited, an indigenous based IT firm based in Lagos and the authorised reseller of Focus 9 enterprise resource program (ERP) has harped on the need for the indigenous firm in the country to deploy robust ERP software that will enhance productivity in the private and public sector.  Speaking to the media, the Managing Director of Focus Softnet Services Limited, Moses Uvomata described Focus 9 as a “must have” for enterprises in the country now that many organisations have their staff working from home as a result of Covid 19 pandemic.

Focus Softnet ready for business in West Africa - ITEdgeNews.ng

In his words, “Focus 9 is one software that is very amazing for organizations be it public or private sector. It is a full enterprise resource program (ERP). This ERP runs in cloud and can be deployed offline and with the AI integrated in it, it syncs automatically when there is internet availability. As the world is tilting towards cloud computing, FOCUS 9 enables organizations to work seamlessly. With this software, the company has all it needs to work and enhance productivity. This is a full ERP solution that caters for everything that the organization does, you don’t need any other solution. We have accounting, payroll, HR etc.”

He added “We have CRM also. In Focus 9, we describe it as if you can think it, we can deliver it. The robust nature of the solution – Focus 9 allows firms to adapt to size and depth and grow user roles and profiles to suit the organizational hierarchy and structure. Modular structure lets you decide the ERP rollout strategy Online & offline synchronization helps you smoothly get remote data Unlimited masters, tags & workflows let you define & evolve your company’s SOPs Powerful Application Programming Interface (API) lets you expand your operational unification across your organization.”

Focus 9 Reviews: Pricing & Software Features 2020 - Financesonline.com

He reiterated that the organization has many software that are cloud-based solution designed for various categories of businesses ranging from small to big enterprises. But he reiterated that Focus 9 is basically designed for medium and big enterprises due to the complex nature of their operation. Focus 9 solution is designed for the complexities in business while Focus 6b is for small enterprises. He opined that “FOCUS 9 software is targeted at medium and large enterprises or companies. ERP is enterprise resource planning and the word “enterprise” we are looking at medium and big, but that doesn’t mean we are overlooking the small guys. We have ERP products that are designed for small and medium. You cannot want and accounting software and you need an ERP, people must start understanding the basic differences of these solution. For instance, we have FOCUS 6 and FOCUS RT, these are meant for these small firms, the basic difference between FOCUS 9 and Focus 6 is the level. We tried to capture all the various levels of businesses. We have FOCUS I for relatively big firms, all our products are end to end. Be it into manufacturing, services and public sector.”

On the issue of support the Technical Director of Focus Softnet Services Limited, David Jalyeoba opined that “The core thing that makes us unique not only Focus 9, all focus products is that our solutions are user friendly. Our solutions you can do things from the front not going through the back-end. Ours is front end, you can take full ownership unlike the others that you have to go through the back-end. We made our solutions so easy that you take charge of the software and inputs not meeting the vendors. Our support is so robust that we make things very seamless for the user, we are a phone call away. We have offices worldwide with head office in Dubai. We don’t have a problem with support. Also coming with a hybrid database which includes an advanced data management system that supports both on-disk and in-memory data storage features. The in-memory part enables sorting, storing and retrieving data from memory to make the processes substantially quicker, whereas hard disks provide the most cost-effective storage variant for a huge volume of data.”

ANTHONY NWOSU

“Focus 9 is one software that is very amazing for organizations be it public or private sector. It is a full enterprise resource program (ERP). This ERP runs in cloud and can be deployed offline and with the AI integrated in it, it syncs automatically when there is internet availability. As the world is tilting towards cloud computing, FOCUS 9 enables organizations to work seamlessly. With this software, the company has all it needs to work and enhance productivity.

The role of a startup Chief Financial Officer (CFO) goes beyond traditional financial management to creating a roadmap for growth and longevity. “Not only does the CFO role demand the efficient and effective deployment of resources that result in maximum returns – it’s just as critical to design and implement processes to ensure the financial department seamlessly integrates with the Aura’s operations,” notes Patrick Gilbride, Chief Financial Officer at Aura – South Africa’s most effective, accessible and affordable emergency response platform for the security and medical services industry.

Navigating the startup environment and operating in a near constant state of flux is a time of invaluable opportunity for a new CFO. “Financial forecasting in a startup is always the most challenging task. Aura needs to remain as dynamic as possible, and that often requires a complete change of direction. A big part of my role as CFO is to provide a clear picture of the current state of affairs that enables the management team to make informed decisions,” adds Gilbride.

Having credible and effective financial projections is hugely significant to the success of any business, but for a startup it’s the golden thread that drives growth, strategy, and an organisation’s vision and purpose. “Being involved in an organisation that moves quickly and isn’t afraid to make mistakes is the perfect environment for someone who wants to grow as much as possible. I believe Aura is the tool that will bring the security industry into the 21st Century. According to Numbeo’s 2020 Crime Index South Africa is the third most dangerous country in the world. Aura is a solution that can bring every South African the security they deserve.”

Gilbride 

…As 2020 Cybersecurity Awareness Month Kicks off

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has said the need to be cybersecurity-conscious to guarantee online safety for Internet users is everyone’s business and not reserved for a group of people.

Danbatta stated this to herald the commencement of a series of enlightenment and awareness campaign activities being embarked upon by the Commission for this year’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM).

The month of October every year is NCSAM globally, aimed at raising awareness about cybersecurity, and to provide the public with general knowledge and tools required for online safety.

He said Internet users across mobile networks in Nigeria currently stand at 149.8 million as at August, 2020, noting that more users are expected online as services in different sectors of the economy are becoming digitalised . He stated that the increase in digital financial transactions for e-commence activities calls for greater responsibility on the part of individuals and corporate internet users to protect themselves against cybercrimes.

According to Danbatta, as the Commission embarks on various policy initiatives to drive pervasive broadband penetration to achieve increased digital inclusiveness, it is not unmindful of those who use Internet to carry out nefarious and dubious activities in the cyber space.

“To keep the genuine individual and corporate Internet users safe, the NCC, as regulator of the telecom sector, annually joins the rest of the world to create a lot of enlightenment around cybercrime in the month of October every year. We ensure that consumers are empowered through awareness and sensitisation campaigns, by providing information on both the positive and negative potentials available online, and measures required to safeguard themselves and their loved ones,” the EVC said.

Danbatta emphasised that “Security is not reserved for a group of people, it is truly everyone’s business; bringing competence and knowledge to help build a safer and more inclusive information society.”

Danbatta restated the commitment of the Commission to continually embark on policy initiatives to enhance online security as well as educate and equip the consumers of telecoms services with information they need to be protected online.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) wishes to draw the attention of the general Public, especially telecoms consumers to a fraudulent and cloned Facebook profile account opened with a name similar to the Commission’s official name on the social media site.

The Commission, upon detecting the fake Facebook account with the name “NIGERIA COMMUNICATION COMMISSION OFFICIAL WEBSITE”, deems it fit to inform members of the public that this account is fake and fraudulent.

From our findings, the fake Facebook group account was created a year ago and has since amassed followership who, the Commission believes, must have inadvertently signed on to the site.

The NCC states that this is a typical case of profile cloning, which represents a severe security issue in social media networks. It is often used to create a fake profile identical to an original one, for the purpose of misleading the unsuspecting general public.

For the avoidance of doubt, the official and authentic Facebook account of the Commission is: “NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION” with over 181,580 followers.

The Commission strongly advises Nigerian citizens and all telecom consumers to beware of this fraudulent Facebook account as the NCC has no affiliation with it.

It is what it is: A CLONED FACEBOOK ACCOUNT, meant to deceive and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

We have a lot of Nigerians doing fantastic in USA and UK,that is the truth. Having made tremendous strides in various professions such as medicine, arts and IT,we still have tons of Nigerian folks that are hungry . A ratio of 5:1 would be apt for this explanation,forget what you see in silver screen or social media. It ain’t all kumbaya here.

For each successful Nigerian abroad, there are at least 5 other Nigerians struggling to make ends meet in the same country. Struggle as in struggling to pay rent, buy mobile phone data, pay for electricity, cooking gas, and all the same things Nigerians struggle to have in Nigeria.

We met a Nigerian woman begging for £10 to to buy rice for dinner in front of Plumstead Health Center in London some years ago. The viral video of a White man humiliating a Nigerian woman begging in a public place in Canada is still online.

Success starts from at least 5 years of hard work on average for a Nigerian in diaspora doing legitimate work. Most times, these are the kind of work many would not do in Nigeria. For many, it takes 10-20 years to start making ends meet.

The level of poverty in Nigeria is frightening. There is no denying that but the general thinking that the grass is always greener abroad or that everyone living abroad is better (and can comfortably give you $100) is the height of nauseating ignorance.

This is the TRUTH Nigerians would not want to hear but someone must find the courage to say it!!

Mbe Nwaniga and Anthony Nwosu

Just like what is applicable in Hollywood, it is like that in Nollywood. Celebrities marriages don’t last as they said but as it stands now ChaCha was an exception, she did 7 years and 3 kids but she is done. Pundits expected that but it came a bit late.

D ChaCha Eke announced the split from husband, Austin Faani.

The actress, who made the announcement in a video via her Instagram account didn’t give details of what led to the end of her marriage.

The mother of two also said she was leaving the union while she’s still alive adding that she will give full details of what led to the breakup later.

Folks have been citing domestic violence allegedly while cultural compatibility and insecurities can’t be rule out. People have said that they should have held on because of the kids but as it stands now,chacha ain’t dancing chacha anymore. We hope for the unveiling and confession from the lady .

Charity Eke, popularly known as Chacha Eke Faani, is a Nigerian actress from Ebonyi State. Her rise to fame came when she starred in the 2012 drama film l,The End is Near.

Anthony Nwosu

I. The Nigerian Army wishes to thank and commend the Nasarawa State Government for heeding it’s advice conveyed through the Commander 4 Special Forces Command Doma to construct access road through the Kenyehu Uttu Forest and contiguous hills in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Recall that on the 20 September 2020, the 4 Special Forces Command of the Nigerian Army which is based in Doma, Nasarawa State conducted clearance operations in the forest and destroyed identified terrorists’ hideouts. During the operation, no fewer than 778 family members of suspected terrorists and bandits consisting mostly women and children were rescued by troops. Several suspected terrorists were neutralized and large cache of arms and ammunition recovered from the criminals.

  1. Opening up access into such remote and isolated with attendant infrastructural development will bring governance and prosperity to such hitherto ungoverned spaces. This will no doubt enhance the general security in the area. The Nigerian Army wishes to use this opportunity to call on other states to emulate the good example of Nasarawa State in this strategic effort.
  2. Furthermore, in its resolve and unwavering commitment to mitigate all forms of security threats in any part of the country, the Nigerian Army has, through the Commander 4 Special Forces Command, drawn the attention of Nasarawa and Kogi State Governments on the need to open up Road Umashan – Adaosun/Sardauna – Uttu and Road Uguma- Kpokpobili – Uttu – Igwapati – Uttu in Nasarawa and Kogi States respectively. This if done will ease and enhance the operation of security agencies in the area which will bring succor to the law abiding citizens in the areas.

SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations

· Says Security Aides must not accompany VIPs or Political appointees on the Day Election

As part of efforts at ensuring effective coordination and full implementation of security arrangements towards a peaceful election in the October 10th, 2020, Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A. Adamu, NPM mni has deployed DIG Adeleye Olusola Oyabade, mni, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Research and Planning to administer the general security arrangement for the election in the State. Also deployed to assist the DIG are, AIG Karma Hosea Hassan psc (+), Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Federal Operations (FEDOPS), Department of Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja, and eleven (11) Commissioners of Police.

The Coordinating DIG, Ondo Gubernatorial Elections, has been charged by the IGP to bring his wealth of experience to bear by ensuring the due enforcement of all electoral laws throughout the period of the election. CP Garba Baba Umar will be in charge Monitoring/Evaluation and will be assisted by CP Habu Sani. Other Senior Police Officers deployed to handle other layers of security in the State are: CP Abiodun Alabi, CP Bishi Omololu, CP Ashafa Kunle, CP Akeera M. Yonous, CP Buba Sanusi, CP Audu Madaki, CP Evelyn Peterside, CP Sadiku Gbenga and CP Abutu Yaro.

Meanwhile, the IGP has warned that no Security Aides will be allowed to accompany VIPs or Political appointees on the Day of the Guber Election noting that severe punishments will be meted out to anyone who violates the order.

Officers and men of the Force as well as personnel of other security agencies deployed for the election have also been charged by the IGP to conduct themselves professionally and work in line with best practices as highlighted in the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Elections. He also enjoins members of the public, especially politicians and their supporters to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies in the national assignment of guaranteeing a hitch-free gubernatorial poll.

DCP FRANK MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA

The National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) inaugurated the Local Organising Committee, (LOC) for the 13th edition of the e-Nigeria Conference, Exhibitions and Awards, the flagship IT event in the country.

The international IT conference provides platform for creation of digital awareness, development of appropriate framework and setting of goals to ensure best practices in order to encourage appropriate positioning of Nigeria in the global information society.

At the inaugural meeting, the NITDA Director General, Mallam. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE who was represented by the Director, Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions, Dr Usman Abdullahi stressed that e-Nigeria is meant to be the Nigeria flagship IT event in every sense and the event should ensure that its impact is felt world over.

He said , “we are planning to make this year’s event regional and, we have the opportunity to achieve this, because it is coming at the period when we have pandemic that is making virtual meeting the new normal. This will encourage participation from anywhere,” he said.

Abdullahi advised the LOC members to ensure that they plan and execute a highly successful international event that will see participation of participants all over the world.

He said, “the team should be able to plan and execute e-Nigeria that will surpass previous successes recorded, which the IT stakeholders would be proud of. “I know you have the capabilities that is why your office finds you worthy to be among the LOC.”

The DG advised the member to be innovative and open to new ideas as nothing is cast on stone. “Let us not constrain ourselves to the arrangements we already have, we can do things differently this year. Introduction of new ideas that are different from conference, startup ouches and master class are welcome. Let us make this 2020 edition different and I am confident you can do it.

Earlier, Chief Research Officer, Dr Muhammed Agbali who spoke on behalf of Director, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr Agu Collins whose department oversees the execution of the conference said, the 13th edition of the conference would be infusion of both virtual and physical platforms due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Describing the 2020 e-Nigeria as “hybrid conference, Dr Agbali stated that people would be able to join the conference anywhere from the world adding that only the speakers, facilitators, resource person and dignitaries would be physically present at the physical venue of the event. He said the Agency is about to develop a virtual meeting platform that can achieve that.

The proposed theme for this year e-Nigeria which is slated to hold from 24 to 26 November, 2020 is “Towards a National Digital Transformation and Economic Sustainability in Nigeria.”


The theme and the sub themes are derivatives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy and NITDA Roadmaps which are designed to transform Nigeria’s economy to digital with the use of digital technology.

Three years ago, brothers James and Hugo Hill identified a growing demand for complex insurance products required by energy companies and other ‘Special Risk’ businesses in Africa, a continent historically underserved by international insurers located thousands of miles from the projects they were underwriting.

TRM Risk Management (TRM) (https://TRM.co.za) is a pan-African risk advisory business that specializes in advising energy clients and placing insurance policies for the largest and most complex risks on the continent. The Hills’ 25 years of combined insurance Broking & Underwriting experience in London, Singapore and South Africa brings a uniquely broad range of solutions to even the most complex of risks.

Since its inception in 2017, the company has specialized in advising on operational and energy construction risks for state-owned utilities, private power producers and independent E&P companies in over 15 African countries, with the energy sector comprising 70% of its business (the other 30% comes from other ‘special risk’ lines, including marine and aviation).

“TRM is an independent, client-first organization and we are simplifying the Insurance buying process for customers in Africa. Our values are aligned to our clients’ values and we use our deep-rooted knowledge of Africa and the international broking community, along with our own relationships with underwriters, to make sure our clients get the best possible access to the market. Our risk advisory model is tried and tested over the last three years, and this is why we have grown so quickly as an organization, as clients are viewing us as Africa’s premier risk advisor. The more we grow as an organization, the more we can leverage our portfolio for our customers,” says James Hill, Chief Operating Officer, speaking to a portfolio that now exceeds $100 million in insurance premiums.

“We have a growing portfolio of oil, gas and power business. From our experience of mitigating clients’ exposures across the entire energy value chain, we are able to identify the right broking partner for any given risk, to the benefit of our customers” adds Hugo Hill, Managing Director.

While TRM maintains its focus on West African markets – Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Cameroon, to name a few – the Central, East and Southern African regions have become a growing priority for the firm in the last 18 months.

TRM is a pan-African risk advisory business that specializes in advising energy clients and placing insurance policies for the largest and most complex risks on the continent

Earlier this year, emerging natural gas producer Renergen (www.Renergen.co.za) approached TRM to handle insurances for its Virginia gas project – the first project of its kind in South Africa to produce helium and liquefied natural gas locally for domestic use. While the existing domestic insurance market was not familiar with exposures typically generated by upstream oil and gas risk, TRM was able to provide bespoke Marine Cargo, Delay in Start-Up, Construction and Professional Indemnity insurance solutions, utilizing its prior experience handling insurances in African oil and gas-producing countries.

“TRM has a wealth of experience in providing energy construction insurance in Africa, as well as operational insurance,” says Nick Mitchell, Renergen’s Chief Operating Officer.

In the midst of an international brokering community that is seeing increasingly frequent mergers and acquisitions, TRM stands apart from the crowd with a fiercely independent, client-focused approach – analyzing broker performance across each business line and handpicking brokers for each specific risk.

“We have witnessed increased levels of M&A activity amongst the insurance brokers and we expect to see further consolidation. What has become apparent during periods of merger activity is that the brokers become more focused on the reshuffling of their own organizations as opposed to spending time concentrating on clients,” says James Hill. “This has worked out well for us as we remain totally independent, sitting firmly on the side of the client at all times, with our attention firmly fixed on the client’s needs.”

In Nigeria, leading independent Atlas Petroleum (https://Atlas-oranto.com) solicited the help of TRM to assess whether its current African Insurance program was fit for purpose given the company’s exposure. Atlas/Oranto is Nigeria’s largest privately held, Africa-focused exploration and production group. Atlas International and its sister company Oranto Petroleum have an extensive footprint across the African continent, holding 22 oil and gas licenses in 23 jurisdictions.

“TRM assisted in providing a more cost effective and bespoke energy package solution for our Nigerian client, which fully complied with Nigerian local content regulation – broader cover at lower cost,” said Sebastian Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of DMWA Resources.

Insurance commentators are suggesting that the COVID-19 impact will be a $100 billion event for the insurance industry,” says James Hill. “What we have, in effect, is the perfect storm, where the market was already bottoming out on rates and starting to enter a hardening state with rates increasing. COVID-19 has caused an acceleration and amplification of the rate corrections and we are seeing significant rate increases across the entire market. Some customers are being hit worse than others depending on in which sector the risk falls. For example, upstream rates are not as severe (yet), but the market may only require one more big loss before that market follows the downstream market, which is seeing significant rate increases of over 20%.”

“We, in conjunction with our broking partners, access insurers globally – whether it is Lloyd’s of London, the Middle East or Asia, as long as there is an appetite for African energy risks,” says Hugo Hill. “We believe now more than ever it is vital for any customer in Africa to ensure that they are accessing the global market to trigger as much competition amongst insurers as possible.”

“Wherever we can involve and support local African or regional insurers, we do,” says James Hill. “Sometimes it’s the international underwriters who will have larger capacities, but those underwriters on the ground in Africa have a better understanding of the risk – we blend local and international expertise to deliver optimum solutions for our clients.”

‘’Local content development has an important role to play in Africa, especially with regards to capacity building. The best example of this is Nigeria, where the Nigerians have fought hard to develop a strong and robust local insurance market, particularly in the oil and gas arena,” says Hugo Hill. “Insurance companies in-territory are closer to their clients than international insurers and often have a better understanding of the associated risks. It will be great if the new and emerging oil and gas markets in Africa can follow suit.”

While the global insurance market continues to correct, TRM remains optimistic in its long-term outlook for the African insurance sector – an industry closely linked with economic growth, operating on a continent home to the fastest-growing economies globally.

By Grace Goodrich