Nigeria’s Sports Ministry Clarifies Participation of Cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye in Paris Olympics

Nigeria’s Sports Ministry Clarifies Participation of Cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye in Paris Olympics

 

The Minister of Sports, John Owan, has addressed recent concerns raised regarding the participation of Nigerian athletes, particularly cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye, at the ongoing Paris Olympics. The clarification follows a social media post by Ukpeseraye, which sparked public debate and some misunderstandings about her involvement in the Olympic events.

In a statement released on his official social media account, Minister Owan stated, “My attention has been drawn to a post on social media by Ese Ukpeseraye. After reviewing the post and the subsequent comments, I took immediate action. It appears the post was grossly misunderstood, likely due to a lack of proper context.”

He further explained that Team Nigeria had initially qualified for only one road race in cycling, for which they thoroughly prepared in terms of training and competition equipment. However, two weeks ago, after the cycling team had already departed for the Olympics, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) reallocated additional slots to Nigeria in the Keirin and individual sprint events due to the disqualification of another country. This unexpected opportunity required the use of specialized equipment different from that used in the road race.

“For this track race reallocated to Team Nigeria, a very specific type of equipment approved for the Olympic track event is required,” Owan said. “Acquiring this equipment usually takes months. However, through collaborative efforts with Ese’s club in Europe and a German-owned company, a ‘Track Bike’ was secured for Ese.”

Minister Owan confirmed that Ese Ukpeseraye is now fully prepared to compete in the individual sprint event scheduled for August 9, 2024, the race she initially qualified for.

The Sports Ministry remains committed to ensuring that all Nigerian athletes are fully supported as they represent the nation on the world stage.

 

Profilled World Homes and Properties Limited Unveils Uzee Usman as Brand Ambassador

Profilled World Homes and Properties Limited Unveils Uzee Usman as Brand Ambassador

 

In a strategic move to enhance its brand visibility and strengthen its corporate profile, Profilled World Homes and Properties Limited has officially announced the appointment of Uzee Usman as their new brand ambassador. The unveiling ceremony took place at the company’s headquarters in the presence of the media, business partners, and key stakeholders.

Dr. Promise Egwim, the Managing Director and CEO of Profilled World Homes, who is also a respected realtor and a leading authority in the Nigerian real estate sector, spoke during the event. “Today, we are pleased to unveil Uzee Usman as our corporate brand ambassador. This decision aligns with our strategic objectives for the year. We have carefully considered Uzee and believe he embodies the qualities we seek in a representative,” said Dr. Egwim.

He further expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “We believe this marks the beginning of a fruitful relationship. We are confident that Uzee will represent our brand positively, particularly in increasing awareness of our achievements within the corporate industry among Nigerians.”

Responding to his new role, Uzee Usman expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “I am honored to be part of this association, and I strongly believe this is the start of a great working relationship. As the brand ambassador, I will endeavor to project Profilled World Homes in a positive light and ensure that Nigerians recognize the significant impact the company is making in the industry,” he remarked.

Uzee Usman Adeyemi, born on November 11, 1986, is a celebrated Nigerian actor, film producer, and multimedia personality. Known for his acclaimed films such as “Voiceless”, “Mustapha”, “Anikulapo”, “Oga Abuja”, and “A Tribe Called Judah”, Usman’s unique ability to merge Nollywood and Kannywood has earned him numerous global awards and recognition. In addition to his extensive work in the entertainment industry, Usman holds two degrees in Political Science and English Language from the University of Abuja and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Media & Communications Studies from Iheris University, Togo. He also studied Special Effects in South Africa.

The signing ceremony, marking the commencement of this exciting partnership, took place on August 1, 2024. Uzee Usman is expected to leverage his large fan base and social media influence to further elevate the Profilled World Homes brand across Nigeria and beyond.

Airtel Nigeria Showcases Innovative Solutions at CIO Breakfast Event, Reinforces Leadership in Telecoms

Airtel Nigeria Showcases Innovative Solutions at CIO Breakfast Event, Reinforces Leadership in Telecoms

 

Airtel Nigeria recently hosted its much-anticipated CIO Breakfast event, attracting a distinguished gathering of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and industry leaders from various sectors. The event, which has become a key date on the calendar for IT professionals, served as a platform to unveil Airtel’s latest creative solutions, further solidifying the company’s position as a leader in the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

This year’s edition was particularly noteworthy, highlighting two pioneering solutions—Network as a Service (NaaS) and OneWeb—that are set to transform the business landscape in Nigeria. These innovations are tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises, offering unprecedented levels of simplicity, speed, and scalability. NaaS, in particular, provides businesses with a flexible and cost-effective way to manage their network services, while OneWeb promises to enhance connectivity, especially in underserved and remote areas, by leveraging low-Earth orbit satellite technology.

Airtel Nigeria’s consistent strides in the telecom sector were evident throughout the event, as the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in telecommunications. Over the years, Airtel has played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation in Nigeria, delivering robust network services that have empowered businesses and individuals alike. The introduction of NaaS and OneWeb is a testament to Airtel’s commitment to innovation and its strategic focus on enhancing business operations and communication across the nation.

The event was not only a showcase of technology but also a testament to Airtel Nigeria’s dedication to fostering strong partnerships with its clients. The presence of a diverse range of CIOs and industry experts underscored the event’s success and the high level of interest in Airtel’s offerings.

Airtel Nigeria extends its heartfelt appreciation to all the CIOs and other esteemed guests who attended the event, making this year’s CIO Breakfast a remarkable success. The company remains committed to leading the charge in providing cutting-edge solutions that drive growth and innovation in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale Appointed Professor of Practice at Miva Open University

Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale Appointed Professor of Practice at Miva Open University

 

 

The Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited, Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Digital Trust Leader, Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, has been appointed as the first Professor of Practice (Cybersecurity) in Nigeria.

Dr. Obadare’s letter of appointment as a Professor of Practice (Cybersecurity) by Miva Open University, Abuja, dated 1st of July 2024 and was signed by the University’s Registrar, Iheanyi Akwitti.

The position of Professor of Practice is awarded to distinguished individuals of recognized professional standing, with a significant track record of exceptional professional experience in their field.

This Professor of Practice appointment will offer Dr. Obadare, arguably the most “credentialed” global digital trust leader, cybersecurity strategist, and GRC thought leader the opportunity to draw from his extensive industry and professional expertise, to provide links for students in theoretical principles, conceptual and functional application of cybersecurity knowledge, consequently, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Miva Open University headed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Tayo Arulogun, will have the opportunity of exposing the students to real-world experiences and practical knowledge, networking opportunities with industry professionals, improved employability through building of up-to-date skills and competence. In addition to developing capacity and knowledge in areas of vulnerability management, penetration testing, computer forensics, risk management and compliance etc., from Dr. Obadare with this appointment.

He will be collaborating with the University to enhance its reputation through association with industry leaders, fostering stronger connections within the industry for research and development, improving curriculum relevance and innovation.

In his reply, Dr. Obadare expressed his appreciation for the privilege to contribute to Miva Open University’s purpose of preparing people for opportunity and improving society through education.

In his words, “I am truly honoured to join Miva Open University as a Professor of Practice in Cybersecurity, the first in Nigeria, and thrilled to work with the University in deepening ‘town and gown’ relationship.

“This appointment offers the opportunity to give back to the society and I look forward to synergizing with other faculty members to stimulate growth and value creation.”

 

 

Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale is a seasoned Multi-Award PAN-African Digital Trust Leader, CyberSecurity Strategist, GRC Thought Leader & Global Technopreneur with over 58 (Fifty-Eight) international professional certifications to his credit, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Liverpool University, UK, and was awarded Honorary Doctorate Degree in Cybersecurity from Trinity International University of Ambassadors Atlanta Georgia, United State of America.

A Fellow British Computer Society (FBCS), Fellow Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), Fellow Institute of Information Management (FIIM), Fellow Enterprise Security Risk Management (FESRM), Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP-UK), Chartered Risk Manager (CRM-Nigeria), The First PECB Certified Data Protection Officer  (CDPO) in Nigeria, The First PECB Lead Pentest Professional in Nigeria, First Global PECB Certified Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO), The First Ec-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) in Africa , First Ec-Council Certified Blockchain in Africa, Second COBIT 5 Certified Assessor in Africa,  Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Qualified Security Assessor (PCI DSS QSA), Forbes Technology Council Official Member and Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Digital Trust Leader 2023 Awardee.

He is a well-recognized subject matter expert with numerous successful engagements to his credit in Africa and the world. His skills and experience spans Data Privacy, Data Protection, CyberSecurity, Information Security, Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, Computer Forensics, Business Continuity, I T Governance, Risk Management and Compliance.

He is a Cybersecurity Advisory Board Member for Lagos State Government, a Platinum Team Member of Open-Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM), as well as a lifetime member of the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP).

He is an alumnus of FATE Foundation and US Department of State Exchange program.

He is also a distinguished alumnus of executive education at Harvard Business School, Harvard School of Government, MIT Sloan School of Management, MIT Professional Education and Oxford University – Said Business School, amongst other laurels.

 

 

Miva Open University headed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Tayo Arulogun, will have the opportunity of exposing the students to real-world experiences and practical knowledge, networking opportunities with industry professionals, improved employability through building of up-to-date skills and competence. In addition to developing capacity and knowledge in areas of vulnerability management, penetration testing, computer forensics, risk management and compliance etc., from Dr. Obadare with this appointment.

 

Kecam Technologies Ltd. Partners with Axtel to Bring Premium Communication Solutions to Nigeria

Kecam Technologies Ltd. Partners with Axtel to Bring Premium Communication Solutions to Nigeria

 

Kecam Technologies Ltd., an indigenous IT firm with global partnerships, has announced a strategic collaboration with Axtel, a renowned global vendor of professional communication solutions. This partnership aims to introduce Axtel’s world-class premium USB headsets to Nigerian businesses and individuals, enhancing communication for client and customer interactions, BPOs, entertainment enthusiasts, and lovers of premium sound quality.

Bonny Mekwunye, Vice President of Kecam Technologies Ltd., shared insights into the partnership, stating, “Originally based in Warsaw, Poland, Axtel is now a truly European vendor that offers their solutions worldwide. Axtel has years of experience in the market for professional communication, producing high-quality solutions aimed at organizations where communication is central to their business. We prioritize user needs and comfort, enabling professionals to achieve their goals with clear two-way communication through advanced audio technology.”

He continued, “Axtel delivers communication solutions designed for call centers and office environments. Our users’ needs and expectations are our top priority throughout the design process. We aim to create telemarketing headsets that facilitate our clients’ work at the most optimal level. By leveraging modern technology, we focus on bringing more authenticity to business conversations.”

Mekwunye emphasized the technological advancements of Axtel products, highlighting their crystal-clear communication capabilities. “Communication needs to be as close to a personal conversation as possible. By employing advanced audio technology for voice quality and noise cancellation, Axtel produces devices suitable for any environment and use case. We strive to exceed global USB headset quality standards.”

Axtel offers a range of products such as the VOICE 40 duo QD, VOICE 40 mono QD, VOICE 28 duo QD, and VOICE 28 mono QD. These professional headsets are ideal for companies operating in call centers, customer service offices, and environments where phone conversations are integral. With built-in noise reduction, Axtel headsets ensure clear audibility by removing background interference, allowing full concentration on tasks.

The headsets come in two versions: mono and duo. The mono option is perfect for multitasking employees, while the duo provides immersive audio for focused work. Wireless headsets are also available, offering mobility and long battery life, maintaining high voice quality even without a cable.

Axtel headsets are compatible with Skype for Business, facilitating internet telephony, video conferences, and global communication. Wired models come with a comfortable and intuitive remote control on the cable, enabling easy call handling. With options for USB and mini-jack connectors, Axtel headsets ensure compatibility with various devices and high-quality sound.

“Headphones with a microphone are crucial office equipment,” Mekwunye added. “Axtel ensures maximum comfort and functionality, even during long calls. With 20 years in the market and presence in 98 countries, Axtel delivers the highest quality equipment, guaranteeing functional headphones for landline phones and other configurations.”

Axtel headsets are now available in Nigeria through Kecam Technologies Ltd. This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing communication efficiency and quality in Nigeria, setting a new standard for professional communication solutions.

CEO of MOPPET Baby Formula Advocates for 100% Organic Ingredients in U.S. Business Engagement

CEO of MOPPET Baby Formula Advocates for 100% Organic Ingredients in U.S. Business Engagement

 

Lagos-based MOPPET, a leading indigenous baby formula firm, is making waves internationally, with its CEO, Engr. Roberta Edu, recently returning from a capacity-building trip in the United States. During her visit, Edu engaged with international manufacturers to discuss MOPPET’s unique approach to baby formula production, which emphasizes the use of real fruits, natural vegetables, and 100% organic grains, without relying on artificial flavoring.

Edu shared her experience with a group of experts and manufacturers in the U.S., highlighting MOPPET’s commitment to authentic ingredients. “Sometimes we don’t explain how truly amazing Moppet Foods is because it might seem like marketing,” Edu said. “In America, I emphasized our use of real fruits and natural vegetables with 100% organic grains. After my presentation, one of the experts asked if we only add a small amount of organic fruit and then use flavorings to maintain cost. He found it hard to believe that we could use real organic fruits in the quantities we do and still sell a 10-ounce pack for less than $2.”

Edu’s response was clear: MOPPET uses only real organic fruits, with no additives, and has maintained its affordability. The manufacturer’s reaction was one of surprise, even suggesting that MOPPET should focus on exporting to the U.S. market exclusively.

In a bold statement to her home audience, Edu emphasized the superior quality of MOPPET’s products compared to foreign alternatives. “The Western market doesn’t have access to such affordable organic produce. From now on, we’re selling with our heads held high.”

The success of MOPPET’s approach continues to garner international attention, positioning the firm as a significant player in the global baby formula industry.

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Patrick Doyle Reflects on Love and Parenthood, Praises Ex-Wife Ireti Doyle

Patrick Doyle Reflects on Love and Parenthood, Praises Ex-Wife Ireti Doyle

 

Renowned Nollywood actor, Patrick Doyle, has shared heartfelt reflections on love, loss, and parenthood, while publicly praising his ex-wife, Ireti Doyle, for her exceptional parenting skills.

In a recent interview with Olumide Iyanda of QEDNG, Patrick Doyle expressed deep respect and admiration for Ireti, emphasizing that he holds no ill feelings toward her following their divorce. Instead, he highlighted her role as an exemplary mother who provides exceptional care for their daughter.

“Ireti is a first-class mother and provider for her children. She is taking good care of my daughter. How can I wish her ill? As far as mothers go, they don’t come any better. She provides 360-degree mothering care,” said Doyle.

Doyle also shared a poignant tribute titled “CATALOGUE OF GRATITUDE (VOLUME 3),” where he expressed his eternal gratitude for his late wife, Rosamond Ndidi Doyle, who was the mother of three of his sons.

“Inspired by divine guidance and with a truly grateful heart, I wish to publicly thank the Almighty for bringing this angel across my path. Her name was Rosamond Ndidi Doyle, the mother of three of my sons. She was a most loving and dutiful wife and mother with the broadest smile and firmest handshake ever. Losing her to sickle cell anemia at a relatively early age was devastating, but her memory lingers in our two surviving sons who have been the bedrock of my peace all these many years. Rosamond, my most enduring love, rest on.”

Reflecting on his past relationship with Ireti, Doyle acknowledged his own responsibilities as the head of the household and expressed his efforts to maintain stability during challenging times. “As a man, it is my duty to say you don’t look happy. Responsibility for the stability of the home is that of the head of the home. So that was a bid to ease whatever the tensions were at the time,” he added.

Patrick and Ireti Doyle were married in 2004 and confirmed their divorce in 2023. Despite their separation, Doyle’s comments reflect a continued respect and appreciation for Ireti’s role as a mother, as well as a deep remembrance of his late wife, Rosamond.

 

Masters Aviation Launches New Aviation Fuel Business, Fueling the Future of Flight

Masters Aviation Launches New Aviation Fuel Business, Fueling the Future of Flight

 

Masters Aviation is proud to announce the official launch of its new aviation fuel division, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into the aviation industry. Dedicated to providing high-quality fuel solutions for aircraft, Masters Aviation is set to redefine reliability and excellence in aviation fueling services.

As part of the reputable Masters Energy Group, Masters Aviation leverages its extensive industry experience to deliver superior fueling options that meet the stringent demands of modern aviation. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the company aims to support the aviation sector’s growth by offering fuel solutions that ensure safety, efficiency, and performance.

“Our journey in the aviation industry begins today, and we are excited to serve our clients with the same level of excellence that Masters Energy is known for,” said Uchechukwu Samson Ogah of Masters Aviation. “As we embark on this new venture, we are committed to fueling the future of flight with the highest standards of quality and reliability.”

Masters Aviation invites industry partners, stakeholders, and customers to join them as they take off on this exciting new chapter. Stay connected with Masters Aviation for updates on services and developments as the company sets new benchmarks in the aviation fuel industry.

 

NELFUND Records Highest Student Loan Application in any 24 hour window Since Portal Opening

NELFUND Records Highest Student Loan Application in any 24 hour window Since Portal Opening

 

The Management of Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under the leadership of its Managing Director/CEO, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr is pleased to announce that it has received the highest student loan application within the span of 24 hours.

Within the last 24 hours, the fund recorded a total of 9,687 student registrations, of which 7,975 are completed loan applications. This marks the highest in one day since the launch of the student loan application portal on the 25th May 2024.

This overwhelming surge in interest, underscores the critical role that NELFUND plays in enabling access to higher education, for students facing financial challenges.

The high number of applications confirms the fact that financial constraints is a major issue that many aspiring higher education students are facing. It reinforces the importance of NELFUND’s work in providing the necessary support to Nigerian youth.

The Fund recorded this significant milestone in its mission to support students struggling with tertiary education financing across the nation. It is in line with the vision and action of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

Since the opening of the student loan application portal, NELFUND has recorded and steady and consistent influx of applications, highlighting the pressing need for financial assistance among Nigerian students.

The Fund hereby urges all students who are experiencing financial difficulties to take advantage of this well intended opportunity provided by The President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Eligible students are therefore encouraged to apply for the loan through the NELFUND portal.

NELFUND’s streamlined application process is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that students can easily access the support they need.

The dedicated support team is available to assist applicants throughout the process, providing guidance and answering any questions they may have.

This milestone is not just a testament to the effectiveness of the Fund’s outreach and the trust that students place in the program and the President’s pronouncement, but also a call to action for those who have not yet applied.

For more information on how to apply for a student loan, please visit our website: nelf.gov.ng
or contact us via our verified social media handles.

 

A wake-up call for businesses – assessing the true cost of major network or application failures

A wake-up call for businesses – assessing the true cost of major network or application failures

 

 

By Bryan Hamman, regional director for Africa at NETSCOUT

 

Just two weeks after a major global IT failure rendered millions of computer systems inaccessible, another ten-hour outage, this time as the result of a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, recently affected users of the same global organisation across multiple regions. Once again, this incident impacted businesses within many sectors, including retail, financial services and utilities, amongst others.

 

Earlier in July, Africa felt the repercussions of the initial outage, albeit to a lesser degree than in the UK, Europe and the USA. Air travel was disrupted with the cancellation and delay of flights across the continent, leaving planes in many local countries, like Kenya and Nigeria, grounded. The financial sector felt the strain too, with banking platforms inaccessible, credit card and ATM transactions halted, and several stock exchanges, including those in South Africa, Morocco, and Ghana, left unable to transact. African healthcare organisations were also affected, as were telecommunications companies and internet infrastructure providers.

 

This latest DDoS-attack driven outage once again highlights the severe consequences that the breakdown of a mission-critical application can have on a business, as thousands of outage reports and complaints were logged within a short space of time. But is it possible to actually calculate the cost impact of this type of failure?

 

Quantifying the potential financial impact of major incidents

 

NETSCOUT recently released the results of a survey of IT leaders that looked specifically at incidents related to unified communications as a service (UCaaS) platforms, a cloud delivery model that offers a number of communication and collaboration applications and services, such as enterprise messaging, online meetings, team collaboration, video conferencing and telephony.

 

The survey found that 97 percent of enterprise-level organisations suffered at least one major UCaaS-related outage or incident in 2023. Additionally, most enterprises surveyed (51 percent) had been subjected to at least four incidents, each lasting several hours and negatively affecting 4,000 employees on average. And in 24 percent of cases, resolution took several days.

 

Beyond the immediate revenue loss, outages in critical communication and collaboration tools can lead to employee downtime, productivity declines and customer service disruptions, causing dissatisfaction and potential churn. Negative publicity related to these incidents can further harm a company’s brand and erode stakeholder trust.

 

In the type of worst-case scenario outlined above, NETSCOUT’s survey noted that 64 percent of respondents estimated associated losses of at least $10,000 in sales and productivity. For larger enterprises (with an annual revenue of more than $10 billion), 47 percent gauged losses of at least $100,000, with 18 out of 300 respondents reporting losses of at least $1 million.

 

While large-scale incidents affecting thousands of employees at once may draw more attention, the cumulative impact of day-to-day performance issues – like dropped calls, meeting delays and poor audio/video quality – on productivity and support costs cannot be overlooked.

 

Proactive risk mitigation strategies

 

To tackle the challenges posed by network and application failures, organisations must be proactive in carrying out preventive maintenance and routine upgrades to ensure services can operate at optimal efficiency. Regular maintenance checks and updates will help to mitigate the risk of unexpected downtime and its accompanying chaos and performance disruption, in turn, preventing fiscal and reputational losses.

 

This means that organisations’ IT teams need complete end-to-end visibility into the threats against their network, which would allow them to monitor networks and applications, regardless of where they are hosted or where users access them. Proactive synthetic tests too are essential, ensuring application functionality and simulating real user traffic respectively. These tests help measure the quality of the user experience and get ahead of performance issues before users themselves encounter negative impacts.

 

Looking ahead, as a way of learning from these recent global IT outages, businesses should consider the use of visibility tools, like NETSCOUT’s ‘Visibility without Borders’ platform, which will allow them to build a detailed repository of information based on previous issues encountered, helping them to deal with future challenges more effectively and efficiently.

 

Ultimately, the true cost of a major network incident or application failure extends beyond financial losses to encompass many factors, including productivity, customer satisfaction and brand reputation. No company ever plans for these things to happen. However, by implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks, organisations can strengthen their operational resilience and position themselves to bounce back quickly when disaster strikes.