Pantami Receives Management of Fiscal Responsibility Commission

Pantami Receives Management of Fiscal Responsibility Commission

 

Courtesy visit by the Management of Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), led by the Chairman, Chief Barr. Victor Chinemere Muruako.

Barr. Muruako commended Minister Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) for the various innovation he has brought to the Digital Economy Sector that has resulted in ICT becoming the fastest growing sector of Nigeria’s economy.

The Chairman also sought areas of collaboration with the Ministry, identifying capacity development as a key area of interest for the commission.

Muruako further solicited digital tools and devices to enhance the efficiency of the commission in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a #DigitalNigeria.

Clickatell Helps Nigerians Access eNaira Services, Boosting Financial Inclusion

Clickatell Helps Nigerians Access eNaira Services, Boosting Financial Inclusion

Clickatell (https://www.Clickatell.com), a CPaaS innovator and Chat Commerce leader, has partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) (https://www.CBN.gov.ng) to deliver fast, simple, and cost effective eNaira banking services to all Nigerians using the USSD channel, eliminating the need for data and available on all handsets.

 

Clickatell has collaborated with the CBN to launch a USSD channel for its eNaira Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) (www.eNaira.gov.ng) as part of the country’s drive to make basic banking accessible to all Nigerians, ultimately driving financial inclusion.

The eNaira was launched in October 2021 when the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, said Africa’s first central bank-backed digital currency would help boost remittances, foster cross-border trade, and help his government make welfare payments more easily. With financial inclusion at the heart of the eNaira goals, President Buhari also said that he believed the CBDC would increase GDP in the country by $29 billion over the next 10 years.

“Introducing the USSD short code allows non-banked Nigerians, many of whom do not have smartphones, to access cashless banking services and is a big win for the stated goals of delivering meaningful financial inclusion. Clickatell’s role in making this a reality has been one of the most important achievements of our engagements in Nigeria,” comments Uzo Nwani, Clickatell Commercial Director, West Africa.

CBN is working with partners who are committed to taking advantage of this new technology for continuous innovation towards delivering exciting new features

The new USSD channel allows Nigerians using the *997# short code to create their eNaira wallet. Once this is done, they can easily check balances and transfer funds, as well as safely buy airtime or data for themselves or friends and family. Safeguarding their wallets is also easy on the channel and users can check and update their information, change and reset their pin, or even block the wallet if necessary.

“The USSD channel is a vital part of our journey towards realizing our financial inclusion vision. We see the eNaira as a leap forward in the evolution of money. Thus, CBN is working with partners who are committed to taking advantage of this new technology for continuous innovation towards delivering exciting new features,” comments the CBN Deputy Governor Economic Policy, Dr. Kingsley Obiora.

Unstructured Supplementary Service Data or USSD, is a communications protocol that is supported by 99% of GSM handsets. It remains particularly relevant in developing communities where it is used to provide services at a much lower cost and can be used without requiring access to the user’s SIM card.

Despite the rapid growth of smartphones, the majority of Nigerians (https://bit.ly/2HRLANU) are currently using feature phones, making an excellent case for the USSD offering. The CBN is counting on the new channel making rapid inroads towards getting most of the 30% of unbanked Nigerians into the formal banking system.

As part of its efforts, the CBN is working hard to boost awareness and education around the new digital currency and has offered an incentive of 200eNGN airtime for the first 100,000 users to onboard using the eNaira USSD feature.

Looking ahead, Nwani says the Clickatell solution ideally positions the system for new and collaborative additions to help boost the eNaira services.

“Our Chat Flow product provides a robust platform to support rapid innovation. Digital currencies provide measurable customer benefits including lower costs and a simple user experience and adding new innovative features over time will definitely attract more customers. There is no doubt that the CBN has set the benchmark when it comes to financial inclusion in Africa, and we look forward to being part of that journey,” Nwani says.

Nigeria commits to the Clean Energy Demand Initiative’s goals with Corporate Partners

Nigeria commits to the Clean Energy Demand Initiative’s goals with Corporate Partners

On September 13 in Abuja, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry joined the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as it signed a Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government, represented by Minister for Environment Mohammed Abdullahi, and seven companies – AB InBev, Akamai, HP, Iron Mountain, Lady Lawyer Foundation, Rife International, and Unilever – to support the clean energy transition by working to procure clean energy in Nigeria. Together, the companies seek to unlock investment in clean energy infrastructure arising from commercial and industrial sector operations.  Many of these companies are already working with their supply chain partners in Nigeria and confirm the desire to support their suppliers with clean energy procurement once suitable options are available.

 

Nigeria and corporate partners have signaled support for principles to enable corporate renewable procurement

This collaboration will help develop robust, reliable, transparent, cost-competitive, and credible procurement options that comply with labor laws in Nigeria to help meet clean energy targets, increase energy security, and enable corporations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Clean Energy Demand Initiative (CEDI) serves as a platform for stakeholder engagement and country partnerships and creates a venue for companies and countries to signal investment potential in clean energy, share experiences, and support each other on policy reform that contributes to affordable and resilient energy systems to drive economic growth.  Today, Nigeria and corporate partners have signaled support for principles to enable corporate renewable procurement, ramping up deployment and accelerating the energy transition in support of global climate goals.

World Bank Team Visit Minister Pantami

World Bank Team Visit Minister Pantami

 

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) received in audience, a team from the World Bank on a working visit at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Abuja.

The team consisted of the Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, New Infrastructure Director for West Africa, Mr. Franz Drees, and 2 others.
The discussion of the meeting was centered around Digital Identify (Data Protection) and Broadband Infrastructure and Connectivity.

Danbatta applauds four retiring NCC staff

Danbatta applauds four retiring NCC staff

 

 

Four retiring staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have received encomiums from the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, for their dedication to duties and rising to be counted as committed members of the team that is making the nation proud with their individual contributions to the development of telecommunications in Nigeria.

 

The four staff, Mallam Aliyu Ibrahim, Deputy Director/Head, Administration Department; Okechukwu Christian Aninweke, an Assistant Director/Head, Risk Management; Patience Ante, Principal Manager, Lagos Zonal Office (LZO); and Daniel Agbi, Deputy Manager, also of the LZO, reached their mandatory retirement ages of 60 years and have embarked on their pre-retirement leaves, after their respective valedictory sessions that took place at the Commission.

 

Mr. Ibrahim, who spent 26 years of active service in the Commission, had at various times served in several departments, before being appointed Lagos Zonal Controller; Kano Zonal Controller; and Head, Consumer Protection and Advocacy before retiring as Head of Administration of the Commission, a position he held for more than four years.

The NCC boss said Aliyu’s various postings across departments, and his outline of contributions at his various posts were testaments to his hard work and dedication to duty. He specifically commended Aliyu’s administrative competence that enabled the Commission to start off NCC Digital Innovation Park project being constructed in Kano.

 

Aninweke, joined the Commission in 2001, and is retiring as an Assistant Director and Head, Risk Management in the Corporate Planning Strategy and Risk Management Department, after 21 years of dedicated active service. He was also President of NCC Staff Cooperative and Multipurpose Society for two tenures.

 

Mrs. Patience Ante, on her part, served the Commission for 18 years, having been enlisted in 2002 as Confidential Secretary at the Commission’s erstwhile Human Resources Department where she worked for seven years before her redeployment to Lagos Zonal Office. In Lagos, she first worked in the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Unit where she served different sections of the Zonal Office operations. Before her retirement, Ante, rose to the position of  a Principal Manager and served as Head, Licensing and Authorization Unit at the Lagos Zonal Office.

 

Agbi, popularly called ‘Apollo’ by the staff of the Commission, joined the Commission in 2005 as a protocol officer. His duties included working closely with high profile personalities in the Commission, including Board members, Ministers, and the Executive Management. His core responsibilities included liaising with the Nigerian Immigration Service. Agbi, also fondly called ‘Papa’ worked with uncommon zeal, passion and honourably. He is retiring from the Commission at the rank of Deputy Manager.

 

During their different valedictory sessions, the retirees appreciated the opportunity given to them to serve Nigeria officially in various capacities through the NCC. They also profoundly commended the EVC, Prof. Danbatta, for his remarkable leadership qualities and finesse which have repositioned the Commission as a flagship Nigerian public sector institution.

 

NIMI AKINKUGBE CELEBRATES HER MARRIAGE OF OVER 37 YEARS!!!

NIMI AKINKUGBE CELEBRATES HER MARRIAGE OF OVER 37 YEARS!!!

 

 

In a world that marriages are crashing and divorce rampant, there is a need to celebrate a long-lasting marriage and also the need to cherish a partner becomes imperative and imminent. In this light, Opunimi Akinkugbe,Nigerian Ambassador to Greece celebrates her marriage of over 37 years.

Taking to the media to eulogise her husband, the diplomat said” Today I thank God for my amazing husband. I’ve always enjoyed his stoic support throughout my banking career and subsequently when I established Bestman Games, but his presence, support and total dependability during this new journey in public service has been truly remarkable.”

She added that “I always tell our young people whenever I get the chance; try not to make a decision based on societal pressure about the right time; it’s more about the right person.”

“The choice of your life partner is simply the most important decision you will ever make. One of life’s greatest blessings for a woman is to have the right life partner. It makes it easier for her to achieve her potential”, She concluded.

Nimi Akinkugbe is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bestman Games Ltd. In December 2012 her company launched the City of Lagos Edition of Monopoly, the first African city edition of Hasbro’s world famous board game.

 

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

Tech Industry Ready to Roll Up its Sleeves to Fight Climate Change at Africa Tech Festival

Tech Industry Ready to Roll Up its Sleeves to Fight Climate Change at Africa Tech Festival

“Africa has sufficient resources to power itself entirely by clean energy. Therefore, the question for most of the continent is not one of transitioning to clean energy or reducing emissions in power generation, but how to effectively finance the development of clean energy in the continent.” Kellie Murungi Chief Investments Officer, East African Power

VIDEO
Africa Tech Festival 2022: Official Trailer

 

Each year, Africa Tech Festival (https://bit.ly/3Uj7v5I) addresses some of the most pertinent and pressing issues facing the African continent’s socio-economic future and the role that technology and communications’ play in facilitating this progression. One of the more burning issues that will be addressed is climate change, and with International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer happening on 16 September, there’s no better time than to look beneath the hood and see what is on offer at this year’s event.

There had been rumblings from scientists about the dangers of household products and appliances to the ozone layer for many years. Lined up as potential public enemies were toiletries such as aerosols and shaving foams, as well as pulsing products the likes of fridges and air-conditioners, all of which were believed to be causing damage to the ozone layer. As is the case with most warnings from the scientific community, everyone ignored it until theory became reality in 1985, when a hole was spotted in said ozone layer.

With the planet’s natural sun shield now compromised, the world (notably the corporate world) was forced to re-design aerosols, foaming cans, fridges, and air-cons.

Industry was quick to act, including adapting factories, waste systems and recycling practices, to ensure they were ready for the rafts for regulations that were to follow. Key among these was the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which came into effect on September 16, 1987. The Montreal Protocol was a significant statement of intent from the world’s leaders and marked an unprecedented turning point in the history of environmental protection and was ratified by every country in the world by 2008.

These changes have also had an impact on helping in the next great challenge faced by our planet – global warming.

One industry that has expanded massively since the humble days of the “low-tech” 1980s, is the electronics and communications industry. Whereas in the 1980s, perhaps one in every three homes in the industrialised world had a personal computer for example, today that figure has potentially risen to two to three screens per person per household or more. The impact on global warming of all this production of screen-based equipment is potentially enormous, not to mention the energy needed to fuel them.

The ICT sector has traditionally been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions as data centres, for example, contribute to 2% of global GHG. The sector, therefore, also has a real potential to play a part in combating climate change and taking steps to reduce energy consumption and operate more sustainably.  Consequently, Africa Tech Festival will host a Fireside chat: What is the role of Green ICT in combating climate change – on Tuesday 8 November- and one on Green ICT: Building a Continent powered by sustainable energy as a route to affordable and reliable electrification for all.

The fireside chat will ask the core question of how the ICT sector can look to lower its own significant impact on greenhouse gases. The panel will discuss best practice ways to lower carbon emissions as well as the possible impact of smart electricity grids and smart cities on lowering Africa’s carbon emissions.

Regarding Africa’s development of clean energy, Kellie Murungi Chief Investments Officer, East African Power remarks that: “Africa has sufficient resources to power itself entirely by clean energy. Therefore, the question for most of the continent is not one of transitioning to clean energy or reducing emissions in power generation, but how to effectively finance the development of clean energy in the continent.”

A keynote address at AfricaCom, titled ‘How Carbon reduction can accelerate the creation of a digital economy’, will highlight the big question for the African continent, which is how governments can help to address the climate disaster without affecting the basic needs for its population.

Our hope is that AfricaCom will play a major role in connecting entrepreneurs, big corporate and major public sector players to create homegrown innovations

“Although Africa still may have many challenges in its way, there are also many opportunities for rapid advancement if the right questions are asked, such as how the continent can get ahead of the curve and collaborate across countries to build financially viable power projects, for instance,” says James Williams, Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech.

“Africa’s economic future depends on the rapid development of ICT and related infrastructure across the continent, but it’s essential that all future projects and rollouts are in line with global best practice in terms of greenhouse gas emissions,” adds Williams. “Our hope is that AfricaCom will play a major role in connecting entrepreneurs, big corporate and major public sector players to create homegrown innovations that could help to drive these changes.”

World Cup, Big Brother Lead Powerful MultiChoice Content Line-up

World Cup, Big Brother Lead Powerful MultiChoice Content Line-up

Every minute of the FIFA World Cup, and the greatest Big Brother rivalry in Africa! These are the two main attractions in an impressive suite of content showcased by MultiChoice (www.MultiChoice.com) at the annual Africa content showcases.

 

 

The showcases, which took place across multiple African territories simultaneously, was also the official media launch for the comprehensive MultiChoice coverage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, from 20 November to 18 December.

 

The showcases underlined the powerful MultiChoice offering, in line with the company’s mission of providing customer value through a wide choice of the best entertainment on cutting-edge technology platforms.

 

With vastly expanded choice, and a committed hyperlocal approach, Africa’s biggest entertainment platform is delivering across multiple main territories on regional channels such as Africa Magic, Mzansi Magic, Akwaaba Magic, Maisha Magic, Pearl Magic Prime, Abol TV, Kwenda Magic, Maningue Magic and Zambezi Magic.

 

The approach is paying off. MultiChoice Group’s linear pay-TV subscriber base (measured on a 90-day active basis) has grown to 21.8-million households, according to the group’s most recent annual results.

 

The group has stepped up its local production by 32% year-on-year to 6 028 hours and now has a local library of close to 70 000 hours. Local content accounted for 47% of total general entertainment spend and the group remains on track to achieve a target of 50% by 2024.

 

Even in terms of local offerings, global sport remains a key differentiator for MultiChoice. The DStv and GOtv platforms this year will be presenting every one of the 64 matches at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup – and in local languages.

 

“DStv and GOtv remain the only home of football in Africa,” said Fhulufhelo Badugela, MultiChoice Africa CEO. “This is not your average football year, so we have gone all-out to deliver the best coverage possible for our customers.”

There is only one place in Africa where every fan can immerse themselves in everything FIFA – and that is with us

 

Football coverage will feature dedicated football channels, world-class commentary in vernacular languages, regular highlights packages and documentaries giving viewers a deeper view of the tournament and its history.

 

Soon after the World Cup ends, a Big Brother showdown looms. The much-loved series will bring together contestants from Nigeria and South Africa in one house, to give viewers a never-seen-before experience.

 

The showdown will deliver a unifying experience, emphasising all that the two nations have in common – including a strong competitive spirit. The season begins on 15 January 2023, and runs over 11 exciting weeks.

 

Other highlights of the showcase included the expansion of MultiChoice streaming services, which are now available in Kenya and South Africa; tech upgrades that allow customers to tailor channels to their own tastes, and a “blue button” recommended-content feature.

 

M-Net content continues to adapt to audience tastes, delivering intriguing docuseries and stellar co-productions, as well as a specialist new cinema channel – Movie Room. International series and telenovelas appear across channels such as BET and ZeeWorld, with a deluge of kids’ content on Nickelodeon, Boomerang and Cartoon Network.

 

“We now have flagship local channels in all of our markets, telling our stories in our language, about our world,” said Badugela. “We are also now able to tier-down those channels to give all our customers a chance to enjoy them at affordable price points.”

 

As Africa’s largest investor in content, broadcasting infrastructure and talent, MultiChoice employs and develops a significant part of the African entertainment industry, and has committed itself to continue innovating and improving.

 

This year, though, MultiChoice is the place for all things FIFA World Cup.

 

“We will be here for every single match, every single moment and every single fan,” says Badugela. “There is only one place in Africa where every fan can immerse themselves in everything FIFA – and that is with us!”

FG Confers Nigerian Citizenship on 286 Foreigners

FG Confers Nigerian Citizenship on 286 Foreigners

 

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Federal government through Ministry of Interior, today conferred Nigerian Citizenship on 286 foreign nationals in Abuja.

While conferring the citizenship to eligible nationals, President Muhammad Buhari, urged the new Nigerians to be of good conduct to their new nation they craved to be and integrates peacefully with their various communities of the government of their residence.

The President therefore, enjoined local government authorities of residence of new conferred citizens to make it easier for them to integrate and contribute to the development of their respective communities.

He further explained that at the initial stage of the process, Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola presented the request of the committee on Nigerian Citizenship to the Federal Executive council which undergoes due process before it was graciously granted approval of two hundred and eighty six awardees.

President Buhari
subsequently congratulated new citizens and implored them to leave in peace and harmony with their respective communities.

Earlier in his welcome address, Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said the people who desired to be Nigerians came from Europe, Americas, Asia, Middle East, and Africa, practically from every part of the world, who saw the good in our land and the beauty of our people and system; and have decided to be part of us.

Adding that today’s conferment ceremony will be conducted for 286 foreigners who have gone through diligent checks by agencies of government as stipulated by the Constitution and have fulfilled all statutory and administrative requirements.

Aregbesola, inferred that Without any doubt, ours is a great nation, richly endowed; and blessed with great people, smart people continue to flock to our nation, to do business with us and have a sizeable slice of the Nigeria pie.

He added “our nation has therefore always been attractive to foreign nationals who have been so pleased to share in our dreams and destiny and we shall continue to welcome every qualify applicant that will add value to our nation”

Aregbesola, drew the attention of his audiences that is also a reminder of common human ancestry as these people came from distance land, from different race, religion ethnicity and other social affiliations and identity.

He however, said “irrespective of our circumstances of birth, what we share in common is our humanity and we can always have basis for deeper meaningful interaction and togetherness if we work at it”.

The Minister stated that “one of the objectives of our administration, the mandate given to us by Mr President is to lay solid socio-economic and political foundation that will thrust Nigeria into one of the 20 great economies of the world”

Aregbesola stressed that to achieve lofty vision, the government is determined to encourage and attract foreign investors, high net- worth individuals, highly skilled individuals and people of talents into the country.

Base on this, “we shall continue to encourage foreigners who meet the conditions stipulated to becoming Nigerian by laying seamless path to citizenship before them”

Dignitaries in attendance were the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha and Members of the Executive Council, the Permanent Secretary of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the Wife of Minister of Interior Hajiya Sherifat Aregbesola and Directors of the Ministry of Interior.

Afonja Fatai Ajibola

Yellow Card Surpassed 1 Million Customers Across 16 African Countries in March, after only 3 Years

Yellow Card Surpassed 1 Million Customers Across 16 African Countries in March, after only 3 Years

Yellow Card Financial ((https://YellowCard.io/)), the fastest growing cryptocurrency company on the continent, celebrates exceeding 1 million customers in only three years.  The pioneering pan-African company reached 1 million customers in March and shows no signs of slowing down.

VIDEO
Yellow Card Surpassed 1 Million Customers Across 16 African Countries in March, after only 3 Years

 

 

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019, Yellow Card (https://YellowCard.io/) has dedicated its efforts to providing financial inclusion and freedom for all Africans. The company expanded into four new African territories in the last year alone, increasing its total country presence to 16.

 

John Colson, Chief Marketing Officer at Yellow Card, says this achievement no doubt strengthens the company’s brand on the continent and trust among current and future users. It also inspires investor confidence, especially at a time when Yellow Card seeks to expand into more regions.

 

“Reaching the one million goal is fantastic. It was a massive goal that we set for ourselves, and the team rallied to make it happen. Although it was not an easy journey, it has been a very rewarding one. This showed us that we are on the right track, people value what we are building, and it’s solving a need. Over one million people have trusted Yellow Card, and now it’s our turn to show why it is the number one place for crypto in Africa,” he said.

 

Over the last few years, the crypto exchange has achieved notable goals, which include: a Series A fundraise of $15M (2021) as well as the launch of the educational platform – Yellow Card Academy (https://Academy.YellowCard.io/) (2021), which boasts a wide range of information about cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and financial literacy. In addition, earlier this year, they also revealed their new brand identity.

 

Peter Mureu, Marketing Director at Yellow Card, says every decision made has been for the benefit of their customers, reaching far and wide across the continent.

We’ve advanced key efforts to localise content and engage with customers at events and activations to essentially meet them where they are

 

“Every strategic decision we’ve made has always been customer-centric. We’ve advanced key efforts to localise content and engage with customers at events and activations to essentially meet them where they are. From a product perspective, we have allowed our customers to use their local currency to buy and sell crypto. Our strategy to educate customers on cryptocurrencies, combined with the tenacity of the team, are the key factors that helped us reach this milestone.  And we are only getting started,” said Peter.

 

 

 

 

With 1 million customers reached, there is much more ahead for Yellow Card in 2022.

 

“We have only seen the start of the impact crypto can have in Africa, from job creation to breaking down borders. Over the next few years, we will continue to see innovative ways crypto is used to solve everyday problems,” added John, Yellow Card’s Chief Marketing Officer.

 

As the leading cryptocurrency company on the continent, Yellow Card will continue to pioneer as it dedicates its efforts to focusing on customers – with an emphasis on education, retention and user experience.