Medicaid Cancer Foundation and AstraZeneca celebrate Prostate Cancer Awareness month with the launch of Project Icon Nigeria

Medicaid Cancer Foundation and AstraZeneca celebrate Prostate Cancer Awareness month with the launch of Project Icon Nigeria

Most prostate cancers are diagnosed at a late stage of the disease, which limits treatment options and has a major impact on the life expectancy of patients. To mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September, Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) and Global Pharmaceutical Company AstraZeneca (www.AstraZeneca.com) launched the Project Icon initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The initiative will raise awareness of early warning signs, and support screening efforts.

 

Black men worldwide are disproportionately impacted by prostate cancer, with recent data showing that one in four black men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, compared to just one in eight men of other ethnicities[i].  For Nigerian men, prostate cancer is both the most common and most deadly cancer[ii]. These facts highlight the importance and urgency of ensuring that those at risk or those who are experiencing symptoms have timely access to healthcare services. This lies at the heart of the new initiative which sets out to drive the general public’s awareness of the symptoms of prostate cancer and the importance of early screening.  To address the gaps in care that prevent men of all backgrounds from being diagnosed earlier, Project Icon will conduct 1200 free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests for men over the age of 40 living in Kebbi State and Abuja communities. Those working in the health care community will be equipped with knowledge and tools to provide psychosocial support and help navigate positive patients along the cancer care pathway.

By ignoring unexplained symptoms and not getting screened in time, men increase the risk of potential late-stage diagnosis

Her Excellency the First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, said: “Through this important collaborative initiative of AstraZeneca and Medicaid Cancer Foundation we will propel significant transformation to prostate cancer care, supporting the Kebbi State Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2019 – 2023, in securing access to screening, diagnosis and enhanced referral systems.”

Dr. Zainab Bagudu, goes on to explain: “Any male can get prostate cancer. It is essential that anyone with persistent symptoms consults their healthcare practitioner and go for screening as soon as possible. By ignoring unexplained symptoms and not getting screened in time, men increase the risk of potential late-stage diagnosis. If you are over 40, don’t wait, contact your doctor, and take the test.”

Arpit Bansal, AstraZeneca Country Director for Sub Saharan Africa,  said: “There is no doubt that urgent progress in cancer is sorely needed. Prostate cancer remains the most common form of cancer in men worldwide, despite an increase in the number of available therapies.  At AstraZeneca we are looking at ways to keep driving forward progress in cancer care and are dedicated to helping improve the outcomes of men affected by prostate cancer. Now, more than ever, we must advocate for earlier detection and diagnosis. Project Icon is part of this commitment. With awareness, early detection and prompt action and care, we can rewrite the story of prostate cancer in Nigeria.”

WIN an Invitation to the 2022 Africa Tech Festival and Travel to Cape Town to Cover a Series of World-Class Tech Events that Includes AfricaCom

WIN an Invitation to the 2022 Africa Tech Festival and Travel to Cape Town to Cover a Series of World-Class Tech Events that Includes AfricaCom

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, will award one African journalist transport, accommodation and daily allowance to attend the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa from 7th to 11th November.

 

The Africa Tech Festival (https://bit.ly/355VqMo) is a series of world-class tech events that includes AfricaCom, AfricaTech, the AHUB, the AFest and the AfricaCom Awards.

Over the past 24 years, Africa Tech Festival has become the biggest telecoms and technology event on the continent. The anchor event of Africa Tech Festival 2022 is AfricaCom, the largest live tech event in Africa with more than 300 visionary speakers and 16 premium conference tracks. In total, Africa Tech Festival 2022 will host 10.000+ attendees, and 300+ sponsors and exhibitors over a week of strategic events.

APPLY to win the invitation: https://bit.ly/ATFen

The deadline for entry is midnight on 2 October 2022.

The winner will be announced on 5 October 2022.

The winner will be chosen by random draw performed by a computer process.

APO Group is the Official Newswire of The Africa Tech Festival and will provide distribution and monitoring of all press releases, images, video and soundbite content

Each year APO Group offers journalists the opportunity to attend major events as a part of its commitment to supporting journalism in Africa.

Watch the video “APO Group | Recognizing African Journalists Since 2007”: (https://bit.ly/3RAJ8Ow)

The three previous recipients of the AfricaCom invitation were science journalist Aimable Twahirwa from Rwanda (https://bit.ly/3RzcnBa), journalist John Churu from Botswana (www.bit.ly/2NVy4PP), and journalist Lilian Murugi Mutegi from Kenya (https://bit.ly/3RiyagQ)

In September 2016, reporter Aggrey Mutambo from Kenya (www.bit.ly/2RdhgSe) won APO Group’s invitation to attend the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF). In October 2018, Online News Editor Frank Eleanya from Nigeria (https://bit.ly/2YBnTBI) won APO Group’s invitation to attend the Web Summit, the Largest Tech Conference in the World. In 2019, Mrs Oluseyi Awojulugbe from Nigeria won APO Group’s invitation to attend the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings (http://bit.ly/2QdLwfO), Monica Nkodo from Cameroon won APO Group’s invitation to attend the 2019 EurAfrican Forum (http://bit.ly/2WMyGYg), and Isaac Khisa from Uganda won APO Group’s invitation to attend the 2019 Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF).

APO Group also sponsors the African Woman in Media Award (https://bit.ly/3Bhxfrs), the Rugby Africa Media and Photography Awards (https://bit.ly/3qejy6h), the APO Energy Media Award (www.bit.ly/2NSbJ5D) and the APO Media Award (www.bit.ly/2DNPDfU), where a journalist wins $500 a month for one year, a laptop and one intercontinental flight ticket to a destination of his or her choice as well as one year of access to over 600 airport VIP lounges.

APO Group is the Official Newswire (https://bit.ly/3Qs7BVu) of The Africa Tech Festival and will provide distribution and monitoring of all press releases, images, video and soundbite content issued by the Africa Tech Festival.

More information about the Africa Tech Festival: https://bit.ly/355VqMo.

Uber launches a suite of new product and safety features across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Uber launches a suite of new product and safety features across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Today Uber (www.uber.com) announced the launch of multiple new products and features which are going live this month in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. The launch, which took place simultaneously across various locations in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), also showcased Audio Recording, the latest addition to its suite of safety features.

VIDEO
Uber launches a suite of new product and safety features across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

 

 

Speaking at the event, General Manager for Uber SSA, Kagiso Khaole said the brand is pleased to be expanding into eight more cities during September across Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

 

“As we gear ourselves to mark our 10th year anniversary next year, we are excited about moving into more cities enabling people to go anywhere and can get anything. Our commitment to raising the bar on safety remains relentless and we continue to work hard to grow the over 3 million earnings opportunities we have created thus far.”

 

Eight new cities and counting

 

Uber will now be operational in Owerri and Akure in Nigeria; Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru and Naivasha in Kenya; and Tamale and Sunyani in Ghana. These expansions are testament to Uber’s commitment to the region and signal more opportunities for more drivers to earn, while riders have convenient and reliable travel options at the tap of a button. In these expansions Uber brings a diverse product mix that is able to best serve the needs of the city residents.

 

More economical options for riders

To help reduce costs for riders and increase demand for drivers, Uber is launching UberX Share in Ghana and Nigeria, and Uber ChapChap Share in Kenya. Uber’s shared rides offering allows riders to save up to 30% of the trip fare when matched with a co-rider heading in the same direction, and where a match is not possible, they will still be able to save 5% from their ride.

 

“The introduction of UberX Share allows us to proudly demonstrate the power of our platform, understanding the ability to match rider destinations while delivering convenience and affordability. We are a global company that builds locally; and in Ghana, we tapped into the local culture of car-pooling when moving around, which makes this product a great fit for the market,” says Khaole.

 

Travelling across the city with an entire crew has never been easier, with the launch of UberXL in Nairobi, Kenya. This option provides seating for up to six people which is great for airport and business trips where extra luggage space may be required. In South Africa, riders can now reserve their group travel 30 days in advance with UberXL Reserve and Uber Van Reserve.

 

Uber Comfort, which is currently available in South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, will now be available in Ghana. This bespoke offering is designed for riders looking for an upgrade to their everyday ride with extra comfort. Drivers on Uber Comfort are known to provide excellent service, while exhibiting friendliness, courtesy and professionalism.

 

Safety is at the core of how we do business and we are proud to announce three new safety features to help improve the experience of users

Uber Connect, one of the app’s most popular products available in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana; will soon be available in two additional cities in Nigeria. Uber Connect is an on-demand delivery solution that allows users to send and receive packages with speed. The feature comes built-in with a PIN verification providing users peace of mind that their package is being delivered to the right person.

 

Taking a stand for safety

 

“Safety is at the core of how we do business and we are proud to announce three new safety features to help improve the experience of users”, says Khaole.

 

  • Audio Recording pilot in South Africa: Uber will now allow riders and drivers to use the app to record and share audio of their trip as evidence in the case of a safety incident – something that drivers have been asking for based on their feedback from roundtable sessions. This new opt-in audio recording feature, which is being piloted in Pretoria and Johannesburg, has been successful in the US and Latin American regions where Uber has a presence.
  • In-app emergency service in Nigeria: Uber is working with Sety in Nigeria, to provide on-demand security and medical response for riders and drivers while on a trip. This collaboration will also provide access to a private security response unit closest to their location, using a connected device.
  • Safety Check Up across SSA: This feature encourages riders to complete their safety profile by turning on and utilising the available features such as Trusted Contacts, PIN verification and RideCheck. This is available in all the countries within SSA where Uber operates.

 

 

 

Delivery innovations

At the launch, Uber Eats reinforced its aspiration of building an app of the future by creating a virtual mall experience that goes beyond just food. “Other categories we have ventured into include convenience stores, pharmacy outlets, alcohol and retail and this shows us that the possibilities are endless,” says Cikida Gcali-Mabusela, Head of New Verticals for Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Uber Eats continues to push beyond boundaries with the adoption of the growing trend of dark stores, which gives non-traditional merchants opportunities to tap into unchartered markets that they wouldn’t have easily accessed.

 

Uber Eats currently operates in South Africa and Kenya. Kui Mbugua, General Manager for Uber Eats Kenya says, ‘With a 67% year on year growth of subscriptions on Eats, we are humbled and encouraged by expansion that we have seen in the South Africa and Kenya markets.

 

“The future of logistics and technology in emerging markets looks promising. Our overall vision continues to be to build locally using global experience and become a one-stop-shop for delivery needs. Not only is Uber Eats creating unique earning earning opportunities, but our operations also have a positive knock-on effect for restaurants, merchants, and delivery people. Looking ahead, we are committed to leading the category by investing in product and access, while leveraging the power of the platform,” concludes Kui.

Ecobank Group’s RapidCollect™ Enables Businesses to Collect Their Payments Across Africa with Only One Account

Ecobank Group’s RapidCollect™ Enables Businesses to Collect Their Payments Across Africa with Only One Account

With only one account, business customers can receive funds instantly from their clients in their home country and across Ecobank’s (www.Ecobank.com) pan-African network; Ecobank business customers can now make instant automated reconciliation leveraging Ecobank’s trusted technology

 

The leading pan-African Banking Group, Ecobank Group, has simplified collections across Africa through RapidCollect™. RapidCollect™ enables Ecobank’s business customers to receive payments from their clients in their home country and across Ecobank’s network of 33 affiliates, instantly and at a lower cost than any other current cross-border solution.

RapidCollect™ caters for the needs of business customers across Africa, as the continent is at a unique point in its history. Immense trade, investment and economic growth opportunities are driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)’s creation of a single African market. The Economic Commission for Africa has forecast that the AfCFTA will boost intra-African trade by about 40% [1].

It provides a fast, innovative, secure, and reliable solution for our customers which leverages the collective scale and strength of our 33-country pan-African network

Josephine Anan-Ankomah, Group Executive, Commercial Banking, Ecobank said “With the African Continental Free Trade Area offering untold trading growth opportunities for Africa’s businesses, it is imperative that the payment and collection infrastructure proactively caters for the needs of our continent’s small and medium sized businesses by facilitating their cross-border trade. Ecobank’s Rapid-Collect™ further advances our determination to remove intra-African trade barriers by providing a fast, innovative, secure, hassle-free and reliable collection solution for our SME customers which leverages the collective scale and strength of our 33-country pan-African network”.

Isaac Kamuta, Group Head, Payment services, Cash Management and client access, Ecobank Group added: “The launch of RapidCollect™ reaffirms our leadership as the Best Bank for Cash Management in Africa. It provides a fast, innovative, secure, and reliable solution for our customers which leverages the collective scale and strength of our 33-country pan-African network. Our customers only need an Ecobank account in their home country – rather than needing an account in every country in which they trade. It removes the delays previously inherent in cross-border business payments and addresses the issues created by fluctuating forex rates.”

Through RapidCollect, Ecobank’s Commercial Banking and Corporate and Investment Banking customers benefit from the convenience of:

  • one account to receive business payments hassle-free from across our 33-country network
  • instant payments into their Ecobank account in their home country and across our network
  • automated reconciliation for our businesses with capabilities to integrate their billing system
  • secured transactions via Ecobank’s tried and trusted technology
  • easier cross-border payments to seize opportunities from the AfCFTA’s continent-wide single market

RapidCollect™ is available at Ecobank branches and it is already integrated into our digital channels. The solution is subject to the regulations in each country.

Further information, visit https://bit.ly/3AWpCFB

[1] African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to significantly increase traffic flows on all transport modes | United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (uneca.org) (https://bit.ly/3TMVLb4)

TAIWO MAJEKODUNMI: A Human Dynamo In A Radio Setting

TAIWO MAJEKODUNMI: A Human Dynamo In A Radio Setting

 

I have been looking forward to an opportunity to celebrate a human dynamo called Taiwo Majeks who has now become a star in the highly star-congested Broadcasting industry in Lagos. A star because he plays coordinating role and is a value adder to whatever task you give him.

Taiwo is the type of player you include in a football team more by virtue of being a utility player. A hard worker, he’s practically everywhere producing or presenting, even when he is not on duty. He works Mondays thru Mondays not ever having an off- day for rest.

Taiwo came seeking a presenter’s role in FUNAAB Radio Crew few weeks to commencement of transmission in March 2018. But, we were already good to go and wouldn’t want to risk taking any more rookie. I think he studied Agric Economics or so. We told him off yet he was more determined as he kept pestering me. Being not a stone-hearted person, I gave in and allowed him to train by the sidelines.
For the fact that he was always readily available, Taiwo soon established himself and became an everyday talker on radio, one way or the other. He developed himself so well that when he went for National Youth Service in Kaduna, he was already a delight right from Camp and later a radio station upnorth.

Today, Taiwo is now anchor of several shows on Brila Fm which recruited him recently. The scriptures cannot be broken…”Seeth thou a diligent man, he will stand before kings and not mere men”. His public speaking gift has really made a way for him. I am indeed proud of him. Please salute him for me.

 

Elijah Ayo Arowojolu

OGHENE IGHEDO, THE NIGERIAN BORN PROFESSOR OF PURE MATHEMATICS.

OGHENE IGHEDO, THE NIGERIAN BORN PROFESSOR OF PURE MATHEMATICS.

 

Meet – Prof Oghenetega Ighedo, Nigerian born Professor of Pure Mathematics, she is the first black woman to obtain a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of South Africa (UNISA), in its 149-year-long existence.

She also holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Pure Mathematics from the University of Ibadan and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Industrial Mathematics from Delta State University, Nigeria.

Prof Oghenetega Ighedo is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

“I was inspired by my mother – a retired maths teacher. I saw the way she was going about teaching it and when I grew older, I thought the way she did maths was interesting and I wanted to see if I could do it like her.”

“My decision to study pure mathematics was also motivated by the fact that not only are there few black pure mathematicians but there are fewer black women who are pure mathematicians.”

“I encourage young women not to let adversity and challenges deter them. When I started my PhD I was already married, I had two children and was expecting my 3rd child. In spite of being a mother and a wife, I was able to complete my PhD within three years,” said Prof Oghenetega Ighedo.

NCC Issues new International Termination Rate (ITR)

NCC Issues new International Termination Rate (ITR)

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued an amended Determination of Mobile (Voice) International Termination Rate (ITR) for implementation in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry effective from September 1, 2022.

The ITR for voice services paid for terminating international calls on local networks in Nigeria is now set at US$0.10, from the old rate of US$0.045.
Under the amended determination, the international carrier market has been classified into MNOs/International Carriers and Small/Nigerian Transit Carriers/IDA Operators to ensure a level playing field that recognizes the unique disposition and characteristics of genuine market participants.

The Nigerian Transit Carriers/IDA Operators shall terminate inbound international calls in the network of domestic operators at a discount of 21 per cent on the US$0.10.
In determining the ITR, the Commission carefully considered information and insights provided by stakeholders at different meetings and fora, which reviewed the previous rate and the industry’s operating environment. This is in addition to the cost model results, the state of competition in the sector and the Nigerian macroeconomic environment.

The Commission reiterates that the process of arriving at the ITR was conducted transparently with a view to providing maximum clarity to all parties without compromising the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information.

It expressed confidence that the new ITR, the outcome of the various engagements, will make a significant contribution to the development of the telecoms sector in Nigeria and be beneficial to subscribers, operators, and the country at large.

Meanwhile, the Mobile Termination Rates of N3.90 (for Generic 2G/3G/4G Operators) and N4.70 (for new entrants (LTE)/Small Operators determined in 2018) will continue to apply for local call terminations until the Commission makes a new determination.

Federal Ministry opens 2022 Procurement Bid on Constituency and Zonal Intervention Projects.

Federal Ministry opens 2022 Procurement Bid on Constituency and Zonal Intervention Projects.

 

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi has in compliance with the provisions of Public Procurement Act, 2007 (as amended in 2014) conducted the bid opening for the procurement of various constituency and zonal intervention capital projects as approved in the Federal Government’s Budget of 2022, for the Ministry.

The procurement bid opening was done at exactly 12 noon on the premises of the Ministry.

In his opening remarks at the event, the Permanent Secretary said that he was guided by Section 16 (1) and 23(1) of Public Procurement Act 2007 which stated that public procurement should be subjected to open competitive bidding in a manner that is transparent, timely and equitable. The Permanent Secretary who was represented at the event by the Director, Economic Services, Mr. Idris Muhammed in company of other Directors of the Ministry stated that “the bidding process was aimed at achieving value for money and fitness for purpose which seeks to promote competition, economy and efficiency.”

Earlier in his welcoming speech, the Director, Procurement, QS Oyadoye Lawrence who guided the exercise, revealed that “as required by Procurement Act of 2007, pre-qualification and expression of interest exercise was advertised and published in The Nation and Daily Trust newspapers as well as the Federal Tenders Journal on the 22nd August, 2022. The publications was followed by prospective bidders and contractors submitting their bids for various project categories which he added includes: Purchase of Project Vehicles and General Supplies (Category A) as well as Consultancy and Other Services (Training and Women Development) (Category B) for the Ministry. He informed the gathering that the next stage which will follow will be the Monetary and Technical Evaluation of the bidders.

He further said that the eligibility requirement for contractors and others that showed interest in the procurement process were: (i) Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers; (ii) Reference Letter from reputable commercial banks; (iii) Being on the National Automotive Design and Development Council approved lists; (iv) Certificate of Incorporation of the contractor’s Company and (v) Current Annual Assets to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as well as Tax Clearance Certificate, etc.
The open bidding event followed the closing of submission of pre-qualification and Expression of Interest (EOI) on the 5th September, 2022 which immediately led to the EOI and Pre-qualification documents that was publicly opened at 12 Noon today in line with the Procurement Act.

The bidding event which was COVID-19 protocols compliant, had other bidders joined online to follow the bid opening exercise. Representatives of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and others were on hand to observe the exercise for transparency. They also expressed satisfaction with the proceedings.

Report by Taiwo Hassan (Chief Information Officer)

LOTTOBOT: CELLCORE UNVEILS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SOLUTION FOR LOTTERY INDUSTRY 

LOTTOBOT: CELLCORE UNVEILS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SOLUTION FOR LOTTERY INDUSTRY 

 

 

In line with clients’ demands and technology trends, CELLCORE Ltd, an IT  firm  in Ibadan unveils artificial intelligence (AI) solution  for lottery companies in Nigeria.  Celebrating their 10 years in the Nigerian IT industry, the LOTTOBOT which is first of its kind is a ChatBot technology that automates  the playing of lotto games via Facebook Messenger.

The introduction of LOTTOBOT to the Nigerian gaming industry  is timely and presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to up skill their workforce and transform the user experience.

In his chat with the media, Mike Nwaogu, the Chief Executive Officer of CELLCORE Ltd said “ we have made gaming simpler and easy. We realized that Nigerians are very much into social media and we figured out that it would be nice to integrate AI technology for their gaming experience instead of logging out and visiting the gaming portal”.

He added that “ We are at the forefront of deploying artificial intelligence into the gaming industry not only in Nigeria but Africa. We have been in this industry for almost a decade and we are using this solution to celebrate a landmark” .

LOTTOBOT Prime  allows gamers  to play lotto games by merely chatting with a bot,  thereby presenting a convenient, relaxed process and experience of playing lotto without having to leave your zone. With this chat bot, anyone can play lotto games directly via their Facebook Messenger, get direct updates of results and get prize winnings credited directly to their Messenger LOTTOBOT account.

Industry stakeholders have lauded the product, noting that with the introduction of LOTTOBOT into the Nigerian gaming industry, it has demonstrated that  the gaming industry is maturing. Amongst the industry stakeholders that attested to the solution is De Donkings Lotteries Limited.

Key features of LOTTOBOT include the ability for  gamers to subscribe to updates, players  can subscribe to receive automated updates of results via  their Messenger inbox. Known as Cash Out, winners get notified immediately by the Bot when they win. Their  LOTTOBOT account is credited with the prize immediately. The players, can also check the balance of their winnings on the Bot or cash out their winnings through a simple process; either by having the cash withdrawn at an ATM or transferred to  their bank account.

“The intelligent LOTTOBOT is trained to guide players to play and submit available lotto games of partner lotto companies hosted on the platform, including soccer betting and soccer pools from select countries and leagues from around the world” remarked  Gideon Nwaogu, product developer, CELLCORE Limited .

LOTTOBOT is  also trained to attend to some questions and problems players may have while interfacing with it. The application is built to accept the Universal token PINs which can be used to play lotto games on the platform of select lotto game service providers across Nigeria. The PIN can be purchased online or from agents on the street.

 

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

 

CELLCORE UNVEILS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SOLUTION FOR LOTTO PLAYERS 

CELLCORE UNVEILS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SOLUTION FOR LOTTO PLAYERS 

 

 

In line with clients’ demands and technology trends, CELLCORE Ltd, an IT firm  in Ibadan unveils artificial intelligence (AI) solution  for lottery companies in Nigeria.  Celebrating their 10 years in the Nigerian IT industry, the LOTTOBOT which is first of its kind is a ChatBot technology that automates the playing of lotto games via Facebook Messenger.

The introduction of LOTTOBOT to the Nigerian gaming industry is timely and presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to up skill their workforce and transform the user experience.

In his chat with the media, Mike Nwaogu, the Chief Executive Officer of CELLCORE Ltd said “We have made gaming simpler and easy. Facebook’s Messenger and other chat applications launched CHAT BOTS, and it was the cue  we needed to integrate the new AI technology buzz into their gaming experience.

Instead of having to go back and forth, logging out of their Facebook accounts and websites, and then visiting their gaming portal of choice, they can simply access it via our Facebook’s Messenger CHAT BOT”.

He added that “ We are at the forefront of deploying artificial intelligence into the gaming industry not only in Nigeria but Africa. We have been in this industry for almost a decade and we are using this solution to celebrate a landmark” .

LOTTOBOT Prime  allows gamers  to play lotto games by merely chatting with a bot,  thereby presenting a convenient, relaxed process and experience of playing lotto without having to leave your zone. With this chatbot, anyone can play lotto games directly via their Facebook Messenger, get direct updates of results and get prize winnings credited directly to their Messenger LOTTOBOT account.

Industry stakeholders have lauded the product, noting that with the introduction of LOTTOBOT into the Nigerian gaming industry, it has demonstrated that  the gaming industry is maturing. Amongst the industry stakeholders that attested to the solution is De Donkings Lotteries Limited.

Key features of LOTTOBOT include the ability for  gamers to subscribe to updates, players  can subscribe to receive automated updates of results via  their Messenger inbox. Known as Cash Out, winners get notified immediately by the Bot when they win. Their LOTTOBOT account is credited with the prize immediately. The players, can also check the balance of their winnings on the Bot or cash out their winnings through a simple process; either by having the cash withdrawn at an ATM or transferred to  their bank account.

“The intelligent LOTTOBOT is trained to guide players to play and submit available lotto games of partner lotto companies hosted on the platform, including soccer betting and soccer pools from select countries and leagues from around the world” remarked  Gideon Nwaogu, Chief of Operations,  CELLCORE Limited .

LOTTOBOT is  also trained to address some questions and challenges players may have while interfacing with it. For ease of play, LOTTOBOT is built to accept the Universal token PINs which can be used to play lotto games on the platform of select lotto game service providers across Nigeria. The PINs can be purchased online via the BOT  or from agents on the street.

 

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU