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Microsoft Partners UN-Influx to Address Societal Challenges with Technology

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In a bid to address societal challenges with technology, Microsoft has partnered with UN Influx to organize a hackathon event aimed at finding innovative solutions that will help build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization as well as facilitate the attainment of sustainable development goals.

The 3-day hackathon which took place at Sidmach Technologies, Ikeja had over 100 young programmers with unique solutions from all over the country in attendance.

In his opening address, Olufunbi Falayi, regional lead, UN-Influx, stated that the hackathon event was necessitated by the need to push for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

According to him, “There is an important need to remain committed to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals as set by the United Nations.” Falayi noted that solutions that will be built at the event would focus on goal 9 of the SDGs which is building infrastructure.

“Lagos Nigeria is the only African city and one of the 9 regions participating in this UN Hackathon exercise globally and 9 winning ideas from all 9 regions would feature at the UN Headquarters during the Science and Technology Summit later in the year,” Falayi said.

Hakeem Adeniji-Adele, public sector director, Microsoft Nigeria, informed participants that Microsoft is at the fore front of addressing global challenges by enabling entrepreneurs with technology, especially in this era of digital transformation.

He added, “The focus of this hackathon is build solutions that address innovation, which is one of the pillars of Sustainable Development Goals and to increase access for all youths to learn computer science, empowering them to achieve more for themselves, their families and their communities as well.”

Announcing winning ideas at the end of the event, Mr Falayi expressed optimism at the potentials of these solutions to transform various sectors they will feature in. The winning ideas include Smart Transit, an integrated transport system that gives commuters real-time information on buses routes, stops and fares via mobile application; Flowes, A GIS enabled cross-platform application that monitors and forecasts flood imminence, disseminating information to the vulnerable flood region for early preparedness while reducing risk, mitigating and strengthening path to resiliency and LegitCar, a car theft deterrent system which enables a car buyer search a vast database of stolen vehicles in Nigeria and verify their potential cars are not listed as one.

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities

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National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.

NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities

l-r: Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote,  Director General of NIMC, during the meeting at the NIMC headquarters in Abuja..

NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,

During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.

This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.

To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.

This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.

 

 


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Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes

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Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.

Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes

Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.

Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,

“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.

According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.

He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.

“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’

Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.

“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’

Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.

“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.

“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).

“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.

Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.

According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.

Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.

Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.


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Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals

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Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.

Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.

Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.

“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”

To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.


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