E-Business
Localisation of IT for Development: Imode, UNN Example
By Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata
The National Information Technology Policy (NITP) received a boost with two recent events; one at Imode Community, Kwara State and the other at University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State. NITP seeks to make Nigeria an IT capable country in Africa and a key player in the information society by using IT as the engine for sustainable development and global competiveness.
So, it was an emotional day on September 30, 2017 as Imode Community in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State commissioned as a 40 computer- capacity Digital Literacy Center (DiLiCe).
No doubt, this smart move will definitely bequeath the community a ‘digital smart community’ status in no distant time, delivering a decent living and respectable future to its people, irrespective of their social status.
Imode Development Association (IDA) deserve commendation for its vision to make the community dwellers, especially the youths, become IT complaint and ‘netizens’ in the information society by using IT as the engine for sustainable development and global competiveness. The most interesting part is that it was a wholly community initiated, sponsored and executed project. A project of such magnitude with less than N10million is rare these days, but that is the way to go is we are serious about digital literacy.
Speaking at the recent public presentation of the solar-powered excellent Digital Literacy Center (DiLiCe), equipped with modern ICT infrastructure to support the education and curiosity of every citizen within and around the community, the President, Imode Development Association (IDA), Pastor Joseph Babatunde, said the project, were to assist the students imbibe the IT culture as the world has gone digital. I dare to say that this must not be limited to the students alone. Digital Literacy has become a right, hence every ruralite deserves to know what goes on in the world of information (and communication) technology.
Babatunde actually gave little insight to what prompted this project. He said, “I recall with joy that the idea of the provision of a modern IT Centre for our school came to me a couple of years ago when one of my children did the post-JAMB exam in University of Ilorin (Unilorin). The students were all given computers to do the exams. While she breezed through the exams, most of the other children were just starring at the device until the time was over. I felt challenged there and then, to give every child that needed opportunity”.
So disappointing! How come the organisers of these examinations care-less about the computer competences of the students? This reflects the challenge faced by students in over 744 local governments in Nigeria. You will be making mistake to think every student in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt is exposed to digital knowledge. We must do the needful by equipping the local communities with digital tools and centers; that is if the national IT policy is something we are serious about.
I am particularly impressed with further explanation given by Reverend Sunday Folayan, IDA’s Vice President, who stated that “Imode ICT Vision- will be achieved by reliance on technology, carefully backed up with traditional methods that are functional. A significant number of indigenes will continue to live outside the community or the country, and their needs and requirements to stay connected to their roots will continue to inform the community’s development policies. ICT will be used to solve practical problems, such as educational deficiency as well as the security of lives and properties”.
If I understand Folayan’s statement, most aspects of the community’s engagement activities will be conducted electronically towards widening access and participation especially with its citizens in the diaspora, using appropriate technologies. In other words, members of the Community will come to accept a high standard of up-to-date facilities, ease-of-use and reliability, richness of information, integrated services and excellent support. What is more heartwarming than this!
The icing on the cake was the IDA’s contact with Paradigm Initiative (PI) to conduct training and capacity building. I urge every community based association in Nigeria to borrow a leaf from this laudable project, even as I encourage IDA to adequately capture the depreciating cost of the centre, so as to ensure that the spirit called lack of maintenance culture is defeated.
…UNN, Crestsage Commission Lion Laptop Assembly Complex
Good news! University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) scored another first on October 6, 2017 with the commissioning of Nigeria’s first indigenous (university) laptop assembly complex.
This is a significant project, as the Complex with a capacity to produce 100,000 laptops a year will deliver jobs for not less than 500 people.
Why am I excited here? This was not delivered by a foreign firm, rather an alumnus of famous tertiary institution- Engr Charles Emembolu, the CEO of Crestsage Limited, a Lagos-based indigenous Technology company under a management arrangement with BOC (Benefitting Our Community) Innovations Limited, initiated and delivered the project.
This is a boost to 2015 conceived ‘one laptop per student’ initiative set by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, in his bid to ensure 21st century compliant learning for the university students.
Though, this initiative was threatened by the recent high foreign exchange rates hence the vision of this production project, however, Engr Emembolu has demonstrated the ‘die-hard’ spirit of a Nigerian Entrepreneur.
Lion laptop project is critical project due to the ability to deliver local content in the billion-naira industry by value substitution of components with locally available materials and labour.
It will be recalled that Emembolu and some other University Alumni delivered the Roar Nigeria business incubator and technology hub at University of Nigeria in December 2016.
The Lion laptops meets the needs of the Nigerian student matching quality with affordable cost and capacity to produce bespoke specification for different school and government initiative across the country.
Speaking at the event Engr. Emembolu confirmed that the complex will employ about 500 people when producing at full capacity and affirmed the complex offers an on-campus manufacturing and learning environment for the university community, students and researchers.
The strategy is such that the ultra-modern complex will serve as an avenue to empower the youth with much needed applied technology skills to take a leadership role in Nigeria’s economic emancipation.
Yes. We keep saying that Nigeria’s youthful population is an asset that needs to be prepared for a prosperous future of Africa and the world. This a practical step to make this happen, even as this initiative is in line with the vision of the University’s founding fathers, “To restore the dignity of man”.
With these two projects commissioned almost at the same time, it is my hope that we don’t end there; rather it should challenge both government and private entities to innovate and make our nation proud.
E-Business
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
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, 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.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes
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.
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.
E-Business
Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals
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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