News
NITEC, Digitization & ‘Servants of The People’
Shortly after he assumed office as the Minister of Communications, Barrister Adeabyo Shittu, shared the deep sense of urgency the Federal Government feels for implementation e-Government Master Plan by 2020, which is a key blueprint for improving the delivery of public sector services using technology.
The e-Government Master Plan developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications is such a compendium of an essential blueprint of modalities and protocols for the adoption of e-Government best practices, across the Federal Civil Service.
Under the plan, all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are embracing the e-Government Plan, the Minister said.
“I must, most earnestly, share with you the deep sense of urgency that I, and the entire Ministry of Communications, feel as per the importance of the e-Government Master Plan 2020”, Shittu told attendees at the Stakeholders Engagement Workshop on e-Government Master Plan 2020.
Yes, such transformation drive will engender an information-rich government while invoking new contractor agreement between the Government and the citizens on clear principles for further digitization of government, in particular for Services provided to citizens and businesses.
The immediate gains we expect are such as compulsory adoption of e-invoicing for government departments, e-procurement, and social rights and tariffs will be granted automatically. At that point social justice would have returned and government would have curried public flavor too. We are all witnesses how TSA is delivering the country from the shackles of graft, corruption and perpetual embezzlements in the past
Therefore and with the topic as “what the digitalization of government and public sectors means for the eco-system”, NITEC 2016 shares the Minister’s position because the government and its agencies have come under intense scrutiny and are realizing that technology is helping citizens hold them more accountable.
What will be the new economy that will be created as a result of digitalizing only 30% of Nigeria’s public sector?
According to KPMG documentation on the subject, it was pointed out that the digital transformation of government is not only a great challenge but also a great opportunity for taking a great leap forward. The expectation in this era signifies “The government has to provide the same or even better services to citizens and businesses, but with less resources. As a result, the focus has been put on administrative simplification, more efficient procedures, and combating fraud. The ‘Only Once’ principle offers the government the possibility of achieving those objectives’ (KPMG).
The document also described the ‘Servant of the People’ principle as the power of integrity in politics and government.
In Nigeria, we have heard of public office holders referring themselves to ‘Chief Servant’ or what have you, but this is basically who holds’ position, paid or unpaid, in the public sector’. Technology of this nature aids office holders to be more responsive, proactive and interactive; serving the purpose of their ‘calling’, and they must handle this power with integrity.
But how can they do this? Muel Kaptein, Partner at KPMG Advisory NV and professor in business ethics and integrity management at the RSM Erasmus University in Rotterdam, is the author of “The Servant of the People: the power of integrity in politics and government” in which he offers insight and practical assistance for officials in the public sector. The central message is that there is great power in integrity for servants of the people which is primarily guaranteed by transparent nature of technology.
NITEC is such a platform that will aptly provide the needed e-governance latitude with key deliverables of improving public sector delivery of the dividends of good governance to the people of Nigeria through the using of new information and communication technologies (ICTs).
For instance, stakeholders ought to be on same page on how to tackle the complicities in .ng domain registration by States and local government. Or how can one describe the low acceptance of the Nigeria’s internet domain name, .ng largely due to nonchalant of the authorities on policy formation. With the population of Nigeria within the range of 170m, with less than 100,000 domains registration in NiRA’s database.
It was found that digital transformations require changes, to both processes and IT systems that are more challenging to implement in the public sector than in the private sector. Thus, a joint study by McKinsey and Oxford University found that public-sector IT projects requiring business change were six times more likely to experience cost overruns and 20 percent more likely to run over schedule than such projects in the private sector.
Regardless of where a public-sector organization is in its digitization journey, there are impeccable reasons to start, scale, or evaluate its programs. Tentatively, giving in e-governance rings a win for government-wide and agency-deep commitment to specific digital targets; establish government-wide coordination of IT investments; leading to redesign processes with the end user in mind; hire and nurture the right talent; use big data and analytics to improve decision making, and protect critical infrastructure and confidential data.
These will eliminate what Chris Uwaje, the doyen of Software in Nigeria calls, “Match-Box Vision”, following incoherent manner of policy formulation and implementation.
The relevance of discussions slated for NITEC 2016 cannot be overemphasized, especially the nation’s economy is in tatters due to over dependent on oil. Oil can drive, but innovations driven by technology evolve daily.
Holding at Civic Centre, Lagos from 23rd-24th of June, NITEC 2016 remains a formidable to bridge the gap between the private and public sectors and the international technology community in re-engineering the African technological ecosystem for greater impact on the continent’s GDP.
Likewise, through plenary sessions and exhibitions the worth of our technology system will be showcased to thousands of attendees; exhibition booth (2 days); placement of brand logo on event brochure and website; complimentary wifi, place web banners and share branded gifts at booths.
The renowned speakers will spark deepened conversation and help through up new innovations that will help Nigeria and indeed, Africa, on digitization. Be there!
The Senate has approved the new external borrowing plan request of $2.2 billion presented for consideration by President Bola Tinubu.
The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts at the plenary session on Thursday.
The report was presented by the Sen. Aliyu Wammako, chairman of the Committee.
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday, Nov 19, in separate letters to both chambers of the National Assembly, requested approval of a $2.2 billion external borrowing plan to part fund the N9.7 trillion deficit in the 2024 budget .
Senate upon receipt of the request, mandated its committee on local and foreign debts to expeditiously ensure further legislative inputs on the request and report back within 24 hours.
Presenting the committee‘s report, Wammako said the presidential request was very necessary for approval.
He said the loan request would be utilised for execution of ongoing projects and programmes in the 2024 appropriation act , saying that the projects were critical for national growth and development.
“It will contribute to the implementation of the debt management strategy, which seeks to reduce the cost of borrowing.
” It will lengthen maturity of the public debt stock, free – up space in the domestic market for other borrowers, and help increase Nigeria’s external reserves .” Wammako said Nigeria could raise all or part of the 2.2billion dollars through the issuance of Eurobonds in the International Capital Market ( ICM) .
Wammako thereafter is recommended as follows:
“That the Senate do approve the implementation of the new external borrowing of 2.2 billion dollars at the budget exchange rate of one dollars to N800 in the 2024 appropriation act and that the amount should be raised from one or more sources.
“Namely, issuance of eurobonds in the ICM, issuance of debut sovereign Sukuk in the ICM, and bridge, syndicated loans, subject to market conditions.”
The report was thereafter unanimously approved via an affirmative voice vote.
In his remarks after the approval, Senator Jibrin Barau, deputy president of the Senate, who presided plenary, commended the Wammako led committee for a job well done.
Airtel Nigeria, a telecommunication and mobile money service provider, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Mobihealth International, a pioneering telehealth service provider.
This strategic collaboration is set to significantly improve healthcare access for millions of people across Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities.
Under this partnership, Nigerians will enjoy affordable and round the clock access to Mobihealth’s innovative telemedicine services, allowing them to connect with licensed healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes via mobile phones.
Mobihealth’s platform offers a range of services including 24/7 teleconsultations, prescription services, delivery of genuine medications, and access to international medical specialists.
A Game Changer for Healthcare in Africa
Airtel’s vast network infrastructure will empower Mobihealth to extend its reach to rural and remote areas, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations can access quality healthcare. This partnership also aims to support the government’s efforts at resolving the nation’s healthcare challenges, including limited access to doctors, high healthcare costs, and a shortage of medical facilities.
Speaking on the partnership, Femi Oshinlaja, Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, stated, “We believe that telemedicine will play a crucial role in Nigeria’s healthcare future. Our partnership with Mobihealth showcases our dedication to providing innovative solutions that significantly improve the lives of Nigerians.”
Dr. Funmi Adewara, Founder and CEO of Mobihealth, added: “This partnership with Airtel is a major milestone in our mission to democratize healthcare in Africa. Together, we will offer a lifeline to millions who face barriers to accessing timely, affordable, and quality medical care. Our telehealth platform will provide convenient access to qualified doctors, diagnostics, and treatments, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
This collaboration is expected to transform the healthcare landscape across Nigeria, making healthcare services more accessible, affordable, and effective.
News
Africa Digital Awards Honours Mayomi Tonye as Outstanding Technology Personality in Healthcare Management
Mrs. Mayomi Tonye, a distinguished healthcare administrator and innovator, has been honored with the prestigious title of Outstanding Technology Personality in Healthcare Management at the Africa Digital Awards 2024.
This recognition celebrates her remarkable contributions to the healthcare industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create value, drive profitability, and achieve operational success across various healthcare institutions under her management.
Mrs. Tonye Mayomi has consistently demonstrated excellence in integrating technology into healthcare practices, revolutionizing traditional methods and setting benchmarks for efficiency and innovation. With over a decade of experience in healthcare management, her expertise spans across general practice medicine, dentistry, oncology, dialysis care, and psychiatric care, both in Nigeria and the United States.
Through her visionary leadership, Mrs. Mayomi has overseen the successful deployment of digital solutions that have enhanced patient care, streamlined workflows, and optimized the profitability of healthcare facilities.
These include implementing state-of-the-art CRM systems for hospital operations, integrating telemedicine platforms to increase accessibility for patients, and utilizing data-driven insights for improved decision-making in patient and resource management.
Under her guidance, institutions such as UPSILLON Care Hospital and Upscale Wellness have thrived, incorporating advanced tools like 3D dental lab technology, digital patient flow systems, and online pharmacy solutions. These innovations have significantly improved patient experiences while ensuring cost-effective and timely access to healthcare services.
Mrs. Mayomi’s visionary contributions extend beyond operations to fostering talent and entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector. Through her consultancy firm, Ty’s Med Spaces, she has been instrumental in setting up modern healthcare facilities and equipping future healthcare administrators with the skills needed to excel in a digital era.
Speaking on the award, Mrs. Mayomi expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing healthcare through technology. “This recognition is a testament to the transformative power of technology in healthcare. I am deeply honored to receive this award, and it inspires me to continue innovating and driving positive change in the industry.
“My goal has always been to bridge the gap between quality healthcare and technology, ensuring that patients receive the best care possible while optimizing resources for long-term growth.”
The Africa Digital Awards serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations driving digital transformation across various sectors on the continent. Mrs. Mayomi Tonye’s recognition reaffirms her position as a trailblazer in healthcare management and a champion for the integration of technology into healthcare practices.
This accolade underscores Mrs. Mayomi’s commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in Africa, ensuring that innovative solutions translate into accessible, efficient, and sustainable healthcare systems for all.
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