As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on digital technologies, the importance of data security cannot be overstated. Protecting sensitive information is paramount for individuals, businesses, and governments alike.

In response to the growing need for robust data security measures, the 12th edition of the Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum (NIICF) is set to convene on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

Themed “Strengthening Data Protection, Cloud Infrastructure & Cyber Security”, the forum would be chaired by His Excellency, Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State.

In a statement, the NIICF and Africa Digital Awards (ADA) coordinator, Mr. Tayo Adewusi, explained that the forum will delve into the evolving challenges and opportunities surrounding data protection, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity.  He added that industry leaders will explore these areas’ impact across various sectors and present innovative solutions for navigating the digital age.

The forum boasts of the welcome address by Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovations & Digital Economy, the keynote address Dr. Aminu Maida, the EVC of Nigerian Communications Commission and the chairman of the occasion is Mallam Umar Namadi of the Governor of Jigawa State.

According to Adewusi, the following dignitaries will present papers at the forum: Prof. Adewale Obadare Founder, Digital Encode Limited, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, DG, National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria and other industry leaders.

The forum would provide a valuable platform for C-level executives, industry experts, and stakeholders to connect, share experiences, and foster collaboration.

Participants can connect with potential partners and build meaningful business relationships. Hear presentations from thought leaders and glean knowledge on the latest trends in data protection, cloud security, and cybersecurity.

Also, the forum would contribute to shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital landscape through meaningful discussions and collaborations.

The prestigious 12th Africa Digital Awards (ADA) will be held concurrently with the forum, recognizing over 50 distinguished individuals and organizations leveraging ICT to drive positive change.

Federal government will toll all major roads in the country upon completion of construction and renovation because Nigerians are ready to pay for good roads once their safety and convenience are guaranteed, according to Dave Umahi, minister of Works.

Dave Umahi, minister of Works

“We have the Lagos-Ibadan (Expressway), we are completing it and we are tolling it,” Umahi said on Thursday in Abuja at an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing, part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

He listed some of the roads as Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Road, and Makurdi-9th Mile, among others.

The former Ebonyi State governor said the tolling of federal roads “is going to bring a lot of money to the Federal Government”.

Umahi said private sector members have been engaged “to bring in funds, construct these roads, work with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Works to toll these roads”.

The minister said the government would start with the Keffi-Makurdi Road that has been completed, stating that his ministry has been engaging with the Ministry of Finance for a paperless mode of payment.

He said, “For example, we are completing the Lagos-Ibadan, we are working on Makurdi to 9th Mile in Enugu State, we are working from Abuja to Lagos. These roads are going to be tolled. But we are not just tolling them, we are bringing confidence in the use of these roads.

“If people can travel at night because we are bringing security, where the response time will be 10 minutes on the entire corridor, where you have solar light permanently there and then reduce travel time, and through the tolling, the roads are maintained, then, there will be confidence because Nigerians will pay if the roads are good.”

He said before now, road developments have not been handled as investments but the administration of President Bola Tinubu has been handling road developments more professionally.

He said the present administration inherited a total of 300 damaged roads and bridges, adding that more road constructions would commence from October 1, 2024, across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited (“Afrinvest”), a leading investment management holding company acting through its wholly owned subsidiary, Afrinvest Asset Management Limited, a fund manager licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced a strategic integration with Western Union, a global leader in money transfer services.

The integration, according to a statement, enables Nigerians in the diaspora to remit funds directly for financial investments through the Optimus by Afrinvest investment platform.

This integration, a first for Western Union with a partner company in Africa, enables Nigerians to remit funds from nearly every country worldwide for financial market investments in Nigeria without relying on family, friends or other intermediaries.

“We are thrilled to integrate with Western Union to bring this groundbreaking service to Nigerians in the diaspora. This integration aligns perfectly with our mission of simplifying investment, improving access to investment opportunities, and guiding people on how to create wealth.

“By providing a direct channel to remit funds for investment, we are making it easier for Nigerians in the U.S., U.K., Cameroon, Ghana, Canada or wherever Western Union operates worldwide to create wealth while participating in the growth of the Nigerian economy,” said Chief Executive of Afrinvest Group, Dr. Ike Chioke.

Ayodeji Ebo, Chief Business Officer of Optimus by Afrinvest, said, “We are excited to offer a robust, convenient, and secure platform for Nigerians to access a wide range of investment options that suit various risk appetites and nancial goals. Optilock, our high- yield investment plan returns as high as 20% and 7% per annum for the Naira and Dollar options, respectively.”

He said, “the Nigeria International Debt Fund offers investors with low to medium risk appetite access to longer term fixed-income securities like FGN Bonds, Corporate Bonds and selected money market instruments. Investors who opt for the Afrinvest Dollar Fund get access to Eurobonds and other dollar-denominated securities.”