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Henry Naiho Bags Outstanding ICT Solutions, Innovation and Youth Empowerment Personality of the Year Award
An IT egghead / expert who has contributed immensely to the development of the sector in Nigeria and beyond has emerged winner of outstanding ICT Solutions, Innovation and Youth Empowerment personality of the year award at this year’s Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Award.
Henry Nwapali Ndidi Naiho emerged winner of the highly coveted African Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership award of Outstanding ICT Solutions, Innovation and youth Empowerment Personality of the Year award in recognition of his outstanding contributions, mentorship and innovative support and contributions to the ICT space in Africa and Nigeria by African foremost and leading ICT paper.
The event held on Saturday 25th May at Four Points by Sheraton was themed: “Artificial Intelligence: The Good, The Complex and The Anticipated”.
While receiving the award Naiho said: “l dedicates this award to my family and the teeming youths that sees me as their role model and mentor. ‘’Your believe in me, is your calls and shout outs that fire me up the more. He said excitedly.”
Henry Naiho is an experienced technology business leader with strong IT and Telecommunications technical knowledge, UX/UI and entrepreneurial mindset,; he has over 26years cognate experience in ICT, with high expertise not limited these areas: Project, Programme & Portfolio Management, Customer and User Operations Management, ICT, Transmission, BSS, Software Development etc., Network Planning, Implementation, Operations & Maintenance, Stakeholder Engagement and Management, Team Build, Performance and Management, Business Processes, Analysis & Analytics.
He had an enviable work stint so far, here are some select positions with organizations, he was the Senior Project Manager (IT), Sasol Plant) South Africa, Group Lead, Technology Transformation & Operations, Userlytics Group, South Africa, Regional Operations Manager (South Africa & Africa Operations): Stratosat Datacom Pty Ltd, South Africa, Quality Management (Projects & Operations).
He was also at Zain Mobile Limited, West Africa (AKA Airtel Africa) as the Regional Manager, Transmission Network implementation & Operations. Regional Transmission Engineer, (Implementation, Operations & Maintenance): Globacom Limited, Nigeria. Naiho’s diverse academic background in physics, Tech-management and vendor-specific certifications, has equipped him with uncommon expertise to provide cutting-edge solutions to clients across various sectors.
His entrepreneurial spirit, driven by a desire to provide solutions to human needs, empower the youths which he said is fire in his bone, has led him to represent top brands like Ericsson, Huawei, Motorola, and Microsoft.
Through his brand, Naiho offers a range of services, including business processes, human capital development, business research, technology harnessing, and corporate sustainability solutions. He has continuously updated his skills to ensure his brand remains relevant, meeting and exceeding client needs for best satisfaction and experience. Naiho’s achievements are a testament to his dedication and expertise. He has implemented numerous solutions using technology to streamline business processes, improve efficiencies, and effectiveness.
He attributes his success to his ability to be resilient, tunnel vision, flexible, and adaptable, qualities he believes are essential for thriving in the industry.
According to him, “As a Fibre optics engineer, I have published research papers on Fibre optics resilient and solutions for survivability.
“ I have also obtained 5G certifications, demonstrating my commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies.”
He added that his expertise in process improvements, operations management, and technology has made him a sought-after professional in his field.
His Counsel for Youths seeking a career in ICT: Naiho’s advice to youths seeking a career in this field is straightforward: “Pursue your passion, invest in continuous learning, and seek ways for continuous improvements.
“The industry offers opportunities for growth and development, and with dedication and hard work, you can build a successful career like mine.”
As a role model, Naiho’s career trajectory serves as an inspiration to youths, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, they can achieve their goals and build a successful career in the IT, Telecommunications, Quality, and Operations Management industry.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Naiho emphasized that the adoption of innovative technological solutions is no longer optional but essential for businesses seeking to enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.
“Technology offers a plethora of tools designed to optimize business operations, eliminate bottlenecks, and improve overall efficiency,” said Naiho. “Organizations that fail to integrate these tools into their processes risk falling behind their more tech-savvy competitors.”
Naiho highlighted several key areas where technology can significantly impact business processes, including automation, data analytics, and cloud computing.
Automation, he noted, can take over repetitive tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic activities. “By automating routine tasks, businesses can reduce human error, save time, and increase productivity,” he explained.
Data analytics is another crucial area where technology can drive substantial improvements. “Businesses today generate vast amounts of data. Properly analyzing this data can provide valuable insights into customer behavior, operational inefficiencies, and market trends,” Naiho pointed out.
He added that using advanced analytics tools can help businesses make more informed decisions and tailor their strategies to better meet customer needs and expectations.
Naiho also emphasized the importance of cloud computing in streamlining business processes. “Cloud-based solutions offer flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. They enable businesses to access their data and applications from anywhere, facilitating better collaboration and continuity,” he said.
To maximize the benefits of these technologies, Naiho urged businesses to be adaptable and open to change.
“The key to leveraging technology effectively is to remain flexible and continuously seek ways to improve. This requires a culture that embraces change and encourages innovation,” he stated.
Also, Naiho called on regulatory bodies and the government to support the technological advancement of businesses by creating conducive policies and infrastructure.
“The government and regulators play a crucial role in fostering an environment that supports technological adoption. By engaging with industry stakeholders and aligning policies with technological advancements, they can help businesses thrive,” he remarked.
Naiho’s insights shed light on the imperative for businesses to leverage technology to streamline their operations.
His call to action serves as a timely reminder that embracing technological innovation is critical for achieving operational excellence and long-term success.
With a PhD (in view), Fellow of some prestigious institutions, Post graduate in Business Administration, Strategy, Management and Programme Management, and a B.Sc in Physics garnished with industry specific certifications in SAP, TOGAF Standard 9.2 complete, 5G Technology, Architecture and Protocols, 5G Planning and Design, 5G Open RAN and Private Networks, Design Thinking, User Research, User Experience Management, User Accessibility, Product Management, AWS Solutions Architect , ISO QMS 9001:2015, ISO OHAS 45001: 2018 and lots of other vendor specific (Ericsson, Huawei, Harris etc.).
Wema Bank has announced the launch of the Wema Export Trade Academy, a comprehensive training programme designed to equip Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the essential skills and tools needed to succeed in the competitive landscape of global trade.
Moruf Oseni, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, this initiative represents Wema Bank’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of Nigerian businesses, supporting their ambitions to thrive on an international scale.
Oseni said the Wema Export Trade Academy is designed as a solution to these challenges faced by Nigerian SMEs when entering international markets.
The Academy is specifically structured to address each critical aspect of global trade, providing SMEs with targeted guidance on compliance, documentation, financial planning, and risk management.
Through the Wema Export Trade Academy, SMEs will benefit from expert-led sessions, mentorship from industry professionals, and practical insights into international business practices, positioning them to make significant contributions within global markets.
The programme also places emphasis on building a network of Nigerian exporters, encouraging peer support and collaboration, while fostering connections between businesses and international trade facilitators.
Oseni said: “This holistic approach to export training will enhance efficiency and productivity, empowering Nigerian businesses to become competitive players in the global economy.
“The Wema Export Trade Academy reinforces Wema Bank’s dedication to building the capacity of Nigerian businesses and supporting their evolution into formidable global competitors.
“By addressing the barriers in export trade, we are enabling Nigerian SMEs to seize new opportunities in international markets, which aligns with our vision to empower lives and support sustainable business growth.
“The Wema Export Trade Academy embodies Wema Bank’s pioneering spirit and commitment to providing SMEs with practical, impactful solutions.
“With comprehensive training on export processes and access to strategic financial products, the program stands as a testament to Wema Bank’s role as an enabler of growth for Nigerian enterprises.
“Wema Bank continues to set the standard for innovation within Nigeria’s financial services industry, supporting individuals and businesses across various sectors to achieve sustainable growth.
“The Wema Export Trade Academy represents the latest stride in Wema Bank’s mission to empower Nigerian SMEs, further strengthening its reputation.”
MTN Foundation is set to celebrate a milestone—its 20th Anniversary—with a series of events designed to reflect on its contributions to communities across Nigeria.
The anniversary conference will take place on November 6, 2024, in Abuja, while the celebratory dinner is scheduled for November 14, 2024, in Lagos.
These events will bring together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.
Since its inception in 2004, the Foundation has been at the forefront of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. It was one of the first corporate entities in the country to establish a dedicated foundation for managing CSR activities.
The Foundation was officially commissioned in May 2005, with MTN Nigeria Communications PLC pledging to allocate up to 1% of its Profit After Tax (PAT) for funding various projects aimed at improving lives across the nation.
Over the past two decades, the Foundation has invested over NGN 24.73 billion into impactful projects that span all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). With more than 1,023 project sites across Nigeria, the Foundation has successfully executed 50 unique projects, reaching over 31 million people.
These initiatives have addressed critical areas such as education, health, youth empowerment, and arts and culture, making a significant difference in the lives of countless Nigerians.
As part of this celebration, the Foundation will unveil its new logo along with refreshed mission and vision statements.
This rebranding effort symbolizes a renewed commitment to its core values and goals as it looks toward the future.
Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming celebrations and reflected on the journey thus far.
“This anniversary is both a celebration of our impact in Nigeria and a commitment to do more,” Sanya stated.
“We have always believed in the power of collaboration and community engagement to drive meaningful change.
“As we gather to reflect on our journey, we look forward to engaging with our partners and stakeholders to explore new avenues for sustainable development.”
The upcoming anniversary events aim to foster dialogue among leaders from various sectors, encouraging collaboration that can lead to innovative solutions for pressing societal challenges.
The conference will feature keynote speakers and panel discussions around national development and youth empowerment, as well as interactive sessions designed to inspire participants and share best practices in CSR and community development.
In addition to its focus areas, the Foundation has been instrumental in promoting digital literacy among Nigerian youth through various educational programs. By leveraging technology as a tool for empowerment, the Foundation has equipped thousands of young people with skills necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.
The anniversary conference and dinner are expected to be engaging experiences that will not only celebrate two decades of impact but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering community growth and resilience.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, MTN Foundation hopes to ignite conversations that lead to actionable strategies for addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
The upcoming anniversary events promise to be an inspiring celebration of progress made while looking forward to new horizons in community development.
To increase the availability of affordable finance and strengthen local enterprises and supply chains across Africa, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, announced a strategic partnership with leading global supply chain finance platform, C2FO.
The partnership will see IFC and C2FO jointly develop, test, and deploy a specialized, web-based multinational working capital platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa. This is IFC’s first dedicated supply chain financing facility in Africa for smaller businesses.
MSMEs account for up to 90 percent of businesses and 80 percent of jobs across the continent, yet these enterprises struggle to obtain working capital through the traditional financial system, constraining the growth of firms. Such financing is critical for helping build more sustainable economic ecosystems, and for strengthening food security, a strategic priority announced by World Bank President Ajay Banga last week.
The program will utilize C2FO’s patented technology and dynamic discounting model to connect MSME suppliers and their anchor buyers with global and local financial institutions. Those institutions will use the platform to extend affordable receivables financing to suppliers through the funding of discounted invoices accepted for payment by buyers.
In turn, African MSME suppliers will be able to improve their access to working capital by converting sales receivables into immediate cash, leveraging the better credit risk of buyers without requiring collateral or facing other barriers of traditional lending.
“IFC is committed to addressing the financing challenges faced by SMEs in Africa. By partnering with C2FO, we aim to unlock significant funding opportunities for these enterprises, enabling them to thrive and contribute to economic growth,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC Managing Director.
The program will begin in Nigeria, where C2FO estimates that a national supply chain finance platform could unlock around US$25 billion in annual financing for MSMEs. IFC has estimated that for every US$1 million of working capital made available in developing countries,16 new jobs are created over two years.
“C2FO is honored and delighted to collaborate with IFC to broaden the global impact of our working capital finance model throughout Africa. We believe this innovative approach will provide much-needed liquidity to MSMEs, helping them to grow and succeed,” said Alexander “Sandy” Kemper, C2FO founder and CEO. “It’s only natural that this work begins in Africa’s most populated country, Nigeria, which has an especially promising small business sector.”
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