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Microsoft Software Gives Value to Businesses-Onyeje

Published

16 years ago

November 17, 2008

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Emmanuel Onyeje is responsible for Microsoft’s business in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
He has 12 years of experience working in the country’s technology sector.
Onyeje believes that Microsoft’s strong technology and advanced roadmap help Nigerian businesses realize their potential, local organizations and consumers can benefit from accessible and locally-relevant technologies.
He spoke to emeka okafor
Microsoft Losses to Pirated Software
It is difficult to say exactly how much Microsoft is loosing to pirated software because we are looking at it holistically as an entire problem of software developers. According to the last study conducted last year by IDC/BSA, the country was loosing an average of N10 billion for the Nigerian IT economy.
The study also showed 82 per cent rate for all pirated software. The study also suggested that if piracy is reduced from 82 per cent to 72 per cent that Nigeria would get $137 million in additional revenue and that 2275 more jobs would be created. If you look at it closely, you will observe that Nigeria is loosing more than 20,000 jobs in the industry.
Nigeria as Focus in War against Piracy
Of course Nigeria is our main focus, it is a country where a new frontier in IT is developing every time and that is why we have taken four steps to fight piracy. We have a prevention strategy and what we do is to work with government agencies like the National Copyright Commission (NCC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and we support them in their activities. Every time they need us to supply them with information we easily oblige them to help them do their job because piracy is a crime. Then, two, we are educating all the IT based companies in Nigeria – hardware and software companies.
We are training them on the issue of piracy and on how to maximize their own benefits by selling not only Microsoft software but other software as well. What we are trying to do is to have a general awareness campaign for example in the media talking about the risks involved in using pirated software. For instance, somebody called to complain that he had a black screen and I tell you that may have happened as a result of virus emanating from using pirated software. Pirated software are always cheaper and tend to offer a good bargain if you are talking about pricing. Two, we are targeting some of them with specific messages about what they can gain if they obey the law. It is pertinent for them to also know that Microsoft software can be used to help their businesses and allow them to make more money. We are also trying to make our solutions more affordable to our customers. We do general advertisement trying to create awareness and working with government on high level to see if there will be a programme whereby the government can create awareness on the dangers of piracy. It is not only software that is being adulterated in the country. There is also property theft, NAFDAC is also fighting adulteration, so also the movie industry and the music industry. We hope to have a kind of partnership with the government.
Encouraging Local Software Developers
We have two things we arte doing. We have dedicated resource centre with our developer manager who works with university students who are interested in working in software development. We also have this pact with the Nigeria Computer Society. We have the Microsoft academy based programme that is coming up soon. These are where we are trying to promote the local software industry and we are trying to showcase the best of today’s solutions to them. We are also trying to get them certified for their own good. It is also important to note that Microsoft has a programme meant to objectively address the needs of the people.
Fight against Cybercrime
We are actually doing a lot to fight cybercrime. We have a dedicated team that is supporting us in Nigeria. Recently we held a programme called Internet Safety Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (ISSPN). The programme is targeted at the youth.
So, what we are trying to do is to tell the young ones that it is not a good idea to go into this. It somehow constraints the growth of the economy because now that the banks are going for online banking solutions , nobody would trust them because of cybercrime that is going on here and that will have constraint on our growth to have access to the world through the internet. There are challenges but I think a lot of them have bought the idea. I think 72 of them from 11 universities across the country have volunteered to become ambassadors to take this message to their own peers. They run seminars at different times in their schools to tell their friends about the other opportunities that are available online; this is what we can do with the internet instead of cybercrime. By this alot more people will not be involved in cybercrime. Apart from that, we signed an agreement with Yahoo and African Development Bank to fight internet lottery scam. In addition to that we are working with CAPDAN to clean up the system.
Price of Microsoft Software
It is an issue that is coming up every time and for us to be very clear, Microsoft has been doing a lot to make our software more affordable. On the other side, people that are making use of our software are using them to make money and we find it very strange that a chief executive officer can buy a brand new jeep at N40 million and could not buy software for him to do his business. So it is all about perception. Our software give value for many businesses. We find out that people don’t buy the right solution for their problem, which is why they find it costly. Ignorance here is a big problem. People need to make the right decision for their software need.
Digital village
Those who are living in the villages like in Bayelsa, Ogun State, communities around them do not have access to the computer. Digital village is like a community resource centre where people can come and learn the basic computer knowledge that they need. For example the one in the north called Iya Abubarka Centre for Development in Borno State. What they focus on is to train women in purdah on how to use software like power point, Microsoft word and all that. In the riverine areas we concentrate on reaching those farmers in their creeks and make sure that people who ordinarily wouldn’t have been reached are reached. The programme is in partnership with federal and state governments. The federal government builds then place and the state governments equip and we supply the software while in some other states they would build the place while the federal government supplies the equipment. What we do is to supply the software and hand over. In addition we give them curriculum and all that Digital villages are left for the states to manage. Some states are managing their own very well while some others are not but we are still on discussion with partners , governors to ensure that things get back on track.
Value of Microsoft Business in Nigeria
We have created a very vibrant software ecosystem which has resulted in more value to businesses, more employment. By providing innovative technology, we have positioned Nigeria as a strong competitor in the world today.
By providing the right software at the right prices for different categories of users, we have democratized technology, giving more companies access to sophisticated solutions to make their organisations more productive and profitable.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We have made huge contributions to the communities in which we operate all over the world. In Nigeria, we are working with various stakeholder groups including NGOs to create access for the underserved in our communities, from the fisherman in the creeks to the women in seclusion.
Working with Schoolnet, the Nigerian Union of Teachers and other groups, we develop IT capacity among the teachers to ensure that our youth get the right education to compete in today’s knowledge economy.
We are also very involved in the area of youth development, working with the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and Leap Africa to train youth on employability skills.

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FG Offers Nine-month Amnesty for Illegal Dollar Holdings

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5 days ago

November 1, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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Federal Government on Thursday announced a nine-month programme beginning on October 31 that allows individuals to deposit dollar bills held outside the formal banking system without scrutiny.

Wale Edun

It said the new initiative aims to address the rising costs of commodities influenced by the foreign exchange rate, driven by demand and supply dynamics.

Wale Edun, finance minister and coordinating minister of the Economy, revealed this after the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council, the country’s highest economic advisory body, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.

“There will be no penalty; there will be no taxes, and there will be no questions,” he told journalists at a briefing after Thursday’s conclave.

Edun said that, under this programme, individuals can bring in U.S. dollars in cash without facing penalties, taxes, or scrutiny, provided that the funds are not linked to criminal or illicit activities.

Participants will only need to meet the standard Know-Your-Customer requirements set by banks to secure these funds, integrate them into the financial system, and make them accessible for legitimate economic activities.

He explained, “One element of the cost increase is the foreign exchange rate, which is demand and supply. There will be a programme starting today, October 31, and lasting nine months that will allow people to bring in cash outside the banking system.

“[Such cash] is unsafe, insecure and outside legal limits. They will be allowed forbearance to bring dollars cash. Let me emphasise once again: it is to bring dollars that they are holding outside the system to get them in and credit it to their bank accounts, as long as it is not proceeds of crime or illicit money.

“They should just meet the standard Know-Your-Customer criteria of banks and have an opportunity to bring in those funds, making them safe, secure, and available through regular economic activity.

Edun said his ministry will first issue guidelines for the programme, followed promptly by additional guidelines from the Central Bank.

According to the Minister, this measure offers law-abiding individuals a way to formalise their cash holdings. It also provides the financial system with additional dollar reserves, which may help to stabilise the exchange rate.

“This is an opportunity, not just for people who would normally like to comply, to be compliant with the laws and normal business practice, but of course, it allows us to bring those dollars from where they are doing nothing to where they are within the financial system, they add to our reserves, and of course can help with the exchange rate,” he added.

Edun equally gave an update on government economic relief measures, saying 25 million Nigerians have benefitted from federal social protection initiatives, including digital outreach, microenterprise loans, and sector-specific support for power, agriculture, manufacturing, health, and compressed natural gas initiatives.

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Wema Bank Launches Export Trade Academy to Empower Nigerian SMEs

Published

6 days ago

October 31, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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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.”

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MTN Foundation to Celebrate 20 Years of Impact with Anniversary Conference and Dinner

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6 days ago

October 31, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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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.

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