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Hotter Weather Fuels Riots, Violence
Changes in climate, such as increased drought and above-average annual temperatures, have caused a rise in human violence across the world, according to a study published in Science.
Hotter temperatures and extreme rainfall have been linked to greater conflict, from domestic violence to riots, civil wars and the break-up of governing institutions and even civilisations.
The paper warns that rising greenhouse emissions could result in greater amounts of violence.
“If future populations respond similarly to past populations, then anthropogenic climate change has the potential to substantially increase conflict around the world, relative to a world without climate change,” it said.
There has been a scientific debate over whether climate plays a role in instigating human conflicts, with some studies finding evidence for climate’s role and others disputing it.
The new research, by a team from the University of California, Berkeley, and Princeton University, both in the United States, reanalysed the data from 60 papers from different disciplines, including archaeology, economics, political science, psychology and geography.
The researchers looked at data from around the world and events such as spikes in domestic violence in India, and the collapse of Mayan and Chinese empires.
“We analysed the studies under a common framework and found that small deviations in normal temperatures or precipitation lead to a very large increase in conflicts, and this happens both in poor and rich areas of the world,” Marshall Burke, one of the study’s authors and a researcher at Berkeley, told SciDev.Net.
To take into account the different climates found in different regions, and to be able to compare results across countries with different climate patterns, the researchers standardised the results by measuring so-called ‘standard deviation’.
A single unit of standard deviation shift towards hotter conditions — equivalent to, for example, warming an African country by 0.4 degrees Celsius for a year — caused a four per cent rise in the likelihood of personal violence, such as assaults and murder, and a 14 per cent increase in conflict between groups, such as riots or civil wars.
“These are moderate changes [in temperature], but they have a sizeable impact on societies,” Burke said in a press release.
“We know that in developing countries climate is related to conflict because it affects economic conditions”
Edward Miguel, professor in environmental and resource economics at Berkeley, added: “We often think of our society as largely independent of the environment, due to technological advances, but our findings challenge that notion”.
Around the world, temperatures are expected to rise by around 2-4 standard deviations by 2050, the paper said, amplifying the rates of conflict.
The study does not identify the specific risk factors that mediate the link between climate and violence, saying there may be multiple pathways and that they may differ between contexts.
“For example, we know that in developing countries climate is related to conflict because it affects economic conditions,” said Burke. “So if you get a very hot year or dry year, this will affect people’s livelihood and ultimately will influence decisions about joining conflicts.”
As economic factors and food security play an important role in triggering violence and political instability in developing countries, Burke believes that technological responses may help.
There are various ways to help poor societies avoid the conflicts linked to changing climate, Burke added. “For example, farmers can adopt varieties that are more tolerant to extreme weather or policymakers can think about insurance schemes.”
Luca Russo, a food security policy analyst at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, told SciDev.Net that the organisation has found similar links in its research on “the complex relationship between climate change, violence, social crisis and food security”.
“Crisis in developing countries is the result of a combination of environmental, social and economic factors,” he said.
“We found that countries that experience a prolonged state of crisis also have higher levels of food insecurity.
Culled from scidev.net
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Ina Alogwu Joins 9mobile as Chief Digital and Innovation Officer
9mobile has appointed Ina Alogwu as its new Chief Digital and Innovation Officer (CDIO), marking another significant step in the company’s business transformation agenda.
In his new role, Alogwu will be responsible for guiding the development and execution of 9mobile’s long-term strategy across the entire digital and technology ecosystem, including new technologies, digital platforms, and business models while nurturing a culture of innovation within the organization.
His appointment demonstrates 9mobile’s firm commitment to driving digital transformation and enhancing its innovative capabilities to better serve customers and stay ahead of market trends.
Alogwu is a visionary leader and seasoned strategist with nearly two decades of transformative experience in digital commerce, mobile payments, and technology ecosystems, making him an invaluable addition to 9mobile’s leadership team.
He has a proven ability to identify emerging trends and harness them to develop and execute groundbreaking digital products and strategies. His expertise spans product innovation, data strategy implementation, and agile business transformations, all of which have delivered significant and sustainable results across diverse industries and regions.
He joins 9mobile from ARM Holding Company, Nigeria, where he was the Group Director, Digital Transformation and spearheaded innovation initiatives, implemented a robust data strategy, and managed venture-building programmes that supported numerous African tech startups.
His very distinguished and diverse professional journey also includes an impactful tenure at Interswitch Limited, where he held roles such as Group Head, Verve Digital, and Group Head, Payment Processing. In these roles, he led the creation of groundbreaking payment platforms and digital solutions across West and East Africa.
Earlier in his career, Alogwu held roles at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a Training Specialist and worked at Integrated Business Strategies as a Business Analyst.
Speaking about the appointment, 9mobile CEO Obafemi Banigbe expressed confidence in Alogwu’s ability to lead the company’s innovation efforts, saying, “Alogwu’s broad professional background makes him the perfect fit for our innovative and business transformation journey as he joins a team of recently appointed senior business leaders to drive this process and the next phase of our growth.
“His role is crucial for navigating today’s fast-paced digital environment. And he has been entrusted to lead the charge in harnessing new technologies, driving digital transformation, and ensuring the company remains adaptable to change, which is integral to fostering innovation and positioning 9mobile as a forward-thinking leader in its industry.”
The New CDIO said, “I’m delighted to join 9mobile and collaborate with the CEO and the leadership team on the innovative initiatives already in progress.
As we navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, I’m eager to leverage my expertise in digital strategy, technology, and innovation to drive 9mobile’s mission to deliver exceptional customer experiences and achieve our strategic objectives.”
Alogwu’s academic credentials further underline his readiness for this role. He holds an Executive Master’s in Digital Transformation and Innovation Leadership from IE Business School, Madrid, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business from Emeritus Institute, in collaboration with MIT and Columbia Business School.
He also completed the Senior Management Program at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, and earned a BSc. in Geology & Mining from the University of Jos, Nigeria.
His education is further enriched by certifications in Product Management, Lean Six Sigma, and Strategic Innovation, equipping him with a robust foundation to drive innovation, lead digital transformation, and achieve business excellence in competitive landscapes.
His ability to combine academic knowledge with practical expertise has positioned him as a trailblazer in the digital commerce and technology sectors.
Beyond his technical expertise, Alogwu is adept at cultivating and managing strategic relationships with global multilateral organizations and financial institutions, leveraging these partnerships to unlock profitable opportunities. He has consistently demonstrated excellence in leading multicultural teams and navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments to deliver transformative outcomes.
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NAICOM Signs Agreement with NDPC on Data Protection in Insurance Sector
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has signed agreement with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) with the aim of enhancing data protection within the insurance sector.
According to NAICOM, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has as its objectives training and capacity building in the area of providing training to enhance awareness and skills in data protection, establishing privacy clinics by setting up specialised clinics to address data protection concerns and provide guidance.
NAICOM said other objectives of the agreement include conducting compliance activities, regularly monitoring and enforcing compliance with data protection regulations, promoting awareness in the area of educating insurance companies on the importance of data protection and the benefits of adhering to best practices.
Developing data protection guidelines through creation of specialized guidelines for insurance institutions to ensure they are equipped to handle data protection responsibilities effectively.
NAICOM said the collaboration marked a significant milestone in safeguarding the personal data of insurance policyholders and promoting trust in the insurance sector.
The commission said to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement, an implementation committee would be established. The committee, the commission said, would comprise of representatives from the two agencies, as well as other key industry associations, including the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).
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5 Benefits of MTN Mobile Ads for your Business
Businesses worldwide are increasingly embracing mobile advertising services, allowing them to connect with potential customers directly on their smartphones and engage with them more effectively.
This trend is rapidly gaining momentum, and companies in Nigeria are also taking part in this shift.
Every day, more Nigerian businesses are seeking the most efficient strategies to reach their target audiences and convert them into loyal customers.
MTN Nigeria is redefining digital advertisement with MTN Mobile Ads. With a rich customer base of 79.5 million subscribers in Nigeria, MTN Mobile Ads continues to help businesses reach millions of customers nationwide.
Here are five reasons you should use MTN Mobile Ads for your business advertisements:
Targeted marketing
MTN Mobile Ads uses first party data to enable specific targeting of audience based on behaviour, interests and demographic. This ensures that your marketing efforts are directed toward the most relevant audiences, thereby increasing engagement and conversion.
Data-Driven Insights:
Businesses can gain valuable insights from their advertising campaigns, allowing them to fine-tune their strategies for maximum impact. This data-driven approach helps in optimizing campaigns based on real user behaviour and preferences
Diverse advertising formats
This service supports several advertising formats including targeted SMS, marketplace listing on the MyMTN app, display banners, and Rich messaging services (RCS) across both mobile and web platforms. This versatility allows your business to customize your marketing strategy to suit different audience preferences and increase engagement opportunities.
Data-free solutions
MTN Mobile Advertising provides data-free solutions. That means users can view your Ads with or without data. This feature significantly increases engagement rate as it allows your business connect with customers who may have been avoiding ads to save their data.
Cost-effective
With MTN Mobile Ads, you can choose an advertising plan that suits your budget. This flexibility allows businesses to enjoy the benefits of advertising without overspending.
As competition in businesses increase, the need to make advertising a crucial part of your marketing strategy cannot be over-emphasized.
MTN’s Mobile advertising services are the most result-oriented strategy your business should engage in so you can have the same opportunities your competitors may have.
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