Telecom
NITDA, NCAA to Form Alliance on Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation, one of the seven strategic pillars of the National Information Technology Development Agency’s Strategic RoadMap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024) as a pivotal aspect to transformational initiatives, has been identified as the baseline for alliance between The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This is according , Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) when he received Captain Musa Shuaibu Nuhu, the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and his technical team on a courtesy visit at NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
Abdullahi stated that digital transformation is being engaged using two different fundamentals: digitization and digitalization. While Digitization is the mechanism employed by digital technology to enhance effective processing of product and service delivery, digitalization on the other hand is adaptation of system, processes, using digital technology as a source of inspiration to change operational structure and procedure.”
The NITDA boss expatiated on the need to conform to the best global practices, said that; “technology is an enabler, therefore there is need to use technology to increase productivity.”
The DG observed that NITDA’s interface with NCAA is aimed at driving both the internal and external processes of the latter as the apex regulatory body for data regulations and development in Nigeria.
He said NITDA has been engaging NCAA in the areas of IT project clearance as well as providing advisory services to the Agency in recent past.
Abdullahi added that, in line with keeping up with global trends, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami (while he was the DG of NITDA) enabled the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) Policy in January 2019.
He said, this provided opportunity for the protection of the right to privacy, creating the right environment for digital transactions, job creation and improving information management practices in Nigeria, adding that the IT sector is data driven and to achieve this, capacity building is very essential.
’’At NITDA our believe is that we cannot succeed in isolation, that’s why we have rebranded and changed our core values, mission and vision, our core values are People first, we exist to serve people); Professionalism, whatever we do is according to best practices, and Innovation, we don’t believe in conventional methods, we try to bring something new to our sector,’’ Abdullahi explained.
He postulates the need for effective human capital. ’’We need our people to understand our objectives to enable the smooth transmission of ideas and application of information technology,’’ he added.
The new drive for the agency, according to Abdullahi, is to engage all MDAs of government to ensure that they have necessary policy, processes, and infrastructure in place to ensure timely service delivery at reduced cost.
’’We are setting up training sessions, first with CEO/MDs of MDAs to enlighten them on digital transformation processes. Thereafter, staff from different departments and units, Procurement, Planning, Administration, Human Resource, etc, would be drafted into the Digital Transformation Technical Working Group (DTTWG),’’ he said.
This group, he said, would work on developing policies that aligns basically with their individual agencies/sector.
He also proffers that each MDAs should have their individual Data Protection Officers (DPOs) who would report directly to the Director General.
The DG, NITDA finally assured the NCAA DG that alliance can be formed on the platform of DTTWG to develop appropriate tool kit and enabling policy that would focus on NCAA vision and mission.
In his remarks, Captain Musa Nuhu disclosed that the motive of the courtesy visit is to strengthen their existing relationship and create synergy as all government agencies are parts of a whole. “It makes life and work easier and efficient,’’ he said.
He applauded all past NITDA’s intervention to his organization and look forward to more collaboration on all possible areas that the two government bodies could foster alliance.
Telecom
How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing Business Plans for Entrepreneurs
In today’s fast-paced business world, writing a comprehensive business plan can feel overwhelming for entrepreneurs. However, with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), this process is becoming more efficient and accessible. This guide shows how to use AI tools to create a business plan for your idea.
Think of AI as your digital assistant, speeding up the first draft so you have more time to make it better. AI gives you a structure, but your own ideas and understanding of your business makes the plan unique.
Embrace AI in Business Planning – Before you begin, you should know what goes into a business plan: a summary of your business, details about your company and offerings, and information about your market and competitors. You may also consider creating plans for your business sales, management, operations, and finances.
Gather all your business details first. This makes it easier for AI to help you turn them into a plan.
Feeding Information to AI – Start by providing a general overview of your business, including its name, target market, products or services, and financial projections. GoDaddy is sharing a prompt template below that can be used to provide information:
“I’m developing a business plan for my company, [company name], a [industry] startup offering [product/service]. Please accept the information below about my company as a basis for developing a strong business plan.”
Creating Sections with AI Help – Breaking your business plan into sections and using specific prompts for each can streamline the process. AI can generate initial drafts for each part, which you can then review and edit. Here are some prompts to help guide you:
1. Summary and Company Description:
- “As a successful entrepreneur and seasoned strategist, draft an enticing executive summary and company description for [company name] in the [industry] sector.”
2. Products and Services:
- “As an innovative product developer, provide a comprehensive description of [product/service] offered by my company.”
3. Market Analysis:
- “As a market analyst, outline a detailed market analysis for [company name].”
4. Competitive Analysis:
- “Compile a concise competitive analysis for [company name], highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of key competitors.”
5. Marketing and Sales Plan:
- “Create a thorough sales and marketing plan for [company name], including a detailed growth strategy.”
6. Value Proposition:
- “Assume the perspective of a potential customer and identify the unique selling proposition of [company name].”
7. Ownership and Management Plan:
- “Outline the optimal structure, ownership, and management roles for [company name].”
8. Operating Plan:
- “Craft an efficient operating plan for [company name], detailing infrastructure and risk management.”
9. Financial Plan:
- “Develop a comprehensive financial overview and funding request for [company name], including income statements and sales forecasts.”
10. Extra Information:
- This is where you can add any extra details like research or visuals.
Finalizing Your Plan – Once you have drafts for each part, it’s time to make it all fit together nicely. Your business plan should clearly show what your business is about and its path to success.
Getting Feedback from AI – After refining your draft, ask AI to check for any missing parts, mistakes or inconsistencies. This is a good time for AI to help create a summary, mission statement, vision, values, and value proposition to ensure alignment with your business goals.
Make a One-Page Plan – Lastly, create a simple one-page version of your business plan. It should include all the important points and be easy to understand. This step ensures clarity and focus, making it easier to communicate your business strategy to stakeholders. Remember, while AI helps a lot, it does not replace the ingenuity and oversight of human input to help ensure your unique business ideas are being reflected in your plan.
AI can be a helpful tool for creating and growing your business’ digital presence. With GoDaddy Airo, an AI powered experience, you can embrace AI to streamline your business planning and operations, allowing you more time to focus on turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Telecom
Group Advocates for Digital Rights at 2024 Internet Governance Forum
Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing digital rights and inclusion in the Global South, has made significant contributions to the just-concluded 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
PIN’s participation in the prestigious global event underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering inclusive digital policies and ensuring that Africa’s voices are central in global discussions about the future of the internet.
During the week-long forum, PIN team members played key roles in numerous sessions, emphasising the importance of a digital rights perspective in the development of emerging technologies, advocating for a more inclusive digital future, and addressing the specific challenges the African continent faces in terms of digital access and inclusion.
PIN Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, spoke at high-profile sessions, including the Leadership Panel on ‘The Internet We Want’, which outlined the vision for a global internet that is accessible, secure, and inclusive.
At the Africa Youth IGF Parley, ‘Gbenga provided a platform for young Africans to address pressing issues such as internet restrictions, the digital divide, and digital rights violations.
Adeboye Adegoke, Senior Manager for Grants and Programmes Strategy at Paradigm Initiative, contributed to Open Forum #12, advocating for policies that ensure a rights-respecting and inclusive digital future. His discussions highlighted the importance of policies that place human rights at the core of technological advancements.
Ihueze Nwobilor, Senior Programmes Officer, spoke at the session, ‘A Rights-Respecting Approach to Emerging Tech Development,’ where he called for the prioritisation of human rights in the development and deployment of emerging technologies across Africa and beyond.
The organisation’s Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements, Thobekile Matimbe, shared valuable insights during the ‘Better Products and Policies Through Stakeholder Engagement’ session.
She emphasized the role of the private sector in engaging with local communities to ensure that digital products and policies are inclusive and meet the needs of vulnerable groups across Africa.
Bridgette Ndlovu, PIN Partnerships and Engagements Officer, moderated a session on ‘Implementation of the USF in 26 African Countries,’ where she and other speakers, including ‘Gbenga Sesan, discussed the crucial role of Universal Service Funds (USF) in advancing digital inclusion, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
PIN’s participation at IGF 2024 has been an important moment for advocating digital rights in Africa. “Paradigm Initiative’s participation was a powerful reminder that Africa’s digital future must be shaped by inclusive, rights-respecting policies.
“Our participation at the IGF is a continuous demonstration of the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in building a more inclusive and accessible internet for everyone, especially those in under-served communities,” PIN Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan stated.
Telecom
Patricia Technologies Begins Repayments to Customers Affected by 2022 Security Breach
Lagos-based financial technology firm Patricia Technologies has commenced repayments to customers impacted by a 2022 security breach. This follows a two-year period where the company focused on recovering funds and rebuilding trust.
In 2022, Patricia experienced a significant cyberattack, resulting in the loss of over 600 million Naira from customer accounts. Following the breach, the company temporarily restricted withdrawals and collaborated with law enforcement, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including a prominent politician.
Patricia had previously requested a two-to-five-year repayment window, a plan that has now begun to be implemented. The company has started disbursing funds to affected customers in phases, with the first batch of payments initiated on December 10, 2024.
CEO Hanu Fejiro emphasized the company’s commitment to its customers, stating, “This repayment process represents a milestone in fulfilling our promise to make things right.”
He encouraged customers to update their information on the Patricia platform and monitor official channels for further updates on their individual repayment timelines.
Subscribers who are getting paid in this phase have since been officially notified by email. One of the subscribers, with initials BP (for purposes of confidentiality), expressed appreciation and satisfaction with being paid by Patricia via an email reaction: “I really appreciate your effort. Though it took a long time, I’m satisfied with what I’ve received. Thank you for keeping to your words.”
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