News
Agada Urges Enugu to Adopt Research-Based Approach to Partnerships
The need to leverage on the vast developmental resources available through numerous Aid and Donor establishments to use in achieving its newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has been touted as the focus of a recently held One Day Round table Donor conference organized by the Enugu state government in Enugu, south east Nigeria.
The event, which was as a result of the Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led state government’s quest to fast-track critical development activities in the state, was initiated to encourage a mutual relationship between the government of the State and the various global and local Aid and Donor agencies and organizations.
The Governor, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, explained that the conference was informed by the need to strengthen existing bonds between the state and its local and international development partners, and explore areas of further collaboration.
He noted that despite revenue shortfall caused by decline in oil price, his administration had nonetheless introduced development initiatives such as free maternal and child health care programmes, as well as free medical and pyscho-social services to victims of sexual assaults in the state.
According to him, “as part of the state’s development agenda and its efforts to grow the economy of the state, the government organized an investment Summit in April this year, which is already yielding some fruits as some local and foreign investors have indicated their interest to bring their businesses to the state.”
But in his contribution at the same event, Mr. Ejiofor Agada, public image and research strategist and managing partner/CEO of Private Media Mart Limited, however advised the State government to go beyond merely hosting the conference (though commendable) to presenting quality and reliable information that is needed to encourage the desired partnerships.
Citing the fact that all serious minded International donor and Aid agencies rely solely on verifiable information and data gathered using modern research tools and strategies to justify interventions, Agada opined that until the State government and its Agencies prioritize research as a key development approach, they might as well be hosting jamborees.
“When you hear all the global agencies represented at this event lamenting that the dearth of statistics and data in Enugu state is the singular reason why they find it difficult to intervene in the development plans of the State government, they are only telling you to do more in terms of quality research to back up your claims and expectations” he said.
His position was obviously as a fallout of the fact that Enugu State, just like most states in Nigeria, continuously find it difficult to attract the interest of both the major international Aid and Donor agencies as well as private sector investors.
According to him, “Research is what is needed to provide a holistic view, measure attitude, disposition, identify existing gaps and interventions that helps to impact on the lives of the citizens of Enugu State and any other State. “This information properly gathered and communicated, are the only ways to attract the needed investment and partnership for sustainable development and growth in the state” he said.
He added that such critical data can also be applied to improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), needs, impact assessment and sustainability plans of the government.
Decrying a situation where Commissioners of the State at the event were unable to show concrete data as benchmark for their expectations for Aid and Donor Agency interventions in the state, Agada pointedly called on the Governor to mandate every MDA in the state to make it a point of critical importance, to use research to obtain the needed data that’ll showcase the extent of intervention needed as well as measurement index.
Enugu State is currently ranked among the states in Nigeria with the highest potentials for investments, with a landmass that is 98% fertile, huge educated workforce with an international airport to booth.
But sadly, it has never had any meaningful strategies for economic initiatives from successive governments in the State.
This year’s Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership lecture will focus on Governance, Standardization and cybersecurity in artificial intelligence era.
The lecture which will herald Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards (ABoICT Lecture 2025) hold on May 24, 2025 at Four Points by Sheraton and will be delivered by Prof. Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode – Cybersecurity and GRC Expert.
The sixteenth edition of the award ceremony according Ken Nwogbo, editor-in-chief of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek the organizers of the event, “is a special edition to recognise and celebrate organizations and individuals in the ICT industry that have contributed to the growth of the sector.
“Most of these organizations and individuals have consistently being voted by our readers as leaders in their areas of operations and we have decided to reward them in this special edition, tag: ‘ICT Growth Edition 2025’ he said,”.
He added that, an AI governance framework outlines policies, principles, and practices to guide the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness.
“In the AI era, cybersecurity faces both new threats and opportunities, as AI’s capabilities are used by both defenders and attackers to launch sophisticated attacks and defenses.
“This requires a proactive approach, including AI-powered security tools, robust data security, and ethical AI development, emphasizing real-time monitoring, threat intelligence, and collaboration among cybersecurity professionals and AI researchers.
“Artificial intelligence transforms cybersecurity by automating responses to risks, detecting unusual activity, and even foreseeing possible dangers before they occur.
“While AI has various perks, such as better efficiency and faster risk identification, it also has challenges. Without proper oversight, these systems can be misused or make errors. Strong governance and ethical frameworks ensure AI technologies are used responsibly and effectively.,” he said.
The Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Distinguished (ABoICT Lecture 2024) is designed to explore efforts to put Nigeria on the global Information and Communications Technologies map.
The lecture series however is reserved for distinguished achievers in the ICT sector.
Past lecturers included Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, then executive vice chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC); Uche Orji, managing director/chief executive officer, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA); Biodu Omoniyi, Managing Director/CEO, VDT Communications; Ayotunde Coker, Managing Director, Rack Centre Limited; Peter Adedayo Arogundade, managing director and chief executive officer, Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited; Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, founder, Hyperspace & NeuraL AI and John Obaro, CEO and founder of Systemspecs; Prof. Isa Pantanmi, minister of Communications and Digital Economy; among others.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and president of Dangote Refinery, has insisted that the ‘cabal’ in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is still fighting against the success of his 650,000 barrels per day plant.
Aliko Dangote
Dangote disclosed this, according to Semafor, a global news platform, at an investor forum in Lagos at the weekend.
He said, “For a very, very long time, those that have made a lot of money from government-subsidised oil imports into Nigeria were the ones trying to sabotage the $20 billion worth of refinery situated in Lekki, Lagos.”
He further stressed that “those groups have funded resistance to the Bola Tinubu government’s removal of petrol subsidies and are opposed to the refinery operating easily in the country.”
However, Dangote was confident that the battle between him and the groups would be won, priding himself on being a long-time fighter.
“We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life, and I am ready and 100 percent sure I will win at the end of the day,” he was quoted.
Recall that Dangote Refinery kicked off the sale of petrol in September 2024, which had led to a significant drop in fuel imports into Nigeria.
In May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy during his inauguration speech.
Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has welcomed the decision of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCT) upholding the $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Inc. by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a statement signed by its President, Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf, and General Secretary, Mrs. Angela Emuwa, NPAN described the ruling as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enforce digital accountability and protect the rights of its citizens.
“The decision affirms the importance of compelling global digital platforms to adhere to Nigeria’s laws and respect the rights of users,” the association said.
NPAN noted that the fine, resulting from a 30-month investigation spanning 2021 to 2023, was imposed due to Meta’s alleged unauthorized data sharing and discriminatory practices affecting Nigerian users.
The association also emphasized that Nigeria’s regulatory action aligns with global trends, citing similar penalties imposed on Meta in Europe, as well as actions against other tech giants such as Amazon, TikTok, Google, and Apple.
As an advocate for media freedom and fair digital practices, NPAN reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding intellectual property and ensuring fair remuneration for publishers in the evolving digital landscape.
It further urged sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and industry players to strengthen Nigeria’s digital regulatory environment.
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