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Coders at 13, Billionaires @ 30

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Olusola Amusan is the Citizenship Manager at Microsoft Nigeria.
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In the last few days, the world celebrated another computer science week; a statutory commemoratory series of events which held between December 8th-14th of the world to recognize the huge contribution that the knowledge of computer science and engineering has added to our world.

The event aimed to introduce 10 million students of all ages to computer science ideas and tools—and to let them try coding for one hour—while also demonstrating to parents, teachers, and policymakers how accessible coding can be.

Technology as we know it today has changed the way we live, the way we love and learn.

From the 1 Billionth view of the Gangnam Style video on Youtube to the 1.9 Billionth impression of the #bringbackourgirls hashtag on twitter, our world is experiencing huge technological and social Metamorphosis having the duo of its merits and demerits.

It might be healthy however to simply focus on the positive contributions and see how focus on this can magnify the benefits over the ills.

As we think about the how the social media has ushered in a new culture of learning, buying and even consuming products, and we remember the billions of dollars locked in information assets, we must rethink business as usual.

CNN had once said that “the future of TV is Twitter and TV is the future of Twitter”. Amazon, the Internet Market Giant has such a small office space compared to the gigantic plants of Toyota and Ford, yet the company made it to top 20 most valuable brands in the world ahead of both automobile firms.

What is special to learn about the founders of Google, the Creator of Facebook and the father of Microsoft is that they all started investing in the knowledge of technology at a really young age.

Reading Malcom Gladwell’s outliers, I realized that Bill Gate had been learning to code and coding for six (6) years before he got into Harvard.

Steve jobs interned with Bill Hewlett co-founder with David Packard of HP before Mark Zuckerberg (founder of FACEBOOK) built what has today become the third largest ‘Nation’ in the world after China and India, he began using computers and writing software in middle school.

His father taught him Atari BASIC Programming in the 1990s, and later hired software developer David Newman to tutor him privately.

Code.org an international organization in support with sponsors including Microsoft and Omidyar Network is leading a huge campaign that will ensure that millions of line of codes are written and promote the knowledge of programming and computer science education all over the world. The Initiative has been dubbed the “Hour of Code”.

Tons of events were held all over the world to celebrate the Computer Science week and get millions of Children and youth to start coding. During the computer Science week in Nigeria, Microsoft Nigeria partnered with Wifi-Combat academy (an organization that trains children how to code and build mobile applications), to host the hour of Code Lagos.

This is part of the organization’s commitment as software, devices and services leader to transform Nigeria’s economy and build future information technology entrepreneurs.

In the ‘tweets’ of Satyr Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, “Coding is fun! Help us get 100M students to see how it can help them achieve great things”.

This is my own submission, If they start coding at 13, they could be Billionaires at thirty, or to be modest something close.

We can only live what the technology of the future will look like to our lofty imaginations. In every way, within our sphere of influence, we can and should inspire children and youth to maximize tools like their mobile phones to create technology.

We cannot just remain consumers, we can turn the table around and one way to do this is to take charge of the creating side.

Which software(s) will run the technology consumed by the 200Million people who will live in Nigeria by 2025?

Who will write the software(s)? These two questions must be answered, and better answered in our favor.

The future is about quantum information, Information at the snap of thought, the age of speed, 4-dimensional representations, cloud computing and ubiquitous computing.

If we put the children in charge of this, that’s how to secure the future.

Olusola Amusan is the Citizenship Manager at Microsoft Nigeria. He manages all non-Profit and youth engagements, an inspirational speaker and inspiration to the nearly 60,000 young people he has trained in the past 5 years.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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AfDB Adopts AI to Fast-track Africa’s Development Blueprint

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The African Development Bank (AfDB) is betting big on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for delivering Africa’s ambitious Agenda 2063.

With hands-on training in tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, the Bank believes the results could redefine how the continent plans, measures, and delivers its development goals.

Through its Joint Secretariat Support Office, the AfDB has provided technical and financial support to the 5th annual training workshop for African Union member states, focusing on the use of AI to track and implement the second ten-year plan (2024–2033) of Agenda 2063.

The five-day workshop, held in Lusaka, Zambia, was co-organised by the African Union Commission and the African Capacity Building Foundation.

Participants from across the continent rolled up their sleeves for hands-on training with emerging AI platforms like Ailyse, Google AI Studio, and Perplexity.

The goal of Africa’s multilateral development finance institution is to turn complex development data into actionable insights that can drive smarter decisions, faster interventions, and more accountable governance.

AbibuTamu, lead programme co-ordinator at the AfDB, said AI was now an indispensable tool for Africa’s future.

“These tools are not only revolutionizing how data is collected, analysed, and reported, they are also enabling more targeted policy interventions and efficient resource allocation,” Tamu told delegates.

Agenda 2063, dubbed “The Africa We Want,” is the African Union’s 50-year blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The second 10-year plan prioritises industrialisation, digital transformation, and sustainable livelihoods.

With AI now in the mix, African policymakers can track progress in real-time, spot bottlenecks before they choke projects, and reallocate resources where they are needed most.

The AfDB’s backing underscores a broader strategy of boosting both human and institutional capacity that propels African states to harness the digital revolution.

Beyond technical skills, the Lusaka workshop doubled as a peer-learning platform, with countries sharing real-world success stories on integrating AI into national planning and reporting.

“If Agenda 2063 is Africa’s long-term roadmap, this AI training is about upgrading the continent’s GPS that ensures leaders not only know the destination, but also have the intelligence to navigate every twist and turn on the way,” said Tamu.


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Firm Shares Tips for Safer Remote Working

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It is holiday season in many parts of the world. These days though, going on holiday does not always mean turning your back on office life – hybrid work cuts both ways.

Today’s widespread connectivity—available at airports, train stations, restaurants, hotels, and most indoor public spaces—makes staying connected easier than ever, with free Wi-Fi in many locations and reliable 4G or 5G coverage elsewhere, helping to facilitate a seamless blend of work and leisure even while on holiday.

This increase in connectivity among travellers has not gone unnoticed by cyber criminals. Kaspersky experts analysed nearly 25,000 free Wi-Fi spots in Paris ahead of the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The analysis revealed that almost 25% of these networks had weak or no encryption, making users vulnerable to personal and banking data theft.

Travellers often have their guard down. The unfamiliar surroundings of a new location or a different language can throw up a useful smokescreen for a cyberattack, meaning additional care needs to be taken when logging on. Fortunately, a few smart tools and habits can help you stay protected while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.

Use a VPN for secure connections

A VPN is one of the most effective ways to safeguard users’ online activity, especially when working from unfamiliar locations. By encrypting Internet traffic, a VPN ensures that hackers can’t intercept sensitive data like login credentials or financial details. This is particularly important when accessing work emails or company files on public Wi-Fi, where cybercriminals often lurk.

Switch to an eSIM for reliable, secure mobile data

Another useful digital tool that provides a seamless way to stay connected using local mobile networks with no physical SIM card required is the eSIM. This is a game-changer for international travellers who want to avoid sky-high roaming charges or the hassle of hunting down temporary SIM cards in foreign countries.

With an eSIM, a user can download a local data plan before you even arrive at your destination, ensuring instant connectivity the moment you land. This eliminates the need to rely on unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots, significantly reducing your exposure to cyber threats.

Plus, many eSIM providers allow you to manage multiple profiles on a single device, making it easy to switch between work and personal data plans without juggling multiple phones.

Services like Kaspersky eSIM Store enables users to purchase and activate data plans in advance, track usage and top up as needed, all from a single app.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

When travelling, people often leave devices unattended. To protect against unwanted people logging in, travellers should ensure two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on all critical accounts and that passwords are used on all devices.

Final tips for a secure workation

Even with a VPN, eSIM and 2FA in place, your devices still need strong defenses against malware, phishing scams and ransomware. Cybercriminals often target remote workers who may let their guard down while travelling, making real-time protection essential.

Modern antivirus software does more than just scan for viruses, it actively blocks malicious downloads, warns you about phishing attempts and even secures your passwords and financial data.

For the most robust security, consider a solution like Kaspersky Premium, which combines antivirus protection, a VPN and password management into a single, easy-to-use package.

By combining a VPN, eSIM and strong antivirus, you can work from anywhere with confidence, whether you’re sending emails from a poolside or joining a video call from a festival tent.

 


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Zequence Digital Boss Calls for Strong IP Laws Enforcement, to Protect Nigeria’s Software Sector

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Mr Adeoye Oludamilola, managing director, Zequence Digital, a digital agency,  has said strong enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) laws , protection of Nigeria’s software industry against piracy will encourage innovation and investment.

Zequence Digital Boss Calls for Strong IP Laws Enforcement, to Protect Nigeria’s Software Sector

Adeoye told reporters lately in Lagos that software piracy and the unauthorised use of proprietary technology are widespread in the country.

According to report Intellectual Property (IP) laws in software refers to the legal rights that protect the creations of the mind used in software development.

These rights, which include copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and trademarks, grant developers exclusive control over their software and related assets, preventing unauthorised use or reproduction.

Adeoye said that many startups do not protect their innovations, due to a lack of knowledge and the cumbersome legal processes involved.

“IP registration and litigation are expensive and time-consuming, which further discourages developers from protecting their work,” Adeoye said.

He added that the lack of awareness among developers about their IP rights contributed to the problem.

To address these challenges, Adeoye stressed the need for the formation of an IP Protection Consortium, comprising tech firms, legal experts, and regulators, to advocate for stronger IP enforcement.

He also suggested collaborating with legal tech startups to create simplified platforms for fast-tracked IP registration.

The managing director further called for joint initiatives between legal bodies and tech communities to launch IP rights education campaigns.

This, he said, would equip developers with the knowledge they needed to protect their innovations and grow their businesses.

Adeoye emphasised the need for the government and stakeholders to create an ecosystem for development and inclusivity by proactively engaging with regulators.

According to him, this will help ensure that policies are created with the input of concerned agencies and industry experts.

 

 


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