Telecom
DigitalForAllChallenge: DG NITDA Hails Initiative, Unravels Plan to Create Tech Clubs Across Nigeria
In alignment with the National Information Technology Development Agency’s quest of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, in transforming the economy and empowering Nigerians through technology, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has commended the DigitalForAllChallenge 2.0 initiated by Tech4Dev and unraveled plans by the Agency to use the vehicle to create ‘Tech Clubs’ across the country.
Inuwa made this known while delivering a Keynote Address at the Launch of the skilling competition initiative.
He said, “our collective mission is clear as we launch this programme as a complimentary effort toward achieving a 70% digital literacy rate for Nigerians by 2027”.
“DigitalForAll Initiative is a visionary programme poised to shape the future of our nation and we also intend to use our Digital Nigeria platform for the final competition of the programme”, Inuwa noted.
The DG who seized the opportunity to elaborately explain the eight Pillars in the redrafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) of the Agency which he enumerated to include: Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, Build a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthen Policy Implementation and Legal framework, Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration and Cultivate a Vibrant Organisational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA are critical cornerstones that seek to address the strategic challenges identified in realising the Agency’s mandates, mission, and values.
Inuwa while noting that the document will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2024, describes the competition as a well thought out programme and a commitment to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge and proficiency needed to navigate and excel in the digital landscape.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remember that digital literacy is not just about skilling people; it is about empowering them to unleash their full potential”. “It is about providing opportunities for growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital world; that is what this programme is poised to achieve”.
According to the DG, “Our Key Objectives of the DigitalForAll Initiative hinge on Inclusive Digital Literacy, Accessible Learning Platforms, Public-Private Partnerships, Measurable Impact, and Awards”.
“For us to succeed, therefore, collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, industry leaders, and communities cannot be overemphasised”.
“Together, we will create a ripple effect of change that transcends barriers, bringing digital literacy to the forefront of our national development”, the Director-General assured.
While extending gratitude to all the partners, sponsors, and individuals who have joined hands to make the “DigitalForAll Initiative” a reality, Inuwa urged all parties to embark on the challenge journey with enthusiasm, determination, and a shared vision of a digitally inclusive Nigeria.
“We commit to a future where digital empowerment knows no bounds, and every Nigerian is equipped to thrive in the digital age”, Inuwa concluded.
Earlier, Founder, Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola, while welcoming guests and giving an overview of the DigitalForAllChallenge, made it known that a total of One Hundred and Fifty (150) Million Naira will be won across the different categories as prizes.
“We believe and are driven by the fact that every Nigerian deserves the right to digital literacy and skills for the future of work.
“There are very intentional efforts by NITDA to invest in the sustainability of this initiative for the long run”, Mr Ogunsola stressed.
Ogunsola went on to inform the audience that there will be essentially, the state level challenges, regional; at the geopolitical level, and the grand finale which will be held on NITDA’s Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition Day.
“The challenge has two phases, the training and competition phases. After the first, beneficiaries will be required to take an assessment to qualify for the second phase”, the Founder espoused.
The initiative by Tech4Dev and in partnership with NITDA and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is arguably Africa’s largest digital skilling competition, designed to reward self-development and encourage the acquisition and use of digital skills through competitive incentives.
Telecom
New Winners of Glo Jolly Win Promo Receive Millions in Prizes
The Glo Jolly Win promo by Globacom has again made new millionaires who were presented their prizes at an event recently held in Lagos.
The presentation was conducted in conjunction with NCC-licensed Nitroswitch, an aggregator company, and Tetragrammaton, as the value-added service provider for these services. The five winners received their cheques and were instantly credited with their winnings at the ceremony.
Last September, Mr.Olieh Somtochukwu, a member of staff of a real estate company in Anambra State, became the first winner of the sum of N1 million naira in the promo.
Mrs. Adebayo Idowu, a recently retired school teacher, found it hard to believe her good fortune in September when she should have received her money despite several voice and video calls to her. She was full of appreciation to Globacom when she eventually came for the presentation of her prize at the ceremony last week.
Glo Jolly Win also produced other millionaires including Ganiu Bayo, a Lagos-based printing and publishing specialist, Abdul Mumuni Oseni, a corporate driver, Abiodun Oluwasanmi Temitayo, a mechanical engineer and Ashimiu Aminat Idowu, a teacher.
Mr. Mojeed Aluko of the Value Added Services Department of Globacom, noted at the ceremony that “the Glo Jolly Win is a lottery service in which subscribers can answer trivia questions or spin a wheel to win loads of airtime, data and cash prizes for as low as N100/day, with no need for downloads or any storage usage on their phones.
Subscribers can select their preferred services from the options of Jolly Trivia, Wheel, Win & Life to join in the fun and excitement of the lottery with the potential to become millionaires”.
Subsribers who desire to be part of the promo are enjoined to dial *20152# or send JWD to 20152 on their Glo lines.
Telecom
MTN Nigeria to Issue N50Bn Commercial Paper
MTN Nigeria has proposed issuing up to N50bn series 11 and 12 commercial paper notes to raise funding for its operations, according to the company’s notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
The notes issuance is under the company’s N250bn commercial paper issuance programme.
According to the statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, the issuance is part of the company’s strategy to diversify its financing options with the funds being deployed towards short-term working capital requirements.
MTN Nigeria recently completed its series 10 commercial paper issuance under its upsized N250b commercial paper issuance programme.
Ukpanah, the telecom giant it sought to raise N72.1bn and the offer recorded 149 per cent subscription with N72.1bn issued.
The 266-day commercial paper was issued on 29 November 2023 at a yield of 16 per cent.
The CP issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy of continuing to diversify its funding sources and reduce its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied to short-term working capital requirements.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded a 149 per cent subscription from a broad range of investors. This reflects NTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, brand strength, and market leadership amidst the upward pressure on interest rates”
Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited played the role of Arranger and Dealer with ARM Securities Limited. Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronations Marchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital &Investments Limited, Rand Marchant Bank Limited, and Vetiva Capital Management Limited played the role of Joint Dealers on the transaction.
Telecom
How AI Agents can Step in as Consumer Trust Slips
Salesforce’s latest State of the AI Connected Customer research reveals consumer trust in companies is at a record low and that AI is raising the stakes for brands.
Today, 60% of consumers believe that advances in AI make trust even more important, and with AI agents on the rise, the findings point to real opportunities for companies to win back consumers with trustworthy AI agents this holiday season. This opportunity is greatest with Gen Zers, with almost a third of Gen Z consumers saying they’d be comfortable having an agent shop for them.
Faced with a challenging holiday shopping season and sinking consumer trust, brands can’t afford to get AI wrong—especially as more than $200 billion in global online sales will be influenced by AI this holiday season.
AI agents, or intelligent software that understands and responds to customer inquiries without human intervention, can help companies drive higher margins and keep consumers buying by delivering incredible customer service. From alleviating clunky purchase experiences to difficult return processes, there’s an agent for that. But to build trusted customer relationships, brands need trusted AI agents that are grounded in transparency and the right data.
Consumers trust less, expect more
Consumer trust is at its lowest point in eight years, and advances in AI make earning that trust more critical than ever.
Nearly three-quarters (72%) of consumers trust companies less than they did a year ago
65% feel companies are reckless with customer data
It’s not just about trust; consumers also expect best-in-class experiences.
69% of consumers expect consistent interactions across departments
Nearly 60% of consumers prefer using fewer touchpoints to get information or complete a task
While better deals are a top driver for consumers to switch to a new brand, customer service experience, convenience, and consistent product or service quality drive more long-term brand loyalty.
43% of consumers say poor customer service experience will stop them from making a repeat purchase from a company or brand
More than a third of consumers say that inconvenience, such as a difficult return process or clunky purchase experience, will cause brands to lose them
Younger consumers are most open to AI agents
The research shows Gen Zers and millennials are more willing than older generations to use AI agents to improve their customer experience by creating more personalised, or useful content.
Younger generations, in particular, hold companies to a higher standard when it comes to adapting to and anticipating their needs—43% of Gen Zers and millennials say AI raises the bar for customer experiences compared to just 32% of baby boomers.
Gen Z and millennial consumers are more likely than older generations to consider the benefits provided by agents.
Transparency is key to building consumer confidence in the AI agent era
Despite the promise of young shoppers, many consumers haven’t made up their minds on AI yet. Nearly half of consumers are neutral about AI’s impact on their lives, whether personal or professional.
In fact, many consumers feel a mix of suspicion (44%) and curiosity (41%) about the future of AI —revealing a ripe opportunity for companies to help consumers see and understand the benefits of AI agents.
Over a third of consumers would work with an AI agent instead of a person to avoid repeating themselves
30% of consumers—even more among Gen Z and millennials (37%)—would work with an AI agent instead of a person for faster service
A quarter of consumers — even more among Gen Z and millennials (roughly one-third)—would share their personal information with an AI agent so it can better anticipate their needs
To build confidence in the agent experience, businesses need to bridge the trust gap through more transparency.
Nearly 75% of consumers want to know if they’re communicating with an AI agent
45% are more likely to use an AI agent if there’s a clear escalation path
44% are more likely to use an AI agent if its logic is clearly explained
“Retailers face a much more competitive shopping season this year, as they look to deliver higher margins in the midst of increasing customer demands. AI agents can help brands deliver consistent, personalised experiences for shoppers across every channel – deepening customer loyalty and ultimately driving more sales,” says Linda Saunders, Salesforce Director Solutions Engineering Africa.
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