Telecom
FG to Focus on Coys, not Codes in Software Development Plan-Johnson

Mrs. Omobola Johnson, minister of Communication Technology, said that an assessment of the nation’s software industry landscape has revealed that dual points of innovation process and companies, not code are the critical aspects to tackle in order to tap into the potentials.
She made the remark at the ISPON 2013 National Software Conference and Competition in Calabar, Cross River State.
Johnoson regretted that several billions of naira leave the shores of Nigeria every year as licences and other fees to foreign software companies.
“This doesn’t have to be. Software Strategies for us as a country must be not only about improving productivity because it also provides an avenue for transforming the economy, creating jobs and creating wealth. So we need to tackle the broader challenge of how we take our promising software developers and software engineers and help them to become entrepreneurs that can take advantage of this opportunity?,” Johnson remarked.
While extolling ISPON for this year’s theme, “Software Strategies for Retooling the Workforce”, she added that Software has indeed accelerated productivity in the workplace, “for example the simple word processing tools and spreadsheet tools that we had in the 80’s to the more encompassing office productivity tools such as the Microsoft Office suite .
“From simple accounting packages to the sophisticated Enterprise Resource Planning applications that support the entire organisational functions, HR, Accounting, Finance, Logistics, Billing, Procurement etc’, I am sure you can think of many other examples of the impact that software has made to workplace productivity”.
She maintained that with an accepted and well documented failure rate of 90% in the software enterpreneurship space, stakeholders must accelerate and scale up the innovation process.
Johnson said: “Silicon Valley and Israel (a country that has earned the appellation of “start up nation’) have literally thousands of companies in the ideation or start up stage at any point in time, the outcome of which is tens of companies that are either acquired by the bigger players or go on to become big players themselves. (Shopping.com acquired by ebay for $620m, face.com a face recognition software acquired by Facebook for $100m.
“We have made some progress in the short time that the Ministry of Communication Technology has been in existence. There is a thriving ecosystem of innovation hubs with the private sector participating well through the Co-Creation Hub, Venia Business Hub and others.
“The government has also intervened with the set up of the iDEA hubs in Lagos and Calabar (with more to come) which aim to cover both the innovation and ideation process as well as accelerating the process from ideation to business creation. Our first cohort of incubates at the iDEA hubs were drawn from the developers that provided solutions adjudged as having potential by the Oil & Gas as well as financial sectors. Our next cohort will be tasked with building solutions for the Agriculture, industry, an effort being designed together with USAID…
“We are open to ideas as to the what solutions should be tackled next as we believe that software solutions that come out of our industry should be designed to meet particular needs, commercial as well as social and of course be exportable to other countries.
“We would do well to benchmark ourselves against other regional economies like Kenya and South Africa. The global success of the Kenyan Ushahidi platform shows we have a long way to go as we do not as yet have the one (or more) software solutions that have international appeal and are instantly recognizable as Nigerian. The South African software industry, with its exports of homegrown fraud prevention, revenue management solutions, mobile applications as well as an instantly recognized Open Source platform (Ubuntu) drives home this point.
“Ideally, these kinds of hubs should grow organically in Universities, Cyber cafes, libraries as access to the Internet improves but it will be much easier to roll out a clear philosophy through a connected network of hubs started by the government but ultimately will be run by the private sector”.
She added that the philosophy must also instill in the nation’s entrepreneurs the freedom to experiment that will truly free their ideation process. Too many software solutions that are released these days follow the familiar, safe path of former successes in entertainment (for example) or simply put a Nigerian twist on solutions that have succeeded elsewhere.
“While addressing the structural issues that should encourage our entrepreneurs to concentrate on “Companies, not code”, we must also ensure we do not take the technical requirements of this industry for granted.
“Many of our software developers are self-taught and while this is admirable, it also means that any errors in coding can be carried over for several “generations” of developers. To guard against this, the setup of coding schools will be encouraged and supported where necessary by the government – similar to our support and interventions in the innovation hubs/accelerators.
“This is an intense process that requires the all the proverbial hands to be on deck and I call on ISPON to collaborate intensely with us on all these initiatives to achieve their ultimate vision of a vibrant, competitive and world class software industry,” she noted.
Telecom
MTN, Lynk Global Make Africa’s First Satellite-to-Mobile Call

MTN South Africa, in partnership with Lynk Global, has successfully conducted Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call touted as a groundbreaking development.
This historic trial, conducted in Vryburg, North West province, marks a major step toward bridging connectivity gaps in underserved and rural regions across the continent.
The test involved making a voice call using a standard smartphone connected via a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional network infrastructure, providing a viable solution for remote areas with limited or no mobile coverage.
According to Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, this initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to extend network coverage to hard-to-reach areas.
“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure connectivity for all, regardless of location,” Molapisi stated.
The trial also assessed SMS capabilities over the LEO satellite connection, proving the technology’s potential for widespread application.
With successful implementation, satellite-to-mobile communication could revolutionise telecommunications in Africa, enabling digital inclusion and economic opportunities in regions previously disconnected from mainstream networks.
This milestone underscores the growing role of satellite technology in Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
By integrating satellite solutions with existing mobile networks, MTN and Lynk Global aim to provide seamless connectivity that overcomes traditional infrastructure challenges.
Telecom
Smart Treasure Investment Team’s Initiatives Eradicate Poverty, Says Aminu

Samson Aminu, also known as Smile, has described the Smart Treasure Investment Team (ST Team) as a transformative force that has empowered its members and significantly contributed to poverty eradication.

Samson Aminu
Aminu, a VIP 9 member of the team, shared his experiences on Friday during the official car presentation ceremony held at the regional office in Lagos. Having recently received a Lexus RX350 and an international vacation from the team, Aminu recounted how the organization has positively changed his life.
“The Smart Treasure Investment Team has really imparted my life positively and changed my status from zero to hero,” he said.
He revealed that his first earnings through the team allowed him to relocate to a new apartment and acquire gadgets. “I’ve purchased various items for myself and my family, and established an operational center in Ilorin,” he added.
The ST Team, according to Aminu, aligns its activities with the United Nations’ 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include youth empowerment, poverty eradication, support for education in rural areas, and community service.
“The ST Team has come to eradicate poverty in Africa and across the globe. We are teaching people how to catch fish by themselves and making them financially stable,” Aminu explained.
He highlighted the organization’s initiatives such as providing allowances to civil servants, feeding the elderly, orphans, and widows, and investing in agriculture to sustain local communities.
“If the ST Team lasts long for another three years, the government would be grateful to this project as it would bring peace and comfort to the society,” Aminu said.
He applauded the leaders of the organization, Dr. Harold and Mentor Tina, for their sincerity, honesty, and dedication to humanity. “I urge the government to support this project, which has brought significant change to Nigeria in just two years,” he said.
Aminu, who has over 15 years of experience in multilevel marketing, commended the team for its exceptional standards and sustainability.
Telecom
15-Year-Old Autistic Artist, Kanye, to Unveil World’s Largest Art Canvas on Autism Awareness Day

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, affectionately known as Kanye, has become a beacon of inspiration for Nigeria’s youth. The 15-year-old autistic artist is set to unveil what is expected to be the world’s largest art canvas by an individual on April 2, 2025, World Autism Awareness Day, at Eagles Square in Abuja.
Kanye’s journey began at the tender age of two when he first showed a proclivity towards art. Despite facing challenges associated with autism, Kanye has flourished as an artist, earning accolades and the nickname “Young Picasso” for his exceptional abstract paintings.
The young prodigy’s attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record started in November. 2024, as part of the Zeebah Foundation’s ‘Impossibility Is A Myth’ project. This initiative not only showcases Kanye’s extraordinary talent but also aims to raise funds for a state-of-the-art autism resource center in Abuja, highlighting the need for greater support and inclusion for individuals with autism.
Kanye’s story aligns with MTN Nigeria’s recent “Go Make A Difference” (Go M.A.D) campaign, which encourages Nigerians to take bold steps and create positive impacts in their communities. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasised how Kanye embodies the Go M.A.D philosophy: “MTN’s mission is to connect people all over the world. Kanye is connecting art lovers, and people all over the world as well. He is a true icon, breaking barriers and proving that nothing is impossible”.
The unveiling event will be attended by key dignitaries, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. This high-profile support underscores the significance of Kanye’s achievement and its potential to inspire change.
Kanye’s father, Tagbo Okeke, stressed that this record attempt goes beyond personal achievement. “We started this awareness campaign to tell parents that no child should be left behind, that they are Fabulous, Autistic and Talented,” he said. The family’s efforts, including opening a gallery in Abuja where art therapy workshops are conducted, demonstrate their commitment to supporting others on the autism spectrum.
As Nigeria’s youth witness Kanye’s remarkable journey, many are inspired to make their own difference, regardless of the challenges they face. Kanye’s story proves that with determination, support, and the right tools – such as those provided by initiatives like MTN’s Go M.A.D campaign – young Nigerians can achieve extraordinary feats and create meaningful change in their communities.
Kanye’s upcoming unveiling of his monumental artwork is not just a personal triumph; it’s a powerful statement about inclusion, perseverance, and the limitless potential of Nigeria’s youth to make a difference.
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Smart Treasure Investment Team’s Initiatives Eradicate Poverty, Says Aminu