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Four Firms Raise ‘Techpreneurs’ Through DevCon Alpha

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Verve International, leading e-payment solution provider in Nigeria, Microsoft, renowned software company, Nokia, smarphone manufacturers and Mobile Monday, a mobile solution developing company have joined hands in a quest to raise technology entrepreneurs (Techpreneurs).

In the Mobile Monday Nigeria developer contest tagged “DevCon Alpha: Build with Verve – Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 Edition”, a developer can win over $200,000 in Marketing and Prizes by participating in the contest.

Speaking to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek immediately the competition was unveiled in Lagos on Monday, Oremeyi Akah, country manager, Verve International, said that the Company was attracted to the contest following its quest to redefine software market while alleviate the sufferings of developers in Nigeria.

She said: “Verve is home grown and our participation and motivation in the context are very clear. The entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria is very strong, especially in the developers’ community. We want to encourage, support and help them attain the heights they envisaged. Verve as a leader in payment solutions we are bringing that aural into the developers’ community.

“People have fantastic apps coupled with a lot of efforts, but they are not commercialized. That implies, they cannot grow their businesses or contribute to the growth of the country’s economy. At the same time, the CBN is trying to push the cashless policy, we are coming in to support that. Their efforts will not be in vein again as they can compete internationally while solving local demands”.

The country manager added that Verve views the programme as a win-win for all the parties involved and the nation will have greater testimony to show for it.     

Also speaking, Tomi Davies, chairman, Mobile Monday Nigeria, said that, DevCon Alpha competition was launched out of concern that the Nigerian software market and the other sectors need to be saved from foreign strangulations.

He said that upping the market value will make it more attractive to the developers.   

Davies said: “We are concerned that some foreign brands and platform are taking over the system in Nigeria; companies from Germany, US, UK, etc. but the people who attended this event today (Monday) are Nigerians who are looking for opportunities to develop the market. That is why Mobile Monday (MoMo) has partnered with Microsoft and Nokia.

Most importantly, we have seen that the big sponsor is Verve; it is a home grown e-payment company. That is why this is very important to us. We need as many Nigerian developers and designers to be part of this competition. Just like Nokia promised, even you do not win they will still promote you provided the software solves local needs. We need icons or role models that will spur the minds of others. Everybody talks about IrokoTv; we want 200 to 300 like of IrokoTv. We know that there is money to be made in mobile software development.

 “Meanwhile, it is not about the $300,000 that will be made by a developer rather we want to train young people that can develop apps that the whole world can assess at the Windows Store.

Why the Windows platform? In as much as we want to do other programmes with other platforms, the focus in on developing Nigerians. We want the country to become a player in the technology space. When we build our software then we can easily solve our local needs.
Where are we coming from? If you look at Nollywood, it is worldwide today, even the Nigerian music industry. MoMo’s aim is to put our software on the same footing; people will come to Nigeria for mobile software applications.

“I don’t want Nigerians to become employee, but employers. We are focused on developing ‘Techpreneurs’; Technology entrepreneur that use technology to create employment and wealth and the tools they will use is what we are developing at MoMo. It is not enough to develop one’s skills and employ you”.

According to him, the process is self selecting; “we are not saying you have to pair. But for you application to be accepted it must be visual appealing to people and technically sound to ensure scalability,” he added. 

On his part, Shina Oyetosho, Microsoft’s Developer Platforms Evangelism Lead, West East and Central Africa Microsoft, said that, it is all about marking the market value attract international recognition while not shying away from local trends and demands.

He said: “Overtime, we have been participating in events and organizing events that ensure we develop local talents in Nigeria. This SDK/payment integration into apps is something that developers have asked for.

“So, we threw it back at the industry. It is an opportunity for the developers to monetize their creativity. The more we do that, the more we are helping the local developers. That is tied to the national goal of developing the software sector. Secondly, it will create employment; there are people who have left their jobs in banks and focused on apps development. And this is a way the industry is providing them with value and a driving force to do more quality work”.

The contest is primarily focused Developers integrating the Verve payment SDK into their applications.

 The winner of this competition will also walk away with interesting prizes and an advertising push provided by Nokia, Microsoft and Verve. It would also be deployed on the Nokia OVI store.

Mobile Apps which have the embedded Verve Payment SDK are able to securely receive payments within the app from the over 20 million Verve Cards and Verve payment tokens in Nigeria.

The solution also utilises Verve’s “Remember Card” feature, implying that customers do not need to enter their card numbers when initiating these payments – only PIN and is some cases CVV2 is required to complete a payment.


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9mobile Addresses Recent Service Outages, Apologizes for Inconvenience

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9mobile has apologized for the recent service outages experienced by its valued customers which has affected their ability to provide voice, data, internet services. “We understand the frustration these disruptions have caused and deeply regret the inconvenience.

“Our technical team has identified the root causes of the outages including a fire incident at our Main Data Centre in Lagos last night which severely impacted services especially in the Lagos and South-West.  We are grateful for the swift intervention of the Lagos State Fire Service, which helped prevent further damage.

“Prior to the fire incident, our network experienced major fibre interruptions leading to varying degrees of outages. We had a fibre cut on the backbone links in Lagos which led to a total data outage across the country.

“This was followed closely by two vandalism incidents in Lagos and Abuja, leading to total service outage in South-West and data service outage in the North.  Services have now been fully restored in the North & South-South States while restorations work is ongoing in others. We expect to fully restore services as soon as possible”

At 9mobile, customer satisfaction is remains top priority. “We value the trust you place in us and appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Customers who continue to experience issues can reach out to our customer service team via our social media touchpoints or our experience centres”.

Once again, we sincerely apologize for the disruption and thank you for your continued support.


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NAF Delegation Visits Zinox Technologies, Discuss Partnership

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A high-level delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recently visited Zinox Technologies, Africa’s foremost integrated ICT solutions company, exploring avenues for a strategic partnership to strengthen the Air Force’s operational and technological infrastructure.

The delegation, led by AVM SK Usman, Chief of Communications Information Systems (CCIS), included notable figures such as Dr. Asogbon, Strategic Consultant on Communication, Air Commodore Isah, Commander of the 041 CIS Dep, Air Commodore AI Hanidu, Director of Information Technology, Air Commodore HC Usman, Director of Electronic Warfare, Squadron Leader Bilawu, and Group Captain Oloretore, Commander of the 641 CIS Group.

During the visit, NAF representatives commended Zinox Technologies for its significant contributions to technological development across Nigeria and Africa. They emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing critical needs, including the localization and implementation of robust data storage solutions at NAF headquarters and nationwide offices to ensure data security and accessibility, as well as deploying intelligent and advanced video surveillance systems to enhance security and operational efficiency.

Additionally, the discussions highlighted providing reliable and efficient alternative power solutions to support critical operations and establishing and equipping annex facilities to meet the NAF’s growing data storage and processing requirements. Both parties also proposed solutions to support the development of various data centres for the Air Force. These discussions underscored Zinox’s capability to meet NAF’s complex requirements, leveraging its experience and innovative technology offerings to enhance national security operations.

Zinox Technologies, known for its pioneering role in the African tech industry, has a proven track record and a rich history of impactful projects across Nigeria and the continent. The company has been instrumental in driving digital transformation initiatives, providing cutting-edge IT solutions, and supporting numerous sectors with innovative tech products.

The foremost tech company has executed several transformative initiatives, including Africa’s largest ICT voter registration rollout and impactful e-education and e-health projects in Nigeria. Zinox holds prestigious certifications such as the Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Lab Certification and ISO 9001:2000.

Zinox’s commitment to technological advancement has earned them a reputation as a leader in the African tech ecosystem, making them a trusted partner for the NAF’s ambitious projects.

By partnering with Zinox, the NAF aims to leverage indigenous cutting-edge technology to enhance its operational capabilities and contribute to the overall development of the Nigerian Air Force. This collaboration highlights Zinox’s unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to support Nigeria’s growth and development.

 


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Nasarawa Technology Village Attracts 12Bn Investments

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Modern Shelter Systems and Services Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading real estate firms has announced that the Nasarawa Technology Village has attracted investments of N12 billion since the project commenced.

Nasarawa Technology Village Attracts 12Bn Investments

The real estate firm added that it has officially commenced feasibility studies for the Aso-Pada Toll Road, which will catalyse the development of the tech-driven innovation hub, creating value for investors and transforming lives along the Keffi-Nyanya-Abuja corridor.

With the signing of the Aso-Pada Toll Road project, Modern Shelter said it is one step closer to realising the vision of Nasarawa Technology Village, which is powered by innovation as the project will connect communities, attract investments, and unlock socio-economic opportunities while providing sustainable, affordable housing for the future.

Commenting on the development, Abdulmalik Mahdi, chief executive officer, said that “The Aso-Pada Toll Road will serve as the backbone of Modern Shelter’s Nasarawa Technology Village, bringing 1,962 homes, a tech incubation centre and more to life.

“The Aso-Pada Toll Road will not only enhance connectivity but also drive the success of our Nasarawa Technology Village project, powered by NGN12.5 billion in investments. Together, we’re creating a hub for innovation, sustainability, and opportunity,” he explained.

 

 

 


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