Uncategorized
G-MAX Will Slash Internet Costs, Make it Ubiquitous- Nwosu
Engr. Gerald Nwosu, is the Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Wireless Communications Ltd, a Broadband Internet Solutions company providing the revolutionary G-Max brand of convergent services in Nigeria. A trained and chartered engineer of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) London, Nwosu is also registered as a Professional Engineer in Alberta, Canada. He has worked in both the ICT and the Petroleum industry in many parts of the world since 1985. Nwosu spoke about his company and other issues in this interview with chris alu in Abuja.
About G-Max
G-Max stands for Galaxy Wireless Communications’ implementation of the WiMAX broadband technology. We not only utilize the principles of WiMax but hope to extend it such that we are not confined to that technology alone.
Our aim is to give a speedy broadband internet service using the necessary infrastructure at an affordable price, in order to make it ubiquitous in the country.
Right now we started our services in Abuja and Port-Harcourt but we hope to extend our services to 16 states before the end of the year.
We plan to build an internet cloud over Nigeria so that everyone can have access to it in and around the country.
Accessibility and Cost
The challenge we always face is in providing these services at an affordable operating cost, the most dominant of which is the cost of internet bandwidth.
As you may be aware, the same bandwidth costs ten times in Nigeria than in North America or India for that matter. For instance in this country satellite bandwidth goes as much as $7,000 per Mbit/s full duplex while those in India pay about $500 per Mbit/s for a fibre-optic connection with its superior latency characteristics.
It is because of the high cost of bandwidth that made us to sign the agreement with O3b Networks Ltd to deploy a new high capacity backhaul infrastructure to provide high-speed, low-cost Internet connectivity to our subscribers in Nigeria.
We hope that within a span of one or two years, we would be providing quality service with high speed connectivity at much cheaper rates than we have today.
We are also planning some new strategies that will make people get used to or have greater access to internet facilities at an affordable rate. Even though we are encountering other challenges which include erratic power supply and manpower shortages, we are still confident that broadband internet will spread through the country.
High Speed Internet
We do not, as a nation, even have enough fibre-optic capacity and that is an impediment to greater internet speeds. If we have reliable fibre-optic connectivity then it will be a different proposition. But there is hope because Galaxy Wireless is collaborating actively with other companies to use other innovative technologies including satellite technology and provide internet services and connectivity at high speed.
For now majority of Nigerians are not experiencing genuine broadband internet services because of the high cost of bandwidth and so many other issues.
Interconnectivity between Operators
We are not a telephone operator but a broadband internet company so I cannot really comment on interconnectivity issues between the different phone operators in the telecom industry. In the broadband space however, there is really no issue of interconnectivity between operators. In the internet, connectivity is simply having access to the Information Super Highway as quickly as possible so that you can do your business without delay, while in the telecoms sector you need to be connected to various networks like MTN, Glo, Zain.
Infrastructure Issues
Nigeria is still behind in the provision of necessary infrastructure needed for ubiquitous broadband. I think what the government should do is provide infrastructure for the private sector to move in and do the last-mile or if government cannot do it, then the enabling environment needs to be created for private sector participation.
Sea Cable Initiative and Laying Of Fibre Optics Around the Country
As I mentioned earlier, what we need is fibre-optic capacity and every other thing boils down to bandwidth, whether by sea cables or fibre optic on land. The most important thing is the provision of the needed infrastructure so that ISPs can dispense their services on to consumers at affordable rates.
However, there are several initiatives in the pipeline and we are hopeful that on fruition, Nigeria will really be connected to the Information Super Highway.
What Government Must Do
Government is supposed to provide the needed infrastructure for ISPs to ride on and provide better services or sustain the enabling environment for some sort of collaboration with the private sector. We are aware that government is equally trying to work out some initiatives for basic infrastructure deployment that will help our operations in the country.
There are initiatives like SABI (State Accelerated Broadband Initiative) and others being handled by USPF but is still some time before we are yet to start reaping those dividends.
The much needed infrastructure investment needs to be addressed quickly to avoid Nigeria falling into the Information Dark Age.
Global Recession
The big issue is that if the recession bites deeper, people may cut down on the use of internet services as it may be classed as a luxury item.
We do believe that when people really understand what internet is all about, despite the crisis it will be necessary for them to use it, especially during difficult times in order to even find out how to cope.
We hope though that the crisis does not deepen and adversely affect the sector but we are taking several measures to cushion the effect on our business.
Of more serious concern is the sharp depreciation of our local currency against the US Dollar over the past few months which increased our cost of doing business by more than 55% as we buy bandwidth in US Dollars and sell our services in Naira.
Other Challenges
One of the biggest challenges we are facing is power.
Poor power supply is really affecting the industry making us spend a huge portion of our operating expenses on fuel, diesel and plant maintenance.
Another challenge that we tend to forget is manpower.
The needed manpower to fill several vacancies in the communication sector is difficult to come by in this country and this has been a serious challenge to all the operators. It is really unfortunate that in a country with high unemployment, there still remain many jobs that cannot be filled due to lack of local expertise.
Many companies have now resorted to hiring expatriates as a way of attempting to solve this problem which entails additional expenses.
This really goes back to the quality of education in Nigeria and this remains an issue that requires urgent and concerted attention by both the government and the private sector. A situation where we produce illiterate graduates from the universities must be seen as unacceptable. We therefore need to take a hard look at this issue and address it for our own national interest as no nation can develop without a sound educational backbone.
Galaxy has recently launched an e-Learning Initiative to connect our universities to the World Wide Web in order to provide the much-needed access to content required by our schools. This is our way of contributing to education in our country.
Thembi Alfreds was driving home from a soccer match in Johannesburg when she stopped at a traffic light. A thief suddenly appeared and smashed the window of her car, grabbing her phone. She struggled with the thief but they managed to get away with the phone.
The incident left her feeling violated and unsafe. Not only did she lose personal memories, like photos of her children, but her personal and financial information stored on the phone was now compromised.
Phone theft is a serious concern in many countries across Africa, including South Africa, where Thembi’s situation highlights the need for better phone theft solutions.
Smartphone usage is on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa, with adoption rates reaching 61% in Kenya, 31% in Uganda, and 24-25% in Rwanda and Burundi. This increased uptake has been accompanied by a rise in cellphone theft, as these devices become attractive targets for criminals due to their resale value and sensitive data within. This poses a significant challenge that can have serious consequences for both individuals and businesses in the region.
According to the GSMA Consumer Survey 2023, 19% of mobile phone users in South Africa experienced theft or loss of their device in the past year.The GSMA reports millions of devices stolen every year, and the numbers continue to grow. With our phones becoming increasingly more valuable & central to storing sensitive data, like payment information and personal details, losing one can be an unsettling experience.
Phone theft can be a traumatic experience, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk and protect personal information. That’s why we have developed and thoroughly beta tested, a full suite of features designed to protect you and your data at every stage – before, during, and after device theft.
These advanced theft protection features are now available to users around the world through Android 15 and a Google Play Services update (Android 10+ devices).
Theft Detection Lock uses powerful AI to proactively protect you at the moment of a theft attempt. By using on-device machine learning, Theft Detection Lock is able to analyze various device signals to detect potential theft attempts. If the algorithm detects a potential theft attempt on your unlocked device, it locks your screen to keep thieves out.To protect your sensitive data if your phone is stolen, Theft Detection Lock uses device sensors to identify theft attempts.
This feature is rolling out gradually to ensure compatibility with various devices, starting today with Android devices that cover 90% of active users worldwide. Check your theft protection settings page periodically to see if your device is currently supported.
In addition to Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock protects you if a thief tries to take your device offline to extract data or avoid a remote wipe via Android’s Find My Device. If an unlocked device goes offline for prolonged periods, this feature locks the screen to ensure your phone can’t be used in the hands of a thief.
If your Android device is lost or stolen, Remote Lock can quickly help you secure it. Even if you can’t remember your Google account credentials in the moment of theft, you can use any device to visit Android.com/lock and lock your phone with just a verified phone number. Remote Lock secures your device while you regain access through Android’s Find My Device – which lets you secure, locate or remotely wipe your device. As a security best practice, we always recommend backing up your device on a continuous basis, so remotely wiping your device is not an issue.
These features are now available on most Android 10+ devices via a Google Play Services update and must be enabled in settings.
Advanced security to deter theft before it happens
Android 15 introduces new security features to deter theft before it happens by making it harder for thieves to access sensitive settings, apps, or reset your device for resale:
- Changes to sensitive settings like Find My Device now require your PIN, password, or biometric authentication.
- Multiple failed login attempts, which could be a sign that a thief is trying to guess your password, will lock down your device, preventing unauthorized access.
- And enhanced factory reset protection makes it even harder for thieves to reset your device without your Google account credentials, significantly reducing its resale value and protecting your data.
Later this year, we’ll launch Identity Check, an opt-in feature that will add an extra layer of protection by requiring biometric authentication when accessing critical Google account and device settings, like changing your PIN, disabling theft protection, or accessing Passkeys from an untrusted location. This helps prevent unauthorized access even if your device PIN is compromised.
Real-world protection for billions of Android users
By integrating advanced technology like AI and biometric authentication, we’re making Android devices less appealing targets for thieves to give you greater peace of mind. These theft protection features are just one example of how Android is working to provide real-world protection for everyone. We’re dedicated to working with our partners around the world to continuously improve Android security and help you and your data stay safe.
You can turn on the new Android theft features by clicking here on a supported Android device. Learn more about our theft protection features by visiting our help center.
Lagos State Government has awarded a whooping sum of N100 million in grants to 26 successful young agripreneurs at the maiden edition of Agrinnovation.
The grant award ceremony took place yesterday, Tuesday 14, November 2024 at Marcelina house Ikeja Lagos, and was attended by top government official from the Lagos State Government and technocrats of renown.
Agrinnovation, was not only the the very first of its kind, but an audacious step which was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, in conjunction with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and the Eko Innovation Centre and designed to foster meaningful conversations, collaboration, and groundbreaking innovations within the agricultural sector.
Some of the successful young startup agriprenuer who benefitted from the Lagos State Government include; Farmcraft Foods limited, Rehoboth 910, Foodie world, Hommal foods, Ofadahub Nigeria limited, Dharkag Empire limited, D-olivette Renewable Energy and Green Mall.
Others are; Dehydrator hub, Agricfood Technology limited, Corporate farmers international limited, Ultra Farms Integrated Ventures limited, Eti Farms Global limited, Hairat Ajao & Co ( Fisherwoman, Happy Coffee, Ecotutu Limited, Ofadaboy Company, Leky Mills Limited, Yellow fish limited, Ufarmy Ecoedu-Tech Solution Limited, Fauzziyah’s Honey Limited, Green Republic Limited, Price Pally Limited among others.
In his address, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, stated that the state will not stop until she achieves food security and production serving as an example to other parts of the nation and Africa.
He also said that the gesture is a symbol of what the state can achieve when it trusts the youth to lead and supports them in doing so.
His words, “We gather here with the purpose to build sustainable agriculture and food system for the next generation and to ensure that Lagos not only sustains itself but leads Nigeria and Africa towards food security and agricultural excellence.
“As a government, we understand that agriculture development depends on more than just traditional practices. It requires us to embrace technology, foster collaboration and create sustainable practices that endure.
“I want to commend particularly the creation of the Lagos Agrinnovation Club. This club is not just an initiative, it has become a community of young agriprenuers, a hub of creativity and a platform for those who dare to reimagine agriculture.
“This year’s Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, championed by young people who are driven by their vision to transform agriculture and build sustainable solutions.
The 26 finalists we honour today have not only made it through a rigorous selection process but have also shown us that the future of food in Lagos is brought. With access to mentorship, network and share of the N100 million Agrinnovation Fund, these entrepreneurs will have the resources to take their enterprise’s solutions further”.
He also said that the young entrepreneurs will be monitored to ensure that they use the grant well. “To our Agrithon finalists I urge you to put this funding to excellent use, as you’ve demonstrated through your impressive and innovative ideas”, he added.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Abisola Olusanya, Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems of Lagos state expressed her appreciation to all in attendance and especially to the jurors who worked tirelessly in the selection process of the 26 finalists.
“We would like to thank everyone for being here, especially our jurors, who worked throughout the rigorous process on the Agrithon programme, helping us with the selection process from 316 business entries to 26.
“We are here to celebrate young entrepreneurs who have not waited for the government to give them opportunities but have looked within themselves and others for inspiration. They have made themselves and their enterprises something to be proud of and we are proud to be associated with them.
“They have shown that agriculture is indeed a pathway towards being prosperous as a nation, they have shown passion and connectivity. We are proud to celebrate them, to encourage other people to come into the state.
“We want newcomers to know that there is a lot to gain in the agricultural space and particularly in the direction that the government of Governor Samwo-olu is going, there is enough to unearth in the coming months. It is up to you newcomers to come in and plug into what is happening in the sector.”
Also speaking at event and charging benefiacries of the grants, was Mr Victor Afolabi, the Founder of Eko Innovation Centre, according to him, it was important that entrepreneurs understand that investments should be meant for businesses and not for personal upliftment.
His words; “It’s very important for founders to understand that you are not a celebrity, when you raise funds, use it for the business that it was meant for.”
Afolabi who is a serial entrepreneur, noted that it was necessary for young founders to embody discipline when it came to work, addding that this was contributing to the demise of many young startups in the country.
Corroborating his thoughts, Aisha Raheem, the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Farmz2u, noted the importance of plan and vision.
According to her, many startups lose this vision when they become profitable at the first instance.
This was also echoed by Jummai Abalaka, Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) who noted that it was necessary to have a positive attitude towards work.
She said that this works hand in hand to ensure the success of enterprises in the country. They pressed on the matter of separating work from personal wants.
Also speaking at the event, was Prince SJ Samuel, the Chairman of Origin Tech Group who noted that innovation was facing a lot of challenges in the Nigerian landscape.
He pointed out that the average farmer earns about two thousand dollars and takes home about 40%, with more than half of the earnings going into logistics and other expenses.
He also noted that Inflation is very high in the Nigerian economy and food inflation makes up about 38% of that which serves as a major concern in the country.
The entrepreneur stated that the agricultural space contributes about 37% to gdp of the country. Although he a plauded the current administration for its investment in the agricultural sector in the country, compared to its predecessors.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, Mobile Money (MoMo) services have become essential for managing financial transactions conveniently and securely. MTN’s MoMo service offers a plethora of features that can enhance your financial management.
Here are six effective ways to utilise MoMo PSB (Payment Service Bank) to streamline your financial activities.
Cash Deposits and withdrawals
One of the key functions of MoMo PSB is for cash deposits and withdrawals. Users can easily deposit cash into their MoMo Wallets through authorised ATM or POS agents that support the service.
This feature allows you to manage your cash flow efficiently without needing a traditional bank account. To withdraw cash, simply visit a nearby MoMo agent, provide your wallet number, and receive your funds immediately.
Business Transactions
MoMo PSB recently announced their partnership with Vendy LTD, a marketplace on WhatsApp for business owners to get closer to their customers on their favourite apps.
Interested buyers browse inventory, place orders, get invoiced automatically and pay directly on WhatsApp using the MoMo PSB in app payment. You can now say bye to taking screenshots of payment receipts and say hello to a swift payment method.
Bill Payment
With MoMo PSB, paying bills has never been easier. You can settle utility bills, school fees, and other recurring payments directly from your mobile device using USSD codes or the MoMo app. It eliminates the need for physical visits to payment centres and helps you avoid late payment penalties by ensuring timely transactions.
Airtime Purchases
Another convenient feature of MoMo PSB is the ability to purchase airtime directly from your wallet. Whether you need to recharge your phone or buy data bundles, you can do so quickly without needing cash or credit cards. Simply select the amount you wish to purchase and confirm the transaction using your MoMo PIN.
Peer-to-Peer Transfers
Transferring money between friends and family is seamless with MoMo PSB. You can send money instantly to anyone with a MoMo wallet by entering their phone number and the desired amount.
This feature is particularly useful for splitting bills or sending money to loved ones in need without incurring high transfer fees associated with traditional banking methods.
Linking your Wallet to Other Financial Services
To maximise the benefits of using MoMo PSB, consider linking your wallet to other financial services such as savings accounts or Investment platforms. This integration allows for easy fund transfer between accounts and provides better control over your finances by consolidating all transactions in one place.
By leveraging these five functionalities of MoMo PSB, users can enjoy greater convenience in managing their finances while benefiting from the security that comes with mobile money services.
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