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Help! Fake Products Killing Nigeria
Nigeria is under siege of substandard products and beyond rhetoric, local companies and legitimate businesses die by installment. At every turns and bends, open markets of fake and substandard Information and Communications Technology products like handset and accessories; television or radio sets, computers and allied products liter the country. As government, regulatory authorities and security agencies sit idly by occasionally waxing worriedly, the influx of substandard information technology products is overrunning the country. And like a sing song, this present government like all previous governments talks of plans to set standard for all IT products imported or produced in Nigeria. Now, without casting aspersions, why has this plans not materialized since late the ‘80s when Nigeria emerged as dumping ground for any rejected technology or product? To add salt to injury, when government officials speak of efforts to check the unfortunate trend, they speak as if it is someone’s job to do. They hardly own a project, drive it and swim or sink with it. They are terrible bunch of buck passers. We must first commend Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for waking up by barking and biting hard on illegal occupiers of spectrum and clampdown on handset sellers without type approvals, more still need to be done. But what stops the National information Technology Development Agency (Nitda) which is the self proclaimed prime agency and catalyst for transforming Nigeria into a knowledge-based and IT-driven economy from spearheading the use of local software by local companies and government agencies? In Nitda, it is hard to see even one locally assembled computer not to talk of software. Charity begins at home as the saying goes. What stops the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) from seeing through even one conviction in cases of piracy and intellectual theft to serve as a deterrent to others? NCC peopled by many lawyers and has all the enabling laws to do its job. It can also work in concert with security agencies. But to think of it, where are the men of the Nigeria Customs when these goods come into the country? Are the products flown IN with unidentified flying objects? If we excuse the men of Customs that they are IT illiterates, what is the duty of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)? It is a classical case of too many cooks in the kitchen and lots of men busy doing nothing. What are the duties of so-called National Office for Technology Acquisition and the Local Content Office? It is so sad that the multiplicity of the agencies have succeeded in portraying efforts to rebuild Nigeria with knowledge and ICT as a mere joke. A joke because the agencies appear not feel the pain of companies shutting down everyday because fake and cheaper products have displaced them. Government on its part seems less concerned even in the face of the huge loss of legitimate revenue that would have accrued it if the products are manufactured locally or imported through the regular channel. Is it possible that some unscrupulous elements in the same government are involved in the importation of the fake products? And when arrests are even made, are there people in the same government who interfere in investigation and prosecution? The government also doesn’t seem to care that the lives of the people it is governing are at risk of fake and substandard products. It is however pertinent to warn that the collective decision not to check substandard products is killing innovation and drives of generations of Nigerians unborn. This is a wake up call; the fight against fake and substandard products needs a strong political will. The political will embedded in the ideals of providing better lives for Nigerians hungry for inspiring leadership.
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Nedjip Tozun, CEO d.light Named in 2024 TIME100 Climate List for Transformative Impact on Clean Energy Access
Nedjip Tozun, Co-founder and CEO at d.light, has been named one of the world’s most influential leaders driving business to real climate action in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list.
TIME’s annual climate list recognizes the world’s most innovative and impactful business leaders championing climate action and working toward a sustainable future. This honor celebrates Tozun’s visionary leadership and commitment to transforming energy access for underserved communities across Africa and Asia.
Since co-founding d.light in 2007 at Stanford University, Tozun has led the company’s mission to empower lives through sustainable, affordable, off-grid clean energy solutions. Under his leadership, d.light has reached over 180 million people, providing transformative products such as solar home systems, lanterns, and appliances, and connecting households and businesses to life-enhancing solar energy.
With a growing footprint across some of the world’s most energy-challenged regions, d.light’s innovative pay-as-you-go platform, Atlas, enables over 6 million transactions monthly, making clean energy accessible and affordable for millions.
“We are honored to see Nedjip’s dedication recognized by TIME as part of this esteemed Climate list,” said Wayne Keast, d.light board member and Managing Partner of Inspired Evolution. “His passion for bringing clean energy to the most remote communities is reshaping the future of energy, health, and opportunity in regions where the climate crisis hits hardest.”
As a pioneer in clean, off-grid energy solutions, Tozun has not only driven unprecedented growth for d.light but has also challenged and changed the industry landscape.
His work has made d.light a trusted partner in the global climate effort, positioning the company as a model for sustainable development and scalable solutions in emerging markets.
With a goal of impacting 1 billion people by 2030, d.light continues to scale operations and forge partnerships to meet growing demand while addressing critical climate issues head-on.
“I’m truly grateful to be recognized by TIME for our work in advancing clean energy access”, said Tozun. “This acknowledgment underscores the urgent need to prioritize equitable access to clean energy as we tackle climate change.
d.light’s work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to energy, and I am proud of what we have achieved together with our team, partners, and the communities we serve.”
Tozun’s inclusion in the TIME100 Climate list highlights the impact of d.light’s work across Africa and elsewhere. It follows d.light’s recent recognition as a finalist in the 2024 Earthshot Prize, the international environmental award founded by the UK’s Prince William that recognises groundbreaking sustainable solutions for repairing and regenerating the planet.
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Cloud Energy Solar Shines Bright with 200 Watts Street Lighting Bulb
Nigeria’s foremost indigenous Renewable Energy Company, decorated by industry partners as the most Outstanding Energy Provider, Cloud Energy Solar, living true to its appellations, is focusing its renewable energy competencies beyond the home and office.
Cloud Energy has increased its impact in street lighting with the design and production of the 200 Watts street lighting bulb.
The 200 Watts bulb consolidates the reputation of brightness and long lasting for the Cloud Energy range of energy saving bulbs, in the homes and offices.
Spurred by the abundance of the sun, the Cloud Energy Solar Company seems challenged to never let the sun set. The Managing Director of Cloud Energy, Mr. Theophilus Nweke, launching the 200 Watts bulb observed that the times are dangerous in terms of security.
Therefore, the brilliance of the street lighting will eliminate all lurking shadows from the streets and security posts. It is an answer to a call to duty for all patriots to deploy their competencies to enhance national security.
The renewable energy boss said that citizens must be prepared to make sacrifice to give Nigeria its deserved place as the giant of Africa. These sacrifices can come from the kind of opportunities that OEMs give to Nigerians. For example, Cloud Energy, a leading solar practitioner is currently offering rooftop solar panels with a flexible payment plan up to two years or more.
Property owners can now design their buildings with solar panels on the roof and keep paying long after they have completed and moved into the houses.
This flexible payment consideration, the Cloud Energy Boss explains, extends to the entire range of Cloud Energy Solar products – Energy storage products, Inverters, Batteries; Lifestyle products, Fridges, Freezers, Fans Television sets, and solar accessories.
These offers are conveyed in a campaign entitled Bridge the Energy Gap, a clear departure from the traditional way of presenting offers in the market.
The bridge has been used as a symbol to convey a sense of professional support, assistance, and partnership.
The bridge beyond meaning a make-up for a shortfall also provides a thorough fare to the energy transition, without bottlenecks. It deletes all doubts and gives a sense of certainty for a transition.to Solar.
The bridge is the fact that Cloud Energy in partnership with its finance partners offers different kinds of payment plan to ensure a done deal, in electricity, without tears.
Cloud Energy, founded in 2015 has earned respect by installing Solar and Inverter systems for discerning clients, mainly academic, research institutions and multi-nationals across the nation.
In less than a decade Cloud Energy has foot prints in the Banking and Finance sector with ATM installations; Homes and Public buildings with Solar Systems; and is a viable partner to governments through the Rural Electrification Project.
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Airtel HR Director, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias Honoured as HR Leader of the Year
The Director of Human Resources and Administration at Airtel Nigeria, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, has been awarded as HR Leader of the Year at the 2024 HR People Magazine Awards, organized by Mapelwood Global Resource.
The award ceremony, held recently at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, celebrated the achievements of outstanding HR professionals across Nigeria who have contributed significantly to organizational success and workplace culture.
Speaking on the recognition, Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, expressed immense pride in Ayo-Elias’s achievement, describing it as a milestone not only for her but also for the company.
“Adebimpe’s impact, dedication, and leadership extend well beyond Airtel, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her influence in the HR field. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to her continued contributions to the industry,” he said.
Receiving the award, Adebimpe expressed gratitude for the honour, reiterating her commitment to advancing world-class HR practices within her organisation.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of those we serve within and beyond the organization. Airtel Nigeria creates an environment that nurtures growth, encourages innovation, and prioritizes the well-being of every employee and as such, this award motivates me to continue championing these values,” she said.
This award reaffirms Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to developing and empowering talent, further establishing the company as a leading force in creating an impactful, forward-thinking workplace.
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