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Local Firms Yet to Leverage on Big-Data-Adisa

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Bolanle Adisa, country managing director, International Data Corporation (IDC), West Africa, has worked at SAP Africa (Pty) Limited; Computer Warehouse Group (ExpertEdge Software); Digital Communication Konsult Nig. Ltd and KPS Limited.
He is responsible for the general management of the West African office and overseeing global projects and developing new business opportunities in West African Region.
In this interview with peter ugwu, the IDC boss explained IDC CIOs Summit and other issues.
 
Overview Of International Data Corporation (IDC)
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets.
We help IT professionals, business executives, and the investment communities make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy.
 
Plans for IDC in West African Market
Our plan is to increase the awareness of what IDC has to offer in this market and enable ICT professionals, business executives, and investors to make informed decisions that enhance their business prospects.
To fully capitalize on opportunities in the market you must have intelligence, and providing that all-important commodity to our customers is what IDC is all about.
As such, we are focused on increasing our coverage and extending our reach to prospective customers in order to help achieve this goal.
 
Data Analytics and Adoption in the Nigeria IT Environment?
Getting data and analyzing data in Nigeria can be challenging. Getting the data is the first hurdle that has to be overcome.
Unfortunately, a lot of organizations find it difficult to lay their hands on the data they require, either because it simply isn’t available or because there are concerns around its authenticity/reliability.
The adoption level is high among multinationals, but more work must be done among the indigenous companies to help them realize that their businesses can take a turn for the better when they utilize reliable research data and insights to inform their decision-making processes.
 
IDC’S CIO Summit
Having been successful in providing fact-based reports on evolving trends and the use of ICT globally, IDC believes it is important to facilitate ongoing discussions between key ICT stakeholders, especially those that are tasked with managing technology within the enterprise landscape.
The goal of the CIO Summit is to drive high-level interactions on the effective use of ICT in modern businesses, the latest trends and critical issues shaping the market, and the changing economic, social, and regulatory environments impacting both the sale and use of ICT.
 
What Are the Significances of this Year’s Summit?
IDC’s CIO Summits have been successfully bringing technology leaders together from across Africa for five years now.
However, following valued feedback from previous participants, IDC decided to split the annual event into three sub-regions. So, for the first time this year we have CIO Summits that have been tailored specifically to address the individual needs of East, West, and Southern Africa.
As a result of this approach, the discussions between the invited stakeholders will not only focus on emerging global technology trends, but also on the impact they are expected to have on the unique business environment of West Africa.
Presenting a local perspective on global issues, the event will delve deep into the specific challenges and realities of technology use within the parameters of the region.
 
Nigeria’s Market in Terms of Implementation of Market Intelligence Reports
Nigeria’s positioning in the global market space is becoming increasingly important. When the world thinks of emerging markets, Nigeria always features toward the top of the list, and for that singular reason, market intelligence report are becoming very important for investors and business owners.
The goal of any emerging business should be to identify their niche market and maximize it.
We see multinationals taking advantage of these market intelligence reports more than local organizations; they plan their businesses around these reports as the analysis within them provides all the information they require to know where to play, to assess the competition, and to make decisions on what business areas to focus on. It is undoubtedly becoming increasingly important for local organizations to embrace this idea of planning their businesses around reliable market intelligence as well.
 
Required Skills to Harness the Big Data for Usage
We possibly are not having a ‘big issue’ yet in Nigeria in regards to Big Data, but we need to start planning around it so this remains the case.
As businesses grow, so grows the business data. Banks, manufacturing companies, etc. are all embracing mobile and social technologies, and the increasing use of such solutions drives a simultaneous explosion in the amount of data generated.
Online retail is also on the rise, mobile transactions are increasing, organizations are interacting more with customers via social media platforms — the resultant effects of all of this is Big Data and it is important that CIOs put proper plans in place to accommodate these changes.
In terms of skills, I believe the relevant skill sets are readily available here. And if they’re not, it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge to upskill people to manage the relevant technology as Nigerian organizations have smart resources to call upon.
I am more concerned about the planning and strategy aspects, as these must be implemented properly in order to ensure smooth management of the process. 
 
Research and Development in Nigeria
No, we are not there yet in terms of investment in research and development.
There is still a lot of work to be done by both the government and the private sector when it comes to investing in research.


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Dufil Takes Donation of Indomie Noodles Cartons to Vulnerable Communities in Abuja and Environ

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In line with its commitment to provide critical support to indigent members of communities around the country in the face of the ongoing economic challenges, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, in partnership with Golan Helps Abuja Food Bank Initiative (GHAFBI) and Meluibe Foundation on Wednesday, April 17 distributed Indomie noodles cartons to vulnerable communities in Kuje and Kubwa Local Government Areas in Abuja.

With the goal of alleviating hunger and supporting communities across Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has committed to donating a substantial quantity of noodle packs to various NGOs working tirelessly to address food insecurity.

These organizations play a crucial role in reaching remote and underserved areas, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.

“We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate,” said Olusola Olayinka Idowu OON, former Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, and the CEO/Founder of GHAFBI.

“At GHAFBI, we believe that everyone deserves access to wholesome and nourishing food. Our partnership with Dufil Prima Foods to donate Indomie Noodles packs is a big step towards addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Abuja”, said Idowu who was also the former National Conveyor, UN Food System Dialogues in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Executive Director, The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Indomie Noodles for the partnership. “Our vision as an NGO is to change the world one step at a time, by providing relief and support to vulnerable communities.

This is achieved through collaborations and partnerships, one of which is what we have done with Indomie Noodles. We remain grateful for their support through this food relief initiative”, she said.

By partnering with NGOs, Indomie Instant Noodles works closely with local leaders and community heads in directly engaging with rural communities to distribute noodle packs and provide immediate relief to families facing hunger and ensuring that food assistance reaches those who are most in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and community leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity”, said Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited. “Together, we bring hope, love and relief for all”.

The community leaders and some of the beneficiaries also expressed their immense gratitude to Indomie for the support, stressing the impact the products donated will have in alleviating hunger in their communities.

Speaking at the outreach centre, His Royal Highness, Muhammed D. Jibril, Community Leader of Gbazango Community in Kubwa Local Government Area said: “I am very grateful to Indomie Noodles for coming to our aid in these challenging times. I pray for more expansion and growth for the business and may God bless Indomie Noodles”.

Other communities who benefited from the product donations include Wunmi, Tondo, Godoji and Shazhi communities in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Dufil Prima Food’s donation of Indomie Noodle packs underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting communities in need. By providing essential food relief, Dufil Prima Foods is contributing to the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains dedicated to bringing joy to mealtimes and making a positive impact in communities around the world.


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Empowering Nigerian Retail: The Promise of Pay on Delivery

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E-commerce in Nigeria has evolved exponentially in recent years, transforming the retail landscape and reshaping consumer habits. From the early days of skepticism and distrust to today’s thriving online marketplaces, the journey has been marked by innovation, adaptation, and perhaps most importantly, the establishment of trust and security between buyers and sellers. At the core of this transformation, Pay on Delivery (PoD) has emerged as the unsung hero of e-commerce.

The premise is straightforward: customers could place orders online and pay for their purchases only upon receipt. This innovative approach not only addressed concerns about security but also provided tangible reassurance to hesitant buyers. In countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked and where distrust in online transactions and fraudulent activities were once rampant, Pay on Delivery has emerged as a lifeline for both consumers and businesses. Many consumers were understandably hesitant to part with their hard-earned money before receiving their desired goods. Pay on delivery bridges this trust gap, offering reassurance to buyers and empowering them to transact with confidence.

In Nigeria, despite the adoption of a wide range of electronic payments, cash is still king. The results of a survey conducted in 2021 show that cash remains the dominant payment method, reflecting the ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by Oxford Business Group found that 70% of Nigerians prefer to pay with cash on delivery, while 28% use credit or debit cards, and only 12% use mobile money platforms. This has challenged e-retailers, and some companies like Jumia, to adapt by prioritizing cash-on-delivery options to cater to this consumer preference.

The Promise of Pay on Delivery in Nigeria

With consumers in mind, Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, has made Pay on Delivery a cornerstone of its business model. Understanding the local market dynamics and the importance of trust and convenience, the company has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless Pay on Delivery experience for its customers.

One of the key benefits of Jumia’s Pay on Delivery service is its flexibility. Customers have the option to inspect their purchases before making payment, ensuring satisfaction and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. This added layer of security not only enhances the overall shopping experience but also builds long-term trust and loyalty among customers.

Moreover, Jumia has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that products meet customer expectations upon delivery. This includes partnering with reputable brands and implementing stringent verification processes to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the marketplace. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and product quality, Jumia has solidified its reputation as a trusted online retailer in Nigeria.

Beyond enhancing trust and security, Pay on Delivery has also played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria. By providing an alternative payment method for those without access to traditional banking services, Jumia has expanded the reach of e-commerce to a broader segment of the population. This not only benefits consumers by providing greater access to goods and services but also stimulates economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and driving demand for products and services.

In all, the future of e-commerce in Nigeria looks promising, with Pay on Delivery poised to remain a key enabler of growth and expansion. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, innovative solutions like Pay on Delivery will continue to drive the transformation of the retail landscape, empowering Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.

 


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Verra Certifies d.light’s Clean Cookstove Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

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A series of pioneering projects by d.light, the global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, to distribute 600,000 energy-efficient clean cookstoves in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda have been officially certified by global verification body Verra.

This certification confirms the d.light projects as trusted, verified sources of high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon markets (VCMs).

The d.light projects aim to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, tackle indoor air pollution, and reduce deforestation through the sale of highly efficient biomass cookstoves subsidized by the revenues from the sale of carbon credits.

Since their launch in late 2022, the projects have positively impacted more than one million lives and are projected to transform more than three million lives by 2025.

Commenting on the news, Karl Skare, d.light’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasized the projects’ positive impact, “With these projects, we’re not just addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing quality of life for millions.

“Each project underscores d.light’s commitment to practical, innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges, as part of our mission to transform the lives of one billion people by 2030.”

Each year, domestic cooking emissions contribute more than two percent of total global GHG emissions and up to 25 percent of anthropogenic black carbon emissions.

Highly energy-efficient cookstoves solve this problem by reducing biomass use by up to 70 percent compared to traditional cooking methods, cutting emissions of both carbon dioxide and black carbon.

The d.light projects are expected to reduce emissions by up to 12 million tons, contributing to climate change mitigation. These emissions reductions will be registered as carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.

As well as reducing emissions, clean cookstoves are also a benefit to public health. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year and is still one of the predominant causes of pollution-related illness and death in Africa.

In Uganda, for example, less than one percent of the population has access to clean cooking, household air pollution is the one of the largest risk factors for death and disability.

In addition, switching from traditional three-stone open fires to cleaner, energy-efficient cookstoves significantly reduces deforestation and reduces threats to wildlife and biodiversity caused by habitat loss.

Skare explained, “By subsidizing energy-efficient cookstove costs through carbon financing, d.light makes clean cooking accessible to more households, which in turn leads to healthier living conditions and conserves natural resources as well.

“Our projects in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda are models of how sustainable investments can yield multiple co-benefits, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and also promoting socio-economic development.

Skare added, “d.light now has projects certified by both Gold Standard and Verra, the world’s two leading certifiers of carbon credits. Organizations looking for ways to offset their own emissions can be confident that when they purchase carbon credits in d.light’s clean cooking projects in sub-Saharan Africa, they are investing in transformative initiatives that reduce harmful emissions, improve people’s health and quality of life, and help conserve the environment as well.”

 


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