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Telecom

NDPC Rallies Journalists on the Opportunities Inherent in National Data Protection Sector

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Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has urged journalists covering ICT sector, under the aegis of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) to take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the National Data Protection sector.

Dr. Olatunji made this call during a capacity building workshop organised by the National Data Protection Commission for members of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), held on Tuesday in Lagos.

The national commissioner noted that the sector is a job creating sector, he thereby urged members of the media covering the activities of the commission to be conscious of the opportunities inherent for them.

He stated that journalist while creating awareness on the importance of Data protection should also consider a second career as Data Protection Officers (DPO).

He said that the President had said that he would create one million digital jobs but the NDPC alone would create 500,000 jobs in digital space.

According to him, “with the high rate of unemployed youths, this is a new job area. A new sector contributing to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in the country.

“In Nigeria we are talking about the data of 200m people in the country and have over 500,000 Data processors and controllers.

“Whereas those certified in data privacy are about 100,000 leaving a gap of over 400,000 which is really dangerous.

“As agents we want to protect their data and their interests and the qualified DPOs are not up to 10,000 we do not have enough skilled manpower that would serve as data protection experts.

“Journalist should think of having a second career in the sector and can work anywhere in the world go for further training, get certified which does not have anything to do with what one studied in the university,” he said.

According to him, “it is a whole new skill that is required so what we are doing today is to introduce you to the subject matter”.

He encouraged that the training should be taken seriously, noting that it has introduced a national certification body to make it easier for those who would like to become Data Processing Officers (DPOs).

He noted further that certifications alone does not confer to competence because the holder needs to learn more on the job.

Olatunji said that the Commission is happy that it is coming at this time and have learnt from the experience of others and also made its own laws very flexible to actually legislate and also catch up with basic technology.

According to him, Job and wealth creation is key to processing, that is what the commission keep saying and very soon portal will be opened for data processors and data controllers in Nigeria.

The National commissioner, said that the target is to build a globally competitive mark in data protection in Nigeria and that it has recognised journalists as a major stakeholder.

Olatunji said the journalists should take good opportunity to join because it is global and the same knowledge is passed in terms of objectives, principles.

He said that although peculiarities in terms of challenges; ecosystem levels of intellectual development, the level of Data protection literacy is being considered.

According to him; the task of the commission is huge and the commission cannot do it alone, this is where we need your cooperation in the area of advocacy we need you to help us create awareness of Data protection.

‘’We want all of us to create awareness, let citizens know that something new is happening in Nigeria and in Africa because we have the population’’.

Mr Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman of NITRA while appreciating the commission for the capacity training, assured of continued support from journalists.

Onwuegbuchi said that the training was insightful, timely and encouraged journalists while advocating for the commission, should consider a second career in Data processing.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Telecom

4 Dead, 20 Others Injured as Fire Engulfs Cairo Data Centre

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Four people have been killed, with over 20 injured after a fire at Cairo data centre disrupted telecom services nationwide.

4 Dead, 20 Others Injured as Fire Engulfs Cairo Data Centre

A fire at a major Telecom Egypt facility in Cairo on Monday has left four workers dead and at least 22 others injured, plunging parts of the capital into a communications crisis.

According to Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for Egypt’s Health Ministry, most injuries were due to smoke inhalation.

The blaze, which broke out at a key data centre operated by Telecom Egypt, the country’s primary fixed-line and internet provider, was brought under control later that day.

However, it caused widespread disruptions, halting phone services, affecting internet connectivity, and even interfering with digital banking operations.

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that national connectivity dropped to just 62% of normal levels following the incident.

Residents across Cairo struggled with poor network access, and banks—although already closed for the day—reported interruptions in ATM services and online transactions.

In a statement on Tuesday, Telecom Egypt mourned the loss of its employees and pledged support to their families.

Amr Talaat, Egypt’s minister of Communications and Information Technology,  assured the public that service restoration was underway and expected to be completed within 24 hours.

To address the disruption, the Health Ministry released alternative emergency contact numbers across Egypt’s governorates, in case its primary ambulance hotline remained unreachable.

The state-run MENA news agency reported that the fire was prevented from engulfing the entire building and nearby rooftops, thanks to the efforts of emergency responders.

A preliminary investigation suggests the fire was likely triggered by an electrical short circuit, according to a security source cited by MENA.

As the nation works to restore full connectivity, the incident has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for enhanced fire safety protocols in sensitive tech facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Globalcom Thrills Subscribers with 3 New Digital Products

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Tech faints, Globalcom, on Tuesday unveiled three exciting digital products aimed at rewarding customers. The products, Animation World Promo, Treasure Spin and Sport Brain, also provide subscribers with the opportunity to play and win instant prizes.

Globalcom in a statement in Lagos said that the company is dedicated to providing value-added service to its ever-growing customers.

The first digital product, which is Animation World Promo, is an innovative trivia-based service aimed at challenging customers culinary knowledge of Nigerian food. With it, subscribers engage in answering food related questions, earn points and win delicious prizes.

For Treasure Spin, customers are availed the digital treasure spin experience. With each spin Glo subscribers stand a chance to win instant prizes, making every participation exciting and rewarding.

In addition, Globalcom captures the heart of football lovers with Sport Brain. Subscribers are allowed to predict football scores in matches across top leagues all around the world. Customers get to select their preferred leagues. “It’s a fun and competitive way for football lovers to test their instincts and knowledge,” the company noted.

Customers who subscribe to any of the three services stand a chance to win fantastic daily, weekly, and monthly prizes. Every day, 20 participants will receive ₦1,000 cash, ₦1,000 airtime, and 3.5GB data. On a weekly basis, five lucky winners will walk away with ₦100,000 each, while one grand prize winner will receive ₦1 million every month.

To participate, customers are required to dial *13055*2# for Animation World Promo,*13199*3# for Treasure Spin and  *13199*2# for Sport Brain. Each plan can be activated either as a one-time purchase or Auto Renewal.

Globacom further explained that all products are available at an affordable subscription rate of ₦100 for a daily plan, ₦300 for weekly plan and ₦500 for monthly plan.

In concluding, the company disclosed that the services are available to all Glo prepaid and postpaid subscribers nationwide.

 


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SiBAN Applauds Interstellar’s Groundbreaking Role in Africa’s Blockchain Future

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The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) has lauded Interstellar, one of its prominent members, for spearheading a major breakthrough in Africa’s financial technology space.

This follows Interstellar’s strategic partnership with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to roll out the PAPSS African Currency Marketplace (PACM), a blockchain-based platform designed to address the continent’s long-standing currency inconvertibility challenge.

The initiative is already being hailed as a game-changer capable of eliminating the $5 billion annual trade friction currently plaguing intra-African commerce.

According to SiBAN President, Mr Obinna Iwuno, the development affirms Nigeria’s leadership in blockchain innovation, stating that Interstellar’s PACM is not only a technological feat but also a timely response to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) mandate of seamless and cost-effective regional trade.

PACM operates on STARGATE, a blockchain-agnostic system developed by Interstellar, and leverages the Bantu blockchain network to facilitate real-time, peer-to-peer exchanges of African currencies.

The solution ensures financial inclusion by allowing businesses, SMEs, and informal traders to transact in local currencies without relying on foreign intermediaries, all while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Mr Ernest Mbenkum, CEO of Interstellar, described the solution as Africa’s roadmap to financial sovereignty. “Blockchain is not just innovation; it is empowerment,” he said.

SiBAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and partnerships that promote secure, transparent, and inclusive digital economies.

The association further called on stakeholders in government and the private sector to prioritise blockchain adoption as a driver of national development.


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