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Nebo, Johnson Back Omatek Moves to Cut Nigeria’s Power Consumption By 85%

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Dr. Omobola Johnson, minister of Communication Technology and other dignitaries on a tour of Omatek facilities and the newly commissioned solar solutions, while Mrs Florence Seriki, chief executive officer, Omatek explains the processes.
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Professor Chindu Nebo, minister of Power and his counterpart in the Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, on Monday described as iconic, the moves by Nigeria’s integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Omatek Ventures Plc, to address Nigeria’s lingering electricity supply challenge through deployment of solar (technology) solutions to reduce power consumption in Nigeria by as a much as 85%.

Giving credence to the relevance and efficacy of the solutions during the unveiling in Lagos, Nebo said that Omatek has demonstrated the heartbeat of the present administration in tackling the perennial power challenge through alternate power sources and distribution.

The Power Minister said,  “This kind of initiative makes it possible to live off-grid and this means you don’t need to be connected to the national grid before you can get efficient power supply to handle your home, office and industrial activities.

“Omatek has also demonstrated in line with Federal Government Policy. President Goodluck Jonathan has asked us to develop a renewable and energy efficiency policy which is at the final stage of implementation, we only the President’s approval to go ahead with the implementation.  With the implementation, we believe it is something that will liberate Nigeria.

“Nigeria has never had a renewable and energy efficiency policy and what Omatek has demonstrated here in terms of solar power supply and LED indicate that they know exactly what the government wants to do because this imitative is perfectly in tandem with the policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.

Nebo said that with regards to LED bulb, Omatek has shown that everyone, not just companies, every Nigeria can cut power consumption by anywhere from 70 to 90 per cent.

“In other words, if your electricity in a month is N10,000, you can reduce to N3000 if you use LED bulb  and this bulb conserves a lot of electricity. For a hundred watts of regular bulb, if you have a five watts of LED, it will serve you the same purpose, give you the same luminosity so at the end of the day, the whole country would benefit and what we are saying is this: If the whole of the country put LED in use, it will free us 1,200 megawatt of power for industry, manufacturing, SME and industrial revolution will further boom.

“So, this is a clarion call to all Nigerians to begin the process of modification of making all our offices LEDified, all homed lEDified. In fact, new housing estate shouldn’t get approval until they demonstrate that they will use LED all through because that is the only way we can save a lot of energy we waste a lot in this country. So, we should start doing the right thing now.

“Another of looking at it from the LED and conservation of LED is that when you free up 1, 200 megawatts of electricity for real-time good use- industrial, productive manufacturing functional use is like building a power plant. That kind of power plant would cost about half a trillion Naira and that is what you save and that is for the power plant. When that now comes down, it has multiplier effect”.

The event also witnessed the commissioning of the 12watts, 20 watts, 500 watts power solutions that replace the “I better pass my neighbour generator”, for small homes, shops, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), churches, rural electrification and rural system, street lighting implementation, schools and so son for students, farmers  among others.

According to the Minister, “we just commissioned is a home solution, whether it is small home, kiosk solution, shop solution, SME and big solution. It is solar powered light integrated with Inverter, The days of ‘I better pass my neighbour’ generators are numbered. ‘I better pass my neighbour’generators kill. Many lives have died. But with this new solar inverter integrated unit, one can get 24/7 power supply without having to use any fuel- no petrol, no diesel, no kerosene, no candle, nothing.

“You can light up your home with that and for bigger homes, you can get 500 watts, you can do a lot more things. But with 3 kilowatts, you can power your refrigerator, you fans and maybe, air condition. If you now move up to 10 kilowatts, that is for SME. I don’t see why evey SME cannot benefit from 10 kilowatt solution because it will solve all your power challenges as small business. Then, if you are a bigger ones, you can now move up t 50 kilowatts solution we have commissioned all these today.

“We thank Omatek for showing the way for Nigeria to follow in addressing its power challenge. We are actually at a point of a new era for the country where we would launch Nigeria into an industrial revolution.”

Also, Dr. Omobola Johnson, in her remarks during a visit to Omatke Factory said,  “I commend the management of Omatek for this initiative. We would continue to come up with policy that can help support your business through our local content initiative.

“More importantly, we urge Omatek to continue in its two lines of business: Computer assembly and solar technology solutions as the two are key to bridging digital divide and ensuring energy consumption efficiency in the country respectively.”
 
Already, Omatek, known for its innovations, has commissioned its 50KVA 3-phase off-grid solar solution factory that will represent the solar solution for factories, banks, telecoms firms, government and other organisations that require big power installations.
 
Off-grid solutions, on-grid solutions as well as LED bulbs were also displayed at the event, at Omatek factory at Oregun in Ikeja, and well attended by key stakeholders from the private sector who earlier in the day carried out facility tour of the Solar Installations implemented by Omatek at the Greenwood School, Corona and the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
 
Addressing the large audience that graced the event, Mrs Florence Seriki, chief executive officer, Omatek, said “These are all-in-one installations assembled locally and packed with Omatek’s solar, inverter, battery, controller in all-in-one carton and cane be self-installed.
 
“Omatek Solar Solution, which is a hybrid solution that provides 24 hours lighting/power Solution by use of our solar-led bulb-inverter hybrid solution; whilst providing 70 – 90 per cent cut/deduction in power consumption and drastically reducing power consumption by an average of 85 per cent on the overall grid; thus enhancing growth in the real sector and general economic development”.
 
According to her, “We have installed these solutions in schools, homes, offices and factories and proud to inform you that the education sector welcomed not just provision of power and green energy, the hostels and all reading areas have 24 hours lighting and this bridges the digital gap in our schooling system, as students had stopped reading in darkness.”
 
She also explained that, already, Omatek has almost completed the setup and the establishments of two local factories that will manufacture solar panels and the LED bulbs, saying only the all-in-one solutions are currently being produced locally.
 
Capturing key benefits inherent in the solar solutions, Seriki explained that the solutions “provides 24-hours alternate power/green energy for businesses, homes; provides 24-hour lighting solution to all; provides 24 hour solar energy and lighting solution for students, hostels, SMEs, homes, hostels, SMEs, small homes, shops; reduces power consumption by an average of 85 per cent by all; and well as providing affordable solar solution for continuous/uninterrupted lighting system.”
 
In addition, Seriki said the solar solution promotes safe and clean environment; reduces in fire risk by use of the LED solution and materials particularly used as well as bridging digital gap in the education system and enhance modern living and reduces cost of living and running businesses considerably.
 
“The Omatek LED bulbs will not require replacement for three to five years whilst the solar will last 25 years.  Duration of the batteries are for five to 10 years,” she added. ‎


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TD Africa Unveils Super App Version 2, Transforms Technology Access Across Africa

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Omowumi Oladele, Project Manager, TD Africa
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TD Africa, a leading technology distributor in Africa, has launched TD Super App Version 2, an upgraded, feature-rich platform designed to revolutionize technology procurement for individuals and businesses.

Omowumi Oladele, Project Manager, TD Africa

The enhanced App offers seamless access to a wide range of cutting-edge tech products at unbeatable prices, with faster delivery options to improve efficiency and convenience.

Available on both web and mobile, the revamped TD Super App boasts an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever for users to discover and purchase technology products.

This latest upgrade reaffirms TD Africa’s commitment to affordability, efficiency, and convenience, ensuring that businesses and individuals can access the tools they need to succeed.

With exclusive deals and discounts, registered users can enjoy significant savings on a vast selection of technology products, including computing devices, smartphones, consumer electronics, and power solutions. Optimized logistics and accelerated delivery times further enhance the shopping experience, ensuring that customers receive their technology essentials quickly and reliably.

“At TD Africa, we are dedicated to delivering value, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology solutions that drive business growth and streamline operations,” said Omowumi Oladele, Product Manager, TD Africa.

“The upgraded TD Super App Version 2 is designed to simplify procurement, enhance productivity, and maximize savings—empowering businesses and individuals across Africa.”

The App is now available for download on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Users can also access the platform via web browsers at superapp.tdafrica.com


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FG Drops Merger of NCAA, NAMA

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has stepped down the merger of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as recommended by the Steve Oronsaye report.

He also revealed that the aviation industry was exempted from the foreign travel ban placed on federal government officials last year. The President announced the ban which took effect from April last year.

Keyamo disclosed that the aviation sector was exempted from the ban because President Tinubu is desirous of change and growth in the sector.

The ban was placed following the rising cost of travel expenses by Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government.

The memo released last year stated: “Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr Presideni’s directive to place a temporary ban on all publicly funded international trips for all federal government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three months from 1st April 2024.

“All government officials who intend to go on any publicly funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks before embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed necessary”.

The Minister disclosed the reasons for the exemption in Abuja at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

On the merger of NCAA and NAMA, he said: “From modest beginnings, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in our sector, ranging from enhanced supervisory measures and policies formulation, safety and security oversight, robust legislative and regulatory frameworks, advancements in air traffic management, development, expansion and certification of airports, accurate meteorological services, timely accident investigations, manpower development, and indeed, the growth of indigenous airlines.

“These achievements have not come without challenges. However, with the efforts of past administrations and the total support of the present administration under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Agenda and the five focus areas of the ministry, we have overcome challenges and reached new heights.

“NCAA is a child of God, and despite turbulent waters and attempts sometimes to kill the NCAA, the NCA has survived 25 years. And I’m sure you know that any child that is born at the age of 25, of course, is undoubtedly an age of maturity.

“The Oronsanye reports also recommended the merger of NCAA and NAMA. And so that was also another attempt to kill the NCAA. That report was passed from Jonathan’s government to Buhari’s government, and then to the present government.

“It was one of the first items we considered in this government. So the Oronsanye reports came up that day, and the president went on and on, considered every item in the Oronsanye report, and asked the council to vote. And for each item, they would listen to the ministers and so the president came to the merger of NCAA and NAMA as one body.

“I raised my hand, I spoke for about five minutes and because we have a wonderful president who listens to good counsel and good arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, an item dropped, the merger of NCAA and NAMA would not remain”.

On the reasons for the exemption, he said: “It is a fact that the aviation sector remains a pillar of national development, facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. Whilst it is yet to realize its true potential in terms of contribution to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we must renew our commitment to ensuring a more progressive, sustainable, inclusive, innovative, and prosperous aviation industry.

“This necessitates the continuous adoption and integration of emerging technologies, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in human capital development to keep our skies safer and secure and attain cohesive and efficient air transportation services.

“The President directed that foreign travels should stop, except in exceptional circumstances. Last year, there was a memo around March that said it was for three months, and the President, because of his desire to ensure that we are frugal in our spending; there was another memo again in December reiterating that memo last year we should cut down on foreign travels, except by direct presidential approval.

“But let us also give particular thanks to Mr. President, because despite that memo, since last year, he has made an exception for the aviation industry. I wrote a memo to him after that directive on behalf of the entire agency that says; Sir, we respect your directive; yes, we need to be frugal because the Nigerian people have also tightened their belts in the face of the economic reforms that are taking place.

“However, because of the safety of this sector, Sir, we need to make some exceptions for this sector. And the President graciously granted this for the aviation sector”.


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Researchers Develop Innovative Treatment for Malaria

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An international team of researchers have introduced a groundbreaking drug, known as the covalent kinase inhibitor, which shows promise in combating treatment-resistant malaria.

Researchers Develop Innovative Treatment for Malaria

Developed by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, this innovative drug could surpass current medications by effectively targeting and disabling the proteins used by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite to replicate within the human body.

This is according to a report titled “Targeting Pf CLK3 with Covalent Inhibitors: A Novel Strategy for Malaria Treatment.”

The development, led by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, was outlined in a November publication in the “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.”

According to the researchers, covalent inhibitors form bonds with proteins, usually irreversibly modifying them, and this new drug could be more effective than current medications at all stages of malaria infection.

The new drug works by permanently disabling a protein that Plasmodium falciparum, one of the mosquito-borne parasites that spread malaria, uses to replicate itself inside the human body.

The drug also has the potential to work as a single-dose treatment, a significant improvement over existing therapies.

This breakthrough marks the first adaptation of an approach from cancer treatments to tackle malaria.

The team expressed optimism that the parasite is unlikely to develop resistance to the new drug, which targets the protein Pf CLK3 and disrupts the parasite’s ability to splice RNA.

The researchers, including Prof. Martins Emeje from the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency and Prof. Oyewale Tomori from the West African Academy of Sciences, emphasise the importance of regular calibration and accreditation for medical laboratories to ensure accurate results and reliable treatment.

 

 


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