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NITDA, ACEPHAP, to Leverage Digital Technology in Improving Healthcare Sector

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In its continued effort to implement the presidential priority areas, particularly Focusing on Education, Health and Social Investment by strengthening their capacities through digital innovation and inclusive access to technology, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to collaborate with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) in transforming the healthcare delivery in Nigeria through technological innovations.

This was made known when a delegation from the ACEPHAP led by its director, Professor Hadiza Shehu Galadanci visited the DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE at the Corporate Headquarters of the Agency to discuss possible areas of collaboration.

Inuwa outlined a comprehensive plan to leverage technology as an enabler across all critical sectors in Nigeria, with a particular focus on healthcare while emphasising that technology is not a standalone sector but an essential tool that enhances productivity and innovation across all sectors.

While enumerating the Agency’s pillars of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) in creating a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits all sectors, he stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has prioritised healthcare by utilising technology to achieve significant development in the sector.

“Healthcare is key to us, and the President is also big and loud on it, so we have crafted our strategic roadmap and action plan which has 8 pillars to achieve significant milestones in the sector,” he noted.

Speaking on the first pillar which is to Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, he said that the agency has set an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030 with a mid-term target of 70% by 2027 and has consequently rolled out the Digital Literacy for All programme which aims to infuse digital skills into the national academic curriculum in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

He also noted additionally that there are plans to train 3 million Nigerians in high-demand IT skills through various initiatives including partnerships with platforms like Coursera.

“We aim to increase the digital fluency of our citizens. Everyone should be able to use digital devices safely and responsibly as well as to build our proficiency so that we can build our digital offerings in the country,” he added.

Inuwa gave valuable insights on various strategic initiatives the agency has been implementing which the visitors can leverage to create a vibrant healthcare sector in alignment with the other SRAP pillars which are to Build a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthen Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust, Nurture Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations and lastly, Cultivate a Vibrant Organisational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA.

While noting that the agency is investing in the research of 6 emerging technologies; AI, IoT, Robotics, UAVs, Blockchain and Additive Manufacturing, he mentioned that the goal is to establish centres of excellence in geopolitical zones to foster innovation and collaboration.

“Based on that, we would do the site readiness assessment for the equipment you need, and you can do it for any or all of the identified emerging technologies with your focus on healthcare,” he stated.

While emphasising the importance of ensuring the privacy of patients’ data, Inuwa averred that “Cyber security is critical to whatever you do because even the patients need to be sure of the integrity, availability and confidentiality of their information because as you digitise, you need to make sure their data are secured.”

He also disclosed that through the Nigeria Startup Act, NITDA has been supporting startups with incentives and resources to foster innovation. He added that the Agency encourages startups to register and benefit from those initiatives to boost their growth and scalability.

Speaking on forging strategic partnerships and collaboration, he hinted that the Agency engages with academia, corporate organisations, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and government entities to build a cohesive innovation ecosystem.

The NITDA boss added that the multi-stakeholder approach ensures diverse perspectives and resources to contribute to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

While noting that the collaboration betwee is a transformative step in the right direction, Inuwa asserted that adoption of AI tools in enhancing medical research and diagnostics is an innovative approach towards transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Inuwa mentioned recent collaborations, such as with E-Health Africa, which utilises AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance medical research and diagnostics. This innovative approach is part of a broader strategy to develop local AI-driven solutions that can transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

In her earlier remark, Prof. Galadanci expressed optimism about the future while envisioning a long-lasting relationship with NITDA that will drive transformative change in the healthcare sector.

Highlighting the centre’s focus on healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation, she shared success stories from their healthcare entrepreneurship boot camp and pitching event in 2023 where young innovators were identified in Kano and supported with seed grants to further develop their ideas.

The centre’s Director noted that the collaboration would translate research into impactful policies and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty and healthcare professionals.

“We sincerely hope this will be the beginning of a long-lasting relationship and partnership that will translate to the true meaning of the quadruple helix in the quest to address the rights of healthcare challenges through technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and Africa,” she remarked.


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9mobile Addresses Recent Service Outages, Apologizes for Inconvenience

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9mobile has apologized for the recent service outages experienced by its valued customers which has affected their ability to provide voice, data, internet services. “We understand the frustration these disruptions have caused and deeply regret the inconvenience.

“Our technical team has identified the root causes of the outages including a fire incident at our Main Data Centre in Lagos last night which severely impacted services especially in the Lagos and South-West.  We are grateful for the swift intervention of the Lagos State Fire Service, which helped prevent further damage.

“Prior to the fire incident, our network experienced major fibre interruptions leading to varying degrees of outages. We had a fibre cut on the backbone links in Lagos which led to a total data outage across the country.

“This was followed closely by two vandalism incidents in Lagos and Abuja, leading to total service outage in South-West and data service outage in the North.  Services have now been fully restored in the North & South-South States while restorations work is ongoing in others. We expect to fully restore services as soon as possible”

At 9mobile, customer satisfaction is remains top priority. “We value the trust you place in us and appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Customers who continue to experience issues can reach out to our customer service team via our social media touchpoints or our experience centres”.

Once again, we sincerely apologize for the disruption and thank you for your continued support.


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Nasarawa Technology Village Attracts 12Bn Investments

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Modern Shelter Systems and Services Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading real estate firms has announced that the Nasarawa Technology Village has attracted investments of N12 billion since the project commenced.

Nasarawa Technology Village Attracts 12Bn Investments

The real estate firm added that it has officially commenced feasibility studies for the Aso-Pada Toll Road, which will catalyse the development of the tech-driven innovation hub, creating value for investors and transforming lives along the Keffi-Nyanya-Abuja corridor.

With the signing of the Aso-Pada Toll Road project, Modern Shelter said it is one step closer to realising the vision of Nasarawa Technology Village, which is powered by innovation as the project will connect communities, attract investments, and unlock socio-economic opportunities while providing sustainable, affordable housing for the future.

Commenting on the development, Abdulmalik Mahdi, chief executive officer, said that “The Aso-Pada Toll Road will serve as the backbone of Modern Shelter’s Nasarawa Technology Village, bringing 1,962 homes, a tech incubation centre and more to life.

“The Aso-Pada Toll Road will not only enhance connectivity but also drive the success of our Nasarawa Technology Village project, powered by NGN12.5 billion in investments. Together, we’re creating a hub for innovation, sustainability, and opportunity,” he explained.

 

 

 


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Chain Reactions Africa Claims Three Awards

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Chain Reactions Africa, one of Africa’s leading public relations and integrated communications consultancies, continued its awards-winning streak in 2024 by clinching three more prestigious awards in the recently hosted Lagos PR Industry Gala & Awards (LaPRIGA) 2024, which was held in Lagos.

Chain Reactions Africa emerged as winner of the ‘Public Sector PR Campaign of the Year’ for the firm’s Windfall Tax Policy Campaign for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The campaign was aimed at first, sensitising the Nigerian public about the Windfall Tax Policy and then, securing the compliance of key stakeholders for the policy.

The same campaign also clinched the ‘Best in Crisis Management’ award, off the back of its use of strategic communication to manage and avert the crisis that would have been precipitated by the enforcement of the Windfall Tax by the FIRS.

The highpoint of the day for the company was the crowning of its Managing Director and Chief Strategist, Mr. Israel Jaiye Opayemi, as the ‘Most Influential PR Professional’ for his exceptional professional persona, charismatic industry leadership, enviable profile, and commitment to the growth of the Public Relations industry.

Commenting on the LaPRIGA Awards recognitions, the Managing Director and Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, Mr. Israel Jaiye Opayemi, expressed appreciation for the honours.

“Once again, I say a big thank you to the awards organisers, the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, for raising the bar in organising this award to celebrate hard work and honour the resilience of deserving winners”, he said.

Opayemi charged the winners and all practitioners to drive better storytelling of their organisations and clients. “Let’s be the best. We are Public Relations people, let’s tell the stories of our respective organisations and clients better than ever before”.

He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of his team to Chain Reactions Africa’s unceasing accomplishments, describing them as the real shining stars of these honours.

“These award recognitions are emphatically dedicated to all the creative rebels in the Chain Reactions Africa Tribe. You are truly the shining stars spurring these honours, and there wouldn’t be a Chain Reactions Africa without my team. Your unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and sacrifices are matchless; you are the reason we are not just winning, but also breaking more boundaries of excellence”, Opayemi said.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR Lagos Chapter), Comfort Obot Nwankwo, congratulated all the winners for their recognition as shining stars and urged them to be an inspiration to others while sustaining the momentum of success, character, and bravery.

“As we honour our shining stars tonight, let us reflect on our collective responsibilities and use our influence to advance inclusivity and sustainability in Public Relations.

I challenge each of you to champion youth involvement, prioritise community breeding narratives and uphold highest standards of integrity in all that you do. I congratulate all nominees and winners tonight – may your success serve as an inspiration to others”, she said.

Themed, ‘The Shining Stars’, the 9th edition of LaPRIGA Awards expectedly turned out to be a resplendent and colourful get-together of the who-is-who in the integrated marketing communications industry with stakeholders drawn from the corporate, private, and public sectors.

According to the Chairman of the Selection Committee, Lead Consultant/CEO, Leap Communications, and Publisher of Breezy News, Muyiwa Akintunde, the ceremony had 22 award categories, and 81 entries were submitted in 21 categories, with the ‘Best in Political Communication’ not having any submission for this year’s edition.

 

Others are ‘Special Honorary Awards’ and ‘Lifetime Achievements Award for select public relations industry veterans.

 

With three awards, Chain Reactions Africa has once again shown its unparalleled dominance in the marketing communications industry.

Earlier in 2024, the company reached an unprecedented height by winning seven awards at the 2024 SABRE Awards. It also emerged winner of the Edge Awards 2024 most coveted prize, ‘Outstanding PR Agency of the Year’, with its MD/ Chief Strategist, Opayemi, carting away the ‘Edge Grand Prix in PR’, Edge Awards’ most enviable and highest individual awards category.

The company, with offices in both Lagos and Abuja, won four deserving honours at the 2024 Brandcom Awards, including the ‘Most Outstanding PR Agency of the Year’; ‘Most Outstanding Agency in Political and Public Sector PR’, and ‘Strategic Communication Consultancy of the Year’. Its MD/ Chief Strategist also won the ‘CEO of the Year (Public Relations) category for his sound leadership qualities and desirable profile.

LaPRIGA is a high-profile award that recognises excellence and celebrates practitioners in public and corporate organisations as well as stakeholders to boost professionalism and more investment in the practice of public relations.


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