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Roll of Honours at Beacon Of ICT Lecture/Awards 2016

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CommunicationsWeek Media Limited, publishers of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek online and print editions, last weekend, rolled out the drums to celebrate individuals, private and public organisations, as well as, startups, that have distinguished themselves in the Nigeria’s ICT space or different industries they represent.

The Beacon of ICT Awards are annual ICT awards recognizing organizations’ or individuals’ contributions to ICT development in Nigeria, and the world at large.

The award was established in March 2009 by Ken Nwogbo, a Nigerian columnist and founder of Communication Week Media Limited, publishers of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, a leading Nigerian information and communications technology newspaper headquartered in Lagos State.

The award ceremony was proceeded by a distinguished lecture delivered by Mr. Ayotunde Coker, managing director of Rack Centre, on the theme: “Data Centre as Kiln of Industrialization and Transformation”.

Coker stressed the importance of data centres to the growth of any modern economy and the need for local businesses to store sensitive data locally. He was of the opinion that this will have massive and positive effect on the GDP of the country.

With the Nigerian Army Band mesmerizing the guests with blends of highlife and classical music, the roll of honours were called, with Ayotunde Coker awarded the Nigeria CommunicationsWeek Man-Of-The-Year award; Engineer Lanre Ajayi, the ever vocal president of the Association of Telecommunications Company of Nigeria (ATCON), receiving “Life Time Achievement Award”; ICT Software Personality of the year went to John Obaro, MD, SystemSpecs; ICT Journalist of the year went to Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. “CFA” presenter, Tech Trends on Channels TV and Mr. Biodun Omoniyi was named the “ICT Personality Of The Year.

On Corporate categories, VDT Communications received “Bandwidth Company of The year Award”; as the “Internet Company Of The Year” award went to Globacom (Nigeria); Rack Centre received the “ICT Infrastructure Of The Year (Data Centre)” award; Vodacom Business Nigeria scored double, emerging “Cloud Services provider of The Year” and “Enterprise Solutions provider Of the Year”. Interestingly, “Software Company of the Year” and “IT Implementation & Support Company of The Year” awards went to FinTrak Software (Limited); Computer Warehouse Group Plc, took home, “Banking Application Of The Year (Finacle)” award.

Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited, with a knack for education based software, they smiled home, “Indigenous Software Company of the Year” and the “ICT Innovator Of the Year” awards. Spectranet, offering smart internet for the home and office, emerged, “Broadband Company of the Year”, Business Connexion received the “ICT Solutions Provider of the Year”.

Digital Encode, a leading consulting and integration firm founded in 2003 that specializes in the design, management, and security of business-critical networks, telecommunications environments and other information technology infrastructure, emerged “Cyber-Security Company of the Year”; in same vein, Global Accelerex bagged, “ePayment Innovative/Value Added Services provider Of The Year; “ICT Clearinghouse of the Year” award went to Medallion Communications Limited; Path Solutions received, “Islamic Banking Solution Provider Of The Year”. While CNSSL Call Centre Limted was named the “BPO Operator Of The Year”, OLX Nigeria was named the “Classified Ad Website Of The Year”.

The Logistics Company for the World, DHL received, “Courier Operator Of The Year”; Dataflex are the receivers of “ICT Company of the Year” and McAfree and SSL received the “Information Security Product of the Year”.

Oradian, a Fintech company behind Instafin, the multi-award winning core-banking platform that built a solution to the challenges faced by Microfinance Institutions around the globe, was named the “Most Innovative Core-Microfinance Banking Platform Of The Year”; Zenith Bank received the “eBank Of The Year”; Internet Solutions- “Internet Service Provider Of The Year”; 21St Century Technologies- “Technology Company Of The Year”; Sophos Group Plc, which tackles IT security challenges with clarity and confidence, emerged, “Information Security (Hardware) Provider Of The Year”; Wi-Pay Technologies won the “ePayment Solutions Provider Of The Year”; Resourcery emerged the “ICT Business Integrator Of The Year”; while Phase3 Telecoms won the “Fibre Optic Company of The Year”.

Wakanow.com won the “Travelers Portal Of The Year”; Infinix Mobility smiled home with the “Mobile Phone Of The Year” following the achievements in Nigerian smartphone market since launch in 2013 and the Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTbank) emerged the “Mobile Money Operating Bank Of The Year”.

Speaking on the awards, Mr. Ken Nwogbo, publisher/editor in-chief, CommunicationsWeek Media, said that the Beacon of ICT Distinguished Lecture and awards was designed to explore efforts to put Nigeria on the global information and communications technologies map.

He said that the awardees have demonstrated some levels of expertise, and distinguished themselves in the industries they represent, “as reflected in the online voting process. Even those that were given special awards was because they lived above competitions. We are very proud of the awardees”.

He added that CommunicationsWeek Media Limited will continue to support the development enterprises and human capital in Nigeria.

 

 

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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Manager, Others Arraigned for Allegedly Hacking into Premium Trust Bank’s Server

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, charged five defendants before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking into the server of Premium Trust Bank.

Manager, Others Arraigned for Allegedly Hacking into Premium Trust Bank’s Server

The defendants are listed as the bank’s e-payment service manager, Matthew Adeniyi; Kehinde Odeyemi, a nursing mother; Samson Latshin, Bolaji Omotosho and Sunday Okunnola.

They were charged before Justice Alexander Owoeye, on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime and unlawful access to the bank’s database.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Mrs. Zeenat Atiku, prosecutor, alleged that they committed the offence between April and May this year, in collaboration with three others, now at large.

Those still at large are Isa Ismaila, Victor Joshua, also known as ‘Oracle’ as well as one other, simply identified as Humble.

According to the charge, the first defendant unlawfully disclosed sensitive credentials, including the bank’s server IP and domain details, to these parties.

She said this enabled an unauthorised access to the bank’s database and the consequent data breach allegedly resulted in financial gains of $10,000.

The prosecutor also alleged that the defendants attempted to intercept the bank’s network and procured a Hewlett-Packard ProBook 440 G9 laptop (serial No. SN#5CD2473N6G) configured to bypass the bank’s security systems.

The anti-graft agency said the alleged offences contravened the provisions of sections 12(1)(b), 27, 28(1)(b)(c) and 28(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).

Following their pleas, the prosecutor, requested for a trial date and sought an order to remand the defendants in custody.

Meanwhile, the court declined an oral bail by the defence counsel and directed that a formal bail application be filed.

He adjourned the case until June 30, for trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Nigerian correctional centre, pending bail.

The court, however, added that the defence may apply for an earlier trial date, upon filing their bail applications.

 


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DBI Clocks 21, to Train 5m Workers  

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Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the training arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said that it plans to train not less than five million workers in two years.

DBI Clocks 21, to Train 5m Workers  

 Mr David Daser, president/CEO DBI,

Speaking at an event in Abuja to mark the organisation’s twenty-one years of existence,  Mr David Daser, president/CEO DBI, said that the investment in human capacity building by the Organisation is to ensure that Nigerians are well prepared to compete in the global market.

The event with the theme: “Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Market”, chronicled the birth of the DBI 21 years ago and the journey so far in a documentary produced by the Agency.

“Today, we commemorate a vision that took root over two decades ago, one that continues to flourish through innovation, excellence, and transformative impact across Nigeria and Africa.

“The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) was established on May 20, 2004, by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as a Centre of Excellence for ICT and telecommunications training.

“Today, we stand proud with a network of campuses, global partnerships, and thousands of empowered professionals contributing meaningfully to the digital economy.

“We recall with pride that the commissioning of DBI was graciously performed by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose commitment to knowledge-driven development gave this institution a strong and promising start”, the DBI President said.

Mr Daser said that the theme of the celebration, reflects the urgency of the DBI mission in a rapidly evolving digital world.

As technologies like AI, 5G, IoT, and cybersecurity redefine the future of work, DBI, he stated remains steadfast in its commitment to future proofing Nigeria’s workforce.

Not leaving out the architects that laid the foundation of the Institute, Mr Daser said that their legacies must live on.

“We owe our foundation to the foresight and patriotic vision of our founding fathers, notably the late Alhaji Ahmed Joda, former Chairman of the NCC, and Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, former Executive Vice Chairman.

“Their belief in the transformative power of digital knowledge gave birth to this noble institution.

We also honour the past Chief Executives who built the foundation upon which we proudly stand today”, he said.

According to him, upon assuming office in September 2024 as President/CEO, he inherit a resilient institution brimming with potential adding that since then, DBI has recorded several landmark achievements, which including a strategic partnership with Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS) Group to expand digital learning infrastructure.

Other achievements he listed include “the launch of the DBI Global Training Partner Program at our Lagos Campus;

“The ongoing Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Training Programme across all campuses.

“Graduation of Sightsavers training cohorts in Kano and Lagos.

“The commissioning of the Information Access Centre (IAC) by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani”.

The Digital Bridge Institute is also working towards the implementation of the NCC-DBI ADEPTI Programm described as a high impact NCC-funded initiative set to commence soon.

Only recently, Mr David Daser, was appointment as chairman of the Digital Literacy Technical Working Group by the Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), a Development considered a strong endorsement of DBI’s national leadership in the digital literacy space.

“While these accomplishments are significant, they are not ours alone. We remain deeply grateful to our founding and sustaining institution, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for its vision, guidance, and unflinching support.

“Looking ahead, DBI, through its global network of partners, aims to train five million Nigerian workers, across public and private sectors, in Artificial Intelligence over the next three years.

“This ambitious goal is already in motion, bolstered by the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Dr. Aminu Maida.

“Nigeria is poised to become a hub for AI innovation and training, and DBI is fully committed to making this a reality.

“To this end, we call on all Nigerians, leaders of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), State governors, and local government authorities, to support and partner with DBI in this critical mission. Nigeria must not lag behind in the AI revolution”, Daser stressed.

Like any other human organisation Daser discosed that the DBI has experienced its share of ups and downs over the past 21 years.

“In the recent past, we faced a particularly challenging period during which it became a herculean task to pay staff salaries and allowances.

“Our facilities and office infrastructure across campuses deteriorated, and staff morale declined significantly, leading to a sense of disorientation among workers.

“But beyond these tangible difficulties, there were more complex undercurrents, seasons when the compass between this vessel and its founding lighthouse drifted, ever so slightly, from alignment.

“A fog of uncertainty hung over questions of identity, structure, and status. These internal tides, though rarely seen on the surface, stirred deep within the institutional waters, creating a rift that tested the very bridge we were built to uphold.

“Yet even in such a storm, we did not abandon the helm. Rather, we recalibrated our direction with resolve and mutual respect, understanding that even a well-built compass must sometimes reset to find true north.

He emphasised that the journey back to clarity is ongoing, “but it is steady, principled, and constructive”.

He commended the Federal government for its support and commitment to bridging the digital divide and driving Nigeria towards inclusive digital transformation saying that the future is not just bright, it is solid.

“We assure our partners of our unwavering dedication to effective service delivery, as we continue to foster and sustain collaborative efforts toward making the world a better place for all.

“As we mark 21 years of DBI, we look forward with renewed purpose, to bridge the digital divide and prepare a workforce ready to lead in tomorrow’s marketplace”, he said.

Delivering a lecture on bridging the digital divide: collaborative pathways to ICT work development in Nigeria, Mr Shola Osiloja, lead speaker, said that for over two decades, DBI has stood as a beacon of excellence in ICT education and training in Nigeria, living up to its founding vision as a bridge across the digital divide.

Mr Osiloja who is also the Chairman, sector Skills Council for Information and Communications Technology SSC-ICT, was represented by Mr Emeka Okafor, secretary-Council.

He said that in 2004, when DBI was established by the Nigerian Communications Commission, Nigeria had just witnessed the successful auction of Digital Mobile Licenses.

According to him, Mobile penetration was less than 5%. “The internet and telecommunication was a luxury. Digital literacy was a term unfamiliar to many.

Presently he stated, “We have over 120 million internet users. Mobile penetration exceeds 85%. We have vibrant tech hubs in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and beyond.

“Nigerian startups are attracting global investment.

“This transformation – both national and personal – didn’t happen by accident. It was the result of deliberate, collaborative efforts to build digital capacity and bridge the skills gap.

“Let me take a moment to commend DBI.

For 21 years, DBI has not just trained individuals—it has trained a mindset, From ICT literacy programs to professional certifications, from rural empowerment initiatives to global partnerships, DBI stands as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s digital architecture”, he said.

Quoting the World Economic Forum, he said, “The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2027, 69% of companies globally will accelerate their adoption of AI, potentially displacing 85 million jobs while creating 97 million new ones.

“In Nigeria, the digital skills gap could cost our economy an estimated $11 billion annually in lost growth opportunities-The question before us is clear: How do we prepare Nigeria’s workforce not just for today’s market, but for tomorrow’s?”

Proferring solutions to what must be done to prepare Nigerian workers for tomorrow’s market, the Chairman listed Making digital skills the new literacyand to embed coding, digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI basics from secondary school.

Other suggestions he said include but not limited to, “every citizen must see digital fluency as fundamental as reading or writing.

“Institutionalise Work-Based Learning

Let’s make internships and apprenticeships mandatory in ICT programs. Let schools and startups co-design curricula that are relevant and adaptive.


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ABoICT Awards: Honoring ICT Innovators Driving Nigeria’s Digital Future

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The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Nigeria has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades, significantly contributing to the country’s GDP and transforming various aspects of society.

 

The sector’s impact on the economy, education, healthcare, and governance has been profound, with numerous organizations and individuals playing key roles in its development.

As the ICT sector continues to evolve, its contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth and development cannot be overstated. The sector has created new opportunities for businesses, improved access to information and services, and enhanced the overall quality of life for many Nigerians.

To recognize and celebrate the efforts of those who have driven this growth, the Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards (ABoICT) will hold its 16th edition on May 24, 2025, at Four Points by Sheraton.

This special edition, tagged “ICT Growth Edition 2025,” aims to honor organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the ICT sector in Nigeria.

According to Ken Nwogbo, Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, the organizers of the event, “Most of these organizations and individuals have consistently been voted by our readers as leaders in their areas of operations, and we have decided to reward them in this special edition.”

The event will feature a keynote lecture by Prof. Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode – Cybersecurity and GRC Expert, who will discuss the impact of ICT on Nigeria’s growth and development.

The lecture will highlight the importance of ICT in driving economic growth, improving governance, and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians.

In his remarks, Nwogbo emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, noting that AI-powered security tools can detect and respond to threats in real-time.

He also highlighted the need for robust data security, ethical AI development, and collaboration among cybersecurity professionals and AI researchers. “Artificial intelligence transforms cybersecurity by automating responses to risks, detecting unusual activity, and even foreseeing possible dangers before they occur,” he said.

The ABoICT Awards ceremony promises to be a grand affair, recognizing the contributions of key players in the ICT sector and celebrating their achievements. As the sector continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts of those who have driven its growth and development, paving the way for a more digitally empowered future for Nigeria.


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