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Swedish Embassy, NOTAP to Collaborate in Capacity Building for Nigerians in Technology, Innovation

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The Swedish Embassy has expressed willingness to collaborate with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) in building capacity for Nigerians in Science, Technology and Innovation.

Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria Carl Michael Grans made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of NOTAP Dr. DanAzumi Mohammed Ibrahim.

He said that the capacity building initiative of the Consulate to Nigerians has become necessary in order to meet up with the fast changing dynamics of world economies occasioned by technological advancements.

He disclosed that the Consulate had undertaken capacity building workshops for different organizations in Nigeria including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) with the support of Ericsson, the largest Swedish company operating in Nigeria with staff strength of 230 adding that about 35 Swedish companies are presently operating in Nigeria with the attendant value addition to the economy in terms of knowledge and infrastructure.

The Ambassador said he was in NOTAP to learn about its activities describing the agency as a very important organization. While commending it for its efficient regulatory role which has created the enabling environment for international businesses in Nigeria, he called for enhanced support towards Swedish businesses in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Director General of NOTAP, Dr. DanAzumi Ibrahim said the Office was established by government with a mandate to regulate the inflow of foreign technology and promote the development of indigenous technologies.

He decried the present situation in the country whereby over 90 percent of the technologies that power the economy are imported adding that no nation that is aspiring to be economically independent should fold its arms and allow business as usual.

He added that in order to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign technologies, the Office initiated several programmes like the NOTAP-Industry Partnerships to provide the much needed synergy between the academia and Industry that will lead to Research and Development (R&D) and by extension the development of products and services.

Dr. Ibrahim stated that in advanced nations, most of their researches are being sponsored by private companies because of the strong synergy between the academia and Industry.

“There must be a deliberate effort to see our private sector and the academia work together. The advanced world has a strong synergy between academia and industry which has led to the development of products and services and that is what we want in Nigeria.” He emphasized.

The DG noted that NOTAPs intervention in strengthening research activities in Nigeria has led to the institution of the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF) being sponsored by private companies to train intelligent Nigerians with masters degree to PhD level who will in turn provide the much needed manpower for technology development in Nigeria.

He added that 15 candidates have so far been enrolled in the scheme sponsored by companies like Nestle Nig. Plc., Airtel Networks Nig. Ltd, Friestland Campina WAMCO, Julius Berger Plc., PZ Cussons Plc., Promassidor Nig. Ltd, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Dufil Prima Foods Ltd and Procter & Gamble.

The NOTAP boss further said that under another partnership with Industry, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc had committed 115 million naira for the upgrade of three Chemistry laboratories at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Alex Ekwueme University Ndufu Alike Ebonyi State and National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) Zaria respectively.

He added that the positive impact of the upgrade of the three laboratories were acknowledged by PZ research team when they visited the facilities and has encouraged the company to further commit the sum of 360 million naira for the upgrade of six additional laboratories, one in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He expressed appreciation to the Swedish Ambassador for the visit and said that NOTAP will continue to support any foreign company willing to do business in Nigeria within the ambit of the law adding that with the ongoing automation process of its technology transfer registration process which is about 90 percent completed, the Office is geared towards enhanced service delivery.

The Swedish Ambassador was accompanied on the visit by Mr. Peter Olusoji Ogundele, the Embassy’s Director in charge of Government and Industry Relations.


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E-Business

Konga Yakata’s Last Week: Don’t Miss Out on Incredible Deals

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Excitement is reaching a fever pitch among shoppers as the Konga Yakata Black Friday shopping fiesta enters its final week. Shoppers nationwide are gearing up for a rain of last-minute deals and irresistible offers, with the promotion set to end on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The month-long Konga Yakata campaign, which kicked off on Friday, November 1, has delivered an unparalleled shopping experience, treating customers to incredible discounts, engaging promos, and unbeatable incentives.

In addition to massive price cuts across a wide range of products, Konga has thrilled shoppers with exciting events such as Treasure Hunts, Flash Sales, Bargain Bash, Brand Days, and specialized Black Friday packages like the Budget Store, Under 50k Store, and TGIF Epic Drop.

The highlight of the Yakata 2024 season will be this year’s Black Friday, which takes place on Friday, November 29. Thousands of customers will be able to score exclusive discounts on items including electronics, clothes, home appliances, computers, and groceries.

Reflecting on the experience so far, a satisfied anonymous shopper who snagged a TV at a discounted rate said, “Konga Yakata has been nothing short of amazing this year. The discounts are unbelievable but true, and the convenience of shopping online is unmatched.

“I’ve already made several purchases, and I’m excited to see what other deals are in store for the final week.”

Konga’s Black Friday sale has been a boon for consumers, offering respite from the economic challenges many Nigerians face. By providing access to affordable products and services, Konga has empowered shoppers to make the most of their money.

Despite the prevailing economic challenges, shoppers have embraced the Yakata season, targeting high-value deals and leveraging Konga’s tailored offerings to make significant savings. With the countdown underway, the excitement is expected to hit its peak on Friday as customers traditionally wait for that day to grab the most exclusive deals.

Speaking on the heightened anticipation, Kunle Ajani, Group Head of Marketing at Konga, stated, “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response to Konga Yakata this year, and we’re committed to ensuring the final week delivers the biggest surprises yet.

“We are proud to offer a platform where shoppers can enjoy exceptional value, despite the economic realities.”

As the curtain closes on the 2024 Yakata season, shoppers can look forward to a flurry of last-minute deals, culminating at midnight on November 30. From tech enthusiasts to lovers of electronics and deal hunters, Konga Yakata continues to redefine the shopping experience, making it a season to remember for all Nigerians.

Take advantage of the final week of Konga Yakata. Visit Konga.com and experience the thrill of shopping at unbeatable prices.


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NITDA DG Harps on the Role of Innovation in Nigeria’s Sustainable Development

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Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reiterated the critical role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.

Inuwa made this remark while delivering a keynote address at the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), where he called on academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive transformational innovation as a tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and unlocking its immense potential.

Speaking on the theme, Disruptive Transformational Innovation; Shaping the Future,” Inuwa commended NSUK for organising an event that aligns with Nigeria’s pursuit of growth through knowledge-driven solutions.

Inuwa who was represented by the Deputy Director, eGovernment and Digital Economy Development Department, Engr Ya’u Garba, applauded the university’s increasing focus on transformation, noting that such initiatives reflect an understanding of the need for impactful innovations to address real-world issues.

Inuwa emphasised that while inventions remain a cornerstone of academic inquiry, their significance lies in their ability to move beyond theoretical exploration to become practical innovations. These innovations, he explained, have the power to reshape industries, tackle societal challenges, and accelerate national progress.

He urged institutions to prioritise creativity and bold thinking, ensuring that research outputs translate into tangible benefits for society.

Explaining the concept of disruptive transformational innovation, Inuwa described it as a profound force capable of altering established systems, processes, and products in ways that redefine societal functions. Unlike incremental innovations, which focus on improving existing frameworks, disruptive innovations introduce entirely new paradigms, addressing challenges in groundbreaking and previously unimaginable ways.

He cited historical examples such as the Printing Press, the Steam Engine, and Electricity, which have significantly transformed human existence and set the foundation for modern development.

Inuwa pointed out that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources present a unique opportunity to harness innovation for sustainable development. He called for a collaborative approach involving academia, industries, and government to build an environment that nurtures creativity, supports bold investments, and encourages inclusive growth. Such an ecosystem, he said, is vital for fostering homegrown innovations that can propel Nigeria to the forefront of global technological and economic advancements.

He further highlighted NITDA’s dedication to fostering innovation through various initiatives, including the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) to digitally transform the agricultural sector, the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy to enhance digital trust and transparency, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at building a robust AI ecosystem in the country, among other impactful projects, which are part of the Federal Government broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.

Inuwa also urged NSUK to deepen its commitment to innovation by establishing hubs that support facility-led startups, fostering collaborations with industry stakeholders, and equipping students with essential technological skills. He noted that such efforts would not only empower the university community but also contribute significantly to national development.

Inuwa expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to not only adopt global innovations but also create groundbreaking solutions that could influence the trajectory of Africa and the world.

He called on all stakeholders in the country to embrace the transformative power of innovation in order to drive sustainable development, economic diversification, and global relevance.


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Data Commission, NAICOM Partner to Safeguard Data in Insurance Industry

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Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to protect data pilfering in the insurance industry.

Data Commission, NAICOM Partner to Safeguard Data in Insurance Industry

The agreement was finalised on Friday and aims to address critical concerns around data privacy and ensure that the insurance sector complies with global best practices in data management.

Some of the objectives of a MoU include training and capacity building to enhance awareness and skills in data protection, setting up specialized clinics to address data protection concerns and provide guidance; conducting compliance activities by regularly, monitoring and enforcing compliance with data protection regulations and educating insurance companies on the importance of data protection and the benefits of adhering to best practices.

Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, commissioner for Insurance/ chief executive officer, NAICOM, said, “The collaboration marks a significant milestone in safeguarding the personal data of insurance policyholders and promoting trust in the insurance sector”.

To ensure the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an Implementation Committee will be established.

This committee will comprise representatives from the 2 agencies, as well as other key industry associations, including the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

The committee’s primary responsibility will be to monitor progress, provide guidance, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to guarantee the successful execution of the MoU.

Officials from both NAICOM and NDPC have expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to strengthen data privacy frameworks within the insurance sector.

They noted that the initiative would boost public confidence, enhance compliance, and position the sector for greater innovation and credibility.

This collaboration is expected to pave the way for a more secure and trustworthy insurance landscape in Nigeria, ensuring the protection of personal data while fostering the industry’s growth.


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