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‘Synergy Among Stakeholders: Key to Boast ICT Development in Nigeria’

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Engineer Umar Bindir, director-general of National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (Notap) has advocated an effective synergy between science and technology government agencies, the academia and the ICT industry to promote the use of Information and Communication Technology as a tool for National development in the country.

He disclosed this in Lagos at the 44th edition of the monthly Information Value Chain (IVC) Breakfast Forum organised by Digital Jewels; a specialised Information Technology & Project Management Consulting & Capacity Building Firm with focus on Information Security, Information Systems, Information Assurance, e-business, Project Management and Knowledge Capital Development.

The Notap boss who was the special guest at the forum in his presentation titled “NOTAP & the Nigerian IT Industry: Growth Catalyst or Inhibitor” said that partnership and synergy of efforts by all stakeholders in the Science, Information, Technology & Communication and other allied government agencies will adequately protect intellectual property and expedite growth and development of Information Technology in the country.

 He noted that Notap has the responsibility to ensure that technology acquisition and transfer into the country is properly managed. “Notap has the responsibility to ensure that all contracts and agreements in all sectors entered into by Nigerian companies to transfer technology from foreign countries are duly registered”.

Adedoyin Odunfa, Digital Jewels MD/CEO in her presentation titled “Nigerian IT Industry: Growth Enablers & Inhibitors” said developments in technology have enabled various initiatives such as Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, E-ticketing, Vehicle tracking, E-payment (school fees, etc), E-Recruitment, E-learning, and E-admin(e.g. Autoreg, Jamb, WAEC, NYSC).

She however explained that major inhibitors to the growth of IT industry include inadequate security, power, bandwidth, Cybercafés, trust, awareness, Legal & Regulatory Framework, skill base, stakeholders e-readiness, social-cultural context among others.

The Digital Jewels CEO reiterated that for the country to extract maximum economic, business and social benefits from the use of digital technology, it must ensure affordable access to the highest quality of fixed & wireless data &voice connection; it must establish ICT as a focal point for education; make possible the wide scale provision of goods and services online which provide genuine utility to citizens and businesses; encourage greater innovation and entrepreneurship to create the best channels for ICT enabled change to filter the economy; and ensure that the legal regime avoids placing undue shackles on the use of technology, while also providing protection to people and organisations from its abuse.

She quoted the conclusion of the World Economic Forum’s Network Readiness Index:  “Government, in concert with business leaders, universities & other stakeholders can create conditions for digital economy to take root”.

The Information Value Chain (IVC) Forum is a monthly gathering of ICT professionals which holds every second Wednesday.

 It provides a platform for knowledge sharing, information exchange and networking for executives as they climb the corporate ladder.

This interactive Forum helps executives to keep abreast of pertinent trends on increasingly important issues which can affect their individual and corporate competitiveness.

 The breakfast forums feature a carefully selected mix of consultants, practitioners and industry leaders with a carefully targeted audience consisting of a cross section of industry-shapers for today and tomorrow.


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Bankers, Officials Colluding to Re-loot Recovered Abacha’s Fund-  EFCC

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged collusion between commercial banks and government officials to re-loot recovered funds from Sani Abacha, late dictator.

Bankers, Officials Colluding to Re-loot Recovered Abacha’s Fund-  EFCC

Sani Abacha

The $322 million Abacha loot, recovered in December 2017 and earmarked for Conditional Cash Transfer under the Social Investment Programme, was intended to provide monthly stipends to vulnerable Nigerians.

However, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC, disclosed that investigations have uncovered financial malpractices involving COVID-19 funds and World Bank-assisted loans coordinated by the Humanitarian Ministry. Several interdicted and suspended officials of the ministry have been linked to the alleged malfeasance, with N32.7 billion and $445,000 recovered from them.

Managing directors of implicated banks have provided statements, and investigations are ongoing, with former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq and her successor, Beta Edu, summoned for questioning.

The EFCC stressed that the probe targets a systemic issue rather than individuals, signaling a crackdown on corruption within Nigeria’s financial sector and government agencies.


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FITC to Redefine HR with AI, Digitisation for Organisational Sustainability

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The eagerly anticipated E3 Conference, hosted by FITC, is back for its fourth edition, poised to set new benchmarks in the realm of employee engagement and organizational sustainability.

Themed, “Redefining HR Through AI & Digital Transformation for Organizational Sustainability,” the conference is scheduled to take place on April 17th and 18th.

In a statement, FITC says the E3 Conference stands as a beacon of innovation, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, and professionals from across Africa and beyond.

It explained that in today’s fast-paced landscape, technology such as AI and automation is reshaping the dynamics of human resource management.

“The E3 Conference is dedicated to unravelling the potential of these advancements, focusing on topics ranging from talent mobility to the latest trends in managing talent. It’s a journey towards understanding and embracing these transformative shifts, ensuring that businesses are primed for the future of HR.

“With a stellar lineup of over 24 speakers, including C-suite Executives, Subject Matter Experts, and Thought Leaders from various sectors, the conference promises to deliver insights that transcend conventional boundaries. Attendees can expect deep dives into strategies for enhancing productivity, streamlining processes, and maximizing global talent mobility through AI and automation, “it stated.

“Keynote speakers such as Evi Ifekwe, Executive Director of People & Country Services at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, and Wale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, alongside a faculty lineup comprising industry stalwarts, will spearhead discussions on critical issues shaping the future of work.

The two-day hybrid event will feature four plenary sessions and two master classes, providing attendees with ample opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and interactive engagement.

Participants will delve into topics such as the impact of AI on the future of work, data-driven performance management, and strategic implementation of AI in HR.

The conference is expected to provide insights into cutting-edge strategies for professionals and HR leaders who will gain invaluable insights from industry pioneers on leveraging AI and digital transformation to drive organizational sustainability and employee engagement, “it stated.

“As organisations worldwide grapple with the complexities of the new normal, the E3 Conference serves as a beacon of hope and enlightenment, offering practical solutions and visionary insights to navigate the challenges ahead, ” the company said.


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NASENI Collaborates with NIPSS on Enhancing Digital Economy, Job Creation

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National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State are set to collaborate on enhancing Nigeria’s digital economy footprints, empowering and creating jobs for millions of youths.

L-R: The Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Prof. Ayo Omotayo presenting an Award to the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu during a study tour of the Senior Executive Course 46 at the NASENI Headquarters Abuja today, Monday 15th April, 2024.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO),  NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, disclosed this while welcoming participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46 of NIPSS who were at the Agency on Strategic Institution Study tour on Monday, 15th April, 2024.
Halilu said he was elated that NASENI was identified as one of the federal government’s agencies that have all it takes to empower and create job opportunities for Nigerian youths, and make the country self-reliant in
manufacturing and digital economy.
Halilu said strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders in Nigeria to access, adopt and scale up technologies is an essential outcome of such cooperation and collaborations currently being undertaken by the Agency and “must be supported by the relevant offline conditions, such as an enabling policy environment, access to finance, appropriate incentives and innovation capacities.”
The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, who led the delegation, said Nigerian youths can be empowered through translation of NASENI innovations to finished products and to strengthen the collaboration between the two organizations.
According to him, various groups from the institute have been sent to different agencies to study how policies for national development can be developed, adding that the Group in NASENI will do a deep study on NASENI on how the Agency can help in creating job opportunities for Nigerian youths using some of its technological innovations.
He said “Nigeria cannot have good manufacturing without infrastructures and NASENI is very important in all the sectors in the country, especially in manufacturing industries. We need an Agency like NASENI to live up to expectations, we can work together with you to find means of transferring your innovations to effective job creation and youth empowerment.”
He noted that the Course 46 participants from NIPSS wanted to know the vision, mission and roles of NASENI and how they can be translated to job creation for youths in a digital economy.

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