Connect with us

Telecom

Tinubu Supports Fights against Drug Abuse at the ASAP Conference

Published

on

Kindly share this post

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (NDLEA Chairman/CEO), and Odunayo Sanya (MTN Foundation Executive Director) have joined forces to combat substance abuse in Nigeria. They lent their support during the MTN Foundation’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) conference in Abuja.

The conference, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” united key stakeholders and experts to discuss and strategize effective measures against drug abuse among Nigerian youth.

The MTN Foundation’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) conference in Abuja saw a convergence of key stakeholders, including representatives from the highest echelons of government, as they united to address the pressing issue of drug abuse among Nigerian youths. The event emphasised the urgent need for both global and local commitment to preventive measures in the fight against substance abuse.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the conference by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the administration’s commitment to addressing drug abuse. In his address, the President emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a drug-free society. “The fight against drug abuse is not just a governmental responsibility but a collective one. We must all join hands to protect our youth from the scourge of substance abuse,” He stated.

Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to combating drug abuse through the ASAP initiative. “Our mission is clear – to reduce the rate of first-time substance abuse among young Nigerians aged 15-25. The strong turnout at this conference is a testament to the power of collective action,” Sanya remarked. She further elaborated on the comprehensive approach of the programme, which includes advocacy walks, stakeholder conferences, and educational campaigns.

Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, called for more substantial investments in preventive measures and early detection. “The Drug Integrity Test initiative aims to establish an anti-drug culture in Nigeria. It targets students, workers, and prospective couples to prevent drug use and enable early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation”, Marwa stated.

The conference featured a series of panel discussions, workshops, and presentations from experts in the field, providing valuable insights into effective drug abuse prevention strategies. It also served as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering partnerships among government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector.

A highlight of the conference was the discussion on leveraging community-based approaches to tackle substance abuse. Participants emphasised the importance of grassroots initiatives in creating a sense of ownership and responsibility within local communities. By tailoring interventions to meet specific community needs, these efforts can yield more impactful and sustainable outcomes.

The event which held at the State House in Abuja, had in attendance other dignitaries such as Dr. Oliver Stolpe, the outgoing UNODC Country Representative; Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi, Chairman of MTN Foundation; Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice amongst others.


Kindly share this post

Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Telecom

Group Advocates for Digital Rights at 2024 Internet Governance Forum

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing digital rights and inclusion in the Global South, has made significant contributions to the just-concluded 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PIN’s participation in the prestigious global event underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering inclusive digital policies and ensuring that Africa’s voices are central in global discussions about the future of the internet.

During the week-long forum, PIN team members played key roles in numerous sessions, emphasising the importance of a digital rights perspective in the development of emerging technologies, advocating for a more inclusive digital future, and addressing the specific challenges the African continent faces in terms of digital access and inclusion.

PIN Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, spoke at high-profile sessions, including the Leadership Panel on ‘The Internet We Want’, which outlined the vision for a global internet that is accessible, secure, and inclusive.

At the Africa Youth IGF Parley, ‘Gbenga provided a platform for young Africans to address pressing issues such as internet restrictions, the digital divide, and digital rights violations.

Adeboye Adegoke, Senior Manager for Grants and Programmes Strategy at Paradigm Initiative, contributed to Open Forum #12, advocating for policies that ensure a rights-respecting and inclusive digital future. His discussions highlighted the importance of policies that place human rights at the core of technological advancements.

Ihueze Nwobilor, Senior Programmes Officer, spoke at the session, ‘A Rights-Respecting Approach to Emerging Tech Development,’ where he called for the prioritisation of human rights in the development and deployment of emerging technologies across Africa and beyond.

The organisation’s Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements, Thobekile Matimbe, shared valuable insights during the ‘Better Products and Policies Through Stakeholder Engagement’ session.

She emphasized the role of the private sector in engaging with local communities to ensure that digital products and policies are inclusive and meet the needs of vulnerable groups across Africa.

Bridgette Ndlovu, PIN Partnerships and Engagements Officer, moderated a session on ‘Implementation of the USF in 26 African Countries,’ where she and other speakers, including ‘Gbenga Sesan, discussed the crucial role of Universal Service Funds (USF) in advancing digital inclusion, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

PIN’s participation at IGF 2024 has been an important moment for advocating digital rights in Africa. “Paradigm Initiative’s participation was a powerful reminder that Africa’s digital future must be shaped by inclusive, rights-respecting policies.

“Our participation at the IGF is a continuous demonstration of the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in building a more inclusive and accessible internet for everyone, especially those in under-served communities,” PIN Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan stated.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Patricia Technologies Begins Repayments to Customers Affected by 2022 Security Breach

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Lagos-based financial technology firm Patricia Technologies has commenced repayments to customers impacted by a 2022 security breach. This follows a two-year period where the company focused on recovering funds and rebuilding trust.

In 2022, Patricia experienced a significant cyberattack, resulting in the loss of over 600 million Naira from customer accounts. Following the breach, the company temporarily restricted withdrawals and collaborated with law enforcement, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including a prominent politician.

Patricia had previously requested a two-to-five-year repayment window, a plan that has now begun to be implemented. The company has started disbursing funds to affected customers in phases, with the first batch of payments initiated on December 10, 2024.

CEO Hanu Fejiro emphasized the company’s commitment to its customers, stating, “This repayment process represents a milestone in fulfilling our promise to make things right.”

He encouraged customers to update their information on the Patricia platform and monitor official channels for further updates on their individual repayment timelines.

Subscribers who are getting paid in this phase have since been officially notified by email. One of the subscribers, with initials BP (for purposes of confidentiality), expressed appreciation and satisfaction with being paid by Patricia via an email reaction: “I really appreciate your effort. Though it took a long time, I’m satisfied with what I’ve received. Thank you for keeping to your words.”


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

From Niche App to Global Giant: TikTok’s Controversial Journey

Published

on

Kindly share this post

TikTok’s rise from a niche video-sharing app to a global social media giant has sparked controversies worldwide, with concerns over its links to China and its influence on users and politics.

In Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Saturday that TikTok would be banned for at least a year starting in 2025.

The decision follows a tragic incident in Tirana where a 14-year-old was killed and another injured in a fight stemming from an online confrontation. Rama described TikTok as the “thug of the neighborhood.”

In Romania, the European Union is investigating whether TikTok played a role in far-right candidate Calin Georgescu’s unexpected first-round presidential election victory.

The probe focuses on alleged Russian interference and claims of “preferential treatment” by TikTok. This marks the platform’s third EU investigation, potentially risking fines of up to six percent of its global revenue.

TikTok stated it has implemented “robust actions” to combat election misinformation, while Russia denies meddling.

In the United States, TikTok faces mounting pressure after the government passed a law in April requiring ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, to divest from the platform by January 2025.

The U.S. claims TikTok allows China access to American user data, a claim TikTok denies. ByteDance admitted its employees had accessed U.S. user data but insisted it does not share information with Chinese authorities.

TikTok could face a nationwide ban if ByteDance fails to comply, threatening its 170 million U.S. users.

Australia recently enacted a landmark law banning under-16s from accessing social media, including TikTok, with hefty fines of up to AU$50 million for noncompliance.

TikTok expressed disappointment, warning the law could push young users to less regulated parts of the internet.

In Europe, TikTok was forced to remove an engagement feature in its TikTok Lite version after EU regulators raised concerns about its addictive nature.

The feature rewarded users aged 18 and older with points redeemable for goods based on time spent on the app.

TikTok also faces criticism for its role in spreading hazardous challenges, some of which have reportedly led to child deaths, such as the blackout challenge.

Disinformation remains a significant issue, with a study by NewsGuard revealing that one-fifth of videos on topical subjects like the Russia-Ukraine war contained misleading or false information.

Despite these controversies, TikTok remains a dominant force in social media, attracting creators and influencers worldwide.

Its powerful algorithm and innovative features have secured its place at the forefront of digital engagement.

However, the platform continues to grapple with mounting scrutiny over its practices and societal impact.

TikTok’s meteoric rise has reshaped the social media landscape, cementing its status as a global powerhouse with over 1.04 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2024.

This milestone, achieved in less than a decade, underscores TikTok’s unparalleled growth trajectory compared to platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which took significantly longer to reach similar heights.

In the United States alone, 170 million people actively use the app, contributing to its $16 billion U.S. revenue in 2023.

Globally, TikTok engages over a quarter of social media users and nearly one-fifth of internet users monthly, with U.S. adults spending an average of nearly an hour daily on the platform.

Its popularity is further evidenced by 137 million downloads in the first quarter of 2024.

Since its 2018 launch, TikTok has grown from 55 million users to over a billion, fueled by its dynamic algorithm and appeal across diverse demographics.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending