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“We Remain Committed to Driving Innovative Solutions at all levels” – MTNF Executive Secretary, Odunayo Sanya

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Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary of the MTN Foundation, has stated that MTN remains committed to driving innovations at all levels. She made this statement at the Alliance for African Partnership [AAP] panel discussion at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation

The conversation which was centred around Innovating Solutions to African Challenges, was attended by different stakeholders from all over the continent such as Professor Titulaire des Universités, Ahmadou Aly Mbaye;  the Director, Ford Foundation, West Africa, Catherine Chinedum Aniagolu-Okoye and Director, Partnership and Communications, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Somachi Chris-Asoluka.

Speaking on the role of the private sector in facilitating transformative change, Odunayo states that the private sector is aware of its benefits, and more importantly its responsibility to drive innovation. She reinforces MTN’s belief that everyone deserves the benefit of a modern connected life, therefore lifting people and connecting them to their dreams.

She stressed the importance of creating inclusiveness at all levels, outside the classroom as we strive to solve these problems.

“We need to drive a bit more unstructured innovation. We need to drive innovation at all levels, not everyone will end up in the four walls of a university. And that one doesn’t get into a university doesn’t mean they cannot create innovation. I think we need to be able to target innovation at different levels.”

Beyond academia, Odunayo identifies the need to be able to transfer skills to the recipients of the scholarship that the Foundation facilitates, which is very important. She attest that the universities’ curriculum is a bit inadequate.

She said, “A lot of students pass through universities, without engaging in adequate research. Dissertations are usually not geared towards innovation, so they struggle by the time they come out of school.

“To address this, MTN Foundation collaborates with its ecosystem partners; Google, Microsoft, IBM, and recently Meta, to train beneficiaries of MTN Scholarships on the needed ICT and Business skills for the labour market.

“These graduates are also trained to be entrepreneurs enabling them to create jobs and wealth for themselves.” On entrepreneurship, Odunayo aslo noted that MTN has recently launched Y’ellopreneur which is a women-targeted funding and skill training program.

Odunayo maintains that other key roles of the private sector in driving innovations are in the areas of funding and influencing policies. MTN Foundation partners with The Bank Of Industry to give out loans at 2% interest to young university undergraduates, to help them through school.

She points out that private sectors are policy influencers that birth policies that makes things easy for all the stakeholders contributing to the sustainability of innovation.

Founded by Michigan State University in 2006 in collaboration with African colleagues, the Alliance for African Partnership [AAP] is an Association of the MSU committed to working in equitable partnership to transform lives and address global challenges.

Their priority areas include Agri-food systems, Water, energy and the environment, Culture, Youth empowerment, Education, Health and Nutrition.


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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

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MTN Nigeria Expands Digital Offerings with Audiomack+ Music Subscription

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MTN Nigeria, a leading ICT company, has partnered with Audiomack, a renowned music streaming platform, to introduce the Audiomack+ subscription program.

This strategic collaboration provides MTN subscribers with seamless access to premium Audiomack content, uninterrupted streaming, offline downloads, and exclusive features through convenient mobile payment options.

Audiomack+ offers three flexible subscription plans, enabling subscribers to discover emerging artists, underground music, and community-driven playlists. Music lovers can enjoy, Month Pass (N900/month): 30-day free trial + uninterrupted streaming, Week Pass (N400/week): Affordable weekly subscription and Day Pass (N100/day): Daily access to premium content.

“This partnership with Audiomack reinforces our commitment to delivering value-added services to our customers,” said A’isha Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer of MTN Nigeria.

“We’re excited to offer our subscribers an easy and affordable way to access premium music content, empowering them to explore new music and support their favorite artists.”

David Ponte, Audiomack Co-Founder and CMO, added, “Our partnership with MTN Nigeria brings us closer to making music accessible to everyone.

“With Audiomack+, we’re proud to offer affordable premium streaming options, providing users in Nigeria with the best music experience possible.”

To subscribe to the Audiomack+ monthly plan, text APM to 3134 or visit Audiomack+ Month Pass. Alternatively, customers can text APW to 3134 or text APD to 3134 for weekly or daily subscriptions.

Through its strategic partnership with music streaming platforms, MTN Nigeria reinforces its commitment to providing enhanced and innovative digital experiences to customers.


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Elon Musk’s X Slammed with $418,000 Fine in Australia for Failing to Provide Child Protection Data

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An Australian court has upheld a decision requiring X, formerly known as Twitter, to pay A$610,500 ($418,000) fine after failing to cooperate with a request from the nation’s eSafety Commissioner.

The request was for detailed information about the platform’s efforts to tackle child sexual exploitation material.

X initially contested the fine, arguing that a corporate restructuring in 2022, when Elon Musk took Twitter private and merged it into a new entity, freed the company from having to comply with the request issued in early 2023. However, the Federal Court of Australia disagreed, ruling that the platform was still bound to provide the information.

Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, noted that if accepted, it could have set a dangerous precedent. She stated that such corporate mergers could allow international companies to sidestep regulatory obligations in Australia, undermining internet safety efforts.

The penalty relates to a current inquiry into how tech companies, including X, are managing harmful content, particularly involving child protection. The eSafety Commissioner had requested specific details on the platform’s anti-child abuse strategies, which X failed to provide. In addition to the fine, civil proceedings have also been initiated against the company due to its noncompliance.

Musk’s X has faced previous clashes with the Australian internet safety regulator. Earlier this year, the eSafety office ordered the platform to remove content showing a violent incident involving a bishop being attacked during a sermon.

X challenged that directive, arguing that regulators in one nation should not dictate what content is visible worldwide. The Australian regulator eventually dropped the case, and X kept the posts online. Musk criticised the order, labelling it as an act of censorship and linked it to a larger agenda by international bodies like the World Economic Forum.

This latest legal setback adds to Musk’s growing list of challenges in managing the platform since his takeover, particularly as it continues to face questions from regulators around the world.


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FG Hopeful Thuraya’s Relaunch in Nigeria Will Boost Fight against Insecurity, Others

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Thuraya, a leading provider of satellite communication solutions, has officially relaunched its services in Nigeria, a move the federal government hope will help in the fight against insecurity, illegal mining and oil thefts in the country.

FG Hopeful Thuraya’s Relaunch in Nigeria Will Boost Fight against Insecurity, Others

Tsat Telecommunication, Thuraya’s local service partner, spearheaded the relaunch by implementing comprehensive strategies to enhance service delivery across Nigeria.

As part of this effort, the company partnered with system integrators Cypod Solutions and Niflink, who played critical roles in ensuring the successful integration of Thuraya’s advanced satellite services into the local market.

With this relaunch, Thuraya aims to provide more reliable and accessible communication options for businesses and individuals across Nigeria, addressing the growing demand for robust satellite solutions in remote and underserved areas.

This development is expected to have a significant impact on sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and disaster management, where seamless communication is vital for operational efficiency.

At the event Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communication, Innovations and Digital Economy, expressed hope that the launch of Thuraya communication products and services will help in the fight against insecurity, illegal mining and oil thefts in the country.

The minister who was represented by Engr Farouk Yusuf, permanent secretary of the ministry, said, beyond helping in expanding the country’s broadband penetration to hinterland and hard-to-reach areas, the formal entry of Thuraya satellite communications services will help security forces in combating criminalities bedevilling the country.

“Of course, Thuraya’s solutions will not only enhance broadband access but also provide critical communication tools such as can be used in security, agriculture and disaster management, as we mentioned in previous presentations.

“We expect Thuraya’s satellite products and services to play a critical role in addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges through a deliberate action.

He, however, said that while the country is thrilled with the coming of Thuraya, Nigeria expects the firm to take deliberate actions and efforts in ensuring that the partnership brings value to the country.

Earlier, Alhaji Abba Sani Abdullahi, chairman and chief executive officer of TSAT, expressed delight over the partnership that saw the re-entry of Thuraya onto the Nigerian market.

Also speaking, Faisal Mohammed Ahmed, vice president, Tech and Sale of Thuraya,  said the company has range of telecommunications and satellite assets that will boost the country’s digital landscape and also help in tackling security problems.


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