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2022 STEM  Bootcamp: NITDA trains 859 young Nigerians, charges them on coding

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The need to expose young Nigerians to coding related programmes, languages and games was once again emphasized as more than 800 young minds who participated in this year’s Science Technology Engineering Mathematics, STEM, Bootcamp for Kids gathered for the closing ceremony.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa while delivering a Keynote Address at the event, congratulated the participants for completing the 10-day bootcamp which held in Abuja, Lagos and Kano simultaneously, encouraged them to start early in deepening their interest in different areas of Information Technology (IT) and emerging technologies.

Inuwa emphasized that, “Seven out of the 10 fastest growing and better paying jobs globally are in the Information Technology (I.T) sector; So, I need you all to seize this golden opportunity to start coding early in life, because you need to become an exceptional person by having initiatives that can solve problems.”

“We want to see games with African characters, games that uphold and promote our indigenous culture and values as well as educational games and many more,” Inuwa maintained.

The DG stressed that the country is working assiduously towards bridging the global talent gap by becoming the supplier of same.

“We have an ambitious target of making Nigeria a talent global supplier. We have launched some initiatives like training one million tech developers in the next 18 months and the talent gab analysis where we want to get the best line of information about the number of talents we have in the country. Then, we will come up with a National Talent Strategy Plan on how to position Nigeria as a global talent supplier,”he added.

He noted that the Agency is also doubling efforts to ensure that  training interns at the the National Centre for Artificial intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) come up with solutions on malaria and diabetics as well as other health related issues, adding that some of them are learning to apply drone tech to improve Agriculture and Security.

According to Inuwa, catching them young and spurring kids to make use of the computer which has become a liberal act will translate to building a career in money-making digital ventures, thereby including them in Nation Building.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the National Director, National Centre for Artificial intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Eng. Ya’u Garba affirmed that the Stem Bootcamp for kids (SB4Kids) 2022, which was organised by NITDA through NCAIR has successfully exposed the kids to a series of hands-on training in different areas, including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Extended Reality, Digital Communication and Drone technologies, among others.

“These kids whose ages fall between 8-16 years were tutored and urged to imbibe a passion in STEM in order to create an early interest in digital technologies which will in the long run shape their future careers accordingly,” Garba assured.

Some participants who shared their experiences commended the Agency and its subsidiary, NCAIR, for the life-changing opportunity to learn digitally inclined skills and task their minds to seeing themselves as solutions providers.

Some parents were thankful too for the Bootcamp as they took turns to register their gratitude and recount the benefits of the programme.

The DG, accompanied by other dignitaries presented awards to some outstanding trainees and deserving trainers.

The Director-General later went on a demo tour where he was briefed on the solutions created by the apparently excited participants.

Infotech

May Day: Glo salutes Nigerian workers

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Digital telecommuni cations solutions provider, Globacom, has saluted Nigerian workers as the country observes this year’s edition of the International Workers’ Day. The company enjoined them to rededicate themselves to excellence so as to take Nigeria to the next level.

In a solidarity message released on Tuesday, Globacom lauded the resilient spirit of workers in spite of present challenges. It urged them to use the opportunity of the Workers’ Day to reflect on how their contributions can build a better and more vibrant society.

“We salute Nigerian workers on this day and commend them for the hard work, commitment, resourcefulness and industry which are essential for the growth of the economy of any nation,” Globacom said, and urged them not to rest on their oars.

The company noted that the story of Nigeria cannot be complete without the huge contributions of workers, both in the public and private sectors.

The International Labour Day is observed annually on May 1 to recognise the contributions of workers all over the world. It is also used to promote a fairer and more sustainable future for all by advocating for workers’ rights.

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Abaranje fire: Company sues for calm, assures victims of healthcare support

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By our reporter

Carville Integrated Ventures Limited, a leading telecoms facility management services provider, has appealed for calm following the recent fire incident at Abaranje Base Station.

The company manages base stations on behalf of Airtel Nigeria.

In a statement, the Management of Carville noted that the incident occurred during maintenance operations on a leaking part of a diesel tank, resulting in injuries to some individuals from the local community who forcefully gained unauthorised access into the facility hosting the base station during the maintenance work.

The company however sympathised with the victims while promising to provide healthcare support to them.

“The management of Carville Integrated Ventures, extends her condolences to the affected individuals and their families, stating, ‘Our hearts go out to those injured in the unfortunate incident. We are committed to providing support and assistance during their recovery process.’

“We stand by our commitment to the communities we serve, and we will continue to prioritize their welfare in all our operations.”

“Furthermore, Carville appeals to community leaders and members to cooperate with the company in implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

“Safety is our top priority,” the management affirmed. “We urge everyone to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the well-being of all.”

“Carville is working closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement necessary measures to prevent recurrence,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Airtel Nigeria has also in a statement sympathised with the victims of the fire incident.

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Digital identity: FG, Bill Gates partner to harmonise database

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By our reporter

The Federal Government and Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Mr. Bill Gates are in talks to develop a system that will help Nigeria harmonise her identity system database.

The Microsoft Founder made this known when he met with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.

According to Gates, “We are working with Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitisation. Before you came into office, there were a few things attempted in identity management. But they have been very scattered. There have been multiple identification systems.

“Now, there is a plan to take that technology called MOSIP and use it for this identification platform so that people can get digital benefits. We are providing support for that, and we can provide more support.

“With MOSIP ID, there is potential application in all government payment programmes. It helps with payment efficiency and bank accounts, and eventually, when everyone is using that, it makes tax collection easier. That benefit will take a few years. However, there will be more bank accounts, more financial inclusion, and effective government payment programmes,” the Former Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft said.

Mr. Gates said Nigeria has the capacity to manage this system and related-technological systems as the nation brims with talented youths.

“The last time I went to the Microsoft office in Lagos, I saw the amazing work that they were doing and how they were growing their operations. So, you have a lot of Nigerian talents to manage these systems,” he said.

Responding, President Tinubu noted that his administration is investing in technology that is tailored towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government and accelerating public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people.

Emphasising his unwavering commitment to deliver reliable technology that will support a national consumer credit system and many other critical new government interventions for all Nigerians, the President said resistance is often expected when efforts are made to strengthen systems and forestall malfeasance.

“Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity. We have been working hard on improving technology.”

“There is always the initial resistance. Corruption, self-interest, and fraudulent activity will always be an enemy, but when you bend that curve, you will receive the benefit. The nation will receive the benefit,” the President said.

The President also stated that he is proud of Nigeria’s youths noting that they encourage him to continue to press his reform efforts forward for their future prosperity.

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