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Nigeria hosts maiden edition of Digital economy regional conference

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Nigeria has recorded another landmark achievement by hosting the maiden edition of the Digital economic regional conference (DERC).

The conference is a convergence of all the ministers of digital economy in the sub-region and it is aimed at providing an opportunity for countries in the West Africa sub-region to discuss the growth and development of their various digital economic sectors including the gains, challenges, and opportunities, and also allow for peer review to identify key performance metrics that can form the foundation for the region’s equivalent of the Digital Economy and Society Index utilised by countries in the European region.

While welcoming his colleagues from other West African sub-region, the Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami disclosed that the conference has become imperative because digital inclusion cannot be achieved without collaboration.
He maintained that “no country can do it alone; our strength is in our collaboration and the unity we forged among ourselves,” adding that digital technologies are no respecter of borders, an axiom the sub-region can leverage for brainstorming and idea sharing.

Describing the African economic situation as worrisome, Prof. Pantami disclosed that the conference will beam a searchlight on the sub-region’s strengths and weaknesses and identify areas that needed development.

The Minister, who described the theme of the conference, “Positioning West Africa Digital Economy for the Future” as very apt, averred that the sub-region in particular and the continent, in general, lost out in the first to third industrial revolutions which accounted for the continent’s developing and under-developed status.

“The world economy is growing. Countries that prioritise the fourth industrial revolution are the leading economies. And if you look at all these countries that are doing well economically, you will discover they prioritised the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

While challenging the continent to be proactive because “that is the only key to achieving a very successful digital economy’’, the Minister noted that it is only in the Fourth Industrial Revolution that some African countries are actively involved.

The Minister decried that the entire African Economy, with a population of almost 1.5 billion people, is less than the economy of Japan. “If you look at our economic growth, it is lower than our population growth, and by implication, if care is not taken, poverty will continue to increase in the African continent.”

He said, “Our population is very important, particularly if we leverage on the potentials we have, definitely, we will be able to achieve a lot, particularly by being very proactive in our approach to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

While quoting the African Development Bank ADB, the Minister described as alarming, the over 420 million unemployed or unemployable youth in the continent, saying it is a time bomb waiting to explode if care is not taken. He added that by developing the digital economy sector, there are abundant opportunities for the West African youth to leverage on.

“And this is why we are here to discuss our strength. In the South of West Africa, we have a country that has the largest economy in Africa. Within the West African sub-region, we have the most populous country among us. Within the sub-region, we have the country with the youngest population. These are the things that are driving the economy, and most importantly the digital economy that we are here to discuss. So, failure is not an option, he averred.

While thanking the delegates from different West African countries for honouring the invitation, Prof. Pantami advised that building on the pedestal the conference has afforded is necessary in order to promote the digital economy of the sub-region in specific, and the region in general.

He said, “I do hope that we will continue to expand this conference to cover the entire African continent in the subsequent events to be organized, but starting with this, I think it is indeed a very good idea.

The conference which is supported by the World Bank had in attendance, the Nigerian World Bank Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri; Cape Verde’s Secretary of State for Digital Economy, His Excellence, Pedro Lopes; Gambian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ousman Bah; Nigerien Minister of Post and Information Technology, Mr. Moussa Hassan Basara; Liberian Minister of Post and Telecommunication, Mr. Cooper Kruah; the Senegalese Minister of Digital Economy and Telecommunication, Mr. Ndeye Diop. Other dignitaries at the event were Chief Executive Officers of the Nigerian Digital Economy sector, and their counterparts across the West Africa sub region

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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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