Connect with us

Infotech

Airtel CEO backs telecoms industry as backbone for bridging divide

Published

on

By Ibiyemi Mathew

Group Managing Director and Chief Exec utive Officer, Airtel Africa, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya has backed the telecoms industry as the backbone for driving growth in Nigeria through connecting people and transforming lives.

In his keynote address at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Sharing Experience Series 2023, Ogunsanya described telecoms as an industry that empowers both individuals and organisations, by eliminating certain barriers simply by connecting people.

Speaking on the theme: “Leading to Impact,” he explicated his experience and lessons which he has gathered over time, sharing how his diverse work background has given him a wide-ranging perspective that has helped him lead Airtel as an organisation. He also shared practical advice and leadership principles for developing effective and impactful leadership.

He stated in his remarks that “Companies keep competing with the past, and capturing market opportunities requires you to compete into the future without losing focus of the present. It’s either you are satisfied with your previous experiences or you keep looking out for future achievements. It is essential for every individual and organisation to have a purpose because something must drive you asides profit making, and you will be amazed at how that will drive you into the height of success that you intend to accomplish.”

Ogunsanya while speaking on the impact of telecoms on driving growth in Nigeria, said that Airtel is able to transform lives by connecting people not only to their loved ones, but also to their passion, experiences and opportunities noting specially, Airtel Africa’s $57Million partnership with UNICEF, connecting schools in the 14 African countries of its operations to the internet thereby granting African Children access to digital learning with 620 schools across Nigeria already connected.

Speaking on how Airtel is fostering gender diversity, financial and digital Inclusion across Africa, he said, “Airtel just launched a program called ‘Airtel Women Network,’ to encourage women to take an active part in technology. Through this platform, we are encouraging our women through mentorship and networking, and at the end of the day, we want them to be able to pitch ideas to us and get the resources to fund projects in the long run. I encourage diversity not because it is the right thing to do, but because it adds diverse value to an organisation.

“In the area of driving financial inclusion, through our Payment Service Bank, Smartcash PSB, we are able to connect people in the rural areas to financial activities, and we are also using this platform to drive women empowerment programs where we train women to become PSB agents,” he said.

The NBCC Sharing Experience Series was designed two years ago to provide a platform for accomplished leaders in the organised private sector to share their experiences in the areas of entrepreneurship and professional careers. Previous editions have seen speakers like the Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia; Founder/CRO, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Adenike Ogunlesi; and others.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Infotech

May Day: Glo salutes Nigerian workers

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Infotech

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Infotech

Digital identity: FG, Bill Gates partner to harmonise database

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending