MTN Nigeria Enterprise Business has, in collaboration  with SpeechLogix and Zoom, inaugurated a video conferencing platform for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) called Meetings+.

The General Manager, Business Enterprise, MTN, Mr Charles Okonkwo, disclosed this at the Meetings+ launch press conference in Lagos.

Okonkwo said that the collaboration to launch Meetings+ was to provide  Nigerian businesses with an innovative  platform tailored to their needs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Meetings+ is a video conferencing  platform powered by Zoom.

Okonkwo  said that the collaboration aligns with MTN’s broader strategy of transitioning from a telecommunications company (telco) to technology company  (Techco).

He said that it demonstrated the company’s commitments to driving digital transformation of Nigeria  businesses.

“By offering innovative solutions like Meeting+, MTN aims to empower SMEs and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“MTN’s strategic shift from a traditional  telecommunications provider to a technology company encompasses a multifaceted approach aimed at harnessing digital innovation to address evolving consumers needs and market dynamics.

“As part of this transition, MTN recognises the pivotal role of digital solutions in facilitating business agility enhancing operational efficiency and fostering economic resilience particularly for SMEs, which forms the backbone of the Nigeria economy,’’ he said.

According to Okonkwo, through collaboration with industry leading partners such as Zoom and SpeechLogix, MTN leverages its extensive network infrastructure, technological expertise and market insights to co-create transformative solutions.

He said that Meetings+ exemplified this collaborative effort by combining Zoom’s innovative video conferencing technology with SpeechLogix specialised capabilities to deliver a comprehensive communication platform.

The general manager said that Meetings+ was a comprehensive communication platform that transcended geographical barriers and empowered SMEs to connect, collaborate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Head, Sales, SpeechLogix, Haitham El-Hanafi, said that the collaboration with MTN Nigeria and Zoom to develop Meetings+ was a strategic decision driven by its shared commitment to addressing the evolving needs of businesses.

He said that SpeechLogix brought unique strengths to the partnership including expertise in innovative modules designed to enhance  communication  and collaboration.

The Ag. Senior Trade Commissioner, Deputy High Commission of Canada, Dindembolo-Zaya Kuyena, in his presentation, expressed excitement over the collaboration.

Dindembolo-Zaya said that it was important to note that Canada was actively collaborating with Nigeria on trade policy, including negotiation and agreements to enhance market access and investment flow.

“Without a doubt, Nigeria is one of Canada’s most important economic partners in Africa promoting trading investment from relationships between itself and Canada.

He said that Nigeria’s economic recovery was a priority for the Canadian Government.

‘’In 2002, Nigeria became Canada’s second largest trading partner in Africa with 2.2 billion in bilateral Merchants trade.

‘’Nigeria is also the largest African foreign investor in Canada with USD1.7 billion from 2021 data. Canadian direct investment in Nigeria is estimated at approximately just under $500m and I am pushing for that to increase over the coming years.

‘’Nigeria’s economic diversification policy aligns well with that of Canada, and it’s important to note that it was mentioned in terms of your SME landscape,’’ he said.

He said that the Nigerian SME landscape was over 60 per cent and it bolstered the local economy,  adding that this was very similar to the Canadian economic landscape, which was why this alignment and partnership was very important to Canada.

According to him, the Canadian Government has only touched the surface in terms of trade potential and partnership like the one between MTN and SpeechLogix.

“This will accelerate trade in many other sectors and especially in virgin sectors like technology, which is so important in connectivity not just in Nigeria and  across Africa but globally.

The Head, SME Segment, Enterprise Business, Omowunmi Olatunbosun, said that Meetings+ offered users the convenience of paying in Naira through  Momo or via the MyMTN NG app

Olatunbosun said that with Meetings+, one was not just attending meetings but powering productive workforces, connecting with teams and achieving  together.

Leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.

The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations. The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organisations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”

According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organising\Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public. Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.

With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved

Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Illmi Children’s Fund (ICF) have trained 100 schoolgirls in digital and Information and Communication Technology skills training.

ICF Executive Director, Mrs Maryam Augie-Abdulmumin, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

The graduation followed the  training of the schoolgirls in ICF and NITDA’s DIGITGALS 2.0 programme, a collaborative initiative aimed to equip adolescent girls in Abuja with critical digital and ICT skills.

Augie-Abdukmumin said the DIGITGALS 2.0 centred around essential digital literacy, programming fundamentals, digital marketing and communication skills, and cybersecurity awareness.

She added that the girls were equipped with the confidence to compete and excel in a globalised digital economy.
The graduation was in commemoration of the 2024 International Girls in ICT Day celebration on April 25.

DIGITGALS 2.0 is in its second phase and empowered 100 senior secondary school girls selected from five government schools in the Federal Capital Territory.

The girls aged between 15 and 18 years were equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital world and address the growing demand for ICT skills in the 21st century.

Augie-Abdulmumin reiterated the importance of bridging the digital gap in the country starting with the girl-child.

“This graduation ceremony on International Day of Girls in ICT is a powerful symbol of our commitment to closing the digital gender gap.

“This programme made possible through our partnership with NITDA, and signifies a crucial step towards bridging the digital gender gap.

It also fostering a future where women are active leaders in the tech industry. This is also an opportunity for these girls to take charge of their own future,” Augie-Abdulmumin said.

The Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu  Abdullahi, commended the collaborative efforts of ICF in making the DIGITGALS 2.0 a reality.

According to him, building a diverse and inclusive digital workforce is critical for Nigeria’s success.

“We are proud to collaborate with ICF on DIGITGALS 2.0 to empower these young women to become active participants in the tech industry.

“This programme showcases the importance of collaborative efforts in bridging the digital gender gap.

“These girls have been equipped with essential digital skills, and ICF and NITDA are confident they will become active contributors to Nigeria’s thriving tech landscape,” Abdullahi said.

ICF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, from underprivileged backgrounds, through education, healthcare, technology and entrepreneurship initiatives.

NITDA is a public service institution established in 2007. It functions as the ICT policy implementing arm of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.