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Silicon Valley: Ogun to benefit from $34bn innovation economy

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Poised to increase the number of tech startups in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the state and tap into the $34b innovation economy, the Ogun State government, has entered into a strategic partnership with GetFundedAfrica.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun State governor, Kunle Somorin, on Thursday, the partnership was to enable Ogun benefit from the huge venture capital flows into Africa.

Somorin said the partnership by the state through its Bureau of Information Communication Technology (BICT) is also to make Ogun, starting with Abeokuta, an innovation state and destination of venture capital flows, which according to him is in the fulfilment of Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s developmental initiatives and leveraging technology and innovation to build Nigeria’s first Silicon Valley.

He explained that GetFundedAfrica is a pan-African venture service platform that matches startups, investors, corporates & G
governments and helped African startups raise over $150m in 2021.

Quoting the Head of BICT and the Special Adviser to the governor on ICT, Dayo Abiodun, the statement noted that Ogun as the Nigeria’s industrial hub and home to the highest number of tertiary institutions in the country, is focused on unlocking a $34 billion innovation economy and happy to partner with GetFundedAfrica to achieve the ICT objective set by the governor.

The statement that further quoted the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Dapo Okubadejo, that the partnership is already yielding fruit as 20 startups are in the process of relocating to the Ogun Tech Hub in Abeokuta, also echoed the Chief Commercial Officer of GetFundedAfrica, Tunji Oke, that over the next 36 months, no fewer that 400 startups from across Africa would be brought and help Ogun to unlock billions of dollars in innovation.

“The first batch of 20 startups cut across verticals such as Fintech, Agritech, Healthtech, Software Development, Training and Talent Recruitment and are startups from Nigeria, Uganda, UAE, Kenya and Germany, will be helped by GetFundedAfrica with fundraising, mentors, coaching, corporates, media and more. The state will support with visa, insurance, office spaces, utilities and more.

“Startups can apply to be considered to access funding and be incubated in the tech hub using this link- https://forms.office.com/r/HXQ0vgQrdi”, the statement submitted.

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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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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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