As part of its commitment to empowering and mentoring women to become global leaders while breaking stereotypes and closing gender gaps, the Airtel Women Network, a platform comprising female employees of Airtel Nigeria, welcomed girls from Airtel’s adopted school, Alaba Oro Comprehensive Senior High School, Ajegunle,, to commemorate International Day of Girls in ICT on Monday, 29th April 2024.

Led by the telco’s IT Director, Kemi Ariyo, the session emphasised the need for the rise of influential female role models in driving progress within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. It also served as an avenue to inspire young girls about the vast opportunities within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field.

During the session, Director of Enterprise and Airtel Business and President of the Airtel Women Network, Ogo Ofomata, shared insights on the significance of the 2024 commemoration with the students.

“Leadership entails leading yourself to do the things you have to do. With regard to the theme of this year’s International Girls in ICT Day, which is Leadership, our goal is to empower young girls and women to become programmers, coders, designers and to pursue careers in the ICT sector, ultimately becoming leaders in the IT sector,” she said.

The highlight of the event was a thought-provoking session led by Kemi Ariyo, IT Director at Airtel Nigeria, emphasising the importance of technological knowledge in addressing various global challenges.

In her words, “The world revolves around technology and everything we do today has to do with technology. You can get into that space by adopting hard work, smart work, and an active involvement in internship programs. In addition, just as technology can be used in music and other sectors, learning technology can help you achieve your goals of problem- solving in this digital age.”

Also speaking at the event, Chief Financial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Phanindra Nichanametla restated Airtel’s tagline ‘A Reason to Imagine,’ reassuring the students of Airtel’s commitment to encouraging positive imagination.

“A very important note to take home from this event is that Airtel is here to change your imagination and give you opportunities to imagine more,” he said.

Airtel remains committed to promoting initiatives that promote gender equality and diversity in the workplace. By investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in ICT, Airtel Nigeria continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future in the world of technology.

By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja

In a bid to restore integrity and order to Nigeria’s postal and courier industry, the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department (CLRD) of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has embarked on a vigorous clampdown operation targeting illegal courier service and logistics operators in Abuja.

Speaking with NewsDirect correspondent, Shonde G. Dotun, the General Manager of CLRD, on Friday, 3rd May, after the clampdown, shed more light on the motivations behind the enforcement and the challenges faced in the process.

Dotun began by emphasising the necessity of enforcing Section 43 of the NIPOST Act, which mandates all express service operators, delivery service providers, dispatch operators, and postal logistics companies to obtain a license from NIPOST before commencing operations.

He highlighted the rampant disregard for this regulation, with many operators venturing into the business without proper licensing, leading to a proliferation of unlicensed and illegal courier and logistics services across the country.

“The enforcement/clampdown operation has come to stay,” Dotun declared emphatically.

He outlined several reasons driving this decisive action, including the prevalence of unethical practices such as price undercutting, pilfering, damages, and dumping of customers’ items. Dotun expressed concern over the mounting public complaints regarding customer exploitation and the carriage of illicit drugs and prohibited items, posing grave threats to public safety and security.

Moreover, the issue of overloading and exceeding the stipulated weight limit of fifty kilograms further compounded the challenges faced by the industry, eliciting public disdain and eroding trust in the profession. Dotun emphasised that such practices not only tarnish the reputation of the postal sector but also contravene global best practices and international conventions.

Dotun underscored the importance of private investors adhering to due process and obtaining operating licenses from NIPOST to avoid facing the full wrath of the law. He reiterated the department’s commitment to prosecuting offenders and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements.

 Offenders caught operating without a license are apprehended and handed over to the police for prosecution, as it is deemed a crime against the state.

On the aspect of awareness and sensitisation, Dotun acknowledged NIPOST’s efforts in educating the public through various channels, including radio and TV stations. However, he lamented the lax attitude of some individuals who fail to conduct proper research and due diligence before venturing into the business space, resulting in legal repercussions.

In closing, Dotun urged prospective investors to visit the NIPOST portal @https://cird.nipost.gov.ng for comprehensive information on licensing requirements and regulations governing the postal and courier industry. He stressed the importance of compliance with regulatory standards to ensure the sustainability and credibility of businesses in the sector.

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.