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Tijani addresses World economic forum on Nigeria’s digital economy successes, challenges

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Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani, has addressed a global audience at the World Economic Forum holding in Davis, Switzerland on Nigeria’s digital economy journey.

As Nigeria navigates the digital landscape, the address by Minister Bosun Tijani at the World Economic Forum signals the country’s determination to leverage technology for economic diversification and address global challenges collaboratively.

The Minister noted that the event presents an opportunity for Nigeria to forge partnerships and chart a path forward in building the backbone of its digital economy.

Speaking at the forum, Tijani emphasised the pivotal role of technology in diversifying Nigeria’s economy and addressing global challenges.

Mr. Tijani underscored the crucial role of technology in Nigeria’s economic diversification, stating, “We understand that diversification in Nigeria’s economy can only happen through the application of technology.”

In an interview with the press, Tijani added, “One of the things I’m looking to accomplish on this on this journey, which truly is to find partnerships and relationships to help us build the backbone for our digital economy, and the reason for that is we understand that diversification that Nigeria is an economy can only happen through the application of technology. Also, the world is going through an interesting time. So many global challenges now include the opportunity for technology to solve so many challenges as well. With the opportunities that exist in the work workforce for technology.”

He pointed out that the unique demographic advantage, with 60 percent of Nigeria’s population being under the age of 25, presents an opportunity to accelerate talent development and contribute significantly to the global technology workforce.

Harnessing Opportunities for Talent Development:

Acknowledging the challenges posed by global issues, Minister Tijani sees technology as a solution and an enabler for progress. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to address the global workforce shortage in technology, saying, “We can accelerate talent in our country, help raise new people who can join that technical workforce and help solve many problems.”

Reflecting on the overall theme of the World Economic Forum 2024, “Rebuilding Trust,” Mr. Tijani noted its resonance with Nigeria’s current reality. He emphasised the need for constructive conversations that build trust over time, recognising that this process requires accountability and realistic measures. The minister highlighted President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s commitment to performance accountability, noting that ministers in the administration sign performance bonds, and their effectiveness will be judged by their performance.

He said, “The overall theme of the World Economic Forum 2024; ‘Rebuilding Trust’ speaks to our reality at home in Nigeria and it clearly resonates with my experience in government for the last 4 months.

“We have the opportunity as a nation and under this present administration to chart a path forward, even as we contribute to finding solutions to collective global challenges.

“To do so however, we must find a way to have conversations that are constructive and build trust over time. It won’t happen overnight.

“As leaders and citizens, we must hold ourselves accountable, through very realistic measures, to the promises that we make to ourselves.

“President Tinubu in his wisdom has started this by ensuring that his ministers sign performance bonds and it is clear we will be judged by our performance.”

Minister Bosun Tijani concluded his address by expressing Nigeria’s commitment to contributing to finding solutions to global challenges. He urged leaders and citizens to hold themselves accountable and emphasized that building trust won’t happen overnight. The minister emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue and realistic measures to fulfill promises made to the nation.

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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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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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