Rudman, IXPN boss to preside DigitalSENSE forum 2018

ITREALMS:

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Mr. Muhammed Rudman, would early next month, June, preside over the annual 2018 edition of Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable, reports ITRealms.

Confirming this to ITRealms at the weekend, the convener of NDSF Series and Executive Director, Operations at DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA) Media Group, Mrs. Nkemdilim Nweke, disclosed in Lagos, that this year’s theme is on ‘Internet Governance, Sustaining Development.’

She disclosed that the 2018 NDSF series slated for Wednesday, June 6, would see the morning session focusing on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and afternoon session on the Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable, at the Cooperative Hall, Oshodi-Isolo Secretariat, Oshodi-Lagos.

Mrs Nweke pointed out that Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum series which is on its 9th year has remained a distinguished annual rallying point for Internet stakeholders in the country with particular interest on students, youth, women and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs).

This year, she said would have Mr. Rudman, a veteran Information Technology (IT) professional with over 18-year extensive experience and pioneer Chief Executive Officer, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), presiding NDSF.

She noted that Mr. Rudman, is the chairman of IPv6 Council Nigeria and equally serving on the Board of Nigerian Internet Registration Association, the .ng  ccTLD custodians, as the Vice President as well as  the Chairman, Communication and Publicity Committee, in addition to being a member of the National Broadband Council tasked with the evaluation, review and monitoring of the National Broadband Plan, among others.

Mrs Nweke recalls that NDSF series, is hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA) Media, an At-Large Structure certified by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Nigeria Internet Group, Internet Society, Nigeria chapter and IPv6 Council Nigeria, as well as the Africa Civil Society on the Information Society (ACSIS), to name a few.

Nenye Dom/GEE

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Pix: Mr. Muhammed Rudman, CEO of IXPN

Tinubu congratulates new APC Exco in Lagos

ITREALMS:

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the newly-elected Lagos State executives of the party, urging them to further promote unity and inclusiveness in APC, reports ITRealms.

He spoke on Saturday while receiving in audience the new executives who paid a courtesy visit on him at his Bourdilion, Ikoyi residence after their victory.

Asiwaju Tinubu charged them to rededicate themselves to the party and work to take it to the new level, saying winning all political contests became a hallmark of the party in Lagos.  

He thanked the outgoing executives led by Chief Henry Ajomale for their unparallel stewardship that saw the party grow stronger, broader and more relevant. He commended them for steady way they led the party maintaining party discipline and cohesion through the years.

“The outgoing executives led by Chief Ajomale did a wonderful job. He led the party with a unity of purpose underpinned by the spirit of inclusiveness and purpose. Under them we never lost any election. We will not lose any election but this depends on how you handle your new responsibilities,” he said.

On the issue of the congress conducted, Asiwaju Tinubu said it was conducted in line with the guiding laws of the party.

“The people who own the party have spoken and chosen their leaders. The success of the congress held confirms the tradition of robust democracy and consensus-building that has brought progressive development to our state”.

Tinubu said the new chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, was no stranger to him and no stranger to responsibility, adding that as Commissioner under his administration, he performed well.

The APC national leader expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party and to deliver the good.

Balogun was Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture during Tinubu’s time as governor.

The new chairman thanked the APC national leader and pledged to work hard to take the party to the next level.

He commended the Senator Uche Ekwunife, who led the state Congress Organising Committee, and her team for conducting a free, fair and transparent exercise and for demonstrating commitment to the progress and success of the party.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Party chairman: Chief John Oyegun

African smart innovation gospel, according to Nkem Begho

ITREALMS:

The Chief Executive Officer of  Future Software Resources Limited, Nkemdilim Begho, today, joined Heads of African State, delegations of 80 member countries, international organizations, government establishments, public corporations, private businesses, financial institutions, media, among others in South Korea, adding voice to the promotion of African smart innovation and entrepreneurship, reports ITRealms.

Speaking at the dual conferences in South Korea, tagged KOAFEC 2018 and the African Development Bank Meeting 2018, alongside other leading voices in Africa including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Board Chair, Gavi, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, between 21^st May, 2018 through 25th at the BEXCO, Busan.

Begho told ITRealms ahead of the meetings that as a strong promoter of software in Nigeria, that Africa has a lot of potential in embracing and leap-frogging smart infrastructure, as well as building strategic economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.

The KOAFEC 2018 panel discussion, according to her, would  focus on how smart infrastructure could contribute to Africa’s socio-economic transformation in the areas such as energy, transportation, agriculture, sustainable environment, health, education, e-government, ICT, etc. 

Some of the panelists, ITRealms gathered, include: Mr. Amadou Hott, Vice President, Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, African Development Bank,  Ms. Nkemdilim Begho, CEO,  Future Software Resources Ltd, Mr. John Tanui, Chief Executive Officer, Konza Technopolis Development Authority,  Mr. Sérgio Pimenta, Vice President for Africa & MENA, International Finance Corporation, Mr. Mark Hyung-Joon Kim, Executive Vice President, Korea Telecom and  Mr. Young-hoon Chang,Executive Director, EDCF Group, The Export-Import Bank of Korea.

As said by Mrs Begho, who is software guru and leading women in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria, her discussion would focus on how software and IT consultancy service providers like Future Software Resources Limited could be involved in the development of smart infrastructure in Africa.

ITRealms also gathered that some key talking points for her, include: IT Consultancy Services, Development of end user applications and interfaces, Driving Digital inclusion,  Inclusive Content creation and development in local languages,  

“Digital Marketing to engage with the citizens to drive adoption rates,  Capacity Development to increase skilled labour and ensure self-sustainability of the smart infrastructure, among others are key  touchpoints,” she said.

Further, she said, the second session panelists at the African Development Bank meeting would be dealing with how best to  promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

Underlining focus, she said, would be the current status of startups in Africa and the future plans for expanding innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent. 

Begho who has represented Nigeria in other global forums to tell the story of how best Nigeria could be retool, said that the key objective on the second panel would contribute to innovation that raises productivity and growth, leading to job creation and poverty reduction in developing countries.

Equally, she said, the discussion, would  focus on  the need for the 4th Industrial Revolution and Entrepreneurship, role of Public - Private sector to activate innovation and entrepreneurship,  International Cooperation to expand join ventures, exchange of Technology and Human Resources of companies in Africa, current status of startups in Africa and action plan, strategies for Startups and Scale-ups,  role of young African Entrepreneurs and  ways  of shared growth and sustainability between Africa and Asia 

Notable panelists at this session, she said, would include Connyong Jennifer Moon, Chief Anchor, Arirang TV Network, Patrick Vermeulen, Professor and Academic Director, Radboud University, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Board Chair, Gavi, Hanan Morsy and Director, Macroeconomic Forecasting and Research, AfDB.

Nenye Dom/ED, Ops

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SPDC JV spends N14.85bn on GMoUs in Rivers State

ITREALMS:

A total of N14.86 billion has been invested by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) operated Joint venture on Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) clusters in Rivers State, giving communities a highly-valued opportunity to decide and implement projects and programmes that have a lasting impact on people’s lives. 

The funding, since the GMoU concept took off in 2006, has enabled the 19 clusters in Rivers State to embark on projects covering health, education, water and power supply improvement, sanitation and infrastructure development.

“The GMoU initiative has opened a new and exciting chapter in the relationship between SPDC JV and communities and empowered the people at the grassroots to take charge of their own development,” said SPDC’s General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli at a presentation of the 2018 Shell Nigeria Briefing Notes to journalists in Port Harcourt. Mr. Weli, who was represented by the Manager, Social Investment/Social Performance, Ms. Gloria Udoh, said the success of the GMoU initiative proves what can be achieved when government, international oil companies, communities and NGOs work together for the common good.

Under the terms of the GMoU, SPDC JV provides secure five-year funding for communities to implement development projects of their choice, which are managed by Cluster Development Boards (CDBs) under the guidance of mentoring NGOs. There are 37 active GMoU clusters in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Abia states, which have been funded to the tune of more than N41 billion since 2006. 

GMoU clusters in Rivers State have recorded landmark achievements, including setting up a Community Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) at Obio Cottage Hospital in Port Harcourt, where the average number of patients increased from about 600 to about 7,500 per month in 2017, making it one of the most utilised health facilities in the area. Other clusters have awarded foreign and Nigerian tertiary scholarships, set up transport schemes and built roads. 

In another social investment initiative in Rivers State, SPDC JV has trained more than 800 young men and women under the Shell LiveWIRE programme which was introduced in 2003 to help young entrepreneurs to convert their bright ideas into sustainable businesses, creating wider employment and income opportunities for communities. 

SPDC JV also implements a robust health intervention scheme, supporting 10 hospitals in the state. In 2017, SPDC JV established Nigeria’s first centre of excellence in Marine Engineering and Offshore Technology at Rivers State University in Port Harcourt, which has commenced programmes leading to the award of Masters degrees in Marine Engineering (Power Plants), Naval Architecture and Offshore and Subsea Engineering. This and other educational interventions build on a pioneering scholarship programme that was introduced by SPDC since the 1950s.

“We’re proud of our extensive social investment footprints in Rivers State, which in some cases even stretch beyond the SPDC joint venture. For example, to mark Nigeria’s centenary anniversary, Shell exclusively donated a modern public library to the Port Harcourt Literary Society in November 2016 at a cost of N1.58 billion. While we will continue to work with government, communities and other stakeholders for the development of the Niger Delta, we strongly appeal for a conducive operating environment since this is only way we can do business and implement the needed social investment projects and programmes,” Weli said. 

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Pix: L-R: Chairman Tennis Section of Ikoyi Club, Mr. Abimbola Okubena; Company Secretary, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Mrs. Nike Olafimihan; and Deepwater Business Opportunity Manager of SNEPCo, Mr.  Olaposi Fadahunsi, at the finals of the 2018 Ikoyi club tennis tournament sponsored by NNPC/SNEPCo... on Saturday 

102 of biometric enrolment

TalkingBiometrics@ITREALMS:

We introduced biometric enrolment in the previously edition, we shall now examine specific scenarios.

The environment where a biometric enrolment activity takes place is known as an enrolment center, and it can be as elaborate as a dedicated office, or as simple as a mobile van or a temporary location specifically designated for this purpose.

Temporary enrolment centres can be set up in schools, churches, mosques, markets, sports arenas, airports, train stations, shopping malls, or other convenient locations suitable for such makeshift arrangement. Factors that determine the location of a temporary biometric enrolment centre include safety of equipment and personnel, access to power supply, space for enrollee queue, etc. The type of biometric system adopted also determines whether it is suitable for outdoor use or strictly indoor operations.

Fingerprint technology is a widely adopted biometric system used in a number of enrolment cases. For effective fingerprint enrollment, clean scanners are essential to minimize failures and guarantee hygiene. Although there may be difficulties with easy collection of fingerprint samples from infants, it is generally accepted for most identity management schemes for verification because of the distinctiveness of human finger patterns from person to person. For this reason, fingerprints can be used in both single biometric verification systems and multi-modal systems where they are simultaneously used together with other biometrics such as facial or iris patterns. Multi-modal biometric implementations guarantee

…to be continued.

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About The Columnist

Kenneth Okereafor is an accomplished ICT professional and Cybersecurity expert with over 20 years computing experience in Enterprise ICT innovation management in both private and public sectors. He holds dual PhD degrees in Computer Science (Cybersecurity & Biometrics) and Management (ICT Administration and Governance) with a first class Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering background. He is a United Nations trained Network Security Specialist and is proficient in Network Optimization, Data Protection, Biometric Systems and Digital Forensics. In addition to many published works and conference papers, Kenneth has participated at many international technology events, and has contributed to several national ICT development programmes including the design and development of the National eHealth Strategic Framework 2015 - 2020. He has strong research interests in Digital Innovations, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity Education, Biometric Liveness Detection and Green Computing; and may be reached at nitelken@yahoo.com

NGE mourns Tukur Abdularahman

ITREALMS:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep sense of loss and sadness over the death of a quintessential and amiable Nigerian Journalist, Alhaji Tukur Abdulrahman, Managing Director, New Nigerian Newspapers Limited, who passed on after a brief illness, reports ITRealms.

Late Abdularahman, ITRealms gathered, died last Thursday, May 17, 2018 and was buried in his home town of Daura, Katsina State on Friday, May 18, according to Islamic rites, aged 58.

The President of NGE, Mrs. Funke Egbemode and General-Secretary, Victoria Ibanga in a joint press statement made available to ITRealms, said the Guild is greatly saddened.

“We are greatly saddened by his untimely passing and sincerely convey deep sympathies to members of his family, professional colleagues and friends who are devastated by his demise.

Alhaji Abdulrahman until his sudden exit was an invaluable and respected Member of our prestigious association who contributed immensely to the growth of the Guild and development of the media industry in Nigeria, Africa and the whole world.

He joined the NGE in 2000 and was elected as the Vice President-North in 2005 and again as Deputy President in 2008. He gave meritorious and impeccable service in both capacities.

Loved and respected by all, he was amiable, jovial and kind-hearted. To others who worked closely with him, he was a true leader, a fine gentleman and a reliable and supportive friend indeed.

 Born on December 12, 1960 in Daura, Katsina State, North-west Nigeria, the late Abdulrahman attended Government College, Kaduna, graduating in the Class of 1977. He then proceeded to Bayero University, Kano, for his tertiary education and graduated in 1981.

In 1983, he joined the New Nigerian Newspapers as a proofreader, then became a reporter and was assigned as the paper's State House Correspondent in 1997.

His proficiency in that task saw him elevated and appointed in January 2000 to the position of Editor of Gaskia Tafi Kwabo, a Hausa paper from the NNN stable.

Six years later in March 2006, he was named the Editor of Daily New Nigerian and in March 2011, he was appointed the Managing Director of the New Nigerian Newspapers Limited, a position he occupied until his death.

The NGE joins the entire community of Editors in Nigeria to mourn one of its own and commiserates with his family, friends and colleagues in the New Nigerian Newspapers.

Undoubtedly, Alhaji Abdulrahman will be greatly missed but we take solace in the knowledge that he has gone to a better place, to the maker of all and to whom all must return. May Allah grant him forgiveness, mercy and a place of honour in Jannatul Firdaus
He is survived by his wife, Jamila, and children.

“To the beloved family he left behind, please accept our sincere condolences,” NGE leadership said.

Ahmed Isah/GEE

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Chima Onyekwere: Father of Nigerian internet eyes Senate

Personality@ITREALMS:

Although unassuming, Chima Uzoma Onyekwere, OON, has a lot of caps that fits him and in fact facilitated and participated in most organizational enterprise; he dares where others refuse to set a foot. From technology pioneering to core business, Chima Onyekwere cannot be missed in the midst of industry players.

Elder (Chief) Chima Uzoma Onyekwere, hails from Amachara in Umuahia South Local Government of Abia State and was born in 1961 in London. He obtained a degree from University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University. A Masters in Information Technology- Information Assurance from University of Maryland University College (UMUC) in United States. A post graduate professional management education for Chief Executives from Lagos Business School Lagos State and Harvard Business School, Boston USA.

He started his working career in Mobil in the Exploration Department. But driven by his quest to explore the emerging opportunities in the nascent Information Technology industry he established and ran SAAP-Tech Nigeria Limited in 1986. 

As a born innovator, Chima as fondly called by close allies, championed the internet revolution in Nigeria by establishing the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) company Linkserve Limited, which earned him the sobriquet “Father of Nigerian Internet” by the Federal Government of Nigeria, as cited during his conferment in 2008 as the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON). He also received the Pathfinder Award in ICT, ICT personality of the year, Titan of Technology and so many other industry awards over a 30-year career.

He has also funded other companies such as, Well Drill Limited and Parkhill Limited which has provided employment and stability to lots of Nigerians from across the Nigerian landscape. 

In 2007, he was nominated for the conferment of a National Award by the Presidency for his pioneering work in ICT. On February 14th 2008, then President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Musa Yar’Adua honoured Chief Onyekwere with the prestigious ‘Officer of the Order of Niger (OON).’

Chima has served and is still serving Nigeria in so many high-profile capacities such as the chairman Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria and chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA). Even as a pioneer board member of FATE Foundation; a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by Fola Adeola, Chief Onyekwere was involved in the development of entrepreneurs focusing on younger generation, as well as a former President-General of his elite school Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association.

Chief Onyekwere moved back to Amachara, Umuahia in 2011, to continue engagement in community development from his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. A move that saw him experience, first hand, the poor level of all developmental milestones in the lives of our people. Haunted by the observance of lack of basic infrastructure, frightening figures of unemployment, lack of primary skill sets, abysmal education and rampaging hunger amongst his people, Chima chose to cast his lot in service to the people at the most primary level by accepting the honor of community service to his village, Amachara as President-General (PG), a position he has held for 5 years running and which has served as a platform for better understanding the most needful requirements of his people.

With his team, Onyekwere resolved several nagging communal disputes: land, commerce, agricultural practices and other major matters of interest. He championed the now acclaimed Amachara Day which is in its 5th year and waxing stronger, and currently stands as an annual unification event for Amachara citizens in Nigeria and the diaspora and also a veritable tool for community development.

In alliance with other community leaders, Chief Onyekwere started a daily free clinic for children and the elderly, located and optimally functional within the precincts of the Amachara community Civic center; caring for society's most vulnerable population. He went on to partner and endowed several empowerment programmes, where skill set acquisition is key, taking to heart the Chinese adage that says "it is better to teach a man to catch fish than to give him fish".

He also assisted in acquisition of tools and machinery for trainees and various others to enable them have a head start, just as he helped several young and aspiring business men through funding and logistics, in addition to engaged others to help with business incubation requisites, and provided scholarship schemes to the indigent and financial succor to the widows.

ITRealms gathered reliably, that it was in the course of his role as community leader that he suffered gunshot attacks as a result of his resolve to defend the oppressed, but was never deterred on a course he was determined to pursue in the service of humanity.

Chief Onyekwere is an active member of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), a political party deeply rooted in the South-East and Abia State particularly, whereas serving as the Deputy State Chairman of the party.

An ordained Elder and a Qualified Lay Preacher in Methodist Church, Chief Onyekwere is presently serving as the church Steward for English Service at the St Stephen Cathedral Amachara in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State.

Chima Onyekwere was on December 26th 2017, within the hallowed grounds of Ama-Ukwu, Amachara, conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title of Iyi Udo Amachara (River of Peace), by Amachara Elders Council, for his sterling qualities of remarkable leadership. This is the first time ever of such a conferment with all the elders in the community endorsing. His citation acknowledged his love for peace, leadership competency and ability to draw development and transformation to his community.

ITRealms also gathered that Iyi Udo Amachara is an amazing family man, husband and father to five accomplished now independent children one of whom is Nigeria's representative in shot-put and discuss. He's a celebrated business man, a role model, a proven community servant and leader, an outstanding trailblazer whose skills, courage, depth, vision and reach are needful for these times.

Today, May 19, as you mark another divine year of service to humanity; a desire you wish to take to the Nigerian Senate towards bringing the required reform into the public service and stimulating entrepreneurship in the country. We join other lovers of positive change to say may this love for public service be a stepping stone of good omen that you offers.

Happy birthday Iyi Udo, Chima Onyekwere and may the stream from river of peace continue to flourish as the Iyi-Udo 2019 project kicks-off.

Remmy Nweke/GEE

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Minister denies orchestrating youths arrest in Kwara

ITREALMS:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has denied orchestrating arrest of some members of Kwara South Youths Stakeholders, reports ITRealms.

According to a press statement made available to ITRealms, Mohammed said his attention has been drawn to the accusation by the Kwara South Youths Stakeholders that he orchestrated the recent arrest by the police of some youths in the Kwara South.

The Hon. Minister vehemently rejects this accusation, insisting that he has nothing to do with the arrest of the youths in Kwara South, and believes - contrary to the allegation by the stakeholders - that the arrest has nothing to do with the Ward Congress in his hometown of Oro. After all, suspected cultists were also recently arrested and paraded by the police in Ilorin.

The Hon. Minister wishes to state that the police, in the exercise of its constitutional responsibility, does not need to be goaded by anyone to carry out arrests where necessary.

Concerning the outcome of the election in his Oro Ward 2, the Hon. Minister has made his observations on the conduct of the election known to the appropriate party authorities, in line with his strong belief in the rule of law.

Suffice it to say, however, that the only credible Ward election was the one held by the genuine party members in Oro Ward 2. That explains why, after the election, there was a rally around Oro Town that eventually terminated in the country home of the Hon. Minister. He does not believe there is any linkage between the election and the arrests.

Nenye Dom/GEE

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South Africa: Dabiri-Erewa laments killing of 2 Nigerians in 8 days, wants EWS reviewed

ITREALMS:

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has lamented the latest killings of two Nigerians in eight days, reports ITRealms.

She also called for an urgent review of the Early Warning Signal (EWS) put in place by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and South Africa early last year. Stressing that Nigeria must speed up the process of finalising its implementation by South Africa.

Apparently disturbed by the latest killings of two young Nigerians in South Africa, the Presidential aide said the review and urgent implementation became imperative as the attacks in South Africa are not reducing but instead increasing at an alarming rate.

A press statement made available to ITRealms by her Media Aide, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, she said the efforts that led to the establishment of the EWS by both countries are not working, ``as the present mechanisms seem to do little or nothing to prevent the occurrences of these killings’’.

Dabiri-Erewa once again appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and shelve their proposed mass protest and await immediate intervention from both countries to stop the killings and bring the culprits to justice.

She noted that while four South African policemen are already on trial for allegedly killing Nigerians in South Africa, it is imperative that anyone found culpable must be punished.

It will be recalled that the Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, Habib Miller, told newsmen that two additional Nigerians were killed in South Africa in the past eight days.

Miller identified the latest victims as Francis Ochuba, a native of Ngodo community in the Umnneochi Local Government Area of Abia and Chidi Ibebuike, a native of Uturu in the Isikwuato Local Government Area also in Abia.

“Ochuba, a property owner, was shot dead alongside his estate agent, a female South African on May 5. They were shot dead as they visited the tenant occupying Ochuba’s house to collect rent.

“The incident occurred in Central Johannesburg, while Ibebuike was shot dead at the entrance to his house at Hazyview in Mpumalanga on May 13.

“Ibebuike’s car was subsequently, snatched by yet to be identified gunmen.

“The chairman of the Nigeria Union in Mpumalanga Province, Mr Amadi in company of other compatriots, has reported the incident to the South African police authorities and investigation is underway.”

ITRealms recalls that estimated 800,000 Nigerians, mostly young people, reside in South Africa, according to unofficial estimates.

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Kano to adopt FOI Act - HOS

ITREALMS:

The Kano State Head of Service (HOS), Alhaji Mohammad Auwal Na’iya, has revealed that the state government committed to adopt the Freedom of Information Act to complement its other transparency and accountability initiative in the State, reports ITRealms.

Disclosing this in a keynote addressed delivered at the joint roundtable workshop of state and non-state actors held to assess the level of understanding and implementation of the FOI Act in Kano State, he said, that the state government has initiated a number of processes to promote transparency, accountability and prudence in government.

“The Kano State government, according to him has agreed to adopt and implement the Freedom of Information Act through the OGP process which the State has signed unto,” he said.

The adoption of the FOI Act in the State, he said, is being subjected to wide consultation and will go through the legislative process.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) Alhaji Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, related what the state government is doing to complement the FOI implementation including the establishment of PCACC, its participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Initiative through which it has chosen to adopt the FOI Act and the development of an anti-corruption strategy.

Two issues that run through the roundtable workshops were the observations that there is need for statewide awareness, sensitization and educational activities to carry the people along. They also noted that the existence of the Official Secrets Act and the administration of the Oath of Secrecy on civil servants will impede the implementation of the FOI Act and should be reviewed or repealed as the case may be.

They also made a number of recommendations following the adoption of the communiqué issued at the end of the workshop.

The three-day roundtable which took place from Tuesday, May 15 to Thursday, May 17, 2018, brought together public officials, the media, professional bodies and non-governmental organisations to assess the level of awareness, understanding and implementation of the FOI Act, 2011; ascertain the gaps that exist and work on closing those gaps, as well as to get a sense of the needs that exist in knowledge about the FOI Act in order to adequately prepare and put strategy in place to address the identified needs.

Resource persons were drawn from the Freedom of Information Coalition, Nigeria, including Dr. Walter Duru, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Coalition and Ayode Longe, the Secretary of the Board of Governors of the Coalition.

The roundtable recorded various sessions, comprising presentations, situation assessment through administration of questionnaires, feedback through questions and comments and viewing of a video on how members of a rural Indian community called Rajasthan successfully used the country’s FOI law to hold their elected officials to account for funds that they administered and the ripple effect it had in the State which entrenched transparency policy as a result.

The roundtable workshop was held with support from the European Union, through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, managed by the British Council.  The Round table took place at Tahir Guest Palace on Ibrahim Natsugune Road, Nassarawa, Kano.

Kano State is one of the four focal states of the RoLAC programme. The other three states are Adamawa, Lagos and Anambra.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Pix: Gov. Ganduje of Kano State

NCCF-ICT Working Group meets practitioners in Lagos

ITREALMS:

The NCCF-ICT, a sectoral working group under the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) which represents the interest of ICT practitioners in the oil and gas sector has been fixed for tomorrow, May 18, for her quarterly group meeting, reports ITRealms.

According to public statement made available to ITRealms by the Mr Uchenna Onyekaonwu, Secretary, NCCF – ICT and made available to NCCF ICT members by Olatunji Abibat (Mrs.), the meeting would feature the Executive Secretary to the Board, which promises to be an avenue for questions and answers, networking and interaction. 

"And of course the latest update on the Board’s activities and the 10 Years Strategic Plan recently approved for implementation will be discussed," Onyekaonwu said. 

ITRealms reports that the meeting slated to kick off by 11:00am, would hold at the Southern Sun Hotels, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Intending participants will be given opportunity to ask relevant questions from the representatives of the Executive Secretary with regards to the implementation of the NOGICD Act in relation to ICT goods and services required in the Oil and Gas sector

It would be recalled that NCDMB created NCCF-ICT to represent the interest of ICT practitioners in the oil and gas sector. Due to lack of awareness/information about the provisions of the NOGICD Act. 

ITRealms recalls that the Act, in recognizing the importance of IT/ICT to the oil and gas sector specifically in section 58(f) of the Act, directed the NCDMB to set up the NCCF-ICT required to consist of stakeholders, government and regulatory agencies in the ICT.

According to Section 12 of the NOGICD Act, Nigerians are to be given first consideration for the provisions of goods and services in the sector.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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NiOMA organisers postpone award date

ITREALMS:

Organisers of the Nigerian Online Merit Award (NiOMA) have announced a postponement of the event originally scheduled to hold this Friday, May 18, 2018, at the Main Hall of Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, reports ITRealms.

The chairman, NiOMA Organising Committee, Mr. Lanre Alabi, said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the postponement was necessitated by the Ramaddan, which altered the plans of some of the key personalities expected to grace the event.

“We sincerely regret any inconveniences which this development may cause our esteemed awardees and guests. The event will now take place after the Ramaddan, at a date to be made public in due course,” Mr. Alabi said.  

He restated that Honourable Minister for Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, and Africa’s Serial Digital Entrepreneur, Leo Stan Ekeh, will headline the event while former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, would serve as chairman.

The occasion, according to the NiOMA Organising Committee Chairman, “will be used to X-ray topical ICT issues facing the nation. It will be a grand one as it will attract senior executives, top government functionaries, industry leaders, market analysts, professional groups and diverse economy sectoral leaders, among others.”

A brainchild of Nigeria’s leading daily online newspaper, News Express Nigeria (newsexpressngr.com), NiOMA is designed to celebrate outstanding individuals and corporates driving the Nigerian online revolution.

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Africa Utility Week'18: Siemens takes Digital Solutions of the year award

ITREALMS:

The latest operators of microgrids, Siemens has won the Digital Solutions of the year award for its Siemens South Africa Headquarters Micro Grid Project at the 2018 Africa Utility Week Industry Awards evening which took place in Cape Town, Wednesday night, reports ITRealms.

On why microgrids, ITRealms gathered they are the future of energy management, pointing out that the traditional power grid provides reliable power most of the time. But when natural disasters or security breaches threaten the grid, the ensuring blackouts can be catastrophic and costly.

“It is for this reason that organisations and utilities are working together to build resilient, flexible power systems called microgrids. Operating either as part of traditional grid or independently (or both), mircogrids are revolutionizing the way we manage our energy resources,” said Keshin Govender, Head of Corporate Communications, Siemens, Southern and Eastern Africa.

Govender also explained why microgrids matter, stressing that it’s a scaled-down version of the centralized power system, which could generate, distribute, and control power in a campus setting or small community.

“They are reliable and flexible, they are resilient, they more secure, they save money, they store and incorporate renewable energy,” Govender maintained in a press statement made available to ITRealms.

Further, Govender said, Siemens provides a comprehensive portfolio of products, solutions, and services to help build and operate microgrids of any size.

“We provide generation and distribution of electrical energy as well as monitoring and controlling of microgrids,” he said.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Pix: Marco Rahne (Left) and Johan Helberg (Right) receive award on behalf of Siemens