BBA-2: Between reality and immorality

Features of the week:

The second edition of Big Brother Africa (BBA) widely aired on Digital Satellite Television (DSTv) channels globally has ended, but the marks thereafter left people wondering between the reality show and immorality it has become. Remmy Nweke reports.

At home with Usmans:

Middle class marketing executive based in Lagos, Mr. Usman Josephat, recently got a Digital Satellite Television popularly known as DSTv subscription for his household of teenagers in the neighbourhood of 16 and 18 years of old, based on his wife’s endorsement.

Not quite long after the second phase of the Big Brother Africa (BBA-2) began and these youths sooner than later commenced vacation and the best household friend became the television set as everyone seemed to be glued to the DSTv channel being disseminated through the MultiChoice Nigeria.

One day, and precisely on Saturday, October 27, 2007, Usman felt sick at the office and had to be home earlier than usual, unfortunately, that was the beginning of another chapter in his family as he discovered the kind of immorality going on at the supposed reality show, which he was made to understand was designed to bring Africans together to live and learn from each other in estimated 98 days, an approximated 14 weeks.

Of course, he was disappointed and by the time the wife returned, they took a decision to disconnect the DSTv channel or better still lock it pending the conclusion of BBA-2.

Drawing a line:

For him, there must be a line between reality and immorality TV shows. Reality, according Longman dictionary of contemporary English, defined it as “things that actually happen or are true, not things that are imagined or thought about,” while immorality is the “behaviour that is morally wrong.”

Mr. Usman’s main reason of discomfort was that if Tanzanian randy boy, Richard Bezuidenhout, could come on air to be committing infidelity, especially since he claimed to be married and even went ahead to have his ring on all this while in the house; yet he carried on as if nothing was really wrong with his freak actions, then, something is wrong somewhere, moreso with the Big Brother supposedly watching 24/7.

And to his utmost bewilderment, the same randy Richard was eventually proclaimed the winner against others, most especially the Nigerian lady, Ms Ofunneka Molokwu, whom he gathered from the words of some eminent Africans and Nigerians particularly, was ‘an epitome of African woman.’

Obviously for some industry analysts, the first question that came to mind on learning about Richard winning was how the scores came about.

Home truth:

According to the organisers voting came in inform of Short Messaging Service (SMS) from various countries, especially participating 13 voting blocks, which means to emerge a winner, must receive overwhelming votes from viewers in these countries and in the case of Richard who got 7 against Ofunneka who got 5 and Richard’s concubine, Tatiana getting votes from her home country, Angola.

The basic home truth about it all is that the family values have continued to degenerate on the continent and most people seem unbothered and now that we have seen it vividly showcased not only on the continent by our own people, the fact remains that families, especially in South-Eastern Africa need to wake up, otherwise very soon, the whole continent could be painted ‘red’ as in HIV/AIDS.

Clearly, the indication of the voting pattern at the Big Brother Africa 2 was that morality is fast giving way for immorality and in a reality show like BBA-2, there seem to be non-stop.

Although concerned Africans have continued to cry out like the days of Jeremiah of the evil that is gradually taking over our values. Particularly, one of those voices was that of the Federal Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. John Odey, who sent out the government congratulatory message with a footnote, that Ms Molokwu represented true African woman and made Nigeria proud.

He urged the organisers to ensure that future shows place premium on the upliftment of high moral values for the youths, even as he commended Ofunneka for her performance throughout the event, which depicted virtues that are important to Nigeria.

For an avid moralist follower of the BBA-2, it was unbecoming for Richard to strip his fellow housemates of their clothes when they were drunk, the intent not withstanding, considering his escapades in the house as sex maniac.

October 27 episode:

Frankly speaking, every moral person thought that the incident of October 27, which the show analyst, Sara Spivey, described as ‘sexual assault’ in her piece, Who-is-big-brother-to-big-brother-africa-2; should have sent Richard packing on moral grounds, but here he is definitely smiling with his sack of $100,000 and of course generating bad blood for the BBA-2 organisers, M-Net.

For a screenwriter, broadcaster and producer, Ms Bolanle Aduwo, though, the contest ended penultimate Sunday, November 11, with the winner going home with $100,000, but lamented that only even if Ofunneka had won, that was still chicken change compared to what she could get on leaving the Big Brother house to watch the footage of her very public humiliation, moreso bothering on BBA sex scandal.

Nigerians back ban on BBA:

Yet for another concerned Nigerian, Mr. Vesper Owei, while reacting to the entire episode and reported ban on airing of future BBA in Nigeria, especially when it does not project any moral value to the future generation, by the lower house of the National Assembly (NASS), at the weekend, noted that ‘prostitution’ could be “entertaining” for some.

He stressed that it is not seen as immoral by this kind of people and really does not require any philosophical discourse to recognize what is sex or immoral in a given society.

“To argue that immorality is subjective would mean that other socially, or even culturally, unacceptable practices, such as murder, armed robbery, white collar theft, and so on, could become justified and, therefore, accepted on subjective grounds. These practices are highly entertaining to the depraved ones,” he pointed out.

Also, he said that such a pithy axiom does not in itself provide an argument for the social appropriateness of the conduct in question. And that is the whole point, emphasising, “It is a question of social appropriateness.”

Yet for another concerned Nigerian, who choose the part of anonymity, though “One man’s immorality is another’s entertainment,” any right thinking African who had watched BBA2, “you’d agree that it was nothing but sleaze, prostitution, marital infidelity, sex, morbid immorality, gushing sensuality at its most offensive public display.”

He asked those who argued that it was ‘entertainment,’ since when have immorality become entertainment? Is morbid voyeurism fun, especially when it is on a continental scale?

He observed that the age restriction warning carried by the station did not free them of any responsibility, because it was mere intellectual, and rather ineffectual, chicanery to argue otherwise.

Adding that the only regret he had was that the NASS members did not pull the plug while the whole sickening display was unfolding.

However, he commended, NASS for at least, stepping up for once to make a proud statement about the mother country!

The ban in retrospect:

The lower house rose from last week, Wednesday session to declare a ban on airing of BBA in Nigeria by directing the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to discontinue the airing of any clip or debate on Big Brother Africa (BBA), especially among electronic media in the country.

The reality TV show, ended penultimate Sunday with a Nigerian girl, Ofunneka Molokwu, emerging second.

Reacting to the entire incident that transpired, the House Committee on Information and National Orientation, summoned the Director-General, NBC, Mr Yomi Bolarinwa, who informed the committee that the commission had earlier drawn the attention of the MultiChoice Nigeria management to the nudity being shown on the pay TV being managed by them in several countries of the world including the nation’s airwave.

According to Bolarinwa, NBC had invited MultiChoice on two occasions when it initially observed that the company was contravening the laws guiding broadcasting in the country.

However, handing down the order, committee chairman, Honourable Dino David Melaye, said that even though, the show has ended, the House was against showing the clips of the nudity displayed, noting it was not in consonant with African cultures and values.

“We will not tolerate a foreign company to abuse and insult the sensibility of our people. What was showed on the BBA was an insult on the image of Africa. This is why we ordered NBC, who regulate what goes on air to stop hence with any serialization, analysis or clips of the BBA.

“We condemned in totality, what happened on October 27th when a Nigerian was abused in the glare of the public. It is against the code of NBC and we have told the commission to discontinue any broadcast that has to do with BBA,” Dino declared.

He added that in view of the recklessness of the broadcasting outfit, MultiChoice cum M-Net, that the National Assembly would determine the future of MultiChoice in Nigeria, adding that it was incumbent on every nation to protect the choice and values of the people.

Notable vexing issues was the live cast of inmates having sex and the emergence of a married man as the winner of the show equally attracted negative comments about the future of BBA.

Waiting for the prostitutes:

Basics here is that future BBA will be saturated with prostitutes taking up the forms to showcase their talents and poses a big challenge to the family values, although its glaring the differences between the Southern and Western hemisphere in terms of the continental culture on issues of morality, immorality and reality of the TV show.

An issue management of BBA, M-Net and MultiChoice in terms of Nigeria, should have been proactive in taking relevant steps, knowing fully well the implication of what has now become the outcome.

Besides, the truth however is that as we tend to wait for the ‘prostitutes’ in the coming editions of BBA, Nigeria as a country must wake up to the neo-colonialism by Southern African firms especially in entertainment and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which tend to submerge Nigerians life style, and is something the authorities ought to watch carefully. Yet, House members were engulfed in the Etteh-gate that they could not had interjected earlier, even the Senate without the serious unannounced recesses like the lower house, concerned and should have acted promptly to save the situation.

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‘Yobe WiMAX project is licensed by NCC’

Yobe State governor, Senator Mamman Bello Ali, has said that the state-owned Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) project, commissioned at the weekend, was licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Champion Infotel recalled that the Yobe State WiMAX project known as Integrated Technology Wireless Internet, is powered by Zinox Technologies Limited and GAAT Investment Limited, at the estimated cost of N317 million.

The new wireless broadband with a range of up to 80 kilometres (km), and a bandwidth of up to 75 bits per second (bps), WiMAX is the inheritor to Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) which is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access and based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.16 standard, which is also called WirelessMAN.

Senator Bello Ali made this clarification in a chat with newsmen after the launch by the Federal Ministry of State for Information and Communications, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, at the government house in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State.

Although he did not disclose how much was paid for the license, Gov. Bello Ali noted, his administration would not be part of any illegality and the same applies to the Ministry of Information and Communications, hence the minister has the confidence to not only grace the occasion, but also accept to perform the commissioning physically.

He also said that the state has employed a Nigerian Information Technology (IT) professional with decades of experience to ensure that the project is managed as a private concern in order to be self sustained, but to a world-class standard.

As said by Gov. Bello Ali, who was accompanied at the occasion by his deputy, Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam and top functionaries of the state, sooner than later, he expected the managing entity of the WiMAX project to be self reliant and generate enough revenue to move it beyond sustaining of its operations and payment of staff salaries adequately.

He pointed out that apart from the initial 50-seater state of the art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre with Zinox brand of Personal Computers (PCs), the government is planning another 200-seater to be used basically for training of all-comers on ICT in the state.

The era, he noted is over when indigenes of Yobe would go to other cities to get IT education in mushroom training centres, and tasked the managers to facilitate the standardization of tutorials and certificates.

This, he said, would afford beneficiaries on graduation to value the certificates, especially in using it to getting skill jobs.

Earlier, during the launch, Minister of state for Information and Communication, Alhaji Nakande, urged citizens of Yobe to make good use of the facilities now in place and better their lives, stressing that it does not belong to any single individual but the state in general.

Chairman Zinox, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh expressed confident that Yobe indigenes would enjoy the deployment of WiMAX in the state and assured of his office determination to assist the state to develop its human capacity to knowledge capacity.

Zinox, he said, has finalised plans to open an office in Damaturu in order to draw its services nearer to the populace, mostly in the state, adding that it would open up employment opportunities for the indigenes.

Champion Infotel recalls that Yobe State was created on August 27, 1991 by the then President Ibrahim Babangida’s administration from the former Borno State, and is touted as one of the largest states in terms of land area.

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Senate plans review of CPN Act to protect OEMs

Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator (Mrs) Joy Emordi has disclosed that the National Assembly would soon commence review of the Act 49 of 1993 that established the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN).

Speaking at a one-day working visit to CPN secretariat in Lagos among other parastatals within the committee’s purview, Senator Emordi, said that the Act is due for review given the avalanche of evolutions within the Information Technology (IT) core industry in the country, especially to protect the Original Equipment Manufacturers and upgrade standards of practice.

She said, this would also give CPN more powers to leverage best practices on the industry, mostly in the areas of ensuring quality and standardization of IT core sector.

“You want us to amend the law. I think its necessary to get that (amendment) done,” she declared, adding that she would personally sponsor the bill to facilitate the relevant changes to have a high quality computer standard identical to world-class.

Senator Emordi equally noted that in the actual sense, CPN should be performing the work similar to that of NAFDAC in the IT sector.

“I will sponsor that (amendment) bill as a private bill, because it will be faster and it will help in curbing crimes in the sector,” she said, stressing that the OEMs, including Zinox, Omatek, Beta and Brain, among others, for instance, need support of the government and the Senate would soon do something about their predicament given the kind of upper hand they suffer from foreign brands, via access to government top functionaries, so as to enable them survive and create more jobs for the populace in the country.

She further commended CPN for the efforts so far in uplifting the level of IT education and practice in the country.

Welcoming the Senate committee chairman and her entourage to the secretariat earlier, CPN president, Dr. (Mrs) Adenike Osofisan, had requested the amendment of Act 49 of 1993 to give CPN more powers to deal with any unprofessional act by members and make it mandatory for any foreign brands to register with the council as well as its core IT personnel.

She lamented that most of the foreign brand have turned Nigeria into a dumping ground in that some of the products they cannot deploy in their home base are being shifted to developing country like Nigeria, because of easy access to nucleus of government than their local counterparts.

According to her, CPN needs more powers in order to firmly sanitise the IT industry, recalling that CPN mission is to develop the potentials of IT as a veritable source of income earning for the nation.

“We’re conscious of the tremendous progress made by several countries especially the Asian Tigers in IT and how it has impacted positively on their economies,” she asserted.

Also, Dr. Osofisan said that CPN believes that a similar feat could be achieved here if enabling acts are put together.

“Apart from being a critical sector in the attainment of sustainable development for the nation and the betterment of life for our people, IT industry can attract a lot of foreign exchange to the country, if it is properly harnessed,” she noted.

And in order to make the desired impact, she said that CPN has embarked on accreditation of computer programmes in private and public training institutions, launched computer studies curricula for primary and junior secondary schools, developed a code of ethics and professional conduct as well as annually publishing the lists of registered members.

“So that it would be very easy for employers of labour, government and members of the public to know the real professionals and make use of their services,” Dr. Osofisan asserted.

She emphasised that CPN had recognised the importance of enhancing the quality of computer products, hence it’s collaborating with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), establishment of national academy of IT and continuous professional development programme for its membership.

“We, therefore request that you help us in ensuring that IT contract jobs are given to properly licensed IT professionals and companies to ensure accountability and promote due process,” she submitted.

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NSE: Leaving media behind automation

Market Intelligence:

Recently, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) commissioned its reportedly world-class automated trading floor in Lagos.

Although the unveiling has come and gone, one fact remained worrisome to some stakeholders who used that opportunity to peep into what is going on at the Capital Market and one of this being that despite the automation spray by NSE, Nigerian media covering the market seems to have been relegated to the background.

This was more evident given the number of Personal Computers (PCs) available for media representatives to use, probably in working on their stories, which investigations from various media houses proved to be most late news material.

This is in addition that by the time the market is closed, say officially around 12 noon, and the collation of data amongst the over 100 stockbrokers are finalised and cross-checked for computation, online upload and printing out for those on the floors of the market, it would be between 4pm and 5pm.

Then individual media representatives are expected to head to their offices to analyse the daily market print-out for their customers and considering the heavy daily traffic on Lagos roads, these individuals are bound to arrive late depending on which part of Lagos their offices are located.

However, Champion Infotel investigations revealed that only one PC is made available to media representatives at the floor of the market. Although connected to the Internet, it witnesses an average of five persons usage per day, that is, if they decides to be brief in turns.

Observers, therefore, lamented this situation in a nation’s leading capital market especially when the media centre is located at 23rd floor, while the market is 8-9th floor.

It may not be necessary that every media organisation in this country have a PC representatives at the centre, but at least one for over 20 media organisations focused on the capital market is grossly inadequate.

It would be in the utmost interest of the nation’s stock market if its media is made to grow along with the supposedly evolution taking place at the market.

This could be achieved through both empowering the media representatives and organising of regular hands on training, at least quarterly for them.

The earlier we start, the better, just as the use of intercom among stock brokers could save lots of money for those without loud voices and stipends on Tom-Tom sweets or bitter kola fruits as the case may be.

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Progenics delivered on schedule – Udoh

Progenics Corp Limited has said that it delivered on schedule for the automation of the trading floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos.

A press statement from Progenics Corp Limited, quoted the Chief Executive, Mr. Tony Udoh, as saying that delivering on the highest level was remarkable in the essence that the achievement of fully automated NSE floor was made possible using the competence and skills of a Nigerian Information Technology (IT) integration company based on Progenics Corp Limited input.

He recalled that recently a unique history was made as the Nigerian capital market industry officially unveiled its world-class automated trading floor in Lagos, just as the feat, was described by the President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua as “an indication and confidence boost that the stock exchange is a key tool in the building of our economy.”

According to him, for a project that started less than two years ago, the NSE automated trading floor project was a true test of the technological competence of Progenics.

“As the company was not only able to deliver on schedule, it also made it possible to automate about four branches of the Stock Exchange in Abuja, Benin, Ibadan and recently Uyo with others coming up,” he said.

Mr. Udoh equally recalled that NSE recently launched an aggressive plan to re-engineer the trading floor to make use of the most sophisticated technology of the time in order to enhance the quality, capacity, efficiency and productivity of virtually every aspect of trading floor activities.

The aim, he pointed out was to remodel the market to compete with the New York Stock Exchange and other leading global economies, where technology plays major roles at the trading floor.

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Omatek launches smallest notebooks in Ghana

Leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the country, Omatek Computers Limited, has launched its smallest notebooks, the 8 and 10 inches series, in the neighbouring country of Ghana.

Managing Director, Omatek, Mrs. Florence Seriki, who was accompanied by the General Manager, Omatek Ghana, Mr. Kobina Jackson, said at the launch that the products were designed specifically for the Ghanaian environments and the youths both at the tertiary and secondary levels.

“Our special Omatek 8” and 10” notebooks are built specifically with the youths both at tertiary and secondary schools and the Ghanaian environment in mind. It is sleek, tight and very durable. Its compactness makes it very easy to take to lectures, take notes and for meetings,” she said.

Mrs. Seriki also said that the new products, which are the most current classics have not only replaced the tablet notebooks but that it’s light natured and incomparable with any notebook in the world.

She stressed that they were assembled locally and have added technology transfer required for the country.

“In addition, it’s adding to the technology upgrade, employment generation and youth empowerment in the country. They are obviously backed locally by a robust technically supplied back-up,” she asserted.

Mrs. Seriki urged schools interested in the products to write an undertaking indicating their interests in the products to Omatek bankers who would ensure collation and remittance of rentals directly on behalf of the students, teachers and lecturers to enable the banks deal directly with students and individuals.

Equally, Mrs. Seriki expressed confidence that Ghanaian schools will take advantage of the company’s special offer to be benefactors of the initiative towards bridging the digital divide in the country and the rest of the world.

Also speaking, Mr. Jackson explained Omatek’s plans of introducing e-youth, e-tertiary, e-consumer and e-mobile schemes, is to allow for easy acquisition of the notebooks in a flexible manner.

“This initiative will allow payment that can span for between 6, 12 and 24 months. The rentals could also be built inside the school fees for one to two sessions to reduce the financial burden on parents to a minimal level,” he added.

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APC-MGE searches homes for old UPS

Critical power solutions company and a member of Schneider Electric, APC-MGE, is now searching homes for its old brand of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

The search, which is coming with a reward, according to the Marketing Manager, Africa at APC-MGE, Mr. Jacqui Gradwell, is a global exercise.

He pointed out that APC had built more UPSes since 1984 than any other company and wanted to know if any such oldest UPSes are still working.

Mr. Gradwell added that the five oldest UPSes would be rewarded with an upgrade.

“The five oldest UPSes will win a free upgrade courtesy of APC-MGE,” he declared, stressing that those with relevant information could visit http://promo.apc.com and enter the following key code: 63845T to tell their stories.

He explained that to be eligible, customers must include the UPS model and serial numbers, which could be find on the barcode sticker on back of the UPS.

“The top code is the model number; the bottom code is the serial number,” he said, urging such customers to add digital pictures if possible.

In a related development, Regional Director for Africa at APC-MGE, Mr. Carl Kleynhans, said the availability of its latest data centre offering, the NetShelter SX 1200 mm Deep Enclosure, is a complement to its existing NetShelter SX enclosures.

“All APC enclosures help manage and protect equipment in a reliable rack-mount environment for high density server and networking applications,” he said.

Mr. Kleynhans emphasised that with deeper servers and larger volumes of cable, companies are continuously looking for ways to maximise space in their enclosures.

He noted that with the NetShelter SX 1200 mm deep enclosure, customers now have a model that is 130 millimetre (mm) (5”) deeper than the standard 1070mm deep enclosure.

In addition, he said, NetShelter SX 1200 mm offers an innovative cable management design, including an extra pair of cable channels at the rear of the enclosure to enable organisation of more power and data cables.

“These rear cable channels also offer additional room at the back of the enclosure to mount power distribution and enable the mounting of as many as four vertical rack Power Distribution Units (PDUs) on one side of the enclosure,” he asserted, stressing that the rear cable channels neatly dress cables and keep PDUs away from cable management arms.

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Swift embarks on roadshow

Broadband services provider, Swift Networks, has kicked off a road show aimed at familiarising potential business and residential subscribers to interface with its services and their immense benefits.

Making this disclosure, the Managing Director, Swift Networks, Mr. Charles Anudu, said that the reason for the road show is to enable subscribers have better understanding of how broadband could afford them to work smarter, communicate better, learn faster and entertain better, thereby achieving more productivity and relaxation.

“Broadband is often called high-speed Internet, because it usually has a higher rate of data transmission. In general, any connection to the customer of 256 Kilobits per second or more is considered broadband Internet,” he explained.

Mr. Anudu also said that the month-long activity would take Swift Networks to many strategic locations in Lagos and environs, including major shopping malls, clubs and markets where potential subscribers converge.

“It will also enable the company to interface better with current and potential subscribers, so that more people can feel the Swift brand and give the company feedback on what is most important to them when it comes to communications services,” Mr. Anudu said.

He further said the exercise would bring more awareness to Nigerians on how they could have better quality of life by plugging onto the global village via a platform that is faster, more reliable and affordable.

Mr. Anudu added that during the road show, customers could test-run the broadband Internet, voice and Lagos traffic camera services of the company, free-of-charge.

“They will also be able to subscribe to Swift bundle of Internet and voice services, if they so wish,” he said.

Equally speaking, the General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Swift Networks, Mr. Chidi Nwosu, pointed out that the road show offers subscribers the advantages of hooking up to reliable service provider.

“Swift broadband road show was designed to demonstrate that the reality and convenience of converged telecommunications services is here with us in Nigeria,” he declared.

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TTC offers EDX SignalPro training

Transfer Technology Company (TTC Mobile) has introduced cutting-edge training programmes topping the pack with EDX SignalPro in the country.

Disclosing this, Managing Director and chief executive, TTC Mobile, Mr. Akin Aregbesola, said the making of debut of EDX SignalPro is to reiterate its position as a leader in offering telecommunications training to Nigerians.

The EDX training, he said, would run between December 3 through 9 at TTC Mobile Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos and the Surulere out-reach.

This introduction, he noted, came as the firm’s top management recently returned from United Kingdom on research cum training programme in the bid to upgrade its tutorials to the Nigerian public.

He also informed that the objective of the trip was to consolidate arrangements with technical partners and purchase equipment for practical sessions of all TTC training.

“As TTC Mobile has become a force to reckon with in the business of IT and Telecom training in Nigeria, we can no longer afford to take things for granted. It is against this backdrop that we deemed it necessary to go and prepare ourselves for the challenges of the future as well as establish yet another TTC training centre in the UK”, he said,

Champion Infotel recalls that TTC has trained quite a number of Nigerian youths, who are now employees of major telecom operators and vendors across the country, including MTN, Celtel, Globacom, Huawei, Starcomms, Reltel to name a few.

Mr. Aregbesola emphasised that training at TTC has become even richer now with the inclusion of WiMax and EDX RF planning tool.

“With the EDX software, you can design, plan and implement a complete wireless network for Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) category,” he declared.

He stressed that the EDX SignalPro Wireless design cum planning tool offers all the study types potential student needs to design wireless networks including area studies, point- to-point studies, and route studies.

He explained that EDX SignalPro also incorporates the finest telecom-specific mapping features, meticulous equipment data storage capabilities and convenient utility functions.

He urged individuals and organizations to join forces with TTC Mobile at the one-week practical session.

“There will be an assessment based on an end-of-training project and the best trainee will be sponsored by TTC Mobile on further training in the United Kingdom (UK),” he declared, stressing that the second best trainee will secure automatic employment with a telecom company via TTC Mobile, even as the third best trainee will be awarded a laptop.

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NCS, CPN, Cedar partner on 3-day workshop

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) have concluded plans to host a three-day workshop on Oracle SQL in collaboration with Cedar Technologies Limited.

The workshop scheduled to take place at the Elephant Cement House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, will hold between December 3 and 5, this year.

Acting Executive Secretary, NCS, Mr. Ejide Oladunmoye, said that the 3-day intensive workshop on Oracle: SQL is applicable to Oracle8i, 9i and 10g users.

According to him, introduction to the concepts of relational databases, to create database structures and to store, retrieve, and manipulate data, enable participants to learn to query using Basic SQL statements, restrict, sort, perform single row functions and group the queried data.

In addition, he said, they would be able at the end of the three-day session to write advanced select statements and use advanced techniques such as Rollup, Cube, set operators, and hierarchical retrieval.

“Query multiple tables, perform nested queries, implement constraints, use date and time functions, and create sequences and views among others,” he outlined are some additional things to take home from the workshop.

He pointed out that the targeted audience for the workshop includes database administrators, IT managers, chief information officers, IT consultants, as well as systems analysts, and application developers.

While advising participants to come with their laptops, he said, the workshop, has been designed as a hands-on training to be facilitated by experienced Oracle instructors on database design, development and administration.

Participating members of NCS and CPN, he said, are expected to pay course fee of N100,000 while non-members would pay N120,000 covering workshop fees, course materials, tea and lunch as well as certificates to be issued at the end.

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Kolade tasks telcos on quality of service

Former Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Dr Christopher Kolade, has urged telecommunications service providers to deliver quality service (QoS), reports Remmy Nweke with agency reports.

Kolade who made the call at the weekend in Lagos at the 6th Nigerian Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards (NITTA), where he chaired the occasion.

‘’We need to ensure that we manage the market properly, we should ensure quality in the products and services of Information and Communication Technology (ICT),’’ Kolade advised.

He also urged the telecom operators to ensure that they recorded more improvement in the industry in the next 12 months to foster the confidence bestowed on them by the subscribers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 35 awards were won by various telecommunications operators for their contributions toward ICT development, including Globacom as the mobile phone company of the year 2007.

Mr Mkpe Abang, Editor-in-Chief of IT & Telecom Digest, organisers of the awards said it was aimed at keeping the telecom operators who were doing well on their toes.

Reacting to the award, the Chief Operating Officer of Globacom, Mr Mohammed Jameil said that winning award was a delightful experience.

He explained that the company bagged the award because of the innovative products and services.

He also said that the company would continue to be innovative in all its activities.

Other winners at NITTA -07 were Celtel Nigeria, which won the Customer Care Company of the year and Samsung, the Most Innovative Handset Maker of the year.

The list also includes Direct On PC, the Internet Service Provider of the year as well as the Computer Brand of the year.

MTN was given the Corporate Social Responsibility Company of the year award.

Gov. Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State bagged the ICT Governor of the year for ensuring that the state embraced e-governance.

Also, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mr John Odey noted that ICT had made a great impact on the country’s development.

Odey, who was represented by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, said the federal government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the operators.

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MTel introduces free calls on net

Definitely awake from a slumber, the Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Limited (Mtel), weekend, announced the introduction of free calls and short messaging services (SMS) among its subscribers, even as the telco said it has slashed its international tariff.

Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communications at Mtel, Mr. Abdul-Hamid Umar, in a press statement made available to Champion Infotel, quoted the Acting Chief Executive, Mtel, Mr. Ladi Williams as saying at the unveiling of its latest customer loyalty reward package that the free on net calls and SMS was a way of giving back to its customers for their undiluted passion for the Mtel brand.

He also said that the free Mtel-to-Mtel calls and SMS, come alongside all time low tariff of 57 kobo per second for calls to other networks.

“And in keeping with the tradition of ensuring that Mtel subscribers have the best international calling rate, that Mtel has further reviewed its international tariff to as low as N30 per minute or N0.50 kobo per second,” he said.

Mr. Williams added that Mtel’s Subscriber Identification Modulation (SIM) card, which cost N300, is now bundled with free N200 airtime on connection, meaning that the actual cost is just N100, for the SIM.

He explained that additional incentive to subscriber as the Xmas season approaches is the discount on recharge cards.

“The N2,000 card attracts 20 per cent (N400) discount, that is, an additional free N400 airtime is given. The N1000 card attracts 15 per cent discount (N150), an offer of N150 free airtime. The N400 and N250 recharge cards attract 10 per cent discount which amount to N40 and N25 free airtime respectively,” he outlined.

According to him, Mtel had begun a structured restoration and rehabilitation plan of its network, noting that Mtel services have improved significantly in Abuja.

“The gradual but steady restoration of the Mtel network was a deliberate and conscious attempt for the removal of the glitches previously noticeable on Mtel,” he said.

Stressing that the company had carried out an intensive audit of the issues and elements that made the brand lose its high quality of service attributes that it was noted for in the early days of the evolution of the GSM services in Nigeria, and is keen in offering remedy.

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Starcomms targets 1m subs

Starcomms Limited, Nigeria’s largest Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Third Generation (3G) mobile network, has reiterated its determination to realize one million subscribers by December 31, this year.

The telco, which commenced operation in 1996, rests its determination on the latest recharge denomination of N250 launched recently on the network.

Chief executive, Starcomms, Mr. Maher Qubain, described the development as a fulfilment of the company’s promise to empower more Nigerians.

He also said Starcomms, is presently in nine cities, where the recharge cards are applicable, with more cities on queue to join the network.

He noted that when the company enunciated an aggressive marketing and pricing policy some months ago, it was part of a long term strategy of repositioning the company for a bigger role in the nation’s evolving Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Sequel to receiving the Unified Licensed late last year, the telco in February this year activated its mobile line – 07028, which has dramatically lifted the subscriber base close to 800,000.

“Given our rapid transformation to a leading telecommunications player, we have a duty to maintain capacity and capability by continuously retooling our system, processes, technology and manpower with the overall objective of meeting and surpassing customers’ expectation,” Qubain said.

He confirmed that the Evolution Data Optimised (EVDO), is the most modern CDMA technology, and has been deployed in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where Starcomms just began operations.

He further said the latest technology, which is capable of delivering average speeds of 800 kpbs, would provide the world-class high speed broadband experience to the users, even as it will be installed in several cities in affirmation of the company’s pledge to provide world class services and products driven by the best technology available.

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MTN is best tax citizen – CITN

Leading telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria has been pronounced the best federal tax responsible corporate citizen in Lagos State by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

This, the institute said, was in recognition of the telco’s exemplary compliance with federal tax laws, thus attracting an award from CITN.

Commenting on the award, MTN’s Corporate Services Executive, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, said that the recognition once again demonstrates the telco’s commitment to discharging its responsibilities to government and adding value to society.

“As leaders in the telecommunications industry, we’re determined to remain a benchmark of excellence not only in the provision of telecommunications services, but in the discharge of our social obligations,” she said.

Champion Infotel recalled that last June, MTN received commendations for its outstanding corporate citizenship when the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) presented MTN with the coveted award of “Best Corporate Tax Payer in the Communications Industry for the year 2005/2006.”

Also, Mrs Oyagbola acknowledged the fact that MTN is humbled to be recognized for its responsible corporate citizenship.

“The appreciation and encomiums will continue to spur our organization to optimize its performance, and contribute to the socio-economic development of this great country,” she said.

According to her, MTN being a member of the United Nations Global Compact and the Convention of Business Integrity, respectively, regards the adherence to the code of good corporate governance as imperative and pivotal to business success, stressing that corporate social responsibility has become an integral feature in the telco operations.

She assured of MTN continued heavy investment in ICT infrastructure in every part of the country.

“To date MTN has invested over $4 billion in the Nigerian economy and has paid more than N140 billion in numerous taxes, levies and duties to government. These contributions translate to the highest foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector,” she said.

Mrs. Oyagbola further expressed gratitude to CITN for recognizing MTN’s commitment to ethical business conduct and corporate governance, even as she pledged that the telco would continue to provide leadership in this regard.

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Moto Z8 makes debut

Motorola, world’s leader in wireless communication has announced the addition of Moto Z8 to its impressive family of uniquely designed phones.

The revolutionary Moto Z8, the world’s first kick-slider device is meticulously engineered for a perfect “fit to face” bringing multimedia and mobile broadband to users finger tips.

The telco also said that Moto Z8 gives a fulfilling experience to the users as they can watch favourite videos, sports, news and television contents on the go.

“Moto Z8 also has the capacity to save full length films,” source from Motorola informed.

According to the telco, users could harness the power of mobile broadband and test drive the HSDPA-enabled Moto Z8 for super swift, over the air downloadable content including videos, music and games.

Bursting with multi media and the ultimate in entertainment, the Moto Z8 “media monster” makes consumers watch crystal clear video at 30 frames per second.

The users can also expand their social network by easily sharing videos and pictures with friends.

This the telco added could be uploaded direct to social networks such as Flickr, My space and You Tube.

Equally, users could intensify their music experience with premium audio, integrated media player on screen visualization, shuffle capability and Bluetooth technology that enables them stream their favorite music wirelessly.

“Moto Z8 has a powerful 2.0 mega pixel camera with a shutter button for one –click photo and video capture,” Champion Infotel sources said.

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HP drives global workstation growth

Hewlett Packard (HP) in its bid to continuously drive global growth in workstation technology has unveiled two quad-core models.

This is coming barely one year after delivering its first workstations based on Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors.

HP also said that customers with the latest unveil would experience performance increases of up to 400 per cent, with double-digit gains in productivity and faster return on investment.

Champion Infotel recalled that companies use HP workstations to design everything from running shoes to race-cars, animated characters to deep-sea submersibles, and to manage everything from billions of dollars of tradable securities to mission-critical Information Technology (IT) environments.

Sources from the company said that its workstations based on Intel Xeon processors have continued to ramp up in sales.

Affirming this, the International Data Corporation (IDC), said HP’s global year-over-year workstation growth for the second calendar quarter was 40 per cent, three times the rate of the rest of the workstation market.

The industry analyst firm also said that HP’s workstation growth has been driven by fast-developing economies, vertical markets, and workflow and productivity transformations that quad-core technology brings to customer environments.

“HP followed up on this momentum with the unveiling of two upcoming eight-core workstations – the HP xw6600 and HP xw8600 – both powered by two next-generation Quad-Core and Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors,” IDC sources said, adding that customers could expect HP to be first to market with leading-edge workstation technology at a great value, while improving the customer experience.

Commenting, vice president and worldwide general manager, Workstations at HP, Mr. John Thompson, said as part of the firm’s singular focus on satisfying the world’s most demanding users of workstation technology, hence offering more performance and robust capabilities with an eye towards designing for the environment.

He added that the recent unveiling at an HP and Intel co-hosted event in San Francisco, depicts workstations that have been designed to meet the needs of some of the most computing-intensive industries, including software design, architecture, high-definition video, game development, scientific imaging and oil exploration.

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