Medical Tourism: President Buhari returns after 104 days in UK

ITRealms:

The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has returned to the country Saturday evening, after what political observers tagged the longest medical tourism in the history of Nigeria, reports ITRealms.

Buhari's return is coming some 104 days after leaving Nigeria for medical attention in the United Kingdom (UK) and was quartered at the Abuja House in London throughout his stay.

The Special Adviser to the President on 
Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina while confirming this to ITRealms noted the President had left the country on May 7, this year, after handing over power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who has functioned as Acting President since then.

President Buhari is expected to speak to Nigerians in a broadcast by 7 a.m on Monday, August 21, 2017.

He thanks all Nigerians who have prayed ceaselessly for his recovery and well-being since the beginning of the health challenge.

Ayo Midele/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Enugu done well in infrastructure development – Ugwuanyi

ITRealms:

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has declared that his administration has done well in infrastructure development, reports ITRealms.

Gov. Ugwuanyi in a goodwill message to the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) during the first annual conference of the group at the weekend, made available to ITRealms by the chief press secretary, Uwakwe Abugu.

According to Abugu, the Ugwuanyi administration has done considerably well in infrastructure development as it has begun its plan to create more urban centres and break the jinx of having Enugu as a one-city state.

The result of this exhibition of utmost responsible disposition, he said, in handling the finances of the state which, of course, earned the governor awards and plaudits from organizations, groups and individuals.

As said by Ugwuanyi, one other major step taken so far by this administration is the reinforcement of the state’s internally-generated revenue machinery by bringing in professionals to run the affairs of the Inland Revenue Board.

“So far, it has upped the ante in revenue generation beyond the imagination of close observers of that sector of the state economy, making it possible for the state to continue to meet up its obligations at the level it has done so far,” he said.

Pointing out that, irrespective of the overriding problem of inability of many state governments to pay salaries and meet up with other responsibilities of governance, Enugu State government has continued to pay salaries and pensions between the 23rd and 25th of every month.

“Yet, our best strategy from the onset has been to run a very frugal system based on fiscal discipline at all levels of government,” Ugwuanyi emphasized.

The governor who described members of the Guild as responsible operators of the respected new media platforms across our dear nation, commended GOCOP on the theme of 2017 conference which centres on “Sustaining Growth Through Diversification of the Economy.”

Chuks Egbune/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Eko to host 27th AFRINIC public policy meeting

ITRealms:

The commercial nerve centre of the Nigeria’s economy, Lagos, also known as Eko, would in November this year, play host to the 27th public policy meeting of the African Network Information Center (AFRINIC), reports ITRealms.

The meeting, ITRealms gathered would bring to the centre of excellence, hundreds of key players in the African and global Internet industry sector.

The event tagged AFRINIC 27, ITRealms gathered would serve as a platform for technocrats and businesses to discuss policies, trends, resources and challenges in growing Internet for sustainable development in Africa and the Indian Ocean Region.

Confirming this to ITRealms  recently, chairman of AFRINIC who doubles as President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Rev. Sunday Folayan, said, the six-day event would be hosted by AFRINIC in collaboration with NIRA.

He also disclosed that the event slated for November 27 through December 2, 2017 is held annually and consists of keynote speeches, policy discussions, seminars, workshops, tutorials as well as other forums for sharing of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge within the African region.

“The 2016 edition was held in Mauritius and was attended by over 250 delegates from 48 countries around the world,” he said.

The registration for the event, he further told ITRealms could be completed at AFRINIC website.

ITRealms equally gathered that whereas Internet penetration in Africa has grown from 11 per cent to 28.6 per cent in just five years despite challenges such as cyber security, it is lower when compared to the rest of the world.

Measurable parameters such Internet Protocol (IP) address allocations, ITRealms further gathered, showed that the continent is quite behind.

ITRealms recalls that in April 2017, AFRINIC entered the depletion phase of fourth version of IP Addresses (IPv4) way behind other four continental regional Internet registries who are already distributing the newest version IPv6 in earnest.

Nonye Dom/GEE 

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Police, Web Asserts partner on crime reporting app

ITRealms:

The Nigeria Police under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris is partnering Web Assets Nigeria Limited to deploy an innovative mobile application known as Hawk Eye, reports ITRealms.

This, the Chief Executive Officer, Web Assets Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Kayode Aladesuyi, told ITRealms, is furtherance of efforts to curb insecurity across the country, just as all is set for launch in Abuja on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. 

He explained that Hawk Eye is a mobile app that allows users to report crimes anonymously to the Police via video, voice or text.

The solution, he said, integrates the Hawk Eye Mobile phone app for the public, the iPolice mobile app for the officers on the field and a control room dashboard and dispatch functionality.

The system will empower citizens to work with the police in the fight to curb incidences of terrorism, especially Boko Haram and other violent crimes.

It was developed by Lagos based tech firm Web Assets Nigeria Limited, in partnership with US based tech firms BBGN&K and tech giant Microsoft along with the active collaboration of the Nigeria Police.

Speaking ahead of the launch in Abuja,Mr. Aladesuyi, noted that the security challenges facing Nigeria are surmountable with proper synergy between the security agencies and members of the public; a synergy that Hawk Eye embodies.

He remarked that Hawk Eye may well be the technology to close the relationship between the citizens and the police, thus providing human intelligence required for more effective policing, crime control and security.

The Tech enthusiast explained that with Hawk Eye, citizens are empowered as source of human intelligence in the fight against crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism, robbery, human trafficking etc. 

The system, he said, is expected to enhance the community policing plan recently announced by the government to improve security in the country. 

The project, he disclosed, is managed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of ICT, Foluso Adebanjo of the Nigeria Police Force, insisting that all reporting is ANONYMOUS, the app does not identify nor capture the information of person filing report.

He emphasized Hawk Eye truly empowers citizens to report crime anonymously 24/7, stay safe with the ‘find me’ locator and to receive public announcement during emergencies. It equally provides the Nigeria Police with the right resources for effective and efficient response to crimes reported by citizens.

According him, the platform is now available for reporting by citizens in FCT and coming to Lagos in September with roll out planned for other States.

He also said this app was developed by Lagos based tech firm Web Asset., which is working with US based tech firms and tech giant Microsoft to develop the system and provide key technologies such as facial recognition and KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators)with the active collaboration of the Nigeria Police.

He explained that security of life and property is an indispensable ingredient for national growth and development.

“Hawk Eye is a demonstration of the commitment of the Nigerian Police to work in partnership with communities and the Nigerian public to continue to improve the security situation across the country” he said, stressing that Hawk Eye is a revolutionary technology because of the enterprise tools it provides police to respond, address and manage crimes reported.

Aladesuyi said while the Hawk Eye app allows users to report crimes anonymously to the Police by video, voice or text.

“The app is part of a comprehensive security solution that involve the equipping of patrol vehicles with Mobile Device Terminals, providing performance management, data as decision tools and the revamping of the police command and control centers. Essentially the Nigeria Police, provide with the right resources can now provide effective and efficient response to crimes reported by citizens,” he said.

Citizens, he said, are empowered with this app, as source of human intelligence in the fight against crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism, robbery, human trafficking etc.

“The system is expected to enhance the community policing plan recently announced by the government to improve security in the country.The project has been managed by DIG ICT, Foluso Adebanjo of the Nigeria Police Force. All reporting is ANONYMOUS, the app does not identify nor capture the information of person filing report,” he said.

In addition, he said, citizens could download the Hawk Eye Crime Reporting app for free select crime type to be reported capture image, video or call for help.

Emphasising that the system uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) location services, on the user’s mobile phone to identify user’s location for immediate police response.

He assured the app is now available for reporting by citizens in FCT and formal launch is coming to Lagos in September with roll out planned for other States.

Hawk Eye is available in English and Native languages (English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin).

“With Hawk Eye access to report criminal and other nefarious activities is only an app click away,” he said, urged Nigerians to ‘Spot It. Report It!’

ITRealms gathered that Hawk Eye is expected to launch in Lagos in September following the launch in FCT.

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Bunmi Blair guns for National U-17 job

ITRealms:

The former Nigeria National U-15 and U-13 media officer, Bunmi Blair has expressed interest to occupy the same position at the Nigeria National U-17 team, reports ITRealms.

Blair, ITRealms gathered has responded to the recently advertised vacancy by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The journalist-cum-football coach who is currently with Nigeria National League, NNL team, FC Abuja, says he hopes to help produce players who are technically, tactically, psychologically and physically sound in line with NFF’s goal of winning the senior FIFA world cup by 2022.

The NFF had recently declared vacancies in the national U-17, U-20 and U-23 coaching positions and urged interested persons with minimum CAF-C certificates to apply.

Bunmi Blair a graduate of Kogi State University Anyagba and also a CAF-B licensed coach says he is interested in the position of assistant coach of the National U-17 team.

“I see this as an opportunity to create a new set of world champions with the quality and specifications demanded of a footballer at the highest level. If we are passionate enough about our vision of reaching the FIFA world cup final by 2022, we must ensure our youth teams are tutored by coaches who are familiar, passionate and ready to learn new tricks involved in youth football development.” Bunmi said.

Bunmi, who celebrated his 34th birthday on August 2nd is well known for his match reading and analytical capabilities and is one of the 30 coaches who recently took part in the STAR/NPFL/Arsenal coaching clinic in Abuja.

“I try at every opportunity to improve myself, at the beginning of this year I was privileged to be a part of the LA LIGA/NPFL coaching clinic for youth team coaches where we learned how the Spanish team rose from their status as perennial underachievers at international competitions to becoming world champions.

In July this year, I was also privileged to be one of the 30 coaches in Nigeria who participated in the STAR/NPFL/Arsenal coaching clinic which emphasized on coaching philosophy or style of play as epitomized by Arsenal FC boss Arsene Wenger.” Bunmi said.

The radio OAP with top Nigeria radio stations, Cool-Wazobia-Nigeria Info FM, Abuja had in the past helped shape talents like Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Clement Ogbobe, Chidera Eze and Club Brugge’s new boy Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure.

He has also understudied several top Nigerian coaches like Emmannuel Amunike, Manu Garba and Haruna Ilerika among others.

NFF’s vice president Shehu Dikko at a function recently in Abuja described Bunmi as a highly intelligent young coach with great prospect.”

Banji Boye/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

What makes GOCOP thick!

Tribute@ITRealms:

It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to this historic event. Today is a major milestone for our Guild, which was formed about four years ago to check all forms of professional misconduct by new media proprietors and their journalists. Be it blackmail, fake news, rumour mongering, or copyright infringement.

GOCOP has grown in leaps, and so has been its influence. At our inaugural meeting on October 9, 2013, we had only nine members in attendance. Last night when we had our congress and elected new leaders, the room overflowed with members. We now have at least 55 members, with many more members queuing up to join, indicating a dramatic ballooning of the nation’s online media space.

Yet, becoming a member of GOCOP does not come easy.

Our constitution demands that to be admitted:

a. You must have practised journalism for at least 10 years.

b. Non journalist who establishes an online news publication must appoint an editor who has practised for at least 10 years.

c. Your company must be registered as a media entity with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

d. Members must have verifiable and functional office in Nigeria.

e. You must have a minimum of two reporters and other layers of staff.

f. Your online publication must have been in existence for a minimum of one year.

g. You must be recommended by at least two financial members of the association.

h. To be admitted to the Association, the Screening Committee must certify that you have met the requirements (a to g) above.

You may lose membership:

a. If you fail to keep your financial obligations to the Association for at least three years.

b. If you are proven to have engaged in any form of unethical conduct.

We have an Ethics/Disciplinary Committee, and membership of GOCOP is usually revoked once it is proven that a member engaged in any form of misconduct.

Over the years, we have peer-reviewed each other, and ensured that members remained on the path of professionalism. At one of our meetings we agreed to name and shame members who indulge in any form of professional misconduct. We have engaged authorities and private sector entities in our country on how to enhance professionalism in our country and deepen trust in the media.

Since the inception of this Guild, the online media space in Nigeria has ballooned. A number of online news platforms have sprung. This exponential growth has, understandably, come along with a lot of positives and not a few negative developments.

     

While this expansion in the space signify healthy increase in access to information by Nigerian citizens, as well as democratization of the space to give way for diversity of voices, it at the same time portends series of problems.

Chief among these is the unhealthy dose of fake news and hate speech being dished out through some of these websites and blogs. Indeed, some of the platforms appear to have been set up solely for propaganda, smear campaigns or for the spreading of hate.

Just like security agencies and those in authority, we are equally worried about the proliferation of fake news sites that trade in fake news, and those who exist to spread hate. 

We are concerned beyond our standing as patriotic citizens but also as online publishers because of how the activities of some unscrupulous elements are giving us all a bad name.

While we will continue to advocate for widening of the space for citizens to express themselves, GOCOP is ready to support authorities concerned in a bid to sanitize this industry. 

We however demand that all stakeholders, including this guild and all other identified Nigerian media stakeholders join hands to find solution to this problem. We are for sanity but we do not want a regulatory environment that gags or muscle the nation’s media space.

Now GOCOP is ready for any another phase in its history. That is why I am glad that we are passing on the baton today to an outstanding team of members elected yesterday. I am optimistic that this Guild will only grow stronger.

*Speech by immediate past acting president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Musikilu Mojeed.

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

70% of Christian books published in Nigeria have no ISBN

@ITRealms:

Christian literature is now playing major role of winning souls for Christ but some writers are not following the rules of the game. 70% of Christian writers today published without obtaining ISBN numbers. The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) doesn’t have records of their publications. 

Mr. Wole Adedoyin, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS) made this known after a brief press conference on the 2017 edition of Nigerian Christian Literature Award (NCLA) held in Ibadan yesterday. 

The research recently carried out by our body showed that 70% of christian writers in the country published without obtaining ISBN and 50% of them don’t even know that the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) is the regulatory body for ISBN in the country.

According to Mr. Adedoyin “Christian writers are always in hurry to publish, some of them also believe they don’t need ISBN because they are not writing academic textbooks for schools and colleges.

Even Christian writers who published with ISBN erroneously obtained them from printers and not from the ISBN regulatory body (NLN). I think the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) branches across the country need to take their ISBN campaign to different religion organizations and bodies”.

 “NLN should now focus their beam light on religion organizations and denominations. They should sensitize and educate them on why they should obtain ISBN and where to get it from. Some printers and publishers are now awarding ISBN numbers as if they have the machines manufacturing the numbers at home, Adedoyin added.

National Coordinator of Nigerian Christian Literature Award however described a book without ISBN number or not obtained from the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) as illegal or unconstitutional publication.

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!