Comercio partners eFortresses CloudeAssurance, HISPI for cyber security, cloud confab - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution company, Comercio Limited, has advanced plans to host its maiden international cyber security and cloud conference in Lagos, reports ITREALMS.

This was disclosed by the Group Managing Director (GMD) Comercio Limited, Mrs. Aderonke Adeyegbe, in a chat with ITREALMS, saying the conference will be held in partnership with eFortresses CloudeAssurance & HISPI.

The Conference slated for Four Point by Sheraton, Oniru, Lagos on 4th October, 2019, she said, has the theme: The Business of Cyber Security & Cloud in 21st Century Nigeria, even as it has lined up speakers to make it memorable and educative.

The event will be anchored by Global Cyber Security expert and Founder​​ of eFortresses CloudeAssurance, HISPI, Mr. Taiye Lambo and former CISO of the City of Atlanta, Georgia, USA alongside seasoned leaders in the cyber security area of interest such as the CISO, CBN, Rakiya Mohammed; Founder/ CEO Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe; Director Afenoids & Former CISO, Galaxy, Backbone, Opeyemi Onifade and the Managing Partner, Technology Advisors LLP, Basil Udotai.

Experts at the conference, ITREALMS gathered, would be speaking on varied business-related pain-points not limited to external threat to Nigeria businesses is cyber security, barrier to the adoption of public cloud in Nigeria is security and privacy concern.

Also, they are to touch on the instability of the Nigeria power and telco infrastructure makes the cost of operating on-premise servers is astronomical for both commercial and government sectors; and issues of sovereign integrity for sensitive information stored in public cloud needs to be addressed.

In addition, experts would speak to the commercial and public sector lagging behind from a technology standpoint; the human capital for cyber security and cloud is very limited in Nigeria as well as the Nigerian narrative and brand of Cyber criminals needs to be changed to that of ethical Cyberists.

She stressed that Comercio Limited is Nigeria’s’ leading enterprise in local cloud service provision and has been rated as first choice of Cloud Solutions and managed data services for local and Global businesses with great ambitions.

“We offer Information Technology as a service (Cloud services, Colocation, Managed solutions, Backup services, Disaster Recovery etc.), and support for diverse infrastructure need by providing Industry-specific Solutions.

“Our Company is based on the principle of developing and delivering top of the line Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) solutions to meet the need of our existing and prospective clients”, the GMD said.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

National Identity Day: FG adopts September 16 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government has adopted the observance of the National Identify Day as part of adherence to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9 which calls for legal identity for all including birth registration by 2030, reports ITREALMS.

Nigeria, ITREALMS notes with this adoption, has become the first country in the world to declare September 16 as National Identity Day, despite difficulties in assessing the national ID card in the country.

This is coming as some Nigerians lamented that despite registration, some four years ago, they are yet to get the card which expires every four years.

Disclosing this development, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, in approval letter dated August 29, 2019, and addressed to the Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Aziz.

Reacting in a press statement made available to ITREALMS, Mr. Aziz said that NIMC has immediately lined up a number of activities to formally launch Nigeria’s Identity Day on September 16, 2019 as the maiden edition.

He also said that the programme is expected to take place in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, with stakeholders from both public and private sectors actively participating.

“Many important issues on the international development and human rights agenda have an observance day. For example, 10 December is Human Rights Day, while 20th of June is Refugee Day. Now is the time for identity to have a day of observance,” he declared.
ITREALMS recalls that this adoption was berthed as ID-Day campaign initiated at the 4th Annual Meeting of the ID4Africa Movement on 24 April 2018 in Abuja-Nigeria, as a global coalition calling for the recognition by the United Nations of September 16 – or 16.9 – as International Identity Day (ID Day) given that identity plays an increasingly important role worldwide in developed as well as developing economies.

“The purpose of International Identity Day is to raise awareness about the important role identity plays in empowering individuals to exercise their rights and responsibilities fairly and equitably in a modern society,” he said.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Global transaction get easier with FirstBank's card - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

As in many developing countries, cash has been the most prevalent mode of payment in Nigeria until 2012 when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced the cashless policy with the aim of promoting the use of electronic payment channels instead of cash.

Since then, banking services in Nigeria have shifted from physical and tangible distribution to technology-enabled, such as internet, automated teller machine (ATM), mobile phones, point of sale (POS) and mobile money channels.

African economies are also in support of driving cash out of the financial system and the introduction of digital payment solutions is in line with their cashless strategies.

It is also worthy of note that one of the prerequisites for the development of national economy is to encourage a payment system that is secure, convenient, and affordable. In this regard, developed countries of the world, to a large extent, have moved away from paper payment instruments toward electronic ones, especially payment cards.

Looking at data from the CBN official website on E-Payment transactions from 2012 to 2018, it is clear that there has been an exponential increase in the volume of transactions carried out through various channels.

For instance, the volume of ATM transactions carried out in 2012 was approximately at 375.5 million compared to 875.5 million recorded in 2018. Also, the volume of transactions recorded from the POS and Internet channels rose from 2.58 million to 295.89 million, and 2.27 million to 50.8 million in the review period respectively.

This suggests that, the e-payment channels, if well implemented will help achieve the CBN‘s objective of expanding, deepening and modernizing the payment system in Nigeria, and also galvanize the apex bank in ensuring that Nigeria ranks among the top 20 economies of the world in line with the nation‘s vision 2020 aspirations.

To this course, and in line with its pioneering strategy and focus at smartly improving payments infrastructures and greater usage of non-cash means in the country, First Bank of Nigeria Limited recently launched Visa Multi-Currency card, the first of its kind to be offered by any financial institution in the country.

This All-in One-Card has by all means added to the array of FirstBank’s card offerings: Naira MasterCard and Visa Gold card.

The FirstBank Naira MasterCard, a chip and PIN Debit Card, offers a convenient alternative to the use of cash, and cheques. It is a naira denominated card linked to customer’s current or savings account, and can be used to make purchases online, pay bills and access cash at ATMs point worldwide.

With it, cardholders go cashless, have zero need for Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) or Business Travel Allowance (BTA), and also have increased limits for international transactions up to $5000 monthly on all channels with a daily ATM cash withdrawal limit of $300.

While the FirstBank Visa Gold card, an international premium credit card, is a U.S. Dollar- denominated card, secured also by chip and PIN technology. Its higher daily spending limits on ATM, POS and Web are $1,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively, anywhere in the World.

However, in addressing challenges many Nigerians faced while travelling abroad, FirstBank has introduced the Visa Multi-Currency card with some unique features. Before now, the major pain points for travelers have been how to source different currencies with high and non-transparent exchange rates.

In today’s businesses where expectation is significantly increasing, consumers have to embrace innovative new technology made available, such as the FirstBank Visa Multi-Currency of card, for global transactions.

The newly launched FirstBank Visa Multi-Currency card is an enhancement to the existing Visa Debit Dual Currency card. Having other unique features, the card can be linked to either or all customer’s NAIRA, USD, EURO and GBP accounts. It is designed to enhance customer experience when transacting globally outside Nigeria, and to address challenges many Nigerians faced while travelling abroad thereby positioning the bank at meeting the needs of its increasingly global customer base.

Besides other benefits are POS and Online purchases, access to and use of ATMs worldwide, and no cash collateral requirement prior to its issuance.

It is an international card secured by Chip and PIN technology with a lifespan of 3 years, and it has additional protection for web-based transactions with “Verified by Visa” (VbV). In fact, it is a one card that enables access to funds throughout the world, providing maximum protection for all card users.

It has a daily withdrawal limit of N150,000 and $1,000 for local and International transactions on the ATM channel, and N1,000,000 and $6,250 for local and international on Web. While on POS, Current account cardholders have a withdrawal limit of N2,500,000 and Savings account cardholders N500,000 distinctively for local, but $2,500 parallel for International transactions.

In the words of Mr. Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Product, “FirstBank takes pride in pioneering the Visa Multi Currency Card in the country, as we remain committed to providing products and services that are designed to ensure the banking convenience of our customers regardless of their location.”

“This card is designed to make traveling fun for our customers and ensure they have a seamless transaction experience during their vacation, tourism and other business-related trips around the globe,” he added.

True and true, FirstBank has shown itself to be a digital innovating bank since the craze of technological transformation in the financial sector, with various Awards, achievements and recognitions.

This Nigeria’s Bank of first choice was named the first financial institution in the country to achieve sustained alternative channels transaction volumes of 100 million transactions in December 2015 and May 2016.

In 2015, FirstBank won two awards in the eBusiness category: MasterCard Cardless Champion award for International acceptance across all POS channels; and MasterCard Cardless Champion award for Mobile POS (MPOS) merchant acquisition.

In 2016, it won three awards also in the eBusiness category, viz: Asian Banker award for Best Mobile Payment Product for West Africa; Asian Banker award for Credit Card of the Year for West Africa; and Global Finance Award for ‘Digital Bank of Distinction – Emerging Markets, Africa Category’.

For two consecutive years, 2016 and 2017, the bank was honoured with the Digital Bank of Distinction, Nigeria award in the Global Finance Best Digital Banks Awards.

While still counting, in 2017, FirstBank won the Cashless Champion Award of MasterCard International on POS International transactions acquiring, and same year won Interswitch awards on Fastest Mobile Penetration in Africa; Highest Card Transacting Bank in Nigeria; and Highest Verve Issuing Bank.

For FirstBank to sustain its relevance and be part of the banks of the future, it must continue to be proactive to customers’ goals, their ‘next big thing’, and invest heavily, rediscover and reassert its core role in society, while securing ongoing support of policymakers.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

NANTA to train travel agents nationwide free - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agency (NANTA) has advanced plans to host a nationwide training for IATA and Non-IATA registered travel agents in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja at no cost, reports ITREALMS.

Tagged as IATA EasyPay Workshop for IATA and Non-IATA Agents, President of NANTA Association says the purpose of this workshop is to enlighten Travel Agents on the IATA EasyPay (IEP) plan.

“IATA EasyPay (IEP) is a new payment method that is globally available to all IATA accredited travel agents for the issuance of tickets through IATA’s Billing Settlement Plan (BSP). IATA EasyPay is a secure, pay-as-you-go solution. It is an electronic wallet and is available to agents to use alongside the other payment methods in the BSP,” Mr. Bernard says.

The association says it will also use this opportunity to address certain issues and challenges it has been facing over the years. NANTA says it will also make use of this platform to set its house in proper order by encouraging unregistered NANTA agencies to come under the umbrella and thereby drastically reduce fraudulent practices in the travel market.

Mr. Bankole also adds that the benefits of the workshop for the travel agencies is that the IEP provides a greater level of flexibility for agents.

“The IEP will provide travel agents with more flexibility, it will also provide a failsafe, allowing travel agents to continue transacting in the BSP if they ever reach their Remittance Holding Capacity (RHC).”

The National Publicity Secretary for the Association, Mr. Yinka Ladipo disclosed that the workshop is scheduled to begin with the Port Harcourt Zone on September 10, 2019, at the Swiss Spirit Hotel followed by the Abuja Zone on September 12, 2019, at Nicon Luxury Hotel and then the Lagos Zone on October 3, 2019, at the Lagos Continental Hotel.

In another development the association has recently renewed her membership with the Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association (UFTAA) in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

MTN board decries xenophobia, violence on Nigerians - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Board of MTN Nigeria has added its voice in condemnation of the violence meted on Nigeria and other African in South Africa, reports ITREALMS.

"... Wishes to add its unequivocal condemnation of the xenophobia and violence against Nigerians and other nationalities in South Africa over the recent days, as well as the violent response to it in Nigeria.

“Violence cannot and must never be acceptable and we must reject it in the strongest terms possible,” official statement available to ITREALMS read.

ALSO READ: Xenophobic attacks: MTN Nigeria shutdown offices n...

Also, the board offered profound sympathies to all those affected and urge all stakeholders and communities in Nigeria, South Africa and other countries, to act with restraint, and to work collaboratively to address these issues.

“Our future as a continent will be built on enhanced connections and greater integration economically, culturally and politically. It is in all of our interests to work together,” the board advised.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Nigerian, Ipadeola, selected for International Writing Program - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Award-winning Nigerian poet, essayist, translator and author of short stories, Mr. Tade Ipadeola, has been selected to participate in the International Writing Program (IWP) Fall Residency at the University of Iowa, courtesy of the United States Department of State, reports ITREALMS.

From September 1 to November 16, 2019, Ipadeola, the 2013 winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literature, joins 28 other accomplished writers from across the globe in the world’s oldest and largest multinational writing residency.

Over the course of 11 weeks, Ipadeola and the other participants will give readings and lectures that share their work and cultures, collaborate with artists from other genres and art forms, and travel to interact with audiences and literary communities across the United States.

In addition, the residency will provide the writers a one-of-a-kind inter-cultural opportunity to forge productive relationships with colleagues and translators, and take part in the vibrant social and academic life of the University of Iowa as well as the larger American literary scene.

United States Consulate Public Affairs Officer Russell Brooks congratulated the Nigerian writer on his acceptance into the residency program. According to him, the goal of the IWP Fall Residency is to provide outstanding writers with a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.

“The International Writing Program Fall Residency is a unique experience for rising stars and established writers who have achieved literary distinction and have shown interest in contributing to the creative writing culture in their home countries.

“This program will enable Ipadeola to present his works and Nigeria’s literary culture to a wider audience. He will in turn learn more about U.S. society, culture, and the American people,” Brooks said.

Ipadeola has three published works, including The Sahara Testament, a poetry collection, which won the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2013 and has been translated into Dutch, French, Spanish and Xhosa.  In 2009, he won the Delphic Laurel in Poetry for his Yoruba poem Songbird at the Delphic Games in Jeju, South Korea. In 2012, he translated Paid on Both Sides, the first dramatic work of renowned Anglo-American poet, W.H. Auden, into Yoruba as Lamilami.

To date, 34 Nigerian literary figures have participated in the IWP Fall Residency. Notable among them are Elechi Amadi (1973), Cyprian Ekwensi (1974), Ola Rotimi (1980), Femi Osofisan (1986), Niyi Osundare (1988), Festus Iyayi (1990), Lola Shoneyin (1999), Obari Gomba (2016).

 *JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

100 days of Emeka Ihedioha by Chris Uruakpa - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS:

Today, Friday, 6th September, 2019 marks Gov. Emeka Ihedioha's first 100 days in office.

The Governor is a well polished gentleman, a visionary realist, a man that promises what is reasonable and realisable. A friend once told me that when Ihedioha makes a promise, you can take it to the bank.

One thing is crystal clear, since he came into office, he has been working tirelessly to restore the battered image of the state. Ihedioha has matched his words with actions, so as to give his administration a human face.

In a bid to correct the anomalies of the past administration, a committee was constituted to investigate the status of the newly established tertiary institutions.

An interim committee was constituted for Adapalm (Nigeria) Ltd; Traffic Congestion and illegal motor parks.

Within his first 100 days in office, he declared a state of emergency on infrastructure and approved #49 million for rehabilitation of Otamiri Water Scheme, Owerri. The approval followed recommendation by the State Executive Council.

On 5th June, 2019, Imo State participated in the annual world environment day, part of the day's activities: tree planting at the Government House, Owerri, visit to refuse disposal site at Relief Market, Owerri, visit to erosion sites and was concluded with world environment day speech at Concorde Hotel, Owerri by the Governor.

In showing the friendliness nature of Ihedioha's administration, environmental sanitation holds on every last Saturday of each month with strict compliance.

Looking at the appointments made by the previous administration and infested with many ills, Ihedioha set up an interim committee to review appointments, recruitments etc in line with the resolution of Imo State House of Assembly. On the importance of a board of internal revenue, he approved the appointment of the Chairman. Still on appointments, not overlooking their importance, he swore in the Chairman and Commissioners of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) as well as the Board of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), appointments also made into the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB).

Within 100 days in office, he has approved the road rehabilitation and reconstruction in the areas mapped out. As part of the priority of government to safeguard the lives of the people, he flagged off the Ezemazu Urualla Gully Erosion Control Project at Urualla, Ideato North LGA.

At a time when most of the governors that came into office same as Ihedioha are yet to appoint Commissioners, Ihedioha who understands the need for Commissioners considering their importance, tidied up that aspect with attachment of portfolios & sworn them in accordingly. Ihedioha reduced the ministries from 31 - 18. In line with the edict of 1976, he constituted the Board of Imo State Housing Corporation.

For the football loving fans of Imo State, the board to run the affairs of Heartland Football Club was constituted and I will urge members of the board to make sure that the team shows the flashes expected for excellence.

On the drive to efficiently improve on the process of revenue generation and collection in the state, and to ensure proper accountability and transparency in all government accrued revenues, the state commenced the operation of Treasury Single Account. A move to help the government address the challenges previously faced with the operation of the multiple account system. Imo State has now joined Lagos and Kaduna states in adopting the TSA.

Talk about a man who understands the welfare of the people, the pension verification exercise has commenced in all the LGAs in the state.

On law and order, Ihedioha is not leaving any stone unturned all in a bid to make the people carry out their different endeavors without any fear of molestation. Ihedioha also set up interim committee on recovery of movable assets of government. One of the terms of reference that was given to the committee: to ascertain and document all movable properties belonging to Imo State Government which are presently held by unauthorized persons, including past government officials.

Rochas Okorocha ran Imo State aground & Ihedioha has been trying to correct many of the dirty deals spotted. I will encourage him to remain focused.

For me, 100 days in office by any standard goes beyond rolling out the drums, but a means to address the political dynamics that will shape the development of the state. It is a time of intense engagement & also an avenue to decide how to tackle the cumbersome politics that shapes the political terrain.

Lastly, the plans of Gov. Emeka Ihedioha are indeed encouraging based on his mission to rebuild Imo State through quality leadership.

In his goal to make Imo State a prosperous state and to be the pride of Ndi Imo, i wish Emeka Ihedioha all the best & praying to the good Lord to give him the grace & strength to meet up with his promises.

*Contributed by Chris Uruakpa from Lagos

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Gaming bans in Uganda and Kenya: A sign of things to come? - ITREALMS

Sports@ITREALMS:

The burgeoning African gaming market has been spearheaded by a number of countries in recent years with South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania widely deemed as the leading markets on the continent.

Thanks to a concoction of budding technological hubs, increasing online access and digital penetrations rates, as well as viable payment solutions being in place for a mostly unbanked population, the conditions have been ripe to support an online market. In Kenya, mobile operators cover almost 90% of the population with over 46 million people having access to the digital space.

These conditions, intertwined with a youthful and growing middle class that has a ferocious passion for sports, has made the 2nd most populous continent on the globe an attractive opportunity for gaming operators looking to expand beyond existing mainstream and, often, saturated markets.

However, after consistent year on year growth in a number of markets in the sub-Saharan region, the problems affecting their European counterparts have emerged in the promising market.

With betting activity sweeping across the continent, and East Africa in particular, Uganda was the first nation to act in 2019. According to local media, State Minister for Finance David Bahati “received a directive from President [Yoweri] Museveni to stop licensing sports betting, gaming and gambling companies.” In addition, for those already registered, there would be “no renewal of licenses when they expire”. As well as wanting to divert the attention of the youth away from sports betting and its harmful social impact, President Museveni specifically referenced foreign-owned companies repatriating profits rather than re-investing them in Uganda as a reason for the ban – a cause that has resonated with neighbouring jurisdictions.

Gaming powerhouse Kenya was the next significant market to act, albeit not to the extent of banning new and future licenses. Instead, the Kenyan Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) mirrored similar moves being made in Europe, most notably in Italy, by focusing on the widespread levels of advertising. According to a statement released by the BCL, “outdoor advertising of gambling, advertising of gambling on all social media platforms, advertising gambling between 6am and 10pm, [and] endorsement of gambling operations by celebrities” would be banned.

While the Kenyan ban has been temporarily suspended, legislators are currently considering policy amendments which would overhaul current state gambling laws by imposing significantly higher costs on licensed operators. In addition, the Ugandan ruling remains in place. With these actions, both jurisdictions have set a precedent that threatens to spread across and bring to a halt the great signs of promise demonstrated by the continents gaming industry.

However, the moves from two of the significant sub-Saharan markets have led to many in the industry questioning both the severity and, more importantly, the effectiveness of the rulings. With regulated gaming prohibited, there is a high risk that white markets will be replaced by grey and black jurisdictions, threatening even greater risks to the punter.

While this is a trend that has potential to catch on, with player demand increasing and regulated markets offering significant economic benefits for local economies, can countries afford to lose such high revenue potential to the black market?

While this remains unclear, one thing is for certain; for a sustainable and investment friendly gaming ecosystem to develop in Africa, the industry must learn from the tough lessons that more mature markets in Europe and the rest of the world are already experienced.

Amongst the others issues that need tackling, problem gaming and excessive advertising must be made a high priority. More effective Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, age restriction procedures and education should be in place to prevent youthful punters from chasing unrealistic high yield accumulators. And lastly, regulation and tax frameworks should be clearer, modernised and more consistent to benefit both local economies and the foreign-companies operating in African jurisdictions.

With the ICE brand having already made its mark in Africa in 2018, October 2019 will see gaming’s only B2B pan-African event return at a critical time for the industry. With issues surrounding regulation, operation and perception of gaming, ICE Africa 2019 will once again provide a forum for the industry to tackle these challenges and set a path for future stability and success that is capable of fulfilling the exciting markets massive potential.

*Contributed by Daniel Tyler, Conference Producer at ICE Africa.
*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

BREAKING: Jim Ovia protests Xenophobia, withdraws from World Economic Forum - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Following the hypersensitivity of the issues surrounding the lives and well-being of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa and to contribute his voice against the poor state of security regarding foreign nationals living in Africa, the Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia has withdrawn from further activities at the World Economic Forum Africa 2019, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, reports ITREALMS.

Before taking his exit, Mr. Ovia stressed the need for youth empowerment and better government policies to curb continual attacks on persons living within and outside Africa.

He belaboured that until positive change towards collective growth happens on this front, the continent would not reach its potential.

Mr. Ovia also said that full support should be rendered in vocational education of the young persons living in not just Nigeria but Africa. 

According to him, the Jim Ovia Foundation has taken up a stance on this issue, having empowered over 3,500 students and entrepreneurs since its inception. 

He equally called on other members of the private sector to join hands and solve this menace plaguing the African continent.

Chuks Egbune/Editor
*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Now PMB acted accordingly, can Nigerians stop Xenophotic attacks on Nigerians? - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS: 

Gentlemen, our own President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) did very well and swiftly in condemning the senseless violence against Nigerians and other foreign nationals resident in South Africa.

PMB government rose in defense of Nigeria and all actions taken so far by the Buhari administration including issuing of travel alert, boycotting World Economic Forum in Cape Town, recalling our ambassador to South Africa etc are highly commendable. These and more are expectations of Nigerians from our government and leadership across board.

Sadly, some of our private business men and women attended the World Economic Forum in Cape Town despite our government position. That's not morally right.

Back home in Lagos in 2015, Oba Akiolu of Lagos threaten to push some people into lagoon if they fail to vote for Ambode. This is xenophobic attack on Nigerians in Nigeria by Nigerians.

Some northern youths gave quit notice on several occasions to fellow Nigerians. This is local xenophobia.

Some rampaging fulani herdsmen are terrorizing every part of Nigeria day in day out. These and many more have made the life of Nigeria worthless before the international community.

While South African president, Cyril Ramophosa and government have condemned the attacks on foreigners and have even arrested 80 persons or entities suspected to have taken part in the xenophobic nonsense, President Ramophosa-led South Africa govt must do more to protect legal residents in South Africa.

Above that our own governments from local, State and federal must do all that matters to make Nigeria work again and conducive for those resident here and those intending to come back home.

Our infrastructural decays must be addressed, security guaranteed and economic changes seen to make Nigeria an investment destination.

Then can the world take us more serious with high regards.

All forms of tribalism, nepotism, religious exploitation, making religion state laws and all such are local xenophobia.

While we commend PMB for acting fast on this current situation, we appeal to Nigeria to stop attacking South Africa companies in Nigeria as the ultimate victims remain our citizens that earn their livelihoods therein.

And again let's stop local xenophobia on Nigerians by we Nigerians in Nigeria.

*Contributed by Chukwudi Nwankwor writing through Chukwudinwankwor@gmail.com

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

ITU Inter-regional workshop focuses on preparations for WRC-19 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

An Inter-regional Workshop focused on preparations for the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) opened in Geneva Wednesday, reports ITREALMS.

This preparatory workshop for WRC-19, the third such meeting, will meet 4-6 September 2019. Discussions will centre on the agenda of the World Radiocommunication Conference as well as regional priorities and inputs that have been prepared both for WRC-19, which will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from 28 October until 22 November 2019, and the Radiocommunication Assembly (RA-19) that will precede it at the same venue, 21-25 October. Experts representing the Regional Groups and the ITU Member States preparing for WRC-19 will share latest information and explanations on their positions for the Conference. Information on the status of readiness of the Conference by ITU and the host country, Egypt, will also be provided.

Among the issues on the agenda at this Workshop that will come up at WRC-19:

• Identification of frequency bands for the future development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including possible additional allocations to the mobile service.

• Identification of frequency bands for High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPs) – aircraft positioned in the stratosphere for very-long-duration flights – which can be used for a variety of applications, such as telecommunications, emergency/public safety communications, intelligent transportation systems, maritime surveillance, and environmental monitoring.

• Conditions of use of Wireless access systems, including radio local area networks (WAS/RLAN), to provide effective communication for portable and mobile computer-based equipment.

• Updating and modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), with consideration of new frequencies for additional GMDSS satellite providers to expand geographical coverage, including in Polar Regions, for safety in maritime navigation and search-and-rescue operations, as well as to enhance collision avoidance systems.

• Frequency bands used by science services will be considered to ensure that Earth exploration-satellite, meteorological-satellite and other systems continue to be able to provide environmental monitoring, prediction and mitigation of the negative effects of disasters caused by climate change as well as to monitor the earth’s resources and any other key services.

• Consider additional frequencies with appropriate regulatory, technical, and operational conditions for earth stations in motion (ESIM) communicating from aircraft, maritime vessels and land vehicles with satellites on the geostationary orbit (GSO); enhance the international regulatory framework to improve satellite broadband connectivity including from new non-GSO satellite systems composed of multiple, multi-satellite constellations.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Africa dialogue only effective if followed by action - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Africa’s growth remains uneven, with East Africa out-pacing the rest of the continent on attractions of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), reports ITREALMS.

The continent, ITREALMS gathered, grew by 3.8 per cent in 2018, with Sub-Saharan Africa rising somewhat slower, at 2.6 per cent, but FDI into Africa remains small by global standards, but prominent in relation to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The United States (US) and western Europe remain Africa’s largest investors; FDI flows to the most diversified, business friendly economies.

At the start of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Cape Town Wednesday, South Africa, along with many other African countries, face an unprecedented set of economic challenges that need urgent attention that should be addressed by creating an enabling business environment.

Sandile Hlophe, EY Africa Government & Public Sector Leader, who advised many levels of South African government on digital transformation, financial improvement and risk management, said that as aspirational as WEF Africa’s aims are, dialogue is only effective if followed by action.

Speaking from WEF Cape Town at the launch of the EY Africa Attractiveness report 2019 - that looks at how South Africa and the African continent, are attracting FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) to grow their economies, Hlophe said that it was high time for a “sleeves rolled up, action orientated agenda” to accelerate FDI flows to the continent. “We need a shift from ideology and dialogue to accelerated implementation.”

Hlophe noted that attracting FDI should be one the most important initiatives for African governments.

“FDI helps in economic development and is especially important for developing economies as it leads to job creation and wealth creating economic growth, he continues.”

He said that after a growth ‘drought decade’, Africa appeared to be making its way back onto a growth trajectory with FDI inflows to the continent expected to increase following a rise of 11 per cent in 2018.

Encouraging as the signs are, more needs to be done because Africa’s growth remains below potential. FDI inflows, for example, are still below the annual average of the last 10 years.

South Africa

Looking at South Africa, Hlophe noted that the country attracted the highest number of FDI flows projects in Africa (110). South Africa however only attracted US$5m in FDI, placing it behind Egypt (US$12m), Algeria (US$9m), Nigeria (US$8m), Ethiopia (US$7m) and even Zimbabwe (US$6m).

“Despite being a country critically lacking in consumer and business confidence, and with unemployment stubbornly high, it is encouraging that South Africa remains on investors’ radar.

“An urgent focus on implementing economic reforms as outlined in the President’s economic stimulus and recovery plan announced in September 2018 and progressing State Owned Companies plans to strengthen governance and stabilise cash flows, will go a long way towards stimulating increased FDI flows,” he said.

Technology as FDI magnet

Technology focused FDI, in Africa and the rest of the world, is rising steadily as the pace of digital transformation picks up.

“While Africa is still behind the technology curve, there is a once-in-50-years opportunity for the continent to leapfrog incremental technology advancement. By adopting digital transformation successes from more advanced countries - such as intelligent automation, cloud-based software deployment and data storage - Africa can quickly scale up its technology use.”

Hlophe added that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) meant investing in digital infrastructure that enables independent devices (such smart phones, computers and vehicle navigations systems) to communicate with each other by exchanging and analysing data to provide humans with actionable insights.

“Getting business and government to work together in investing in digital infrastructure, such as 5G data networks, WIFI platforms and Cloud data centres, will place African countries at the front of the FDI investment queue,” he concluded.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Xenophobic tensions: Air Peace to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Air Peace Airlines is to evacuate Nigerians, especially stranded ones over the ongoing Xenophobic tensions in South Africa, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this to ITREALMS, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Mr. Ferdinand Nwonye, Wednesday, said that following the recent unfortunate xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians in South Africa, the Proprietor of Air Peace Airlines, Chief Allen Onyema, has volunteered to send an aircraft from Friday 6th September 2019 to evacuate Nigerians who wish to return to Nigeria free of charge.

"The general public is hereby advised to inform their relatives in South Africa to take advantage of this laudable gesture," he said.

Advising interested Nigerians to therefore liaise with the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg for further necessary arrangement.   

Chuks Egbune/Editor

 *JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

JIFORM urges FG, AU attention on xenophobic attacks in South Africa - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Journalists International Forum for Migration (JIFORM) has called on the Nigerian Government to take a decisive step in ending recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, reports ITREALMS.

In the same vein, the body charged the Africa Union (AU) to wade into the current situation giving the continent a bad image.

JIFORM stated in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday that the prestige of the AU and its leaders were at stake and therefore called for immediate intervention.

The body also demanded sanctions against perpetrators of the attack and full compensation for the victims.

President of JIFORM, Ajibola Abayomi described the xenophobic attacks as one too many, adding it negated the fundamental rights of people to movement.

“Migration is not a crime. It is as old as man. The level of hatred being harboured against fellow African is South Africa is strange. This is not who we are on the continent as a people” the President lamented.

He, however, cautioned against reprisal attacks believing that the matter could be resolved between both countries.

"Nigeria and South Africa must as a matter of urgent importance go beyond summoning emergency talks and meetings, to quickly implement immediate and permanent solution to the crisis" he added.

The President of JIFORM also wants the Nigerian government to look inward and improve on basic amenities that would ultimately improves the living conditions of its people and limit the urge to migrate to another country.

“The ugly development in South Africa leading to open massacre of Nigerian Youths and other national is very barbaric. What a wicked act. The South Africans had forgotten so soon the front line roles and sacrifices Nigeria as giant of Africa made to free their country from apartheid.

“Watching the mindless South African attacks on fellow African brothers is heart hearken. Man to man so unjust. All the concerned apparatus of Nigerian and South African governments must ensure that this shameful and bloodletting is put at bay.

The JIFORM President called on the AU to rise to the present situation by reminding authorities in South Africa to resurrect the true story on how Nigerians played a unique role during the emancipation of South Africa during the dark era of apartheid.

Nenye Dom/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS: Archbishop Martins condemns attacks on Nigerians in South Africa - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has condemned in very strong terms the continuous attacks on Nigerians in particular and other Africans in South Africa, reports ITREALMS.

He also described such attacks as barbaric, reprehensible and an attack on the very core of African brotherhood.

Reacting to the recent onslaught on Nigerians by some South African nationals which led to the loss of lives of Nigerians and nationals of other African countries as well as the vandalization and looting of their several business interests in the country, the Prelate described as too little and ineffective the manner the Federal Government has handled the issue.

A press statement made available to ITREALMS endorsed by the Acting Director of Social Communications, Rev Fr Anthony Godonu, Archbishop Martins noted that the failure of the Federal Government to decisively deal with the issue using very strong diplomatic means continues to embolden the perpetrators and makes the South African government not to do enough to stem the tide of the attacks. That South African Police officials are seen publicly rousing peoples’ anger against foreigners in their country without any visible repercussion gives an impression of some official endorsement of the mob action and our government needs to pursue this to its logical conclusion.

“It is the responsibility of every government to protect the lives and properties of its citizens within and outside the country. Any attack on Nigerian citizens should elicit a swift response from the government not to talk of them being killed with impunity.

“The insufficient response of our Government in confronting the matter with the seriousness it deserves does not project us in a good light as a country that cares enough for the welfare of its citizens. My fear is that if decisive diplomatic measures are not taken now, this matter may go out of hand with enormous consequences for all.”

Recalling the frontline role Nigeria played in bringing an end to the obnoxious apartheid policy in South Africa, and the enormous financial and human resources deployed for that purpose, Archbishop Martins wondered why fellow blacks who had, and are still benefiting from their relationship with our nation have chosen to pay us back by unleashing so much violence against our citizens. This is not the kind of South Africa that Nelson Mandela labored for”

He further said, “this marks another wake-up call for our leaders to work even more assiduously so that the social and economic situation of our nation can be better such migration of our nationals, legal or illegal, can be reduced and if people who migrate get badly treated, they can come back home fully assured that they would be in good stead.”

The Archbishop however urged Nigerians in South Africa to continue to ensure that they present the nation in a good light, going about only legitimate businesses and professions. In his own words, "I urge Nigerians in South Africa to go about only lawful activities in the country and desist from criminal actions that tarnish the image of the country.”

He also appealed to youths in Nigeria to continue to show restraint and allow the relevant government agencies to exhaust all diplomatic means geared at stopping the attacks and bringing the perpetrators to book as soon as possible.

He discouraged any form of reprisal attacks on organizations owned by South Africans in Nigeria, saying that it does not offer any solution to the problem. In his words: “when we give in to the urge to engage in reprisal attacks, how different are we from those perpetuate these crimes against humanity? An eye for an eye eventually leaves everyone blind.”

Chuks Egbune/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Xenophobic attacks: MTN Nigeria shutdown offices nationwide - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, trading under the name ‘MTN Nigeria’ has shut down its offices nationwide due to increasing reprisal tensions over the Xenophobic attacks on Africans, including Nigerians in South Africa, reports ITREALMS.

The management of MTN Nigeria confirmed this shutdown through the Short Messaging Service (SMS) to all subscribers numbering some 65 million.

The message from MTN read: ”Yello! Our shops are unavailable today. You can reach us on Twitter- @MTN180, MTNonline.com/Livechat, chat on MyMTN App. For Call Center dial 180. Thank you.”
ITREALMS investigations revealed that MTN has the largest subscriber base with 65,379,196 lines which stands at 38 per cent of all mobile phone subscribers in the country.

MTN had in the first quarter of 2019 attained some 2.1 million subscribers and which invariably doubled in the second quarter with the latest findings, according to the records of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

ALSO READ: FG to Nigerians: Attack on South African businesses in Nigeria will hurt Nigerians more - ITREALMS

ITREALMS recalled that series of attacks were meted on Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa early in the week from last weekend, following which the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, said the South African government was not doing enough to quash the attacks.

FG, also, summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Bobby Monroe, on Tuesday, who denied attacks targeted at Nigerians, saying it’s a sporadic violence which affected even South African businesses and individuals.

Precisely, the latest wave of violence against foreigners, began on August 28, with several businesses owned by Nigerians among other Africans destroyed and looted while those found on the streets had been physically assaulted, thus raised the fears of xenophobic attack.

Since the broke of latest violence in SA, some Nigerians in retaliation attempt to raze some South African owned companies in Nigeria, including MTN, Dstv and Shoprite to name a few.

However, the Federal Government had Tuesday warned that any attack on supposed South African firms in Nigeria will have negative effect on the country economy.

Remmy Nweke/DoP

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

CBN to deepen digital transformation culture - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is seeking to deepen its Digital Transformation (DT) culture in response to the ever changing market conditions, reports ITREALMS.

This, ITREALMS gathered is in strategic role as a regulator and key stakeholder within the Nigerian economy.

The financial services industry has witnessed several evolutions within the last two decades and will be subject to many more changes in the next few years. The CBN has recognize the need to adapt an internal culture and operations to meet present-day reality.

This and more were the focus of the just concluded Digital Transformation Session that took place on 28th August 2019 at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja.

The Apex bank is consulting with Reliance InfoSystems Ltd., Microsoft’s Tier1 Partner in West Africa to drive technology adoption internally and intensify its internal DT culture.

The goal of this culture change is hinged on the four pillars of Digital Transformation which is to empower employees of the CBN to reimagine work and productivity, which in turn will identify transformation opportunities that would support CBN’s corporate objectives, engage customers leveraging digital tools and services, optimize operations which include minimizing running costs, improve service delivery and facilitate collaboration within teams, and transform its products.
The Deputy Director of CBN Enterprise Division (IT Architecture & Strategy Division), Mr. Paul Ojeikere while speaking at the DT session, highlighted the need for enhancing productivity and collaboration; to improve how employees communicate, collaborate on projects, and develop ideas. Other CBN participants spoke on the much-needed culture change that would encourage ease of technological adoption.

The Managing Director of Reliance InfoSystems, Mr. Olayemi Popoola while thanking the CBN for the unique opportunity to collaborate on this initiative, said “even with the best practices templates, no external consultant can perfectly pinpoint and successfully drive DT opportunities within an organization”.

He reiterated that “It will take employees of the Apex Bank across all cadres of the organization to deliberately turn the transformation wheels as they spot opportunities in the course of their daily routines and interactions”.

Reliance InfoSystems has an unmatched antecedence of leveraging technology, to empower organizations transform their business model and operations across several industries in West Africa to achieve more. 

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Pix: From Left; Olawale Olajide; (Team Lead; Cloud of Infrastructure, Reliance InfoSystems Ltd.),Mr. Paul Ojeikere (Deputy-Director, Enterprise Division, CBN), Ms. Mervis Elebe (Success Outcome Manager, Team Lead; Reliance InfoSystems Ltd.), Mr. Olayemi Popoola (Managing Director, Reliance InfoSystems Ltd.), Mrs. Mary Eledan (Public Sector Manager, Reliance InfoSystems Ltd.), Mr. E.B. Inyang (Head, Innovation CBN), Mr. Kenneth Akan (Digital Strategist, Reliance InfoSystems Ltd.)

FG to Nigerians: Attack on South African businesses in Nigeria will hurt Nigerians more - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians not to attack South African companies operating in Nigeria in retaliation for the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, reports ITREALMS.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made this appeal, described as deeply disturbing the reports that some Nigerians, angered by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, have started attacking South African companies in Nigeria.

He said that targeting South African companies in Nigeria for attack is, for Nigerians, a classic case of cutting off your nose to spite your face, because the investors in such companies, especially MTN and Shoprite are Nigerians.

Alhaji Mohammed said the majority of the workers in the South African companies operating in Nigeria are also Nigerians, meaning that its Nigerian workers who will be hardest hit if such companies are forced to shut down for fear of attacks.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is already taking decisive measures to put an end to the persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

''President Muhammadu Buhari has dispatched a Special Envoy to convey to his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa, his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation.

''Also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, acting on the instruction of Mr. President, has summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and secure assurance of the safety of their lives and property,'' the Minister said.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Airtel felicitates with young entrepreneurs @2019 25Under25Awards - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has joined the organizers of the 25Under25 Awards to honour this year’s recipients of the coveted prize for young Nigerian entrepreneurs who are under 25 years of age, reports ITREALMS.

The 25Under25 Entrepreneurs Awards is an annual award that recognizes, celebrates and encourages some of Nigeria's most innovative entrepreneurs under the age of 25 across various categories with a goal of stimulating an entrepreneurial culture among youths.

Speaking during the award ceremony, which held at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, Charles Odii, Executive Director, SME100 Africa, organizers of the award, said “the goal of the award ceremony is to recognize and celebrate young Nigerians who have distinguished themselves as exceptional entrepreneurs.

“We believe that it is important to support and celebrate young innovators, influencers, trendsetters and others who are contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

“So, our aim is to help exceptional young entrepreneurs across the country to soar as this will go a long to changing the narrative about Nigerian youths,” he said.

In her submission, the keynote speaker, veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, was full of praises for all the recipients as she encouraged them to be steadfast, committed and relentless in their pursuit of excellence and as they work towards building a better society for all.

The nominees for the awards were picked across various fields spanning E-Commerce, Creative Arts, Agriculture and Health among several others. The nominees were selected based on their age, annual turnover, scalability of business, impact on society and company’s registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The event was attended by several bigwigs including British Deputy High commissioner, Lagos, Harriet Thompson among several others. Head of Home Broadband, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Olalekan, represented the company at the event.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*