Omo Jesu II investiture: Cleric tasks Nigerians to fear God - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Nigerians have been tasked to imbibe the 'fruits of the Spirit' and fear God as laid down by Jesus Christ “so that insecurity, joblessness, economic crisis, political and social upheaval can become a thing of the past in the country”.

Giving the admonition in Ondo, Ondo State last weekend was the founder of New World Church of Peace, Primate Samuel Akinyosoye.

He spoke at the investiture of the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Motailatu Church of God (MCG), Senior Superintendent Gabriel Akinadewo, as OMO JESU II of the church.

The event was held at the international headquarters of the church.


'Omo Jesu' (Son of Jesus) is the highest title in the church founded by Saint Isaiah Moyinlorun Akinadewo (Omo Jesu) in Ibadan on June 14, 1964.

Isaiah Akinadewo died on December 26, 2014 and was buried two days later.

The investiture was supervised by Akinyosoye, Primate Adeolu Adesegha, Primate Ebenezer Agunbiade, Pastor David Adeoti, Special Apostle Ebenezer Akinboboye, Rev. Apostolic Mother Deborah Fatuwase, Senior Superintendent G.A. Boluwaji and Superintendent Apostle Sorimakin Akinlolu Joseph.

Other elders at the event were Special Apostle Godfrey Dottie, Special Apostle Victor Adelalure, Special Apostle Abayomi Daramola, Senior Apostle Isaac Akinfe, Apostle Adura Omolola, Elder Isaac Adegboyega, Elder Emmanuel Akinselure, Elder Yekini Hamzat and a popular Ondo lawyer, Rev. Yomi Oshodi who supervised the signing and presentation of Certificate of Investiture.

Officers of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) and Motailatu Organisation Worldwide also witnessed the epoch-making spiritual event.

To add colour to the installation were officers of the church from the Akinadewo Family led by the Secretary to the Board of the church, Senior Superintendent James Akinadewo,

Superintendent General Apostolic Mother Serah Akinadewo, Apostolic Mother Cecilia Adesusi, Superintendent Hezekiah Akinadewo, Superintendent David Akinadewo, Superintendent Babajide Akinadewo, Senior Apostle Bodunrin Akinadewo and Senior Apostle Micaiah Akinadewo.

Members of the royal family from Ondo were led by Olori Abiodun Adekolurejo, wife of the late Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Robert Itiade Adekolurejo.

The new multi-million naira Cathedral of the church was also dedicated during the event.

Akinyosoye, who thanked God for the life of the founder for imbibing the fruits of the spirit in his children, said: “We can all see today how the founder, who is my spiritual elder, trained his children in the way of the Lord. All of them have continued where their father stopped. This event is instructive because today is the fifth year anniversary of the burial of their father and the eldest son is being installed as Omo Jesu II.

“There is crisis in Nigeria today because people are not ready to imbibe the spirit of God. When you have fruits of the spirit in you, spiritually and physically, your life will radiate love, peace, goodness, meekness and happiness.

“Pitiably, Nigerians don't love themselves again. Even some men of God now behave worse than the devil. That is why you read stories of some aggrieved people attacking and burning churches. You also read the story of a so-called man of God using a fellow human being for ritual. Christ did not teach us these vices. I urge Nigerians to show love to their fellow human beings. Whether you are from the North, South, East or West, we are all Nigerians, created by God.

“And our God is a God of vengeance. If you treat your fellow Nigerians with evil, evil will follow you.

Addressing children of the founder, amid clapping and shouts of Halleluyah, Iye, Hossanah, Akinyosoye said: “I thank God for witnessing today's event. Your father (Isaiah Akinadewo) worked for God and humanity. We can all see the reward today. You must continue with this legacy”.

With singing by choristers and dancing by the congregation, the investiture was conducted according to divine guidelines as instructed by the founder.

Members of the Army of Salvation led the procession with elders reading verses in the Bible.

Akinadewo, while receiving the certificate and staff of office, urged the laity, parishioners and elders of the church not to forget the advice of the Biblical Prophet Isaiah who said “if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land”.

He also urged Nigerians to “retain God in your knowledge for peace to reign in the land”.

Describing 2020 as a year of Restoration, he declared that God will show mercy “to those with strong passion for the word of God”.

Akinadewo also conducted the yearly 'Calendar Prayer' of the church.

Pix: Akinadewo receiving the certificate from Oshodi

Pix 2: 2020 Calendar prayer.

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Buhari receives CPN, reaffirms technology efficacy in public sector - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Nigerian President, General Muhammadu Buhari (retired) has received in audience the leadership of the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN) and Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) declaring that ‘‘technology in public service delivery is no longer a luxury, but a pressing necessity," reports ITREALMS.

Speaking Thursday in Abuja while receiving CPN led by its president and chairman-in-council, Prof. Charles Uwadia, President Buhari noted that Information Technology (IT) has become a driving force for social and economic change, nowadays, stressing that his administration through actions, has shown commitment towards changing the narratives positively.

“The future belongs to IT. What was unimaginable 20 years ago is a reality today. Accordingly, we have introduced numerous policies and have made substantial investments to ensure the benefits of this technology-driven age is felt by 200 million Nigerians.

“Indeed, our strategy for inclusive economic growth can only be achieved by leveraging the technology tools available to us,’’ he said.

President Buhari used the occasion of the courtesy visit by representatives of the computing and IT professionals in Nigeria to enumerate some benefits of using technological tools to implement government policies.

“Already, we have seen the benefits of using technological tools for lending to farmers as well as monitoring crop performance especially in some of the more remote locations.

“We also leveraged technology to fight corruption and reduce leakages and inefficiencies in public service delivery. You are all aware of the significant investments we made to upgrade our policy and military platforms as we battle pockets of insecurity in parts of the country.

“Furthermore, our social investment programs are built on technological platforms that allow us to positively impact the lives of some of poorest members of our society,’’ he said.

The President, therefore, requested the computer body to continue to partner with Government at all levels to ensure the benefits of this tool are realised and at the same time its threats are eliminated.

Prof. Uwadia in his remarks applauded the President for demonstrating the political will to accelerate national IT development with his physical presence at the e-Nigeria conference and awards, on four consecutive occasions, over the years.

On behalf of IT professionals in the country, Uwadia expressed gratitude to President Buhari for appointing two seasoned professionals, Dr Isa Ibrahim Pantami and Kashifu Abdullahi as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), respectively.

“Your Excellency, we, the IT professionals, commend you for the immense and giant strides that your administration has made and is still making in nation-building. Within the space of the past four years, you have achieved a lot, using the instrumentality of ICT,’’ he said.

CPN president also outlined some of the outstanding achievements of the current administration in the sector to include the issuance of "Executive Order (EO1) on the promotion of Transparency and Efficiency in the Business Environment, Executive Order (EO3) on Support for Local Content in Public Procurement by the Federal Government and Executive Order (EO5) on Planning and Execution of Projects, Promotion of Local Content in Contracts and Science, Engineering and Technology.

Others are unveiling of the National Digital Economy Policy at the 2019 e-Nigeria conference, exhibition and awards; implementation and enforcement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information (IPPIS) which saved the Federal Government of Nigeria billions of naira by eliminating thousands of ghost workers.

Further, the Buhari administration was commended for the effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and increasing government revenue by over N3 trillion as well as entrenching transparency and accountability, among others."

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor 

Canon unveils remote enabled Robotic Camera System CR-S700R - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Canon Europe has released its remote control system for still image shooting on its latest in stock, Robotic Camera system CR-S700R, reports ITREALMS.

Sports photography and news media use remote photography extensively to capture still images from various viewpoints or angles that cannot be achieved with conventional photography methods. The Robotic Camera System CR-S700R is a release driven by the needs of professional photographers to operate cameras remotely to shoot still images for the media and is part of Canon’s commitment to deliver convenient solutions.

Remote control solution for EOS camera operation

The Robotic Camera System CR-S700R revolves around a remote pan head that can be used to remotely control and shoot still images using a compatible EOS camera[1]. This system includes a small and lightweight gateway box, the IP camera controller CR-G100. The Camera Remote Application CR-A100 (sold separately) enables users to control multiple cameras from a PC, display live view images, and remotely trigger a camera or simultaneously shoot with multiple cameras.

Main features and components

The remote pan head uses a centre type rotational axis that makes the optical axis of the camera perpendicular to the rotational axis of the remote pan head, enabling smooth remote operations such as zooming, panning, tilting, and rolling. Ideally suited to follow subjects that move at high speed during sporting events, the remote pan head benefits from a compact design with a turning radius of approximately 260mm and can be used upright or underslung.

The IP camera controller CR-G100 is a gateway device to connect the camera and the remote pan head. It easily connects to a PC for remote operation using only a wired LAN (Ethernet) cable. The extremely compact and lightweight design has been developed specifically for still image shooting. Various terminals (digital terminal, Ethernet terminal, remote control terminal, etc.) necessary for connecting to cameras, pan heads, etc. are grouped together to simplify previously complicated and bulky wired connection.

The Camera Remote Application CR-A100 software (also available separately) controls the Robotic Camera System CR-S700R and cameras via a PC. It displays live view images from multiple cameras using the IP camera controller CR-G100 and can control a single camera or simultaneous shoot using multiple specified cameras, streamlining the workflow of still image shooting at the news site.

Robotic Camera System CR-S700R availability

The Robotic Camera System CR-S700R and the Camera Remote Application CR-A100 will be available from mid-February 2020

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Orange strengthens African operations, opens MEA Hdqtrs @Morocco - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

In efforts at strengthening its continental operations, Orange has opened the headquarters for Middle East and Africa (MEA) in the heart of Casablanca, Morocco, reports ITREALMS.

The office which formally opened Wednesday, January 8, 2020, ITREALMS gathered was witnessed by Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO of Orange; Alioune Ndiaye, CEO Orange Middle East and Africa; the members of Orange’s Executive Committee and local officials.

The building, ITREALMS also gathered, met the most recent standards with international “LEED Gold” certification from the World Green Building Council. With 900 m2 over two floors, the Orange Middle East and Africa head office is at the cutting edge of technology with video-conference and telepresence rooms enabling the teams to remain connected to other countries in the region, as well as a Social Hub that supervises and monitors the digital activity of Orange and the industry in general in Africa and the Middle East in real-time.

"I am very proud to inaugurate alongside Stephane Richard and in the presence of all the members of the Orange Group’s Executive Committee this new head office in Casablanca. It sends a highly symbolic message, a turning point in the history of the Group that provides further proof of our desire to be even closer to our customers and to make Orange MEA the preferred multi-services operator for people in Africa and the Middle East," says Alioune Ndiaye, CEO Orange Middle East and Africa.

"Orange is one of the rare international groups to have made the strategic choice, 20 years ago, to seek to develop in Africa and the Middle East. We have always been convinced of the immense potential of this region. In many ways, it can be seen as a model for digital transformation; mobile money is a great example of this. One of the key success factors behind new services is to develop them in Africa so that they are adapted to specific local requirements and so meet the needs of our customers. That is why we have decided to organise the management of our business in Africa and the Middle East from within the region directly from the African continent," adds Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO of Orange.

With an average annual growth rate of 6%, Orange MEA has demonstrated that its economic and financial model is robust, making it the leading region in terms of growth in the Orange Group. Starting in 2015, Orange chose to give its subsidiary, Orange MEA, more autonomy in order to grow its business in the region.

Alioune Ndiaye, appointed to head the subsidiary in May 2018, wants to see a strong local foothold, which is essential to finding relevant responses that meet the needs of the African people. He has since made a series of appointments of senior managers from countries in Africa and the Middle East.

In all countries where the Group operates in the region, the 18,000 employees contribute to local social and economic development. Orange helps to create growth both through its business activities as an operator and its social and environmental actions. Its activities contribute significantly to GDP across its footprint: 8% in Cameroon, 8.2% in Guinea, 11% in Côte d’Ivoire and 11.2% in Senegal1.

Every year, Orange invests 1 billion euros in Africa and the Middle East in order to further improve the connectivity and performance of its networks.

Africa and the Middle East a driver of growth in the Engage 2025 plan

The new, hi-tech headquarters of Orange Middle East and Africa reflects Orange's aim of being the leader in its markets by being closer to its customers. Orange plans to reinforce its multi-services strategy so that diversified services represent 20% of the business by the end of the Engage 2025 plan period. In terms of financial services, Orange Money will achieve revenue of about 900 million euros and, at the same time, the Group will continue to develop content, e-health and energy offers.

Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East where it had 125 million customers on 30 October 2019. With sales revenue of €5.2 billion in 2018, this area is a strategic priority for the Group. Orange Money, its mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has 45 million customers. Orange, a multi-services operator and leading partner in digital transformation, brings to bear its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.

One African in ten is a customer of Orange Middle East and Africa and one African in thirty is a customer for Orange Middle East and Africa's banking and financial services. Furthermore, almost 30% of the Orange Group's 4G customers reside in Africa and the Middle East.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

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Njalo.ng debuts, steps up online classified space - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

A free classified platform that emphasizes safety and convenience to sellers and buyers, Njalo.ng has made its debut in Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

Commencing operations, Monday January 06, 2020, Njalo.ng management told ITREALMS, it goes live with a promise to empower millions of individuals and businesses in Nigerians with free access to sell anything ranging from smartphones, cars, laptops, clothes, shoes, bags, property, furniture, books/literature, kiddies’ wears, job placement/vacancies to name a few.

The Co-founder/Chief Technology Officer of Njalo.ng, Mr. Emeka Orjiani described Njalo as the unique meeting room between potential seller and buyer.

"Njalo.ng is here to contribute her quota in the Nigerian digital economy; to create fundamental changes in the Nigerian ecommerce space," he said, asserting that Digital Marketplace is a reality!

"What used to be sold in the open, regular market can now be sold at the speed of a click. That's possible with the help of Njalo, a platform where you can sell anything for free. A new dawn is here! So, if you have car(s), phones, laptops, clothes, shoes, bags, property, furniture to sell or even to place job vacancy, then, Njalo is the meeting room between you and the potential buyer. The platform grants users unparalleled, global visibility for whatever it is you want to sell or buy.

He was quoted in a press statement endorsed by co-founder and Lead Communications, Mr Peter Oluka, as saying that Njalo.ng also seeks to bring consumer's favorite market and products closer to them through online trading and help entrepreneurs build brand recognitions beyond the shores of their environment.

The Co-Founder also disclosed Njalo.ng’s mission as to connect buyers with verified sellers of genuine products and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to widen their business scope by meeting more customers

Sharing idea on how they want to achieve efficient customer-care, the Co-Founder said, “Njalo.ng is ready to ensure that the relationship between sellers and buyers are hassle-free. In a case there are doubts about a seller, the buyer can actually call-in as means to double-check.

“The sellers can also write reviews about their experience with sellers. In all, Njalo.ng will democratize Online Marketplace in Nigeria”, he ad

On her part, the Co-founder/Chief Operating Officer, Njalo.ng, Sandra Ani, said: “When it comes to running any successful online marketplace, many people view marketing and customer service as two separate entities. The truth is, marketing and customer service have a harmonious relationship, in which both disciplines work together to drive the growth and success of your business. In fact, your most important marketing tool is customer service, as it touches your customers directly.

She explained that Njalo.ng is positioned to grow buyer’s confidence in the Nigerian classifieds sub-sector as their emphasis is to rave-up customer.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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2019 KPMG SME Report: FirstBank tops movers - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Capital is crucial in driving sustainable Small and Medium Enterprises’(SMEs’) growth and uplifting the economy. First Bank of Nigeria Limited, as part of the launch of its specialised SMEs’ propositions, has continually supported SMEs through diverse initiatives. The bank says its support for SMEs is in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive on improved funding for SMEs to ensure economic growth and development.

The economies of great nations thrive on the strength and performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) seen as engine of grow

For Nigeria, the Central Bank (CBN) defines SMEs as enterprises with asset base (excluding land) of between N5 million and N500 million and labour force of 11 and 300 people.

The benefits of funding SMEs have attracted many banks with eye on the future to invest and support SMEs in the interest of the economy.

For SMEs to achieve these goals, operators’ easy access to credit must be promoted.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is one of the banks that is investing and supporting SMEs. Following research by the bank over the years, it identified these seven strategic pillars that are essential to the sustainability and growth of the SMEs.

These include access to infrastructure, access to talent, capacity building, policy and regulation, access to resources, access to market as well as access to finance.

The bank has also held its SMEs’ Week in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano and Owerri. The week-long event was rounded off with a live webinar, facilitated by Gbenga Shobo, the bank’s Deputy Managing Director.

According to Shobo, “FirstBank has, over the years, been at the forefront of supporting businesses, especially the SMEs, as we recognise that the SMEs are the engine of the economy.



We are committed to ensuring that we leave no stone unturned as we connect with them in their continued contribution to national development in terms of the employment opportunities they create as well as their contribution to the nation’s GDP amongst many economic values.



“The FirstBank SME Week is driven to promote the Bank’s SME proposition, thereby having SMEs across the country optimally enlightened on how to plug in. We believe this will help SMEs bolster their contribution to the growth and development of the economy.”



The 2019 Nigeria banking industry customer experience survey report recently published by KPMG Nigeria showed that in the retail segment, the top two performers have remained the same for the fourth consecutive year.



GTBank, Zenith Bank are top-rated bank in the 2019 ranking. Sterling Bank, FirstBank and UBA are the biggest movers in 2019, coming in third, fifth and seventh places.



Commitment to fashion and entrepreneurshi

FirstBank sponsored the Sixth Africa Fashion Week, which held last December in Lagos.

The event themed ‘’Africa Unites’’ was a convergence of fashion entrepreneurs and the public to promote the creativity and innovation of Nigerian and African brands through worldwide visibility, distribution and manufacturing.


Dignitaries at the event include wives of the Ekiti, Ogun and Kwara state governors, Mrs Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and Mrs Folake Abdulrazaq. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; former Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation,Mrs Omotayo Omotosho; television presenter and model, Idia Aisen; model and beauty influencer, Whitney Madueke were also there. FirstBank was represented by Helen Ogboh, Business Manager, Corporate Banking.



Speaking on FirstBank’s sponsorship of the event, the Bank’s Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said: “We are pleased to identify with Africa Fashion Week Nigeria as it showcases creativity by African fashion designers to the teeming public, leading players and enthusiasts of African fashion while promoting their contribution to the growth of the fashion industry.



“We will continue to drive advocacy for this as it can create jobs that will deepen opportunities for the revival of our textile industry resulting in SMEs’growth along the value chains especially, with the growing demand in the fashion industry.”



Recently, the bank promoted the use of local fabrics with a ‘What If’ campaign to commemorate the country’s Independence. It ran across the social media channels, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, focusing on the creativity of sewing local fabrics as a national symbol vis-a-vis our outfits, clothing accessories, household furniture, in line with the bank’s celebratory 125th Anniversary, themed, “Woven into the Fabric of Society”.

Ani-Mumuney said the bank would continue to empower the society, including the support for small businesses and promotion of the growth of the entertainment industry.


Also, on the list of fashion sponsorship credentials of the Bank is the Fashion Souk, as well as Street Souk organized in partnership with Eventful Limited. Ani-Mumuney said “Street Souk was designed to encourage the youth to channel their talents to genres as music, arts and fashion. It’s a platform that identifies opportunities, which promote the innovative spirit in youngsters.


She noted that Street Souk was tied to the FirstBank’s initiative to empower the society, including small business owners. According to her, the initiative is also tied to the promotion of the entertainment industry.



Manager XIIG Glover, a merchant at the Street Souk, Mr Obembe Abiola, said he was happy to be part of last year’s (2019) street trading.

“We are here to showcase what we also have as a brand which is African made and to reach out to people to know about the brand. Last year (in 2018), we were also here and it was a great time out to meet up with new clients, customers and to meet up with other brands and this year is a lot more better than last year. We are large in number, new faces and everything is going on fine,” Abiola said. He commended FirstBank for organising the event aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship.



Also, Creative Director, Dmf Designs & Shopwith5k, Adebayo Bankole, a participant, said she was glad to showcase her brand to people. “I have finally found my target audience here, people that are interested in street Souk culture in Nigeria. They are my target audience,” Bankole said.

She stated that sales had been very amazing and that it was worth-while being part of this year’s Street Souk.



“I really appreciate the fact that FirstBank is doing this because most banks go for ankara or made- in-Nigeria but this is promoting a different culture in Nigeria. Street trading is not common in Nigeria, the fact that FirstBank is able to support the promotion of street Souk in Nigeria is amazing,” Bankole added.



The bank also said it would remain committed to the Federal Government’s diversification drive with the development of agricultural value chain to boost employment.



FirstBank’s Chairman, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, stated this at last year’s edition of ‘Food Souk’, an event the Bank convened in partnership with Eventful Limited, an events management firm.



Mrs Awosika said the bank would continue to support the agricultural value chain from production to consumption to create opportunities for SMEs in the food sector to create job opportunities. “As you have noticed, we have been doing a chain of Souks with Eventful. It is critical for the economy of the nation that we encourage the SMEs sector across different industries,” she said.



According to her, the Food Souk was introduced to diversify the economy through agricultural development. “When we have 200 million people, food is big business because everybody will eat. So, what we are trying to do is in support of the nation’s building. We are seeking to encourage small, medium and big enterprises in different sectors of the economy.

“One is to help create jobs because if we think that 65 per cent of our population is made up of people under 40 years and the highest unemployment rate is within the segment that is between 20 and 35, so you need to create jobs.

“But you will only create jobs when you create entrepreneurs, as we create more businesses you are creating job opportunities,” Mrs Awosika said.



She added that the bank’s focused on the growth of the economy with the hope it would benefit from it as a provider of financial services. “As we grow the economy, as we build lives of Nigerians, as we support the government’s investment in the diversification of the economy and help to create jobs through the enterprises we will ultimately benefit,” Mrs Awosika stated.



The Chairman said FirstBank, the largest retail bank in the country, would continue to support growth and development of SMEs. “A lot of big businesses of today that grew in Nigeria are businesses we supported from scratch. “We are starting with different generations of new businesses and events like this help you to see the trends. It helps you to see the companies that need nurturing.



“It helps you to see the companies that you can support. It also gives you information about how you can best support them and engage them in their terrain to see businesses and understand their feelings to create the kind of product that will support their businesses,” Mrs Awosika said.



A food vendor, Ms Ijeoma Ebeneme, the Chief Executive Officer, JEM N Iris, commended FirstBank for putting the event together. Ebeneme said she was at the fair to make profit, meet new clients as well as create the needed publicity for her brand. Food Souk, formerly known as Fiesta of Flavours, is a food and wine fair, that holds yearly at Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos, since its premier edition in 2015.



The fun food and beverage fair hosted by Eventful and sponsored by FirstBank provides an avenue for attendees to experience the entertainment, art and business of food. It showcases the best in local and international cuisine, cutting-edge food technology and cooking techniques, and the best beverages, wines and spirits the world offers. It provides management and training seminars, food demonstrations and performances.






*Collins Nweze

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FOI Act violation: MRA drags NNPC to court, claims N15m damages - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has dragged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to court over breach of statutory duties under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011 in flagrant violation of the organization’s right of access to information under the Act, reports ITREALMS.

In the suit filed on MRA behalf by Abuja-based lawyer, Mrs. Mojirayo Ogunlana-Nganga, asked the court to compel the NNPC to perform its statutory duties under the FOI Act within 30 days of the court’s order as well as to pay the civil society organization N15 million as exemplary and aggravated damages for the “flagrant and unlawful violation” of its right of access to information established and guaranteed by the Act.

In addition to the NNPC and its Group Managing Director, also named as a respondent in the suit is Attorney-General of the Federation who, according to MRA, has oversight responsibility under the FOI Act by virtue of Section 29(6) to ensure that all public institutions to which the Act applies comply with its provisions.

In the motion exparte filed pursuant to Order 34, Rules 1, 3(1) and (2) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and Sections 1(3), 2(6), and 20 of the FOI Act, MRA is seeking leave of the court to apply for:

·         A declaration that the failure and/or refusal by the NNPC to proactively publish the information specified in Section 2(3)(a)-(f) of the FOI Act and widely disseminate the information as required by Section 2(4) of the Act amounts to a breach of the corporation’s statutory duty under Section 2(3) and (4) of the Act and constitutes a violation of MRA’s rights of access to information established and guaranteed by Section 1(1) and 2(4) of the Act;

·         A declaration that the failure and/or refusal by the NNPC to proactively publish the title and address of its appropriate officer to whom applications for information should be sent as required by Section 2(3)(f) of the FOI Act amounts to a breach of its statutory duty under the Act and constitutes a violation of MRA’s rights of access to information established and guaranteed by Section 1(1) and 2(4) of the Act;

·         A declaration that the failure and/or refusal by the NNPC to ensure the provision of appropriate training for its officials on the public’s right of access to information and records held by it for the effective implementation of the FOI Act amounts to a breach of its statutory duty under Section 13 of the Act and constitutes a violation of MRA’s rights of access to information established and guaranteed by the Act;

·         A declaration that the failure of the NNPC to widely disseminate and make readily available to members of the public the information specified in Section 2(3)(a) to (f) amounts to a breach of its statutory duty and a flagrant violation of the provisions of Sections 2(1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Act;

·         A declaration that the NNPC’s failure to submit to the Attorney-General of the Federation its annual reports on its implementation of the FOI Act, covering the fiscal years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and to make the report available to the public amounts to a breach of its statutory duty and a gross violation of Section 29(1) and (2) of the Act;

·         An order compelling the NNPC to comply with the provisions of Section 2(1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the FOI Act by publishing and widely disseminating and making readily available to members of the public the information specified in Section 2(3)(a) to (f) of the Act within 30 days of the order of the court;

·         An order compelling the NNPC to ensure the provision of appropriate training for its officials on the public’s right of access to information and records held by it for the effective implementation of the Act within 30 days of the court’s order;

·         An order compelling the NNPC to submit to the Attorney-General of the Federation its annual reports on its implementation of the FOI Act covering the fiscal years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, as required by Section 29(1) of the Act within 30 days  of the court’s order; and 

·         An order directing the NNPC and its Group Managing Director to pay MRA N15 million as exemplary and aggravated damages for the flagrant and unlawful violation of the organization’s right of access to information established and guaranteed by Sections 1(1) and 4 of the Act.

In a statement in support of the motion, filed pursuant to the Rules of the Court, MRA’s lawyer, Mrs. Ogunlana-Nkanga  contended that the organization is authorized and empowered by Section 1(3) of the FOI Act to institute proceedings in court to compel any public institution, including the NNPC, to comply with the provisions of the Act and similarly authorized and empowered by Section 2(6) to also institute proceedings in court to compel any public institution, including the NNPC, to comply with the provisions of Section 2 of the Act.

She noted that since the enactment of the Act into Law on May 28, 2011, the NNPC has consistently failed, neglected and/or refused to perform its statutory duties under the Act, in flagrant violation of MRA’s right of access to information established and guaranteed by the Act.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Employees insist UBA sacked over 4000 on festive layoff - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Some staff of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) have insisted that the bank lied over the number of employees laid off as the festive season winds down into the new year, reports ITREALMS.

The actual number sacked they alleged was in the neighborhood of 4000, because it was a nationwide layoff, our sources said.

This came as those with staff loan got next to nothing as severance packages  despite the loan was underwritten by the insurance in case of any eventualities including sack or unemployed.

According to Thisislagos, UBA had earlier reportedly sacked over 1,000 staff early in the New Year, but affected employees were said to be above 4000, which is over 300 more than reported.

One of the affected employees from a Lagos branch who pleaded anonymity offered more details on how the retrenchment occurred.

Thisislagos also quoted the lady staff as saying that bank sent emails to branch managers with a list of shortlisted for retrenchment. In turn, she said, the branch managers informed the affected staff who were then asked to resign or lose their entitlements.

"The affected staff were immediately locked out of their systems with all access denied" she was further quoted.

As said by her, the letters of resignation were done under duress, insisting they deserve justice instead of this kind of treatment.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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DEMS Volunteers not only for ICT sector - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The board of the recently set up Digital Economy Media Support Volunteers (DEMS Volunteers’) has declared that its mission goes beyond the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) subsector, but for the entire economy, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement to this effect available to ITREALMS by the director of Communications for the group, Mr Peter Oluka, premised their foundation to the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Communications to include Digital Economy by the President, General Muhammad Buhari, retired.

They also attributed their inspiration to the consistency of the Minister, Dr. Isa Pantami, who have often highlighted why this paradigm shift is imperative for the Nigerian economy.

"We came up with DEMS Volunteers to step up the awareness creation on every issue that has to do with the concept of digital economy in every sector of the economy and not only restricted to Information and Communication Technology (ICT)," he said.

Oluka further said they would be reaching key players in banking industry, oil and gas, telecoms, transportation, trading, hospitality and health, education, government administration, agriculture, stocks and capital markets, manufacturing, and so much more.

"The message is simple: Nigeria’s Digital Economy and the expected impact: why every sector should key in," the group urged.

Some of the visionaries, ITREALMS gathered, include Prince Stan Okenwa, Director General, and South East Coordinator; Martin Ekpeke, Director of Administration and South-South Coordinator; Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, Director, Northern Operations, Alhaji Jaafar Jaafar as Deputy; Wale Oguntokun, Director, Western Operations and Peter Oluka, Director of Communications, among others.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

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Notoriety: NHIS earns Enhanced FOI hall of shame - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has earned self an "Enhanced Freedom of Information Hall of Shame” for the agency’s notoriety in dismal implementation of the FOI Act, reports ITREALMS.

This was the position of the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) which pledged to take legal action against the NHIS to compel it to comply with its obligations under the Act.

MRA’s Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, told ITREALMS that as an agency established by the Federal Government to regulate health insurance and provide easy access to healthcare for all Nigerians through various prepayment systems, the NHIS had apparently chosen to take a back seat in the implementation of the FOI Act and had accordingly failed to comply with most of its duties and obligations under the Act, resulting in unwarranted secrecy over many aspects of its operations.

The NHIS was established by the National Health Insurance Scheme Act 35 of 1999, with the objectives of ensuring easy access to healthcare services for every Nigerian and protecting Nigerian families from financial hardship in the form of huge medical bills; ensuring universal health coverage in Nigeria as well as regulating and managing all stakeholders of the scheme.

"Being an agency responsible for the provision of critical public services to citizens, the NHIS should be open and transparent by default so that those it is intended to serve will know what services it provides, how they can access those services, the costs at which the services are provided and other such information that will enhance its operations and the delivery of its mandate to the Nigerian public," he said.

Stressing, “It is totally unacceptable that the NHIS, particularly given its public service delivery mandate, would deliberately disregard a Law validly enacted by the National Assembly to ensure that it is transparent in its business, operations and activities and accountable to the Nigerian public which it is supposed to serve,” adding that “the situation is now extremely concerning in the light of the fact that the agency’s conduct had been transformed into one of lawlessness as it has continued to undermine the provisions of the law for nearly a decade.”

Also Mr. Gbadamosi noted that NHIS has ignored its proactive publications obligations under Section 2 of the FOI Act, which requires all public institutions covered by the Act to publish and periodically update certain categories of information, for the nine years that the Law has been in existence. He added that besides the fact that the agency’s website does not contain the categories of information that it is required to proactively publish, it makes no reference to the FOI Act in any context.

In addition, he said, the NHIS has failed to comply with the provisions of Section 13 of the Act, which requires it to ensure the provision of appropriate training for its staff and officials to sensitize them on the public’s right of access to information and records held by it and to enable them to effectively implement the Act. 

Pointing out that there was no indication that the NHIS had provided any such training for its personnel and officials over the last nine years.

MRA also accused NHIS of breaching Section 2(3)(f) of the Act which requires it to proactively publish the title and address of the appropriate officer to whom applications for information under the Act should be made by members of the public, adding that this stipulation is also contained in the Implementation Guidelines for the FOI Act issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation to assist all public institutions in their implementation of the Act.

Mr. Gbadamosi stressed that records available from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation show that since the FOI Act was enacted in 2011, the NHIS has not submitted any annual report on its implementation of the FOI Act to the Attorney-General of the Federation as required by Section 29 of the Act, when its ninth report is due in less than four weeks. 

Observing that the NHIS was first inducted into the FOI Hall of Shame on November 6, 2017, he said it was regrettable that more than two years later, the agency had shown no sign that it is willing to mend its ways as it has continued to conduct its activities in secrecy in total disregard for the Law.

Mr. Gbadamosi said MRA had no choice but to take legal action against the NHIS to compel it to perform its statutory obligations and tow the path of law and order.

Oyetola appoints, installs Oba Kayode Afolabi - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Newly installed Oba Kayode Afolabi and
Olori Janet Afolabi at the  ceremony

The Osun State Executive Council under the chairmanship of the Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola at its meeting held on Monday 6th January, 2020 approved the appointment of Prince Kayode Adenekan Afolabi from Atoyebi Ruling House as the next Alapomu of Apomu in Isokan Local Government Area of the State.

This came as Oba Afolabi was installed on January 7th, 2020' almost Five years since the stool of Alapomu of Apomu had been vacant following the demise of Oba Lasisi Afolabi of Ayeye Ruling House in Year 2015.

With the appointment of a new Alapomu of Apomu, the State Council of Obas has gained a new member and he joins the likes of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu and the Alara of Ara whose appointments were recently ratified by the Oyetola administration.

In a related development, the Ooni of Ife has congratulated Oba Afolabi on his appoint and subsequent installation.

The message made available to ITREALMS by the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni's Palace, Comrade Moses Olafare, stated "I am directed by the Arole Oduduwa'Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, to Congratulate Oba(elect) Kayode Adelekan Afolabi on his selection, confirmation and installation as the new ALAPOMU of APOMU kingdom of the State of Osun.

"The Ooni commends the choice of Prince Kayode Afolab made by the Apomu's kingmakers after due process according to the town's customs and traditions as a round peg in a round hole considering the quality of his personality as a very educated and well exposed Media and Public Relation practitioner with a network of friends and associates across the Nigeria both in the private and public sectors.

"The Co-Chairman of the National Council of the Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) describes the new Alapomu designate as a cool headed virtuous man greatly endowed with all what it takes to be a royal father in the House of Oduduwa.

"Ade a pe l'ori

Bata a pe l'ese

Irukere a d'okinin

Esin Oba a j'oko pe o

Ilu Apomu a r'oju, a r'aaye

Esin, a maa me bi esin ooo

Omo eniyan a f'ohun bi omo eniyan"

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Nigeria to host 2020 NIPS on Tech, knowledge & partnership - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Nigeria is set to advance her gas plans in 2020 according the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking st the opening session of the 3rd annual Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) conference, he revealed the 2020 instalment of the NIPS conference will be anchored on "Widening the Integration Circle: Technology, Knowledge, Sustainability and Partnership."

In line with this initiative, the Minister and the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, led by Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari will host the third annual Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) which will take place on February 9-12, 2020 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Determined to showcase Nigeria as the foremost oil and gas investment destination, the conference will feature a spotlight session on the Nigeria LNG Train-7 project, which recently reached the final investment decision on the major gas expansion deal that is set to boost the plant’s production capacity to 30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), from the current 22.5 mtpa.

Further, NIPS will provide the opportunity for the nation to outline how local companies can lend a hand in the advancement of the country’s petroleum industry as it works to boost its output.

“Attracting over 5000 international energy industry executives, NIPS is the most opportune space for Nigeria to communicate its growth and development plans, more so since the Honorable Minister declared 2020 as the year of gas for the country,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and CEO of the Centurion Law Group. “Following the recent $10 billion investment on Train-7 which will enable the NLNG processing unit to remain the fifth-largest supplier of LNG in the world, Nigeria is right to build on this momentum,” he added.

The 2020 instalment of the NIPS conference will be anchored by the theme, Widening the Integration Circle: Technology, Knowledge, Sustainability and Partnership and will present strategies and opportunities for growth in oil, gas and energy technologies as well as showcase major contract signings.

Speaker highlights include Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Nigeria, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu; Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, OPEC Governor for Nigeria; Dr. Sun Xiansheng, Secretary General, International Energy Forum; Jean-Marc Thystère Tchicaya, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Republic of the Congo and Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

*Nenye Dom with additional report from APO.

Sophos MSP Connect Program premiers with new security - ITREEALMS

ITREALMS:

Global leader in next-generation cloud-enabled cybersecurity solutions, Sophos, has introduced enhanced MSP Connect, a new security offering to ease deployment, management and sell of Sophos’ entire product portfolio, reports ITREALMS.

The latest security offer is for Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and cloud security, as well as new professional services automation (PSA) and remote monitoring and management (RMM) integrations, will help MSPs unlock revenue opportunities, increase productivity and lower operational costs.

ITREALMS gathered that Sophos MSP Connect supports over 8,000 global and regional MSPs worldwide.

Just as MSP billings increased by 83 per cent in the first half of Sophos’ fiscal year, resulting in annual recurring revenue of $33 million.

“To further support this growth, Sophos is expanding its MSP program with optimized offerings that directly meet the evolving needs of MSPs and their customers,” said Scott Barlow, vice president, Global MSP, Sophos. “Sophos is committed to helping MSPs stay ahead of new and emerging threats, and we’re providing a flexible subscription-based model for critical solutions and services that better protect customers with the scalability and automatic invoicing to fit their operational needs. With dedicated teams across the Americas, EMEA and APJ, we’re well positioned to help MSPs grow their managed security service businesses, training them on how to defend customer endpoints, servers, mobile devices, and networks with synchronized security and how to sell cybersecurity as a system.”

Additionally the new MSP Connect offerings include:

Sophos Managed Threat Response (MTR): New MSP Flex options empower MSPs to provide fully managed threat hunting, detection and response services with flexible monthly billing. Now with added support for Windows Server, macOS and Linux, Sophos MTR is customizable with different service tiers and response modes to meet the unique and evolving needs of MSPs, giving them ownership and control of licenses

Sophos Cloud Optix: MSP Flex billing options now also extend to Cloud Optix, a powerful solution that automatically discovers and secures customer assets stored in AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Now available on Sophos Central, it’s easily managed via a single pane of glass on the unified cloud-based platform, and Flex billing is based on an MSP’s aggregate cloud assets

Expanded PSA/RMM Integrations: New PSA and RMM integrations enable partners to automate manual data entry and invoicing. Sophos expands integrations with Datto, Kaseya and ConnectWise Manage

Designed to meet the unique needs of MSPs, Sophos Central is at the heart of Sophos MSP Connect.

The partner dashboard enables MSPs to easily manage multiple customer installations, respond to alerts, enforce two-factor authentication, manage global policies and role-based administration, oversee licenses, and track upcoming renewal dates via a single, intuitive interface.

Sophos’ unique Synchronized Security approach prevents breaches and automates incident response by integrating Sophos’ comprehensive portfolio of endpoint, network and cloud solutions to deliver reduced risk, increased visibility and improved overall security ROI.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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2020: Nigerian School on Internet Governance opens calls - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The 2020 edition of the Nigerian School on Internet Governance (NSIG) has opened calls for applications, reports ITREALMS.

NSIG, ITREALMS gathered, is powered by the Internet Society (ISOC), Nigeria Chapter, and other partners, which this year, 2020, has been slated for Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Programmes Secretary for ISOC, Nigeria Chapter, Mr. Caleb Ogundele told ITREALMS that the school will hold just before the Nigerian Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) to give participants the practical experience at a national Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

The organisers, he said, will be offering full/partial fellowships to a limited number of applicants to enable them participate in the school.

He also said the intensive programme will cover core Internet governance issues, including political, legal, economic, socio-cultural, and technological dimensions under a coherent curriculum, focusing on Nigeria, Africa, and the Global Internet space.

According to him, to be considered for either full or partial fellowship, applicants must fulfill the following some conditions which include that they must be resident in Nigeria; fill out the application form in its entirety.

"As incomplete applications will not be reviewed," he said.

Deadline for applications, Ogundele said, is January 30, 2020 and urged Nigerians especially the youth and females to take advantage of this school.

Successful candidates, he said will be contacted after evaluation.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

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