Unlocking emerging technologies: $1.2m up for grabs - ITREALMS

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The African Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) has launched a US$1.2 million Innovation Fund to unlock the potential of renewable energy to create new business opportunities.

Businesses and entrepreneurs in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe can apply for funding. The fund is aimed at strengthening market readiness of emerging innovations, as well as secure financial, technical, and networking support for taking existing proven prototypes to scale.

EducationUSA Advising Center opens in Calabar - ITREALMS

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The United States (U.S.) Mission in Nigeria on Friday opened a new EducationUSA Advising Center in Calabar, Cross River State, reports ITREALMS.

The Center hosted at the American Corner, 37 Ekpo Archibong Street, Calabar, ITREALMS gathered, would offer accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive information about educational institutions in the United States, as well as guidance to prospective students on how best to access those opportunities.

Omnia vitamin water hits market - ITREALMS

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Inspired by need for a healthier and happier world, Prime Foods and Beverages Nigeria Ltd, an indigenous manufacturer of healthy drinks on Thursday launched its premium quality Omnia Vitamin table water brand.

The product which is made from demineralized water infused with natural fruit extracts, vitamin and minerals, comes in four variants- Blackcurrant, Pineapple, Orange and Apple variants, and it is the first indigenously produced vitamin water in the country.

Fr Ebido stresses solemnity of St Joseph and dilemma of plan B - ITREALMS

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Friday, Fourth Week of Lent B (March 19, 2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God grant you the grace to yield to His plan and will for you. Amen.

Read 2 Sam 7:4-16; Rom 4:13-22; Matt 1:16-24; pray Psalm 89 [88].

NARRATION: We all have our dreams; what we want ‘to be’ and what we want ‘to do’ with our life. 

Someone told me a story of a lady who was torn between being a lawyer and doctor according to the wishes of each parent. 

Adimora-Ezeigbo emerges board chair for NLNG Literature Prize board

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Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has appointed an emeritus professor of English at the University of Lagos, Prof. (Mrs) Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, as the chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature to flag off the 2021 cycle of the competition, reports ITREALMS.

The new Board assumed duties on Wednesday as two hundred and two (202) entries in Prose Fiction carried over from 2020 into the 2021 cycle after the prize’s postponement due to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) were handed over to a panel of judges to mark the start of the cycle.

GPN/NIDO Confab: FG must respond to citizens aspirations - ITREALMS

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International Conference on Patriotism, Security, Governance and National Development - Communiqué: 6th March 2021.

The International Conference on Patriotism, Security, Governance and National Development, convened by Global Patriot Newspapers, GPN (Online) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York, USA and Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) New Jersey, took place on Saturday, March 6, 2021.

Surprise! Technology not key need for refugee entrepreneurship - ITREALMS

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According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in 2018 more than 70 million people around the world were forced to flee their homes because of war, persecution, violence and human rights violations.

Konga excites e-Commerce with ‘Battle of brands’ - ITREALMS

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Mouth-watering deals, unmatched discounts, daily Flash Sales, Treasure Hunts, free shipping and exclusive app-only deals are among the many exciting offers lined up for customers of Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-Commerce giant, as it brings together the biggest global brands in the market on its platform for a much-anticipated campaign.

Known as Battle of the Brands, the exciting campaign kicks off on Friday, March 26 and will run till Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

Motherhood is selfless career says Fr Ebido - ITREALMS

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Thursday, Fourth Week of Lent B (March 18, 2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God grant you the grace of a 'purpose driven life.' Amen.

Read Ex 32:7-14; John 5:31-47; pray Psalm 106[105].

NARRATION: I want to thank an anonymous person that sent credit to my phone, helping me to keep sending these reflections free to so many. One of my readers also sent me this picture of a mother hen that got burnt to death protecting her eggs. 

Mukuru: How nextgen financial platforms drive global inclusion - ITREALMS

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With the World Economic Forum warning of a deepening digital divide that will ultimately exacerbate global inequality, the role of intuitive digital financial services platforms in bridging this divide is becoming more important than ever before. 

Indeed, next generation tools that provide essential financial services - savings accounts, global money transfers, loans, etc - to customers in an accessible way, are becoming a powerful force for change by driving financial inclusion in developing economies.

Hapag-Lloyd acquires Africa specialist NileDutch - ITREALMS

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The Hapag-Lloyd and NileDutch have signed a sale and purchase agreement where Hapag-Lloyd acquires all shares of the Dutch container shipping company Nile Dutch Investments B.V. (NileDutch), reports ITREALMS.

With over 40 years of expertise, NileDutch, ITREALMS gathered, is one the leading providers of container services from and to West Africa. 

Now available in Nigeria: KilRox alcohol disinfecting wipes - ITREALMS

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KilRox alcohol disinfecting wipes finally makes entry into the Nigeria market, reports ITREALMS. 

KilRox wipes, ITREALMS gathered, kills 99.9 per cent of germs and also cleans, disinfects non porous surfaces as a dual action when in use.

SECURITY: I’ll always take decisions in the best interest of my people says Makinde

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Oyo State Governor, 'Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, declared that he will always take decisions in the best interest of the people of Oyo State and Yorubaland in the fight against insecurity.

The governor, while speaking at the Pan Yoruba Congress held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, said that he was not bothered about his personal comfort but about the welfare, development and growth of Oyo State and Yorubaland in general.

Unforgiveness is trap says Fr Ebido - ITREALMS

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Wednesday, Fourth Week of Lent B (March 17, 2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May the Lord deliver you from being a cross-less Christian. Amen.

Read Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30; pray psalm 145[144].

NARRATION: Francis (not his real name) was a depressed young man. He finds escape in alcohol and drugs. He hardly talks or confides in anyone. But he has a friend Mark, who said Francis has a bone to chew with his father. 

According to him, Francis has sworn never to forgive his Dad for what he did to him by abandoning him and his mother when he was little. Mark reminded him that his anger is eating him up and he is wasting away. He should let go of his anger and regain his mental freedom.

African IHRA competition beckons on young essayists - ITREALMS

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The African Chapter of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) has urged African essayists and writers to participate in the ongoing African Human Rights Essay Competition with the theme, Human Rights Abuse and Violations in Africa.

In a press statement issued and signed by Wole Adedoyin, President of the International Human Rights Art Festival- African Chapter (IHRAF Africa) called on essayists to lend their voices on human rights abuse and violation in their respective countries in Africa.

RTI, BroadReach partner for impact - ITREALMS

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The global health technology experts at the BroadReach Group, and nonprofit research institute, RTI International (RTI), have entered a partnership to offer AI and other offering.

Together, they noted is offering joint informatics solutions, powered by AI, synthesizing managerial, operational and other types of social and economic data. These state-of-the-art tools will help US healthcare payers and providers optimize health outcomes and organizational effectiveness at scale, while allowing for customization.

HYPREP: FoEN urges new council team to establish Centre of Excellence @Ogoni - ITREALMS

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The Federal Government of Nigeria recently inaugurated a new Governing Council and Board of Trustees for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). Recall that the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria had surmised from majority of Ogonis and reports of its team of monitors around the project areas that HYPREP was not working with optimal capacity. 

The agency had almost completely derailed from the goals and objectives set out in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Ogoni environmental Assessment report of 2011 leading to unnecessary delays and poor remediation work due to some unqualified contractors.

FirstSME account unveils - ITREALMS

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First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier and leading financial inclusion services provider, has announced its SME specific accounts designed to reinforce the Bank’s role in putting SME’s at an advantage whilst contributing to national growth and development. 

The SME accounts – which are in two variants – FirstSME Classic and FirstSME Deluxe – are offered to SMEs, irrespective of industry, and tailored to have SMEs exposed to a wide range of services and opportunities that are essential for their continued growth and role in contributing to national development.

CBN, NCC, issue new USSD pricing - ITREALMS

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Two Federal Government (FG) regulators, the Central of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have jointly brokered an acceptable pricing for the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) at N6.98, reports ITREALMS.

This was to avert the suspension of USSD by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country.

GSM inaugurates State Security Task Force - ITREALMS

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The Oyo State Governor 'Seyi Makinde (GSM) has inaugurated the state’s Security Task Force to tackle all forms of insecurity within the state, reports ITREALMS.

The governor, while inaugurating the Task Force inside his office at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, said that the committee will serve as the war room to tackle insecurity in the state.

Zinox, Ebony Life partner on nextgen creative stars - ITREALMS

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Foremost tech giant, Zinox Technologies Ltd. has been hailed for its contribution to the creative industry in Nigeria, with the donation of its high-end laptops, desktop computers and other devices to the EbonyLife Creative Academy.

The donation was handed over by the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, a futuristic Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to the promotion of quality education, practical entrepreneurship, wealth creation and healthy living.

FirstBank, FGT promote cross order payment - ITREALMS

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First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier and leading financial inclusion services provider, has announced the launch of First Global Transfer (FGT) to promote international transfer of funds across its subsidiaries in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The Bank’s subsidiaries in Africa include FBNBank DRC, FBNBank Ghana, FBNBank Gambia, FBNBank Guinea, FBNBank Sierra-Leone, FBNBank Senegal.

Fr. Ebido: Humiliations of life, reveals God's presence - ITREALMS

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Tuesday, Fourth Week of Lent B (March 16, 2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May the Lord turn your pains and sufferings into happiness and joy. Amen.

Read Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54; pray Psalm 30[29].

NARRATION: While on mission in Canada I remember visiting a friend of mine in hospital. She had leukemia, a bad form of it. 

Before contracting cancer, she was a beautiful, young, and vibrant, and very pious and unassuming lady, enjoying her job as a pharmacist. 

When I saw her in hospital, I was embarrassed for her sake! All that physical beauty was gone: shaven head, sunken eyes, frail and skeletal body.

She lay helpless, almost lifeless, humiliated. Yet, there was something in her that amazed me, she was resigned to God’s will and filled with deep peace. 

In that condition, she radiated love, and revealing God in a way only the eyes of faith could see. I left her presence feeling like it was God’s presence, even as I shed tears she was dying. Her death was an epiphany for me.

I could not agree more with Ronald Rolheiser, a Canadian spiritual writer that I admire, when he writes: “Whenever we see someone who is unable to protect herself or himself against pain, especially the type of pain that humbles and humiliates, we are witnessing the humiliation of God in the world. And if we have the eyes of faith, we will know that we stand at that place where the deeper secrets of heaven are revealed. We see it in an adult body ravaged by age, handicap, or terminal disease. 

ALSO READ: Parental escapes, dangerous to family responsibili...

"We see this too whenever we see anyone who, for whatever reason, is perceived by others as naïve, unattractive, stupid, or somehow an embarrassment to himself or herself.” 

Our role in such instances should be ‘reverent silence’ for we are in the presence of deep mystery. Wherever God is humbled, or humiliated, a deep secret is communicated.

And as “deep calls unto deep,” we can also bring the person the “waters of life” (See Ezekiel 47:1-12) which is what Jesus communicated to the paralytic in the Gospel today (John 5:1-16). 

We carry within us “living waters” especially when we receive the eucharist, we go out to give life to whosoever we meet that day.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are the living water that gives life everywhere you go. Help me radiate you by bringing life (kindness, love, mercy) to whomsoever I meet today. Amen

🙏🏽©️Fr Augustine Ebido, O.P.

e-Waste impact: NCC seeks more collabo with MDAs - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is seeking more collaborations with other federal government agencies to stem the impact of electronic waste in the country, reports ITREALMS.

The Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta gave this indication on Monday at virtual World Conference on World Consumer Rights Day 2021 with the theme “Tackling Plastic Pollution.

Liquid Telecom unveils new identity­ – ITREALMS

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Liquid Telecom has rebranded into Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a pan-African technology group, reports ITREALMS.

This latest development, ITREALMS gathered Monday during a virtual press conference comes out of extensive business transformation from being a telecommunications and digital services provider to a full one-stop-shop technology group through a group-wide rebrand.

Over the last two decades, Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider with an extensive network spanning over 73,000 KM. 

Konga extends payment on delivery to Akwa Ibom, Kano - ITREALMS

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Konga, Nigeria’s foremost omni-channel e-Commerce platform has extended its Pay on Delivery option to Akwa Ibom and Kano states.

The POD option goes live in both states effective tomorrow, Thursday, March 11, 2021.

Feelers indicate that the development has already ignited excitement and anticipation in Akwa Ibom and Kano, where residents had previously expressed a keen interest in having the payment option added to other existing option available to shoppers on the Konga platform. 

Nothing happens by accident, but providence says Fr Ebido - ITREALMS

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Sunday, Fourth Week of Lent B (March 15 /2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May the Lord protect from all dark forces of evil. Amen.

Read Chron 36:14-23; Eph 2:4-10; John 3:14-21; pray psalm 136[135].

NARRATION: If you have gone to the ghetto before, or driving your car in the night, and come to where people were hanging out in the dark, and point your torchlight or headlights at them, you will notice they often don’t want the light.

Parental escapes, dangerous to family responsibilities, says Fr. Ebido - ITREALMS

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Monday, Fourth Week of Lent B (March 1, 2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God's grace guide you and your children on the right side of virtue. Amen.

Read Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54; pray Psalm 30[29].

NARRATION: Pope Francis says, “The family is the privileged school for learning generosity, sharing, responsibility, a school that teaches how to overcome a certain individualistic mind-set [selfishness] which has worked its way into our societies.” 

9mobile upgrades MiFi, router devices - ITREALMS

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In yet another affirmation of its resolve to continue enabling its customers with more affordable and superfast data, innovative telecommunications company, 9mobile, has upgraded its MiFi and Router offerings.

Customers can now get up to 380GB for N60,000, plus a free router device valid for 1 year, and up to 200GB at N36,000, plus a free MiFi device also valid for 1 year.

Makinde appoints aides on infrastructure, legal matters - ITREALMS

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Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appointed Mr. Seyi Adeleye and Miss Ifedolapo Sadiat Ologburo as Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure and Special Assistant on Legal Matters respectively.

The appointments of the duo were announced in separate letters signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) , Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, dated 8th March 2021.
The appointments, the SSG stated, are with immediate effect.

Pantami puts suspension of USSD on hold - ITREALMS

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The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has directed that the impending suspension of the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) options by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) be put on hold, reports ITREALMS. 

The suspension, ITREALMS  gathered was given by the MNOs through the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to take effect on Monday, 15th of March, 2021, due to the lingering debt owed MNOs to the tune of N42 billion by commercial banks for the provision of USSD banking services.