Ibezim flags off GEFAS mobile tech hub, expands free Solution WiFi access - ITREALMS

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The Geeks & Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS) has taken another bold step in supporting Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a smart, connected Anambra with the official launch of its Mobile Tech Hub- a custom-built bus bringing free WiFi directly to the people.

Fully equipped with high-speed internet, voice and data services, and backup power, the GEFAS Mobile Tech Hub can connect up to 3,000 people at rallies, campaign grounds, and public spaces: expanding the Solution WiFi initiative already live at over 26 locations across Anambra.

Airtel Africa's profit climbs 5x on back of mobile money, data growth - ITREALMS

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Airtel Africa's net profit has jumped five-fold to $156 million in the first quarter of 2025, driven by strong growth in its mobile money and data businesses. 

The company's revenue rose 24.9% to $1.415 billion, fueled by tariff adjustments in Nigeria and a strong performance in Francophone Africa.

NCC approves mobile operators' disconnection of debtor banks over USSD - ITREALMS

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The reasons for the latest approval by the nation’s telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to telecommunications companies, especially the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to disconnect some nine indebted financial institutions have emerged, reports ITREALMS.

NCC had on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 issued a public notice of the approval to telcos to withdraw Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Codes assigned by the Commission to financial institutions over unreconciled over N200 billion indebtedness.

Mobile content redefined with Camon new series - ITREALMS

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TECNO is gearing up to launch another CAMON series device, which promises to revolutionize the next mobile photography. 

The CAMON lineup has always been known for its innovation in capturing and sharing cherished moments. Now, TECNO is taking it to the next level with a groundbreaking camera innovation that aims to redefine what's possible.

Ethnos unveils Aquila for mobile security platforms @ZenithBank Tech Fair 2023

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Lagos-based cybersecurity firm, Ethnos marked a significant milestone at the Tech Fair 2023 organized by Zenith Bank by introducing Aquila, a mobile application scanning and security solution, reports ITREALMS.

This, Ethnos disclosed as solidifying the company position as an innovative cybersecurity firms in the country, showcasing their commitment to advancing cybersecurity through groundbreaking innovation.

Infected by mobile phone - ITREALMS

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Returning from a trip, just a week ago, Ejide was at an ice cream shop for the family and in effort to get some, a piece of ice-cream chocolate fall on his mobile phone surface and without much thought and not wanting to waste it, he simply licks his device and went to the bathroom to further clean it, so life goes on.

A fortnight later, trouble looms in the family of Tanisha and Ejide despite they have been married for over a decade and obviously faithful to each other, especially when it comes to family live, attitude and habits.

Kidnapped by the mobile networks - ITREALMS

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Disappointed by mobile network, Ofor Dike was held hostage for no fault of his. REMMY NWEKE writes that this may affect the adoption of electronic transactions in the country.

A moderate average man, Mazi Ofor Dike prefers not to have a complicated lifestyle since the evolution of digital revolution in the country. Hence, he would chose wireless to wired and electronic transactions against cash, anytime, any day.

AfricaCom 2022: Huawei launches Fintech 2.0 to boost mobile money - ITREALMS

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Huawei has launched an innovative offering called Fintech 2.0, to revolutionize mobile money in Africa, reports ITREALMS.

This offering is also aimed at increasing financial inclusion and greatly improving the consumer’s digital user experience.

FRSC cautions motorists against driving and using mobile devices - ITREALMS

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cautioned motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure they set their mobile devices on drive-mood before commencement, reports ITREALMS.

FRSC also warned against the use of mobile devices for messaging, typing and listening to music with phone while on the wheel.

Embracing embedded financing by Nigerian telecom consumers – ITREALMS

Features@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Having lost his two phones and a HP laptop to ‘break and enter’ thieves recently, Femi, a resident of Ipaja, a Lagos suburb, headed to the Computer Village, Ikeja. REMMY NWEKE writes on Femi’s encounter and embrace of the embedded financing package to replace his lost devices with ease.

Devastated penultimate morning, Femi walked into one of the mobile phone shops, SLOT, at the Ikeja Computer Village, Lagos, to replace his stolen mobile phones and HP laptop, upon realizing they got missing from his window at his residence in Ipaja, a suburb of the commercial city.

*Some embedded finance service providers

Considering Femi just finished paying the school fees of his two children in a nearby private school and now faced with replacement of his work tool mobile devices as a content creator in upcoming firm, he was at first confused when approached by a sales girl, Nkiru, with an offer that he can actually pick a mobile phone or two and pay later.

NCC stresses importance of type-approved mobile devices - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stressed the importance of type-approved mobile devices, reports ITREALMS.

This came as the Commission advised telecommunications consumers to verify their desired mobile devices to ascertain if they are type-approved before any purchase is made.

Ministry lied on mobile data cost: Nigeria among 5 cheapest countries - ITREALMS

Exclusive@ITREALMS:

Latest study has shown that Nigeria is among the top five cheapest countries of the world on mobile data, ITREALMS can authoritatively report.

ITREALMS investigations, revealed that the study conducted recently by the United Kingdom (UK)-based Cable, identified Nigeria as the fourth cheapest mobile data worldwide, thereby disputing greatly the recent claims by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy that Nigeria ranks among the highest in data price.

This study, ITREALMS gathered, also placed Nigeria among the top five cheapest countries as far as cost of mobile data is concerned, with estimated data costing $2.22, based on average cost of 1 Gigabyte of mobile data per country.

Further investigations by ITREALMS indicated that the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy lied when it recently posited that Nigeria was among the highest on cost of data, asserting “… data price being charged in Nigeria is among the highest even compared to countries that have far less population than Nigeria.”

As it stands, ITREALMS reports that India is leading as the cheapest country for mobile data selling at $0.26, followed by Russia with $0.91 and Italy $1.73 with Nigeria coming fourth at $2.22, followed closely by Australia with $2.47, within the top five cheapest countries.

ITREALMS further gathered that France got the 6th position with mobile data selling at $2.99, followed by Brazil at $3.50, Spain at $3.79, United Kingdom took the 9th position with $6.66 and Germany crowned the top 10 cheapest on average cost of 1GB mobile data at $6.66, among others.

Equally, ITREALMS gathered that some 6,313 mobile data plans in 230 countries were gathered and analyzed by Cable, within the period under review.

This report, ITREALMS also gathered goes to dispute the insinuation by government officials that Nigeria ranks high on cost of data, which necessitated the purported intrusive policy direction from the office of Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

As said by the minister, in a recent press statement made available to ITREALMS, “the directive followed incessant complaints he received from subscribers against the telecoms companies on the high cost and illegal deduction of data, which he said he would not allow to continue… data price being charged in Nigeria is among the highest even compared to countries that have far less population than Nigeria.”

Commenting on this, some industry observers described the claim above as fake news and wondered what has become the role of Research and Development Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).ITREALMS notes that with a population of over 197 million, Nigeria accounts for about 47 per cent of West Africa’s population and has one of the largest populations of youth in the world, according to the World Bank.

Also, the bank said, Nigeria has Africa’s biggest economy, is the biggest oil exporter, and has the largest natural gas reserves on the continent. Nigeria emerged from a recession in 2017, with a growth rate of 0.8 per cent, driven mainly by the oil sector. Non-agricultural growth, which remained negative up to the third quarter of 2017, strengthened through 2018 with services (primarily Information and Communication Technology, ICT) resuming as the key driver.

So, economic growth is expected to hover just above 2 per cent in 2019 and over the medium term.

Remmy Nweke/Editor

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Africa: Vodacom inspires discourse on future of mobile money - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Some key representatives from over eight countries on the continent of African gathered at a workshop organized by Vodacom to look into trends and developments shaping the mobile money industry in Africa, reports ITREALMS.

Leading telecom company Vodacom also released its Future-Proofing Mobile Financial Services report at the workshop. The report, the first of Vodacom’s Public Policy Series, demonstrates how mobile money is driving economic growth and empowering lives through financial inclusion.

Managing Executive, Legal and regulatory from Vodacom Group, Judith Obholzer, said that Sub- Saharan Africa including Tanzania has witnessed rapid growth in mobile money operations and innovations enabling broad based participation and access to financial services. 

ITREALMS recalls that Sub-Saharan Africa is home to the 10 economies worldwide where more adults now have mobile money accounts than at a financial institution. 

Described as a game changer in this region, Mobile Money continues to drive economic growth and social benefit by providing access to financial services to the millions of people who have a mobile phone, but do not have or have only limited access to a bank account.

“Our aim is to provide a platform for leading experts to express their views on trends and developments shaping the industry. The industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace with policy makers and regulators playing a central role in facilitating and enabling environment for financial inclusion,” said Ms. Obholzer.

Representative of the Bank of Tanzania who is Assistant Manager–Oversight and Policy at the National Payment systems Department , Mr. Albert Cesari underscored the important impact Mobile Financial Services have made on the economy and the important role of the workshop in ensuring sustainability of the mobile financial service industry.

“The government is committed to ensure that mobile financial providers continue to be effective players in the future, and that they are able to provide the innovations and investments neccessary in the technical and business dynamics in the financial payment market.” Cesari explained.

M-Pesa has been Africa's most successful mobile money service. Research illustrates that mobile money has significantly contributed to social empowerment, economic growth and poverty reduction. It provides people with a safe, secure and affordable way to send and receive money, top-up airtime, make bill payments, receive salaries and get a short-term loan.

Speaking during the launch of the new research on mobile money , Hisham Hendi, Managing Director, Vodacom Tanzania said “Mobile money – supported by extensive mobile reach – has proven to be a platform for economic opportunity, transforming the financial services landscape, in particular on the African continent.” Mr. Hendi added “I am glad that this report brings together contributions by leading experts that speak to these three broader themes. They are diverse in their views and ambitions, critical and inspiring.”

The event brought together representatives from mobile network operators and a cross section of sectors including Telecommunication, financial service providers, banking, CSO and regulators who addressed various topics including: Future-proofing Mobile Financial Services, Enabling Interoperability Frameworks – Payment Systems, Regional Integration and Cross-Border Opportunities, How to solve the legal identity problem, Best Practice Sharing and The Cloud Opportunity – Getting the Conditions Right.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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Pantami, CBN halt MTN, mobile operators planned N4 charge per USSD – ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Honourable Minister of Communications Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has ordered a halt of the proposed MTN Nigeria’s charge of N4 per 20 seconds use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), due to commence Monday, October 21, 2019, reports ITREALMS.

Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) opposed plans by MTN to charge their subscribers for USSD, access to banking services from October 21.

USSD, ITREALMS gathered, is often referred to as ‘Quick Codes’ or ‘Feature codes’; is a communications protocol used by Global System for Mobile (GSM) cellular telephones to communicate with the mobile network operator's computers.
“Yello, as requested by your bank, from October 21, we will start charging you directly for USSD access to banking services. Please contact your bank for more info(rmation),’’ the message purportedly from MTN read.

But reacting to what has become a viral text message allegedly sent by the Mobile Network Operator MTN Nigeria and other Mobile Operators notifying subscribers of a four naira (N4:00) charge per 20 seconds on USSD access to banking services from the 21st of October 2019, Pantami said his office has been undated.

According to the Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Communications, Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), the attention of the Federal Ministry of Communications has been drawn to the text message making around, allegedly sent by the Mobile Network Operator MTN Nigeria and other Mobile Operators.

She said, the office of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Dr Pantami, is unaware of this development and has hereby directed the sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure the operator suspends such plans until the Honourable Minister is fully and properly briefed.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through its governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, also opposed plans by MTN to charge their subscribers for USSD access from October 21.

Briefing newsmen, CBN Governor said at the just-concluded World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings, in Washington on Sunday, denied the MTN decision insisting that the request negates the progress of the industry.

MTN had in a Short Messaging Service (SMS) to some subscribers, stated that the decision was on the request of the banks and would take effect from Monday, October 21, this year.

“Yello, as requested by your bank, from October 21, we will start charging you directly for USSD access to banking services. Please contact your bank for more info(rmation),’’ the message read.

For CBN governor, “About five, four months ago, I held a meeting with some telecom companies as well as the leading banks in Nigeria at Central Bank, Lagos. At that time, we came to a conclusion that the use of USSD is a sunk cost. What we mean by a sunk cost is that it is not an additional cost on the infrastructure of the telecom company.

“But the telecom companies disagreed with us, they said it is an additional investment on infrastructure and for that reason, they needed to impose it. I have told the banks that we will not allow this to happen. The banks are the people who give this business to the telecom companies and I leave the banks and the telecom companies to engage.

“I have told the banks that they have to move their business, move their traffic to a telecom company that is ready to provide it at the lowest possible, if not zero cost. And that is where we stand, and we must achieve it,’’ he said.
ITREALMS gathered that the transactions to be affected by the charges include intra and inter-bank money transfers, via the use of USSD, among a few others.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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2019: INEC bans mobile devices inside voting booth - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that there will be a partial ban on the use of electronic mobile devices inside the polling booth during the 2019 general elections, reports ITREALMS.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Publicity Committee at INEC, Barrister Festus Okoye made this disclosure in his address at the sensitization forum for the media in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, saying they have introduced a partial ban on the use of mobile phone and other photographic devices.

Okoye, who was represented at the forum by the outgoing Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Prof. Abdulganiyu Olayinka Raji, said the ban on mobile devices is strictly on voters at the polling booth.

“We have introduced a partial ban on the use of mobile phone and other photographic devices by voters while in the voting cubicles,” he declared.

Okoye also expressed dismay over the issue of vote buying and INEC has responded to this by first altering the configuration of polling units by moving the ballot boxes closer to the voting cubicles in order to make it difficult for voters to expose their marked ballot papers.

According to him, it is in the same stead that the partial ban on mobile phones and photographic devices was introduced.

In addition, INEC he said, has introduced the “rolling and flattening of ballot papers by voters before casting them into the ballot boxes, stressing that financial inducement by partisan actors through the collection of the voter identification numbers (VIN) and their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

“We want to reassure Nigerians that we are aware of the new tricks. It is a futile effort. We will work with the security agencies to deal with the violators of our electoral laws,” Okoye insisted.

He emphasised on the role of the media to deeply engage in voter education, general enlightenment and mobilization.

Remmy Nweke/HO

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MTN’s Mobile Money App debuts - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Mobile Money Open Application Programme Interface (API) has been unveiled and now accessible by third parties; the expectation is to enable innovation around payment systems, reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as MTN has launched a Startup Fund valued at Shs1bn and unveiled the MTN Open API App Challenge.

ITREALMS reports that MTN Uganda is the first telecom company in Uganda and in the MTN Group to grant access to third-parties to its Mobile Money Access Programming Interface (API).

An Open API platform enables developers and programmers to get free access to MTN mobile money proprietary software platform. MTN Mobile Money is the most widely used mobile money platform in Uganda. Developers can now access it, create products that ease payment options and leverage the 10M of MTN clients registered on Mobile Money.

“This is an exciting development for the Ugandan start-ups ecosystem. Innovators will now be able to develop applications that ease the customer experience in terms of mobile money payments. We do hope that this move will spur innovation in the developer community around the country because this is the first time this is being done here,” said Ms. Elsa Muzzolini, the General Manager, Mobile Financial Services MTN Uganda.

In January 2018, MTN Uganda and Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) entered a partnership intended to drive customer growth and activity by facilitating a wider range of mobile wallet applications for all customers through open APIs. According to CGAP, open APIs have the potential to further drive financial inclusion, which is already being accelerated by the usage of mobile money.

“Our expectations are that this decision will enable innovators to monetise their products, ensure that there is fast turnaround of innovations to get to market and improve the value created for innovators and entrepreneurs, why not a Ugandan Ebay or Amazon in the next few months” Ms. Muzzolini said.

Nenye Dom/GEE

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Lumos, a handy mobile electricity solution - ITREALMS

MondayFeatures@ITREALMS:

Looking at how Nigerians can still enjoy power sustainably in spite of state huge spending on electricity and unending privatization, REMMY NWEKE reports there is a solution in your hands via a mobile phone.

Preamble:
Penultimate month, there was no public electricity power supply throughout the weekend at an apartment around Aboyomi Street, Mafoluku-Oshodi, Lagos. On return from mass on Sunday, Mr. Thomas popularly known in the neighbourhood as Mr. Tee, told himself it's time for a decision to be taken to look for alternative power supply after using and burning the generating set over the weekend nonstop.

This alternative must be something sustainably green compliant and what came to mind was solar power. Yes, talking about sustainable and clean energy has to do with goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the United Nations (UN), "Ensuring universal access to affordable electricity by 2030 means investing in clean energy sources such as solar, wind and thermal. While adopting cost-effective standards for a wider range of technologies could also reduce the cost associated to available and affordable energy for all.”

As at the time of going to press, ITREALMS gathered that Nigeria has installed capacity for some 12,522 Megawatts (MW), that is through Thermal: 10,142 MW and Hydro: 2,380 MW whereas, Power Africa lately reported that it laid Pipelines worth 11,750 MW.

Progress Report on goal 7:

The UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres in his May 2017 report on the 'Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals' on item 7E/ E/2017/66 to the Economic and Social Council, noted that progress in every area of sustainable energy falls short of what is needed to achieve energy access for all and to meet targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Meaningful improvements will require higher levels of financing and bolder policy commitments, together with the willingness of countries to embrace new technologies on a much wider scale.

· Globally, 85.3 per cent of the population had access to electricity in 2014, an increase of only 0.3 percentage points since 2012. That means that 1.06 billion people, predominantly rural dwellers, still function without electricity. Half of those people live in sub-Saharan Africa.

· Access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking climbed to 57.4 per cent in 2014, up slightly from 56.5 per cent in 2012. More than 3 billion people, the majority of them in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, are still cooking without clean fuels and more efficient technologies.

· The share of renewable energy in final energy consumption grew modestly from 2012 to 2014, from 17.9 per cent to 18.3 per cent. Most of the increase was from renewable electricity from water, solar and wind power. Solar and wind power still make up a relatively minor share of energy consumption, despite their rapid growth in recent years. The challenge is to increase the share of renewable energy in the heat and transport sectors, which together account for 80 per cent of global energy consumption.

·From 2012 to 2014, three quarters of the world’s 20 largest energy-consuming countries had reduced their energy intensity — the ratio of energy used per unit of GDP. The reduction was driven mainly by greater efficiencies in the industry and transport sectors. However, that progress is still not sufficient to meet the target of doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Lumos Mobile Electricity as handy solution:

Inquiries were made by Mr Tee, throughout Monday and by evening it was evident that Lumos Mobile Electricity powered by MTN Nigeria Communications, otherwise called MTN Yellow Box; comes handy especially in terms of fiscal availability, acquisition affordability and maintenance.

Commercially, Lumos Mobile Electricity made its debut in Nigeria in February 2017 and looking deeper, ITREALMS gathered from Mr Tee that the MTN Yellow box afforded him access to electricity whenever he needs it, which, he said has made life a little more comfortable, because it's accessible, safe, and reliable as long as there is a bit of sunshine.

"Lumos lights up rooms, charge my mobile phones and power appliances such as rechargeable fans, LED TVs, laptops, and tablets all day long for the duration of choice per month," he declared.

As said by him, “I can afford now to power both Direct Current (DC) from the solar, which is compatible with appliances and Alternative Current (AC) compatible appliances with this Lumos Mobile Electricity system, namely with DC having up to 100 Wax (accumulative) and 12 Voltage.

On the other hand, the AC compatible appliances that you already have at home, up to 60W (accumulative) and 220 Volts. Conversely, MTN says the system cannot support, air conditioners, deep freezers, refrigerators, electric cookers, washing machines, AC ceiling fans to name a few.

How to join the service:

Grace, a sales lady at MTN Okota, explained to ITREALMS that to join the service entails interested party visiting the nearest MTN store or by going online to linkup with the stores.

At the local nearby stores, she explained that customers need to sign up and when joining the service, customers must visit with an active MTN SIM card registered in the individual subscriber’s name, a valid identity card and the names or details of two (2) willing guarantors.

Cash payment was made by Mr. Tee which has one month bonus attached, and a one-time set-up fee, just as he gathered that the one month subscription fee has to be activated via customer’s mobile phone. Of course, there are different subscription plans to choose from to credit own system.

This, ITREALMS also gathered would entail a professional and authorized installer coming to the house to complete the process, via customer’s mobile phone.

According to Engr. Owolabi, the Lumos Installer professional assigned to Mr. Tee, the pack of secured solar power station is a clean, quiet and sustainable way of converting sunlight to electrical energy, hence energy is stored in a Lithium battery to provide continuous supply of electricity to power two (2) Light-Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs, a variety of 12 voltage on Direct Current (DC) appliances and for charging cell phone, among others.

The ‘Yellow Box’ power station, he explained, comprised of two units made up of solar panel unit (SPU) and Solar Control Indoor Unit (SCU). Whereas SPU collects the sunlight energy and converts same to electrical power, the SCU supplies the electrical power to the connected appliances, in addition to some mounting kit for securing the solar panel unit onto a roof or any other flat surface.

Saving Lots of Money:

The mobile electricity service, ITREALMS reports, saves customer lots of money on their monthly electricity bills. Ms Grace equally advised customers to choose a suitable subscription plan from their plan options and make convenient payments from their MTN mobile phone.

“SMS should be sent using the MTN phone number registered to your Yello box. SMS must be received before your friend joins our service. Refer only one phone number per SMS,” she declared.

Lessons for new users:

For Mr. Tee, one of the key lessons learnt in over a month of using Lumos Mobile Electricity is that when the ‘yellow’ display button is ‘on’ it means the power is switched off and when the ‘off’ is displayed, the light will be on for use.

Although there was a little teething problems of charging below expectations, but with an electronic mail (email) sent to the customer care, he received a call from 180, which monitored the progress of the device by offering instructions and directions on what should be done, until it was satisfactorily endorsed as optimal by Mr. Tee.

Conclusion:

Advantages of solar power like Lumos, ITREALMS reports is that its pollution free and causes no greenhouse gases to be emitted after installation; reduced dependence on fuel for generating set and fossil fuels. Renewable clean power that is available every day of the year, even cloudy day produces some power to sustain a small business like that of Mr. Tee, which requires internet access with a laptop.

For him, the noise of generating set has reduced drastically, while he had saved spending an average of N1000 per day on fuel, due to lack of power supply from Ikeja Electric and when added up in a month means N20,000.00, at the least.

Experts at GreenMatch.com explained that among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing remains that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source with low maintenance costs despite that its weather dependent and helps in sustaining employment.

And for ITREALMS, this is the kind of solution that Nigerian banks should invest in to stimulate economic productivity, growth and reduce unemployment eventually for a given section of the small businesses, having in mind that small rivers make an ocean.

Mr. Tee, agrees the advantages are enormous for small business owners or operators in a developing economy like Nigeria. In fact he was already thinking of extending same Yellow box electricity magic to his parents in Anambra State, sometime soon.ITREALMS  ... everything news digitally!

Pix: Power Minister, Tunde Fashola, Lumos and UN Sec-Gen António Guterres @ITREALMS

FG: Nigeria advances on mobile economy @NIMES 2018 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal government has reiterated its commitment to spur growth within the mobile economy, and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector at large, by creating the enabling policies for the private sector to thrive, in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the government, reports ITREALMS.

The government made this known through the Minister of communications, Barr. Adebayor Shittu, at the Nigerian Mobile Economy Summit and Awards (NIMES) 2018, an event organised by the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD) for IT stakeholders synergy and collaboration towards a better mobile and digital economy.

Barr Adebayor Shittu stated that "The Federal government is working towards increasing the contribution of ICT to the GDP, increasing broadband penetration, and working proactively with other stakeholders to create growth in the ecosystem, in line with the focus of the current administration".

Contributing to the Minister's speech, was the Director-General of Nigeria's citadel of research and development, the Federal Institute of Industrial research (FIIRO), Prof. Gloria N. Elemo, represented by Dr Mrs B.O. Oyedoyin; who stated the FIIRO has continued to drive the acceleration of industrialization in Nigeria, through effective utilisation of raw materials, and upgrading of indigenous production techniques.

"FIIRO will continue to design, develop and sponsor researches and projects, train entrepreneurs, carry out technology transfer, and industrial extension services across Nigeria, though digital and innovative solutions, in line with global best practices. This we believe will accelerate the industrial development of Nigeria", she stated.

Organisers of the summit, CECAD also presented Nigeria Mobile Economy Awards to individuals and institutions who have made laudable contributions to the development of Nigeria through the application of Information and Communication Technology.

ITREALMS further gathered that Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu was awarded, ‘Champion of Nigeria’s Mobile Economy & ICT’, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta was awarded with ‘Icon of Nigerian Mobile Economy’ and the immediate past Director of public Affairs at the NCC, Tony Ojobo received the ‘Icon of African Information Society Merit Award. Dr. Yele Okeremi, Managing Director of Precise Financial Systems and President, Institute of Software Professionals of Nigeria received award of the ‘Software Entrepreneur of the year’, FIIRO got the ‘Best Research Institute in the Public sector, also Director Banking and Payment Services at the CBN was honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contributions to the Mobile Economy’, while Director General of the National Identity Management Commission and Engr. Aliyu Aziz received ‘Champion of Digital Identity Management’.

Also, from the Private sector, Zenith Bank, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), PPC and Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) received Innovative Digital Bank of the year, Most Impactful Telecom Association of the year, Most Innovative IT Solution Provider and Excellence in IT Capacity Building respectively.

While in Entertainment, emerging Pop star, Banny got the award for the ‘Most promising Pop artiste Online'.

Organized by the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development, CECAD, Nigeria Mobile Economy Summit (NIMES) brings together the biggest names in the mobile and digital ecosystem every year towards a synergistic effort aimed at making the most of the knowledge economy.

Ayo Midele/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

GSMA certifies Tanzania for mobile money

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The Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA) has certified the Tanzanian-based Tigo for the mobile money, reports ITRealms. The GSMA, ITRealms gathered, defines and promotes excellence in the provision of mobile financial services to end users.

ITRealms also reports that Tigo Tanzania’s mobile financial services arm, Tigo Pesa, has received the GSMA Mobile Money Certification, recognizing Tigo’s ability to deliver safe, transparent, reliable and more resilient services that promote consumer rights and prevent malicious transactions. Tigo Pesa is amongst the first mobile financial services providers around the globe to be certified by the GSMA. Equally, ITRealms reports that the GSMA Mobile Money Certification is a global initiative to bring safer, more transparent, and more resilient financial services to millions of mobile money users around the world. The GSMA Mobile Money Certification represents a strong proactive move on behalf of the mobile money industry, demonstrating its commitment to Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), and to delivering quality, safe and fair services to customers and partners. With over 690 million registered accounts globally, the mobile industry is making the world a better place, and mobile money has given millions of previously unbanked people access to financial services. Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Tigo’s Chief Officer of Mobile Financial Services, Hussein Sayed said Tigo Pesa is proud of its contribution in driving the financial inclusion agenda in Tanzania by giving millions of previously unbanked people access to financial services. “This certification is evidence that we have taken a step further to ensure that customers’ funds are in safe hands, and that their rights are being observed through our business practices and that a high level of customer service can be expected,” he said. In order to achieve the certification, each mobile financial services provider is measured against global industry best practice, and a pass mark of 100% is required. Certified providers are those that have proven that their business practices are amongst the best in the industry and that they are trustworthy and responsible financial institutions at par with the rest of the financial ecosystem. “Tigo Pesa is proud to meet the requisite criteria to receive the GSMA Mobile Money Certification. This not only demonstrates the quality and reliability of our services but ascertains that we are at the cusp of the digital financial revolution that is sweeping the globe,” Hussein added. In addition to Tigo’s utmost commitment to ensuring that we provide world-class services to our customers, our Tigo Pesa business is delivering the most innovative mobile financial services to our customers. We have always been at the forefront in introducing relevant innovations to the market including: the first operator to create the world’s first interoperable mobile money market, the first East African cross-border mobile money transfer with currency conversion and the first telecoms company worldwide to share profit generated from our Mobile Money Trust Accounts in the form of a quarterly distribution to our customers. “Certification is a sign that our business practices are among the best in the industry, that we are a trustworthy and responsible mobile financial service institution, and therefore an attractive candidate for collaboration with potential business partners including but not limited to banks,” Tigo’s Chief Officer of Mobile Financial Services submitted. Chuks Egbune/ED, Ops

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Undoubtedly the giant of Africa - with an estimated population of 194 million people, Nigeria remains the largest mobile market in the continent - and still has more potential for growth and for competing on a level-playing ground with the developed nations. Although the economic growth of the country might not be as fast-paced as its counterparts’, it is full of hopes and promises. 

The mobile trends published in the 2017 Nigerian Mobile Report, by Jumia Nigeria - Africa’s biggest e-commerce platform, provided some convictions for this belief. In summary, the report examined how the market has democratized mobile internet use, the consumer behaviors driving increased smartphone adoption and the role of the different stakeholders within the sector.

Jumia is set to release the 2018 edition of the Mobile Report, which will focus on various mobile trends in the country and in Africa at large. And Juliet Anammah, CEO, Jumia Nigeria is as excited as everyone else about the report. But, while we patiently wait for the report pending its release, let’s examine some facts and figures from the 2017 report.

There were about 150 million mobile subscribers equivalent to 81per cent penetration (as a percentage of the population) in 2016. Internet penetration was at 18per cent with 216 million internet users while Nigeria's internet penetration was much higher at 53per cent; its mobile subscription was similar to Africa's at 81per cent penetration (960 million mobile subscribers). To benchmark this data, a similar report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) put the number of subscribers - by the end of December 2016 - at 154 million. This subscriber base is a sum total of all the active subscribers for telephony services on each of the licensed service providers utilizing different technologies. The difference in the number of subscribers presented by both reports can be attributed to the lack of accurate census in the country.

Meanwhile, the percentage of internet penetration widened increasingly; number of internet subscribers peaked at 97.2 million (more than half the number of mobile subscriptions) by end of 2016 - which represented a much higher penetration rate than the rest of Africa combined. The subscriber base of internet users in the country was predicted to increase by at least 30per cent by end of 2017. With the number of Nigerians having access to the internet - mostly through smartphones - growing in leaps and bounds, it’s a clear indication that there is a huge potential for e-commerce in the country. For instance, Jumia recorded 394per cent growth on the sales of smartphones between 2014 and 2016, mostly driven by an increasing range of lower smartphones price points. And 71per cent of website visitors on Jumia Nigeria in 2016 used their mobile phones to shop, whereas only 53per cent of Jumia African customers did so.

Although, the contribution of the telecom & mobile sector to the country’s GDP was indeed a small fraction, according to a report by the NCC - only 9.13per cent was directly or indirectly accrued from the sector. Yet, it is worthy of note to mention that it was a great leap from the previous year. E-commerce companies like Jumia - present in 15 African markets - are facilitating the promotion and distribution of both high-end and low-end price points mobile phones in Nigeria. The NCC is not also relenting in exercising its power to regulate the operations of the licensed telecom operators especially in the area of voice & data tariff.

So, what is the future of the telecom and mobile sector in Nigeria? To witness an improvement over the previous years will require a collective, yet individual effort from both the private and public sectors. Primarily, the growth of the sector, among other things, depends on the availability of affordable mobile phones & data tariff.  To the former, Jumia is committed - with its partners - to facilitating and leading the charge in this regard.

The week of March 15th - 25th, 2018 will be interesting and exciting for the entire country for two reasons: the 2018 edition (4th report) of the Nigerian Mobile Report will be released at a press conference; and secondly - although still related to the first event is the commencement of Jumia Mobile Week (an entire week dedicated to the sales of mobile phones at the best prices in Nigeria). Nothing beats the excitement of getting your dream mobile phone at nearly half the price and such was the frenzy all over the Nigerian cyberspace in 2017. From the moment you spot the juicy deals, the swift race for the fastest fingers, the sigh of relief when you have successfully placed your order and the short wait for your order to be delivered. Last year, Jumia Mobile Week featured 3 mouth-watering flash sales every day at nearly 50per cent off; both night crawlers and day troopers had a piece of the pie. MTN also gave out free MTN 4G sim and 20per cent data bonus on their data plan everytime you recharged for the first 3 months. There was also juicy discounts on mobile brands like: Infinix at 40per cent off; Tecno at 20per cent off; Motorola at 50per cent off, and Innjoo at 20 per cent off.

So, this year, which brands will top the list of Jumia top selling mobile phones? How much discounts will be available to customers and on what mobile brands? How much money are you hoping to save during this year’s Mobile Week? Which mobile phones will have the best deals this year? How much discount will Jumia offer on purchases done on its mobile App? How do you get to participate in the Treasure Hunt so as to win a coveted prize? How do you participate in the fashion accessory giveaways on social media by your favourite fashion celebrity/icon?

Your guess is as good as mine. But, you will find answers to all of these questions during the  week of March 15th through 25th, 2018! Add it to your calendar. Join the conversation on social media using the #JumiaMobileWeek2018, and follow @JumiaNigeria across all social media platforms.

*Contributed by Laolu Oloyede, Public Relations & Offline Marketing Department @Jumia

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