UAE’s Sheraa launches 2023 edition of Startup Dojo - ITREALMS

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The Sheraa Entrepreneurship Center, has launched the 2023 edition of the Startup Dojo, a youth incubation program that has been designed keeping young entrepreneurs in mind, reports ITREALMS.

The eight-week intensive training and mentorship program takes place every summer to enable young talent to develop their entrepreneurial solutions and gain real-world experience of starting and running their own businesses.

Roam to UAE on 9mobile, get discount

ITRealms:

The Nigeria’s innovative and customer-friendly telecommunications company, 9mobile is kicking off its season of care in yet another innovative way to affirm its commitment to continued positive customer experience, by offering its teeming subscribers discounted roaming rates when they roam on Etisalat network in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reports ITRealms.

This offer, ITRealms gathered, is on from now until June 30.

Director, Consumer Segment, 9mobile, Adeolu Dairo, who disclosed this to ITRealms that with a recharge of N5,000, customers get to make local calls in the UAE and calls to Nigeria at the rate of N100 per minute, send SMS at N30 per event, receive free incoming calls from Nigeria and UAE and enjoy roaming data bundles in two variants by dialing *6589# to activate either of the data bundles.

Equally, ITRealms gathered, the roaming package, 9mobile Roaming to United Arab Emirates (UAE), affords subscribers the opportunity to stay connected with family, friends and business partners in the UAE while the offer lasts. With this offer, 9mobile customers travelling to the UAE will continue to enjoy seamless and affordable connectivity on both voice and data on the go.

Speaking on the offer, Director, Consumer Segment, 9mobile, Adeolu Dairo, disclosed that the company took the decision to extend the validity period based on feedback from its customers, and to show our customers that we truly care. He added that it also affirms the telco’s commitment to positive engagement with its customers as a key stakeholder group whose contribution to the overall growth of the business has and will continue to be appreciated.”

“We never thought the roaming offer would receive such massive acceptance by travelling customers. With this offer, customers can continue to stay connected with loved ones while they spend time outside the shores of Nigeria. Keeping in touch goes beyond mere connectivity; clear and audible connections make life more enjoyable, and this is one of the many benefits of 9mobile roaming offers”, Dairo said.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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ICANN to host first capacity building workshop for GAC members @UAE

ITRealms:

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to host the first capacity building workshop for the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) Middle East members and GAC newcomers, reports ITRealms.

The workshop organized by ICANN is in cooperation with the ICANN Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) Under-served Regions Working Group.

ITRealms gathered the workshop would be held on 28 October, on the first day of ICANN’s 60th Public Meeting (ICANN60), in Abu Dhabi, United Arabic Emirates (UAE) with the support of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the UAE.

This is the first capacity building workshop targeting GAC members in the Middle East.

ITRealms reports that ICANN President and CEO, Mr. Göran Marby, and GAC Chair, Mr. Thomas Schneider, are billed to present at the workshop along with executives, alongside the regional ICANN team, and community members.

The workshop will focus on raising awareness about ICANN policy making processes and assisting the GAC members and governments in the Middle East on how to effectively participate and contribute to ICANN. It will also introduce policy topics and working groups relevant to the work of the GAC members. The workshop will seek feedback from the participants on how ICANN can help them foster and boost their participation.

In addition, ITRealms reports that the workshop would cover wide a range of topics including: Introduction to ICANN and its role and work in the Middle East region, Role of ICANN in the global Internet Governance Ecosystem, Update on ICANN constituencies and cross community work at ICANN60.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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NCAA wakes up, bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on planes

ITRealms:

Obviously emulating its counterpart in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) almost two weeks behind, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) woke up to ban Samsung Galaxy Note 7 onboard any plane in the country, reports ITRealms.

A press statement made available to ITRealms and signed by General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye, NCAA joined the wagon by requesting passengers not to store such phones in any checked-in baggage.

‘‘NCAA is appealing to the passengers’ responsibilities in relation to ensuring safety and security of air transportation,” he said.

NCAA pointed out that all airlines are advised to emphasise the prohibition of this devices on board during passenger briefings by the Cabin Crew.

“Similarly, all those responsible for searching or screening checked-in baggage are expected to intensify the procedures to identify possible checked-in Samsung Galaxy Note 7,” he said.

ITRealms recollects that Samsung had a fortnight ago recalled over 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 devices, due to several fire explosions linked to its battery defect.

Also, ITRealms reports that an official letter had already been sent to all the Airlines and all other stakeholders for strict compliance.

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics West Africa Limited (SEWA) said it had commenced replacement programme for the faulty Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in Nigeria. Just as the electronic company said its differing the official launch of the product, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in Nigeria.

ITRealms recalls that on September 2, 2016, Samsung proclaimed an official Galaxy Note7 replacement programme due to battery cell manufacturing error which had led to a few reported incidents.

“Since customers’ safety is top priority, all Galaxy Note 7 purchased are eligible for replacement regardless of the original place of purchase,” the company said.

Noteworthy is that Galaxy Note 7 has not been formally released in Nigeria, the company said, the current Galaxy Note 7 users are kindly advised to visit the nearest Samsung Authorized Service Centre for immediate assistance about replacement program.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this may have caused in the market, but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to Samsung customers. Samsung is completely committed to fixing this problem and ensuring the highest level of safety and satisfaction for its customers,” part of the statement read.

Oya Omidele/GEE

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Lai Mohammed leads delegation to IPI congress, seeks collaboration with Al Jazeera

ITRealms:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is leading a Nigerian delegation to the 2016 International Press Institute (IPI) annual congress in Qatar, the United Arab Emirate (UAE), just as he makes case for special collaboration with Al Jazeera on capacity building for journalists, reports ITRealms.

Speaking at Doha, Qatar, Mohammed sought collaboration between his ministry and the Doha-based international broadcaster, Al Jazeera, in the area of capacity building for journalists in the government-owned media organizations, especially the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

This followed a request made by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to Al Jazeera to collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Culture in its efforts to restructure the NTA and other publicly-funded media establishments to enhance their performance.

He said the collaboration could be in the areas of capacity building as well as exchange of programmes and personnel.

''Our plan is to reposition the public media organizations to make them effective and competitive, irrespective of which government is in power,'' Alhaji Mohammed said during a meeting with the Acting Director General of Al Jazeera, Dr. Mostafa Souag, in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday.

''For a long time, government media organizations have lost their independence and credibility. I want to restore the glory and credibility of the publicly-owned media organizations,'' he said.

The Minister also called for a 'special relationship' between Al Jazeera and the Nigerian Government in the coverage of the key policy areas of this Administration - the fight against corruption and terrorism as well as the efforts to revamp the economy.

He assured Al Jazeera that the present Administration in Nigeria ''is an extremely open government'' and that the organization would not have any problem doing its work in the country.

Responding, the Acting Director General of Al Jazeera hailed Nigeria for providing a conducive environment for the media to carry out its duties.

''Despite a lot of conflict and tension, you have managed to create a conducive environment for the media. This is very important for us in the media and we hope to see more freedom and more protection for the media,'' he said.

Dr. Souag said Al Jazeera is willing to cooperate with the ministry in the area of training, asserting, ''Our training centre is one of the most professional in every aspect of the media, We are more than happy to work with you.''

 

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The Address Hotels confirms investment at Abuja Centenary City

ITRealms: 

The Address Hotels + Resorts has made its debut in Abuja by Eagle Hills, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The United Arab Emirate (UAE)-based private real estate investment and global development company, The Address Resorts, has reconfirmed its a core investor in the Abuja Centenary City, reports ITRealms.

The Address Abuja, which is already under rapid construction, NaijaAgroNet gathered promises to introduce a new concept in Nigeria for hospitality and residential living with serviced villas and apartments.

Also, ITRealms reports that the Abuja Centenary City will be an interconnected, smart and intelligent city that will create several thousand new jobs and promote other sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, and also serve as a significant attraction in securing further direct foreign investment to Nigeria.

Designed to work in harmony with nature: an exclusive community becoming part of the natural landscape and offering both an impressive downtown skyline and peaceful suburban living, the Abuja Centenary City was conceptualised by one of the world's finest hospitality labels, The Address Residence serviced apartments, which experts anticipated will be the city's most exclusive uptown address, offering the pinnacle of urban life, ultra-modern towers and a breathtaking view of Centenary City. 

In addition, residents will be able to enjoy a host of world-class amenities both inside and around their homes from fully equipped gyms, swimming pools and premier wellness facilities to closely located convenience stores and services. 

It is set in a spectacular position, offering breathtaking views of Centenary City and the surrounding landscape. The podium deck is the front door of the project, featuring a carefully detailed complex of private decks, infinity pools, concierge services, and the ultimate in club facilities, all within a resort atmosphere. The development aims to boost the Nigerian hospitality sector, bringing it in par with international standards across the globe.

Mohamed Alabbar, an Executive board member of Eagle Hills said the Centenary City Abuja is a fitting tribute to the Nigerian nation. 

“The 1,300-hectare master-planned community, is envisaged as a spectacular city hub and the largest of its kind in Africa. The Address Residence Abuja will be the latest premier property embodying the company’s progressive spirit. The project features a residential community consisting of four- to ten-bedroom luxury villas and one- to three-bedroom apartments,” Alabbar said.

For the Chief Operating Officer of The Address Hotels and Resorts, Philippe Zuber, the five star premium brand brings a new identity to the hospitality and service offering in Nigeria and the region. 

“The Address chooses central locations to offer its customers the best in entertainment, leisure and overall convenience, guaranteeing a first-class hospitality experience for every resident and guest. The Address Hotels + Resorts group philosophy is to offer a more personal and approachable experience to guests in a lifestyle environment, whether it be business, leisure or group travelers,” Zuber said.

He further noted that with the motto ‘Where life happens’ The Address demonstrates the versatile approach of servicing every customer, guaranteeing a first-class hospitality experience for every guest; making it the perfect addition to Centenary City.

“With excellent connectivity to the main highway, 30 minutes from the city centre and less than 10 minutes from the airport, The Address Abuja in Centenary City is located in the heart of this spectacular development,” he emphasised.

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Etisalat, Etihad offer new packages for premium GEM customers

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Fastest growing and most innovative telecommunications company in Nigeria, Etisalat has joined hands with the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Etihad Airways to package unbeatable offers for its premium GEM customers. This partnership aimed at strengthening the GEM reward system and offer Etisalat GEM customers unparalleled lifestyle and loyalty benefits including discounted flight tickets and new roaming package.

With the partnership, Etisalat GEM customers will pay less than $3000 for family holiday to the UAE which is inclusive of flight tickets, hotel stay for 4 nights and 30-day visa for a family of three. Similarly, Etisalat GEM customers are entitled to 20 per cent discount on flight tickets to the UAE when they choose to fly Etihad Airways whilst getting roaming discounts during their holiday.

Commenting on the partnership, Chief Marketing Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone said the partnership was conceived to deliver the highest quality of service and satisfaction for the company’s GEM customers.

"The goal of our partnership with Etihad Airways is to add value to the lives of our GEM customers and make holiday trips and vacations more enjoyable for them with value-added incentives. We believe that this partnership with Etihad Airways will provide unparalleled satisfaction to our GEM customers," he said.

Speaking on the partnership, Maurice Phohleli, Etihad Airways' Vice President, Africa Sub Sahara and Indian Ocean, said: "We are confident our collaboration with Etisalat on this promotion will reward new and existing guests with travel options that provide great value. 

Etihad Airways prides itself on building strong relationships with its guests and, with the summer holidays here, we intend to show our appreciation by rewarding GEM customers for their loyalty."

Etisalat GEM is the reward program from Etisalat that offers amazing reward to loyal high value customers who attain a pre-defined threshold on the network over a 12-month period. To become an Etisalat GEM customer, subscribers only need to spend a minimum of N120, 000 on Etisalat products/services.
 
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Gitex 2014: Sasware pledges supports for Nigeria technology start-ups

ITRealms:

As the 2014 Global Technology Exhibition (GITEX) ended recently in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate (UAE), Sasware, the only Nigeria technology investment company at GITEX Technology Week pledged its support for technology start-ups in Nigeria reports ITRealms.

Founder of Sasware, Mr. Collins Onuegbu, made this pledge during the visit of the federal government delegation led by Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Communications Technology to the company’s exhibition stand during the event.

“Our primary interest to see Nigeria grow by supporting technology and technology-enabled business initiatives in Nigeria. These we do through incubation, entrepreneurship, mentoring and venture capital investment,” he said.

Dr. Olaopa, who represented the Minister, Dr (Mrs) Omobola Johnson commended Sasware’s mission and activities and urged them to continue with their good works.

He also promised to explore avenues which the ministry will work with Sasware to further deepen support to technology start-ups in Nigeria.

The federal government delegation led by Olaopa included; Dr. Akin Omotosho, Nigeria Consul-General to Dubai Emirate; Dr. Tosin Ajayi, Chairman, Board of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Peter Jack, Director General, NITDA.

Speaking further Onuegbu informed the delegation that Sasware will need all the support and partnerships it could get from the government to expand this initiative in order to boost the economy and create more job opportunities for Nigerian youths.

Peter Jack said NITDA is continuously exploring ways to transform Nigeria through technology and what Sasware is doing falls within the strategy.

Sasware is a technology venture subsidiary of Signal Alliance a leading Nigerian systems integrator with over 18 years’ experience in the development of IT infrastructure for major organizations in Nigeria. Sasware was set up to tap into opportunities created  by the fast evolution of technology and adoption in Nigeria as the country rebuilds its infrastructure to match its ambition as the biggest economy in Africa and one of the top 20 in the world.

Sasware invests in early startup technology companies in Nigeria   from a startup fund that was set up by Signal Alliance. The company also does specific incubation programmes for Signal Alliance as a diversification strategy for the group. Other areas of business include Incubation-On-Demand, Corporate Venture Capital and Asset Development cum Management. The company's initial focus is on technology and technology-enabled businesses.

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Pix (l-r) Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Communication Technology; Collins Onuegbu, Founder Sasware; Dr. Tosin Ajayi, Chairman, Board of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Dr. Akin Omotosho, Nigeria

Consul-General to Dubai Emirate and Peter Jack, Director General NITDA.