YouWiN!Connect Academy series takes off

ITRealms:

The Federal Government (FG) has rejiged the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria otherwise known as (YouWin) by adding a 'Connect' to the name which emanated from a weekly print media enterprise education programme designed to assist entrepreneurs start, plan and grow their businesses, reports ITRealms.

The programme, ITRealms also reports, to now be known as (YouWiN!Connect) would on Sunday, February 19^th, 2017 made a debut with academy series.

The publication ITRealms gathered, would be syndicated in five national newspapers on Sundays and Wednesdays, according to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun noted that the weekly editorial would showcase entrepreneurship as a job and wealth creation option, for young people adding that versions for Radio and Television would be launched when arrangements are concluded.

The initial YouWiN! programme took off in October, 2011 as a business plan competition aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation among the Nigerian youth.  Since inception, it has midwifed 3,900 enterprises.

A formal review of the programme undertaken by the Ministry of Finance found that, whilst successful, at the initial stage of enterprise development, the Youwin  programme needed enhancement to ensure sustainability. Specifically,  the findings suggested that funding should be combined with an increased focus on enterprise education to better prepare entrepreneurs in areas such as accessing bank finance, book keeping, accounting, marketing and tax filing.

This has influenced the redesign to YouWiN!Connect, which takes YouWiN! to the next level.

The Minister described YouWiN!Connect as “a multi-media enterprise education initiative that will provide the tools and skills required to support the emergence of the next generation of successful Nigerian-owned enterprises across the nation”.

The weekly publication focuses on sharing information and advice from entrepreneurs and technical experts to inspire, encourage and support young entrepreneurs to run sustainable businesses.

Mrs. Kemi Adeosun emphasized that practical advice and information will be provided on the technical, legal and financial aspects of running a business in the YouWiN!Connect  Academy section.  The overall aim of YouWiN!Connect, is to develop the next generation of Nigerian business leaders, fully equipped to compete on the global stage.

YouWiN!Connect has also set up an advisory board comprising experts in  different areas of business and entrepreneurship, who would answer questions from members of the public weekly.

Members of the board include the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar; the founder and C.E.O of House of Tara International and pioneer of the bridal make-up profession in Nigeria, Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye; Former Banker and current MD/CEO of L & Z Integrated Farms, Alhaji M.D. Abubakar.

Others are Mr. Sunday Egede and Mr. David Chukwuma Ojei, founders of the Prince Ebeano Supermarket chain; the founder and Managing Director of Sankore Investments and Venture Capitalist, Mrs. Titi Odunfa Adeoye. The Managing Director of the new Development Bank of Nigeria is also on the advisory board.

Ayo Midele/GEE  

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Ojobo tasks PAD staff on performance, sendforth Okoh Aihe, others

ITRealms:

The Director, Public Affairs Department (PAD), Mr. Tony Ojobo has tasked the staff of the department on improved performance, reports ITRealms.

Speaking at the annual session of the department which coincided with the commemoration of St. Valentine’s Day in Abuja, Ojobo expressed delight on performance of the unit, even as he asked for perfection.

He used the occasion to commend some of the staff who have been redeployed to other departments, describing them as ‘Our Ambassadors’ hence, they end up being ''leading lights of other departments of the Commission whenever they are transferred out.”

This position was corroborated by the Head, Public Relations in the department, Reuben Muoka, alongside Okoh Aihe, who was until recently Head, Online Media and Special Publications but is now deployed to the newly created Department of Research and Development at the Commission.

The Local Organizing Committee of the event, Mrs Olasumbo Olawaiye of PR Unit of PAD, pointed out that its an occasion to relax and recognize members of the department, cutting across Government Relations to Protocol and Logistics Services, Strategic Public Relations to an amazing Traditional and Real-time Online Media Communication.

According to her, NCC has redefined public sector communication from improving organizational image and visibility to strategic management of organic, manifest and latent reputation risks, stressing this pioneering role is one reason NCC's trove of awards continue to swell.

Intriguing features of the party, ITRealms gathered, included the presentation of an iconic congratulatory message to Ojobo who recently received another award as the Public Affairs Spokesman of the Year 2016; and the award of certificates of good performance to the departmental ambassadors.

Some of the certified ambassadors were Mr. Aihe, Venny Nwabufoh (now in Licensing and Authorization), Bosede Ojougboh (Universal Service Provision Fund), Oritsetserundede Ajagbonna (Consumer Affairs), Boma Willie-Pepple (Licensing and Authorization), Patience Yusuf (Corporate Planning and Strategy), Abdulrahman Abubakar (Human Capital Development), and Bisola Otunla (Port Harcourt Zonal Office).

Nonye Dom/GEE

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Banks, Fintech’ll boost financial inclusion - Fanawopo says

ITRealms:

The Managing Director and Chief executive officer of eMaginations, the organizer of Ennovators Breakfast Series [EBS], Mr. Sola Fanawopo, has task Nigerian banks to partner operatives in the Financial Technology (FinTech), reports ITRealms.

According to him, Nigeria is not an exception in the FinTech upsurge, hence said the global investment in FinTech is reported to have reached as high as $80 billion between 2010 and 2016.

Financial technology, he said, has gradually seeped into the growth strategies of traditional banks, expert have expressed concern that the two components would need to work together in order to drive financial inclusion in the sector.

“For some time after the global and local financial crisis, traditional banks have laid emphasis on regaining customers’ trust. I am happy that banks have realised the potential of FinTech and are now slowly joining the startups in the race. That is why it is heartening to know that a Nigerian call itself FinTech bank” he said.

The basis for this concern, Fanawopo said, is stemmed from the global best practices where Fintech, the term coined for financial services technology, has become an extremely fast-growing industry worldwide. Its growth has enabled banks in Europe and the US to innovate and develop products to suit customers’ lifestyles.

He explained that in large part, FinTech firms are becoming “disruptors” for good, and that the secret to maintaining the banking industry is to nurture the startups through which new technology is birthed. To grow the banking industry, he asked, “Should banks engage FinTechs for competitive advantage, should banks build, partners or acquire FinTechs?”

According to him, bank chiefs and FinTech founders such as Muhammad Jibrin, MD/CEO, of SunTrust Bank, Yele Okeremi, MD/CEO of Precise Financial Systems, John Obaro, MD/CEO of  Systemspecs and Uzoma Dozie, Group MD/CEO, Diamond Bank, would join other speakers at the Oriental Hotel, venue of EBS in March to examine how banks and FinTech should relate. “This edition of EBS will examine if the banks and FinTechs are friends or foes”, he said.

Fanawopo said EBS now in its seventh year is a quarterly cerebral breakfast event conceived to bring the Dreamers, Drivers, and Doers (3D) of technology business in ICT industry across Africa together with the objective of sharing key information that would promote business, impact lives, and birth new business relationships.

“As technology evolves, everything in the world is changing. The way banks, telcos, insurers and others sectors service customers is changing. This will continue to change as technology innovations emerge. EBS examines the preparedness of African firms to meet these changes”.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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NCC plans upward review of mobile voice termination rates

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) may have advanced plans to review upwards, the nation’s mobile voice termination rates for telecommunication, according to the Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, reports ITRealms.

Danbatta disclosed this plan at a Stakeholders’ Forum on the Cost Based Study for the Determination of Mobile Voice Termination Rate for telecom industry, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

He pointed out that the review has become necessary due to prevailing changes in the industry since the last exercise, four years ago, noting that the attempt would make the industry attain full competition and effective regulation by providing a level playing ground for all participants.

“Since the last determination, the Nigerian Communication Market has witnessed tremendous growth in both subscriber numbers as well as traffic volumes. Changes in available technologies, (2G, 2.5G, 3G and 4G) and other network elements, including global financial markets which have an impact such as the cost of capital. The scale of changes will inevitably affect the unit cost of providing services including interconnection and may lead to differences between regulated interconnection rates and underlying costs which in turn may result in differences between on-net and off-net retail tariffs,” he said.

Danbatta also said, to ensure that interconnection services are not only fairly priced and non-discriminative but should reflect the cost of providing such services in the market.

For him, “It is in this regard that the Commission has decided to review the rates set in 2013 Determination in the light of the current market realities” insisting that the forum is consistent with the Commission’s principle of ensuring participatory regulation, this initial Stakeholders Forum is held not only to formally introduce the project consultant to the industry stakeholders, but also to kickstart the project.


Danbatta emphasized that the supply of industry statistical data is most crucial to the success of determining appropriate interconnection termination rates for the telecommunications industry.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE
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Iskratel counsels operators: Ignore cable upgrades, focus on fiber

ITRealms:

Cable operators in need of upgrades of their networks have been advised to look beyond latest cable upgrades and deploy fiber sooner rather than later to remain competitive, according to Iskratel’s latest executive white paper, reports ITRealms.

Giving this council at the Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) conference in France, the Iskratel through its Chief Architect, Simon Cimzar said, there is an increasing number of considerations that operators must make when looking to upgrade their existing networks 

Speaking on “GPON vs. DOCSIS 3.1 in Six Simple Points” Cimzar, insisted the customer should always be number one, which might mean that cable operators who don’t deploy fiber might be left behind.

“In the current market, cable operators are faced with an increasing number of competitors offering fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband services through gigabit-capable Passive Optical Networks (GPON. By using the DOSCIS 3.0 standard today, operators can theoretically offer gigabit services in the downstream, but find themselves limited by the upstream throughput it provides,” he said.

Equally, Cimza ssiad, this leaves operators with the quandary of whether to remain with the standard coax network and upgrade to the newer DOCSIS 3.1 standard, or make the leap and become FTTH operators themselves, just as he acknowledged that operators must perform a balancing act when choosing between the two options, a decision which the white paper further explores.

“The main question operators must ask themselves is whether the service disruptions of the move make changing from the coax network to a fiber-based solution unfeasible,” said Cimzar, stressing, there are many facets to this decision, but the business motivation is clear. Fiber deployments come at a lower Total Cost of Ownership and provide a better return on the initial investment than DOCSIS 3.1, which can be migrated to at the same cost but requires further, continued investment.

“Another important factor to bear in mind is the potential for symmetrical upload and download speeds that GPON offers – something which isn’t possible with cable,” he said, insisting that once the operators take into account the higher ongoing maintenance costs, smaller range of services offered and disruptive migration to DOSCIS 3.1, it becomes clear that GPON provides an option that makes sense for businesses and end-users alike.

 “Customers’ perception is simple: fiber is the future,” he added. “Cable operators are at a crucial juncture when it comes to network evolution and those who try to move forward without fiber may find themselves being left behind,” he submitted.

Remmy Nweke/ED, Ops

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FG to extend TSA deployment @MDAs

ITRealms:

The Federal Government (FG) has expressed determination to extend the deployment of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the current fiscal year, 2017 reports ITRealms.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun on Tuesday disclosed this

in Abuja at the opening of a two-day retreat on the TSA, the Minister, who described the implementation of the policy as a success story, said the Federal Government would expand the programme and continue to persuade statutory agencies to come under the Treasury Single Account.

The Minister who disclosed that the Federal Government is already discussing with service providers, said Government would improve the implementation and functionality of the TSA because of its huge benefits.

She also stated that the Government would be reaching out to TSA service providers in order to allow other e-commerce and e-payment providers access the platform, which, according to her, is very important to make the TSA as competitive as possible, in terms of pricing.

“One of the challenges that we have is who should bear the cost of the TSA? Currently, it is being borne centrally but that is not sustainable. We are now working on how to stratify the various agencies. Those who should bear their own costs and costs that should be borne by the Government. This will be rolled out in this year,” the Minister stated.

Speaking to the broader benefits of the TSA, the Minister stated that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, has issued Circulars to banks arising from revelations through the implementation of the whistleblower policy, that some banks have not fully remitted Government funds in their possession.

She stated, “There are still funds in commercial banks and we have written to the banks, giving them a window to come forward. Where in doubt, they have been asked to consult us. We also have an audit team that has started the process of checking the completeness of monies that were transferred into the TSA and already, they have been able to recover a significant amount of money". 

She stated that the TSA policy is here to stay, saying the policy, which she described as an important reform of the current administration, allows Government to reduce its borrowing costs.

 “The policy allows us to manage our treasury functions with far more accuracy than what we had in the past. There is still a long way to go but overall, we are very satisfied with the progress we have made and we look forward to it being extended and utilised far more as the year goes on,” the Minister stated.

 Ayo Midele/GEE

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Freedom Online lecture: Govs Ikpeazu, Ambode top dignitaries

ITRealms:

The two governors of Abia and Lagos States, Messrs Okezie Ikpeazu and Akin Ambode have been confirmed to be on the top list of dignitaries o the first Freedom Online lecture, holding in Lagos this Thursday, reports ITRealms.

The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Freedom Online, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo, in a press statement made available to ITRealms, said the lecture would be focusing on how to tackle unemployment during the lecture “because it has become a monster, threatening to consume the nation-state called Nigeria.

“We strongly believe that unemployment leads to poverty, insecurity and other social vices. Nigeria's political, economic and social fabric is disintegrating because of this time bomb. Something urgent must be done and given the type of mono-economy we run in this country, we believe the government must lead the way so that unemployment can be reduced and eventually eradicated.”

The lecture, he said, would hold Thursday at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State is the Guest Speaker while his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, is the Chairman.

The Special Guest of Honour is Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State while the Director-General (D-G) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, is the Guest of Honour.

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, is the Keynote Speaker while the South-West Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, is a Special Guest.

Freedom Online is a member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

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DigitalSENSE Africa, Cyber Rights Advocacy Coalition petition President Biya over Internet shut down in southern Cameroun

ITRealms:

Continental leading At-Large Structure (ALS) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the DigitalSENSE Africa, in collaboration with the Cyber Rights Advocacy Coalition (CRAC) has petitioned the President of the Republic of Cameroun, Mr. Paul Biya, over the Internet shut down in the southern part of the country, reports ITRealms.

The group recalls that the incident of Internet shut down in the two Anglophone regions of the Republic of Cameroun, namely the South West and North West came on the orders of government of Cameroun through the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and Ministry of Communications.

In an open letter on behalf of the coalition, made available to ITRealms, and endorsed by the Executive Director, Operations at DigitalSENSE Africa, Mrs Nkemdilim Nweke, they expressed concern over the increasing number of internet shut downs in Africa, especially the Central African countries, describing it as alarming.

According to the coalition, out of an estimated 10 shut downs in recent times in Africa, 7 were from the Central African countries including Cameroun, Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville, Chad, Gabon, the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo. This is in addition to Egypt, Sudan and Niger.

The coalition also said its worried, hence, they are adding their voices formally alongside other local, continental and international civil society organisations on the protracted subject, which they said was uncalled for in the first instance at this era of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) ruling the world.

In addition, they were disturbed that the Cameroun government’s action has led to disconnection and lack of Internet connectivity in two regions, at a time country like Canada a few days before proclaimed a high-speed internet, a basic service "necessary to the quality of life" of all Canadians.

The open letter dated February 14 with the theme: Internet Shut Down in Anglophone regions of Republic of Cameroun, the coalition noted that as a forward looking organizations of repute that see the future of African countries including the Republic of Cameroun and their economies, as well as efforts to largely alleviate poverty on the society; greatly depending on the availability and quality of Internet access to the citizenry at this 21st century and beyond.

“We wish to state that this action (by Cameroun) not only negates the possibility of Central Africa not meeting the Africa’s target within the 2063 Agenda, but the Republic of Cameroun being adversely affected both in the infrastructure development and human capital,” the group said.

They, therefore, solicited President Biya’s good offices, to as matter of urgency reverse the order given to the service operators through the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.

“We also urge the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to quickly liaise with other regional and continental bodies to ensure a change of heart by Mr. Biya’s government,” the group said, stressing that ECCAS intervention would send the right signal to Mr. Biya and any other African country that may be thinking on following this ugly footstep, mostly in ECCAS region to realise the essence of the Internet to our daily existence.

The coalition further, encouraged local Civil Society Organisations in the Republic of Cameroun to remain steadfast while beckoning the global and International communities to condemn the action of Mr. Biya’s government in totality, because it distorts conventions including the African Peoples Right among others.

“Above all, the citizens’ access to the world should be upper most in the African leadership,” the group said, just as they ask the government of Cameroun guarantee internet access without further restriction to these two regions: South West and North West; otherwise known as Anglophone regions; reinstate commitment to keeping the internet connected and accessible, including social media to the people of Republic of Cameroun.

The coalition maintained that by collaborating with the African Union (AU), ECCAS in resolving whatever seemingly problem suspected to have led to the shut down in first instance and “embrace a new slogan of ‘Internet is for everyone’ because any clamp down on one is an injury and violation of cyber rights of citizens.”

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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BBNaija Housemate, Soma, Joins, Noble Igwe, as PayPorte’s Fashion Ambassador

ITRealms:

Preferred online store and sponsor of the Big Brother Naija reality TV show, PayPorte, has named Soma, its fashion ambassador, reports ITRealms.

The multi-talented singer, model, and immediate past Big Brother Naija housemate, joined Tayo Faniran as the second Big Brother housemate to be signed by the online store.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer PayPorte Global System, Bassey Eyo, said, in a press statement made available to ITRealms that the online store was captivated by the unique endorsements and support extended to Soma by Nigerians during his two weeks stay in the Big Brother Naija house.

“As an online store, with special interest in the young and youth demography, we always look out for young people with unique talents and potentials, and that is what we saw in him.

“PayPorte stands for its commitment towards offering the highest quality products and services to our customers with the aim of adding value to their needs. With this new deal, we at PayPorte are reaffirming our commitment to providing wide range of products that meet the lifestyles of our target customers – young people who choose smarter and modern ways of living and desire quality products to meet their everyday needs. We believe Soma’s coming to PayPorte as one of our fashion ambassadors will have mutual benefits on both parties,” Bassey, added.

The Head, Strategy and Planning PayPorte Global System, Irene Kayoma said “Soma’s personality has some striking similarity with what PayPorte represents, which is affordable yet urban and classic fashion, gadgets, home and kitchen essentials and accessories for young and youthful individuals”.

Soma's manager, Ariiya Tickets’ Elsie Oluku, said, “I am really excited that despite his eviction, PayPorte saw his uniqueness and talent and signed him. I am very happy. I will like to encourage other Nigerian brands to support the youth, like PayPorte.

Responding to the new deal, Soma, said he was amazed and humbled by the support showered on him by fans during his stay in the BBNaija house and after his eviction.

“I am still in awe and excitement over the support and love shown to me by fans during my stay in the Big Brother Naija house. This new deal to join PayPorte family as one of their fashion ambassadors really came as a surprise to me, especially after evicted from the BBNaija house.

As PayPorte’s fashion ambassador, Soma will play a role alongside other fashion ambassadors in enhancing PayPorte’s brand aspirations and values in association with the brand’s products and promotional activities.

PayPorte commenced business activities in 2014, as an Online Store with the highest quality of products ranging from fashion and fashion accessories, shoes, electronics, smart phones, perfumes, home appliances, etc. at the best prices. PayPorte prides itself in its timely delivery, quality and innovative products, highly skilled and friendly customer care representatives and delivers to your doorstep, anywhere in Nigeria.     

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Cameroun Internet Shut Down: UN says its appalling, urges restoration

ITRealms:

A United Nations expert has called on the Government of Cameroun to restore services to predominantly English-speaking parts of the country which have been cut off in “an appalling violation of their right to freedom of expression” reports ITRealms.

The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Mr. David Kaye said that he is particularly concerned at the tightening of the space for free speech at a time where its promotion and protection should be of the utmost importance.

His call is coming on the heels of avalanche of reports that Cameroonians in the northwest and southwest regions, which are predominantly English speaking, have been unable to connect to the internet since 17 January. It also comes against a background of widespread protests against government policies which have reportedly marginalized the country’s English-speaking population.

Cameroon, he pointed out, has two official languages namely French and English. But English speakers have long reported that they face discrimination and marginalization, and are excluded from top civil service positions and public services. They also complained their access to justice is limited because the majority of legislation and judicial proceedings are in French.

“A network shutdown of this scale violates international law – it not only suppresses public debate, but also deprives Cameroonians of access to essential services and basic resources,” said Mr. Kaye, urging the government to restore internet facilities immediately.

In 2016, the Human Rights Council passed a resolution which unequivocally condemned measures to intentionally prevent or disrupt access to or dissemination of information online in violation of international human rights law, and called on all States to refrain from and cease such measures.

This followed the 2015 Joint Declaration of UN and regional experts in the field of freedom of expression, which stated that network shutdowns or internet ‘kill switches’ are measures which can ‘never be justified under human rights law’.

The UN Special Rapporteur will continue to monitor developments in Cameroon closely, and is at the disposal of the authorities to provide assistance or advice as required. 

Remmy Nweke

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