Gombe to host NCS international confab 2019 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The 2019 international conference of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has been scheduled to hold in the city of Gombe, Gombe State, reports ITREALMS.

National president, NCS, Prof. Adesola Aderounmi disclosed this in Lagos to ITREALMS, saying that the 2019 four-day conference would hold at the International Conference Centre, Gombe, Gombe State with the theme “Smart Nations, Digital Economies and Meaningful Lives”.

He also said NCS is preparing for the best and has assembled an impressive line-up of leading researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, industry experts, thought leaders, international scholars and subject matter experts as speakers and resource persons to share their extensive knowledge and experience on the theme and sub themes.

“Attendees will benefit greatly from their knowledge and insights,” he declared.

The conference, he said, would focus on important issues related to the theme and sub themes such as “Innovative and Disruptive Technologies in the New Economy; Smart Broadband, Digital infrastructure and Sharing Frameworks; Coding the Future of Agriculture, Health, Education and Services; Smart Culture, Communities and Inclusion; Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Future; Open Data, Open Government and Digital leadership; Women, Gender Balance and Innovation in Technology; Digital Law, Intellectual Property and Data Protection; IT in Education Policy and Management, Cyber Security Innovations and Opportunities; Smart Skills and Capabilities shaping the Digital Future; Economic Growth and Meaningful lives in the Digital Economy; Enabling the Smart Nation: Strategies and Policies; Education, Research and the Fourth Industrial Revolution; and Digital Transformation and Data Innovation.”

ALSO READ: FG sets aside Executive Orders 003, 005, refuses to pay SystemSpecs, Chams plc - ITREALMS

For him, the theme: Enabling Smart Nations, Digital Economies and Meaningful Lives, was drawn from the recognition that digital disruption is becoming the norm and the need to exploit unique data approaches to growth enable nations to become smarter.

“NCS and its members will explore how innovative and emerging technologies can be developed and utilized to create new services and improve solutions in the public and private sectors,” he said, stressing that for NCS, forward looking nations should be focused on leveraging the power of fast changing digital economies to boost economic growth and address disease, education, poverty and security, and enable sustainable development.

For instance, he noted that Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, etc are some of these disruptive technologies - the conference will address best practices, opportunities and challenges. The gathering will provide opportunities to share important ideas and experiences, showcase initiatives, examine vital issues and proffer solutions that are actionable and sustainable. Building Smart Nations and Digital Economies that foster growth and make a difference to the lives of people is integral to progress in this era. NCS calls on IT professionals, interest groups and stakeholders to be part of this historic event.

Additionally, he told ITREALMS that the conference would comprise plenary, parallel and technical sessions, networking meetings, panel discussions and special focus forums.

“Specifically highlights include the official opening and keynotes, plenary and parallel sessions, technical sessions, seminars, research consortium, induction of new members, youth innovation and entrepreneurship platform, exhibition and products launch, public sector ICT showcase, social media masterclass, NITDA session, National IT Competitions, fellows’ forum and Annual General Meeting to be culminate into election of new national executives,” he disclosed.

Remmy Nweke/DoP

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Lagos NUJ congratulates BOS, Hamzat on their inauguration - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has congratulated, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat on their inaugurations as Governor and Deputy Governor of state respectively, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement made available to ITREALMS and signed by the chairman, Lagos NUJ Council, Dr. Qasim Akinreti and Secretary, Mr. Alfred A. Odifa, described the epoch event as a demonstration of the beauty of democracy.

The Council noted that, the combination of the two will bring more meaningful and purposeful development to Lagos State going by their track records, both in public and private sectors where they have served.

Also, the Union noted the tenacity of purpose in their electioneering campaigns and urged the Governor and his deputy to use the same vigor for governance in tackling perennial problems facing Lagosians, especially in roads, housing, water, electricity and workers welfarism.

The Union promise to continue the good and robust working relationship that has existed between the government and the Council.

Further the Council stressed the urgent need for the Sanwo-Olu-led administration to complete all unfinished projects embarked upon by the Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration.

The Union prays to Almighty God to guard and guide them aright, as they steer the ship of the Centre Of Excellence to the 'Next Level' and wish them a successful tenure.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Digital Africa Conference attracts endorsements 'For The Age Of Abundance' - ITREALMS

PR@ITREALMS: 

The preparations for the successful hosting of this year’s Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition billed for June 25-27, at the Baze University, Abuja Federal Capital Territory, with leading technology firms and players already indicating interest to be part of this annual technology show are on top gear, reports ITREALMS.

This year’s Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition has as its theme: “Africa Tech Renaissance: Preparing Africa for the Age of Abundance,” and promises to capture the salient issues and the way forward to enjoying the Age of Abundance in Africa.

With the Fourth Industrial Revolution making a speedy entry into the globe via exponential technologies such as Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data & Analytics, Machine Learning, Augmented Reality (AR), Blockchain technology, etc, the global economy is now at the mercy of these disruptive technologies.

As technology is changing every part of human life – jobs, relationships, economies, industries and entire regions, it has been argued that Africa's greatest resource is its people and they alone can determine the direction for Africa’s digital revolution.

There is therefore, the need for an Africa with clean water, nutritious food, affordable housing, personalized education, top-tier medical care and non-polluting, ubiquitous energy. The time is now ripe to position Africa for Abundance through exponential change.

Speaking on the choice of the theme for this year’s event, Chairman of Digital Africa Group, Dr. Evans Woherem said “An Age of Abundance? Yes, it is coming, in fact, almost here with us. It is being fuelled by the exponential technologies. With the right type of decisions and actions by citizens, we can ensure that each of the countries in Africa will benefit from this new age of abundance’’.

“Imagine a situation where just by wearing a t-shirt in form of a technology tool, heartbeats are measured, uploaded to the Cloud via Bluetooth, and algorithms process them to accurately detect the irregular heartbeats.

“Imagine converting wastes from the coffee industry into biofuels for heating buildings and powering transportation or disrupting the air surrounding a fire and quenching it eventually by the pressure waves of sound. These are some of the things going to be prevalent in the Age of Abundance driven by technology.”

Dr. Woherem warned that in getting ready for the Age of Abundance, Africa should avoid sitting idle and letting the train of the new industrial revolution pass her by, insisting that governments must take this challenge very seriously and do something with a great sense of urgency.

“However, regardless of what the government does or does not do, the challenge is on us all, especially the youth to ensure that this new train of development does not pass us by. I implore you all thus: arm yourselves with knowledge, start research and projects in AI and other exponential technologies, even if it is from your bedrooms or garages.

“We must not miss this opportunity. If you don’t, especially if your children do not, they won’t be economic active members of society. For the sake of your economic well-being at least, do something, embrace these new technologies,” Woherem warned.

Picking out one of the exponential technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr. Woherem said it will be the key driving force behind the 4th Industrial Revolution, with the global economic returns of the revolution expected to be in the region of US$16 trillion, adding that along with these returns, AI is also expected to create 2.3 million new jobs by 2020, going by Gartner’s prediction.

He said that Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition was established some seven years ago to act as advocates and active participants for the bridging of the gap between Africa and the rest of the world in ICT.

So far, this year’s edition of Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition has attracted the endorsement of big industry regulators and players including the Federal Ministry of Communications; the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); and the Nigerian Communication Satellite (NigComSat).

Others include MTN Nigeria, Chams Plc, Chams Access, Interswitch, SystemSpecs, NIBSS, VDT Communications, Zenith Bank, NIMC and the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC).

 Uboshe Uboshe/Editor 

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Pix: Dr Worem.

FG sets aside Executive Orders 003, 005, refuses to pay SystemSpecs, Chams plc - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government (FG) may have set aside its own Executive Orders 003 and 005 by refusal to pay SystemSpecs and Chams plc, reports ITREALMS.

The Executive orders 003 and 005 are reputed as landmark and were part of the three orders signed on May 18, 2017 which encourages government businesses and operations to be conducted in the country, especially in support for local content in public procurement by the Federal Government.

Speaking to ITREALMS on the inability of FG to pay the two local technology companies owned by Nigerians, the President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, lamented that FG should be seen as leading by example.

He said that local content contributions to the economy cannot be over-emphasised due to the number of jobs they offer for the youthful population.

“This is integral to Nigeria’s economic revival,” he declared, noting with concern that compliance to the orders is not 100 per cent.

“This is in view of the doubts and questions such issues raise about full commitment to the much needed prioritization of local content development,” he declared.

ALSO READ: Season 2 NCS scholarship: Jim Ovia fulfills support, doles out N15.75m

One of the pertinent cases, he said was that of Remita, a payment gateway adopted by the Federal Government for its Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Remita, ITREALMS gathered, is a product of SystemSpecs, an indigenous ICT solution provider.

“Up till now the FG has not been able to fulfill its obligation with regard to the services rendered to her through Remita software,” NCS president decried.

Also, he said that despite official declarations, this in practical terms shows extremely low commitment to the implementation of the ICT Local Content Policy.

“It does not show much evidence exists of a structured approach to ensure Nigerian ICT firms are prepared by Government to take advantage of emergent National ICT opportunities,” NCS president bemoaned.

NCS highlighted also the plight of one of its corporate members, Chams Plc (and Chams Consortium Ltd, (CCL)), a forefront operator of the National Identity Management System Concession (the Concession) which commenced officially in the year 2010.

“It is on record that Chams made huge investments, in excess of N9bn, into the concession. Chams however suffered many frustrations which eventually snowballed into an unresolved state of affairs.

“This is despite the fact that Chams Plc has submitted to an amicable resolution in furtherance of her faith in the present administration.”

NCS further said that Chams Plc’s position should be looked into by allowing Chams Plc and Chams Consortium Ltd reap the fruits of an amicable resolution freely entered into with the NIMC as at 19th December, 2017.

The computer society of over 20,000 memberships, therefore called for urgent and decisive intervention by President Muhammadu Buhari as he takes charge of the second term in office to salvage local companies trying to improve the Nigeria's footprint in the ICT-map for the world to see through payment of their deserved transaction fees as agreed.

Remmy Nweke/DoP

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Madam Maggie's burial sets Isuikwuato agog - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The burial of a community leader, Madam Margaret Onuaku Umunna Edeyi and mother of the News Express Online Newspaper, Mr Isaac Umunna, set the sleepy Umuokogbuo community in Eluama, Isuikwuato, Abia State, agog, reports ITREALMS. 

Mourners, numbering in the hundreds, ITREALMS gathered, came from far and near, including Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Minna, Warri, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Aba and Umuahia as the expansive Umuokogbuo Town Hall, venue of the reception, was filled to the brim, as were the five canopies outside.

The burial which took place Saturday, May 18, 2019,  ITREALMS also gathered, saw enough to eat and drink, while the DJ dished out hit tunes non-stop and a clown further enlivened the atmosphere with a live performance.

Mourning the late Maggie, as she was fondly called, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential Candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, said in a condolence message: “On behalf of my family, I wish to sincerely condole you and your family on the death of your beloved mother. May God Almighty whom it pleases to call her at this time grant her eternal rest and grant the family fortitude to bear her irreplaceable loss.”

MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said: “Please accept my condolence and take solace in the fact that she was a kind and caring mother, a devout Christian and respected community leader. She will be greatly missed.

“May the Almighty God grant her eternal rest and to the family, the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen.”

On his part, Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to President Muhammadu Buhari, wrote: “Very sorry to hear this. The pain of losing a mother is unbearable. I can tell. Please be comforted. Mothers are from Heaven. She has simply gone back home.”

A devout Catholic who hardly missed early morning Mass, Maggie was widely known as a virtuous woman outstanding for her devotion to God, her family and humanity. Though she became widowed at a rather young age, she remained chaste for the rest of her life. During the packed funeral service which preceded the reception, she was hailed as one of the pillars of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Umuokogbuo, where the service took place.

Maggie, who died peacefully at about 103 years of age on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, is survived by five children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as a host of relatives. Her last child, Isaac Umunna, is Publisher of the influential daily online newspaper, News Express Nigeria (newsexpressngr.com).

Maggie has been immortalised by means of a popular blog known as Maggie’s Blog, published every Tuesday and Friday in News Express Nigeria.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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•Pix: Late Madam Margaret Onuaku Umunna Edeyi

AI in broadcasting makes debut -ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can optimize the process of making and distributing television and radio content, e.g. by improving workflows, quality evaluation and targeting of content

​ITU has just published a new report that lays out how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be used during the process of making and distributing television and radio content.

The report discusses how AI is now being used to optimise workflows for broadcasting programme making, to improve audio and visual quality evaluation, to efficiently utilize the frequency spectrum in television and radio distribution and recently even to create new programmes by mining archives as well as automatically targeting content to specific audiences or individuals.

For example, AI is being used for extracting content from vast archives; automatically localising content for international distribution; and generating access services such as captioning, audio description, text to speech and signing far faster and far more accurately than could be achieved in the past.

The report – Artificial Intelligence systems for programme production and exchange – reflects the work ITU has been doing on these issues, profiting from the experiences of programme makers and broadcasters who are doing just that.

"ITU is collaborating with stakeholders to harness the power of AI to improve lives worldwide and seek solutions to the world's greatest challenges," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "This helps us to identify practical applications of AI that can accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which is what we are doing this week at the AI for Good Global Summit."

"There is still an incredible amount of work needed to ensure that the use of AI in programme making and content distribution is for the benefit of the audiences," said Mario Maniewicz, Director of ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau. "We also need to make sure that the systems employed interact with each other. This and other Reports and Recommendations from ITU help to achieve that."

Chuks Egbune/Editor

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N150m housing scam: Subscribers condemn NUJ’s ban on comments, demand refund - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Condemnations have trailed the recent step by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to gag members on obvious fraudulent N150 million Penjewel Housing Scheme in Abaren, reports ITREALMS.

The NUJ in statement released by its Senior Assistant National Secretary, Gbemiga Bamidele, on Tuesday, barred its members from making public statement on the matter.

The statement came after intensified outcries from journalists in Lagos and a public discussion of the fraud on Channels Television amidst avalanche of media reports hitherto.

The condemnation was heightened as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) of the Lagos High Court was unable to settle the matter as main respondents through their lawyers took excuses at the final sitting last Friday, while they were actually hiding in a car outside the court and took to their heels on sighting some of the applicants, especially members of the Action Subscribers.

Further, the NUJ letter claimed it has summoned those parties involved including NAWOJ president, Ifeyinwa Omo’ole and former chairman, NUJ Council, Mr. Deji Elumoye, with hope for wider stakeholders meeting.

Stakeholders who spoke to ITREALMS on NUJ letter said that the leadership has not taken the clamour to resolve the fraudulent scheme seriously, otherwise NUJ should have intervened much earlier than waiting until ADU session has ruled the case is moving to the High Court.

According to them, the only seriousness they will accept is when NUJ hands those involved over to the security agencies and disassociate itself from fraudsters parading as NUJ leaders with tinted images.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Bet9ja: Lottery, essential ingredient for socioeconomic development - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Nigeria's preferred sport-betting operator, Bet9ja, has declared that lottery is an essential ingredient for socio-economic development, reports ITREALMS.

The Managing Director, Bet9ja, Ayo Ojuroye, made this assertion at a media launch of the ‘More than a bet’ campaign in Lagos, at the weekend, noting that lottery  is a social resource that is positively changing the economic fortunes of countries across the world.

"In Nigeria, the operation of lottery has precipitated increase in state revenue through payment of taxes and other levies paid to the government," he said,  revealed that Bet9ja pays all taxes and levies due to it as an organization promptly in compliance with every Federal, State laws and best corporate governance practice.

He also posited that for any nation to grow, it must possess the power to generate income internally so that the government can meet its civic obligation of providing infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, water, among others, as well as meeting recurrent expenditure.

Lottery, Ojuroye also noted, invariably contributes to curbing unemployment as opportunities exist in gaming, for instance oddsmakers, analysts, security, cashiers, among others.

Indeed, the job opportunities in lottery and sports betting are limitless and the revenue can help sustain the economy of the country.

The gaming enthusiast noted that the induced impacts on the economy arises as employees/beneficiaries of the industry spend their wages in the broader economy - payment of rent, school fees, transportation, food, beverage, and entertainment.

Bet9ja offers the most exciting and rewarding experiences to our customers with the best odds, best bonus and fast payout of winnings, he stated.

He said that the firm's most critical assets include its integrity and commitment to ensuring it provides the best service always.

"Bet9ja is MORE THAN A BET!," he enthused. 

Our 'MORE THAN A BET' campaign is a cue from the average customer. The singular ticket for a bet placed is MORE THAN A BET to that individual, that ticket is an opportunity to change one’s life.

He said that the company will continue to thrive to empower Nigerians economically to achieve dreams of enhanced standard of living.

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Pix: R-L: Senior Marketing Manager, Osobajo Olufemi; Head of Human Resources & Organisational Development, Kikky Boboye; Senior Legal Adviser, Adewale Akande, and Assistant Legal Adviser, Fatoye Seyi, all of Bet9ja, at the media unveiling of the "MORE THAN A BET" campaign in Lagos weekend

AfRALO, NCC, Medallion collaborate DigitalSENSE Africa 2019 Forum on Internet Governance, IPv6 Roundtable - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The African Regional At-Large Organisations (AfRALO) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), is collaborating with DigitalSENSE Africa Media for the 2019 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa Forum (NDSF) on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable, scheduled for Thursday, June 20, at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road, Lagos, reports ITREALMS.

This development is coming alongside the collaboration for NDSF 2019 by the apex telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Medallion Communications, the secured interconnect switching center.

According to the organisers led by the Executive Director, DigitalSENSE Africa Media, Mrs Nkem Nweke, the collaboration with AfRALO, NCC and Medallion for this year’s forum with theme: ‘Connecting Nigerians for Enhanced Internet Governance' will make NDSF series more exciting especially for participants and urged all to ensure they register and participate.



She noted that the forum which would now holds on June 20 at the Welcome Centre Hotels, MM International Airport Road, Lagos, was earlier scheduled for June 6, but has to be shifted due to public holidays in Nigeria.



Experts from AfRALO, she said, like NCC and Medallion have been lined up to lead discussions at the 10th Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa forum series on IG4D and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable.



She noted that AFRALO is the home of the individual Internet user community for the African region, providing news, key resources and interactive information sharing tools for individuals and end-user groups in the African region who are interested in ICANN and in shaping the future of the Internet.



DigitalSENSE Africa, she pointed out, as ICANN At-Large Structure (ALS) is a member of AFRALO, which aims to strengthen users’ participation in ICANN decision-making structures, to ensure that members actively encourage more direct participation by end users, build Internet policy making capacity in the region, reach out to Internet users on the issues in the scope of ICANN, as well as represent users’ interests and defining public interest aspects of Internet governance with specific focus on the areas of privacy, transparency, and accountability.



“Thereby strengthen consumer protection in ICANN policies and identify social impacts of technical infrastructure design like the uptake of IPv6 or otherwise,” she declared.



NCC, she also said is the apex telecommunications regulator in Nigeria and has been the champion of Internet Governance role player in the public sector and licenses internet service providers and telecommunication service providers among other players in the information and communication technology sector.

Further, NCC mandate of 2003 Nigerian Communications Act, she said avails the Commission to properly carry out its regulatory functions and activities including licensing and approving guidelines for keeping of accounts and cost allocation formula of licensees.



NCC, she disclosed, would be sending a high-powered delegation to the 2019 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum series on Internet Governance for Development and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable.



On the other hand, Mrs. Nweke said that Medallion Communications has proved itself as a leader in infrastructure provisioning through its interconnection and data centre facilitation in the industry, with the vision of bridging the digital divide between the developing and the developed economies of the world. Medallion has operational base in North America and across several African countries, offering Interconnect Houses where operators leverage interconnect with multiple operators in one location, but equally share the available telecom infrastructure thereby reducing overhead.



Medallion’s infrastructure, she said, has been designed to be robust and protocol independent to enable all classes of operators to interface seamlessly, for both Time-division multiplexing (TDM) and Internet Protocol (IP)-based telecom operators with any internet exchange points to ensure that local content providers are adequately catered for.



She recalled that DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA) Media, is a certified At-Large Structure (ALS) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and internationally reputed as award-winning Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry analysts and perception managers; professionally affiliated to African Regional At-Large Organisation (AFRALO) for shaping the future of the Internet, African Civil Society for the Information Society (ACSIS).



Chuks Egbune/Editor





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APRM, UCT, Nelson Mandela partner on regional integration - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), in collaboration with the University of Cape Town (UCT) Convocation and the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance (NMS), hosted a Public Symposium on the role of Young African leaders on Pan-Africanism and Regional Integration.

The Symposium was a commemoration of Africa Month, which among others seeks to increase the appreciation and demand for arts and culture, goods and services, and to stimulate competitive markets for trade among African countries.

The Symposium was structured in the form of keynote addresses and interactive panel discussions focusing on topical issues and themes relating to Nationalism and Pan-African Citizenry, African Integration and the Free Movement of People, as well as Youth and Business Innovation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The event was preceded by a networking dinner and keynote address by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chairperson of the APR Panel. Prof Gambari noted that the platform is critical, among other efforts, to secure Africa’s future through youth and women. He discussed the nexus between peace, security, democracy and development and the imperative of leadership in achieving the Africa which the Africans want, in the context the African Union Agenda 2063. Prof Gambari asserted that to achieve the “Africa we want”, youth must be at the centre of this change.

The APRM CEO, Professor Eddy Maloka, in his capacity as the President of the UCT Convocation, delivered the opening statement for the symposium. He noted that Africa Day is commemorated by the African Union on 25 May each year, and that discussions on the themes of Pan-African Africanism and Regional integration, including the Free Movement of People, are timely. He stated that one of the outcomes of the Symposium would be to create a platform where all those in attendance would work together to find solutions to the challenges facing the African Continent. In particular, that the APRM Continental Secretariat would work with, among others, Youth Envoys to ensure that the youth is part of creating Africa’s future.

In her Opening Statement, Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng, the Vice-Chancellor of UCT highlighted that the theme of the symposium is aligned to the AU agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want”. Furthermore, she indicated that as Africans we want this continent to thrive, and to achieve this we need to support one another and mould and support leaders who can make this vision a reality. She also emphasised the need to take advantage of the ingenuity and innovative thinking that is springing up across the continent. In her concluding remark, she urged those in attendance to, as an African community, continue to communicate, share ideas and exchange expertise because the “Africa we want to see has to do with our young people”.

Prof Alan Hirsch, Director of the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, UCT introduced the relevance of the topic: African Integration and the Free Movement of People and stated that it is the responsibility of this generation to rethink African boundaries and unite all 55 African countries.

Hon. Brigitte Mabandla, Member of the APR panel of Eminent Persons, congratulated the University of Cape Town and the UCT Vice Chancellor for organizing this event in celebration of Africa Day. She highlighted the importance of sharing APRM’s experience in assessing regional integration, youth leadership and free movement. She indicated that the free movement of people can be a catalyst for economic growth in Africa.

In the same vein, Prof. Carlos Lopes of the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at UCT, and Former Head of UNECA and Advisor to UN Secretary General on Africa, stated that there is a need for the revision of the regional integration instruments that have been used in the past, as it is evident in the case of African Union’s Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA). The session theme centred around the promotion of African Unity and Integration and discussions further touched on areas of trade, intra-Africa migration and immigration.

The second session discussed issues of Nationalism, Identity and Pan-African Citizenry. Panellists interrogated what it means to be African, the advantages and disadvantages of Nationalism, securing the rights of marginalized people, and advancing Africa’s transformative agenda.

The third session focused on vibrant discussions on youth leadership in Business Innovation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Panellists alluded to technology as an enabler of Africa’s Development. It was noted that African States must embrace technological change and empower young leaders to promote better governance. Questions centred around the preparedness of Africa’s policy landscape for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The session concluded with a call to Africans, especially the youth, to be the ones who define what the Fourth Industrial Revolution looks like for Africa.

The Symposium Panellists comprised representation from across the continent, including Mr Msingathi Sipuka of the United Nations (UN), South Africa; Prof. Faizel Ismail, Director-Designate at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, UCT; Ms Maureen Achieng, Chief of Mission at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Ethiopia, and representative to AU, UNECA and IGAD; Dr Omar Badsha, Chief Executive Officer, South African History Online (SAHO); Prof. Lungisile Ntsebeza, Professor and holder of the AC Jordan Chair in African Studies, UCT; Dr Siphokazi Magadla, Senior lecturer in the Political and International Studies Department, Rhodes University; Mr Rendani Mamphiswana, member of the Presidency’s Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), South Africa and Ms Asanda Lobelo, SRC President at UCT, amongst many others.

The symposium was attended by over 200 delegates comprising the UCT Alumni and student community, APRM member state Ambassadors, academics, representatives of international development agencies, policy practitioners, independent researchers and civil society.

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