Segun Ogunsanya is ‘Telecom CEO of the Year’

... Airtel wins most customer friendly network

ITRealms:

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, was at the weekend named the ‘Telecom CEO of The Year’ at the Nigerian Telecom Awards 2014 held in Lagos, reports ITRealms.

Mr. Ogunsanya was one of the CEOs nominated in the award category of this year’s Nigerian Telecom Awards which is the 10th edition and held at The Incubator Event Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, saw Airtel Nigeria also wing award as the ‘Most Customer Friendly Network.’

The 2014 Nigerian Telecoms Award night was graced by prominent individuals such as former Minister of Sports, Chief Alex Akinyele; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Executive Director, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Hon. Lola Edewor and other distinguished  personalities.

ITRealms gathered at the venue that the CEO award was presented by the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel with former Commissioner of Ogun State, Dr. Josephine Olatomi Soboyejo to the Chief Operations Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Tolu Ojo who stood in for Mr. Ogunsanya.

While a commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Mike Onyia made the presentation of the ‘Most Customer Friendly Network’ Award to Airtel Nigeria via Mr. Ojo accompanied by the Head, High Value Sales, Airtel, Buchi Anaekwe; Director, Customer Service Delivery, Airtel, Ajay Bashki; Director, IT, Rajat Jain and Director, Supply Chain Management, Airtel, Raghvendra Gupta.

Remmy Nweke:

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Pix: L-R, Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel with former Commissioner of Ogun State, Dr. Josephine Olatomi Soboyejo presenting the ‘Telecom CEO of The Year’ Award won by Airtel CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, to the Chief Operations Officer, Airtel, Mr. Tolu Ojo who represented the CEO at the Nigerian Telecom Awards 2014 held on Saturday in Lagos.

50% of world population to be online by 2017 - UN

ITRealms:

Over 50 per cent of the global population will have Internet access within three years’ time, says the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) via its latest State of Broadband report, ITRealms gathered.

ITU also said this would be achieved with mobile broadband over smartphones and tablets now the fastest growing technology in human history, according to the 2014 edition of the State of Broadband. 

The report released Monday in New York at the 10th meeting of the Broadband Commission for Digital Development the report reveals that more than 40 per cent of the world’s people are already online, with the number of Internet users rising from 2.3 billion in 2013 to 2.9 billion by the end of this year.

Over 2.3 billion people will access mobile broadband by end 2014, climbing steeply to a predicted 7.6 billion within the next five years. There are now over three times as many mobile broadband connections as there are conventional fixed broadband subscriptions. The popularity of broadband-enabled social media applications continues to soar, with 1.9 billion people now active on social networks.

Produced annually by the Broadband Commission, The State of Broadband is a unique global snapshot of broadband network access and affordability, with country-by country data measuring broadband access against key advocacy targets set by the 54 members of the Broadband Commission. 

Remmy Nweke:
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Glo advances to second largest operator with 27.3m subscribers

ITRealms:

The second National Operator, Globacom, may have advanced its tactics by moving up to the position of second largest mobile network operator (MNO) in the country, reports ITRealms.

This is coming as ITRealms gathered from the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as published on its website for the end of June 2014.

ITRealms also learnt that Glo had 27,327,646 subscribers on its network as at the end of June, 2014.

Equally, this indicates that 21 per cent share of the Nigerian telecoms market is on Glo, and thus places Glo second to MTN which has 56,516,759. 

ITRealms further gathered that Globacom with this emerging figure has swapped third place position with Airtel, following the attainment of a record 2.8m new subscribers within the first four months of 2014, namely between February and June.

Airtel, on other hand, has 25,302,160 subscribers and 20 per cent market share, just as Etisalat retained the fourth position with 19,390,285 customers, equivalent of 15 per cent market share.

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FG pledges five-fold increase in broadband infrastructure

ITRealms:  

The Minister of Communication Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson, has said the federal government is committed to a five-fold increase in broadband infrastructure to facilitate innovation and create more business opportunities for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies and the teeming unemployed youths in the country,ITRealms reports.

This is as the Commtech Minister listed inadequate power infrastructure as one of the key challenges impeding deployment of communications in Nigeria.

Johnson who stated this during a panel discussion on ‘Policies Enabling Access, Growth and Development on the Internet’ at the 9th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Istanbul, Turkey, recently, emphasized that countries with a higher broadband penetration experience greater innovation as it is a catalyst that fast tracks innovation adding that in recognition of the huge potential of ICT to drive Nigeria, as an emerging market, her ministry and Federal Government were applying and promoting an ICT strategy that will facilitate and stimulate rapid growth and development for the country.

She said that Nigeria was aggressively developing its ICT sector to drive national development in all sectors noting that the country has unveiled a National Broadband Plan and is currently implementing it to increase broadband penetration in the country five folds over the 2012 penetration rate by 2017, and stressing that Nigeria was pushing for an increase in broadband penetration to fast track innovation and enable a digitalised economy

The 9th annual forum with the theme, ‘Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multi-stakeholder Internet Governance’ drew 215 participants from Africa and 1,163 remote participants from Africa, civil societies, Asia Pacific, governments, Eastern Europe, intergovernmental organisations, the private sector, Latin America and the Caribbean, the technical community, Western Europe and other bringing the number of participants to a total of 2,374 onsite participants and

ITRealms recalls that some of the anticipated benefits of broadband penetration in the country include socio-economic development leading to efficient healthcare service delivery, education and literacy, enhanced security and safety, etc. as well as more robust macroeconomic activities that accelerate growth.

Chukwudi Obi

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Jonathan pencil down for honour @ICTMedia Centenary Awards

... As Adenuga, Ovia, Belo-Osagie vie for ICT Centenary awards

ITRealms:

The President and Commander-In-Chief Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been pencilled for honour as the “Grand Commander of ICT Promoters in Nigeria” during the ICT Media Centenary conference and awards slated for Wednesday, 8^th October 2014 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, reports ITRealms.

The event being hosted by the ICTMedia Initiative would have the trio of Hakeem Belo-Osagie, Jim Ovia and Mike Adenuga.

ITRealms recalls that Belo-Osagie is the chairman of Etisalat Nigeria; while Jim Ovia is the Chairman, Visafone Nigeria Limited and Otunba Mike Adenuga, is the chairman, Globacom.

The trio have been shortlisted to vie for the “Grand Investor in ICT 4 Development” in the special recognition awards category.

The chairman of ICTMedia Initiatives, Mr Aaron Ukodie in a statement issued in Lagos by the organisation’s Director of Communications, Mr. Olubayo Abiodun and made available to ITRealms said that other deserving stakeholders in the ICT sector would be honoured at the one day event, which includes a conference and award night during which the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Dr. Hamadoun Touré has accepted to give the keynote address.

According to Mr. Ukodie, in the other award categories, investors, companies, innovators, pioneer efforts, products and services, regulatory milestones that have stood out within the last century of Nigeria as a nation would be considered for awards.

Some of the award categories include: Most Outstanding Governor in usage of ICT 4 Development (North East, North west, North Central, South South, South East and South West), Premier ICT Officer of The Federation, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Agriculture and Rural Development, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for financial services, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Legal Administration, Outstanding Achievements in Software Development, Outstanding Achievements in Hardware Vendors, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Aviation Services, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Commerce, and the Most Outstanding Woman in ICT.

Others include: Most Outstanding CEO in ICT, Most Innovative ICT Company, Most Outstanding Bank in ICT usage, Most Outstanding Regulator in ICT, Most Outstanding Public Sector CIO, Most Outstanding Software Solution, Most Customer Friendly ICT Company, Most Outstanding e-Commerce Company, Most Outstanding Insurer in ICT usage, Outstanding achievement in Advocacy, Outstanding Achievement in Infrastructure Deployment, Outstanding Achievement in ICT for Public Services, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Broadcasting, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Identity Management, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Education Development, and the Most Visionary  ICT Entrepreneur of the Century.

The chairman of ICT Media Initiative stressed that individuals, corporates and institutions that have contributed in no small measures to the evolvement of the ICT sector as the biggest contributor to Nigeria’s global recognition are the focus of these awards in order to motivate them for greater contributions to the growth of the nation.

He assured that winners in the different categories would emerge from a painstaking process being undertaken by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the non-government organisation.

Pointing out that the BoT came up with names in the shortlisted categories for those who have invested money, time, energy and ideas to make the ICT sector stand out as the most strategic and iconic achievement by Nigeria in the last hundred years of its nationhood.

Apart from President Jonathan who through pro-active policy initiatives on the national broadband plan, the cybersecurity national strategy and plan, as well as micro and macro-economic policies that have sustained the growth in the telecoms sector, and increased FDIs inflow, other Nigerians have also invested creatively in the sector to compliment the efforts of the Nigerian government.

Mr. Ukodie stated that the ICT sector has made significant impact on the lives of the urban and rural dwellers as well as the industries and the farming population. Specifically, he said that efficiency matrix in Nigeria had recorded positive strides because of the contributions of the ICT to the lives of the individuals, government machineries and the processes and procedures in the private sector.

The event had already drawn on substantial goodwill and supports from the private and public sectors. The Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Omobola Johnson, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Peter Jack, acting Managing Director, Nigerian Satellite Communications Limited, Mrs. Abimbola Alele, Director General National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Emeka Mba and the Director General National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Barrister Chris ‘E. Onyemenam have declared their supports for the event. Others who have also endorsed the event include the immediate past EVC of NCC and Chairman of OpenMedia, Dr Ernest Ndukwe and Managing Director of CWG, Mr. Austin Okere, chairman of Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh and Mr John Tani Obaro, MD of SystemsSpecs.

Mr. Ukodie said that the main theme of the conference is: ICT in the Nigerian Centenary: Matching towards a Connected Nigeria. “We have also slated other sub-themes for discussion. One of the sub-themes is: Broadband, for a connected Nigeria and prosperity. The conference is intended to sustain the current growth and momentum of discourses and actions that would culminate in the cost-effective deployment of broadband. This fittingly complements the efforts of the Federal Government as exemplified by the inauguration of the National Broadband Initiative,” he said.

He said that ICT Media Initiative is a synergy across three entrepreneurial media groups namely the ICT Publishers Alliance (ICTPA) – comprising leading ICT publications; Business and TechnologyNews Publishers Foundation (BTPF) - made up of foremost business and technology publishers, editors and very senior news managers across Nigeria; and Nigeria ICT Broadcast Network (NIBN).

Nenye Dom

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:Pix: Adenuga, Ovia and Belo-Osagie

Wiko smartphones enter Nigeria

ITRealms:

Wiko, a leading smartphone vendor in France has concluded arrangements to enter the Nigerian market with its smartphones before the end of September, reports ITRealms.

Disclosing this at the 2014 IFA otherwise known as the Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin recently, ITRealms gathered that this means Wiko is determined to expand at the global level.

Speaking at Wiko’s IFA pavilion, the International Business Development Director, WikoGlobal, Mr. David Garcia, said the month of September would see launches in Poland, Nigeria and Kenya. 

He also revealed that Wiko made its debut in the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates within same period and would be followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in mid-October 2014. 

ITRealms recalled that Wiko was welcomed into the Vietnam in August to herald the brand grand entry into South-East Asia.

Mr. Gracia also notes that consumers in new markets are aware of Wiko’s strong brand and product proposition, even as Wiko has built strong relationships with its channel partners in every market, ensuring wide distribution and excellent customer care.

According to him, Wiko distinguished itself as France’s second largest selling smartphone after just three years, and driving Wiko’s success story across Europe is its compelling proposition based on smart French design, the latest Android KitKat 4.4 operating system and exceptional pricing.

“IFA is a great opportunity for Wiko to demonstrate our complete 3G and 4G smartphone line up. Tech lovers will have the chance to discover the Wiko’s innovative products that have made us successful in Europe so far,” he told correspondent at IFA.

On Wiko’s success story, Mr. Garcia pointed out that they deliver style and quality at the best price.

“We are excited about entering our new markets like Nigeria, Kenya, Poland, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and are confident of repeating our success story in these markets. We take pride in that Wiko is now setting a new direction for the smartphone market,” he asserted.

ITRealms recollects that Wiko Mobile has seen a phenomenon growth in France after its launch in 2011.

In 2013 alone, Wiko boasts of 2 million smartphones in the country in France, hence accounting for 8 per cent of the market based on GfK research figures.

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Galaxy Backbone achieves secure critical national ICT infrastructure

ITRealms:

*Ilukwe hands over to Kazaure

Leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services provider to the Federal Government, Galaxy Backbone Ltd, has achieved yet another feat in securing critical national ICT infrastructure, reports ITRealms.

This is coming as the outgoing Managing Director, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe has smoothly handed over to his successor, Mr. Yusuf Kazaure.

According to Mr. Franklyn Ginger-Eke of Stakeholder Management unit, Galaxy Backbone Ltd in a press statement made available to ITRealms, this achievement positions Galaxy as first public institution in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa to achieve certification with a newer version-ISO27001:2013 by the British Standard Institute (BSI).

ITRealms notes that Galaxy Backbone Ltd received the certificate for the newer version - ISO27001:2013 from the British Standard Institute this week, after undergoing Information and Security Management Systems (ISMS) verification and recertification audit exercise in June 2014.

He also revealed that Galaxy received the initial certification to ISO/IEC 27001:2005 in 2011, stressing that certification was valid for 3 years and expired on 5^th July 2014 and thus threw up the need for a fresh assessment for Galaxy to retain the certification.

Adducing reasons for the recertification of the initial version - ISO27001:2005 and transition to the newer version, Igoji Owoicho, Head of Internal Audit and driver of ISMS in Galaxy Backbone, pointed out that based on BSI rules, “companies already certified against the ISO/IEC 27001:2005 revision will have to transit to a newer version which came in to force in October 2013.”

Owoicho said that the company focused on the key objective of putting in place a globally accepted standard of information security management process that would guarantee the trustworthiness of its data centre services and Network Operations Centre.

“The certification has increased the confidence of our customers and key stakeholders to our commitment to benchmark international best practices in our business processes,” Owoicho said.

The certification, he further said, reinforces the important role of ICT as a major tool towards the attainment of a 21^st century economy and society.

“With the certification, Galaxy Backbone is well positioned to support Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the delivery of efficient and cost-effective services to Nigerians,” he said.

The outgoing Managing Director/Chief Executive, Galaxy Backbone, Gerald Ilukwe, said that the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification is an independent revalidation of our ability to protect information assets from all manner of threats.

Galaxy Backbone, Ilukwe said, they used the opportunity of the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification to raise stakeholder awareness on information security issues such as cyber security, information security, disaster recovery and business continuity planning and its implications for supporting the role of ICT in governance and national development.

Remmy Nweke:

ITREALMS ... delivering news for ICT4D
Pix: Yusuf Kazaure, MD/CE Galaxy Backbone Ltd in a congratulatory handshake with Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, SGF and Chairman, Board of Directors, Galaxy Backbone Ltd at a valedictory board meeting and formal presentation of handover notes by Gerald Chukwuka Ilukwe, outgoing MD.