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Soludo Inks Mou with Microsoft and Wootlab to Train 20,000 Youths on Digital Skills

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Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, has launched Solution Innovation District, (SID); the innovation and business incubation program of the State, starting with the Anambra Digital Tribe Program.

The SID is set up to drive overall innovation in the State including deep technology, creative talents, startups, business innovations etc.

The function which was held at Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center, Awka, featured the signing of a memorandum understanding with Anambra State Government, Microsoft and Wootlab Foundation to train 20,000 youths on Digital Skills.

Performing the function, Governor Soludo stressed that knowledge and skills are enduring forms of power.

He pointed out that the power of knowledge and skills transcends space and time and is not constrained by any boundaries because it follows an individual anywhere he or she goes.

“The demand for knowledge and skills is global. The certificate you possess doesn’t really matter to the world. They are more interested in your mental capacity and your manual dexterity. This is the game-changing moment” Governor Soludo further pointed out

“The desire to succeed and the desire to add value are the first requirements for success. Your knowledge and abilities will support you in achieving this.

“Being a Governor or President is temporary power, and after your tenure, the world continues. However, when you have knowledge and skills, you have power that lasts a lifetime.

“Those who seek knowledge and skills have a place in the future. We are continuing today with our plan to retake control of our state and put it back on the right course”, he emphasized.

“To the 0.01% of our population who are criminals cannot define who we are. This is the message we sending to them. The 99% of ndi Anambra are renowned for their entrepreneurship, diligence, fortitude, and inventiveness.

“The future starts today! Although, the past few days have been quite busy, I must thank you all for coming, especially our students and youth. I see the brand-new Anambra of our dream when I look into your faces” he added.

The Governor appreciated his Special Adviser on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms Chinwe Okoli, for organizing the programme, as well as Microsoft and Wootlab Foundation for supporting Anambra.

“I think that this alliance will serve as the cornerstone of our future.

“The transition of Anambra from commerce; a largely informal to a formal economy, particularly in the area of digital skills, has started” Governor Soludo stated.

The Governor spoke about other things including annual training of 10,000 youths on digital skills, cascaded to primary and secondary schools, universities, Churches, and communities; access to high speed internet, expressing his belief that launching of the Solution Innovation District would bring the world to Anambra and allow them to export their skills to the rest of the world.

On his part, the Commissioner for Youth, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, recalled that Governor Soludo had launched the one youth, two skills programme in October 2022 as a pilot phase of his agenda and reported that the programme was progressing well.

The Commissioner emphasized that the opportunities that lie in digital skills are overwhelming, maintained that the task of youth empowerment is a huge task and called on all stakeholders to participate in the programme.

He expressed satisfaction that Anambra State is not falling behind in terms of digital literacy, adding that the goal is to provide more quality jobs.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms Chinwe Okoli welcomed Microsoft and Wootlab foundation as official partners of the State Government and thanked Governor Soludo for launching the Solution Innovation District.

“This journey aims to unleash the Anambra people’s creativity and is consistent with the Governor’s goal of making Anambra State a livable and prosperous smart megacity.

“The Solution Innovation District was established in Anambra State to foster and promote skill, innovation, including digital skills. It will be a community of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and clever artisans who will all work together to find solutions to issues in Anambra, Nigeria, and around the world”.

According to the Special Adviser, the SID components include digital skills, business incubation and SME innovations. The end result is to produce thousands of millionaires each year.

She also mentioned SMEs acceleration from Onitsha to Awka to Nnewi, will help small business owners leverage on technology and reach more markets, make more money, hire more people, and create jobs.

The Representative of the Microsoft Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, Olatomiwa Williams the Chief Executive Officer of Wootlab Foundation, Chioma Okoro described the initiative as a move in the right direction asserting that the fourth industrial revolution has already begun.

Every Anambra youth is welcome to apply via this link: bit.ly/LEVELUPANAMBRA.

Deadline is 4th April, 2023.

R-L: Mr Patrick Aghamba, Commissioner for Youth Development, Chioma Okoro, CEO Wootlab Foundation, Prof.Charles Chukwuma Soludo., Anambra State Governor, Chinwe Okoli,
Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Olanrewaju Oyinbooke, Senior Cloud Advocate, Microsoft, during the signing ceremony held at Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center, Awka.

 

 

 


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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NCC Blames Growing Data Demand Network Quality Issues

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has linked Quality of Service (QoS) challenges across telecom networks to rising data consumption, stating that operators are ramping up efforts to sustain investments to improve coverage and capacity.

NCC Blames Growing Data Demand Network Quality Issues

Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC,

Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, stated this during a breakfast meeting with the media in Abuja on Friday, where he noted that while service quality is improving, it is yet to meet regulatory expectations.

He said recent data shows positive signals from independent user-based measurements, indicating that network performance is getting better rather than deteriorating.

However, he explained that increased usage is offsetting gains, creating a cycle where improved services trigger higher demand, which in turn puts fresh pressure on infrastructure.

“We’re still not where we want to be, but are we satisfied as a regulator? I would say within the context for which we operate, I think the area of satisfaction is the fact that we’re beginning to see the right signals. But at the same time, we also see a rise in consumption. So it’s like a cycle. As they’re making investments and making upgrades, people are consuming more,” he said.

Maida disclosed that data consumption has risen by about 170 per cent in the last two years, describing the surge as a major factor behind network strain.

The EVC added that operators are responding with increased investments, with site upgrades expected to rise significantly this year to expand both coverage and capacity.

He also highlighted regulatory efforts to improve industry sustainability, including ongoing policy reviews, cybersecurity framework implementation, and collaboration with security agencies to protect telecom infrastructure.

 

 


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How Nigerians Are Secretly Using AI to Master Creative Skills Fast

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Google has revealed new insights showing that Nigerians are increasingly leveraging Search and artificial intelligence tools to develop creative skills and explore artistic pursuits in 2026.

How Nigerians Are Secretly Using AI to Master Creative Skills Fast

Google AI

According to the latest trends for March, there is a growing shift toward using technology as a practical assistant for personal growth, learning and creative expression across the country.

Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a creative powerhouse continues to shape this trend. From the global dominance of Afrobeats to the rise of Nollywood—now ranked as the fifth-largest film industry globally—the country’s cultural influence remains strong. Industry data shows Nollywood’s value is approaching $8 billion, with over 70 per cent of viewership for Nigerian-produced content coming from international audiences. Similarly, Afrobeats continues its global surge, recording more than 13 billion streams annually on platforms like Spotify.

Google’s data indicates that Nigerians are deliberately using digital tools to sharpen their creative abilities. Interest in learning painting has surged by 90 per cent over the past year, while calligraphy has emerged as a breakout trend, reflecting new forms of artistic exploration.

Music-related learning is also on the rise, with searches for guitar lessons increasing by 80 per cent. At the same time, users are exploring emerging AI-powered tools such as Lyria 3, highlighting a blend of creativity and advanced technology.

Beyond the arts, Nigerians are turning to digital tools to broaden global connections. Interest in learning Italian has jumped by 130 per cent, while searches for Japanese language learning have doubled within the past year.

This growing appetite for digital learning is supported by Nigeria’s expanding tech-driven economy. Research by Public First suggests that every dollar invested in digital technology generates more than eight dollars in economic value. The ICT sector has also emerged as a key contributor, accounting for over 16 per cent of the country’s real GDP.

Students and families are equally tapping into AI-powered tools for education. Searches for AI tutors have become a breakout trend, while interest in combining AI with subjects like chemistry has doubled over the past year. Homework-related searches have also risen by 70 per cent.

These developments are being bolstered by improved digital infrastructure, including projects such as the Equiano subsea cable, which significantly increases internet capacity and connectivity across the region.

Commenting on the trend, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade said it is encouraging to see Nigerians using AI creatively to unlock new opportunities.

He noted that the rise in creative arts and language learning reflects a population actively shaping its future with technology, using AI tools as “24/7 tutors” to build skills and connect globally.

Google added that tools such as Search and Workspace are already delivering measurable productivity gains, with Nigerian knowledge workers saving over 22 million hours weekly—equivalent to an estimated $4.7 billion boost in productivity.

The surge in AI literacy, which has grown by 840 per cent, further underscores a broader shift as Nigerians increasingly integrate technology into their creative, academic and professional lives.


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Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Lands on Konga, Blending Innovation with Accessibility

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Samsung Galaxy S26 series has made a confident statement of intent; a flagship lineup that blends refined design, intelligent performance, and forward-looking innovation into one cohesive experience. Nigerian consumers looking to get their hands on these devices can now shop directly on Konga or visit any Konga retail center nationwide.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Lands on Konga, Blending Innovation with Accessibility

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series

The Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra have generated significant global attention, and  Nigeria is no exception. This series represents a quantum leap in mobile technology, delivering features that aren’t just incremental improvements; they fundamentally transform how we interact with our smartphones.

Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the revolutionary Privacy Display technology.  Samsung has engineered a solution for the modern, mobile professional who needs to work in public spaces without compromise. Using advanced light-control technology, the S26 narrows the viewing angle, making screen content visible only to the person directly in front of the device. Whether you’re reviewing sensitive documents or personal messages, you can interact with your device with complete confidence.

Equally compelling is the Steady Horizon Lock, an advanced camera stabilization system that elevates mobile photography to a professional level. This intelligent system uses gyroscopic sensors and AI-powered algorithms to keep your display perfectly level, regardless of how you hold the device. Whether you are capturing high-speed motion or recording content on the move, the S26 ensures smooth, professional-grade output that reviewers worldwide have called a total game-changer for mobile videography.

The Galaxy S26 series also takes AI integration to unprecedented heights. These devices  feature deeply embedded AI that learns your specific usage patterns, anticipates your needs,  and optimizes performance in real-time. From intelligent battery management that extends  your usage based on your daily routine, to predictive text that understands context with  remarkable accuracy, the S26 series doesn’t just respond to your commands, it anticipates  them. This positions the device as more than just a smartphone; it’s a personal digital assistant tailored to your lifestyle.

Beyond the hardware, Samsung has prioritized device protection through Samsung Care+  (SC+). Offering comprehensive protection for your investment, SC+ provides significant peace of mind for premium owners. To take full advantage of this, customers are encouraged to register their devices within 30 days of purchase to benefit from substantial discounts on screen repairs for the first 12 months.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series delivers a compelling blend of innovation, performance, and user-centric features. With its availability on Konga.com, Nigerian consumers have access to  cutting-edge technology through a trusted and convenient purchasing channel.

As the market continues to evolve, this collaboration highlights the importance of authenticity and experience in shaping the future of tech in Nigeria.


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