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Dearth of Digital Skills Among Communication Graduates Worries Experts

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Communication scholars and media industry experts have called for change in the mass communication curriculum to adequately equip communication graduates with knowledge and skills critical for functioning in the contemporary media workspace and for driving national development.

The call was made at the inauguration of executives and lecture of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) Enugu State Chapter, with the topic, “Marketing Communication in the Digital Media Age: Need to Review, Reload and Rejig our Educational Curriculum for National Development,” according to a press release signed by Dr. Chukwudi Anyianuka, Secretary, ACSPN Enugu State Chapter.

Professor Stella Okunna, Member, ACSPN Board of Trustees and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, chaired the inauguration.

She expressed joy and satisfaction with the activities of the Chapter since it joined the national ACSPN train, and charged members to remain focused on implementing the vision and mission of the association.

Delivering the lecture, Mr. Ike Ezugwu, a veteran advertising practitioner and Managing Director, Hillheights Media Solutions Limited, stressed that the business of advertising and public relations is rapidly migrating from the industrial to digital media platforms, as target audiences are now netizens that rarely patronize hardcopy publications.

“This has necessitated the acquisition of digital media skills, requiring an immediate review of the educational curriculum and proper funding of communication education, to ensure that skills of mass communication graduates are honed along this line,” he said.

Mr. Uche Anichukwu, senior special assistant, Media Relations to Enugu State Governor and a guest at the event, acknowledged the paucity in education funding in Nigeria, stating that it justifies Enugu State’s decision to spend 30% of the 2024 budget on education.

According to him, “Governor Peter Mbah should be commended for this bold unprecedented initiative. It demonstrates government’s intent to equip schools, improve the teaching and learning environment and enable the training and retraining of teachers to impart the right knowledge and skills on students, including that of our communication students.”

In his remark, Mr. Okey Odogwu, Managing Director, Dream 92.5 FM, Enugu, noted that the broadcasting sector was facing a crisis due to the rise of digital journalism, which has resulted in the massive layoff of staff in the industry.

In his words:“We are struggling in the broadcast media and no longer make money. We no longer get jingles because of the bad economy. Firms are also struggling and now placing their advertisements mainly on social media.”

Other guests who spoke at the programme were, Dr. Hilary Ozoh, Communication Specialist at UNICEF, who commended the association and urged it to fulfill its mandate of maintaining a synergy between communication scholarship and practice, and Dr. Reuben Onyishi, Senior Special Assistant, New Media to Enugu State Governor, who observed that digital media journalism had been populated by charlatans, and advised practitioners to take their communication skills seriously and maintain ethical standards when deploying digital media tools for content creation.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration, oath taking and pledge of allegiance of the newly elected eight-member strong executives, administered by Barr. Chizoba Agbo, Public Relations Officer, African Women Lawyers Association, Enugu State.

The newly inaugurated executives who will drive the growth of the Chapter in its embryonic years are: Professor Linus Ogbuoshi – Chairman, Dr. Ferdinand Obasi – Vice Chairman, Dr. Chukwudi Anyianuka – Secretary, Dr. Helen Nwachukwu – Assistant Secretary, Dr. Samuel Ezema – Treasurer, Dr. Elijah Efetebor – Financial Secretary, Barr. Casey Aniugbo – PRO and Mrs. Adaeze Akubuilo – Welfare Officer.

Professor Ogbuoshi, in his speech promised to work with his team and members of the chapter, and partner with the State Government and UNICEF to design and implement programmes that would bridge existing communication gaps critical in driving national development.

Several communication scholars and practitioners attended the inauguration.

Among whom were, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odugwu, Chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists, Anambra State Chapter, Mr. Magnus Eze, Southeast Bureau Chief, Sun Newspaper, Mrs. Maureen Atuonwu, Southeast Zonal Director, News Agency of Nigeria and erstwhile Chairperson Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, Enugu, and Mr. Jude Ossai, of the Daily News Nigeria.


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Halilu Tasks NASENI Finance Managers On Effective Resource Management

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Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has underscored the importance of effective resource management, emphasizing the Agency’s responsibility in administering public funds for the benefit of Nigeria.

L-R: Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure Directorate, NASENI, Prof Bagudu Gwandangaji; Support Officer/NASEN Desk Officer, OAGF, Mr. Mustapha Marafa; Deputy Programme Manager, System Support and Sustainability Directorate, OAGF, Mr. Jeremiah Asanato; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Coordinating Director, Finance and Accounts, NASENI, Alh Ibrahim Baba Dauda; Coordinating Director, Science Infrastructure Directorate, NASENI, Prof Umaru Gaya during a one-day sensitization workshop on Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) policy and guidelines for financial managers organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation held at NASENI Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

The EVC stated this while declaring open one-day sensitization workshop on Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) policy and guidelines for financial managers of NASENI in collaboration with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) held at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

The workshop was aimed at enhancing financial management practices for NASENI principal officers, directors, managing directors and accounting officers system-wide.

Urging the participants to take the workshop with all sense of purpose, the EVC/CEO called for accurate financial record-keeping and the adoption of innovative processes which remain integral in the GIFMIS policy. He stressed the significance of staff training and capacity development to ensure the discharge of duties to make NASENI a preferred public sector employer in Nigeria.

While warning staff on classified documents, Mr. Halilu said confidentiality in financial management is a crucial aspect and called for strict adherence to public service regulations regarding the integrity of official information.

He further emphasized the Agency’s 3Cs initiative of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization as NASENI’s core operating principles, expressing confidence in achieving the Agency’s goals in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Deputy Programme Manager, System Support and Sustainability Directorate, OAGF, Mr. Jeremiah Asanato, giving overview of the GIFMIS, said it is aimed at integrating budgeting and government expenditure. He emphasized that the policy will help to address irregularities, corruption, and other fraudulent activities in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

In his vote of thanks, Coordinating Director,Finance and Accounts, NASENI, Alh. Ibrahim Baba Dauda, appreciated all Finance and Accounts Directorate staff from across NASENI centres system-wide for attending the workshop. He challenged them to start thinking of making NASENI an independent revenue-generating agency.


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Annual General Meeting: Nigeria Set to Host the 2025 Edition of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities’ Conference

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Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is to host the 10th edition of the prestigious Network of African Data Protection Authorities’ (NADPA-RADPA) Conference and Annual General Meeting.

This significant decision was made during the 9th NADPA Annual General Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, where Nigeria, through NDPC under the exemplary leadership of the National Commissioner/CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, emerged as the successful bidder to host this prestigious event.

The Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP), founded in Ouagadougou in September 2016, consists of 23 (Twenty-Three) Data Protection Authorities across Africa. Its primary objective is to establish a platform for exchanges and cooperation among its members while amplifying Africa’s voice in global partnerships.

Nigeria joined the network in 2022 and has been actively engaged since then, including taking on the role of coordinator for the Regulatory Harmonization working group during the recently concluded annual general meeting in 2024.

The 9th NADPA–RADPA Conference and Annual General Meeting, hosted by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner in Nairobi, Kenya, was marked by an impressive turnout, with over 1500 individuals and organizations in attendance.

Noteworthy participants included multinational corporations such as Google, Amazon Web Services, EY and Microsoft, as well as development partners which included the European Union, German Corporation, GIZ, and Digital Transformation Center among others.

The 2025 edition will serve as a pivotal platform for Data Protection Authorities from across Africa to convene, collaborate, and share insights on emerging trends, challenges, and best practices within the data protection and privacy ecosystem.

Furthermore, it will bolster Nigeria’s economic growth by attracting Foreign Direct Investments and contribute to the enhancement of the country’s tourism sector by providing delegates with opportunities to explore its offerings.

Moreover, hosting such a prestigious event will elevate Nigeria’s reputation as a hub for innovation, research, and academic excellence, thereby attracting additional investment and talent, while serving as a prime opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse industries, products, and services to a global audience.

Additionally, the conference will facilitate capacity building and skill development in digital technologies, empowering individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools required to thrive in the current global digital economy.

As the host country, Nigeria is deeply honored to welcome esteemed delegates and participants to this significant gathering. The conference serves as more than just a platform for sharing insights, it highlights Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to advancing data protection principles and fostering international cooperation in this crucial field.

Collaborating with various Government Agencies, Multinational Corporations, and Development Partners, NDPC is poised to co-host this event. With its multifaceted agenda, the conference promises to ignite growth, foster collaboration, and drive advancement within the data protection landscape and beyond.


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Sustainability Meets Luxury As QNET’s Bernhard H. Mayer Introduces OMNI Watch

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Bernhard H. Mayer, QNET’s esteemed luxury brand, on Wednesday announced the launch of the OMNI Watch, a pioneering addition to its exquisite collection that blends top-tier elegance with environmental consciousness. As part of the launch, QNET has reinforced its commitment to sustainability by partnering with eco-focused organizations to plant trees for every OMNI Watch sold, amplifying the brand’s impact on global reforestation efforts.

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The OMNI Watch comes in seven distinct variants, each featuring straps made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) and bodies crafted from 85% recycled steel. This design not only exemplifies durability and flexibility but also showcases the brand’s dedication to reducing environmental impact, aligning with the latest consumer preferences for sustainable luxury products.

“In developing the OMNI Watch, we were driven by our vision of integrating eco-friendly practices with our longstanding tradition of excellence in watchmaking. This product is for those who want it all – style, sophistication, and a sustainable lifestyle,” said Trevor Kuna, Chief Transformation & Reputation Officer at QNET.

To kickstart the tree-planting initiative, 1,500 trees have already been planted — 500 in Cairo, Egypt, in collaboration with Shagarha, and 1,000 in Amizmiz, Morocco, in partnership with the High Atlas Foundation. These efforts are part of QNET’s larger Green Legacy Programme, a reforestation campaign that has successfully planted over 10,000 trees worldwide in the past two years.

“Each OMNI Watch sold translates directly into more trees planted, further enhancing our global canopy and contributing to the communities we serve. Through these actions, we reaffirm our commitment to the planet and our customers, ensuring that our luxury products leave a positive legacy,” added Kuna.

Amina El Hajjami, Director of Programs for the High Atlas Foundation, emphasized the scale and future potential of this initiative: “Planting trees plays a crucial role in our commitment to preserving biodiversity and advancing sustainable practices. With QNET’s invaluable support, we’ve achieved significant environmental benefits in the Amizmiz region.

“The planting of these initial 1,500 trees marks just the beginning. We are eager to intensify our efforts, planting additional trees in the coming months to further our environmental objectives.”

The OMNI Watch is available for purchase through QNET’s exclusive distribution network, offering consumers around the world a chance to partake in luxury that leads to a greener tomorrow.


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