Connect with us

Telecom

Maida Urges Nokia to Invest in Nigeria’s ICT Research and Development

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has requested Nokia Networks to increase its investments in Research and Development (R&D) to support the growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria.

L-R: Finnish Deputy Minister for International Trade, Jarno Syrjala; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida; Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Adeleke Adewolu, and Nokia Vice President for Sales, Middle East and Africa, Petri Moilanen, during the visit of a delegation from Finland to the Commission in Abuja recently.

L-R: Finnish Deputy Minister for International Trade, Jarno Syrjala; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida; Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Adeleke Adewolu, and Nokia Vice President for Sales, Middle East and Africa, Petri Moilanen, during the visit of a delegation from Finland to the Commission in Abuja recently.

Maida spoke when a delegation from Nokia Networks of Finland led by the Deputy Minister, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Jarno Syrjala, visited the Commission recently to explore further opportunities for mutually-beneficial relationships.

He told the delegation that the Nigerian government is keenly interested in harnessing Nokia’s capabilities through technology transfer to support Nigerian youths in technical skills.

The Nigerian government is targeting training of three million youths in ICT skills to advance the country’s digital economy. “We are keen on getting the youths employed, as our Ministry is targeting three million youths for skills acquisition,” the EVC said.

Maida informed the Nokia contingent that the Commission places primacy in R&D as the bedrock of any knowledge economy, and for advancement of innovation.

He, therefore, urged Nokia and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to explore R&D opportunities to deepen local content development in Nigeria.

While congratulating Maida on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator, Syrjala said the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of collaboration to support Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.

Syrjala recalled Nokia’s continued partnership with communications service providers in Nigeria, as well as cable and other operators to deliver critical network systems with high performance, reliability, and security.

He noted that Nokia already has an R&D centre in Nigeria and would target greater investment in this regard.


Kindly share this post

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

Telecom

Konga Announces Mid-Year Shopping Festival

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce giant, is thrilled to announce the third edition of its highly anticipated Mid-Year Shopping Festival. This epic sales campaign, which runs from June 1st through July 31st, 2024, offers two months of intense price slashes across all product categories. It promises to be the biggest discount sale in the first half of the year, rivaled only by Konga’s legendary Black Friday extravaganza, Yakata.

This year’s Mid-Year Shopping Festival holds even greater significance, as it coincides with Konga’s 13th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone and reward loyal customers, Konga has pledged massive discounts on a staggering range of products.

Partnering with renowned global brands such as Apple, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, Starlink, L’Oreal, Haier Thermocool, LG, Nestle, and others, Konga is offering shoppers genuine products at irresistible prices. The e-commerce giant has pledged massive discounts across all categories and products, including Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Home and Kitchen Appliances, Electronics, Computing, Mobile Phones, Wine & Spirits, Fashion, and much more. Whether for personal use or bulk purchases, Konga’s Mid-Year Shopping Festival presents an opportunity for customers to make significant savings on their favorite products.

“We are incredibly excited to kick off our Mid-Year Shopping Festival and celebrate Konga’s 13th anniversary with our esteemed customers,” said Kunle Ajani, Head of Marketing at Konga. “At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with genuine products at unbeatable prices. It is our way of saying thank you for your unwavering support over the years.”

In addition to the massive discounts, the Mid-Year Shopping Festival will feature exciting events such as Flash Sales, Treasure Hunts, and Live Auctions on specific campaign days. These events offer customers the opportunity to snag incredible deals and win exclusive prizes while enjoying the thrill of the shopping experience. Furthermore, Konga is extending special deals to walk-in customers at Konga stores, providing another avenue for shoppers to access exclusive discounts and savings.

Adding to the excitement, Konga will launch its revolutionary delivery solution, KongaNow, which enhances customers’ overall shopping experience through free same-day delivery in the major cities in Nigeria. This novel delivery service is set to redefine the standards of e-commerce by providing efficient delivery and ensuring that customers receive their orders promptly. Konga’s dedication to providing top-quality products, exceptional service, and unmatched discounts reflects its unwavering commitment to ensuring that customers receive maximum value for their purchases.

“We understand the importance of providing our customers with a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience,” said Mr. Ajani. “That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce KongaNow, our innovative delivery solution that offers free same-day delivery. With KongaNow, shoppers can enjoy the convenience of receiving their orders on the same day, completely free of charge.”

The excitement extends beyond the shopping experience! KongaPay, a member of the Konga Group, adds to what shoppers gain during the Mid-Year Shopping Festival. Enjoy the convenience of free transfers to any bank account within Nigeria while making your Konga purchases. Additionally, get rewarded for taking care of your everyday needs. For every airtime/cable TV/data/utility bill payment made using KongaPay, you’ll receive a 5% cash back (capped at N500). This empowers you to save even more while managing your essential bills conveniently.

June is already shaping up to be the hottest month for deals and discounts, courtesy of Konga’s latest promotional blitz. During the Mid-Year Shopping Festival, you can confidently purchase genuine products from reputable brands. This commitment to authenticity ensures you get the quality and performance you deserve for your hard-earned money.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Glo, Airtel Missing as MTN is Named Most Admired African Brand @Brand Africa 100

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MTN Group has been named the most admired African brand in the newly released Brand Africa 100: Best Brands report for 2024. This recognition marks the tenth consecutive year that MTN has held this position. The report highlights MTN’s commitment to “doing good for society, people, and environment” through its Environmental, Social, and Governance efforts.

MTN’s work in various sectors, including education, health, sports, and more, has significantly contributed to the growth of these industries. In Nigeria, the MTN Foundation invested ₦2.5 billion in 2023 across several Corporate Social Investment projects, impacting over 58,000 individuals, 15,000 small businesses, and 65 schools. Over the past 20 years, the MTN Foundation has committed NGN28.2 Billion in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) across Nigeria’s communities.

In sports, MTN has demonstrated its dedication to supporting development, from sponsoring the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023 to investing in grassroots athletics programs like the MTN CHAMPS tournament. Additionally, MTN Nigeria recently became the first technology company in Africa to receive the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) MOVE certification.

MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating, “MTN is committed to meeting our customers’ current and future needs, leveraging digital capabilities for a more sustainable future, and fostering strong partnerships to drive meaningful change. These awards inspire us to keep focused.”

The report also noted that while international brands like Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Coca Cola, and Apple have retained their positions as the top five admired brands for the fifth consecutive year, MTN has solidly maintained its position as one of the most admired African brands for ten consecutive years.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

NCC Directs Telcos to Audit Billings to Address Data Depletion Complaints

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has said that mobile network operators (MNOs) have been directed to audit their billing systems, to address consumer complaints about data depletion.

NCC Directs Telcos to Audit Billings to Address Data Depletion Complaints

The commission made this known in a statement on Friday.

“Quality of experience takes into account all touch points along the consumers’ journey in using telecom services from selection, through onboarding, usage, support and even off-boarding,” NCC said.

“This means that consumers are empowered to make the right network selection, enjoy a seamless onboarding into the network of their choice, enjoy quality service at fair costs, receive responsive customer service and enjoy protected off-boarding where they choose to leave the ntwork.

“To address consumer complaints on data depletion, the commission has directed mobile network operators (MNOs) to conduct an independent audit of their billing systems and is concluding a consultation process to simplify tariff plans.

“These initiatives would provide enhanced transparency to the consumer.”

elsewhere, the NCC said it is committed to tackling industry debt issues more seriously.

The commission said it has also embarked on critical advocacy initiatives to address long-term challenges in the sector, “including advocacy for designating telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, as well as successfully persuading over six states to waive right of way (RoW) fees, even as he initiates discussions with more states”.

NCC said engagement is ongoing with the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms towards addressing multiple taxation issues in the telecoms sector.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending