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Smile Communications Says Nigeria Well-Positioned for Digital Economy

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Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, the 4G LTE broadband provider of choice, has described the Nigeria’s digital economy as huge, and will impact virtually all segments of the economy.

‘Digital Economy’ was coined by Don Tapscott in 1995 to imply an economy chiefly triggered by digital computing technologies.

Thus, in the face of dwindling oil revenue with increasingly pressure on the economy evident in budgets deficit, infrastructural deficit, high unemployment rate, harsh business environment, corruption, amongst others, Mr. Michiel Buitelaar, managing director, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, said that leveraging digital economy should be regarded as a sine qua non in sustaining the economy by the incoming administration led by Muhammed Buhari. 

Buitelaar who was speaking during a panel discussion at the sixth (6th) Annual Pan-African 1:1 Investor Conference organized by Renaissance Capital in Lagos, identified infrastructural advancement as overriding factor for the immediate expansion of sectors such as agriculture, transportation, banking & finance, health-care/medicine, and education.

He said that Smile Communications aligns itself with the key statistics expected for the Nigerian Digital Economy by 2018 as released by the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, especially for the emergence of an industry that is less fragmented.

According to the country’s target, the industry expects to attain 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018 from the present less than 10 per cent.

The Smile MD said, “There are various advantages the digital economic providers have over the traditional. However, to make this happen faster, there are catalysts required for it to even drive other sectors outside the ICT. Digital economy will be the driver of the agricultural, transport, health-care/medicine, education, banking & finance, among others. In our company, for instance, we are talking to companies in those sectors and one recently said that ‘the software is eating the world’.

“We do believe the new digital ICT will influence other sectors. For example, in agriculture; like I have seen in other countries, the efficiency and productivity is very likely to explode once all the digital economy has entered into their arena. It is also our expectation that the impact will become more pronounced within the next ten years. For emphasis sake, sectors like agricultural, transport, health-care/medicine, education, commerce, in fact, the whole move of digitization will have impact on the emerging economy and Nigeria’s economy is well positioned to make their journey better than many others,” the Smile Communications boss said.

Specifically on expected broadband impact on digital economy, Buitelaar, extolled the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan for approving the National Broadband Plan (NBP), expressing confidence in the Buhari government’s compelling posture for firm implementation of the plans.

“I think the Federal Government is doing a quite well, especially, by releasing a National Broadband Plan (NBP), but I will argue that the next Government continues with the plan in an even ‘forceful’ manner. Similarly, spectrum allocations should be looked at too; it is more of technical, but very important in the nation’s quest for more ubiquitous broadband. There are sub-sectors that the broadband availability will immediately impact their operations such as the delivery viz a viz ecommerce, e-payment, education and other clusters of business. These are crucial reasons the digital economy should be allowed to blossom,” he said.

“Having been here for six months, Nigeria is a wonderful country. At the same time, the incoming government should do something as regards the image of the country and perception in the rest of the world. That alone is capable of convincing foreign investors about the country’s business climate. Secondly, on infrastructure, I do believe that the whole country will benefit in smart investments in infrastructure. There are issues in transport, power and payment systems; if these issues can be addressed, with a couple of other commitments, I believe in the next few years the country will be reaping large chunk of benefits from them,” he said.     

Buitelaar added that the Company will not rest on its oars until Nigerians have access to qualitative and affordable broadband services.

He said, “From the Smile Communications’ perspective, we have penchant interest in the provision of high quality service. Later this year we will rollout service in a couple of other cities. We are serious about providing superfast broadband, high availability, high-quality and reliable offering, because Nigerians deserve qualitative service. If a small scale business is using your service, they ought to get maximum benefit; that is the way they can grow and employ more people. In that way you have impacted lives and the country’s GDP will feel the boost as well”.

Earlier, the Keynote speaker, Professor Pat Utomi, while addressing investors and captains of industries at the Conference, shared similar views with Mr. Buitelaar.

He said that thrust of the in-coming administration should be centered on making corruption costly and unattractive through public service entrepreneurship and goal oriented; reinvent sectors like mining and building clusters of strong institutions, leveraging ICT, among others.

Also, Global Chief Economist at Renaissance Capital, Mr. Charles Robertson, noted: “We see great long-term potential across Africa, particularly, in Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt.”

“We believe Nigeria will be a trillion dollar economy by 2025 and it will keep doubling in size every 10 years. GDP per capita is likely to reach around $15,000 by 2050. Following the April elections, the new government represents the best opportunity in recent years to push forward reform for Africa’s largest economy,” he said.

The sixth (6th) Annual Pan-African 1:1 Investor Conference organized by Renaissance Capital in Lagos attracted over 150 investors representing both global and frontier funds and 50 companies from across the African continent.

Smile Communications Nigeria Limited was founded in 2007 with the transformative objective of using the best and most innovative technologies to provide its customers with high quality, easy to use and affordable communication services.

Its vision and mission is to be the broadband provider of choice in Nigeria and enable its customers to fully benefit from the Internet world. Smile launched West Africa’s first true 4G LTE network in Ibadan in 2013 thereby revolutionizing the way people access the Internet.

 


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TECNO and Tiwa Savage Unveil ‘Water and Garri’ in Style

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The recent premiere of the highly anticipated film Water and Garri was nothing short of a star-studded affair. Its compelling storyline and stellar performances captured audiences. Held at the Livesport Event Center, the event drew A-list celebrities, industry insiders, and eager fans, all eager to witness the cinematic spectacle unfold.

One of the most memorable aspects of the evening was the irresistible allure of the TECNO booth, where celebrities couldn’t get enough of the state-of-the-art devices on display. From snapping selfies with the latest TECNO smartphones to exploring the myriad features and functionalities, it was clear that TECNO had struck a chord with its audience.

But it wasn’t just the TECNO booth that had everyone buzzing – the movie itself was the talk of the town. ‘Water and Garri,’ inspired by the real-life journey of singer/actress Tiwa Savage, resonated deeply with audiences, offering a poignant portrayal of love, loss, and redemption. As the lights dimmed and the opening credits rolled, guests were not just spectators but participants in Tiwa’s world, swept away by the raw emotion and heartfelt storytelling.

Celebrities couldn’t get enough of the film throughout the evening, lauding its authenticity and powerful performances. From the lead actors to the supporting cast, each portrayal was met with applause and admiration, underscoring the talent and dedication of all involved. As the credits rolled and the cheering subsided, guests lingered, eager to share their thoughts and reflections on the film’s profound impact.

As the night ended, it was clear that “Water and Garri” had left an indelible mark on all who attended. From its captivating storyline to its unforgettable performances, the movie has captivated hearts and minds, earning its rightful place among the year’s most anticipated releases. With the support of innovative partners like TECNO, the film’s reach and impact are sure to extend far beyond the premiere, inspiring audiences for years to come.


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Nigeria DigitalSENSE forum @15, gets June date

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The date for the 2024 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) has been unwrapped for Thursday, June 27, by organisers, ITREALMS Media group.

Disclosing this, the Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media, Mr. Remmy Nweke, said that this year’s edition marks the 15th edition of Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on IG4D series and comes with the theme “IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy & Safer Civic Space in Nigeria” at the prestigious Welcome Center Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos.

Nweke recalled that in 2009, the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series on Internet Governance for Development made a debut and ever since has been steadfast in rallying stakeholders to take discourse on Internet access, openness, affordability, connectivity and ICT infrastructure among others.

This year, he also said, as NDSF marks 15th years of impacting various Nigeria’s economic sector with yet another series on the theme: IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy and Safer Civic Space in Nigeria.

“It will also be a time for recognition of corporates and individuals for their contributions in deepening Internet penetration, improving access and affordability as well as technological adaptation that begets digital sense in our society,” Nweke said.

NDSF series on IG4D, powered by ITREALMS Media group is hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa, an At-Large Structure (ALS) certified by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including Internet Society (ISOC), Nigeria chapter, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) among others.


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Exposing the Malicious Sabotage of MoMo PSB Project in Enugu Ezike

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By Cyprian Nwodo

The recent activities of some individuals with one Davids Iyida attempting to sabotage the MoMo Payment Service Bank project intended to benefit, especially Enugu Ezike people, have raised significant concern and outrage within the community.

Market Vendor accessing the MTN MoMo Loans and Savings on her phone — Enugu Ezike traders deserve the same

Such actions aimed at undermining a project with immense potential to uplift and empower the people of Enugu Ezike can only be described as malicious.

The MoMo PSB project is designed to bring financial services closer to the people of Enugu Ezike, facilitating easier access to banking and financial transactions.

This project is expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. In a region where such opportunities are rare, the MoMo PSB project represents a beacon of hope for many residents.

It is particularly baffling and disheartening to witness a member of the community collaborate with outsiders to hinder the progress of their own people.

The reasons behind such alliances remain unclear, but the impact of these actions is evident and deeply troubling. Working to obstruct the project is not only delaying progress but also actively working against the welfare and advancement of Enugu Ezike.

The efforts to destroy Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu’s good intention, despite all the positive contributions he has made, are nothing short of wickedness.

Adonu, a visionary entrepreneur and the leading MTN Partner in the South East, has dedicated significant resources and efforts to bring the MoMo Payment Service Bank project to fruition.

His vision for the community includes economic growth, financial inclusion, and overall development. Attacking his vision is an attack on the progress and future of Enugu Ezike.

The question that lingers in the minds of many is: Why sabotaging our own benefits? In a time when unity and collective effort are paramount for the community’s advancement, such actions of sabotage are counterproductive and harmful. The community needs all hands on deck to drive development and improve the quality of life for its residents. Internal conflicts and malicious actions only serve to set back these efforts.

Davids Iyida

Despite the challenges and the malicious attempts to derail the project, it is important to reaffirm that S Mobile Group vision for establishing a MoMo Payment Service Bank in Enugu Ezike will prevail.

The community stands behind this vision, recognizing the immense benefits it promises to bring. Efforts to hinder progress will ultimately fail in the face of collective determination and support.

The actions of these ungrateful individuals, aimed at sabotaging the MoMo PSB project, are grave disservice to the community of Enugu Ezike.

In a time when progress and development are desperately needed, such malicious activities are deeply regrettable.

However, the vision and determination of Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu and the community’s support ensure that the project will succeed, bringing much-needed growth and prosperity to Enugu Ezike.

Let it be known that no amount of sabotage can dim the light of progress and unity.

_Nwodo, a public commentator writes from Enugu State


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