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A4AI Seeks Removal of Barrier to Broadband Access, Affordability‎

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Information Technology Industry stakeholders at the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) in Lagos, on Tuesday, were unanimous in their views that deliberate efforts must be made to eliminate certain factors limiting the citizens’ broadband access and affordability.

A4AI brings together prominent players from private and public sectors and civil society to provide a unified approach and coordinated focus in addressing the shared goal of open, affordable access to the internet in the developing world.

Adebayo Shittu, minister of Communications, said the Forum availed him the opportunity to hear the views of high ranked stakeholders in the industry on the best way to move the Communication industry forward especially with the aim to increase its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Shittu agreed with the A4AI’s findings that to ensure broadband access and affordability, priority issues to address include infrastructure sharing and open access; spectrum and consumer awareness and pricing transparency.

Available statistics shows that while the sector has grown at an average of 34% per annum in the last 10 quarters, largely driven by the rapid expansion in telecommunications, following the deregulation of the sub-sector in 2001, the industry’s contribution to the GDP has moved from less than 0.5% in 2001 to six% in 2012 to 10% between 2013 and 2014 and currently around 11%.‎

However, the Minister called for proposals from the industry that will help the administration leapfrog the country’s 2013-2018 National Broadband Plan.

He said, “ The President Muhammadu Buhari led government plans to have more Nigerians get seamless access to broadband and the internet, and the National Broadband Plan 2013-2018 clearly articulates the importance of affordability in doing so.

He added “My team and I are committed to working with stakeholders in order to ensure that broadband and the internet are available at affordable rates to every Nigerians.”‎

The Minister who was full of praises for Dr. Mrs Omobola Johnson, his predecessor and pioneer Ministry of Communication Technology; and Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, former EVC of NCC, now chairperson and national coordinator of A4AI, respectively, for their efforts towards drafting the National Broadband Plan, commended the Group “for bringing this ideal to the fore, aiming for 30% penetration by the year 2018. It is my understanding that the implementation of this plan nationwide has been slow and fraught with multifarious challenges but I wish to assure you that change has come in this regard”.

He said, under his tenure the industry can be assured of transparency in areas such as spectrum licensing, government-industry players relationships, amongst others.

Also speaking Dr. Mrs Omobola Johnson, chairperson of A4AI-Nigeria, said that attention has to shift from awareness to impact, as the prices of broadband services, though falling, still remains a huge barrier to adoption and usage.

She said that inter-agency collaborations and telcos colocation drives are part of critical steps that must be sustained to enhance investments in the broadband infrastructure.

Johnson also called on industry stakeholders to support Shittu in articulating progressive policies and regulations to boost the investments, return on investments and Contributions to the GDP.

On his part, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, the national coordinator said that A4AI aims to increase the affordability of both mobile and fixed-line internet access, with a focus on achieving the UN Broadband Commission Target of entry-level broadband services priced at less than 5% average monthly income.

Ndukwe said that A4AI has regards education as key in driving the purpose as many African leaders are yet to understand the efficacy of the broadband in driving economic growth.

He added that forward-thinking personalities in the helm of affairs in government  sphere, there will be greater impact on eliminating barriers to pervasive usage of broadband.

Nigeria recorded improved ranking in A4AI’s 2014 Affordability Report, giving it a rank of 11 out of 51 overall; it was ranked 19th in the year 2013.

However, Ndukwe said that Nigeria still lacks the massive subscriptions base that will lead to more “aggressive” investments and access.

To tackle this, he said, the Coalition members have formed three working groups to work on each priority issues.

He said that Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) as the world’s broadest technology sector coalition wants everyone, everywhere, to be able to access the life-changing power of the Internet affordably.

Our goal is to achieve the UN Broadband Commission target of entry-level broadband priced at less than 5% of monthly income, thereby enabling billions more people to come online.

“We know that affordability remains the primary obstacle to Internet access throughout the developing world. Experience shows that policy and regulatory reform are the best tools to unlock technological advances and dramatically reduce the cost to connect. Through a combination of advocacy, research and knowledge-sharing, A4AI drives policy change by seeking to create the conditions for open, competitive and innovative broadband markets”, he explained.

 


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Telecom Management Company Appeals for Cooperation and Safety Measures Over Abaranje Base Station Fire Incident

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Carville Integrated Ventures Limited, a telecoms facility management services provider, has expressed deep sadness by the recent fire incident at Abaranje Base Station, one of the several base stations it manages on behalf of Airtel Nigeria.

The incident, which occurred during maintenance operations on a leaking part of a diesel tank, resulted in injuries to some individuals from the local community who forcefully gained unauthorized access into the facility hosting the base station during the maintenance work.

Despite this breach of access control by the impacted individuals, Carville, who has responsibility for the site management expresses its sympathy to the victims and has offered to provide healthcare support to them.

The management of Carville Integrated Ventures, extends her condolences to the affected individuals and their families, stating, “Our hearts go out to those injured in the unfortunate incident. We are committed to providing support and assistance during their recovery process.”

Carville also emphasizes the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, stating, “We stand by our commitment to the communities we serve, and we will continue to prioritize their welfare in all our operations.”

Furthermore, Carville appeals to community leaders and members to cooperate with the company in implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Safety is our top priority, the management affirmed. “We urge everyone to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the well-being of all.”

Carville is working closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement necessary measures to prevent recurrence.


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Google, Kaduna State Others Partner to Launch First Hausa-Language AI learning Series to Expand Tech Education and Empower Women

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A new initiative aimed at empowering women in Northern Nigeria through AI education was launched today. Google, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, and Data Science Nigeria, introduced the AI for Beginners Learning Video Series. This series presents Artificial Intelligence concepts in Hausa, making complex technology more accessible and culturally relevant for the region.

In Northern Nigeria, various challenges can impact access to tech education and career opportunities. These include diverse socio-cultural dynamics, infrastructural limitations, and language barriers. The AI for Beginners Learning Video Series, through its engaging animations and culturally relevant imagery, is designed to make complex digital concepts more accessible and relatable, fostering inclusivity and participation in the growing tech sector.

The launch event, held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna, was a celebration of technology, education, and the immense potential of Northern Nigeria’s women. His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor, delivering a keynote address that underscored the government’s commitment to digital transformation and economic growth.

“AI is not just the future; it’s the present,” Governor Uba Sani declared. “By equipping our people, especially our women, with AI skills, we’re not only paving the way for a more prosperous and innovative Northern Nigeria, but also laying the foundation for Kaduna to become a thriving tech hub.”

“We believe that technology can be a powerful force for change and are committed to making learning resources available in local languages to empower more people,” said the Director of Google West Africa during the launch event held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Muhammad Square, Kaduna. He added, “This series marks a new milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance AI knowledge across Northern Nigeria, fostering a broader understanding and application of AI technologies that drive innovation and create new job opportunities.”

“By making AI education accessible in Hausa, we’re opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact,” added Dr. Bayo Adekanbi, CEO/Founder of Data Science Nigeria. “These women are the future leaders and innovators of Northern Nigeria, and AI is the tool that can amplify their potential.”

The event also featured speeches from representatives of NITDA and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who underscored the national significance of the initiative and the government’s support for fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem.

The AI for Beginners Learning Video Series is now available on YouTube via the Data Science Nigeria platform, on the NITDA education portal, and for download. To further aid in accessibility, the series has also been deployed on USB drives for distribution and direct peer-to-peer copy at all primary and secondary schools, including public video content copying centres across Kaduna State.


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Konga Launches Tech Month with Incredible Discounts

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Konga, Leading e-commerce giant has announced its highly anticipated Konga Tech Month starting from Wednesday, May 1, until Friday, May 31, 2024. This good news is not only for tech enthusiasts and bargain hunters but also for home appliance lovers, as this year’s edition goes beyond gadgets to feature home, office and lifestyle essentials.

Konga Tech Month has become a major event in the Nigerian shopping calendar. This annual sales extravaganza is widely regarded as one of the biggest gadget sales in the country. It offers a treasure trove of tech devices at unbeatable prices, attracting a massive audience eager to snag incredible deals on a wide range of products.

This year’s Konga Tech Month boasts an impressive selection of devices across various categories. Whether you need a reliable laptop, phone or a professional upgrade to your office and household with authentic appliances, Konga Tech Month has something to suit every need.

Throughout May, Konga’s customers will stand the chance to take advantage of special discounts on original printers, dependable power solutions and generators from companies like iTEC and iPower Inverters, mobile phones, refrigerators, inverters, and much more at up to half the price. Many freebies and deals will also be on offer for the fastest fingers in the Konga Flash Sale.

“Konga Tech Month is a testament to our commitment to providing Nigerians with access to high-quality yet affordable tech products,” said Mr Nnamdi Ekeh, CEO of Konga. “This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than last year, so we are thrilled to get started. Thanks to Konga Tech Month, we can accomplish our mission of making cutting-edge technology available to everyone no matter their budget.”

The competitive pricing and special deals offered during Konga Tech Month are available for students, institutions, and organizations. Whether it’s outfitting a computer lab, updating office technology, or providing students with affordable laptops, Konga Tech Month offers a cost-effective solution.

A satisfied shopper from the last edition shared her excitement saying, “The Konga Tech event last year was incredible! I was able to get the high-performance laptop I’d been eyeing for months and at a price I couldn’t believe. The discounts were amazing, and the selection was huge. Plus, being able to choose between online shopping or visiting a Konga store was convenient and made shopping easier. I’m looking forward to Tech Week this year. I’ve been eyeing a new microwave and phone, and I know Konga will have the finest deals in town.”

Konga Tech Month offers a smooth shopping experience for everyone. Customers can browse the extensive selection of discounted tech products online at the Konga website (https://www.konga.com/) or visit any Konga retail outlets nationwide to experience the deals firsthand.

 


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