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NASRDA Calls for Policy, Planning of Air Quality

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The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has stressed the need for policy and planning on air quality to safeguard citizens from harmful effects of air pollutants.

Prof. Rabiu Babatunde, the Director, Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR) in Anyigba, Kogi State, one of the centres under NASRDA, said in Abuja on Saturday.

Babatunde said the country lacked reference information for appropriate air quality policy and planning.

He said that it was therefore imperative to create awareness on air quality intake by citizens for effective healthcare.

He said in Nigeria, explosive population growth and its attendant rural-to-urban migration, industrial expansions had led to excessive emission of a wide range of air pollutants into the atmospheric environment.

“The rise in population in the West African sub-region has contributed to increase of anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants and has made the air unsafe,’’ he said.

Anthropogenic emissions are the main sources of greenhouse gases resulting from human activities which include burning of fossil fuel and deforestation leading to higher carbon dioxide concentrations in the air.

Babatunde decried that the massive economic, population growth and urbanisation were expected to lead to a tripling of anthropogenic emissions in the southern part of West Africa between 2000 and 2030.

He said that the emissions impact on human health, ecosystems, food security and the entire climate within the region was increasing at a very dangerous proportion.

The director said that some of the emissions into the atmospheric environment include Particulate Matters (PMs) from vehicle exhausts, Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitroxide (NOx) and Carbon Monoxide (CO).

“NOx and SO2 are known to increase susceptibility to respiratory infections among children and elderly and also increase airway responsiveness in asthmatic individuals.

“CO is known to cause tissue hypoxia thereby reducing the blood capacity to transfer oxygen. (Hypoxia is the deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues).

“In the long run, continuous exposures to these air pollutant concentrations lead to respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity, and eventually, increased mortality rate.”

Babatunde said the centre was, therefore, preparing to hold air quality workshop on sustainable research capacity to sensitise the populace on its importance to human development.

He said that because of the lack of appropriate air quality policy and planning, it was necessary to engage in sensitisation through the workshop.

“The first National Air Quality Workshop aims at analysing the present air quality scenario in Nigeria by bringing together researchers and policymakers from all professional cadres working on different aspects of Air Quality issues.

“Gathering expertise from a wide spectrum of interest, CAR hopes to chart a sustainable National Air Quality Observation Network.

“The centre is doing this by ensuring sustainable research capacity in the field of air quality monitoring and health impact assessment, providing capacity building for personnel in the field of air quality management.

“It will also develop an effective information flow between empirical results and the general populace,” he said.  The workshop is expected to hold from March 13 to March 16 with the theme as “Air Quality Research and Sustainable Development: The Nexus, Prospects and Challenges”.

The workshop will address sub-themes which include Atmospheric Aerosol Monitoring and Chemical Characterisation, and Air Pollution: Observational Techniques, Modeling and National Air Quality Index.

Other sub-themes are Nuclear Analytical and Wet Chemistry Techniques in air Quality Studies and Air quality: Legislation and Advocacy, among other topics.


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E-Business

ISDL Achieves IMS Certification

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Integrated System and Devices Limited (ISDL), a major provider of electronic security solutions, is delighted to announce the successful attainment of ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications following a rigorous audit process conducted by Bureau Veritas Certification Holdings SAS-UK Branch.

ISDL Achieves IMS Certification

In 2021, ISDL bagged the Quality management systems ISO 9001:2015, and now in 2024, with unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, the occupational Health and Safety system ISO 45001:2018 and the Environmental management system ISO 14001:2015 have been consolidated to form an Integrated Management System.

These certifications, covering ISDL’s headquarters and branches, signify the company’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality management across all facets of its operations.

According to Oluseun Mabogunje, managing director of ISDL, the scope of the certifications encompasses the design, procurement, supply, installation, integration, maintenance, and after-sales support of various electronic security and Extra Low Voltage (ELV) equipment.

Mabogunje expressed his elation at receiving the IMS certifications, emphasizing ISDL’s dedication to delivering exceptional quality and service to its clientele. He emphasized that this achievement underscores the company’s ongoing pursuit of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

 

 

 


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Cybervergent’s Q1 2024 Report Reveals Rising Threat of Remcos RAT Malware in Financial Sector

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Cybervergent, a foremost technology company providing automated cybersecurity solutions, in its Quarterly Brief has revealed a troubling trend in the financial sector that shows a spike in attacks utilising the deceptive Remote Control and Surveillance Access Trojan (Remcos RAT) in Q1, 2024.

The findings affirm a stark forewarning to the financial institutions and organisations in the African continent, urging heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate potential escalating risks.

Previously marketed as a legitimate software, Remcos got co-opted by malicious actors and is now a prevalent tool in cybercrime campaigns. This remote access tool grants attackers hidden entry into victims’ devices, allowing them to seize control, pilfer sensitive data, and even introduce stealth backdoors to compromise entire systems. The capabilities of Remcos are diverse and frightening, ranging from disabling vital security features like User Account Control (UAC) to covertly recording user activities.

“As vigilant cybersecurity gatekeepers, we have observed a significant surge in attacks leveraging the Remcos RAT malware,” said Gbolabo Awelewa, the Chief Solutions Officer, Cybervergent. “Financial institutions are particularly targeted due to the sensitive nature of their data and assets. Organisations must remain diligent and adopt proactive monitoring measures to safeguard against such threats.”

The proactive approach adopted by Cybervergent’s Cyber Operations Centre involves meticulous analysis of attacker tactics, constant updating of threat intelligence, and implementing robust endpoint security solutions. These measures are designed to detect, prevent, and neutralise Remote Access Trojans like Remcos, ensuring the continued security and compliance of organisations in the face of evolving cyber threats.

“Our mission is to fortify our clients’ defenses and ensure the seamless operation of their organisations,” added Gbolabo. “By staying ahead of emerging attack vectors and vulnerabilities, we empower businesses to take proactive measures and protect their valuable assets.”

Looking ahead, Adetokunbo Omotosho, Chief Executive Officer of Cybervergent emphasised the firm’s focus on empowering organisations to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and compliance with dexterity and confidence.

“Cybervergent’s Assurance and Compliance Team has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in the cybersecurity domain, achieving significant milestones and delivering transformative solutions. Our journey through Q1 reflects a deep commitment to advancing the state of cybersecurity compliance, paving the way for a secure and resilient digital future for organisations in Africa and across the world”, he added.


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Konga Launches Free Same Day Deliveries on Starlink, Apple & Samsung Nationwide

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Konga, the only authorised shop-in-shop for Starlink Internet kits in Nigeria, is offering its customers free same day delivery across all major cities in the country.

With prices of Starlink Internet kits slashed by 50%, Konga is delivering additional value so that both homes and businesses in urban and remote places can enjoy infinite possibilities with their internet on both their standard and enterprise installations. This offer which is available both online and in its retail stores nationwide is exclusive to new and existing customers this month.

With the improvement in prices on both original standard and enterprise Starlink kits, customers can now enjoy a global warranty and direct installation services by purchasing only on Konga.

Since the launch of the partnership with the Elon Musk owned satellite internet provider, Nigerians have continued to celebrate the uninterrupted supply of fast and efficient cyber network services from the authentic devices available on Konga.

In addition to Starlink, other unique items from leading global companies such as Apple, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Zinox, Philips, Intel and many more are available at unbeatable discounts in the Konga Tech Month from the 1st and will run till the 31st of May 2024.

The Konga Tech Month was extended from its traditional 7day promotion to 30days to give more people access to exclusive deals throughout the month. To enjoy these mouthwatering offers, visit konga.com or any of its physical outlets today.


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