Connect with us

Telecom

Nigeria Now A Fertile Ground For Startups To Thrive, Says NITDA Boss

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), has described Nigeria as a fertile ground on which Startups could explore to thrive and provide solutions that could solve mirage of problems bedeviling the nation.

 

Mallam Abdullahi expressed this view over the weekend through the Agency’s Director of Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions, Dr Abdullahi Gambo while addressing the startups who are undergoing  a one week  Start Up Clinic in Kebbi, the second online edition of the programme.

 

Start up Clinic, Kebbi (Online) with 18 participants was the second in the series of virtual Start Up Clinic programme which has become the norm since the lockdown caused by COVID 19 in order to keep engaging the tech ecosystem.

 

The DG stated that the government is aware of the economic benefits and contributions of technology entrepreneurship to the nation’s economy, hence the pursuant of reforms that would bring about improved skills and more competitive digital job market.

He said, “we are committed to ensuring that you succeed because when start up thrives, jobs are created, local content is promoted and used, peers are inspired to try and a chain reaction is activated.

 

The NITDA boss added that this would gradually move many youths away from job chasers to job creators and dependence on government would be reduced with resultant effect of increased Gross Domestic Products, (GDP.)

 

He reiterated that the development of a thriving and sustainable technology and innovation ecosystem are key economic driver for the nation noting that the leadership of the nation is seeking to minimize dependence on oil by diversifying the economy and develop entirely new industries and also support the existing ones.

 

While assuring that NITDA would support policies and public-private partnership that would stimulate and sustain the demand for the use of digital platforms, the DG observed that such policies and partnership would foster growth of innovative technology which would create more jobs and contribute to the GDP of the country.

 

In his commendation to the participants for their doggedness and determination they have expressed thus far, Abdullahi expressed that their being at the event meant that they are determined to create solutions that tackle the most pressing societal issues.

 

“It also means you have taken on the tedious journey of being innovators and entrepreneurs, he added.

 

“As a start up, the most popular words you hear include capital, investment, equity and being consistent. All these are important but more importantly, you would require passion.

 

“This is because passion keeps you going during the turbulent time. As the lead innovator, if you are not passionate about what your start up has set out to achieve, you are more likely to quit when the chips are down”, he advised.

 

Mallam Abdullahi expressed his optimism that the startups would succeed if they take cognisance of what the Clinics offered them by evaluating their enterprise and make review to their model where necessary, accessing the mentors and facilitators to help with Pro Bono professional services, advice and mentorship among others practical approach measures.

 

In their testimonies, the startups unanimously agreed that the various courses underwent in the last four days have really impacted on their business ideas and redefined their focus on how to achieve success.

Sodiq Abdulfati, an agriculturist innovator said he has discovered the solutions to his major challenge of how to identify target customer with add on the model on how to get the target customer.

“So far, the past four days have been a turning point of my business. I have learnt how to identify people and model that will work in my community.

 

In her remarks, Dr Amina Magaji Sambo, national coordinator, Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship, whose office is saddled with organising the Clinics advised the startups to keep engaging with the office through its various social media platforms.

 

She said that there are many opportunities the start up could benefit from her office adding that the office would soon commence special support scheme and also find way to access the federal government technological grant which the start ups can also access.

 

 

 


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

Airtel Nigeria Leads Telecom Market Surge

Published

on

Kindly share this post

In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.

According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.

In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.

Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.

Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.

This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.

Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Airtel Boosts NIPR Public Relations Week with Onsite Unlimited Data Connection

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.

The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.

“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”

According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.

Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.

With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.

Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

World Earth Day: Kuda Partners with Wecyclers to Clean up Communities in Lagos

Published

on

Kindly share this post

In a landmark partnership aimed at promoting sustainable waste management practices, Kuda Microfinance Bank and Wecyclers collaborated to commemorate World Earth Day on April 22, 2024. The collaboration featured a series of impactful activities designed to raise awareness and foster environmental stewardship.

The activities on the day included a webinar session facilitated by renowned expert in environmental management and head of ESG at Wecyclers, Omobolanle Olowu, during which she shared startling data on plastic pollution in Nigeria. She also discussed the importance of proper waste management and its significance in preserving the planet for future generations, providing valuable insights and practical tips on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.

In a published study on plastic pollution in Nigeria, the country ranked ninth globally for plastic pollution with an estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic waste generated annually and less than 12% of those waste materials recycled.

Also on the day, Kuda staff volunteered for an environmental cleanup exercise, during which they took to parts of Apapa Road, Ebute Metta to empty gutters and collect plastics and other recyclable materials for recycling.

In addition, volunteers from Kuda gained firsthand knowledge of innovative waste management solutions during a guided tour of Wecyclers’ facility in Ebute Metta. The tour showcased Wecyclers’ pioneering efforts in recycling and waste upcycling, demonstrating how technology can be leveraged to address environmental challenges effectively.

Speaking about the collaboration, Emmanuel Femi-Adejobi, Senior Brand Manager at Kuda, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential to drive positive change. “We [Kuda] are committed to promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. We also believe that our responsibility is not only to our customers and other stakeholders but also the environment that we all share. Partnering with Wecyclers allows us to inspire communities to adopt eco-friendly practices,” he said.

“Our initiatives towards achieving a sustainable environment and achieving a green earth goes beyond just recycling. We aim to inspire a broader commitment to waste minimization, reusing materials and proper sustainable waste management. As we commemorate World Earth Day, we encourage our staff, customers and general public as a whole to embrace actions that promote a green, safe earth for all,” he added.

Likewise, Esther Chibueyin Fagbo, Head, Human Resources and Partnerships at Wecyclers, emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental issues. “It is very important for organisations to collaborate on initiatives that help save the environment. We are excited about this partnership because such partnerships are crucial to creating awareness and educating people about the impact of plastic waste on the planet and how they can contribute to a change that we all deserve.”

Kuda’s collaboration with Wecyclers emphasises its commitment to sustainability and championing proactive efforts through education, engagement and action to create an environmentally conscious population and a sustainable tomorrow.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending