Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasised that embracing technology and digital solutions is crucial for modernising and enhancing service delivery, leading to better governance

The NITDA’s Director General made this statement in Abuja at the Nigeria Govtech Conference and Awards organised by Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) with the theme: Digital Innovations as a Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He maintained that digitising government services is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth, adding that by leveraging technology, the country can implement policies and programmes more efficiently, driving progress and development: “This aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to create a digital economy that benefits all Nigerians,” he said.
While emphasising on the need for a comprehensive agenda that focuses on human capital development, digital literacy, and skills training, particularly in both formal and informal sectors, the Director General highlighted the importance of digital innovation and transformation for economic growth and empowerment.

He added that the aim is to foster strong institutions that would enhance citizens’ lives through effective governance and technological adoption in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Inuwa noted that NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024-2027) is structured around eight pillars which include; Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations, and Cultivating a Vibrant Organisational Culture with an Agile Workforce.

He further explained that through “foster digital literacy and cultivate talents pillar, we will accelerate transformation and innovation through human capital, which is our greatest resource, and we projected that by 2030, we would have achieved 95 per cent digital literacy.”

Inuwa said, “the Agency is targeting to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027 with three initiatives. The Agency is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to develop digital skills curriculum and incorporate digital literacy and skills in our formal education.”

The NITDA boss asserted that the second initiative is through the informal sector like the market women, and artisans by providing them with the required knowledge about digital literacy to help them in their businesses.

He said, “We are also collaborating with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through the Digital Literacy for All initiative which has started in 12 states and will be extended to all the states targeting to train 30 million Nigerians.”

In his earlier welcome address, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dasuki Arabi, stated that digital transformation is crucial to the country’s public service and has  potential to enhance service delivery, promote citizen engagement, and foster inclusive governance.

He asserted that the e-governance reforms are expected to position Nigeria as leader in digital governance, enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement paving way for the advancement of the country.

Arabi further explained that with the right technology and innovation, we can not only fulfil the mandates of the Renewed Hope Agenda but also create a more prosperous and inclusive society for all Nigerians.

ALX Nigeria, a leading tech accelerator, hosted over 90 young girls at its Lagos hub to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” served as the guiding light for the day’s activities.

The event aimed to inspire and empower young girls by providing exposure to opportunities in the digital economy, developing leadership skills, and fostering valuable mentorship opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Ruby Igwe, ALX Nigeria Country General Manager, emphasized the importance of empowering young girls to build their confidence and develop leadership skills at an early age.

“We believe that the future belongs to those who dream big and take bold steps. Empowering girls with the right skills and mindset from an early age is essential to unlocking their potential.

“At ALX, we are committed to fostering a future where girls are not just participants but leaders in the digital economy. Today is a celebration of their bright futures”, she stated.

The day-long event featured leadership talks from female leaders within ALX who shared their personal journeys and insights. The girls also engaged in mentorship sessions designed to encourage them to pursue careers in technology.

This initiative aligns with ALX Nigeria’s commitment to promoting gender equality by giving young girls the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the ever-changing digital world. Through interactive workshops and talks by accomplished women leaders, participants gained insights into how they can build careers in tech and become great leaders.

The celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child aligns with ALX’s vision to create a more inclusive digital future where young women have the opportunity to lead and succeed.

As the digital economy continues to grow, ALX remains dedicated to playing a key role in equipping young girls with the tools and knowledge they need to become future leaders in tech and beyond.

Transcorp Power Plc, one of the power subsidiaries of Transcorp Group, has announced its financial results for the third quarter of the year ending September 30, 2024, demonstrating remarkable growth across the business.

In its Q3 2024 unaudited results filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Transcorp Power reported revenue of N223.6 billion, representing a significant 153% growth year-on-year, over N88.4 billion in Q3 2023, Highlighting operational efficiency, profit before tax for the period surged by 198%, recording N81.1 billion, compared to N27.3 billion in September 2023.

Key Financial Highlights:

• Revenue Growth: Achieved N223.6 billion in Q3 2024, a 153% increase from N88.4 billion in Q3 2023.

• Net Finance Cost: Reduced by 95% to N538.3 million, down from N10.4 billion in Q3 2023.

• Profit Before Tax: Rose by 198% to N81.1 billion, compared to N27.3 billion in the previous year.

• Profit After Tax: Achieved a 186% increase, rising to N58.5 billion from N20.4 billion in Q3 2023.

• Total Assets: Increased by 62% to N362.5 billion as of September 30, 2024, from N223.4 billion in FY 2023.

• Shareholders’ Funds: Grew by 82% to N105 billion as of September 30, 2024, up from N57.9 billion FY 2023.

• Operating Ratios: 36.3% net profit margin, 56% return on equity, and 16% return on assets

Commenting on the results, the Chief Financial Officer, Transcorp Power, Evans Okpogoro, expressed strong confidence in the company’s financial trajectory, stating:

“We are proud to announce significant growth across all our metrics. Our commitment to disciplined cost management and operational efficiency has not only enabled us to sustain robust margins but has also positioned us to outperform industry averages in key areas. This achievement reflects our strategic focus and dedication to excellence, and positioning as a leader in Nigeria’s power sector”.

In response to the results, Peter Ikenga, MD/CEO, Transcorp Power Plc, commented on the company’s performance this quarter, attributing it to a strategic vision, hard work, and relentless pursuit of operational excellence.

“Despite the distribution and transmission infrastructural challenges faced in the Power Sector, Transcorp Power has once again demonstrated exceptional financial growth, as reflected in our impressive results.

“We continue to strive to bridge the energy gap in Nigeria, in line with our purpose to improve lives. I am proud to report that we have sustained our remarkable growth trajectory and maintained our position as a leading contributor to the country’s power sector, accounting for approximately 10% of total power generated on the national grid.

“As the market transitions into the bilateral contracts, as contained in the Electricity Act, we are optimistic about sustaining the momentum by capitalizing on more strategic investment opportunities and providing additional value to our shareholders.”

Transcorp Power Plc is one of the electricity generating subsidiaries of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), a leading, listed African conglomerate.

Transcorp Power is committed to improving electricity supply in Nigeria and contributes over 20% of the country’s installed power capacity.

The company is creating value across Nigeria and driving economic growth, demonstrating its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.