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Civic-Tech Hackathon: DG NITDA Urges Finalists to Channel Digital Solutions Toward Good Governance, National Development

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Engr. Ya'u Garba, representative of the Director-General of NITDA and National Cordinator of NCAIR, delivering the DG's Keynote Address at the 2022 Civic Tech Hackathon
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Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has encouraged the finalists of 2022 Yvote Naija Civic Tech Hackathon to channel their ingenuity into developing innovative solutions that will strengthen citizens’ participation in the electoral process and help deepen Nigeria’s democratic experience.


Engr. Ya’u Garba, representative of the Director-General of NITDA and National Cordinator of NCAIR, delivering the DG’s Keynote Address at the 2022 Civic Tech Hackathon

Inuwa, represented by Engr. Ya’u Garba, National Director, National Centre for Artificial intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), said this while delivering a Keynote Address at the Grand finale of the event in Abuja.

The DG emphatically stated the need to explore innovative civic-tech solutions to address persistent concerns of vote buying, voter apathy and electoral violence.

“As the 2023 general elections approach, the importance of this Civic Tech Hackathon cannot be over emphasized because citizens’ participation in the electoral process is an indispensable pillar of democracy and good governance.

“Participation mechanisms provide the government with regular feedback for developing policies and designing decisions processes that promote democratic ethos and with our general elections around the corner, Nigeria needs programmes like this Civic Tech Hackathon to help bolster inclusive and accountable decision-making, equitable civic participation and voice, effective public service delivery and government responsibility”, Inuwa avowed.

According to him, the outcome of the grand finale would further bring to fore, the value that technology brings to the electoral process.

“Technological innovations have revolutionized and transformed the way we live, work, and interact with people near and far. In the process, technology is helping us to constantly evolve and achieve more to make the world a better place for all across the social, economic, and political realms”, he affirmed.

Inuwa added that introduction of technology into the electoral process is generating both interest and concern among voters, as well as practitioners, across the globe.

He however stressed that most electoral management bodies around the world are adopting new technologies like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing amongst others, to improve the different stages of their electoral process, before, during, and after the elections.

“In order to guarantee efficiency and improve confidence in their electoral systems, many countries are increasingly looking in the direction of digital technology as essential to the conduct of credible elections and enhancement of political transparency”.

“Digital technology has been deployed across the process from voter registration, voter accreditation, the casting of a ballot, collation/counting of votes, transmission, and publication of the results.

“This has resulted in increased participation among voters and made elections more inclusive for voters across every segment of the population, especially people living with disabilities.

“Other applications of digital technologies also include the compilation of voter lists, demarcation of electoral boundaries, and conducting voter education campaigns”, he said.

While saluting the courage and determination of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), Yvote Naija, and Christian Aid for the initiative to discover lasting solutions to prevailing challenges in the electoral system and ensure the active participation of Nigerians in the process, Inuwa expressed optimism that at the end of the event, there shall be emergence of innovative civic-tech solutions to eliminate the irregularities and fraudulent practices that have been the bane of Nigeria’s electoral processes.

He added that NITDA is committed to entrenching technology and innovation as critical tools for the successful implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), and the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (2021 – 2024) toward growing the nation’s prosperity.

“Through the continued support of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), the Agency has initiated and organized numerous hackathons and competitions to support more indigenous innovators and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for solving our local problems.

“Thus, it has been using these programmes as platforms to encourage talented young Nigerians to showcase their innovative ideas and solutions”, Inuwa stressed.

He further notified the audience that NITDA has taken strides to roll out several programmes and initiatives in partnership with international and local agencies and development organizations to foster creative and innovative ideas within Nigeria’s teeming youth.

“Such programmes include the Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria program, which is a sponsored collaboration between NITDA and MassChallenge (a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators based in the US), and iHatch incubation program which is a partnership with Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA).”

“We have equally launched the FabLab, first of its kind in Nigeria, within the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) to provide the required support and facilities for our teeming innovators to be able to prototype and commercialise their ideas.

“The Nigerian Government remains relentless in its commitment to sustaining the enabling environment to entrench innovation hence NITDA established two key subsidiaries – the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) through which the Agency implements programmes and initiatives to inspire innovation among the youth while also strengthening the ecosystem”.

Inuwa explained that the subsidiaries are adapting activities to focus on strengthening the innovation ecosystem through collaboration, supporting innovation by promoting the adoption of emerging technologies for sustainable development, digital job creation, and promoting indigenous content development.

He congratulated the finalists for having come thus far in the hackathon and assured that NITDA alongside its subsidiaries and the overwhelming support Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, is ready, willing, and able to work with like-minded organisations to expand the frontiers of result-oriented digital solutions for good governance and national development.

“Whatever the outcome at the end of the day, you are all winners in the race for entrenching efficiency, reliability, and credible elections”, Inuwa assured.

Earlier, the Executive Director of Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, Olasupo Abideen in his welcome address noted that at the end of the pitch, the team with the most promising solution will be awarded 2 million naira to execute their proposed solution.

The cash prizes, Abideen said will be disbursed at every project milestone in order to ensure the funds are utilized effectively.

“As for the first and second runners-up, we have support from NITDA to mentor, incubate and fund their respective solutions. To make the game a win-win for all, we are looking at merging the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th positions with the first three if that will bring a stellar result.

“We are doing this in the sole interest of the country; therefore, everyone is a winner as long as we achieve our common goal”, he added.

 

 


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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

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Lebara, New Operator Enters Nigerian Telecom Arena, Sells Minutes, Not Airtime

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Lebara Nigeria has officially stepped into Nigeria’s bustling telecom market with the introduction of its unique 0724 number series—a bold move that promises fresh competition and a more transparent user experience.

Lebara, New Operator Enters Nigerian Telecom Arena, Sells Minutes, Not Airtime

Leveraging its status as a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), the company is positioning itself not just as another telecom player but as a catalyst for change, offering innovative packages built on fairness and clarity.

From day one, Lebara Nigeria has been ready to compete with industry giants like MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, having secured full interconnectivity with all of them.

This critical footprint ensures that its voice and data services are accessible and of high quality nationwide.

Akin Adesokan, Lebara’s chief operating officer, highlighted the company’s strategic intent: “Our readiness with the 0724 series and full interconnect setup underscores our unwavering commitment to seamless integration, customer freedom, and market inclusivity.” Indeed, the company has taken considerable steps to ensure regulatory compliance and operational strength, leveraging its global expertise as an MVNO and its freshly minted licence under the NCC’s highest tier.

What truly differentiates Lebara’s offering is its unconventional pricing model. Eschewing traditional prepaid airtime, it sells voice bundles and data packages that align with real usage, not ambiguous credit deductions. “You buy minutes, not airtime. If your call ends in 30 seconds, you still have 99 minutes and 30 seconds left. That’s the kind of clarity and control we are bringing to Nigerian telecoms,” explained Samuel Alabi, head of Corporate Communications.

This clarity responds to a long-standing frustration among Nigerians, where ₦100 airtime often disappears quickly and opaquely. Lebara’s minutes-based system offers predictability and transparency—a refreshing contrast in a market hungry for accountability.

Lebara’s entrance is more than a marketing exercise; it’s a strategic diversification of Nigeria’s mobile ecosystem.

With over 220 million active mobile lines, Nigeria is Africa’s biggest telecom consumer.

The NCC’s move to licence 41 MVNOs, including Lebara, illustrates a policy shift aimed at introducing more competition and improving service quality. Technically agile and digitally native, Lebara leverages existing network infrastructure, augmented by automated systems—a lean operation compared to the capital-intensive MNO model.

he status quo. With strategic execution and continued regulatory support, this could mark the beginning of a new chapter: one where Nigerians no longer need to ask, “Can you hear me now?” but instead say, “Yes—and I know exactly what it cost.”

 


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PIN Pushes for Equitable Digital Governance at World Internet Forum

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As the 20th Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) opens in Lillestrøm, Norway, leading pan-African social enterprise Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is championing grassroots voices in global digital policy discussions.

Running from June 23–27 under the theme “Building Digital Governance Together,” the IGF unites stakeholders from civil society, governments, the private sector, and technical communities to tackle pressing digital issues such as access, AI ethics, surveillance, and content moderation.

The discussions also contribute to the upcoming World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 review in December 2025.

PIN’s participation comes at a time when digital governance decisions are increasingly shaping the future of billions. “It is essential that grassroots solutions are heard,” said ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of PIN. “At PIN, we believe that meaningful digital inclusion requires more than just connectivity.

“It demands inclusive, progressive and sustainable policies and frameworks built taking the realities of grassroots stakeholders into consideration.”

Representing PIN at IGF 2025 are Sesan, Chief Operating Officer Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, and Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements Thobekile Matimbe. They will engage in strategic sessions on topics like connectivity in excluded communities, AI accountability in content moderation, and human rights in emerging tech.

The team will also participate in coordination meetings with partners including Meta, UNESCO, the Freedom Online Coalition, and GPD.

PIN’s presence at the forum underscores its ongoing mission to embed digital rights within grassroots realities and to ensure that global internet governance frameworks are inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of marginalised communities.


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Remmy Nweke’s “The Village Priest” Garners High Praise from Tech Community

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Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) stakeholders have applauded the latest in bookshelf by Remmy Nweke, the Village Priest, which was presented at the recently concluded Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) in Lagos.

The presentation and review of the book, “The Village Priest” by Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, largely described as a powerful narrative explored the intersection of tradition and innovation in rural Igboland, received widespread acclaim, with its themes resonating deeply with the event’s focus on ‘Global Digital Compact: Opportunities for Multi-stakeholders in Nigeria.’

The highly anticipated review was delivered by Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a renowned social entrepreneur and advocate for digital rights and inclusion in Africa.

Sesan lauded Nweke’s prose fiction for its insightful portrayal of “innovative technology adaptation transforming rural communities,” describing it as “a careful work of cultural documentation, offering not just a story but a chronicle—a record of transition that many rural and even urban African communities continue to live through.”

Sesan’s review highlighted the book’s central character, Ogboo AniEze, the revered chief priest of Ilimefo, whose life is dedicated to preserving his village’s customs. The narrative unfolds as “the village and its people, their traditional practices and strong cultural heritage at the crossroads!” with the arrival of GSM technology—a “strange and mysterious piece of technology” that initially challenges Ogboo AniEze’s traditional views.

The review detailed the chief priest’s journey of reconciliation, from initial fear of GSM eroding cultural heritage to a profound understanding that the technology “also offered opportunities for growth, development, and connection with the wider world.” This transformation leads to a new era of harmony in Ilimefo, where “tradition and modernity coexisted in balance.” The book beautifully illustrates how mobile phones become “a powerful tool for preserving the village’s cultural heritage” and how interfaith collaboration, particularly with Catholic priest Fada Ekie, fosters a “fusion of traditions” and a “new spiritual identity.”

“It teaches us, without preaching,” Sesan concluded, “that true innovation is not in abandoning our roots, but in strengthening them with new tools.”

This year’s Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum, was presided over by Dr. Jimson Olufuye, former President of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria and a member of the UN Secretary-General’s IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), served as a crucial platform for discussing the future of digital governance.

Olufuye also commended the author, Nweke for his perseverance in serving the ICT industry as well as endearing documentation of the sector.

For the Managing Director, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the latest book by Nweke depicts the gift of in depth creativity and urged him on, despite the challenges the sectorial environment throws at industry players.

Organized by ITREALMS Media and hosted under DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA), an At-Large Structure certified by ICANN, the forum brought together key partners including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Internet Society Nigeria chapter, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and ICANN.

The NDSF series, running since 2009, continues to “motivate public discourse and create awareness on the technological cum business benefits of rapidly advancing technologies capable of impacting on Internet Governance, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and domain name industry, access and affordability,” while offering a vital platform for industry networking.

The event not only celebrated the literary achievement of Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, a multiple award-winning journalist, but also reinforced the commitment of ICT stakeholders to fostering digital inclusion and innovation across Nigeria.


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