Connect with us

Telecom

COVID-19: Softcom Launches Transparent Crowdfunding Platform for Effective Distribution of Palliatives to Poor Households

Published

on

L-R:Ibukun Beecroft, Partner, Deloitte Nigeria, Seinde Olobayo, Chief Operations Officer, Softcom, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, Yomi Adedeji, CEO Softcom and Lynda Saint Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN at the HelpNow launch in Lagos on Thursday, June 18 2020
Kindly share this post

Softcom, a company dedicated to connecting people and business through meaningful innovation, in partnership with Deloitte, MTN, Ernst &Young, Banwo&Ighodalo, GTBank, Future Africa, Providus Bank, John Ashley Foundation, Wildreams, Lagos State Government and other corporate organizations have launched a new initiative – HelpNow, to support Lagos residents in need due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic via a platform set up to pair donors with beneficiaries who require support.

HelpNow, an initiative of Softcom, is a private sector led collaboration in response to the debilitating effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the income and livelihood of millions of Nigerians.

The objective is to provide support to at least 2 million vulnerable people in Lagos through a crowdfunding model that rallies the support of well-meaning individuals and corporates.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. BabajideSanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State noted that ‘the role of technology in addressing the socio-economic challenges of the modern world is not only important, but also incontrovertible.

L-R: Seinde Olobayo, Chief Operations Officer, Softcom, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor and Yomi Adedeji, CEO Softcom at the HelpNow launch in Lagos on Thursday, June 18 2020

“This consciousness is the reason why technology is a critical component of the THEMES Agenda of our government”.

“We are determined to leverage technology and its associated innovations to make governance easier and transform our State.

“However, like the experience in other megacities in the world, COVID-19 outbreak has shown the fragility of our societies and the need to seek innovative ways for addressing some of our immediate challenges has become more important”.

“With the launch of HelpNow today, we now have a platform that aggregates support for government’s efforts at alleviating the sufferings of the poor and vulnerable in our society.

“Government alone cannot address the socio-economic problems of any society. It needs the support of well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to cater for the needy amongst us”.

“Before now, there was no platform such as HelpNow that allows effortless intervention in the lives of millions from anywhere and anonymously. For creating a platform that encourages collaboration and speedily mobilizes succour for the needy and vulnerable, I commend Softcom Limited and its partners.

“The people of Lagos State appreciate your ingenuity and thoughtfulness”, concluded the Governor.

Yomi Adedeji, ceo, Softcom Limited and convener, HelpNow initiative, said “We believe that while the pandemic affects everyone, the impact is not the same across the board.

“With limitations to economic activities, a good number of Lagosians are vulnerable and have a tough time taking care of themselves and their families. They need our help now to get back on their feet.

“Softcom is working with the Bank of Industry, Telco’s, and LASG to organize the records of vulnerable Nigerians covering people with disabilities, the poorest households and the aged, for this purpose.

“These records reduce guesses or duplication of efforts. It ensures that more people are reached, and no individual or family benefits more than once.”

Also, to ensure the credibility and transparency of the initiative, Deloitte and Ernst &Young will provide audit, governance and operational risk support, ensuring every Naira donated gets to a beneficiary as promised.

Adedeji encouraged corporates and private individuals in Nigeria and worldwide to support the initiative by visiting theHelpnow.ng website to donate, saying no amount is too small to help those in need.

He said donors will be able to view the impact of their giving on the website coupled with testimonials of the beneficiaries.

He noted that HelpNow partners are committed to achieving the SDG Agenda 2030 on ending poverty, ensuring zero hunger, and ultimately improving the quality of life and wellbeing of all.


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

Legend Internet Debuts Nigeria’s First Fibre-to-the-room Service

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Legend Internet Plc has launched FTTR by Legend — Nigeria’s first Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) service, redefining the standard for broadband connectivity across homes and businesses.

“Being listed on NGX is just the beginning, With FTTR by Legend, we are building the infrastructure of the future, today — not just to improve connectivity, but to transform how people live, work, and create”, said Aisha Abdulaziz, CEO of Legend Internet Plc.

This groundbreaking innovation was deployed by Legend, with strategic technology support from global telecommunications leader- Huawei. The result is a seamless digital experience that meets the demands of modern living.

The launch of FTTR follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Legend Internet and Huawei Technologies.

“Our collaboration with Huawei reflects our commitment to global standards and local innovation. Unlike traditional broadband that stops at the router, FTTR by Legend brings pure fibre into every room, offering zero lag, full-house coverage, and the performance needed for smart homes, remote work, creators, and tech-forward enterprises.

The collaboration is aimed at accelerating broadband infrastructure development, enhancing local capacity, and positioning Nigeria as a digital leader in Africa. Huawei brings decades of R&D in fibre optic and smart home technology to support Legend in deploying this state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Coming on the heels of its recent listing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited(NGX), Legend Internet PLC shows no signs of slowing down. The company is celebrating its public debut with a landmark product — one that delivers ultra-high-speed fibre into every room of a building, enabling uninterrupted, gigabit-speed internet at all times.

Legend Internet’s entry into fibre-to-the-room solutions is part of a broader ambition to close the digital divide in Nigeria. While FTTR by Legend is currently being offered exclusively to high-end residences, the company plans to scale and democratize access through complementary solutions over time. This aligns with Legend’s dual-market approach.

In broadband, Legend leverages fibre optics to deliver ultra-high-speed internet directly to consumers, with a focus on reliability, speed, and innovation. In fintech, the company is expanding last-mile payment infrastructure and delivering secure, scalable tools including wallets, merchant solutions, and digital financial platforms for everyday use.

Legend’s mission is clear: to power Nigeria’s digital future — through cutting-edge technology, bold thinking, and local-first execution.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

NASENI Commends President Tinubu’s Push for Local Industry Growth

Published

on

NASENI
Kindly share this post

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a bold step toward accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth.

NASENI

In a statement issued on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended the policy’s prioritization of locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement.

He said the directive would empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by giving them the necessary support to thrive.

“With Mr. President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines in favor of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” Mr. Halilu said.

“Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”

Describing the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” Mr. Halilu noted that NASENI has long championed local content through its own initiatives.

He highlighted products developed by the agency, ranging from Nigerian-assembled vehicles and energy systems to smart irrigation tools and electronic devices, as evidence of the quality and competitiveness of local manufacturing.

He further referenced NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings held across the country, aimed at driving awareness and understanding of consumer attitudes toward local products.

These forums bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to identify challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.

“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Mr. Halilu stated. “But this is also a call to action for local producers.

“It is not enough to enjoy policy support, quality and standards must never be compromised.

“We must deliver products that compete favourably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.”

NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure, has been engaging stakeholders across states including Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.

President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritize local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.

Mr. Halilu concluded by affirming NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge: “We have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers.

“They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialization powered by Nigerian solutions.”


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

MTN Commits $10Bn to Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure

Published

on

ka
Kindly share this post

MTN has said since 2001, it has committed over $10 billion into deepening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, enhancing widespread connectivity and financial inclusion.

MTN Commits $10Bn to Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure

Despite economic headwinds, the Group said it remained committed to Nigeria’s long-term potential and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) vision.

The telecom giant said as Africa stands at the point of a profound transformation, the imperative for greater intra-continental cooperation has never been clearer.

The path to shared prosperity depends not on the progress of individual nations but on the collective strength of our commitments.

Central to this vision is the relationship between South Africa and Nigeria, two of the continent’s largest economies, and the institutions that serve as bridges between them.

MTN Group said it hosted Minister Parks Tau (SA Minister of Trade Industry and Competition) and his delegation at its Johannesburg Headquarters.

“At a time when global uncertainties are reshaping trade and technology, Africa must respond not in isolation, but in solidarity. As MTN, we see it as our duty to serve as an economic diplomatic bridge between Nigeria and South Africa — driving growth, fostering inclusion, and unlocking opportunity for the Africa’s shared prosperity,” the carrier said.

“MTN’s journey exemplifies what is possible when two great nations collaborate. As Nigeria’s largest South African investor, MTN has long viewed its presence not simply as a commercial venture but as a platform for inclusive development. Since commencing operations in Nigeria in 2001, we have invested more than $10 billion in the country’s digital infrastructure.

“Today, MTN Nigeria serves over 80 million subscribers, employs thousands directly, and supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods across its extended value chain.

“Yet, while the economic footprint is significant, our greatest source of pride lies in the social and developmental outcomes accompanying this investment, expanded access to connectivity, enhanced financial inclusion, and the empowerment of individuals and enterprises through digital technologies.

“Still, the operating environment remains complex. Macroeconomic challenges in Nigeria, including currency depreciation, inflation, and constraints in accessing foreign exchange, have placed pressure on business continuity and investor confidence. Despite these difficulties, MTN remains firmly committed to its business case and its long-term presence in Nigeria, underpinned by a belief in the country’s enduring potential and strategic importance to the continent,” it added in an e-note at the weekend.

However, it said for South Africa and Nigeria to truly unlock their bilateral potential, a number of long-standing issues require resolution. The upcoming South Africa–Nigeria Trade and Investment Summit, to be held in Abuja later this year, will present a unique opportunity to address these concerns. The Summit serves not merely as a diplomatic engagement, but as a catalyst for policy reform, reciprocal market access, and institutional dialogue. Importantly, it should reinforce the private sector’s role in shaping practical, actionable solutions that support cross-border trade and investment.

The AfCFTA offers a historic platform to actualise these ambitions. Yet its success will depend as much on infrastructure and digital connectivity as it will on tariff liberalisation or regulatory harmonisation.

“As a pan-African operator, MTN is investing heavily in the digital foundations of AfCFTA, facilitating seamless mobile communication, enabling digital payments, and building platforms for cross-border entrepreneurship.

“We also believe that integration must extend beyond economic frameworks to include cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement. One such initiative is our MTN Media Innovation Programme, which brings emerging Nigerian media professionals to South Africa for immersive learning. Through programmes like these, we aim to cultivate not only knowledge and skills, but also enduring bonds between our nations’ future leaders,” the telco explained.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending