E-Business
Easy Taxi, Google Train Drivers on Use of Google Map
Easy Taxi, Nigeria’s leading taxi booking application and Google (Nigeria), a multinational corporation specializing in Internet-related services and products, at the weekend, trained over 100 taxi drivers on the use of Google Map.
Easy Taxi is the largest taxi hailing app in the world. Present in 27 countries and increasing constantly, there are more than 90,000 drivers registered to the Easy Taxi network and over 3.5 million users worldwide.
Mr. Bankole Cardoso, chief executive officer and founder, Easy Taxi (Nigeria), told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek that the coaching session was spurred by the desire to make operations easier for both the drivers and the customers.
“Based on our findings that taxi drivers, registered with Easy taxi, on some occasions failed to locate their ways to pick up a customer. Google map as a user-friendly application we decided to work with the Google to get them improve services to our customers by educating our drivers on how to use the Maps.
“Definitely, it will make them to work more efficiently, save some litters of fuel, time and energy”.
He said, Easy Taxi hopes to replicate such gestures in other areas of its operations like Abuja (Nigeria) and Accra (Ghana). We have plans for more cities on the Continent.
The session, the coordinator said, would not distract the drivers.
Nodding in agreement, Mr. Adepolu Abiodun, business associate intern, Google Nigeria, who lectured the drivers, said that it will not distract them while driving due to the availability of “voice bar”.
In other words, they (the drivers) do not necessarily look at the map while driving. “Of course that feature in the map will tell them when to turn left or right. Google understands safety while driving”.
On how it will impact on their operations, he said, “Everywhere is location based. As a driver you do not know everywhere in Lagos or in Nigeria, but with Maps you have the directions on your palm. Although, every nooks and crannies may not be fully mapped, you can be sure of the entry and exit of Lagos. It covers 80% to 90% of where they may want to navigate. With the map you can choice alternative route when there is traffic gridlock.
Google had recently added five new features on its Map for seamless navigating.
The features are Real Time Traffic report; Related Results; Easy-to-View Review Information; Trip-Planning Tool and Rich Media that allows users to better explore the places they want to visit before actually going there.
“You can save the Map offline so that anything you do not have internet connectivity you can pull that up for usage,” Abiodun added.
One of the participants, Mr. Akinlawon Olugbenga, also said “Although, I have been using the Google Map to locate my way, especially in Lekki where there are a quite number of streets and the Mainland too, however, with today’s coaching session I am more enlightened on the usage.
“The challenges I have been encountering in the usage is the connectivity, but during the training, we were taken on the process on offline connections. Also, when the GPS in that area is not in order, the Map, usually, do not give you the ultimate services; today also, we were told how to navigate your way right from the business area or home.
“The usage to me is seamless and very helpful in the business we are doing. The smartness of the Map is such that it gives you directions ahead of time; measuring your journey, updating you on the distance ahead”.
He expressed delight that the application does not distract them while driving.
Speaking on other empowerment programmes the Firm had adopted to help the drivers, Cardoso said, for those who could ill-afford to purchase smartphone for easier use of the Map, Easy Taxi has provided them with options to buy on three installments through a partnership with mobile phone manufacturing company.
“We do not own any taxi, so any driver that registers with us is an Easy Taxi partner. They have identity card. We are hopeful that the process will restore customers’ confidence on the taxis, because safety is paramount to us. For any registered driver we have the plate-number, residential address, and other important bio-data; car hires number and convince it will give to people.
Another driver who was part of the training session, David Mark said, “I am glad to be part of this training. Easy Taxi and Google have actually added value to my business, because I have learnt how to use the Google Map better. Before, some of us (drivers) do not know how to operate the map to locate our way when a customer calls for services.
“With this training, I am sure Easy Taxi will be well-known within the vicinity. Also, our customers will not be disappointed as the case has been due to delays in locating the way”.
Easy Taxi was launched in Nigeria in July 2013 as leading free smartphone application that provides the safest, fastest and most convenient way of hailing a taxi in Lagos by connecting a network of registered drivers directly to customers.
Easy Taxi has become a safe and convenient way for people to book a taxi anywhere within Lagos, as it pioneered mobile taxi application services in Nigeria.
It is holiday season in many parts of the world. These days though, going on holiday does not always mean turning your back on office life – hybrid work cuts both ways.
Today’s widespread connectivity—available at airports, train stations, restaurants, hotels, and most indoor public spaces—makes staying connected easier than ever, with free Wi-Fi in many locations and reliable 4G or 5G coverage elsewhere, helping to facilitate a seamless blend of work and leisure even while on holiday.
This increase in connectivity among travellers has not gone unnoticed by cyber criminals. Kaspersky experts analysed nearly 25,000 free Wi-Fi spots in Paris ahead of the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The analysis revealed that almost 25% of these networks had weak or no encryption, making users vulnerable to personal and banking data theft.
Travellers often have their guard down. The unfamiliar surroundings of a new location or a different language can throw up a useful smokescreen for a cyberattack, meaning additional care needs to be taken when logging on. Fortunately, a few smart tools and habits can help you stay protected while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
Use a VPN for secure connections
A VPN is one of the most effective ways to safeguard users’ online activity, especially when working from unfamiliar locations. By encrypting Internet traffic, a VPN ensures that hackers can’t intercept sensitive data like login credentials or financial details. This is particularly important when accessing work emails or company files on public Wi-Fi, where cybercriminals often lurk.
Switch to an eSIM for reliable, secure mobile data
Another useful digital tool that provides a seamless way to stay connected using local mobile networks with no physical SIM card required is the eSIM. This is a game-changer for international travellers who want to avoid sky-high roaming charges or the hassle of hunting down temporary SIM cards in foreign countries.
With an eSIM, a user can download a local data plan before you even arrive at your destination, ensuring instant connectivity the moment you land. This eliminates the need to rely on unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots, significantly reducing your exposure to cyber threats.
Plus, many eSIM providers allow you to manage multiple profiles on a single device, making it easy to switch between work and personal data plans without juggling multiple phones.
Services like Kaspersky eSIM Store enables users to purchase and activate data plans in advance, track usage and top up as needed, all from a single app.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
When travelling, people often leave devices unattended. To protect against unwanted people logging in, travellers should ensure two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on all critical accounts and that passwords are used on all devices.
Final tips for a secure workation
Even with a VPN, eSIM and 2FA in place, your devices still need strong defenses against malware, phishing scams and ransomware. Cybercriminals often target remote workers who may let their guard down while travelling, making real-time protection essential.
Modern antivirus software does more than just scan for viruses, it actively blocks malicious downloads, warns you about phishing attempts and even secures your passwords and financial data.
For the most robust security, consider a solution like Kaspersky Premium, which combines antivirus protection, a VPN and password management into a single, easy-to-use package.
By combining a VPN, eSIM and strong antivirus, you can work from anywhere with confidence, whether you’re sending emails from a poolside or joining a video call from a festival tent.
E-Business
Zequence Digital Boss Calls for Strong IP Laws Enforcement, to Protect Nigeria’s Software Sector
Mr Adeoye Oludamilola, managing director, Zequence Digital, a digital agency, has said strong enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) laws , protection of Nigeria’s software industry against piracy will encourage innovation and investment.
Adeoye told reporters lately in Lagos that software piracy and the unauthorised use of proprietary technology are widespread in the country.
According to report Intellectual Property (IP) laws in software refers to the legal rights that protect the creations of the mind used in software development.
These rights, which include copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and trademarks, grant developers exclusive control over their software and related assets, preventing unauthorised use or reproduction.
Adeoye said that many startups do not protect their innovations, due to a lack of knowledge and the cumbersome legal processes involved.
“IP registration and litigation are expensive and time-consuming, which further discourages developers from protecting their work,” Adeoye said.
He added that the lack of awareness among developers about their IP rights contributed to the problem.
To address these challenges, Adeoye stressed the need for the formation of an IP Protection Consortium, comprising tech firms, legal experts, and regulators, to advocate for stronger IP enforcement.
He also suggested collaborating with legal tech startups to create simplified platforms for fast-tracked IP registration.
The managing director further called for joint initiatives between legal bodies and tech communities to launch IP rights education campaigns.
This, he said, would equip developers with the knowledge they needed to protect their innovations and grow their businesses.
Adeoye emphasised the need for the government and stakeholders to create an ecosystem for development and inclusivity by proactively engaging with regulators.
According to him, this will help ensure that policies are created with the input of concerned agencies and industry experts.
PalmPay, a leading fintech platform and full-stack digital neobank for emerging markets, has partnered with Nigeria’s biggest Health Insurance Company, AXA Mansard Health a member of the globally trusted AXA Group, to provide millions of Nigerians with affordable, accessible digital health insurance.
This strategic partnership enables PalmPay users to seamlessly access a range of health insurance packages from AXA Mansard directly within the PalmPay app. With plans starting as low as N500 per month, users can now choose from flexible insurance options tailored to fit their everyday needs.
The plans are designed to meet a wide range of needs; for example, the AXA Digital Health plan offers access to telemedicine consultations with doctors, N5,000 worth of medications, and up to N40,000 in surgical coverage. Users can also opt for the AXA Mansard MicroHealth plan at N1,000 per month, which provides unlimited diagnostic tests and funeral benefits. Additionally, the AXA Mansard Accident plan, available for N500 monthly, offers comprehensive death cover for both accidental and non-accidental cases.
Speaking on the partnership, Habib Kowontan, Head of Wealth Product at PalmPay, said: “Insurance is a key pillar of financial security, yet millions of Nigerians remain underserved. Our partnership with AXA Mansard Health breaks down long-standing barriers by placing reliable and affordable insurance solutions right at our users’ fingertips.”
In her remarks, Jumoke Odunlami, Chief Distribution Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance said that the partnership with Palmpay presents the AXA with another opportunity to improve health and productivity of Nigerians. “Through partnerships like this, we are covering over 1.8 million Nigerians and ensuring that healthcare is accessible, available and affordable.
“So we are excited about joining forces with a brand like Palmpay to compliment the range of financial possibilities they offer their customers with health plans. It fits well with our mission and our purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters, and we are looking forward to doing even more with Palmpay”, she explained.
This partnership reflects PalmPay’s broader mission to create a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem, one that empowers users to not only manage their money efficiently, but also secure their future.
This partnership reflects PalmPay’s broader mission to create a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem, one that empowers users to not only manage their money efficiently, but also secure their future.
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