General News

Embrace Corporate Governance to Avoid Wastages – Emmanuel

Published

16 years ago

March 15, 2010

Tony O. Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings and vice chairman of NCCN

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Amos Emmanuel is the managing director/CEO of Programos Software Limited, a software development company. He is a recipient of industry awards locally and internationally. He spoke to funmi ilesanmi.

Patronage
Patronage is actually something that is related to service satisfaction because the patronizing society expects to see a product they should fall for. Such a product would be something they want to go for anytime so if a product meets their standards, they will always go for it. Indigenous software practitioners have to be able to look at the quality of products they are developing, as well as the quality of the manner in which they are being delivered to customers. We started by first looking at the official requirements and the guidelines for the investment sector that is, the capital market segment of the economy and we went after the operational guidelines. We took up the smooth system design towards that guideline, that is ensuring that operators who are to operate within the regulatory framework have to see how they can operate within the regulatory requirements so that they can justify that very efficiently. We went after that design and we came up with a product that is suitable and that has been existing for over a decade now; this is about the 13th, 14th year of active service delivery in that sector. If a product actually satisfies one customer, you will realize that it sells itself in that the customer who used your service and is very comfortable with it will sell it to other people rather than opt for another product.
Unique Products
The very flagship product Programos software sold was the Integral 2000 Plus Software which was a dream product meant for the millennium in the early 90s. Prior to the Y2K issues, we were able to stay through all of that. Why we said 2000 was that it was a millennium vision and after the millennium, we are still moving on and technology is still advancing. It is an almost endless technological ambition and research that we are doing and we have been able to take care of the capital market and so have it properly designed and configured in a manner that a foreign influx may not find its feet easier because of the impact of indigenous ones particularly that of Programos Software. It is very easy because you want to protect indigenous products, the products need to identify standards that the foreign ones will have problems to compete with. Programos Software is having the bullish hold on ICT in the capital market because of the quality service we have to offer in the sector.
Role of Nitda, Ispon and Itan in Software Testing Laboratory
Every agency has done the best it could. Nitda has been there facing IT policy issues, general IT developmental issues across the country and looking at what the federal government is doing. They have also been doing this in collaboration with other IT bodies like Ispon, NCS, Itan and the like but the Nigerian system has been such that the impact of all these bodies may not have been felt more in the centre and this is not unconnected with the fact that we have had terrible political structures that would really make these things go down well in our system. This in itself has had issues and is affecting the way Nigeria is accepting ICT penetration which is still on a very low scale. It affects even the way the federal government is taking things. By and large, I think the private sector still has more work to do and that is why I can give it to some of these IT bodies that they have had to change the way they have to lobby and work more with the public sector functionaries so that we can be able to get better results at the end of the day. We can have more IT PPP arrangement for us to close the gap between the private sector and the public sector and make the people in government become more competitive in that they should be able to utilize the funds they get on competitive IT projects, not just wasting funds. I think IT bodies who have come up with public partnership initiatives in the system make life a lot easier for players both in the private and public sector in realizing that these local capacities can immediately be harnessed for the future of the country.
Automation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange
If the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) did not take automation seriously maybe by today we would not have had a capital market that we can compare. When NSE started with automation, it was like something to give us an assurance that there is hope which it really did but it is unfortunate that we experienced a recession. The recession is still with us, it is still with so many other economies and the rate at which these economies have changed or have improved may not be the same but if there was nothing like that, it would have been a calamity. Recession is a global economic action because in a way it has helped some people to realize that corporate governance was not in place in a lot of places. People are now taking corporate governance more seriously. So many regulatory authorities we have now realized were not doing anything. Contributing to the recession has been poor regulation, sharp practices and the christened corruption in the society that has made information that is supposed to be available to people unavailable for them and if it was to be made available in a modified manner or adulterated manner that would not help the investor. This is not the kind of information society we require for the capital market but at a time things were improved and we begin to see, just like having to see what the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is doing now in the banking reform. Not just that the banking reform is going on because of Lamido Sanusi for instance, it is that every other segment, every other part of the economy has to borrow a leaf from what the banking sector is doing right now, otherwise we get back to status quo. Not just when the banking sector is being refined and every other sector is still waiting, at the end of the day, they will end up corrupting the system the banking sector is reforming. If every part of the economy is undergoing a true and fair reform, it is probably going to help this economy a lot more. I think the recession has taught quite a lot of people some lessons, is it in terms of investment losses or how most of us have lost so much by that experience? We hope going forward, they would have learnt so many lessons that they won’t be able to honour the kind of practices that are probably going to harm the economy any further and that is why it is important that we all imbibe corporate governance and confirm that going forward the organization will be able to employ mechanism that will help the administration of their organizations to be compared with their peers in some other advanced nations where things work.
Essence of ISO Certification
We are still undergoing certification. We are an ISO registered company, the main reason Programos has to undergo the ISO certification process is that we are trying to see ourselves not just as an indigenous company. Programos is currently an international standard institution in that we have to subject all our processes to the kind of standards that our fellow entrepreneurs are exhibiting in some well formed economies. ISO being an international standardization organization helps businesses in refining their business processes, making the business more profitable by delivering quality service to customers which is just the end point of what every organization wishes to have and is a lot easier and smarter working with such procedural sequence in every activity of every platform of business. As a software company, we recommend this to every other IT firm in Nigeria because it goes a long way to improve the service quality of indigenous companies as well as improve the service benefits to their customers in the long run. It is a voluntary decision, it is not compulsory that you must go do ISO but it is better for organizations to identify with standards. The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has been involved with processes and regularly improving on such helps organizations. Technological institutions are also protected from the problem of poor legal frameworks that never make ICT providers earn their values; because we are never protected, not even the law, nobody cares. It is okay that the customer is right, we strive to offer the best of services to make the customer right but when we are abused as providers, nobody protects us. It is always better when you imbibe standards or procedures that make both parties understand so you come to terms with the exchange of service and appropriate values that are supposed to go with it. These are some of the things that I have seen in the balancing of the international standards of the ISO.
Programos Software
Programos is a core software development company. We are also into ICT training, we offer ICT training to diverse categories of professionals. We have a major training programme currently going on for graduates where we hope to turn out about a million software developers come year 2013. All these put together, manpower development in the country has benefited quite immensely from our past training programmes because we offer ICT education to CEOs of organizations particularly capital market firms. We had to take them through ICT related security and control set of education so that by the time they get back to their organization, they would be able to know, lead and manage their organizations properly. We also run programmes for different cadres of regulatory organizations like the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the likes. We also offer stock exchange consultancy services to exchanges outside Nigeria. By so doing, we hope to create a larger academy of entrepreneurs in this country who will offer the kind of services that we have ventured into over the years so that there can be continuity. We will have a larger base of entrepreneurs springing up in a public private partnership program where we get state governments to take over this programme and offer it as a political programme to their citizens for us to teach them how to come up with software development as a business. It is an entrepreneurship programme for their indigenes.
Extending Operations
Programos Software is a global company, global in the sense that we might be indigenous but we are 100 percent global in thinking. Already, one of the reasons we might not say we are folding up in Nigeria is because we have considered things that can sustain us in Nigeria. That is one of the reasons our door is still opened here. If I need to consider power for instance, I probably will not survive but as we speak, quite a whole number of things are working for me right now, tapping into the energy of some countries outside Nigeria. Is it the Internet? There are quite a number of things I planned to do in the country but I can’t just venture into them because it is not possible initiating them. We have to take most of these things and operate from the UK, the US and Ghana just 40 minutes away from here just because my country does not have power. For the time being, we have been able to manage some of these business environment crisis with external economic facilities, maybe that is why we are still in business here, otherwise I sincerely do not see why any business can open its door in this country.

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FG to Balance Innovation with National Security with Stronger Drone Regulations

Published

19 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Ebere Melum-Nwogbo

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Federal government said it is committed to the implementation of stricter, more organized drone regulations to balance innovation with national security.

FG to Balance Innovation with National Security with Stronger Drone Regulations

This came as stakeholders at the 6th Dronetecx Conference and Exhibition in Lagos called for stronger regulation and a comprehensive national policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) launched a Drone Portal.

Speaking at the conference, representatives of Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and NCAA, said Nigeria is intensifying efforts to balance innovation with national security as drone operations continue to expand across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, oil and gas, logistics, construction and security.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser, represented by Commodore Oscar Mbanu, deputy director, Defence Affairs, said the federal government had adopted a strict but innovation-friendly regulatory framework requiring security clearance, end-user certification and operational approval before drones can be deployed.

He disclosed that a multi-agency drone task force involving the NCAA, security agencies and other relevant bodies had been established to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and accountability, while the End-User Certificate system would help track imported drones and prevent misuse.

Also speaking, Mahmud Kambari, permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, represented by Mrs Rubiyatu Aliu, director of Air Safety and Administration in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced the launch of a new digital drone registration portal and Flyer ID scheme introduced by the NCAA in partnership with Dronetecx to improve oversight and proper registration of operators.

She urged drone operators to comply with regulatory requirements, warning that innovation must operate within the law.

Captain Chris Najomo, director general of NCAA, said the Federal Government was moving from policy discussions to implementation with plans to establish a comprehensive national drone policy and roadmap approved by Mr Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

He noted that the framework would complement existing aviation regulations and provide clearer direction for investors and operators in the rapidly growing industry.

Mr Fortune Edu, conference organiser and founder of Dronetecx, said Nigeria must urgently position itself as a leading player in Africa’s emerging drone economy or risk losing opportunities to countries already advancing in the sector.

He explained that the proposed national framework would support innovation, research, advanced air mobility and job creation while preparing the country for future drone applications including cargo delivery and passenger transportation.

Stakeholders at the conference expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government agencies and industry operators would accelerate the safe growth of drone technology and support national development.

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Olusi, BOI MD Harps on the Media as Nigeria’s Biggest Development Partner

Published

19 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Industry, has described the media as Nigeria’s most important development partner, noting that effective communication remains critical to national growth and institutional impact.

Speaking during an interactive session with media partners in Lagos, Olusi said journalists play a central role in shaping development outcomes by amplifying progress, accountability, and national aspirations.

“The media is the biggest agent of development anywhere,” he said. “Communicating what needs to be done and what has been done is critical in the journey of any development institution.”

Olusi used the engagement to unveil major milestones in BOI’s ongoing transformation agenda, which he said is focused on strengthening support for Nigeria’s private sector and driving inclusive economic growth.

On the BOI he met when he was appointed, Olusi said: “I inherited a very strong institution. The Bank of Industry was already one of the leading development finance institutions in Africa, and certainly a respected institution in Nigeria. I usually describe it as inheriting a Rolls-Royce.” He noted that the current leadership is innovating and repositioning the Bank to become even more effective in delivering long-term financing and developmental impact for Nigeria’s private sector.

“I came with the mindset of a development economist who truly believes in impact-making,” he said.

Olusi revealed that BOI has established an Impact Fund financed through a percentage of the Bank’s annual profits to support strategic national investments.

According to him, the Fund invested $15 million in the New Africa Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja and N25 billion in the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) to improve access to financing for MSMEs lacking collateral.

“The objective is to remove the long-standing barriers preventing small businesses from accessing finance,” he explained.

The BOI boss also announced plans to commence non-interest banking operations following final regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He said the initiative would provide inclusive financing options for Nigerians who prefer non-interest financial products.

In addition, Olusi disclosed that BOI has established more than 20 youth and skills hubs nationwide focused on ICT, agro-processing, fashion, printing, and entrepreneurship development.

“These hubs are designed to help young Nigerians learn, innovate, package products, and eventually establish sustainable businesses,” he stated.

Reaffirming BOI’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation, Olusi said the Bank remains focused on creating measurable impact across communities and sectors nationwide.

“The opportunities for making a difference in Nigeria are enormous across all sectors and spheres of life,” he added.

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General News

Google Just Changed Android Forever With 12 New Gemini-Powered Features

Published

19 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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Google’s annual I/O developer conference is a hub for exciting product updates. This year, “The Android Show: I/O Edition” offered an early preview of Android’s future. Packed with groundbreaking news, these updates will transform our Android interactions. Android, the world’s most popular OS with over 3 billion active devices, continues to innovate, bringing practical benefits and new possibilities.

Google

For people in Nigeria, these advancements promise easier, safer, and more personal digital lives driven by Gemini Intelligence. From handing off your to-do list to unbreakable theft protection, dive into how Android’s 12 latest offerings will empower users across the continent:
1. Hand Off Your To-Do List with Gemini App Automation

Google is introducing Task Automation, allowing Gemini to navigate multi-step tasks across your apps so you can focus on other things. Instead of manually switching between apps and copying data, you can simply point your camera at a travel brochure in a hotel lobby and say, “Find a tour like this on Expedia for a group of six.” You can also long-press your power button over a grocery list in your notes app and ask Gemini to build a shopping cart with all the items for delivery. Gemini handles the logistics in the background while keeping you in complete control.

Availability: Already in beta on S26 and P10 Pro devices, and launching on Galaxy Fold8 and Pixel 11 later this year.

2. Speak Naturally with “Rambler” (Powered by Gemini)

Google is announcing Rambler, a revolutionary voice typing feature in Gboard that captures your underlying intent rather than just transcribing your exact words. Because we don’t always speak the way we want to write, Rambler lets you talk naturally—including self-corrections, repeats, and filler words like “ums” and “ahs”—and turns those raw thoughts into a polished, concise message. It is built for a global community and can seamlessly switch between multiple languages, like blending English and Hindi, within a single sentence.

Availability: Rolling out first to Pixel devices starting in Q3 2026.

3. A Personal Browsing Assistant with Gemini in Chrome

Google is announcing a built-in personal browsing assistant for Chrome on Android, designed to help you research and understand web content without ever leaving the app. By tapping the Gemini icon on your toolbar, the assistant opens at the bottom of your display so you can ask specific questions about the webpage you are currently viewing. Whether you need a quick summary of a long article or a detailed explanation of a complex topic, this tool seamlessly enhances your mobile web experience.

Availability: Rolling out to select Android 12+ devices with 4GB+ of RAM in the U.S. starting at the end of June.

4. Instant Image Customization with Nano Banana

Google is introducing Nano Banana, an innovative feature that lets you instantly create and customize images directly within your Chrome browser. For example, if you are studying for an online exam, you can simply ask your browsing assistant to turn a text-heavy page into an informative infographic. Similarly, if you are scrolling through apartment listings, you can ask the assistant to alter a photo of an empty room to include modern living room essentials, allowing you to instantly visualize ideas on the go.

Availability: Available in Chrome for Android starting next month.

5. Share with Anyone Using Quick Share & AirDrop

Google is announcing a massive expansion to Quick Share, making it compatible with AirDrop to solve the universal hassle of sharing files between different phone brands. If you are at a family gathering and want to share a video with friends using iOS, you can simply use Quick Share on your Android phone to generate a QR code. Scanning this code lets you instantly share high-quality media across devices via the cloud, breaking down the barriers between operating systems.

Availability: Expanding to more partners including Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, and HONOR this year.

6. OSmosis: Wireless iOS-to-Android Transfer

Google is announcing OSmosis, a completely overhauled, wireless iOS-to-Android transfer process that makes switching phones easier than ever. You can now wirelessly migrate your passwords, photos, messages, favorite apps, contacts, and even your precise homescreen layout directly from your iPhone to your new Android device without needing a cable.

Availability: Launching first on new Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices later this year.

7. Pro-Grade Creator Tools Natively on Instagram

Google is announcing an expanded partnership with Meta to bring pro-level camera and editing features natively to the Instagram app on Android flagships. Android creators can now enjoy Ultra HDR capture for lifelike, vibrant colors, along with built-in video stabilization to keep footage smooth while walking or dancing. The update also includes deep Night Sight integrations, ensuring you can capture the perfect shot even in the dimmest settings.

Availability: Rolling out to flagship devices throughout Q3 and Q4 2026.

8. Reclaim Your Time with “Pause Point”

Google is introducing Pause Point, a new digital wellbeing tool designed to help you stop mindless, autopilot scrolling. When you try to open an app you have identified as distracting, Pause Point gives you a mandatory 10-second breather to ask yourself, “Why am I here?” During this pause, you can do a quick breathing exercise or set a strict timer for your app usage. To ensure you stick to your goals, turning the feature off completely requires you to restart your phone.

Availability: Available in Q4 2026 across all countries and languages.

9. Unbreakable Biometric Theft Protection

Google is announcing a powerful new anti-theft measure that enhances the “Mark as lost” feature with biometric authentication. If your device is snatched, you can now lock it using your fingerprint or face in addition to the standard passcode. This provides an immediate, unbreakable layer of security, meaning that even if a thief spied on your PIN before stealing your phone, they will not be able to turn off device tracking or re-access your personal data.

Availability: Rolling out as a built-in feature on devices running Android 17.

10. Express Yourself with Noto 3D Emoji

Google is announcing Noto 3D, a massive update to the way we express ourselves with nearly 4,000 newly designed emoji. Moving away from flat 2D icons, these new 3D emoji bring a touch of physicality and weight to your digital conversations. Whether you are sending a wrapped burrito or a joyful smile, this visually vibrant collection bridges the digital divide, representing the difference between a message simply being received and a true presence felt.

Availability: Available across Google platforms, starting with Pixel phones later this year.

11. Fill Out Forms in a Single Tap with Gemini Personal Intelligence

Google is announcing an evolution to Autofill with Google, powered by Gemini’s Personal Intelligence. This new feature allows Android to automatically fill in complex forms across your apps and Chrome browser. By securely pulling relevant information from your connected apps or saved photos—such as passport details or frequent flyer numbers—your device saves you from the universal hassle of typing out tiny text on a mobile screen.

Availability: Rolling out in Q2 2026 for phones, and Q4 2026 for laptops and tablets.

12. Build Custom Widgets with Gemini Intelligence

Google is introducing Create My Widget, taking the first step in generative UI to give you more ways to make your device truly yours. You can now build entirely custom widgets just by describing what you want using natural language. For example, a meal prepper can ask for a widget that suggests high-protein recipes every week, or a cyclist can create a weather dashboard that surfaces exact wind speed and rain stats right on the home screen.
Availability: Launching in Q3 2026 for phones, watches, laptops, and tablets.

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