Telecom
Experts Advocate for New Ministry to Help Solve Nigeria’s Financial & Unemployment Woes
Experts in Courier and Logistics Management sector have urged the Federal Government to create a special purpose ministry for courier and logistics sector so as to enable it to harness the untapped resources in the sector.
Group photograph of Inductees at the institute’s 2023 International Conference and Investiture with the theme “Logistics Solutions and National Infrastructure Development” held on November 23, at Oriental Hotel Lagos.
Prof. Simon Emeje, Executive Chairman of the Courier and Logistics Management Institute made the call while delivering his opening speech at the institute’s 2023 International Conference and Investiture with the theme “Logistics Solutions and National Infrastructure Development” held on November 23, at Oriental Hotel Lagos.
He noted that any serious government that neglects the courier, logistics, and transport management sector does so at his or her own peril, stressing that the sector is estimated to worth over N3 trillion, which according to him could help solve the nation’s current financial and unemployment woes.
“The logistics, courier, transport, and management industry should not be ignored, it commands an average asset worth of over N3trillion, with the capability of creating millions of jobs.
“So, the take home here is that government should look into this industry, because it’s an important industry, one with the capability to create millions and millions of employment opportunities for our youths”.
While highlighting the critical role of logistics in economic development Prof. Emeje called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration to tap into the inherent resources in the industry by involving Logistics Professionals in national, urban and enterprise planning to ensure seamless implementation of various projects.
He further explained that the institute is ready to assist government in fashioning out a robust template that would enable it harness its real potentials.
Equally, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, former minister of communications, in his keynote address charged the institute to develop a robust proposal for government’s adoption and implementation, adding that he will help facilitate engagement between the institute and the government.
In the same vein, the former minister while highlighting some of the important attributes of the sector, joined Prof. Emeje to call on federal government to create an enabling environment in the sector by creating a new ministry purposefully curated for the sector.
“My appeal and advocacy today are that so far as government has found it necessary, particularly, this new government found it necessary to create ministry of entertainment, hitherto nobody ever considered it to be the business of government to be concerned about entertainment, but this government found that there are potential economic implications for the country.
“So equally I want to believe that the importance of logistics and supply chain with regards to every other service requires that government creates an enabling environment by way of a new ministry for Courier and Logistics Management”.
The high points of the conference were the induction of over 60 new fellows and the public presentation of the book titled: ‘Logistics Solutions for Enterprise and Infrastructure” written by Prof. Emeje.
Notable dignitaries at the convention were: Dr. Madu Obiora, Director General, African Centre for supply chain, Dr (Pharm) Elijah Muhammed, Fmr Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Prof Nurudeen Oyekola, CEO, Institute of Classic Entrepreneurship, Mazi Sonny Allison, Founder of Red Star Express and Executive Chairman, GML Logistics, Bishop (Dr) Humphrey Erumaka, General Overseer, Wordbase Assembly and Chairman, Nehemiah Leadership Institute and many others.
In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.
According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.
In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.
Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.
This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.
Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.
This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”
Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”
“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.
The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:
- Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
- Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
- Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
- Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
- Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
- Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.
The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.
GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.
Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants. This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.
Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.
The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.
“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”
According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.
Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.
With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.
Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.
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