Telecom
Experts at IIM Africa Information literacy week harp on proper data management
Information and data management experts have called on government at all levels to initiate policies and measures to ensure proper management of information and data in the country.
The experts gave the advice at an event organised by the Institute of Information Management (IIM Africa) to mark the Information Management and Literacy Week 2019 in Lagos.
The theme of the event was: “A reformed and renewed society through information Literacy”.
The Information Management and Literacy Week were convened to provide several opportunities in finding out about a wide range of services that information management offers.
The 2019 edition highlighted and identified various information gaps, information management needs, and also proffered required framework for effective data/information governance in regulatory agencies across the Country.
IIM Africa members on walk-out exercise
The literacy week also set the parameters for data/information management, usage, creating processes for resolving data/information issues aimed at enabling regulatory bodies and other stakeholders make decisions based on high-quality data and well-managed information assets.
Several speakers and activities lined up for the week-long programe also pin-pointed the vital role which information management services play for research and education.
Speaking at the event, Dr Oyedokun Oyewole, President, Institute of Information Management (IIM), Africa, said that government had a role to play in ensuring the existence of enabling laws, and providing adequate enlightenment to citizens on the need for proper data and information management.
Oyewole said that government could educate citizens by organising workshops, seminars and radio shows in form of jingles that would enlighten citizens on dangers involved when data and information are not properly managed.
”In other climes like America, dissemination of information by journalist is handled ethically and responsibly considering the sensitivity of such information to national security and its importance.
Simply because there are known and established principles, standards, procedures, systems and policies in place to effectively handle such. Such principles, guidelines and policies should also be encouraged and promoted in the African society for balanced reporting by journalists,” Dr. Oyewole said.
He urged government regulatory agencies and private organisations to implement/imbibe policies, laws, systems and best practices that would enhance proper management of data and information.
Launch of IUIM and RIMA founder’s Day award
Emphasising on Information governance (IG) being the overall management of the availability, usability, integrity and security of information used in an organisation.
And the need for regulatory authorities in Nigeria to ensure sound information governance program within their individual agencies with good governing body, charged with defining the set of procedures and plans to execute those procedures.
As Information Governance is required to ensure that organization’s information assets are formally, properly, proactively and efficiently managed throughout the enterprise to secure its trust & accountability, for the ultimate improvement in productivity and efficiency of an organization in meeting regulatory, legal, risk and operational requirements.
The president also commended the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for recent introduction of data privacy regulations to protect Nigerians and also sensitize them on the need to protect their personal data and information.
In a presentation titled, ‘Best Practices and the Role of the Press in Disseminating Sensitive Information to the Public’,John Montana, a renowned Information Management Expert, said that press occupy a conspicuous position to influence proper information dissemination.
“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and cannot be limited without being lost”, he quoted former US President Thomas Jefferson.
He further quoted Hugo Black who said, “The Government’s power to censor the press was abolished so that the press would remain forever free to censure the Government.
“The press was protected so that it could bare the secrets of the government and inform the people.
“Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose the deceptions in government”.
Montana added that the role of the press is to keep the government in power in check, but must be done in accurate and objective manner.
He further cautioned against ‘careless’ reportage of sensitive information such as personal information – financial data, health data, etc; embarrassing information about a crime victim – for example rape; information that may be valuable to criminals, terrorists and other bad actors.
On his part, the Executive Director, Numeric Technologies, Mr Alexander Anago, said that there was need for the government to put in place information protection life cycle strategy to effectively protect, detect, respond and monitor hackers.
“The government needs to provide national gateway for information processing transmission to improve intelligence.
“The government should also implement cross border information security policies, cyber law and information processing policies for proper management of data.
“To effectively manage the data of citizens and the country as a whole the government needs to find a lasting solution to Advanced Persistent Threats.
Cross Section of attendees at IIm Africa Information Literacy workshop
“Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) is a network attack in which unauthorised persons gain access to a network and stay there undetected for a long period of time.
“The intention of an APT attack is to steal data; so, the government needs to adopt sophisticated techniques for early detection of such attacks before it happens,”Anago said.
He said that besides the government, the citizens also needed to stop putting all their personal information, which includes signatures, pictures of their house, cars, children and other private data on social media platform.
Anago also advised people to desist from using public WiFi as it was the easiest way for hackers to gain access to their personal details.
Dr Isa Pantami, the Director-General of NITDA, who was represented by Mr Seyi Ogunseye, a consultant in the Strategic Operations Department, said that the Agency had been creating awareness on the need for proper management of information and data.
He said that Section 6 of NITDA Act 2007 mandates the agency to create a framework for planning, research, development, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of information technology practices and systems in Nigeria.
The Information Management Literacy Week also featured important programmes like Data and Governance Forum/Exhibition; Information Management Session for schools; Novelty Football Match; Founder’s Day/RIMA Awards and official presentation of International University of Information Management (IUIM), United States.
MTN Nigeria has alerted the public to a fraudulent 25GB anniversary data offer currently circulating across social media and messaging platforms.
In an official advisory published on its support handle on X at the weekend, the telco warned customers against interacting with unverified links, sharing private credentials, or making payments to access the supposed anniversary promotion.
According to MTN, the official 25GB anniversary freebie is only accessible via the MTN eShop and the MyMTN NG App.
In the post, the company said, “Please beware of fake MTN 25th Anniversary 25GB giveaway offers circulating online.
“The official MTN 25GB Anniversary Giveaway is available ONLY via the MyMTN NG App and MTN eShop.
“Do not click on links, share your personal information or make payments on any other platform claiming to offer the giveaway.
“Only trust official MTN channels.”
In a different post, the provider explained how eligible subscribers could access the legitimate MTN data giveaway.
The company said, “Log in to the MyMTN App and tap ‘Redeem Now’ on the anniversary banner or via the MTN eShop.
“To access the 25GB offer, kindly visit the MyMTN App or the MTN E-Shop and follow the prompts to activate the bundle, if you are eligible for the offer.
“You may also click on the link contained in the SMS notification you received regarding the offer.”
To safely claim the reward, the telecom operator advised subscribers to rely strictly on details published through its official communication channels.
MTN added that the complimentary 25GB data allocation remains valid until 11:59 p.m. on the designated expiration date, urging eligible customers to redeem the package before it expires.
The warning follows a wave of viral posts and link-sharing schemes falsely offering free data under the guise of the company’s 25th-anniversary celebration.
Consequently, users are strongly cautioned against engaging with unauthorized platforms or providing sensitive personal information and fees to third-party sites claiming to offer the promotional data.
Nigeria is strengthening its position as a leading digital economy in Africa as it prepares to host the second edition of GITEX Nigeria, against projections that the continent’s artificial intelligence (AI) economy could generate up to $1 trillion in economic value by 2035.
GITEX Nigeria
GITEX Nigeria, described as West Africa’s largest technology, AI and startup event, is scheduled to hold in Abuja and Lagos from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, under the patronage of President Bola Tinubu.
The event is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International.
With the theme, “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation,” the 2026 edition is expected to bring together global technology companies, investors, policymakers, regulators, startups and other stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
According to the organisers, the event will focus on strengthening digital resilience, scaling AI infrastructure, attracting strategic investments and building partnerships to support digital sovereignty across Nigeria and West Africa.
Nigeria’s progress in digital skills development is expected to feature prominently at the event, with the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme highlighted as a major intervention.
The programme has recorded 1.87 million registrations across all 774 local government areas, while more than 135,000 Nigerians have been trained through three cohorts.
The programme has also extended learning opportunities to more than 300,000 people through community resources and created 15,000 job and opportunity pathways, according to figures released by the organisers.
Another key initiative, Project BRIDGE, is aimed at expanding Nigeria’s national ICT backbone and improving connectivity in underserved communities.
The project is expected to create up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 Nigerian youths, raise internet penetration above 70 per cent and extend high-speed connectivity to millions of households, businesses, schools and hospitality establishments.
Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said Nigeria’s objective was to build the foundations for digital sovereignty and a globally competitive AI-powered economy.
“Building on the momentum forged through the implementation of Project BRIDGE, our national blueprint for expanding digital infrastructure and connecting communities across Nigeria, our aspiration ahead of this year’s edition is clear: to solidify the foundations Africa needs for digital sovereignty, technological self-determination, and a globally competitive AI-powered economy,” Tijani said.
He said Nigeria was seeking to promote equitable access, accelerate cross-continental progress and position the country as a producer and exporter of digital technologies and AI solutions.
The GITEX Nigeria Government Leadership and AI Summit will open in Abuja on Aug. 31, bringing together ministers, governors and regulators to discuss digital public infrastructure and other issues shaping West Africa’s digital economy.
The GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, as well as the Startup Festival, will also return for the second consecutive year.
A new component, FDX Nigeria by GITEX, will focus on finance and digital asset exchange, with the organisers describing it as a platform designed to promote financial inclusion and connect emerging technology with global capital.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said the state remained central to Africa’s digital transformation, noting its role in attracting talent, capital and innovation.
He said hosting GITEX Nigeria would further support Lagos’ ambition of becoming a smarter, more connected and globally competitive economy.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, said Nigeria’s digital future would depend not only on technology adoption but also on resilience, trust and effective governance frameworks.
“GITEX NIGERIA seamlessly complements this mandate, creating a unique environment for the dialogue needed to accelerate responsible AI adoption, develop a secure digital economy, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth,” Abdullahi said.
He said the expertise, investment and partnerships generated through the event would contribute to building an AI ecosystem that was secure, inclusive and capable of supporting Nigeria and West Africa’s long-term competitiveness.
The organisers said Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, 3MTT programme and Project BRIDGE were among initiatives strengthening the country’s capacity in talent development, digital infrastructure, investment attraction and responsible AI adoption.
They said GITEX Nigeria would provide an avenue for global stakeholders to establish partnerships and develop solutions capable of accelerating the region’s digital transformation.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX, said the event was intended to demonstrate that West Africa was ready to convert technological ambition into economic growth, resilience and global competitiveness.
She said GITEX Nigeria would facilitate strategic conversations and partnerships aimed at strengthening regional competitiveness and unlocking scalable growth across Nigeria and West Africa.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Enugu State Government have signed an agreement for the operational lease of the NCC Digital Industrial Park and NCC Learning Centre in Enugu.
The agreement was witnessed by Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, alongside members of the Commission’s Board and Management.
The development is expected to strengthen digital innovation, skills development and technology-driven opportunities in the state.
As part of the engagement, the NCC delegation also visited the Enugu Smart School Initiative, where technology is being integrated into teaching and learning.
The initiative is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with relevant digital skills and preparing them for future opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The NCC said it remained committed to supporting initiatives that expand digital inclusion, strengthen innovation and develop the talent required to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The Commission said partnerships with state governments and other stakeholders were critical to creating an enabling environment for digital skills development and technology adoption across the country.
Fake Agency: ICPC Indicts NITDA, Others over Inadequate Due Diligence
Tax Reform Built on Taxing Prosperity, Not Poverty– Adedeji
UNESCO Taps Oguamanam,Nigerian Scholar to Advisory Body on Science, Tech Ethics
MTN Alerts Subscribers over Fake 25GB Anniversary MTN Data Giveaway
X Replaces Revenue Sharing wit New Creator Rewards Programme
EFCC Busts NIS Visa Overstay Racket, Uncovers N700m in an Account
Fact-Check: Elon Musk’s “Tesla Pi Phone” is Internet Rumor
NBC Tasks Broadcasting Stations over 2028 DSO Global Deadline
NBC Scraps Annual Digital Access Fee on DSO
Glo Sponsored African Voices to Feature Netflix’s “The Polygamist” Stars
General News2 days agoGuinness Rewards Consumers with ₦17 Million in First Week of ‘Open for More’ Promo Draw
News3 days agoGlovo Pioneers AI Quick-Commerce
News2 days agoWorld Bank Debars United Aviation Services, Owner over Fraudulent Activities
E-Business2 days agoNITDA Introduces Cloud Certification Boost Data Localisation Compliance
Telecom2 days agoNCC, Enugu Sign Deal to Operate Digital Industrial Park, Learning Centre
E-Financial2 days agoBOI Opens N250Bn Bond Offer to Fund Businesses
News2 days agoEnugu State Approves Land for ITF’s Digital Fabrication Centre
General News2 days agoMeta Hit With $567m US Court Order Over Alleged Harm to Children