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FG Commends Zinox Commitment to Local Content Adoption

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L-R, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Director General of the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Group during Pantami's working visit to the Zinox headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos
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Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Director General of the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has hailed Zinox as an indigenous technology giant with the human capital potential and technological prowess to grow the adoption of local content in Nigeria.

Dr. Pantami, who paid a working visit to the headquarters of the company in Gbagada, Lagos on Friday November 16th 2018, expressed his delight with the massive infrastructure and technological facilities on display, noting that Zinox has the capacity to rival other global tech giants and extend its products and solutions beyond Nigeria to other markets.

Accompanying the DG was a technical entourage including Director e-Government Development and Regulatory, Dr. Vincent Olatunji; Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions, Dr. Usman GamboAbdulahi and National Coordinator – ONC, Barr. KasimShodangi.

Other members of the entourage include Mrs Chioma Oke-Agugo, Mr. Yusuf Yisa-Doko and two members of the media team.

Dr. Pantami said, “I am impressed with the huge capabilities, human and material resources and technological innovation available here in Zinox, which has remained an unassuming indigenous company that has recorded so many landmark strides in the Information and Communications Technology sector.”

“In addition to the excellent work done with INEC in improving the electoral process in Nigeria, we are also aware of the acceptance of Zinox products in other countries which they have been exported to and in major multinationals operating here such as Shell, Total, Chevron, among others.

“The Federal Government is eager to correct the imbalance in the consumption of local content by encouraging and supporting indigenous capacities in the IT sector.

“We are focused not only on increasing local content adoption but also ensuring that a major percentage of our indigenous technology software and products are exported to other African countries.
“Zinox possesses the resources, products, human capital and sheer equipment capacity to take the lead in this area.”

The NITDA DG who was led on a guided tour of the company by the Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Group, witnessed first-hand the various infrastructure and facilities within the premises including the digital computer hardware manufacturing and assembly plant, telecoms e-Hub unit, Data Centre, bandwidth aggregation and digital security infrastructures, warehousing facilities as well as after-sales service and support centre, among others.

“From what I have seen today, I am confident that, given the right support from the government, Zinox can play a significant role in putting Nigeria on the global technology map.

“You can count on my support and that of the entire agency in this regard,” he enthused.

Also speaking, Ekeh who expressed appreciation to the NITDA helmsman for accommodating the visit within his busy schedule, disclosed that the Zinox Group remains the single largest 360 degrees ICT conglomerate in the sub-region with advanced competencies in the entire spectrum of the sector, ranging from hardware manufacturing, distribution, integrated ICT solutions, Telecoms, retail, world class support and much more with offices in many other countries and hubs in four continents.

He also reiterated the Group’s commitment to advancing local content adoption within Nigeria and beyond through the creative design and manufacture of digital products which anticipate the yearning and taste of the future consumer.

“We are an indigenous technology group that is absolutely committed to local content development and adoption.

“This has for several years informed our business practices as well as the design and manufacture of our products and solutions.

“While Zinox Technologies Ltd. as a company clocked 17 in October, the Group itself has been in the business of technology for over 32 years and not once have we embarked on retrenchments, even in the face of some of the difficult and challenging business cycles.

“Instead, we have taken the pains and even recently, increased staff salaries across board,” he disclosed.

The serial digital entrepreneur also seized the opportunity to plead for more institutional support and level playing ground for Nigerian tech companies.

“Government needs to come to the aid of tech companies in the country by giving them the wings to fly and achieve more through tax breaks or holidays and other incentives.

“The technology sector is one of the biggest employers of labour as entry requirements are not as stringent, when compared to other sectors.

“Presently, we face huge challenges in clearing our shipments and other technological components due to the heavy congestion at the ports.

“This has resulted in crippling demurrages and a tripling of transportation costs from the ports to our production plants and offices over the past few months, making it harder to compete and survive.

“The Government needs to find a solution to these issues.”

While presenting the Zinox Core i7 and GTX Legacy – two products from the Zinox Future Visions stable– to the DG, Ekeh restated his commitment and support for the government’s drive to create more employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians, while urging the media to partner with the agency in transforming the country’s communications narrative for the benefit of all.

With close to two decades of pioneering efforts and excellent service delivery, Zinox enjoys widespread acclaim as Nigeria’s foremost ICT Company.

In addition to its enviable status as pioneer manufacturers of Nigeria’s first internationally certified branded computers and mobile devices, the company has deployed some of the biggest projects in the continent, while institutionalizing high-end ICT solutions which have contributed in moving the sector and the Nigerian economy to the next level.


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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

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Glo Reduces International Call Rates

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Technology Company, Globacom, has announced significant reductions in its International Direct Dialing (IDD) rates, making international calls more affordable for its existing and new customers across Nigeria.

Effective August 10, the new rates began applying to over 15 popular international destinations, including United States which will has moved to ₦30 per minute, down from ₦35, United Kingdom is now N350 from ₦400, while India also moved down to ₦40 from N45.

The rates for China, Saudi Arabia and Cameroon however recorded major reduction moving to N75, N300 and ₦700 respectively.

The reduction was also extended to African countries including Benin Republic which goes for ₦650 per minute, Niger Republic ₦750, Ghana ₦500, and Togo ₦650. United Arab Emirates also moved from ₦450 to ₦325, Germany to ₦550, Côte d’Ivoire ₦700, Libya ₦700, while calls to Malawi is now N1,100 from ₦1,200.

Glo aims to provide more value for its customers through these revised rates, encouraging them to make Glo their preferred network for international calls. New IDD bundles will also be introduced, offering frequent international callers even more attractive deals.

Globacom, which remained optimistic that frequent international callers will benefit immensely from the reductions in IDD bundles, enjoined customers to take advantage of the new rates to stay connected with friends and business associates across the globe.

 


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Tinubu Strengthens Telecom Governance with NCC, USPF Board Appointments

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President Bola Tinubu has appointment members into the boards of the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Universal Service Provision Fund, both under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Idris Olorunnimbe was named Chairman of the NCC board, while Dr Aminu Wada will continue as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he was appointed to in October 2023 and confirmed by the Senate the following month.

Onanuga said Olorunnimbe previously served on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Board, where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committee.

Other NCC board members are Abraham Oshidami (Executive Commissioner, Technical Services), Rimini Makama (Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management), Hajia Maryam Bayi, Col Abdulwahab Lawal (retd.), Senator Lekan Mustafa, Chris Okorie, Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, and the board secretary.

The President also approved the board of the USPF, chaired by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, with Olorunnimbe as Vice Chairman.

Other members are Oshidami, Makama, Aliyu Edogi Aliyu (representative of FMCIDE), Joseph B. Faluyi (representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance), Auwal Mohammed (representative of FMBNP), Uzoma Dozie, Peter Bankole, Abayomi Anthony Okanlawon, Gafar Oluwasegun Quadri, and the USPF secretary.

See the statement below:

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS BOARD MEMBERS FOR NCC AND USPF

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted the boards of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), both agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Idris Olorunnimbe was appointed Chairman of NCC, while Dr Aminu Waida remains its Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.

President Tinubu appointed Wada to the position in October 2023, and the Senate confirmed the appointment in November 2023.
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Mr. Olorunnimbe previously served on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Board, where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committee and drove impactful youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes.

Other members of the board are:

1. Abraham Oshidami – Executive Commissioner, Technical Services

2. Rimini Makama – Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management

3. Hajia Maryam Bayi- Former Director, Human Capital & Administration

4. Col Abdulwahab Lawal (Rtd)

5. Senator Lekan Mustafa

6. Chris Okorie

7. Princess Oforitsenere Emiko

8. Secretary of the Board.

The President also approved the Board of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), with Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as Chairman.

Other members are :

1. Idris Olorunimbe – Vice Chairman

2. Abraham Oshidami

3. Rimini Makama

4. Aliyu Edogi Aliyu – (Rep FMCIDE)

5. Joseph B Faluyi – (Rep. of Federal Ministry of Finance)

6. Auwal Mohammed – (Rep. of FMBNP)

7. Uzoma Dozie

8. Peter Bankole

9. Abayomi Anthony Okanlawon

10. Gafar Oluwasegun Quadri and the

11. USPF Secretary

The Federal Government established the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and service to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in rural, unserved and underserved areas in Nigeria.


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Anambra ICT Agency Champions Inclusive Tech-Driven Governance

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Anambra State ICT Agency has restated its commitment to creating a digitally inclusive environment where Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can access and benefit from government services without barriers.

Speaking when the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ADRC), in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, paid an advocacy visit to his office, the Managing Director/CEO of the ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, underscored the Soludo administration’s determination to make governance work for all, including PWDs.

Mr. Agbata noted that intentional inclusion is a key part of the Governor’s technology-driven vision for the state which is why the commission recently received a wide range of digital tools to enhance their productivity.

“Technology is only truly impactful when it works for everyone, regardless of physical ability.

We are committed to removing digital barriers and making our platforms accessible to all residents of Anambra State,” he said.

CFA also disclosed that the Agency will take immediate steps to appoint a Disability Desk Officer, work with the commission to ensure that all government ICT platforms are designed to meet accessibility standards, and as well as incorporate PWD-friendly features into ongoing upgrades of the SolutionLens feedback platform.

The visit also featured presentations from ADRC’s Head of ICT, Mr. Bonaventure Umeokwonna, who outlined the Commission’s priorities, and RoLAC representatives, who pledged continued support for building capacity and strengthening the policy framework for inclusion.

Mr. Valentine Nwachukwu, Head of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Commission, gave the vote of thanks, commending the ICT Agency’s openness to collaboration.

The Anambra State ICT Agency continues to work closely with ministries, departments, and agencies to deepen digital transformation in the state, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.


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