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Globaltouch to Revolutionize Satellite Communications–Mohammed

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Engr. Isaiah A. Mohammed, managing director, Globaltouch West Africa is a known personality in the telecommunications industry in the country. He started his career in Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (Nitel) where he retired in 1996 as executive director. He thereafter, was appointed into the board of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), it was after leaving NCC that he started Globaltouch. He spoke to chike onwuegbuchi and funmi ilesanmi on the roll out plans of his company and other issues in the industry.

Unique Feature of Global Touch Tracking System
The difference is in coverage. Our coverage is ubiquitous because since our satellite hovers at 1500km, so we are able to cover the whole country. GSM operators delivering data services use bandwidth stations invariably there is always black spot. Subscribers will always have to contend with lack of coverage but in our case, data is always available so we have full coverage all over the country and beyond.
Accessing the Service 
What you will purchase are modems which you programme and put on your handset and you can track the web. We are going into voice service later, when we start selling our voice phones, we will always have the same universal coverage. Presently, we can program our modems to send SMS messages on existing GSM phones, so, if we could do that on GSM phones, we can also do it on our phones certainly.
Launching Voice Service
We cover the whole country from day one. From our gateway in Kaduna, we access the whole country so we are not going from village to village. When we started in November, the whole country was covered. We are looking at connectivity between our gateway and the rest of the networks. Nitel unfortunately which we would have connected to in Kaduna is now a little bit narrow band, so we are now looking at the licensed carrier to carry our voice service. When this is sorted out, we will roll out voice service. We cannot loose hope on Nitel because it is a national asset and I am sure it will bounce back but of course we have to continue offering services until that time comes.
How your Data Service Works
We have standard lamp modem, electric powered with batteries that can last up to seven years. So if you put it on your remote asset you can sit down in the comfort of your office and see the performance of that asset. If it is a moving asset, you can see it as it gets boosted or integrates you to be monitored by you remotely.
Monitoring Information
Oil companies can use it to monitor let’s say pipelines. Anybody can also use it to control their data acquisition. Our platform is suitable to provide that service because people can sit down in their offices and see what happens with their assets. They can monitor the condition of their pipelines, warehouse, tankers and everything else.
Relationship with Global Star
With over 350,000 subscribers, Globalstar is the world’s largest provider of mobile satellite voice and data services. Globalstar offers these services to commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company’s products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.
Globalstar is the owner of the constellation of which there are 48 satellites hovering around at lower orbit. This means1500 kilometres above the earth, so if you imagine a tower 1500km high, the coverage is very very high indeed and that is why we cover the whole country.
Also, with broadband of fibre, we have involved Globalstar in the operation of Global Touch and they have up to 30 percent equity interest in GlobalTouch. That means that we can guarantee that they will be with us forever, they are not running away by the reason of the equity interest they have in GlobalTouch.
By virtue of having equity interest, they are on the Board of GlobalTouch. It means that the performance of management of Globaltouch is strictly on them. Whatever it takes to ensure that GlobalTouch succeeds, I am sure they will perform.
Mapping
Mapping is a different thing all together. There are many mapping people out there, so we are going to use them. It depends on whichever mapping the operator wants to do. We will offer Google Earth as a matter of cost but if you have your own preference about mapping, we can still compose our tracking maps to suite your need.
Tracking Kidnappers, Others
Yes, that is called the personal tracker which you carry around with you, which consist of alarm setting and so on. That is one of our prime offering; we hope that with that data, security is guaranteed. When you subscribe to that it is very cheap and the lifespan is very long.
Challenges
Doing business in Nigeria is always a challenge and we try to overcome the challenges. In terms of starting a service, we have scaled a lot of hurdles. Now with marketing, we will penetrate the market and compete with what is on ground and in doing so, we have our strengths which we are going to ensure is fully exploited. Starting GlobalTouch some years after acquiring license is part of the challenges we have to face. Raising funds and getting the banks to support long time projects.
Power
The power issue is not peculiar to telecoms, it applies to every facet of Nigerian life but since we have only one gateway, we have made sure we have full backups. We have giant generators that will ensure that 24/7 we have power on site and PHCN access standby.
GlobalTouch in the next Five Years
In the next five years, we will be the foremost data carrier in Nigeria and beyond. Our gateway also covers all the way to Cote d’ivoire and all the way down to Gabon. We will saturate all of these sub-regions with our services in terms of data and voice. That is where we hope to position ourselves in the next five years.

Global Touch in the Telecommunications Space
Global Touch has been licensed to provide a type of service called Global Satellite and Mobile Communications (GMPCS). We use orbit satellite which is a footprint that covers the whole country so that there is no black spot in the whole country. We commence data services mostly tracking in November last year. Our tracking services are far superior to anything that is on ground at the moment because we do not have any black spot at all. Later on, we will extend to full duplex and voice services. Full duplex is a two-way data, it means you can send and receive information.
We also offers asset tracking service which enables you to keep track of your mobile assets anywhere in West Africa. A satellite tracking unit is to secure your asset. The self contained, self powered satellite tracking unit sends location and alarm information across the Globalstar satellite network which enables you to locate, map and track mobile assets throughout West Africa and its surrounding waters.
Collect and deliver telemetry data from your remote monitoring solution – with or without mapping.
View and manage assets online through the secure, feature rich, simple to configure Web based application. Always stay in touch through sophisticated schedule or event driven alerting functionality delivered via email or SMS (where available).
Globaltouch will be offering high quality and affordable voice services to our customers using either fixed phones or handheld. Trial commercial voice services started late in 2009 with full commercial services being launched in 2010.
Globalstar data communications allow businesses the power to access, send and receive data from remote areas around the world. Special Purpose Modems can be integrated into solutions for asset tracking and remote sensing, monitoring and control of in-field operations. Two-way data communications may be either asynchronous or packet based with connection speeds of up to 9.6 kbps. Trial commercial of 2-way data services commenced last year with full commercial services bid to be launched in 2010

 


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Dufil Takes Donation of Indomie Noodles Cartons to Vulnerable Communities in Abuja and Environ

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In line with its commitment to provide critical support to indigent members of communities around the country in the face of the ongoing economic challenges, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, in partnership with Golan Helps Abuja Food Bank Initiative (GHAFBI) and Meluibe Foundation on Wednesday, April 17 distributed Indomie noodles cartons to vulnerable communities in Kuje and Kubwa Local Government Areas in Abuja.

With the goal of alleviating hunger and supporting communities across Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has committed to donating a substantial quantity of noodle packs to various NGOs working tirelessly to address food insecurity.

These organizations play a crucial role in reaching remote and underserved areas, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.

“We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate,” said Olusola Olayinka Idowu OON, former Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, and the CEO/Founder of GHAFBI.

“At GHAFBI, we believe that everyone deserves access to wholesome and nourishing food. Our partnership with Dufil Prima Foods to donate Indomie Noodles packs is a big step towards addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Abuja”, said Idowu who was also the former National Conveyor, UN Food System Dialogues in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Executive Director, The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Indomie Noodles for the partnership. “Our vision as an NGO is to change the world one step at a time, by providing relief and support to vulnerable communities.

This is achieved through collaborations and partnerships, one of which is what we have done with Indomie Noodles. We remain grateful for their support through this food relief initiative”, she said.

By partnering with NGOs, Indomie Instant Noodles works closely with local leaders and community heads in directly engaging with rural communities to distribute noodle packs and provide immediate relief to families facing hunger and ensuring that food assistance reaches those who are most in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and community leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity”, said Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited. “Together, we bring hope, love and relief for all”.

The community leaders and some of the beneficiaries also expressed their immense gratitude to Indomie for the support, stressing the impact the products donated will have in alleviating hunger in their communities.

Speaking at the outreach centre, His Royal Highness, Muhammed D. Jibril, Community Leader of Gbazango Community in Kubwa Local Government Area said: “I am very grateful to Indomie Noodles for coming to our aid in these challenging times. I pray for more expansion and growth for the business and may God bless Indomie Noodles”.

Other communities who benefited from the product donations include Wunmi, Tondo, Godoji and Shazhi communities in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Dufil Prima Food’s donation of Indomie Noodle packs underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting communities in need. By providing essential food relief, Dufil Prima Foods is contributing to the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains dedicated to bringing joy to mealtimes and making a positive impact in communities around the world.


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Empowering Nigerian Retail: The Promise of Pay on Delivery

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E-commerce in Nigeria has evolved exponentially in recent years, transforming the retail landscape and reshaping consumer habits. From the early days of skepticism and distrust to today’s thriving online marketplaces, the journey has been marked by innovation, adaptation, and perhaps most importantly, the establishment of trust and security between buyers and sellers. At the core of this transformation, Pay on Delivery (PoD) has emerged as the unsung hero of e-commerce.

The premise is straightforward: customers could place orders online and pay for their purchases only upon receipt. This innovative approach not only addressed concerns about security but also provided tangible reassurance to hesitant buyers. In countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked and where distrust in online transactions and fraudulent activities were once rampant, Pay on Delivery has emerged as a lifeline for both consumers and businesses. Many consumers were understandably hesitant to part with their hard-earned money before receiving their desired goods. Pay on delivery bridges this trust gap, offering reassurance to buyers and empowering them to transact with confidence.

In Nigeria, despite the adoption of a wide range of electronic payments, cash is still king. The results of a survey conducted in 2021 show that cash remains the dominant payment method, reflecting the ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by Oxford Business Group found that 70% of Nigerians prefer to pay with cash on delivery, while 28% use credit or debit cards, and only 12% use mobile money platforms. This has challenged e-retailers, and some companies like Jumia, to adapt by prioritizing cash-on-delivery options to cater to this consumer preference.

The Promise of Pay on Delivery in Nigeria

With consumers in mind, Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, has made Pay on Delivery a cornerstone of its business model. Understanding the local market dynamics and the importance of trust and convenience, the company has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless Pay on Delivery experience for its customers.

One of the key benefits of Jumia’s Pay on Delivery service is its flexibility. Customers have the option to inspect their purchases before making payment, ensuring satisfaction and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. This added layer of security not only enhances the overall shopping experience but also builds long-term trust and loyalty among customers.

Moreover, Jumia has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that products meet customer expectations upon delivery. This includes partnering with reputable brands and implementing stringent verification processes to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the marketplace. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and product quality, Jumia has solidified its reputation as a trusted online retailer in Nigeria.

Beyond enhancing trust and security, Pay on Delivery has also played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria. By providing an alternative payment method for those without access to traditional banking services, Jumia has expanded the reach of e-commerce to a broader segment of the population. This not only benefits consumers by providing greater access to goods and services but also stimulates economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and driving demand for products and services.

In all, the future of e-commerce in Nigeria looks promising, with Pay on Delivery poised to remain a key enabler of growth and expansion. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, innovative solutions like Pay on Delivery will continue to drive the transformation of the retail landscape, empowering Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.

 


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Verra Certifies d.light’s Clean Cookstove Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

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A series of pioneering projects by d.light, the global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, to distribute 600,000 energy-efficient clean cookstoves in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda have been officially certified by global verification body Verra.

This certification confirms the d.light projects as trusted, verified sources of high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon markets (VCMs).

The d.light projects aim to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, tackle indoor air pollution, and reduce deforestation through the sale of highly efficient biomass cookstoves subsidized by the revenues from the sale of carbon credits.

Since their launch in late 2022, the projects have positively impacted more than one million lives and are projected to transform more than three million lives by 2025.

Commenting on the news, Karl Skare, d.light’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasized the projects’ positive impact, “With these projects, we’re not just addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing quality of life for millions.

“Each project underscores d.light’s commitment to practical, innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges, as part of our mission to transform the lives of one billion people by 2030.”

Each year, domestic cooking emissions contribute more than two percent of total global GHG emissions and up to 25 percent of anthropogenic black carbon emissions.

Highly energy-efficient cookstoves solve this problem by reducing biomass use by up to 70 percent compared to traditional cooking methods, cutting emissions of both carbon dioxide and black carbon.

The d.light projects are expected to reduce emissions by up to 12 million tons, contributing to climate change mitigation. These emissions reductions will be registered as carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.

As well as reducing emissions, clean cookstoves are also a benefit to public health. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year and is still one of the predominant causes of pollution-related illness and death in Africa.

In Uganda, for example, less than one percent of the population has access to clean cooking, household air pollution is the one of the largest risk factors for death and disability.

In addition, switching from traditional three-stone open fires to cleaner, energy-efficient cookstoves significantly reduces deforestation and reduces threats to wildlife and biodiversity caused by habitat loss.

Skare explained, “By subsidizing energy-efficient cookstove costs through carbon financing, d.light makes clean cooking accessible to more households, which in turn leads to healthier living conditions and conserves natural resources as well.

“Our projects in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda are models of how sustainable investments can yield multiple co-benefits, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and also promoting socio-economic development.

Skare added, “d.light now has projects certified by both Gold Standard and Verra, the world’s two leading certifiers of carbon credits. Organizations looking for ways to offset their own emissions can be confident that when they purchase carbon credits in d.light’s clean cooking projects in sub-Saharan Africa, they are investing in transformative initiatives that reduce harmful emissions, improve people’s health and quality of life, and help conserve the environment as well.”

 


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