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Smart Meter Hackathon: Governor Sanwo-Olu Unveils ‘Lagos Smart Meter Initiative’, CallS for Entry

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (Last row, 3rd right); Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba (Last row, 2nd right); Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State, Olalere Odusote (Last row, left); Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Innovation and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake (Top row, 3th right); Cross section of the media (Top row, 2nd right); and Advisory Board Member, Eko Innovation Centre, Doja Ekeruche (Top row, left ); at the launch of Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon in Lagos held on Thursday, 30th July, 2020.
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In a bid to provide Lagosians with affordable meter that would bridge the acute metering gap being witnessed across the country, the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources, in collaboration with Eko Innovation Centre, has unveiled a Smart Meter Initiative tagged “The Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon 2020”

This new initiative was unveiled by Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos,  and Goddy Jedy-Agba; minister of State, Federal Ministry of Power,  along with other government officials at a virtual press conference held on Thursday July 30th 2020.

Through the initiative, which is widely applauded as a game changer, the Lagos State Government will leverage the availability of bright local talents in Nigeria to develop and produce affordable smart electricity meters for consumers. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the revenue leakages in the sector and ultimately improve last-mile electricity supply.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in his remarks stated that the launch marks a significant milestone in the implementation plan of the State Government towards improving access to electricity in the state and it is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 7 of the UN which aspires to drive universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030.

He added that increased electricity access is one of the priority mandates of his administration given its significance in ultimately driving economic development of the State to enable it achieve the objective of making Lagos a 21st century Economy.

“This Lagos Smart Meter Initiative is an important way for the Lagos Government to demonstrate its commitment to improving electricity access and reliability for Lagosians.

“We believe that adequate metering of Lagosians and in turn Nigerians, would increase willingness to pay for electricity, improve productivity, and more importantly, continue to improve the living conditions of our people”.

“Now, as we launch the Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon 2020, we call on all relevant stakeholders – electricity sector players, technology experts, investors, regulators – to support this worthy cause as we strive to ensure sustainable electricity for all in Lagos,” he disclosed.

In his keynote address, Jedy-Agba explained that local design and production of affordable meters will be transformational for the industry and the economy at large and therefore urged all to support it.

“Lagos is an important state in Nigeria in terms of size, economy and resources. With a population of over 20million and the 5th highest GDP in Africa, Lagos is by far the biggest economy in Nigeria. Therefore, getting access to electricity right in Lagos is critical for access to electricity in the entire country.

“Electricity is an essential service, and we need to ensure that the benefits of smart meters flow to everyone.

“I call on all relevant stakeholders in the sector to support this innovative and impactful initiative– industry regulators, electricity sector players, technology experts, and fund providers.”

Similarly, Mr. Olalere Odusote, commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, said the initiative is expected to provide access to affordable smart meters for Lagosians to improve electricity supply, monitoring, and trust between electricity providers and end users while preventing revenue leakage. It is also expected to drive innovation and creativity while generating new interest in young people for the sector.

“Over the years, despite significant investments and resolutions around power generation and distribution, there remains a huge metering gap of over 60% of electricity consumers in Lagos and Nigeria. This metering gap is what we are seeking to bridge through the Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon”.

“In line with the objectives of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Administration to make Lagos a 21st century economy, we have identified the need to intervene and support the facilitation of effective metering across the state, to ensure the provision of reliable electricity for Lagosians and Nigerians in the long-term,” he stated.

Doja Ekeruche, Advisory Board Member, Eko Innovation Centre explained that a call for application has been sent out to local talents in the tech community to submit their proposed hardware and software solutions using the guidelines stipulated on the Lagos Smart Meter website. All concepts will be assessed based on strict but transparent criteria to identify the most viable concepts proceeding to the next stage.

Furthermore, she highlighted that, “Judges with knowledge and expertise within power and tech ecosystem will review the entries and shortlist teams to proceed to the hackathon event. Final Winners of the Hackathon, in both the hardware and software categories, will win N7million.

“They will also be a part of the co-creation phase with other experts, and then proceed to the production and testing stage before the full commercialization of the smart meter”

Other participants at the event included the Deputy Governor of Lagos State – Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Olatunbosun Alake, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Innovation and Technology; other Commissioners, Special Advisers and Heads of Parastatals from the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration; key representatives from the Energy and Technology Industry, journalists and other stakeholders.


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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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ATICEN Commends NLC for Suspending Strike over Telecoms Tariff Hike

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Joe Ajaero, president, NLC,
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Comrade Adede John Williams, president of the Association of Telecommunications, Information Technology, Cable Satellite Network Operators and Allied Services Employers’of Nigeria (ATICEN), has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for suspending the planned strike over tariff hike by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Nigeria telecommunications operators.

ATICEN Commends NLC for Suspending Strike over Telecoms Tariff Hike

Joe Ajaero, president, NLC,

He called on members and the general assembly of the Nigeria Labour Congress, telecoms subscribers, stakeholders, and all interested parties to see the need to accept the reality of things as they unfold.

He emphasised that rising inflation, energy costs, operational costs, and currency devaluation challenges faced in the country were the key reasons for the recent tariff hike, adding that the costs of importing telecommunications equipment, the maintenance support system, and unreliable electricity supply had affected the profits supposedly accrued to telecoms operators.

He, therefore, urged the telecommunications subscribers and Nigerians to always have the interests of the services of telecommunications operators at heart for the industry’s sustainability, as the industry regulator is always championing the consumer’s protection rights.

“So, it is important to know that the recent increase in telecoms tariff was approved according to its regulatory power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges for telecommunications operators operating in Nigeria,” he said.

Williams equally acknowledged Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maina, EVC/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for taking a proactive step in managing the NLC’s planned strike.

 


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Airtel Nigeria’s Communications Director Champions Workforce Transformation at PAU Career Fair

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L-r: Senior Lecturer, Institute of Humanities, PAU, Dr. Ruth Karachi Benson Oji (Panel session moderator) and Panelists; Head, Corporate Services, Fast Credit Ltd, Olabisi Omoregie; Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran; and General Manager, HR & Admin, Mutual Benefits Assurance, Abike Wesey at the panel session of the Pan-Atlantic University Career Fair held on Wednesday at the University Main Campus in Lagos state.
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Femi Adeniran, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR Airtel Nigeria, has called for a human centric approach to workforce transformation in the face of rapid technological advancements.

Mr. Adeniran made this statement during a panel discussion titled ‘Building a Workforce for the New Era: Talent, Technology, and Transformation’ at the 2025 Career Fair, hosted by Pan-Atlantic University on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the University main campus.

He stressed the importance of organizations prioritizing clear corporate communication, continuous learning, and reverse mentoring to foster a resilient, future ready workforce, highlighting how crucial corporate communication is in enhancing workforce agility and driving innovation.

“Organizations that master transparent and engaging communication are better positioned to integrate digital tools seamlessly while maintaining a strong human connection. It’s not just about technology; it’s about empowering people through effective engagement, and purpose-driven messaging.” He said.

Mr. Adeniran also urged organizations to invest in upskilling and reskilling their workforce, advocating for a proactive approach to talent development that ensures employees remain relevant amid industry shifts.

He highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing talent through initiatives such as the “Open Talent Economy” an ambitious initiative aimed at preparing undergraduates for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

The panel discussion brought together leading industry experts, including Olabisi Omoregie (Head, Corporate Services, Fast Credit Ltd) and Abike Wesey (General Manager, HR & Admin, Mutual Benefits Assurance).

Moderated by Dr. Ruth Karachi Benson Oji, the discussion delved into the impact of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation on employment. Panelists emphasized that while technology is reshaping job functions, human adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic foresight are still crucial.

The career fair reaffirms Pan-Atlantic University’s commitment to fostering meaningful engagements that bridge the gap between academia and industry. The institution remains dedicated to empowering students and professionals with the insights needed to excel in the evolving job market.

 


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TUC Threatens Nationwide Strike over Telecom Tariff Hike

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Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has vowed to “down tools,” arguing that citizens are “feeding from hand to mouth” following the recent hike in telecom tariff.

TUC Threatens Nationwide Strike over Telecom Tariff Hike

Festus Osifo, president of TUC, made this known when he appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.

He blamed the hike on mismanagement of foreign exchange, which he believes the government can handle easily.

Osifo, said the TUC is not begrudging the telcos, knowing very well that the socio-economic landscape they operate in has changed dramatically, but insisted that the government has the responsibility to ensure that the economic outlook of the country is stable for businesses to thrive.

According to him, “Government has the tools and wherewithal to be able to manage the landscape to ensure that the cost of doing business goes down. And one of the ways is that exchange rate because that is the root cause of the problem.”

Asked what ultimatum they are giving to the Nigerian government, he added, “The NAC [TUC, which is like the National Working Committee] has met today. After that, we’ll have the Central Working Committee meeting, and we also have the NEC.

“So at the NEC, we’ll take the final decision. So the NAC was the one that met today.

“All we are saying is that if you allow your currency to slide, it will affect all of us.”

He added, “We are completely apolitical. For one, I don’t belong to any political party; I’ve said that severally, so we look for what is in the best interest of the Nigerian workers and Nigerians in general.

“We started shouting about this early last year; if our exchange rate is better managed, at the end you are going to see that there is no need for that increment.”

Asked if the TUC is proceeding with an industrial action, he said, “Absolutely,” adding that they will “down tools and go to the streets.”

He said the NEC of TUC has the responsibility to give a date for the strike.

 

 


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