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ICT Security is Not Waste of Money-Aliu

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Mr. Folorunso Aliu, managing director, iTECO Nigeria Limited is a results-driven professional. His flair, tenacity and can-do attitude have earned him various certifications.

Aliu before his appointment as managing director in 2007 was head of Service Delivery – Network Solutions. Aliu is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science / Engineering and has a Masters in Business Administration. He spoke with chike onwuegbuchi.

iTECO and Information Technology Sector

 

iTECO Nigeria Limited is a foremost brand in the area of systems integration in Nigeria. What that means is that iTECO’s skills and expertise come to bear when you have different networks or different equipments and solutions on the network and you are looking or a single entity that would bring together all these different elements, all the networks to provide business solutions that meet customers’ requirement. iTECO’s major skill is on any product, and element on the network that runs on Internet Protocol (IP), bringing it together to bring out business solutions to our customers.

 

 

Breaches in Telephone

 

Let me take you back, when I was discussing I said iTECO is a systems integration company. Let me give examples of what you might need systems integration for; systems integration can apply in the area of network security, it can come in the area of just general routing and switching, that is basic connectivity between one bank and another, one company and another. What we also do is in the area of voice networks as well. We are also in the area of audio-visuals or what is known as collaborations – video conferencing, tele-conferencing, audio bridge and things like that. Now, you asked a question about security – you have breaches in security if things are not done as they should be done and followed up. In security, we have what is called ‘the security wheel.’ Security wheel simply tells you that security is not a one-time thing. You look at the system, you appraise the system, you put in place security measures, you monitor the security measures, you improve on the security measures and you go back again to appraise the system so that you are always one step ahead of whoever wants to breach your security system. People look at security as a one-time thing – oh, I spent one hundred thousand on my security solution and that is it. Thank you! You can go away. It is an on-going event; you do not put security once and you stop because everyday, especially on the Internet people are bringing on newer things; newer threats arise everyday. The solution you put in place yesterday will probably not be able to mitigate the problems of today and that is why you need to consistently monitor and ensure you are in order. But in our environment, people see this as a waste of money. It is important and a continuous thing; just as business is a going concern, security requirement is a going issue too.

 

Unified Communications

 

From the word unified, it means you are bringing in different elements to a single point and maximizing your investment. Let me give you a typical example of Unified Communication; you have a telephone system back in the days, when someone calls you and you are not in the office; that is it. You cannot be reached. You have e-mail system; someone sends you an e-mail and if you are not there, that is it. You have a GSM phone; if someone calls you on it and you are not there, that is all. But Unified Communications in a nutshell, brings all these things to a single point. Let us assume that you are not in the office and have traveled to America, would it not be good to know that if someone calls you on your desk in the office, your phone rings three times and it is automatically passed on to your GSM and then it is converted to text and sent to you; everything seamless. So that, at any point you are reachable, you are able to maximize your investment because everything has been unified – you have what is called text to speech and speech to text, in this case, I can record my e-mail as voice and it will be sent as e-mail for me. So, Unified Communication does those things – to distinguish between different entities. For example, most banks today were still in the era of general banking, over-the-counter solutions and all that; but you can actually build solutions that will help people especially in retail banking that Nigerian banks are trying to move into; Unified Communication is a veritable tool in the hands of these bankers if they want to do proper retail banking. You can reach your target audience right in their homes; there are various services you can deploy on the phones and other network elements that your customers carry. Mobile phone is a veritable tool for banking; it is not just for checking account balance. It is a proper banking tool that allows for easy communication between banks and their customers as well as enables the deployment of several other services.

Making IP Networks More Effective

 

I tend to disagree with you that we do not have terrestrial links because we have that in the country right now. MTN, Globacom have run some; Celtel has started out on that, even Visafone too. What we do not have yet is the aggregation of all those links. The bottom line is that they are there. 21st Century as far back as four years ago had actually laid a fiber ring all over the Island. Let us take Lagos for example, most of the business concerns are concentrated on the Island and right now if you need fiber connectivity on the Island, it is something you can get within two days. I understand that we still have extensive Vsat installation but I disagree that we do not have terrestrial infrastructure. Having said that, this Unified Communication can be seen from different strata – we have the intra-company usage, the inter-company usage and the global connectivity. In intra-company, you do not rely on the extensive external fiber to do this. Between one company and its branch office for example, you have some kind of connectivity that they are doing today. All Nigerian banks toady are online, real time. They are using that link for something. What some of them are doing is to maximize the use of that bandwidth which is what the real question is. The bandwidth we have today; what are we doing with it? Do we even know what is going over the bandwidth? How can we maximize the use of the bandwidth because it is expensive? That is one other thing that iTECO can do. iTECO is a foremost name in network management. We can give you what you call visibility into your bandwidth utilization. We can help you to maximize your bandwidth utilization so that you do not end up spending unnecessarily on increasing bandwidth while in fact, that is not what you need. My point is, yes, you have a lot of Vsat installation but you also have fiber optic installation but more importantly is what is going over your bandwidth and how are you utilizing it. Network management solution is what you need to do that. People are doing Unified Communication – the likes of Shell, LNG are involved in this. Different companies operate at various levels of Unified Communication. The maximum you can get from Unified Communication depends on how well you can use your imagination. The amount of services you can run on your mobile phone is only limited to your innovative power.

 

Approach towards Aggregation of Fibre Infrastructure

 

It is not duplication because the bottom line is Globacom has its own traffic route; all of them have their own traffic routes and patterns, so they need the backbone to be able to carry their traffic. However, there should be inter-connection between them, that is what I am talking about so that we can have ISVs. ISVs can do virtual carriage of data and voice. They do not need to build their own infrastructure. What I am saying is that, instead of Globacom just owning the whole thing and we are not sourcing from anybody apart from Globacom, they could come together as a majority so that they can carry traffic from others. We do services, not just data and voice. There are lots of services. If all the fibers that we are laying around are just for data and voice, then it is a waste of energy. They are laying fiber for all the other services that you can run on that; talk about video calls and other enhanced services. You have what is called Multi-Protocol Legal Switching (MPLS) that is the protocol they are running now on the core of their networks, to be able to carry out all these services and deploy them to the customers.

 

iTECO and Cost of Redundant Data Centre

 

Having a disaster recovery site is necessary now for big corporations because the principle behind it is, even if there is a disaster or a breakdown, service should continue. That makes a lot sense and things that are put in place would ensure this is done. Most banks today have offsites. What baffles me is that an entity has a private recovery site on Victoria Island; they have another one in Apapa. If you have a private site here, the minimum I am going to expect is to have a disaster recovery site say, in Abuja because whatever happens in this region should not break down the two sites. As much as possible, there are standards to how these things should be at the minimum. You can do what you call ‘server hotels’ or ‘IT hotels.’ What I mean by that is that instead of Bank A, B and C; each building their own site, you can actually collocate with the third party who is the service provider and all of them will have a secondary link through this place either with their own servers or with the server provided by the service provider and each would have its own storage and slot as it were. That way, they only pay for space and usage on a regular basis as agreed. That would be a cheaper alternative. But, most banks because they are big, put their recovery sites somewhere else and can also use it for other things. So, it is a choice people make.


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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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