General News
IP: Secret Ingredient to Economic Growth -HP Conference
A HP roundtable discussion has emphasized the vital role of intellectual property (IP) as a catalyst for economic, social and cultural prosperity as diverse panel urges consumers to respect innovation and reject counterfeits
Panelists agreed that more people would respect IP and avoid counterfeits if they had a better understanding of how trademarks and copyrights drive economic innovation and enhance personal lifestyles in areas such as health care, technology and leisure.
In addition to improving the quality of life, IP-protected music, medicine, print cartridges and other everyday consumer items inspire others to innovate and create with the hopes that they, too, can enjoy the rewards that come from original thinking.
Speakers provided these insights at the ‘Be Original conference on Intellectual Property & Innovation: A Virtuous Cycle organized by HP to mark World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated on April 26.
The participants included, Dr. Isah Momoh, the former Business editor, Guardian Newspaper and also former News Editor Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Mr. Kenneth Esere a lecturer of New Media, Visual Communication and Graphics design in the School of Media and Communications, Pan African University and Mr. Chude Jideonwo, a lawyer, television personality, youth advocate, media entrepreneur and founder/creative director of RedSTRAT.
“Few people talk about IP or are aware of just how ingrained and important it is in our lives, which is why it’s the ‘secret ingredient’ to a modern society in which innovators thrive under the protection of comprehensive IP law,” said Rita Amuchienwa, Channel Development Manager, HP IPG English Africa, “Stopping the unauthorized use of IP, whether it’s pirated movies, fake handbags or counterfeit print cartridge technology tells the next generation of visionaries that their work will flourish and be respected.”
Amuchienwa further stated that, “HP is committed to the protection of IP, not just in relation to HP products, but also other people’s creative works. A society free from counterfeit products is not of benefit to us alone- it benefits the economy in the long run and creates a viable, sustainable environment for people to practice their craft knowing they are protected.”
Panelists noted that while it’s important to promote the benefits of a robust IP system, it’s equally crucial to educate society on the threats of counterfeit products.
Most fakes are made with inferior raw materials and components and don’t perform as well as brand-name goods backed by decades of research and development and testing.
“The understanding of IP protection begins with a consciousness. We, as a society must begin to understand that counterfeit products destroy innovation and drive the economy down. We must push government to introduce stiffer penalties to protect IP and make government to realize that it is the wealth of the Nation. We must all stand up for what is right,” said Dr. Momoh.
Chude Jideonwo, a youth advocate, magazine publisher and serial media entrepreneur pointed out that the role of law enforcement is critical. He said that greater prosecution of IP infringement including tougher sentencing will send the right message.
Jideonwo argued that, “The government’s enforcement of laws regarding copyright infringement and intellectual property theft is still rather abysmal. Until government steps up to its responsibility and provides the adequate legal framework necessary for the protection of people’s creations, we are going to continue to battle with IP theft.”
Nigeria is among the countries where the manufacture and distribution of fake printing supplies and other illicit merchandise is widespread. According to the World Economic Forum, Nigeria ranks 104 out of 142 countries in the protection of IP rights.
HP is one of the biggest owners of intellectual property, with a portfolio of over 37,000 patents. Many of these are held by PPS which manufactures not just printers and scanners but the ink and toner to supply them.
Through its Anti-counterfeiting Program, HP actively educates its customers and partners to be vigilant against fake printing supplies. It also cooperates closely with local and global law enforcement to detect and dismantle illegal operations that produce counterfeit HP printing components.
Across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) over the last four years, HP has conducted nearly 1,000 investigations, resulting in over 600 enforcement actions (raids and seizures by authorities) and nearly 8 million units of counterfeit products and components seized, thus preventing them from being sold in the EMEA marketplace and beyond.
In commemoration of Women’s Month, health-tech platform Myitura has released a new white paper addressing the critical gaps in healthcare financing for women in Nigeria.
Titled “Closing the Gap: Healthcare Financing for Women in Nigeria,” the report highlights how high out-of-pocket costs, limited insurance coverage, and socio-economic factors continue to prevent women from accessing timely healthcare.
According to the report, over 70% of healthcare expenses in Nigeria are paid out-of-pocket, disproportionately affecting women who often delay care due to financial and social constraints.
“When women can afford to take care of their health early, we don’t just save lives; we strengthen families, communities, and the economy,” said Chialuka Kelechi, MyItura’s Chief of Staff.
Key Insights from the White Paper:
- Preventable conditions often escalate due to delayed care
- Women are more likely to deprioritize their own health
- Affordable, structured healthcare financing can significantly improve outcomes
Introducing a Women’s Health Initiative
As part of its commitment, Myitura is launching affordable women-focused health packages (powered by Mediloan), starting at ₦58,180, designed to encourage preventive care and early detection.
The package provides access to:
- Fasting/Random Blood Sugar
- Urinalysis
- Electrolytes
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Pap Smear Submitted slides
- HIV I & II Rapid (Qualitative)
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Screening (Rapid)
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening (Rapid)
- Abdominopelvic Ultrasound
- Ongoing support via the Myitura platform
Access:
Women can access these packages by downloading the Myitura app, which makes healthcare more accessible and convenient.
Myitura is a health-tech platform focused on improving access to healthcare through financing, technology, and preventive care solutions.
General News
DBI Unveils Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Report Highlights Strategic Trends, Risks
DigitalSENSE Business Intelligence (DBI), powered by ITREALMS Media, has launched the Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Intelligence Report (Executive Edition), delivering vital insights for navigating Nigeria’s fast-paced digital landscape.
This executive summary spotlights trends, risks, and opportunities in telecommunications, fintech, digital infrastructure, policy shifts, and investment flows. It underscores digital transformation’s pivotal role in boosting economic growth, financial inclusion, and nationwide innovation.
DBI Publisher, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, emphasized its value for leaders: “This Executive Edition offers a sharp, strategic view of Nigeria’s digital economy during a pivotal moment. As the sector surges ahead, reliable intelligence is key to seizing opportunities and tackling risks.”
Key highlights include:
Broadband infrastructure expansion.
Surge in digital payments adoption.
Evolving regulations.
Investor pivot to sustainable, profitable ventures.
The report urges action on digital financial inclusion, infrastructure funding, skills training, and public sector digitization.
Freely accessible, the Executive Edition complements the premium Full Edition with in-depth analysis for executives and institutions. Stakeholders can request full access or briefings.
Media & Access Contacts:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.itrealms.com.ng
The on-going construction works at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State is gathering momentum as the project is envisioned to address the country’s energy needs.
NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State
The project occupying a 40-hectare park designed as a multi-energy hub will help curb capital flight and save foreign exchange expenditure by enabling local production of key renewable energy components such as solar panels, mounting racks, wind systems and biomass technologies.
Speaking during an inspection visit on the project site on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Special Adviser to the Executive Vice Chairman on Renewable Energy, Engr. Suyud Abdullahi Muhammad, who also serves as the Gora Project Manager, disclosed that the initiative is designed to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported renewable energy equipment.
“There will be a wind assembly plant, small hydro power equipment production, and solar panel manufacturing; Renewable energy goes beyond just solar, and this park reflects that broader vision,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that the project aligns with NASENI’s goal of reducing energy poverty in Nigeria, where over 80 million citizens remain off-grid, while many connected to the national grid continue to experience inadequate power supply.
The Special Adviser also emphasised on the project’s industrialisation potential, highlighting its role in job creation and value chain development. The park is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs, with an additional 50,000 indirect employment opportunities across supporting industries when completed.
“This initiative will localise the renewable energy value chain. Instead of relying on imports, Nigeria will begin to produce and eventually export these technologies, starting with the West African market and scaling up to the rest of the continent,” he added.
On sustainability and long-term viability, he revealed that the project is being executed in collaboration with private sector players, academia and other stakeholders, in line with NASENI’s “3Cs” principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.
The ongoing construction is being handled by about 35 contracting firms, each handling specific components at varying levels of execution such as Multipurpose Halls for industrial productions, Research and Development (R&D) Centre, Knowledge Park, Energy Centre, Workshops, Researchers Lodge, Studio Apartments, Clinic, Restaurant, Wellness Centre, Solar Farm, Drivers Lounge, Gate House, Internal roads and drainage system and Fencing.
The Gora Renewable Energy Industrial Energy Park is considered a key component of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, enhancing energy security and positioning Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in Africa.
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