Telecom
NCC Commits to Bridging Digital Gender Divide
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to bridging growing gender-oriented digital divide to accelerate inclusive economic prosperity for all Nigerian citizens.
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, who restated this commitment in Lagos at the 2022 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS), Thursday, September 15, 2022, where he was conferred with the ‘Icon of Digital Revolution Award’ for his role in stimulating digital connectivity in Nigeria, said promotion of gender equality is a major component of ICT development.
He noted that the gender dimensions of ICT, manifests in access and use; capacity-building opportunities; employment and potential for empowerment, and that all these dimensions need to be explicitly identified and addressed, to leverage on technology and communication as powerful catalysts for political, economic, and social empowerment of women, and the promotion of gender equality.
Speaking to the theme of the event, “Reskilling Women and Girls to Thrive in the Digital Economy”, Danbatta, who was represented by NCC’s Head, Digital Media Management, Nafisa Usman Rugga, said the theme resonates deeply with the drive by the Federal Government to ensure an all-inclusive digital economy that drives the strategic vision plan of the Commission.
He expressed his appreciation to organizers, Techlife Media and Communications Limited, a Lagos-based media organisation, for the iconic recognition for his contribution to Nigeria’s digital progression which is an encouragement that he would dedicate to the entire NCC team of professionals that are dedicated to the digital revolution in the country.
Danbatta commended the organization for holding forth its annual gathering that pivots discussions on promotion of digital access, skills and knowledge among the women and girls in Nigeria.
Danbatta indicated that one of the ways through which the Commission strives to achieve an inclusive growth, is through increased digital connectivity to all, regardless of gender and other accidental circumstances, and that the Commission has continued to play a front-seat role in driving the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-2030; the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025; and related policies aimed at deepening connectivity for all citizens, thereby bridging digital gender disparity.
“The NCC has put in the front burner the need to expose girls and young women to more opportunities in the digital ecosystem, in line with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) resolution 70, which advocates gender mainstreaming and promotion of gender equality, as well as the empowerment of women through information and communications technology (ICT), and we are fully committed to this,”, Danbatta said.
The organizers, while justifying the reason for conferring the award on Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator, stated that after” reviewing the criteria set for the award, we reckon that Prof. Danbatta deserves the award for blazing the trail in accelerating digital revolution in Nigeria, especially with the historic auction of 3.5 GHz spectrum in a fair, transparent, and credible manner, and considering the various initiatives embarked upon by the Commission under his leadership, to inspire girls and women to play active roles in the evolving global digital economy,”.
Telecom
Nigerian Journalists Recount Experiences @QNET’s 2024 V-Convention
The 2024 V-Convention held in Penang, Malaysia has come and gone but its sights and sounds is still reverberating as Nigerian Journalists who had the rare opportunity of attending the event shared their experiences and the immense opportunities QNET is providing to people through direct selling.
The event, which brought together over 8,000 participants from 30 countries, showcased the global reach and cross-border partnerships, which are crucial for direct selling businesses to thrive, particularly in emerging markets like Nigeria.
While speaking at the 2nd VCON 2024 Media Experience webinar on Thursday, the two journalists that witnessed the event shared their personal experiences, insights and take away from the convention in Penang, Malaysia.
Recounting his experience at the event, Sulaiman Aledeh, A TV journalist with Arise, described the experience as thrilling. “The V-Convention was more than a business event,” he remarked.
“It was a gathering of individuals united by their passion for personal growth, entrepreneurship, and wellness. The energy and enthusiasm were unmistakable, and it was inspiring to witness so many people coming together to support one another’s goals.”
He further highlighted QNET’s business strategies while lauding their efforts in supporting education and law enforcement partnerships.
Aledeh added, “One of the things that struck me most about the V-Convention was the sense of community and camaraderie among the attendees. Everyone was there to learn, grow, and support each other, and it created a truly inspiring atmosphere.”
Peter Oluka, Editor of TechEconomy and another attendee of VCON 2004, echoed similar sentiments, describing the event as more than just a business convention.
For him, the gathering of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds created a powerful network of like-minded individuals passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.
He was particularly impressed by QNET’s focus on environmentally friendly products, signaling that the direct selling industry has much to offer in terms of sustainable development.
He praised the diversity of the attendees, the informative workshops, and the focus on innovation and sustainability, and highlighted the opportunity to explore Penang and experience Malaysian culture.
According to Oluka, “The V-Convention was a life-changing experience for me. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of direct selling and entrepreneurship, and I am now more motivated than ever to pursue my own business goals.”
Earlier, Theodocia Quartey, QNET’s Senior Legal Counsel for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of the VCON media webinar, noting that “The event offered participants a chance to expand their product knowledge, interact with experts, and take advantage of vibrant networking opportunities. It reflects QNET’s steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
“Twice yearly, we brings together a diverse assembly of marketing professionals, experienced business leaders, and global entrepreneurs associated with the QI Group’s flagship business in Penang, Malaysia.
“During V-Conventions, QNET extends invitations to selected journalists from media outlets in Nigeria to experience this important event.
“The just-concluded V-Convention in September 2024 brought together over 8,000 attendees from over 30 countries. The theme of the event was “Unstoppable,” emphasizing QNET’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“V-Convention continues to provide a platform to empower individuals and communities worldwide and champion innovation and sustainability through deepening product knowledge, engaging with experts, and experiencing dynamic demonstrations.
“Attendees benefit from business training sessions, motivational speeches, and product exhibitions, providing them with invaluable personal and professional growth opportunities”.
Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, QNET’s legal partner in Nigeria, emphasized the significant potential of the direct selling industry for Nigerian entrepreneurs during the second VCON 2024 Media Experience sharing webinar.
Ajisafe emphasized the importance of direct selling as a path to personal and financial empowerment, and pointed out the industry’s rapid expansion, with the global market expected to reach $204.89 billion by 2032.
“Direct selling provides entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to harness their skills and build successful businesses with minimal investment,” he stated.
Ajisafe also discussed the misconceptions about direct selling in Nigeria, stressing the need to differentiate between legitimate direct selling companies and pyramid schemes. “QNET is dedicated to ethical practices and transparency,” he affirmed.
“We are working to educate the public about the benefits of direct selling and to dispel negative stereotypes. We believe that Nigeria has a bright future in the direct selling industry. By embracing this model, entrepreneurs can create jobs, generate wealth, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.”
Telecom
MTN Nigeria Expands Digital Offerings with Audiomack+ Music Subscription
MTN Nigeria, a leading ICT company, has partnered with Audiomack, a renowned music streaming platform, to introduce the Audiomack+ subscription program.
This strategic collaboration provides MTN subscribers with seamless access to premium Audiomack content, uninterrupted streaming, offline downloads, and exclusive features through convenient mobile payment options.
Audiomack+ offers three flexible subscription plans, enabling subscribers to discover emerging artists, underground music, and community-driven playlists. Music lovers can enjoy, Month Pass (N900/month): 30-day free trial + uninterrupted streaming, Week Pass (N400/week): Affordable weekly subscription and Day Pass (N100/day): Daily access to premium content.
“This partnership with Audiomack reinforces our commitment to delivering value-added services to our customers,” said A’isha Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer of MTN Nigeria.
“We’re excited to offer our subscribers an easy and affordable way to access premium music content, empowering them to explore new music and support their favorite artists.”
David Ponte, Audiomack Co-Founder and CMO, added, “Our partnership with MTN Nigeria brings us closer to making music accessible to everyone.
“With Audiomack+, we’re proud to offer affordable premium streaming options, providing users in Nigeria with the best music experience possible.”
To subscribe to the Audiomack+ monthly plan, text APM to 3134 or visit Audiomack+ Month Pass. Alternatively, customers can text APW to 3134 or text APD to 3134 for weekly or daily subscriptions.
Through its strategic partnership with music streaming platforms, MTN Nigeria reinforces its commitment to providing enhanced and innovative digital experiences to customers.
Telecom
Elon Musk’s X Slammed with $418,000 Fine in Australia for Failing to Provide Child Protection Data
An Australian court has upheld a decision requiring X, formerly known as Twitter, to pay A$610,500 ($418,000) fine after failing to cooperate with a request from the nation’s eSafety Commissioner.
The request was for detailed information about the platform’s efforts to tackle child sexual exploitation material.
X initially contested the fine, arguing that a corporate restructuring in 2022, when Elon Musk took Twitter private and merged it into a new entity, freed the company from having to comply with the request issued in early 2023. However, the Federal Court of Australia disagreed, ruling that the platform was still bound to provide the information.
Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, noted that if accepted, it could have set a dangerous precedent. She stated that such corporate mergers could allow international companies to sidestep regulatory obligations in Australia, undermining internet safety efforts.
The penalty relates to a current inquiry into how tech companies, including X, are managing harmful content, particularly involving child protection. The eSafety Commissioner had requested specific details on the platform’s anti-child abuse strategies, which X failed to provide. In addition to the fine, civil proceedings have also been initiated against the company due to its noncompliance.
Musk’s X has faced previous clashes with the Australian internet safety regulator. Earlier this year, the eSafety office ordered the platform to remove content showing a violent incident involving a bishop being attacked during a sermon.
X challenged that directive, arguing that regulators in one nation should not dictate what content is visible worldwide. The Australian regulator eventually dropped the case, and X kept the posts online. Musk criticised the order, labelling it as an act of censorship and linked it to a larger agenda by international bodies like the World Economic Forum.
This latest legal setback adds to Musk’s growing list of challenges in managing the platform since his takeover, particularly as it continues to face questions from regulators around the world.
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