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
Airtel Nigeria Reinforces Commitment to Youth Empowerment Hosts UNICEF GenU 9JA Steering Committee Meeting
Airtel Nigeria hosted the 2024 UNICEF Generation Unlimited (GenU) Steering Committee meeting at the Airtel Nigeria headquarters in Banana Island, Lagos, yesterday.
The breakfast meeting served as a collaborative forum, bringing together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society to review GenU 9JA’s progress in providing Nigerian youth with digital learning, upskilling, and pathways to meaningful employment.
In his opening remarks, Chief Executive Officer at Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz expressed Airtel’s dedication to supporting the youth. “It is a privilege for Airtel to host this significant meeting and reaffirm our commitment to an initiative that holds the power to transform the lives of millions of young Nigerians.
“By equipping our youth with essential skills and resources, we not only support their individual success but also contribute to Nigeria’s social and economic growth,” he said.
Mr. Cruz further highlighted Airtel’s leadership in providing connectivity for digital learning, noting, “With the support of our UNICEF partners, we have connected 1,260 schools across Nigeria to digital learning, enabling 600 children to access educational platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport and Yoma Africa.
“This connectivity is not just about internet access; it is about creating an equal playing field for young people, giving them access to quality education and skills essential for their future.”
The event saw participation from a host of other GenU 9JA partners, including IHS Towers, ATC, Unilever, Jobberman, Microsoft, Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, GIZ, World Bank, ILO, UNDP, UNFPA, the EU Delegation, and the Government of the Netherlands.
While delivering a report on GenU 9JA digital learning, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, reiterated Airtel’s dedication to driving digital inclusion and youth empowerment in support of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“For us at Airtel, we are actively involved in connecting schools and advancing digital learning for young Nigerians. Looking back at the debut of our partnership with UNICEF in 2023, we have exceeded our initial expectations in school connectivity, which highlighted the significant gaps in Nigeria’s educational system.
This year, we have made even greater strides and our involvement in initiatives like the Nigeria Learning Passport reflects our commitment to bridging this gap by expanding digital access, fostering learning, and building essential skills nationwide to support young Nigerians,” he said.
“Also, it would interest everyone to know that Airtel Nigeria’s new Home Broadband thematic campaign, ‘Live Limitless’, resonates strongly with the GenU 9JA ‘We No Get Limit’ motto, which underscores our dedication to empowering young Nigerians to unlock their full potential without barriers.
This commitment drives us to continue creating and promoting opportunities that equip the youth for a brighter future” he added. The GenU Steering Committee meeting served as a valuable platform for Airtel and other partners to deepen their commitment to the GenU 9JA mission.
By fostering collaboration and driving impactful initiatives, Airtel demonstrates its corporate social responsibility by actively contributing to programs that uplift Nigerian youth and promote sustainable development across the nation.
Telecom
Zarttalent Foundation’s Summit Prepares Nigerian Youth for Global Tech Careers
Zarttalent, a foundation dedicated to advancing digital literacy and tech education in Nigeria, hosted the How to Win With Tech Summit on October 17, 2024.
The event brought together students, educators, tech enthusiasts, and influential leaders for a day focused on the power of technology in shaping the future.
Notable guests included Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor Entrepreneurship Youth Employment & Healthcare, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos, and Elizabeth Owei-Oladepo, Youth Advisor at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos.
Their presence, along with teachers, principals, media representatives, and Zarttalent partners, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in driving tech innovation and education.
Opening the summit, Nelson Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer of Zarttalent, delivered a keynote address titled “The Power of Technology in Today’s World.”
He highlighted the role of technology in generating employment opportunities and creating global pathways for Nigerian talent. In addressing Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate, Nelson emphasized Zarttalent Foundation’s commitment to equipping young people with in-demand tech skills that align with global industry needs.
“The goal of education is to prepare students with skills for a meaningful livelihood. Yet, the challenge in Nigeria is a misalignment between university training and the skills required by today’s economy, contributing to the high unemployment rate.
By introducing relevant, in-demand tech skills, Zarttalent empowers young Nigerians to go beyond the standard curriculum and gain expertise that sets them apart in a rapidly digitizing world,” he stated.
Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor Entrepreneurship Youth Employment & Healthcare, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos, delivered a compelling address titled “Leveraging Technology for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.”
She outlined the potential of tech-based skills to empower Nigerian youth to not only secure employment but also become problem-solvers in their communities. Fajusigbe encouraged the attendees to look beyond traditional jobs and consider digital entrepreneurship as a means to tackle local challenges and boost economic growth.
Fajusigbe’s keynote on technology as a tool for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship offered practical strategies for harnessing technology to create meaningful change. Her session encouraged students to see themselves as future innovators who can leverage tech to build a better society.
This landmark event is part of the foundation’s ongoing effort to empower the Nigerian youth and address its high youth unemployment rate by creating access to digital skills and mentorship.
The foundation aims to empower over 5,000 students over the next five years, equipping them with competitive tech skills that will translate into job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and solutions to real-life issues.
With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at record levels, the event focused on building sustainable career pathways and preparing a generation ready to thrive in a tech-driven economy, where digital skills are increasingly essential.
Telecom
MTN Foundation Celebrates 20 Years with Exclusive Anniversary Dinner in Lagos
As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, MTN Foundation will host an appreciation dinner for key stakeholders and partners on November 14, 2024, at the Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. This dinner is designed to celebrate the Foundation’s two-decade journey of social impact and express gratitude for the invaluable support of its stakeholders and partners.
Following a series of impactful panel discussions at the anniversary conference in Abuja, the Lagos gathering will be a blend of sophisticated dining with an array of entertainment. The evening will bring together notable guests, including MTN Foundation directors and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Guests will also enjoy live performances by MTN MUSON scholars; talented young musicians whose training is fully funded by MTN Foundation. The event will also feature a performance by the Vintage Band, bringing a unique fusion of Afro-culture and pop music that promises to set an engaging tone for the evening.
The dinner will provide the opportunity for MTN Foundation to introduce its newly unveiled logo, vision, and mission to the Lagos audience. This refreshed focus underpins the Foundation’s dedication to ‘Inspiring Impact Where it Matters’ as it embarks on its next decade of social investment, prioritising youth empowerment, healthcare, and community development across Nigeria.
“We are deeply grateful to all our stakeholders and partners who have joined us on this 20-year journey. This dinner is a celebration of what we’ve achieved together and a look forward to the future of impactful investments in our communities,” remarked Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation.
The dinner promises all guests a memorable evening that celebrates past achievements and looks forward to a future of possibilities.
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