News
NITDA Awards ICT Innovation Prizes to Outstanding NYSC Members
![(L-r): Mrs. Iruma Blessing, Camp Director, FCT NYSC Orientation Camp, Opaluwa Ojochogwu (corps member and joint first prize winner), Deputy Director, Multi Stakeholders partnership, National Information Technology Development Agency [NITDA], John Chima, Awulonu Stephen (corps member and joint first prize winner) of N250,000 in the NITDA NYSC ICT Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programme for Corp Member, Chinyere Ekwe and National Coordinator, Office of ICT Innovation& Entrepreneurship of NITDA, Bunmi Okunowo](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/nysc new.jpg)
To deepen its work of supporting innovations in the ecosystem in Nigeria, the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), a subsidiary under National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has awarded prizes for ICT innovation to outstanding National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members in Abuja who have excelled in its inaugural Idea Sprint under its multi-year ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program.
Established in line with NITDA Act 2007 and National ICT Policy, the OIIE is setup to nurture, cultivate and expand the ICT innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Among the winners at the inaugural edition of the programme who got cash prizes as idea development grants are Opaluwa John and Awulona Obinna with
“MyDriver”, Temiloluwa Adesina with “A School in A Box” and Gorah Ayodele and Aluko Fikunayomi with “HIV Diagnosticare”. Consolation prizes and certificates of participation were issued to 13 teams of corp members who were shortlisted for the final round of the competition.
However, the top five winners that received the Idea Development Grant would use the funds to produce the prototype of the ideas they have committed to NITDA OIIE. Besides, some NYSC members that presented creative ideas to OIIE would observe their one-year mandatory service with OIIE in Abuja, as OIIE has sent a formal request to the management of the NYSC to that effect.
Addressing the audience, Mr. Peter Jack, director general of NITDA, stressed the importance of ICT as an enabler for creating jobs and wealth. In his words, “The top two richest men in the world (Bill Gates and Carlos Slim) derived their wealth from ICT. We are committed with new zeal to accelerate IT development across the country, especially ICT innovation and entrepreneurship. To spearhead the innovation, we established the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship. We are pleased at the pace of work and programs emerging from this subsidiary”.
He further expressed satisfaction at the level of collaboration with the leadership of NYSC, especially the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier-General Johnson Bamidele Olawumi, who has expressed full support for the program.
Speaking at the just concluded ICT Idea Sprint at the Abuja National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) orientation camp in Kubwa, Bunmi Okunowo, national coordinator of OIIE, said, “OIIE will leverage on its network of incubators to monitor, support and encourage the corp members to build their ideas into prototype and then begin to build a product out of it. The programme, which kicked off in November 2015, is to attract corp members who have innovative ICT ideas or ICT-driven businesses that can become a successful business within one to two years”.
“Under this programme, we are fostering the creation of new ICT businesses by corp members thereby reducing the high rate of unemployment amongst them. This is a conveyor belt-type of program for the corp members; supporting them from an ideation to a prototype development to an earliest version of the ICT product or service. We are doing all these for them during their service year in partnership with our network of incubators, angel investors, talent developers, NYSC skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development (SAED) department of NYSC.”, he said.
He added that the idea is to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in the corp members who would indicate interest. “We would ignite enough passion in them to continue in that line. In this program, we will nurture them through a structured semi-mentorship and development management program. Should they want to pursue their ICT entrepreneurial dreams after service year, we will place them in incubators and accelerators and bankroll the incubation cost”.
Okunowo disclosed that the incubation programme would run for about eight months with the expectation that the ideas would have fully developed into ICT products or ICT businesses, which would be ready for commercial takeoff.
“Then we will take them to technology platforms such as DEMO Africa, GITEX to mention a few so that they can showcase their products and launch them. And in the process of their incubation and after incubation, they will have access to a number of mentors, investors and technology buyers along the way. We are not doing this alone. We have built our relationship with the ecosystem over the last few years and we will continue to work with them to accomplish the ultimate goals,“ he said.
He assured that the scheme would move to Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano and other parts of the country in 2016 and beyond. “We want to create, grow and deepen ICT innovation in the country. We know ICT can create jobs and wealth. We want to continue to stimulate it so that our youths will not only be seeking white collar jobs but rather thinking of how to become entrepreneurs, as it is the case in the United States, China, India and other countries that are really thriving in this area”, he added.
Mrs. Blessing Iruma, NYSC camp director, representing the State Coordinator, commended NITDA for the initiative and advised the agency to sustain the programme for the benefit of the country’s development. She expressed joy at the partnership attained by NITDA and NYSC, adding that the corp members have imbibed the skill acquisition programme.
Also, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe, assistant director, NYSC SAED, commended the corp members for their zeal and determination during the participation at the idea sprint; and charged them to continue in that spirit to see that the ideas become products for commercial purposes. She disclosed further that NYSC members who participated in the competition submitted 35 entries and some of these ICT-based ideas cover such industry as agriculture, education, health and telecom.
One of the winners, Watti Oluwafisayo, commended the programme and its initiator, saying that it was an opportunity for the corp members to display their ideas and be rewarded.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across domestic and international airport terminals to tackle the growing problem of delayed, misrouted and missing luggages
Michael Achimugu, director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos.
Achimugu said the RFID-enabled system would replace the traditional barcode-based baggage tracking framework and provide airlines and passengers with real-time visibility of checked luggage from check-in to final collection.
According to him, the technology would improve baggage traceability, reduce mishandling and strengthen accountability across the baggage-handling chain.
Unlike conventional barcode systems, RFID technology allows baggage to be automatically scanned at multiple points without requiring direct line of sight, enabling real-time tracking of luggage throughout its journey.
Achimugu said issues involving short-landed, missing, lost or damaged baggage had remained among the major complaints from air travellers, alongside flight delays.
He said the introduction of RFID technology was therefore aimed at improving baggage-handling standards and restoring passenger confidence in the aviation sector.
The NCAA said the initiative also aligns with IATA Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at key points during the passenger journey.
The authority expects the technology to provide more accurate information on the location of luggage, facilitate quicker resolution of baggage-related complaints and improve the overall passenger experience.
The NCAA said the initiative would also strengthen accountability among airlines and other stakeholders involved in baggage handling at Nigerian airports.
eTranzact International Plc has called for increased adoption of digital payment solutions among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying access to technology is critical to improving business efficiency, financial inclusion and growth.
The company also said it was deepening its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to expand digital access and financial literacy among small businesses across the country.
In a statement, the Divisional Head, Merchant Services, eTranzact, Mrs. Abimbola Reis, stated this at the SMEDAN/eTranzact Town Hall Engagement in Lagos recently, themed, “Financial Literacy and Inclusion for MSMEs Leveraging on Fintech Innovation.”
Reis described MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that the sector comprises almost 40 million businesses and contributes significantly to economic growth and job creation.
However, she said many businesses continue to face challenges including limited access to finance, inefficient payment systems, weak financial reporting, cash-flow constraints and inadequate access to digital platforms.
She added that trust concerns also affect businesses’ ability to access finance, while heavy reliance on cash increases exposure to theft and makes payment reconciliation more difficult.
Representing the Director-General of SMEDAN, Prof. Yinka Fisher said the town hall was aimed at generating practical ideas and solutions that would support the growth and expansion of MSMEs.
“The essence of this engagement is to share ideas and concepts that will help MSMEs thrive and expand. Our partnership with eTranzact is about expanding the frontiers of MSMEs and ensuring they continue to grow,” he said.
Also speaking, representative of the Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Praise Adedigba said businesses could no longer depend solely on hard work to remain competitive.
As the world marks International Youth Day, attention once again turns to the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for work, financial independence, and adulthood.
In Nigeria, the urgency is clear. According to UNICEF, about 7% of young people aged 15–24 possess basic ICT skills, highlighting a wider gap in the skills required to participate effectively in an increasingly digital economy.
At the same time, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, continues to prioritize skills development, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
For PalmPay, youth empowerment goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is an investment in the people who will shape Nigeria’s workforce, businesses and economy.
This belief is reflected in initiatives focused on financial literacy, employability, digital skills and access to opportunities.
Through its Graduate Trainee Programme, PalmPay provides young graduates with opportunities to gain workplace experience, develop professional skills and build careers in a fast-evolving industry.
The investment also extends to financial education. Through its NYSC Financial Literacy Programme, PalmPay brings practical financial education to young Nigerians at an important transition point, helping Corps members develop better habits around saving, spending, budgeting and protecting their money.
For young women, Purple Woman provides another pathway to economic empowerment, creating opportunities for internships, learning and professional development while supporting greater female participation in the technology sector.
Speaking on the importance of youth empowerment, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s young population is one of its greatest assets, but unlocking its potential requires access to the right skills, knowledge and opportunities. At PalmPay, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.”
These initiatives reflect a broader belief that youth empowerment is most meaningful when young people are given the knowledge, exposure and opportunities to apply what they learn.
A graduate given workplace exposure today can become tomorrow’s business leader. A Corps member who develops sound financial habits can carry those lessons into their career and personal life. A young woman given access to professional opportunities can gain the confidence, experience, and networks to create opportunities for others.
Investing in young people is a great strategy for building a stronger, more productive, and more inclusive economy.
This International Youth Day, PalmPay reaffirms its commitment to investing in young Nigerians and contributing to a broader national ambition where the young population is not just counted, but equipped, employed, empowered, and positioned to lead.
Nigeria Not Making Progress in Fiscal Transparency –US
NCAA to Introduce RFID Technology to Tackle Missing Luggages
SEC Directs Operators to Subscribe to NigSac Alerts, Freeze Terrorists-Linked Funds
Davido Bets $1m in Hit-for-Hit Battle with Colleagues
GSMA Industry Services Unveils Circularity Services to Help Operators Reduce E-Waste and Unlock Value
EFCC Busts NIS Visa Overstay Racket, Uncovers N700m in an Account
Fact-Check: Elon Musk’s “Tesla Pi Phone” is Internet Rumor
NBC Tasks Broadcasting Stations over 2028 DSO Global Deadline
NBC Scraps Annual Digital Access Fee on DSO
Glo Sponsored African Voices to Feature Netflix’s “The Polygamist” Stars
News2 days agoMoove Achieves Unicorn Status With $250m Funding
Telecom2 days agoMTN Nigeria Clocks 25, Connects over 90m People
E-Financial2 days agoFG Suspends NAICOM’s N680m Insurance Recapitalisation Fees
E-Business2 days agoMicrosoft to Unveil Next-generation AI Chip in September
Broadcasting2 days agoAffordable, Flexible Streaming Platforms May Kill PAYtv – Report
Telecom2 days agoSubscribers to Seek Legal Redress if Poor Quality of Service Continue in September
E-Financial2 days agoSEC Moves to Recover Unclaimed Dividends, Inherited Investments Nationwide
Telecom2 days agoipNX Collaborates with ICT Stakeholders on the Future of Fibre-to-the-Home in Nigeria @ ATCON Forum