News
NITDA Named Co-Chair of Open Government Partnership Forum
A high powered delegation of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) led by Ejike Njeze, co-Chair, Technology and Innovation (OGP) Nigeria, recently paid a courtesy call on Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at the Agency’s corporate headquaters in Abuja.
The meeting had two objectives; submission of the full report on the recently concluded 2nd CyberSecurity Conference to NITDA, and solicit the Agency’s support in driving the Open Government Partnership (OGP), as the industry’s regulator as well Co-Chair, Technology and Innovation (Representing the Public Sector).
The representative of the Organised Private Sector and Civil Societies Organisations Honourable Njeze remarked that “the meeting has laid to rest, the controversy surrounding the Government Technology Co-chair” and urged the DG NITDA to “step forward and assume his responsibility by providing the relevant support to the OGP Process in line with NITDA’s Mandate”.
Juliet Ibekaku, national coordinator OGP Nigeria and Special Assistant to the President on Justice Reforms, who formally presented the OGP National Action Plan document to the DG, disclosed that the project was a commitment signed by the President in July 2016 to implement a set of actions aimed at improving transpaency and open governance.
The Agenda includes ; access to information, physical transparency, anti corruption and citizen engagement. She further emphasized that as the IT developer and regulator, NITDA is charged with the task of providing the platform for technology and innovation to thrive.
Ibekaku, SA to the President on Justice Reforms commended, for the impressive turn around in IT Compliance among MDAs since his assumption of duty as DG NITDA, urging him to extend his considerable support towards implementing the document.
In his response, Dr Pantami reiterated that technology is critical to running an open government and NITDA is prepared to throw its weight behind the national project as co-chair and in every capacity.
“The Agency possesses the technical competencies required to deliver the mandate and it will not shy away from its responsibilities. We will continue to engage with stakeholders to encourage innovation, build capacities and implement the National It Policy”. He noted that the OGP forum presented the country an opportunity to fight corruption, foster transparency, encourage and support indigenous technology, drive innovation and ensure compliance in both the public and private sectors all of which fall under NITDA’s mandate.
Director, e-government development and regulatory department NITDA, Dr Abdullahi Usman Gambo expressed his delight at the immense potential of the OGP Forum and assured the delegation that the Agency will embrace its position as co-chair and representative of the federal government with professional integrity required.
He also remarked that the Management Team will support the DG in the implementation of the report on the 2nd CyberSecurity Conference.
The Open Government Partnership forum is chaired by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
News
Legit.ng, Shade of Life Foundation Partner to Advance Autism Awareness in Nigeria
Legit.ng recently joined forces with the Shade of Life Foundation to become a voice of autism, and drive advocacy for improved media support during Autism Awareness Month.
Conversations around media support exploration was led by Joseph Omotayo, head of Department for Human Interest Stories at Legit.ng, and Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, founder and CEO of the Shade of Life Foundation,
This partnership is a response to the concerns raised by organizations like the Shade of Life Foundation about the level of support received from the media in discussing autism as a disability.
While other disabilities may receive attention, autism, with its critical developmental implications often lacks adequate representation in mainstream media.
Recognizing the importance of addressing these concerns, Legit.ng took proactive steps by integrating itself into the essence of autism awareness.
It facilitated a one-hour workshop with Dr. Nwokolo, the founder of the foundation, to deepen our understanding of autism, its various spectrums, and the language boundaries associated with it.
Other steps we took in advocating autism awareness in the media, can be seen in our attached press release.
Legit.ng believes that by amplifying the voices of autism and advocating for better media representation, we can contribute to creating a more inclusive and accepting society for all.
News
As Nigeria Struggle, Tanzania Turns off Power Plants Due to Excess Supply
While 85 per cent of Nigeria is in darkness, Tanzania, an African country has shut down five hydroelectric stations in a bid to reduce excess electricity in the national grid.
Kassim Majaliwa, prime minister, Tanzania, has said the main plant, Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, alone generated enough electricity to power major cities, including Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub.
It is the first time Tanzania, which suffers chronic power shortages, has closed hydroelectric stations due to excess production.
“We have turned off all these stations because the demand is low and the electricity production is too much, we have no allocation now,” an official from state-run power company, Tanesco, said.
The 2,115MW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam is said to be almost filled with water following heavy rains that started early this year.
Meanwhile, while the country has an installed capacity of 1,938MW and the grid installed capacity of 1,899MW, Nigeria which has an installed capacity of 13,000MW is struggling to electrify 85 per cent of its electricity consumers.
News
President Tinubu Appoints Jim Ovia as Student Loan Fund Chairman
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jim Ovia, renowned banker and businessman, as the Chairman, Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
Ovia’s appointment is contained in a State House statement titled, ‘President Tinubu appoints Jim Ovia as Chairman of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund,’ and issued on Friday by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the President, Media & Publicity.
The statement noted that “Ovia is the founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks and a respected business leader, with a surfeit of efforts and benefaction towards nurturing and empowering young Nigerians.
“He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana.”
The National Student Loan Programme is a pivotal intervention that seeks to guarantee sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution of this innovation, demands excellence and Nigerians of the finest professional ilk to guide and manage.
“The President believes Mr. Ovia will bring his immense wealth of experience and professional stature to this role to advance the all-important vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers a capricious end to their pursuit of higher education over a lack of funds,” the statement partly read.
Ovia’s appointment will also ensure “that Nigerian youths, irrespective of who they are, have access to higher education and skills that will make them productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global economy of this century.”
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