News
‘Techtiary’ Forum Begins Search For Next Winners of N1m Taiwo Bankole Prize
By peter oluka
As part of programmes to encourage young people to come up with innovative and relevant technology solutions for Nigeria and for Nigerians, Paradigm Initiative (PI) has commenced processes for Techtiary Forum 2017.
Techtiary Forum usually searches for unconnected tech enthusiasts who have the potential of building globally accessible technology products or leading a new product development cycle for local/international companies.
The forum, Abolaji Oyeniyi Oluwatosin, program manager (L.I.F.E.)at Paradigm Initiative, said in a chat with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, hosts students from across Nigeria in an annual 3-day event featuring keynotes, panels, pitch/demos sessions, practical training and networking opportunities.
He confirmed that registration for this year’s Techtiary Forum closes on October 31, via paradigmhq.org/registration while the event will hold in Lagos from November 28th to 30th, 2017.
The Forum’s usual climax is where all Techtiary clubs from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria converge to learn, share knowledge, showcase their projects and compete for the N1,000,000 Taiwo Bankole Prize.
The competition involves the presentation of demos of technology products and services to a panel of judges.
In 2016, the Nnamdi Azikwe University emerged winner of the ‘Clash of the Campuses’ competition thereby winning the N1million Taiwo Bankole Ogunyemi. 1st and 2nd runners up were Anambra State University and University of Benin respectively.
Call for Applications: Internet Freedom Forum 2018 Fellowship
Similarly, potential participants can now apply for the Internet Freedom Forum (IFF), an annual event hosted by Paradigm Initiative, a social enterprise that builds an ICT-enabled support system and advocates digital rights in order to improve livelihoods for under-served youth across Africa.
IFF has become a reference point in Africa for conversations around Internet Freedom and convenes the best minds in civil society, academia, government and industry from across Africa.
IFF 2018 will be the sixth edition of the Forum and will hold in Abuja, Nigeria from April 24 – 26 2018.
IFF 2018 FELLOWS
according to Paradigm Initiative, they are seeking to sponsor Internet Freedom Forum Fellows to attend IFF 2018.
IFF 2018 Fellows must have an interest in Internet policy and must be able to demonstrate knowledge of Internet freedom issues in their countries.
“Our sponsorship will include travel support, accommodation and meals. As part of the fellowship, fellows will be required to accomplish the following tasks:
“Give Country Updates on Internet Freedom in their respective countries at IFF 2018. Help with content translation for IFF 2018. Work with our Research team to produce Paradigm Initiative’s annual ‘Digital Rights in Africa Report 2018’ and monitor and report on Internet Freedom issues in their respective countries for the Fellowship period (One year)”.
Application ends November 30, 2017.
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.”
- Telecom2 days ago
World Earth Day: Kuda Partners with Wecyclers to Clean up Communities in Lagos
- Telecom2 days ago
Airtel Boosts NIPR Public Relations Week with Onsite Unlimited Data Connection
- News2 days ago
UK Pledges €1Bn to Fight against Malaria in Nigeria
- Editorial2 days ago
Telcos Ask NCC to Allow Them Hike Tariff
- Broadcasting2 days ago
NCC Seeks Media Collaboration on Copyright Infringement
- Broadcasting2 days ago
FCCPC to Review Multichoice’s Tariff Hike
- Broadcasting2 days ago
OJI Demands Ban on Netflix, TikTok, Others over Same-Sex Content
- E-Business3 days ago
Confronting the Google Monolith: Survival Strategies for Online Businesses