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Uduikhue, Data-Point MD Bags Rotary Award

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Mr. Lucky Uduikhue, managing director and chief executive officer, Data-Point Microsystems Limited, was at the weekend honoured by Rotary Club of FESTAC Central, District 9110, Lagos, in appreciation of his honest dedication for outstanding, professionalism in the field of information technology (IT), excellence love for charity and the courtesies extended to the Rotary Club.

Similarly, Uduikhue garnered the Nigerian Entrepreneurship of the year 2013 award, alongside Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Goodie Ibru, Arik air, UBA, Globacom and other reputable Nigerians during Nigerian Business Awards held also In Lagos at the weekend.

At the Rotary Club of FESTAC Central, Rotarian Modupe Ogunsanya, who was installed the 2nd president of the Club, presented the award to Uduikhue.

To Magistrate Wilberforce Meigbope, a Legal and Educational Consultant, Uduikhue has distinguished himself, working hard to better the worth of young people in the society.

“I thank God he got this award. We have known each other since 1992. His character is unassuming. He listens to advice, humble; and being the chairman, Board of Trustee of his companies, I would regard him as my first child. He has worked very hard these years to improve on the lives of young people around him. I am happy that Rotary Club of FESTAC Central recognized this virtue in him,” he said.

Speaking on the awardee, Rotarian Ogunsanya, said that as a successful entrepreneur, Lucky is well known as visionary, a technocrat, an innovative entrepreneur, a seasoned systems engineer, a professionally qualified ICT security consultant, and a distinguished industrialist.

“He is a successful business man; which he started at the age of 24 while studying at the University of Lagos, and has been running it for over thirteen years now.  Lucky is an accomplished Philanthropist, and a successful Corporate Management Executive with more than Thirteen (13) years of experience in the ICT industry. He is a devoted Christian, God fearing, hardworking and honest. The award is in recognition of his selfless service to humanity which Rotary stands for,” The Club President said.

Lucky, is also the director of Studies, Data point ICT Institute; Founder and president of Nigerian Youth Initiative for Better World International; Executive Director Expert Edge Academy Ltd; Executive Director, First Sports Entertainment Ltd and the Publisher Contact Business Magazine.

In addition to his corporate social responsibilities (CSR), Lucky is the CEO of Global Network Africa (Gnet) in partnership with the Nigeria Youth for a Better World International (NIYOW International) based in Lagos, to provide professional supports to Nigerian Youths in area of ICT Entrepreneurship development.

Lucky Education qualifications are: Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science from University of Lagos, Master of Science in Information Security.

Professionally, he is a Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH), Certified Information Security Analyst (ECSA), Certified Cyber Hacking/Forensic Investigator (CHFI), License Penetration Tester (LPT) from EC Council University India and Certificate in Enterprise Development from Lagos Business School (Pan African University) and Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Fate Foundation.

Active Professional Membership of the Computer Society of Nigeria (MCSN); Member Chartered Nigeria Institute of Management (CNIM); Member, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME); Member, Fate Foundation; Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship (FGME); African CEO Council (ACC) and Member, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).

He is the President and Founder, Nigeria Youth Initiative for Better World International; Information Security Experts; Member, Nigeria Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN); member of the Association of Esan Professionals of Nigeria and Member, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

In his acceptance speech, Lucky traced the genesis to the setting up of Data-Point Computer Training Institute in year 2000, while an undergraduate of Computer Science at University of Lagos.

He said: “Having seen what Nigerian graduates suffer to get jobs, I was determined to nurture the business, hoping to earn a living with it, after graduation. The business really assisted me in reaching my educational demands and other needs. Meanwhile, it was the knowledge I had as an undergraduate that I put into practice then, and it helped me to a larger extent.

“After my youth service in 2005, I did not look for any paid job, because I was convinced that with the knowledge I had, I can do it myself. Though, it was not easy, but I persisted, till I got to my present stage.

The journey to my success today started with my admission into the University of Lagos to study Computer Science. My computer training centre is not only born out of my quest for professionalism and stimulation of empirical thought. It is also a product of great effort inspired by the long absence of opportunities for the youths within the environment I found myself, to have knowledge of computer, for a total development in competing with their counterparts in other areas.

So, when I observed that about 65-75 percent of youths in areas like Apapa, Ikeja, Victoria Island and Surulere were acquiring knowledge in one computer centre or the other, as against 5 -10 percent of youths in Ajegunle, OlodiApapa, Kirikiri, Amukoko, Ijora- Badia, Orile and their environs who, were in Computer School, I was challenged to establish Data-Point Computer, in order to correct the imbalance.

Today, the difference is clear, as my five computer training outfits have trained thousands of youths and afforded job opportunities to graduates. More than 40 workers are under my payroll. Not only that, I am grateful to God that he provided means for me to survive, without waiting for a paid job.

“This is one honour that everybody would wish to have, because anything that is humanitarian brings joy. I am happy that I am one of those recognized today. Same time, I regard it as a call for more humanitarian gestures and a challenge that I must not relent in interest to see that people around me get improved life.

“I will also use this opportunity to encourage others such as philanthropists, politicians, academics, economists, in fact, everybody to add value to others’ lives. Of course, if the public can recognize and appreciate your works, how much more God, so we are encouraged to help others around us”.

Aside Uduikhue’s contributions in the computer literacy of the youths, his keen interest in sports made him to invest in the sports newspaper of national standard called Contact Sports. The newspaper is presently making waves in proper dissemination of sports news and information.

 

 


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AXA Mansard Empowers Female SMEs with Financial, Digital Skills

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AXA Mansard, a member of AXA has empowered 200 female Small and Medium Enterprises with financial literacy and digital business skills.

In collaboration with SME 100 Africa, the two-day training, which was held in Lagos, is part of AXA’s lined-up programmes to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.

Speaking, Olusesan Ogunyooye, Head of Marketing AXA Mansard, said the training was aimed to empower female SME owners with skills to improve business output and position them for the increasing economic opportunities available in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Ogunyooye noted that the move was in line with AXA Mansard’s sustainability agenda, explaining that the company was convinced that support for women through its inclusive protection programmes was pivotal to its purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters and its mission of moving from being a payer to a partner.

He further said that focusing on digital skills was important because the company realised the importance of digital skills to the growth of the SME sector in Nigeria and wants to ensure that women were empowered enough to be a consequential part of that growth.

“It’s almost trite to say that SMEs are the engine for economic growth, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where over 45 million adults are business owners. What needs to be continually discussed is how Nigeria is going to unlock that potential for economic development and how much of that potential will be unlocked by women and for women.”

“For us at AXA Mansard, we are aware that digital will play a major role in unlocking these current opportunities and Nigeria’s economic future. So, to ensure that women are equally represented in unlocking these future potentials, that’s why we have collaborated with SME 100 Africa to support them in developing the required skills”.

“Our choice of digital and financial literacy skills is deliberate. We understand the power of the duo. We understand that helping these SMEs with the skills to attract more customers will be a faster means to empower them.

“We see that they have amazing products and services, but they need to understand how to attract value for themselves by attracting the right customers, and you will agree with me that virtually all customer segments are online in one way or another today.

“So, if we can empower them with digital business skills, we would have helped them with the heavy lifting of trying to find and attract customers”. Ogunyooye explained.

According to him, AXA Mansard believes that for the world to experience progress truly, there must be an equitable distribution of creation and access to opportunities for men and women. This quest for balance informed the SHE for Shield initiative, a women-centred inclusive protection programme of AXA Mansard.

SHE for Shield is a group of initiatives designed for the Nigerian woman. The goal is to see them grow, add value, and help them mitigate risks at every step.

According to the company, research has found that access to health care is one of the most important things to Nigerian women, regardless of their economic segment. They desire to be financially independent, secure, and respected in the community.

 


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IFC Invests in New 4DX Ventures Fund to Support Tech Startups in Africa

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IFC is investing $10.5 million in a new fund by 4DX Ventures, a New York-based venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage African technology companies across a broad set of sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, edtech, climate tech, and health tech.

IFC’s investment in 4DX Ventures Fund III will come from IFC’s $225 million venture capital platform, which was launched last year to strengthen emerging VC ecosystems and invest in early-stage companies in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Pakistan.

Africa is among the regions least served by venture capital, receiving just 2% of global venture deal volume in the third quarter of 2023. Access to capital on the continent has been further exacerbated by a slowdown in global venture capital investment.

Tech ecosystems are nascent, or even nonexistent, outside of more established markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.

“IFC and 4DX Ventures share the commitment to supporting tech entrepreneurs with innovations that will help Africa leapfrog in critical areas such as climate, health care, fintech, e-commerce, and education,” said Walter Baddoo, Co-Founder and General Partner of 4DX Ventures.

“We look forward to partnering with IFC to help promising tech startups build transformative businesses and realize sustainable development impact on the continent.”

4DX’s new fund will invest in companies with tech solutions that can improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Africa. The firm’s first two funds invested in companies such as Egypt-based e-commerce platform MaxAB, an IFC portfolio company; Ghana-based health tech firm mPharma; and Kenya-based B2B e-commerce platform Wasoko, formerly known as Sokowatch.

“By supporting the development of tech ecosystems in emerging markets, IFC’s venture capital platform aims to improve access to key services, boost business competitiveness, and promote job creation through digital transformation,” said Mohamed Gouled, Vice President of Industries at IFC.

“Our investment in venture funds such as 4DX Ventures will help African entrepreneurs access more financing and resources they need to scale tech innovations and bolster sustainable growth across the continent.

In addition to providing capital, IFC will work with 4DX Ventures to implement their environmental and social management system.


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Climate Action Africa Announces CAAF24

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Climate Action Africa (CAA) has announced the inaugural convening of the Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF24). This international event brings together stakeholders from across the world who drive thought leadership insights on how to encourage collaboration, catalyse actionable solutions, and urge governments, businesses, and individuals to invest in climate-smart initiatives.

The climate-focused event was announced at last week’s Friday international press conference held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja. This marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards a sustainable future. A precursor to the upcoming Climate Action Africa Forum scheduled for June 17-19, 2024, at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, this press conference brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the globe. The gathering’s main goal was to discuss the urgent need for sustainable development plans and climate-smart investments in Africa.

Framed by the theme “Green Economies, Brighter Futures: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate-Smart Development,” the international press conference became a vibrant platform for insightful discussions, strategic collaborations, and impactful engagements. It convened an esteemed gathering of leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore solutions for Africa’s pressing environmental challenges.

The event kicked off with a welcome address by the Executive Director and Co-founder of Climate Action Africa, Grace Mbah, who having announced the commencement of event registration as April 2nd, 2024, made the call for tech-driven solutions and innovations in the fields of emissions reduction, transportation, agriculture, energy, circularity and building and construction to apply to participate in the deal room.

Providing insights to attendees on how innovative approaches and collaborative action is at the heart of CAAF24, she extended an opportunity to like minded organisations who would like to partner by hosting side events and finally, a call for volunteers from across the continent.

“It’s no news that the world stands at a critical juncture, where decisive action is imperative to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Against this backdrop, CAAF24 serves as a pivotal platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discourse, and forge collaborative pathways towards a greener, more sustainable future.

The essence of CAAF lies in its commitment to shaping a climate-resilient Africa through co-creation, innovation, and sustainable investment. Through this initiative, we aim to catalyse solutions that enhance the sustainability and prosperity of the continent’s natural resources, people, and economies,” Grace stated.

During the International Press Conference, distinguished speakers and thought leaders emphasised the urgent need for collective action in tackling Africa’s climate challenges.

They delved into critical topics like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate finance, offering practical insights and inspiring initiatives.

Jummai Vandu, representing the National Council on Climate Change, expressed optimism about the initiative’s outcomes. “Today’s discussions,” she said, “underscore the urgency of our collective efforts to combat climate change. The National Council believes working together is key to driving meaningful action and creating a more sustainable future for Africa and beyond.”

With the International Press Conference complete, the stage is set for CAAF24. Stakeholders will converge to translate ideas into action, forge partnerships, and drive progress towards a climate-smart Africa.

Mrs. Taiwo Fashipe, Head of Media for the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi), echoed similar sentiments, stating: “The theme of this year’s Climate Action Africa Forum aligns with our goals, vision, and mission at the Presidential CNG Initiative.

“We look forward to using this platform to advance interest in and investment in greener and cleaner energy sources like CNG.”

Standing at a crucial juncture in Africa’s quest for sustainable development, CAAF24, convened by Climate Action Africa in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change, Channels Media Group, and Founder Institute, emerges as a beacon.

It brings together the private and public sectors, guiding the continent towards a future marked by resilience, prosperity, and environmental stewardship.

 


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