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We Don’t Need Foreign Software to Drive IM – Fambegbe

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Folarin Fambegbe, director, Golden Scepter, a company dedicated to become a one-stop shop in records and archives management, is a civil engineer turned banker.

He worked in the defunct City Bank for 17 years.

Fambegbe believes that ICT is a critical force that can help meet the records management demand anchored on providing market-leading levels of trust, security and reliability. He spoke to peter ugwu.

Overview
Golden Scepter is a product of vision. In the course of my working in the bank, records management formed part of my duties.

I discovered that most of the banks in the country do not have good records keeping system; therefore retrieval of documents poses great challenge.

There are cases where directors were been chased by the economic and financial crimes commission (EFCC), not because they do not have the documents, but they could not present documents required during one investigation or the other hence the main problem is that the processes of management of those documents were haphazard in nature.
 
So, you see managing directors of banks and insurance companies running out of the country. Meanwhile, I and my partner saw that is a problem that must be addressed. So, the starting point for Golden Scepter was when we left the bank in 2003; they later invited us to come and help them out in organizing their archives management system.

However, after the bank capitalization we discovered that other banks have similar problems too. We thought it wise to set up a platform that will serve as a model in organizing institutions’ records management system.

Consequently, other banks expressed interest in us ensuring that their records keeping systems are in other.

GS Phenomenal Growth
The point is that there is a vision and there is a need. Institutions are really concerned on how to keep adequate records management system.

 And we as service providers leveraged on that to come into the system.

Even when heads of different companies meet they discuss this among themselves and some of them would always want to maintain proper records keeping knowing the importance.

Today, we have helped a number of banks maintain their records department, bringing them to contemporary practices.

Industry’s Viability
Yes, the industry is viable, but Nigerians orientation towards records management is very low. Some companies would ask you the immediate gains they will generate from such project that is maintaining an updated archive.

The truth remains that when you have adequate document, it will be difficult for anybody to lay false claims, defraud you or take things for granted.

We should ask ourselves what constitutes the bottom-line: when you have increased revenue or decreased expenses then you have bigger profit.

Now, when you have even bigger profit with leakages through outrageous payments due to the fact that you cannot substantiate certain claims or through the injunctions of the law courts following your inability to present certain document(s), the somewhat a big revenue will start to depreciate. What you need to do is to block such leakages.

And it will ensure efficiency in service delivery. Helps in achieving company’s goals, and customer services are better met when you have every bite of information available for use.
How about job creation?

Today we have over 30 staff. So, this is an industry waiting to be explored. With more companies coming on board, definitely we should be expecting that records management industry will add value to the Nigeria’s Economy.

This is just an aspect of the industry, when you talk of document control; it is a very large setting traversing areas like construction, oil and gas, government institutions, etc. is such large because we are referring to documents that are still in use; where you have different strokes of projects going on almost at the same time and in the chain all the parties have to be involved.

Lack of Professionals    
The first step is awareness creation. That is why a non-governmental body – Records and Information Management Awareness Foundation (Rima) is doing a great job.

 But on our part we train people. We have trained personnel of 44 companies including schools, all within our four years of existence.

Interestingly, the more people are becoming aware of the profession, more companies are willing to absorb, all points to the fact that Nigeria is not an Ireland on its own.

We must embrace the opportunities exiting in this area by encouraging our young ones to embrace the discipline.

The Place of Records Management in Data Security  
We highlight the importance of security that is why when we help companies in setting up their archives we advise them to train their staff alongside.

In setting up an archive is not just about the papers, you have to consider the security control measures.

More so, we advise institutions to have documents management policies.

The essence is to stipulate who handles what. There have been cases where companies lose valuable documents due to porous means by which its document bank is handled.

Fight against Corruption   
Corruptions are not done from heaven. They are done with documents. So, document control or records management is quite apt in checkmating corruption because if you can trace the document, it serves a large purpose in tracing perpetrators of certain acts.

 And in court system, they don’t deal with stories; rather the substantive facts and figures give you an edge over your opponents as the case may be. So, one way to fight corruption is my ensuring that records are kept, well controlled and it can be retrieved when needed; anything short of that is a mirage.

In other words, it will help see justice is neither delayed nor denied.

Government’s Support to the Industry
In the developed countries, the industrial standards are set by the government, thus other have to follow suit.

Apart from that, government needs to intervene by upgrading existing infrastructure in her centers like the National Archives of Nigeria (Nan) just like the Lagos State Government is doing by creating the Records and Archives Bureau. 

When the infrastructures are in place, they will motivate our people to study this discipline. At a time we thought of collaborating with different state governments, but we discovered that most of them are not ready to embrace the change and we are also not interesting in becoming part of the corrupt systems; even the government that decry unavailability of employment opportunities for the teeming youths. Why can’t they leverage on this platform to do so?

Now that we are looking at revisiting the 1999 constitution, there is a need to repeal the National Archives Act, for instance, to reflect contemporary practice; come up with something that can assist economy of the country.

 Pending that, because government things are very slow, institutions can set up their framework or policies. Once that is done, it will be easier to register Nigeria’s presence in the comity of proper records keeping nations.

Is ICT’s a threat to Archives Management?
No! When people say that the evolution of information communications technology spells doom for the archives management, I would say, we are limiting the scope of the profession.

Although it is not just about filing physical papers or documents, then the electronic documents show that ICT is a complement and can never.

 Currently, we are going beyond physical archiving system; therefore, users can seat anywhere and have access to certain document, because information transmission nowadays runs on a speed of light.

If you want to be relevant then have the relevant document that can be accessed 24 hours. ICT has made Archiving become cheaper.

Hence the software is there, there is nothing to fear about, because security can be assured as well.

However, in Golden Scepter we hold the view that records digitization is not a direct substitute to a well organized physical archive.

Remember everybody needs information as contained in a document to operate, but not everybody is connected to the ICT yet, which makes the relevance of physical archives paramount in our day to day activities.

People make a mistake by thinking that electronic records management means there is no paper. What ICT does is to reduce the paper, thereby helping the eco-system.

Today, in Nigeria, what does the court accept as written evidence if not physical documents, like bank statements which is different from original documents that is scanned.

Protection of Physical Archives
When you are talking about physical archives management, there are a lot of things that must be in place for security purpose.

 Fire extinguishers are very important. Perhaps, you are not going to sleep in the archives; how do you secure the place from fire? So, there is need to install self-triggered apparatus that will ‘fight’ the fire even with no body present.

The sensitivity of archives demands that you fix CCTVs as well, to monitor movements, which is still IT complementary role.

These are part of the key safety measure that will complete efforts of skilled manpower to ensure the place works optimally.

We have a mechanism to dry wet or flooded documents. For instance, after the July 10, 2011 flood disaster in Lagos, many government and private companies’ documents were drenched. Those who contacted us have better stories to tell. 

Professionalism
When we talk of International Standard Organisation (ISO) set standards it depends on the organization that engages in the practice.

Meanwhile, some companies parading themselves as ISO certified are not real. They are certified on papers, but in practice they are below every reasonable standard.

 It is in every profession, people cutting corners.

 Is not about the certification, but what is behind. Having said that, it is important to embrace the stands; by doing that companies can save cost and protect sensitive projects during executions.

Career
I support the school of thought that our educational curriculum should be revisited to include records and information management.

 I have come to understand that not all who studied Library Science can easily practice this. There is still a divide.

You find out that people don’t actually have confidence in their discipline. In developed countries like in US and UK, people are making input to the economy and academic through courses like this.

We can follow suit. Recently, a particular university invited us to come and address that problem for them to cue-in to the modern practice.   

Software
Ostensibly, there is no need we looking outward to purchase software for our applications, because what we are looking for are here in Nigeria.

We are now part of the global village.

Meanwhile, when you go to other place, South Africa, United Kingdom, etc, there is a way they keep their records, we should have our template.

Therefore, we can’t fuse their model into our system. So, we are trying to build our standard here, bring it up to meet international standards.

      


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Unity Bank Upgrades Corpreneurship Prize Money to N16M Per Stream as 30 New Winners Emerge

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In a bid to boost start-up capital and place more resources at the disposal of aspiring young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, retail lender, Unity Bank Plc has increased the prize money for winners of its flagship Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, known as Corpreneurship Challenge to 16 million Naira per stream.

Head, SME Banking, Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina addresses the participants at Delta NYSC Orientation camp before the commencement of the pitch presentation

Consequently, participants who emerge winners in the business pitch will henceforth win N800,000, N500,000, and N300,000 Business grants for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively as against the previous editions in which the sum of N500,000; N300,000 and N200,000 were handed out to respective winners in the Corpreneurship Challenge.

Launched in 2019 with pilots in 4 states – Lagos, Edo, Ogun, and Abuja and scaled to 10 States in 2020, the Corpreneurship Challenge initiative is promoted in partnership with the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED. The initiative features a business pitch presentation where participants have the opportunity to present their business plans and stand a chance to win business grants.

At the recently concluded edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge for 2024 NYSC Batch A, Stream 1 NYSC service, 30 winners emerged including upcoming entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions in several business value chains such as Poultry farming, Fashion, and Pastries, among others, after participating in the business pitch that took place across the 10 NYSC Orientation Camps in Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Abia, Oyo, Ogun, Kebbi, Niger Sokoto and Zamfara States.

At the Delta State NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku, Folorunsho Kolade who pitched a Poultry farming business plan emerged as the overall winner to claim the N800,000 grand prize; Samuel Ayodotun. J. whose innovative footwear venture idea, Basky Footprint took the second spot to win the N500,000 cash prize; while another corps member, Udoji Chibuike Peter, whose venture plan on the footwear fashion value chain also emerged as the second runner-up to claim the N300,000 grant.

Also, at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Nonwa Gbam Tai, Rivers State, Dan Betobong Samuel’s business plan on food production claimed the top spot to clinch the N800,000 grand prize; while Linda Christopher’s Lily Pastries’ business plan emerged as the first runner-up to claim the N500,000 grant. Esther Jacob’s business pitch on the poultry value chain emerged as the second runner-up to win the N300,000 cash grant.

Speaking at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Rivers State, the Divisional Head, Retail and SME Banking, Mrs. Adenike Ambimbola commended the participating Corps Members for the quality of their business plans and pledged the Bank’s commitment to sustaining the Entrepreneurship Development Scheme.

While congratulating the winners, Mrs. Ambimbola said, “Unity Bank is proud to associate with the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) scheme of NYSC in providing interventions and support to budding entrepreneurs with promising ventures through the business grants to help turn these ideas into reality. We recognize the importance of investing in our youths and empowering them to drive positive change within our economy.”

Also speaking at the grand finale held in Delta State NYSC Orientation Camp, Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina, Head of SME Banking, Unity Bank expressed delight at the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge’s growing profile as a leading business incubation platform and catalyst for entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

He said, “Over the past five years, Unity Bank has steadfastly supported the Corpreneurship Challenge, witnessing its profound impact on youth empowerment and job creation nationwide.

“The programme has earned a reputation for its innovative approach, seamlessly integrating financial backing, mentorship, and skill development to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Ojesina further underscored the invaluable mentorship offered to participants, connecting them with seasoned professionals who provide crucial insights, guidance, and a roadmap for success.

He emphasized Unity Bank’s belief that true empowerment extends beyond financial aid to the cultivation of entrepreneurial acumen.

So far, Unity Bank has invested over N120 million in the initiative, which has now produced 369 winners since it was launched in 2019.

In 2021, the leadership of the NYSC bestowed on Unity Bank the “Icon of Youth Empowerment” award in recognition of the impact of the initiative.

The Corpreneurship Challenge continues to elicit growing interest among the corps members, attracting over 4,000 applicants and participation in every edition.


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Cloud Energy Launches Solar Energy As A Serrvice for Stable Electricity

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Cloud Energy Solar, recognized as Nigeria’s premier solar energy provider, has initiated the Solar Energy as a Service programme, which aims to empower “Solar entrepreneurs” to offer electricity solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by using Cloud Energy’s Solar Energy Storage System (ESS).

Cloud Energy Launches Solar Energy As A Serrvice for Stable Electricity

This is coming against the backdrop of societal challenges including inflation and high cost of living in the country.

Speaking to a group of Resellers during a virtual Zoom conference, Mr. Theophilus Nweke, managing director of Cloud Energy, emphasized that the launch of the Energy as a Service Programme underscores Cloud Energy’s unwavering dedication to expanding access to electricity across Nigeria…

Under the programme, the MD explained, that Cloud Energy would boost the entrepreneurial capacities of the Reseller by providing the equipment to produce power for embedded power clusters in markets, in high streets, and other commercial areas. Cloud Energy would also provide logistics, training, and technical support to ensure the sustainability of the Energy as a Service Programme.

The Reseller would find the clusters, mobilize them, distribute the power, and collect the tariff.  The original equipment is supplied on lease to the reseller who enjoys three days grace period

One significant concern among citizens today pertains to the necessity for critical Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to remain inactive while awaiting electricity supply from the Distribution Companies (DISCOs), particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies. Furthermore, the escalating cost of diesel has led to many standby generators remaining inactive permanently.

The managing director of Cloud Energy elaborated that Solar Energy as a Service represents a patriotic innovation, ensuring electricity access on a Pay as You Use basis. This program revitalizes idle MSMEs, enhances national productivity, and fosters widespread employment opportunities for Nigerians

Solar Energy as a Service, which will create new opportunities for prudence and accountability within the Energy sector is not limited to Cloud Energy Resellers.

All stakeholders who share the commitment to expanding the boundaries of access to power in Nigeria are free to partner with Cloud Energy to attain the national power aspirations.

During the question-and-answer session, the managing girector assured the Resellers of the immediate take-off of the program while urging them to seize the opportunity to increase their streams of income for the good of the sector.

Cloud Energy was, established in 2015 with the rare attributes of knowledge, youth, and integrity.

The company has developed sustainable solutions in large-scale energy storage, mini-grids and captive power, and solar rooftops for homes.

Backed by credible after-sales support, Cloud Energy has branded the Sunbox series, electrical appliances, fans, television sets, freezers, and fridges that have brought fulfillment to many homes, offices, and MSMEs.

Cloud Energy is a major partner of the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency to learn more about Cloud Energy, visit its website at www.cloudenergy.com.ng


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Reps Mull Tax Crimes Commission to Curb Revenue Leakages

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The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a National Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission to tackle revenue leakages in the country.

Reps Mull Tax Crimes Commission to Curb Revenue Leakages

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission to Address Revenue Leakages Emanating from Non-payment and Under Payment of Taxes, Irregularities in the Assessment, Reporting and Remittances of Taxes to Prevent and Combat Tax Related Crimes, to Ensure the Protection of Taxpayers Rights and for Related Matters,” the proposed legislation is sponsored by Benjamin Okezie Kalu, deputy speaker of the House,  and eight others.

Leading the debate on its general principles, Felix Uche Nweke, one of the co-sponsors, said the Commission, when established, will check irregularities in the assessment, reporting, and remittances of taxes, prevent and combat tax-related crimes, and plug all leakages in the tax administration system in the country.

The lawmaker noted that leakages occur where unscrupulous staff and agents of tax authorities collude with citizens to under-assess the tax-payer thereby resulting in underpayment.

He said leakages also occur in the form of tax evasion, especially such that is encouraged and condoned by the tax collector and more especially among multinational corporations operating within the country.

Nweke further said leakages also occur where there are non-remittances of collected taxes, that is to say where government does not get the total amount of taxes collected as a result of revenue diversion by fraudulent staff of tax authorities.

He said there is a need to establish an Independent Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission, which will have the capacity to investigate, audit, prevent and combat tax related crimes.

This, the lawmaker said, will effectively prevent international tax evasion and other transnational organised crimes and abuses of the nation’s public finance system.

He stressed that the bill seeks to  promote economic efficiency and effective tax administration system, detect and deter evasion, fraud and abuse in Nigeria’s tax administration system and to protect taxpayer’s rights.

 

Nweke said: “The amount of revenue available to any government determines the extent to which such a government may be able to provide public goods and services. It is a pointer to how far a nation can ensure her growth and development.

“While taxation is considered the most important means of generating public revenue, it is worthy of note that nations that strive to develop aim at putting in place a fair, just, efficient and simplified tax administration system which builds confidence amongst the citizens and as well motivates and encourages citizens to pay their taxes.

“While it is one thing to fix the amount of taxes to be paid, it is another for tax collection authorities and assessors to determine the right amount of taxes to be paid in accordance with the provisions of extant tax laws. This will definitely contribute to our national security through prevention of tax related crimes, prevention of illicit financial flow derived from tax evasion, international tax schemes, cybercrime, etc.

“The Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission will not function as a law court, it will not duplicate the functions of the Tax Appeal Tribunals established in accordance with section 59(1) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007 and ti will not be saddled with any form of quasi-judicial functions.”


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