By Olasunkanmi Onifade

President Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) that enabled access to services for all Nigerians.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Federation, George Akume, on Monday in Abuja at the 6th National Identity Day, emphasised the critical role of digital identity in national development.

The event organised by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is themed, “Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services”.

He stated that DPI was the backbone that enabled access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

“In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental cornerstone of our socioeconomic progress.

“Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the backbone that enables access to essential services, including healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and social welfare.

“It is through robust DPI that we can ensure every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location has the opportunity to participate fully in our nation’s growth and development.”

Tinubu highlighted the importance of efficient digital identity systems in streamlining service delivery and ensuring government programmes reached those who need them most.

“The ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative represents our commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing the living standards of all Nigerians.

“Digital identity is a vital enabler of this vision, as it empowers individuals, facilitates economic transactions, and enhances transparency and accountability in governance.

“Harnessing a robust digital identity system, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.”

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasised the importance of getting identity right to protect citizens and provide basic amenities.

“If you fail to accurately identify individuals, you cannot protect those you do not know.

“That is the reality. You cannot provide for those you do not know, and to do so, you must establish accurate identities.

“You must get the Evidence of Identity (EOI) right. Identity forms the foundation, the genesis, and the starting point for development.”

The Director General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted the significance of DPI in facilitating access to public and private services and driving economic development.

“The role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has become vital to Nigeria’s economic development, providing a framework that connects citizens to essential services, including social welfare, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

“Leading this transformation is the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), responsible for the National Identification Number (NIN), which has successfully enrolled more than 110 million Nigerians.

“This achievement presents a unique opportunity for integrating the remaining two pillars of DPI – data exchange and payment – with foundational identity, facilitating effective development and adoption.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Angela Atabo

The Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) has empowered more than 400 girls to enhance their digital literacy skills through its Digital Skills Accelerator Programme.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Mr Gideon Olanrewaju, made this known at the unveiling of AREAi’s 2023 Annual Report, on Friday in Abuja.

The event is themed “Transforming Education for Lifelong Learning”.

Olanrewaju stated that more than 6,000 children benefited from AREAi’s foundational skills development programme across 13 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

He highlighted the organisation’s efforts to transform education across Nigeria, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) four – Quality Education.

Olanrewaju said AREAi partnered with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs and other stakeholders to implement foundational learning in IDP camps.

He also said that the organisation focused on the impact of its FASTRACK programme, which reached more than 120 communities nationwide.

Olanrewaju said, “Our 2023 report, ‘Transforming Education for Lifelong Learning’, reflects our mission to translate our actions into meaningful learning for all.

“Strategic collaborations enabled us to support beneficiaries through community-based learning and innovative access to alternative education.”

He added that AREAi contributed significantly to bridging learning gaps, promoting digital inclusion, and providing work-readiness skills development opportunities for children and at-risk youth from low-income homes.

Ms Edidiong Simeon, Director of Programmes, AREAi, said the organisation leveraged collaboration with the government and partners to transform refugees’ literacy capacity.

“A pilot programme delivered foundational and digital skills to 4,000 learners across eight IDP camps in Abuja and Nasarawa states.”

Ms Funmilola Bamidele, Senior Programme Manager, AREAi, said the FASTRACK programme, focusing on literacy and numeracy, reached over 25,000 beneficiaries, recording a 65 per cent improvement in literacy and numeracy among participants.(NAN)

Edited by Chidinma Agu and Abiemwense Moru

Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has expressed readiness to support the advancement of traditional medicine in the country.

The Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Mr Uche Nnaji, stated this on Monday, at a one-day dialogue on re-thinking natural medicine, held in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the meeting was “Support the Provision of Quality and Safe Traditional Medicine through Appropriate Regulatory Mechanisms.”

The event was organised by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA).

Nnaji, who reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to supporting and strengthening local industries, highlighted their crucial role in driving economic growth and development.

He emphasised that traditional medicine played a major role in people’s life and national development, adding however, that the innovation was still low, hence the need for support.

“The Federal Government is committed to the growth of local content and industries, so the ministry will give its support to the development of the sector.

“Our support will improve industrialisation so that resources such as traditional medicine knowledge, products and technology can be transformed into innovative and commercialised products,” he said

The minister promised to collaborate with the agency, particularly in product research funding and training, among other possible partnerships.

The Director-General, NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, said that medical science had made incredible advances all over the globe, especially in traditional medicine.

Emeje, therefore, called for public and private support to promote traditional medicine in Nigeria like the rest of the world.

The NNMDA D-G said that the inclusion of traditional herbal medicine in clinical practice would also help to achieve health for all.

“The traditional medicine sub-sector holds the master key to the much-desired future of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery and economic greatness.

“With its associated bio-resources, it is a strategic sector that can be used as a tool for the overall development of the country, starting from the natural improvement of health.

“Also, traditional medicine simulates small and medium scale agro-business, small scale product industries in health, raw materials and a feedstock to the global knowledge economy in research and product development,” Emeje said.

He said that in recent years, research on African traditional/herbal medicine had been increasing clinical trials and research by public or private researchers across the world.

“Africa has a great pool of diverse medicinal plant sources, as well as a long and well characterised traditional medicinal system.

“Also, modern technology and techniques have revolutionised the progression of drug discovery from medicinal plants and have become an essential tool to monitor and maintain the quality of traditional formulation, and mechanism for its formulation,’’ he added.

Dr Merlin Wilcox, a Principal Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom, called for the government’s support to research and development of traditional medicines.

This, according to him, will enable citizens to enjoy its benefits.

“However, scientific evidence is needed to support the provision of safe and quality medicine to the citizens.

“The government needs to strengthen policies that will make it more presentable and available in dosages,’’ he said.

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) says it has taken steps to diversify the economy, strengthen international competitiveness, reduce import dependency and boost Nigeria’s productions and exports.

Director-General of the council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, on the sideline of an event to celebrate his 100 days in office.

He expressed the desire to return the council to its original mandate of diversifying the economy through production, generating revenue and contributing to economic growth.

“Therefore, there is a need for RMRDC to diversify her economy, strengthen international competitiveness and transition from consumption and import dependency to production and export.

“Our vision is clear; to catalyse sustainable industrial development in Nigeria, ensuring that our country maximises its abundant raw materials resources for its prosperity and global competitiveness.”

The D-G promised to refocus and transform the Council into a world-class research organisation that would drive innovation in raw material exploitation, development, utilisation, supporting business growth and contributing to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

NAN reports that FG’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a transformative policy thrust aimed at real sector development which is one of RMRDC’s mandates.

“The Council will refocus its productivity and operational efficiency as a premier research institute.

“This will strengthen staff and improve welfare to achieve the best standards.

“In addition to boosting the Council’s visibility among research institutes to achieve remarkable productivity, we’ll also strengthen the Council’s place in the international arena.”

The RMRDC boss emphasised the need for research that directly feeds into the needs of the industrial sector.

“We need to ensure you have research that is easily commercialisable; we want research that the industries can accept and that will contribute to industrial competitiveness,

“The new research template designed by RMRDC has already been circulated to universities across the country with the support of the Nigerian Universities Commission.”

The D-G also said that the Council would soon launch an e-registration and certification portal to enhance transparency in the raw materials sector as well as enhance transparency in intellectual property and patent portfolio.

“We plan to engage donor partners and diplomatic missions in October, where the Council will present its programmes and explore potential collaborations.

“The RMRDC is also looking beyond traditional funding sources to support its initiatives.

“We hope that if it is successful, we will have substantial commitments that will help in funding some of the initiatives we have lined up,” Ike-Muoso said. (NAN)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Hajia Sani

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Postmaster-General of the Federation, Ms Tola Odeyemi, says Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) is undergoing reforms to enhance service delivery.

Odeyemi said this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sidelines of a three-day management retreat in Abuja.

According to her, the reforms focus on revenue generation, partnerships, financial services, courier and logistics, last-mile delivery, and the digitisation of NIPOST services, which aim at improving customer service quality.

Odeyemi said the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) was one of the key initiatives driving NIPOST’s growth.

According to her, the partnership is intended to reduce the cost of moving goods and services through NIPOST by 15 per cent for the 22 million businesses registered with SMEDAN.

She added that the NIPOST also planned to explore opportunities for efficiency and revitalise its presence across all 774 local government areas.

“Improving the quality of service will be a top priority for the over 100 NIPOST management staff present at this meeting.

“To remain relevant and earn the trust of our customers, satisfying their needs and even exceeding their expectations is a priority for us,” she said.

She emphasised the current leadership’s commitment to transforming NIPOST into an entity that adds value to government activities and positively impacts the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The postmaster-general said that the Federal Government, in line with its ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, was committed to making NIPOST an affordable, last-mile delivery hub for goods and services.

“Aligning postal services with national goals and improving daily operations has become necessary; we must deliver the maximum level of service expected from NIPOST,” she said

According to her, NIPOST is currently striving to upgrade its logistics and courier processes to world-class standards.

Odeyemi, who described logistics and courier services as the backbone of any thriving economy, added that they facilitate trade, connect markets, and ensure the seamless movement of goods and services.

She also stressed the need to explore the transformative potential and opportunities for efficiency by utilising NIPOST structures across the country for postal banking.

The NIPOST boss said that the agency, in its ongoing reforms, would embark on full digitisation of postal operations to help in addressing the issue of mail loss. (NAN)

Edited by Hajara Leman/Deji Abdulwahab

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, Executive Director, Young Global Leadership (YGL) Network, an NGO, says young leaders’ exposure to technopreneurial skills will ensure a stable economy and contribute to the county’s development.

Ndukwe said this at the opening of the 2024 Young Global Leadership Annual Diplomacy, Entrepreneurship and Technopreneurship programme held on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said that YGL in partnership with a consulting firm, XEM Ltd. had designed the programme/bootcamp to empower the next generation of Nigerian leaders and entrepreneurs.

”The bootcamp is hosting talented young people aged 8-15, offering them a unique opportunity to develop critical diplomacy, entrepreneurship and technology skills,” she said.

Ndukwe said the bootcamp was necessary in view of the desire of many parents to have their children travel abroad to study and become global citizens, not being mindful of them having a global mindset.

“Entrepreneurship has come into play because if you look at what is happening especially with fresh graduates, you will see that everybody wants to work but is working sustainable?.

“The easier way for you to make it in life today is to commercialise your skill and knowledge; when you commercialise your skill and knowledge, you attain self satisfaction and financial sustainability.

“We started the leadership and entrepreneurship programme to see how to help the young ones take advantage of the opportunities that are available in the world of technology. Life is not just about socialising.

“We prepare our young leaders to be the agents of global impact and national development.

“We have to teach them how to be responsible and also be contributory citizens in their immediate community by first identifying their weaknesses and their strengths, and then harnessing the knowledge into something useful,” Ndukwe said.

According to her, YGL is determined to ensure that young ones identify their talents and as such decided to build the child’s self esteem and public speaking confidence.

Ndukwe added that for young leaders to be outstanding, they have to be taught about diplomacy, to understand the culture or the global environment.

“When they are not intentionally raised to know these things they are faced with emotional challenges, cultural challenges as well as psychological issues.

“So the bootcamp through interactive sessions and hands-on projects, participants will gain insights into global affairs, leadership, innovation, technopreneurship and the importance of social responsibility.

“The programme is designed to equip young minds with tools to become proactive citizens and fulfil their potential,” Ndukwe said.

She therefore called for parents to support the children, noting that most parents only believe in a conventional school environment.

The expert also appealed for government’s support, as reputable resource persons were usually engaged to mentor the children, since the organisation was contributing to social cohesion, societal integration and national development.

On his part, the programme’s coordinator, Mr Samuel Chukwu said the children were being mentored to be future leaders.

“We have realised that what a country needs to be a world power or to survive is leadership and a strong economy.

“That is why we have classified this bootcamp under leadership and entrepreneurship.

“We believe in catching them young; we don’t believe anybody is too small, so all we can do is to give them every skill they need to become leaders of tomorrow.

“So, I encourage parents to embrace this because the world is a global village and your children need all the support they need to get.

“Bring them to this programme and let us help you nurture Nigeria citizens that are positive contributors,” Chukwu said.

One of the young leaders, David Chigozirim, a Junior Secondary School (JSS 2) student, and a third time participant, said that he learnt about public speaking and could now speak boldly and confidently in the crowd.

He further said he learnt so much about technopreneurship using the internet to create business ideas and popularise them worldwide.

On her part Fatima Sagir, a Grade 4 pupil, said she had learnt about diplomacy and international interactions, especially how to relate with other citizens of other countries.

Sagir said she also learnt about emotional intelligence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bootcamp tagged “Diplomacy and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp” will end on Aug. 23. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Precious Akutamadu

StartupSouth Enterprise Development LTD/GTE, on Thursday, trained 50 journalists in the South-South region on how to utilise innovative technology tools in reporting events and ecosystem in the Niger Delta and beyond.

The organisation is a startup ecosystem development and advocacy outfit that inspires founders building high-scale ventures in Nigeria with specific focus on the South-South and South-East regions.

Addressing the participants, the Convener, Uche Aniche, said that the workshop was aimed at training journalists in technology reporting.

Aniche also said that the workshop would enable journalists in the Niger Delta region to understand the terms and tools of innovative technologies to be able to report the upcoming launch of innovative groundbreaking solutions built by Xend Finance.

He urged journalists to be passionate and intentional in their understanding of technology innovation, and the importance of applying them in their daily reportage to promote accountability in society.

One of the facilitators and Head of News, Nigeria Info FM, Port Harcourt, Mrs Chioma Ezenwafor, said that technology reporting had gone very far and created publicity about the latest innovation.

Ezenwafor said that technology and innovative reporting entailed using modern and innovative technological tools in reporting events and the ecosystem.

She further underscored the importance of knowing innovative technology terms and using them appropriately in reporting or writing articles as journalists.

She said that technology journalism helps to drive innovations, can also drive power, and help journalists to ask right questions when things are going wrong in the technology industries, and hold them accountable.

Ezenwafor urged journalists to understand the tech journalism landscape, the key tech and innovation, which she mentioned as Fin tech, Edtech, Agritech, blockchain and Health tech.

She also urged them to niche down and report on any of these tech keys and also identify the relevant stories in the tech innovation.

A Senior Tech Writer, TechCabal,
Mr Frank Eleanya, urged journalists to use apps on their smartphones to harness the potential of tech innovation.

Eleanya also advised them to build strong online presence, personal branding and audience engagement aside storytelling.

He urged journalists to use data to create compelling narratives in storytelling, and also study the history of tech before reporting tech innovations.

Contributing, the Founder of iBrandTV, Mr Keni Akintoye, urged journalists to identify tech tools that can make them stand out as experts.

Akintoye further encouraged them to understand data analysis and use them in their daily work to produce quality reports. (NAN)

Edited by Sam Oditah

By Jessica Dogo
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered the immediate reactivation of cell phone lines barred by the telecommunication companies.

The Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Dr Reuben Muoka, in a statement on Monday, said the commission gave the directive by considering the challenges the blockages had caused many telecom subscribers.

Muoka recalled that over the weekend, many telecom subscribers were unable to access their phone lines because of the inability to verify their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).

According to him, this meant that their numbers were blocked by their telecom service providers in keeping with laws and policies of the NIN-SIM linkage.

“Telecoms consumers and the public will recall the compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM which began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NIN.

“Since December 2023, the Commission has since reviewed the deadline a few times; April 15, 2024 was set as the deadline for the full network barring of subscribers with four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN details.

“This deadline was then reviewed to July 31, 2024, to give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified.

“Despite these extensions, many phone lines are yet to be linked with verified NINs,’’ Muoka said.

According to him, the objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate.

He said the NIN-SIM linkage policy aids verification and protection of users’ identities and provides critical infrastructure that enables citizens to access the benefits of the digital economy.

“The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend.’’

This action, he added, was being taken in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.

He reminded deactivated consumers that the reactivation for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.

He urged members of the public who are yet to verify their SIMs to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
==============
Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Deji Abdulwahab

By Rukayat Adeyemi
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says Sycamore, a peer-to-peer lending fintech platform, has emerged winner of the second edition of its Prize for Innovation (NPI 2.0).

This followed an assessment of pitches from ten innovators to an expert panel of judges drawn from the business and technology ecosystem in Lagos.

The evaluation was based on key metrics, including market potential, team composition, traction, and competitiveness of the proposed solution.

Sycamore, led by Babatunde Akin-Moses, leverages technology to connect lenders and borrowers.

Founded in 2019, Sycamore primarily empowers African businesses and propels economic growth by bridging the credit gap with technology.

Sycamore won a combined prize value of 100,000 dollars.

Kunda Kids, an edtech media company, focused on providing well-illustrated, engaging, African-inspired digital content to children, parents, and libraries globally, followed closely at second position with a combined prize value of 70,000 dollars.

PaveHQ, a learning and career ecosystem that supports students in achieving a successful career, came third with a total combined prize value of 50,000 dollars, bringing the total combined prize value to 220,000 dollars.

While speaking at the NPI Demo Day, Mr Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Managing Director, NSIA, said that ‘the NSIA Prize for Innovation’ was conceptualised due to the role that technology plays to shape positive socio-economic outcomes.

According to him, it strengthens multiple sectors, significantly expand opportunities across multiple sectors and re-position homegrown talent for global relevance.

The NSIA Prize for Innovation, in its second year, has received commendable attention from the tech ecosystem, as the registration of credible start-ups across Nigeria to join the programme has grown from 2,000 to over 7,000 entries within the current year.

The NPI programme validates the Authority’s commitment to propel innovation, support entrepreneurship and position young Nigerians within the technology eco-system for global relevance.

This year, the programme has been expanded to include a five-week all-expense-paid training at Draper University, Silicon Valley, U.S., to enable all top ten innovators to expand their horizons and potentially deliver solutions on global platforms.

The NSIA Prize for Innovation is the Authority’s multi-year commitment to identify and nurture early-stage innovative businesses within the tech ecosystem to create a sustainable positive impact.

It adopts a four-stage competition process to catalyse investments for early-stage businesses, aiming to foster local innovation and position Nigerian tech entrepreneurs globally. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa