By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Dr John Nwafor, Managing-Director of Metro Digital Limited, operators of SLTV satellite television network, has offered subsidised packages to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Nwafor, in an interview with NAN on Monday, said the subsidy was the company’s way of ameliorating the economic challenges Nigerians face daily.

He also said that the cost for SLTV dish, decoder and subscription package would remain stable for a period, to encourage other local players in the satellite television industry.

According to him, in the next two weeks when stock will be available, the outfit will be offering a special package to NAN staff members.

”We will work very hard and demonstrate to the country that we can do this business very well and that will encourage other Nigerians to come in for healthy competition.

”Nigerians will benefit at the end as the subscription will come down. We are here to let our people know that we are for them; we are not going to start raising prices because of the economic situation.

”We are assuring Nigerians that our prices will be stable for a reasonable length of time and show example to other Nigerians to come into the industry to make it more vibrant.”

The managing director, while clarifying the claims of SLTV connection to MultiChoice’s DSTV, said that the paid television industry had always contributed to the economy of any nation.

He said that Nigerians had been prevented from being part of the industry by dominant players and there was the need for the government to put an end to that.

”Paid TV industry is always a major part of the economy of any nation and if you look around in the Nigerian industry, there is almost no industry that is actually participating.

”Recently, the government decided to work on that problem by making some changes to the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Code to outlaw exclusivity.

”Exclusivity to content is one of the things that have discouraged all the indigenous players that wanted to come on board in the industry,’’ he said.

He added that the amendment of the NBC code was followed with a court injunction to further enforce sub-licensing and avail them of television channels exclusively held unto, in the past.

He explained that SLTV was formed in the wake of what the government did and the objective was to provide quality programming for Nigerians.

Nwafor revealed that available channels included contents on football, movies, news, children’s cartoons, all kinds of programmes at reasonable prices.

”Right now, we have a package that starts from N2,500, while the full package is only N5000; we believe that is actually affordable for our people.

”We have created five local channels and three are in the major Nigerian languages, while two are in English, based on our local content.

”We are going to be creating more eventually in the next one or two years and we are looking at establishing a studio where we can engage creative people for interesting contents.

”People are looking for things that they can relate to; they want familiar content. We are passionate about producing that for our people,’’ he said.

He added that investing in indigenous satellite television would reduce capital flight and ensure that resources were deployed into developing infrastructure within the country.

He also said that the company was considering floating other initiatives like the Pay-As-You-View, which he said would end exploitation of Nigerians.

He called for the support of Nigerians in ensuring that indigenous satellite television networks thrived in the country, as it had the capacity to create massive employment.

“The industry needs liberalisation and it is our people that will make it work,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker and Ephraims Sheyin

By Sylvester Thompson

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has restated its commitment to enhance production of Nigeria’s branded products, technology transfer domestication, commercialisation and stimulation of indigenous socio-economic advancement.

Its Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Khalil Halilu, said this on Thursday while unveiling NASENI’s branded products at the agency’s quarterly media briefing in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new products include car battery, laptop, smartphone and Solar-powered street light.

Halilu said that the feats were recorded in line with the agency’s 2023-2027 strategic launchpad to fit into the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the present administration.

He said the launchpad was to enhance Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, reduce the country’s import bill, reposition the agency to leverage on the comparative advantage of the 36 states.

The NASENI boss disclosed that the agency was working assiduously to bring in more products to create a national brand that every Nigerian would love to see.

He said that the agency embarked upon in its launchpad to improve the livelihood of Nigerians and foster national development.

“What we are trying to do is to open our doors to people that will contribute to our activities and development of our nation.

Halilu said that the areas of focus of the strategic launchpad were agriculture and food manufacturing, defense and aerospace, sustainable transportation and mobility.

He said others included renewable energy and sustainability, health and biotechnology, information technology and software, construction and smart city.

NASENI boss also presented the agency’s proposal evaluation portal, a website for those who intend to work with the agency.

He said the NASENI Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) would soon be launched for task tracing within the agency.

He said that the agency’s e-procurement portal, an initiative in the launchpad, was to enhance transparency.

According to him, the NASENI youth empowerment programme consists of schemes with the prospect of creating 18,000 direct jobs.

He said the vehicles to drive the project included skills acquisition centres, trainings, stem box innovation hub and campus.

The EVC said the work of Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) and the Delt-Her initiative programme was geared towards encouraging female participation in the engineering sector.

He added that the agency also trained 20 Nigerian engineers in Indonesia on equipment fabrication under the agency’s full acquisition saputra coal fertilizer project among other ongoing achievements.

NAN recalls that in February, the agency launched three sets of its branded products which were solar powered irrigation system, electric motorcycles and tricycles, and off-grid solar home systems. (NAN)(www nanwews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Deji Abdulwahab

By Jessica Dogo

Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) has launched a multilayered initiative to mitigate the impact of Nigeria’s burgeoning technology ecosystem on the environment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AREAi, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), launched the SCALE initiative on Tuesday in Abuja.

The initiative is funded by the Digital Access Programme (DAP) of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The Project Manager, Gideon Olanrewaju, said the initiative would improve eco-consciousness and drive responsible digital behaviours in the use and maintenance of digital tools and internet devices.

Olanrewaju said the organisation would leverage its expertise and extensive capacity in digital transformation and sustainability to achieve the project’s objectives.

“The initiative will champion series of activities that range from evidence generation, knowledge management and mobilisation, incentivised capacity development, media-driven public awareness, and high-level policy advocacy activities.

“This move aims at aligning producers, consumers and stakeholders of the technology sector with eco-consciousness, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for Nigeria’s digital landscape.

“This initiative, under the theme “Smart Climate Awareness, Learning and Empowerment (SCALE) for Net Zero” program will directly engage information and communications technology companies, digital start-ups, innovation hubs.

“Other key stakeholders in the tech ecosystem will be engaged to facilitate their understanding about technology’s high negative environmental cost, then mobilise them to collectively commit and act towards reducing their contributions to digital carbon footprint.”

He explained that the initiative would drive citizens’ engagement strategy on a large scale, by providing empowerment to key technology hubs in Abia, Rivers, Lagos, Kaduna and Adamawa states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

The project manager added that the organisation would work in collaboration with research institutions, tech startups, government agencies and civil society organisations.

”To mobilise high level stakeholders engagement in fulfilment of the policy regulatory requirements of the initiative, we will be exploring key partnerships with National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.

“Others are, E-waste Producer Responsibility Organisation Nigeria, National Information Technology Development Agency, the Department of Climate Change of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Council on Climate Change.

“The Inter-ministerial Committee on Climate Change and the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan Office”.

Head of the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and Country Adviser, Idongesit Udoh said that the intervention was a novel effort to leverage evidence-based and citizens-led approaches to promote digital sustainability awareness and progressive use of technology.

Udoh said the progressive use of technology should be environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable.

“Hence, the UK Government is once again demonstrating timely support, not only for Nigeria’s inclusive economic development but also in building eco-friendliness within its technology ecosystem through energy-efficient technology business operations.

“Our DAP programme will continue to initiate significant partnerships with local organisations to drive the UK Government’s continued support for Nigeria and its digital sector, recognising the tech ecosystem’ role in net zero transition and sustainable development.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Angela Atabo

A Firm, Logic Project Concept Ltd., says it is set to unveil a web and mobile application to enhance ease of doing business and provide affordable real estate for Nigerians.

Mr Ezinwa Nwokorie, the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, made this known  while interacting with journalists during the introduction of app in Abuja.

Nwokorie said the app known as Logic Property Market when inaugurated, would also curtail fraud and minimise hike in property charges and rentals among others.

“The idea is to create a  platform for self dealing on property, this is because one of the biggest forms of fraud today is buying and selling property.

“We looked at the challenge and having years of experience,  we were able to create this platform.

“The idea is to buy, sell at a very reliable and affordable price. Trust is everything when dealing in property, a lot of people have lost their investments in this sector

“So we are creating a platform that is safe and secure with less charges unlike what is applicable elsewhere,  where people are charged up to 15 to 20.per cent to buy or rent property.”

Nwokorie said  the concept is to work with media partners to buttress the authenticity of the project.

He said this would guarantee safety, reliability and affordability for potential investors in the real estate business.

The Logic Project Concept boss said  that the service provided would be affordable and save Nigerians money.

“With what we have been able to put together, our media team and all, it shows that there is no way an organisation like this will defraud anybody.

“It is not possible because we are being guided by rules and regulations and the presence and the personality of each of the group protects and guides these transactions.

“I am already a trained money laundering agent with EFCC. I have undergone the training, I understand the Money Laundering Act.”

Nwokorie said with this knowledge, his business transactions would be clean and he would quickly detect when dealing with fraudulent people. (NAN)

Edited  by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) says Nigeria is the first country in Africa to acquire a cosmic ray muon detector to aid climate change and atmospheric research.

Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, Director, UN- African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (UN-ARCSSTEE), a research and development centre of NASRDA, disclosed this at a symposium in Abuja on Thursday.

The symposium on Cosmic Rays and Space Weather was organised by UN-ARCSSTEE in collaboration with Georgia State University (GSU), USA.

The muon detector for monitoring cosmic rays and space weather was built and designed by the Physics and Astronomy Department of Georgia State University (GSU), USA.

Rabiu explained that a cosmic ray is a natural radiation that is not ionized in the atmosphere.

According to him, cosmic rays vary in location, latitude, and altitude of location and can be modified when certain anthropogenic activities occur.

“More than ever, scientists are curious about predicting weather, and studying space weather, especially now that climate change is becoming obvious, which is the condition in outer space.

“Cosmic rays are everywhere and it has to do with the earth, and it is useful in studying the climate but is yet to be fully impacted because it is ongoing research.

“That is why we hope that with the measurements, we are taking with the muon detector, we will be able to have effective predictability of our climate system,’’ he said.

Rabiu, while speaking on space weather activities in Africa, said it dated back to 2004 with the distribution of manometers across Africa by donor agencies.

He said that although few countries in Africa had their Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, the continent needed more monitoring systems for space weather.

Prof. He Xiaochun, Director of Physics, at GSU, USA, said the project was targeted at exploring living in space, understanding it, and its adaptation, and providing information for stakeholders to protect and make informed decisions.

Xiaochun explained that cosmic ray radiation, mostly proton particles, is produced far in deep space and gets into the solar system and produces cosmic ray showers in the earth’s upper atmosphere.

“We measure the shower particles at the surface of the earth and decode the state of the space and earth weather.

“One needs a network IP address to be able to share data and reconfigure the detector with remote access,” he said.

Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director of the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy, said that the facility would aid astronomy studies and enhance research and development in that area.

The symposium highlighted cosmic radiations, how it interacts with the atmosphere, and environments, the impact of climate change, and how such radiations could be studied and analysed using the cosmic rays muon detector.

The meeting also discussed the need for stakeholders to make informed decisions on the reduction of gas emissions and having clean air for sustainable human development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Deji Abdulwahab

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Automotive manufacturing stakeholders have called for right policies and collaborations aimed at advancing Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing sector and supporting its transition from import-based to production-based.

They made the call at a meeting of officials of the African Association of Automative Manufacturers (AAAM), Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) and National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).

The event was organised by NADDC in Lagos on Thursday.

Mr Oluwemimo Osanipin, Director-General of NADDC, emphasised the need to forge alliances, share knowledge and lay the groundwork for a future where African nations would collaborate more closely in the automotive sector.

According to him, this is critical as the nations stand on the cusp of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Osanipin said that Nigeria, with its vast resources and strategic position, was poised to become the automotive hub of West Africa.

He said that the nation offered wealth of investment opportunities, from a burgeoning market to a growing base of skilled labour.

“We are committed to creating a stable environment where innovation thrives and where quality meets the aspirations of the African consumer.

“I encourage us to explore the possibilities that lie in collaboration with our local manufacturers, as together, we can drive progress, elevate quality and deliver excellence.

“We must discuss, strategise and envision a future where the automotive industry in Nigeria, and indeed in Africa, reaches new heights of success,” he said.

Mrs Martina Biene, President of AAAM, said that opportunities in the automotive industry would satisfy local and export demands, guarantee direct and indirect employment, and increase the sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product.

Biene, however, said that the right policies must be put in place for a successful automotive industry in Nigeria and Africa in general to cater for the needs of Nigeria and the entire African market, particularly under the AfCFTA.

“The recommendations for Nigeria include joint management to grow the new car market, gradual banning of used vehicles, production of good quality fuel, making mobility affordable and creating an opportunity for vehicle asset financing.

“We at AAAM would provide ideas and measures to support the automotive sector in Nigeria,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of AAAM, Mr David Coffey, said that many African countries were becoming stronger in their automobile policy development.

This, he said, made it important for Nigeria to move at a fast pace to develop and implement its own policies to drive transition from vehicle importation to vehicle production.

He said that by 2035, Nigeria would record 350, 000 new vehicles demands based on Nigerians’ earning predictions.

He said that support would be available for members of AAAM interested in manufacturing vehicles and their components in Nigeria and other African countries.

Mr Benneth Ejindu, Board Member of NAMA, said that the Federal Government was demonstrating commitment to wholesome organic development of the industry.

He said that this would engender initiatives to determine tariff differentials, qualify assets and activities for assembly classifications, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Priscilla Osaje

Dr John Asein, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), says the Federal Government is taking steps to finalise its National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Strategy for the country.

Asein disclosed this on Friday while commemorating the 2024 World Intellectual Property Day with the theme “IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity’’ in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Day is observed every April 26 to celebrate the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights to encourage innovation and creativity.

The director-general was represented by the Director of Legal, Mr Emeka Ogbonna.

NCC boss said the policy would serve as a blueprint for a more efficient modern and responsive legal and administrative framework for the country to leverage on its creative and innovative potential.

He said that the day underscored the power of innovation and creativity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for humanity.

According to him, the SDGs represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by the year 2030.

“IP rights play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, creativity, and technological advancements. They provide the framework that encourages men and women to develop new solutions that address global challenges.

“It is the lynchpin for incentivising the use of creative and innovative ideas to solve many of the challenges that confront humanity.

“This year’s World IP Day reminds us that intellectual property can be a powerful tool for social, economic, and environmental development.

“It encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to leverage IP rights to drive innovation, create jobs, and build resilient communities.

“By aligning our intellectual property policies and strategies with the objectives of the SDGs, we can accelerate their achievement,’’ NCC boss said.

He said in the spirit of the“Renewed Hope Agenda’’ of the present administration, government had also shown appreciable commitment to the creative industry as a major sector of the economy.

“As one of the agencies responsible for the wholesome development of the creative sector, the Nigerian Copyright Commission will continue to provide the needed institutional, legal and administrative support for the protection, promotion, regulation and enforcement of copyright.

“The commission will pay particular attention to using the copyright system to advance Goal 1 (No poverty); Goal 4 (Quality education); Goal 5 (Gender equality).

“And Goal 8 (Decent and economic growth); Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and Goal 17 (Partnerships to achieve the goals).

“We are aware that the goals would have to be adapted to fit the peculiar needs of intellectual property which is an intangible asset.’’he added.

The director-general, who said that the commission focused on the 17 SDGs to address emerging challenges, called on authors, innovators, users, IP experts and other stakeholders to reflect on the vulnerability of the nation’s fragile knowledge and creative ecosystem. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Angela Atabo

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), has unveiled the `who wants to be an engineer’’ initiative, to promote girls in engineering and address limiting stereotypes and biases.

The APWEN President, Dr Adebisi Osim, made this known at an event to mark the 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT, on Thursday in Abuja.

Osim said the gesture was in honour of Late Funmilola Ojelade, the past president of APWEN for the significant contribution she made in the association’s ICT sector and for supporting more girls in engineering.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a science competition was organised in the six geo-political zones among students in Senior Secondary Schools and the specified winners would be offered scholarships.

“We are tapping into this year’s ICT day by introducing who wants to be an engineer as a reflection of our commitment to empowering young girls with necessary tools to pursue careers in engineering and technology.

“We believe that by fostering the aspiration of these young ones; they are bound to be built stronger and be more inclusive in ICT to create new ideas.

“As president of APWEN, I am proud to say that we have taken proactive steps to encourage and support participation in ICT through our mentorship programmes, technical training, workshops and scholarship initiatives,

“We have been able to nurture the talents of countless young girls across Nigeria; however, we recognise that there is still much work to be done.’’

Osim said that the event was a call of action to a renewed commitment to breaking down barriers and creating an environment that nurtured the dreams of aspiring female engineers.

“Together let us dismantle the stereotype and encourage our girls to venture into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

“Let us provide equal access to quality education and training programmes, ensuring that no girl is left behind because of societal norms or economic constraints,’’she said

Also speaking, the President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Margaret Oguntala, said the event sought to recognise the importance of empowering girls and young women in ICT.

Oguntala said the occasion also signified a huge tribute to the legacy of the 16th President of APWEN, Funmilola Ojelade, who worked tirelessly to promote ICT and girls in engineering.

She commended APWEN for organising the event to celebrate the life and legacy of Funmilola Ojelade and for reaffirming their commitment to carrying forward her vision of a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

She urged everyone to reflect on redecorating themselves to the cause of gender equality and empowerment.

The Guest Speaker, Ms Morenike Gomez, described the late Funmilola Ojelade as a woman of strength and vigour, who lived a purposeful and impactful life.

Gomez said she was a resourceful person that changed other people adding that, “we all should live our lives to make an impact, whether as a leader or as a follower.

“We all need to learn from Funmilola’s legacies and be intentional about living a purposeful life with a clear vision, be committed to your set goals and objectives, be available and give more than your expectations.”

NAN reports that at the end of the competition, the North Central came first, the North East came second and the South West came third.

Miss Faith Olugbayi, a representative of the North Central group from Government Secondary School Gwarinpa Estate, expressed gratitude to APWEN for the initiative.

“I know girls are faced with so many barriers, I am glad someone like Funmilola gave her skills to equip girls like me to pursue a career in STEM.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru