Google on Monday highlighted five ways technology could ease the stress of students, teachers and parents go through the rush of back to school and getting back into the swing of things.

Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google Communication Officer said in a statement that tools such as beat traffic with a map, setting a reminder with an assistant, complete homework with the search among others were tools that could ease the back-to-school rush.

Kola-Ogunlade said that it could be overwhelming for parents to balance their own professional endeavours with the demands of their children’s rigorous education, but technology can sometimes help to lighten the load.

He said that parents, settling back to work after the restful holiday, face multiple tasks such as beating morning traffic to get their children to school on time, making sure that daily school supplies were lined up and ready to use among others.

According to him, a tool such as Set reminders with Assistant is a smart way to remember all things that are important for school from lunches to school events.

READ ALSO: SMEDAN, Google partner to train 3700 MSMEs

“One can get real-time information about traffic jams and delays using Google Maps, helping to plan better routes for school runs.

“Not all parents are subject matter experts, but they do often have to play the role of designated tutor, or help out with homework.

“YouTube is great for watching explanatory videos that are fun, informative, and educational, that can help parents tutor children who wish to learn more beyond their school work.

“Children today spend more time online than ever before, as such, it is important to help them develop healthy online habits and make sure they are protected from ills such as online predators and cyberbullies,” he said.

The communication officer said that Family Link allows parents to set digital rules to help guide their children as they learn and explore online.

He said that the app helps children make good decisions about what they do on their devices and even shows teacher-recommended apps that can be added to their devices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

 

(NAN)

Austine Unuriode’s recognition with the Data Innovation Excellence Award at the Tech Trailblazer Visionary Prize ceremony marked a significant milestone in his career. Held in a vibrant atmosphere filled with anticipation and celebration, the event brought together the best minds in technology and innovation to honor those who have made remarkable contributions to the field.​

‘GoPay,’ has garnered attention for its practical solutions and user-centric design. This payment platform is designed to streamline the process of transactions, making it easier for users to manage payments and financial interactions efficiently. With features that cater to a wide range of financial needs, the product has become a go-to platform for individuals and businesses seeking secure and reliable payment solutions. The product’s intuitive interface and robust security measures have made it particularly appealing, setting it apart in a competitive market.

The award ceremony was attended by a diverse group of industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts who gathered to celebrate the achievements of trailblazers like Unuriode. In his acceptance speech, he expressed deep appreciation for the support he received from his team, mentors, and the tech community. He spoke about the journey of developing ‘GoPay,’ highlighting the challenges and triumphs that came with bringing his vision to life.

Unuriode’s win is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the growing impact of Nigerian data driven innovators on the global stage. His work has not only provided a valuable tool for users but also showcased the potential for innovation within the Nigerian tech ecosystem. The award serves as an inspiration to aspiring data scientists, analysts and engineers, encouraging them to pursue their ideas with determination and creativity.

The ceremony concluded with a round of applause for all the nominees and winners, who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. As Austine Unuriode celebrated his win, he emphasized the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in technology.

The Tech Trailblazer Visionary Prize ceremony was more than just an award event; it was a celebration of innovation, resilience, and the spirit of exploration that drives the tech industry forward. His success highlights the power of thoughtful design and a commitment to addressing real-world problems, setting a high standard for future innovators. As he continues to develop and expand his work, his achievements are sure to inspire many in the tech community and beyond.

As Nigeria continues to tackle COVID-19, the concept of resilience has grown from the resilience of health systems, to also include the resilience of communities, businesses, lifestyles, leadership, collaborations and workplaces. This has led to new areas of collaborations and partnerships with government and industry working together to alleviate the impact of the pandemic.

This has opened up new areas of partnerships and collaborations. It is heartening to see the government and industry working in solidarity, which has significantly alleviated the impact of the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted Nigeria’s public health infrastructure and healthcare ecosystem which has and has questioned our resilience. It is now time to work towards strengthening our public health system. We must be prepared for any pandemic in the future by making sure remote and rural areas have equitable access. with the target of having the need to be
prepared for such a pandemic in the future. We need to look at the 2.5 per cent healthcare expenditure in the budget in order to tackle the underinvestment in healthcare.

Tech and data should drive the public health system and adequate investment is needed to achieve this. There is an urgent need to provide tele-diagnostics and telehealth in remote and rural areas of Nigeria and industry has an essential role to play. Furthermore, a robust electronic healthcare system and an increase in nurse-patient and doctor-patient ratio are needed as well as an improvement in infrastructure. The public-private partnership also needs to be strengthened for which different models can be considered.

Many health services can be digitally delivered and Nigeria must work towards executing and implementing this. Nigeria is blessed with both digital skills and labour and these professionals must be empowered in order to achieve our health targets. We also need to keep databases properly so that patients can get their records and also generate data for academics and researchers.

Given the recent experience of the pandemic, the role of companies, employees and societies they serve needs to change. The industry will have to play an important role in marshalling the financial, intellectual and social capital of its members.

There is an important role for industry associations to marshal the financial, social and intellectual capital of their members. Nigeria can become the world’s pharma capital by associating that made in Nigeria is of high quality.

To guarantee quality, Nigeria can build on the concept of geographical indexing of quality practices and products.

Finally, Nigeria should not only focus on the environment that enhances innovation and quality but should also strengthen its regulatory system so as to think about improving the quality and global competitiveness of its products. Then there will be a need for the regulators to assess the performance of a new diagnostic, whether made in Nigeria or abroad so as to ensure diagnostic quality is rigorously evaluated and also evaluated over time over multiple batches.

Who is the founder of Soundcity Radio? His name is Tajuddeen Adepetu. But while his own name may not ring as loudly as that of the station’s, he has always appeared to be at peace with that. Since he launched his first production company in 1990, Adepetu has quietly been building a media empire across Africa.

With a bouquet of media assets that includes 12 television channels, six terrestrial radio, six digital radio, and 12 experiential platforms, his organisation has become the largest media network in Africa by the sheer number of channels it has spawned over the years.

Some of those channels are the marque Soundcity brands — Soundcity TV and Soundcity Radio. There is also Urban TV and Urban Radio, as well as Spice TV, Televista, OnTV, OnMax, Correct TV, and Correct FM, among others.

In the live experience basket, a couple of the most recognisable names are the Soundcity MVP Award Festival and the Made in Lagos Concerts. This assortment of assets is now being garnished with a new tech invention lab, whose most intriguing product, one might say, is Viral Pro, described as a tool to create viral content for brands.

What Adepetu is currently going for is a mega holding company, called Group8, that will bundle together all his radio, television, events, and technology properties for a more visible and viable continentwide play. This then will most definitely require him to make more media appearances not only because he is, of course, a media entrepreneur but also to put a human face to the conglomerate — the kind of face that the world’s biggest investors and international partners would wish to see across a lunch table.

“We’ve never really thought of ourselves as a local entity,” says Adepetu, leaning into a plush leather chair behind a large, crowded desk in his office in Lekki, Lagos. There is a wall of screens on the wall facing him, each showing one of his television channels. “We’ve never tried to do anything with a local mindset. That’s just the way we are built.”

By “we”, he means Consolidated Media Associates (CMA), the original company that he has just transformed into Group8. The reason for the consolidation of Consolidated Media, he explains, is that even inside the business, some staff were beginning to get disoriented as to what the grand mission was about. It was as if there were just “too many companies.” Now, Adepetu reckoned, if staff were having this problem, how convoluted would the entire thing look to anyone looking in from outside?

So, to make the picture clearer to his more than 500 staff — and of course the rest of the world — he created a different bucket for each segment of the business. Radio channels are collected into Radi8. Television stations strung together into Cre8. Events projects will be Activ8. And tech properties will be Innov8. Altogether, the buckets are managed as Group8. And, yes, this development prompts the question: What is the difference between CMA and Group8?

“Before,” Adepetu says, “what we had was a media company, a production company, a broadcasting company. Now, what we have is a lifestyle mediatech company. Besides, CMA did not include the experientials and activations.”

In this new context of his, he is talking, not just about reach and audiences, but about touchpoints, analytics, and predictive programming.

The assortment of products and touchpoints are intended to fully plug into the everyday life of the African audience. “Our focus is in being a part of your daily life,” he says, describing the massive scope of Group8’s ambition. “When you’re at home, when you’re on the road, when you look outside, it is us you see. We have various forms of messaging either on mobile, on billboards, on TV, on radio, on in a supermarket where you can just scan a QR code and get connected to messaging designed to match your interests.”

Naturally, as a digital content company, Group8 will find itself contending in some way with global behemoths such as Netflix and Amazon, which are taking increasingly major steps in Africa. As at today, Amazon Prime Video, the global e-tailer’s streaming service, is available to Africans and the Amazon has been acquiring or licensing more films from Nollywood, Africa’s largest movie market. As for Netflix, it continues to establish itself as a local by expanding its relationships with experienced and new filmmakers.

But Adepetu sees Netflix and Amazon Prime Video as totally unlike Group8. Some differences, for instance, are in the origin and goals. While Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are American companies expanding into Africa, Group8 is a wholly-owned African company that began as a radio production outfit in Jos, Nigeria. In short, Group8 may understand the terrain better than these international giants. And when it comes to goals, Adepetu says his company intuitively creates for Africans the sort of entertainment and commercial experiences that “feel authentic to this primary demographic.”

Group8 does cover the continent already, either through its free to air TV channels and radio in Nigeria, its countrywide radio network in Kenya, or the direct to home transmission via DSTV, the pan African satellite broadcasting provider.

Mr Adepetu says Group8 is the logical next phase for his enterprise. Firstly, because after 30 years, the organisation has a grasp of the market and must now grow with the times. Secondly, media and audiences are changing. For example, what is TV in 2021? It definitely is not what it was in 2000, especially for Africans. Media is now on demand, and, thanks to growing internet penetration, many more consumers can have their entertainment wherever they choose.

It is a mobile first future, driven by data and technology, and Tajuddeen Adepetu promises that he is all for it. “I like to use tech to solve problems,” he says, “and I’ve always believed that our broadcasting is to individuals. Now, with technology, we can properly address these individuals.”

He predicts that the future of media will be more tech-enabled and hyper-targeted, and there will be an abundance of choice. As he sits poised across the room from his stack of TV screens, a dozen different shows running simultaneously in mute, he does cut the image of an all-seeing prophet of mass communication whose word one should probably take as gospel.

Seventy-five per cent of Nigerians believe that greater knowledge sharing between communities and individuals can help build a better future.

The 2021 survey of more than 22,000 people across 24 countries tracked sentiment in a world irrevocably changed by COVID-19.

Conducted in partnership with YouGov, it followed a similar study carried out in 2019, before the pandemic.

On the topic of global cooperation, almost 100 per cent (96 per cent) said that countries must work together to tackle worldwide crises such as a pandemic.

The sentiment was reflected in Nigeria with the majority (72 per cent) expressing that greater partnership between individuals and communities is key, and mirrored by responses elsewhere in Africa.

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, Reem Al Hashimy said: “Expo 2020 has developed this latest global study to help us understand how the citizens of the world believe we can shape a better future. Overall, the findings are encouraging, and show a collective desire to work together, broaden our horizons and exchange ideas.

Read Also: Tackling e-payment fraud with technology

“In less than two months, when Expo 2020 opens its doors, we look forward to welcoming millions of visitors from across the globe, and harnessing the kind of diversity this study reflects, as we join together to build a new world, with a brighter future for both people and the planet.”

In line with this, the study highlights that 73 per cent of Nigerian respondents believe that technological advances and inventions will continue to play a role in building communities around the world – higher than the average responses of 57 per cent and 44 per cent in Asia and Europe respectively.

Elsewhere, half of Nigerian respondents (50 per cent) ranked increasing opportunities for youth as a higher priority than any other for the future (out of 11 options).

Ambassador of Nigeria to the UAE and Commissioner General for Nigeria at Expo 2020 Dubai, Mohammed Dansanta Rimi, said: “During the 182 days of Expo, Nigeria will use its pavilion to showcase the technology sectors that are propelling our creative youth, the future of our country, towards a more prosperous future.

“Results from Nigeria, a diverse nation of more than 200 million people, under Expo 2020’s latest Global Survey exemplifies this inherent optimism, with nearly three-quarters of all Nigerians asked citing technological advancement and innovation as central in building the better communities of tomorrow – not just for Nigerians, but communities across the world.”

Despite the breadth and diversity of topics of the survey, it appears global respondents are united in their belief that greater knowledge-sharing, communication and collaboration can tackle global challenges.

Sustainability and greater mobility appeared as dominant themes across all regions, while in Nigeria the desire for technological advancements to bring people together also stood out.

The survey delves into a range of subjects, also including health and wellness, sustainable travel, efficient food supply chains and the development of both urban and rural communities, all of which will be focuses of Expo 2020’s programming.

Under Expo 2020’s Programme for People and Planet, Expo’s participating countries, organisations, partners and visitors will collaborate to discuss future-proofing solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.

Nigeria’s presence at Expo 2020 will propel conversations in other areas such as agriculture, manufacturing and the creative industries by showcasing the country’s culture to the world. Nigeria has scheduled 23 customised events, featuring Afrobeat music and the burgeoning ‘Nollywood’ film scene, as it highlights its abundance of culture, creative and economic opportunities.

One of the first global mega-events to take place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 will run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, inviting visitors from around the world to join the making of a new world, experiencing a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami has unveiled a book titled “Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria.”

The compendium of activities and programmes of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was authored by Inyene Ibanga.

Speaking at the Abuja office of the Image Merchants Promotions (IMPR) Limited, Pantami said the publication provides insights into Nigeria’s digital economy and his ministry’s works.

“Mr. Inyene Ibanga discusses how digital innovation leads to economic prosperity in Nigeria, and he captures some of the key initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy,” he noted.

The Minister stressed the shift from traditional economy to the digitalized one has been boosting the wealth of the country and others around the world.

Pantami expressed excitement that well-thought policies, initiatives and utilisation of digital innovation engineered positive results.

READ ALSO:Fed Govt to deploy 5G network soon, says Pantami 

“In 2020, Nigeria was able to exit the COVID-19 triggered recession through the impact of digital innovation.

“The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported in its Fourth Quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector grew at 14.70%.

“This confirms it is the fastest growing sector, faster than the aggregated growth rates of the second to sixth fastest growing sectors,” he added.

PRNigeria Editor-in-Chief and Book Reviewer, Yushau Shuaib said the book contained eights chapters with 40 topics.

Ibanga, TechDigest Managing Director, explained that the book covered a major area of digital technology and its power to effect change in different sectors.

Sule Ya’u Sule, Chairman, IMPR Board of Directors, hailed Pantami for his efforts since assuming office as a minister.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA Director General, dedicated the book to his father and Pantami.

He assured that the agency will continue to work for the development of Nigeria’s IT sector.

In just two years in office, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Isa Pantami disclosed that his Ministry and its agencies have generated N1.54 trillion in their bid to deliver the promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigerians in terms of economic diversification, enhanced security and the anti-corruption drive.

The agencies that made huge contributions to the digital economy include Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), Galaxy Backbone Limited, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Their contributions helped in lifting the country out of recession, as the ICT sector recorded the highest growth rate, according to reports given by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in the fourth quarter of 2020.

For some time, NITDA has been working on plans for a review of its laws to create an independent regulatory framework for the development of the Nigerian IT sector, thereby making the laws more beneficial to startups and other tech industry operators, which would further enhance revenue to the coffers of the federation.

Consequently, in March this year, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa presented a proposal for the realignment of the NITDA Act 2007 with the principles of the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy Strategy and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to the relevant committees of the National Assembly.

Kashifu had explained to the lawmakers that an urgent review of the laws was imperative in order to keep abreast of the accelerating changes within the worldwide IT-driven ecosystem and properly position Nigeria as Africa’s leading digital economy and a major player on the global scene.

The proposed bill, expected to repeal the NITDA Act 2007, is aimed at creating a regulatory framework for the development of the Nigerian IT sector and digital economy.

It is not only geared to the promotion and implementation of policies that support indigenous content, access to digital services, and investments in the sector. The objectives of the proposed amendment also include the adoption of emerging technology, innovation, and safeguarding the rights of the citizens and the national interest.

Going by the focus of the proposed law, it is surprising to notice the sudden wave of anxiety and trepidation within the Nigerian tech community over a purportedly ‘leaked’ draft of the proposal in circulation, which they say is harmful and would pose a serious threat to startups.

Operators have raised an alarm over some of the provisions in the proposed bill, which they describe as ambiguous, and may require further consultation before it becomes an Act.

The aggrieved stakeholders see the agency’s proposed review as being long on penalties and sanctions against individuals or companies that fail to get the relevant licenses or pay the 1 per cent levy fee, but short on information to guide startups on the requirements needed to qualify them for licensing.

Going by the ‘leaked’ proposed NITDA bill, stakeholders believe the agency’s focus is about Nigerian tech companies obtaining licenses, paying pre-tax profit levies and imposing sanctions on individuals and companies that operate contrary to the provisions of the new Act.

They cited Sections 6, 13, 20, 21, and 22, which cover NITDA’s power, classes of licenses and authorisations, and offences and penalties, among others, are the contentious provisions causing apprehension.

As a keen follower of the activities and programmes of the IT sector regulator, I find it rather disturbing that a ‘leaked’ document is generating so much disquiet within the tech ecosystem in Nigeria.

The fears expressed by stakeholders are understandable, especially considering the recent incident that played out following the removal of a critical portion from the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act. We (Nigerians) are still reeling from that democratic betrayal by our self-centred political class.

While it may be difficult to verify the authenticity or otherwise of this leaked document, stakeholders need to reach out to the concerned agency to sort out this misgiving, as true partners in progress committed to gainful engagement for the national interest.

It is noteworthy that some stakeholders are calling on NITDA to hold further consultations before the Act becomes law. This is the best option for the agency to follow as a demonstration of its avowed commitment to constantly engage stakeholders on issues relating to the tech sector.

This brings to mind, the recent two-day advocacy undertaken by the NITDA DG to Lagos, during which he visited several tech startups and engaged with various stakeholders in the tech ecosystem.

In June this year, the agency had consulted industry stakeholders on policy developments targeted at boosting national economic growth and diversification.

The agency has consistently sought alignment with stakeholders’ vision in government, innovation-driven enterprises, consumers of innovation, tech startups, investors, academia funding agencies, civil society organisations and others.

Other instances abound to confirm that NITDA has continued to maintain strategic engagement with stakeholders, spanning the various segment of the tech community in the country.

Obviously, that does not reflect an agency that operates in secrecy or with the intent to shortchange the operators or mortgage sustainable growth in the bid to garner revenue for itself, without creating the needed stability for stakeholders to thrive.

Suffice to say that the agency has always been in the forefront of creating platforms for strong stakeholder engagement and support for its policies and programmes at every point in time.

And since the agency has started the process of developing a draft of the proposed amendment bill, there is no need for operators to jump to hasty conclusion that the agency is pushing a secret document to be passed into law.

Moreover, related developments in the tech sector indicate that the tech community is working towards updating existing but outdated laws to emphasise the government’s commitment to innovation and the young people who are building startups in Nigeria.

Similarly, the Nigerian Startup Bill (NSB) project has commenced with a stakeholders’ meeting to ensure that all government agencies and parastatals are aligned with the vision for the Nigerian tech startup ecosystem.

The proposed Nigeria Startup Bill, a joint initiative of the Federal Government and the tech ecosystem aims to ensure that startups are protected to thrive and harness the potentials of the digital economy through co-created regulations.

Thus, aggrieved operators can rest assured that the proposed NSB and the NITDA amendment bill offers double-pronged legislation to guard against different challenges faced by startups as a result of disruptive and ambiguous regulations that undermine growth in the startup ecosystem.

As a driver of Nigeria’s IT industry, I am confident that NITDA would come up with a timely clarification to set the record straight, dispel the fears of operators and sustain its excellent credentials as a stakeholder-friendly public agency.

Inyene Ibanga, the Managing Editor of TechDigest, writes from Abuja

While major players in the Information Technology sector are still debating the so-called controversial provisions in a proposed bill in the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act, the Director-General/CEO of agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has proven to be forthright and focused tech savvy.

Kashifu Abdullahi early in the year disclosed that to keep up with the pace of innovation that has swept the country, there should be a realignment of the Act with “tenets and ideals of the Fourth Industrial Revolution” and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Policy.

He said the objectives of NITDA’s Act has always been to create a regulatory framework for the development of the Nigerian information technology sector and digital economy, including promoting and implementation of policies that support indigenous content, access to digital services, investments in the sector, adoption of emerging technology, innovation, research and development, including the rights of the citizens and national interest.

While the contents of the bill is yet to be made public, it is curious that some operators have raised concerns about some provisions of the proposed act which require technology companies operating in Nigeria to get a license, pay pre-tax profit levies, and NITDA will be able to sanction whoever (person or company) that operates contrary to the new Act’s provisions. I wonder what could be the fear of the operators on provision that will protect the sector.

Meanwhile, one cannot be economical with fact to assert that Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi is a revolutionary. In just two years as Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the story of the agency is not the same again.

He has been steadily building upon the foundation laid by previous occupants of NITDA as its fifth DG coming after Dr. Isa Ali Pantami who is now the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.

Without gainsaying, Inuwa Abdullahi, has been driving the agency to fulfil its core mandates in consonance with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) of the federal government.

A renowned technology expert, Kashifu assumed office as DG after officially joining the agency in 2017, climbing into the position with over 15 years of experience in IT operations, and business transformation, with professional certifications in networking, telecommunications, service management and solutions design.

Kashifu is a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) trained strategist and the first Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) in Nigeria’s public sector. He also undertook leadership and management courses at Harvard University in the USA, University of Cambridge in the U.K. and IMD Business School in Switzerland.

Prior to joining NITDA, he assumed various positions in technology engineering at the Galaxy Backbone and later went on to work as Technology Architect at the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2014. While working in the CBN, Kashifu also doubled as Technical Assistant to the then DG at NITDA, Dr Isa Pantami.

Since assuming office two years ago, according to a seasoned technology journalist, Mr. Inyene Ibanga, Kashifu has seen to the development and expansion of the tech ecosystem into communities, schools, and innovation driven enterprises (IDEs), thereby providing opportunity for various sectors of the economy to leverage technology to transform business models, enhance productivity and efficiency, while also creating jobs and wealth for operators.

The recent introduction of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2021 – 2024 stands out as one of the landmark achievement of NITDA under the leadership of the current D.G.

Another programme initiated towards the actualisation of the federal government Digital Nigeria project is the recent commencement of the National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) for Root Certification Authority (RCA) for Country Signing Certification Authority (CSCA) and Country Verification Certification Authority (CVCA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a nutshell, the national PKI will guarantee secure communication for all online services, provide security against unauthorised access and disclosure of stored information by addressing the fundamentals of cyber security – confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation.”

The PKI will surely enhance e-government and digital economy transformations through secure data exchanges and authentication for electronic transactions protection by the banking sector and its regulator, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Also worthy of note is that in the last two years, NITDA has launched several programmes, such as the Nigeria Digital Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Startup Policy (NDIESP), NITDA Digital Innovation Entrepreneurship Centre, and the state-of-the-art Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR).

For the records, the National Digital Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Startup Policy (NDISEP) is made up of five priority areas, namely, Advancing Human Capital, Unlocking Access to Capital, Enabling Infrastructure, Boosting Demand, and Promoting Innovative Entrepreneurship.

The policy, among other things, is formulated to achieve a digital innovation and entrepreneurship driven nation that would become a norm for improvement in the areas of digital technologies.

This will be realised through automation, smart processes and ICT solutions, while applying to appropriate stakeholders in government, innovation-driven enterprises, consumers of innovation, technology start-ups, innovation hubs and labs, investors, academia, funding agencies, civil society organisations, service providers, and others into the policy.

At the moment, NITDA is coordinating the establishment of National Digital Innovation Entrepreneurship Centre to entrench an innovation-driven culture among citizens by serving as platform for creating value and prosperity among the teeming populace. Similar centres are to be replicated across the six geo-political zones in the country.

In what could best be described as its most ambitious programme yet, NITDA has set up the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) as a special facility for the promotion of research and development on emerging technologies and their practical application by providing solutions to Nigeria’s domestic problems.

The state-of-the-art facility, along with its modern digital fabrication laboratory, is a digital innovation and research facility focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Drones, Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies, targeted at transforming the Nigerian digital economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

Most importantly, NCAIR is also focused on creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation-driven entrepreneurship (IDE), job creation and national development through collaborations with academic institutions and other agencies, research and development consultancy and high-tech products, and services development.

Kashifu’s first year in office witnessed a multitude of accomplishments, which included issuance of supplementary regulation to strengthen of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). This is to enhance data security and safety for all Nigerians and inauguration of the Data Breach Investigation Team, in collaboration with the office of the Inspector General of Police.

During the period, NITDA was able to address over 790 data regulation issues by tracking and reporting data infraction cases to the Police. Equally, NITDA’s robust implementation of the NDPR under Kashifu yielded more than 2700 jobs and opened up the data security industry worth more than N2.5 billion, within a year.

Still within that, NITDA set up three IT hubs, four innovation and incubation parks, six IT community centres and three IT capacity-building centres in higher institutions of learning, as well as in unserved and underserved communities across the country.

Under Kashifu, NITDA also held capacity building programmes for over 650 artisans across four geo-political zones, and 200 IT centres managers across the country, organised periodic innovation contests such as Future-Hack, where participants receive funding and mentorship to develop marketable products and services.

Similarly, it conducted various entrepreneurship training programmes on ICT for 200 women, where they were provided with laptops pre-installed with the requisite e-resources as support for their start-ups, which generated more than 500 jobs.

The agency, through its strategic relations with tech entrepreneurs, supported 246 start-ups and 125 IT hubs and ecosystems builders were supported through Nigeria ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Vision (NIIEV). In the process, NITDA’s programmes within the period have resulted in the employment of about 30,000 youths.

The agency has also set up a Virtual Startup Clinic, mostly for young people to meet with mentors, successful entrepreneurs, investors, industry specialists, business consultants and hub operators to solve problems and challenges they were facing during the pandemic.

Under the leadership and direction of Kashifu, NITDA floated the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) initiative designed by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy to take small scale farmers to commercial level using a performance-based approach. This has resulted in the empowerment of 145 farmers to utilise digital, smart and precision technology to improve farm yields.

To further expand the knowledge and skills capacity of the citizens, the agency embarked on Massive Online Open Courses initiative for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to prioritise e-learning in the country.

Despite the pandemic, the agency delivered digital skills and literacy to over 25,000 Nigerians in 2020, distributed over 2000 laptops in driving this computer literacy, and tracked 6386 new jobs and roles created through its interventions.

From the foregoing, within two years of Kashifu’s foresight and guidance, with the support and endorsement of Dr Isa Pantami, NITDA is not leaving anything to chance in its determination to drive Nigeria towards a digital world as it relentless explores the use and adoption of Blockchain Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, data management and strategy for adoption into the digital economy.

• Abdulsalam Mahmud writes from Wuye District, Abuja.

Elizabeth Onasanya has become a well-known name in the data science community, recognized for her significant contributions and leadership in the field. Her most notable achievement is the creation of NairaFlow, a platform that showcases her innovative approach and expertise.

The platform was designed to give users quick and easy access to financial products and services, using data analytics to offer personalized solutions tailored to each customer’s needs. Several key components made the product a success, including data integration, machine learning, and user-friendly design. Amidst the complexities of financial technology in Nigeria, the product stands as a quietly transformative product. Developed with an acute understanding of the challenges faced by financial institutions, this innovative tool has reimagined how data is harnessed to drive decision-making in the sector.

At its core, NairaFlow is a sophisticated yet accessible analytics platform designed to meet the unique needs of Nigeria’s fintech environment. Rather than overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity, it focuses on delivering precise insights that matter. By analyzing vast amounts of data, it uncovers patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing financial institutions with a deeper understanding of market movements and customer behaviors.

It is designed not just for financial companies but for anyone who needs to make informed financial decisions. The product’s interface is intuitive, allowing users to interact with data in a meaningful way without requiring extensive technical knowledge. This approach ensures that critical insights are available to those who need them, from financial analysts to executives making strategic decisions.

It is a product that embodies practicality and innovation, offering a tool that seamlessly integrates into the workflows of financial institutions. It helps companies anticipate changes, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities with confidence. In doing so, it has quietly reshaped the landscape of financial analytics in Nigeria, proving that the most impactful innovations are often those that work behind the scenes, making complex processes simpler and more effective.

Elizabeth Onasanya’s journey from a passionate computer science student to a leading data scientist is a story of dedication, innovation, and impact. Her work has transformed her company’s operations and set a new benchmark for the use of data science in financial services. As she continues to lead and inspire, her contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of data science and drive positive change across industries.