Category: Technology

CEO of digital payment platform, Patricia Technologies Limited, Hanu Fejiro has expressed the need for digital disruption at the 14th edition of the Business Day CEO Forum held recently.

Speaking at a panel session on Navigating Digital Disruption, he expressed the inadvertent need for disruption and encouraged all CEOs in attendance to embrace the many nuances of the digital space.

Moderated by Lawrence Amadi, partner at KPMG, Hanu Fejiro and other distinguished personalities delivered profound insights into the dilemma of the relationship between technology and business, sparking conversations amongst formidable CEOs and investors.

Fejiro while commenting on the most advantageous sector of the digital world businesses and individuals can profit from, he said: “Navigating digital disruption is not a choice. The digital world has come to stay, especially in the Artificial Intelligence field. Many companies have recognised this and have used it as a pedestal to transform their respective countries’ economies. Laudably, Nigeria is on the same path. Once regulations specifically geared towards this development are in place, we will discover new worlds of opportunities.

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‘‘The world has evolved, and so has Nigeria. We have come to embrace a digital-driven age that just so happens to be an exponential opportunity for those who can identify it.”

On the panel session were formidable personalities such as Olaniyi Atose, CEO SR Finanzmann, Elo Umeh; CEO Terragon, Gbenga Agboola; CEO Flutterwave, and the Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO Access Data Centre, all explored the challenges pummeling the Nigerian business industry.

The CEO forum, which sought to empower business prodigies and intellectuals with the knowledge they need to thrive in today’s evolving business world, was also attended by other Nigerian business elites and industry experts across the nation.

• By George Odiana

When I was younger I dreamt of being a scientist and one of my great inventions would be a teleporter that allows people port from one location to another without the use of aircraft; Maybe I watched too many cartoons or too many scenes from the old classic “Back to the future”. Trust me I believed it and maybe I still do.

Another movie that fascinated me while growing up was iRobot, by the famous Will Smith.

In the 2004 sci-fi movie, “iRobot,” Will Smith played the role of Detective Del Spooner, who finds himself in a world dominated by humanoid robots. Set in 2035, the film depicts a society where AI-powered machines, designed to serve humans, coexist alongside humanity.

Throughout the movie, we witnessed how AI integration has transformed various aspects of daily life. From mundane tasks to complex problem-solving, robots have become an indispensable part of the workforce, making human life more convenient and efficient.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked both hope and fear regarding its impact on the job market. While some envision a future where AI replaces human workers, a more subtle perspective suggests that AI and human collaboration will be the key to unlocking the job market’s full potential. This publication delves into the transformative role of AI in shaping the job market of the future, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, and how this partnership can drive economic growth and societal progress.

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The integration of AI in the workplace is not a threat but an opportunity to unleash the true potential of human intelligence. AI excels at handling repetitive and data-intensive tasks, while humans possess emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and creativity. By combining these strengths, organizations can achieve new levels of productivity and innovation.

It is the marriage of AI and Humans that would lead us to the future of work. Hence, while it is yet in its early development phase, it is important that we make AI our friend, not our enemy

Make AI your friend, not your enemy 

As AI and human collaboration become the norm, the job market will undergo a significant transformation. The rise of hybrid job roles, combining technical AI skills with human creativity, will redefine professions and present new opportunities.

●             AI Strategy Specialists: Professionals who can bridge the gap between AI implementation and business goals will be in high demand to ensure successful integration.

●             AI Ethics Consultants: Ethical considerations will be critical, necessitating the expertise of professionals who can assess AI’s societal impact and implement ethical frameworks.

●             AI-Augmented Healthcare: Roles like AI-assisted medical practitioners and healthcare analysts will revolutionize patient care and medical research.

The creative industry will not be left out as we are witnessing already the rise of AI-generated art, music, and literature.

In conclusion, the job market of the future is not a battleground between humans and AI; rather, it is an ecosystem of collaboration and innovation. By embracing the partnership between AI and humans, we can harness the full potential of both, driving economic growth, addressing societal challenges, and shaping a future that is more inclusive and prosperous for all.

As Will Smith aptly puts it, “The future is ours to shape. Let us embrace AI’s possibilities, while always remembering that the heart of progress lies in the human spirit.” By combining human ingenuity with the power of AI, we have the potential to create a future where work becomes more fulfilling and enriching for all.

George Odiana is a tech enthusiast.

The Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of renowned tech expert Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as minister.

The lawmaker, who represents the Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, is among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees whose names were read out by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

A statement by NADIR Executive Director Dahiru Lawal said President Tinubu’s choice of Tunji-Ojo shows his desire to put round pegs in round holes as part of measures to advance the country’s digital economy.

“Born in 1982, Tunji-Ojo studied Electronics and Communication Engineering at the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University) and graduated in 2005. He obtained a master’s degree in Digital Communication and Networking from the same institution in 2006,” it reads.

“He holds certifications in eighteen professional qualifications in ICT including the prestigious title of being one of the first set of certified ethical hackers from Royal Britannia IT Training Academy in the United Kingdom before he turned 24 years.

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“NADIR is therefore not only proud of Tunji-Ojo’s achievements in the global digital space, we are also grateful to Mr President for finding one of Nigeria’s best youngsters worthy of appointment into his cabinet.”

The organisation further denounced the call by the Computer Guild of Nigeria (CGN) that the next Minister of Communication and Digital Economy must be a Christian, saying religion should never be a criterion for appointing individuals into offices.

“Even more ridiculous is the claim by the CGN that Christians have a huge number of competent hands that can take the Communications Ministry to greater heights. Who told them that Muslims, traditional worshippers, freethinkers and atheists do not also have some of the best brains?

“We are surprised that groups of political hustlers who campaigned vigorously against the election of President Tinubu are now seeking to blackmail the President to do their bidding,” the statement added.

NADIR, however, condemned the call for the removal of the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, despite his strides in promoting technological innovation and digitalisation.

“In 2021, NITDA unveiled the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024) anchored on seven pillars to support the achievement of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) objectives. The 64 strategic initiatives of SRAP have significantly contributed to ICT’s impact on the economy,” it said.

The statement noted that the engagement of stakeholders and the implementation of the SRAP initiatives have made Nigeria the leading destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to startups in Africa, attracting about $3.8billion which constitutes about 35% of such FDI since 2019.

“Many jobs have been created through NITDA’s interventions. The Tech4COVID Committee led to the retention of over 100,000 ICT jobs and created an additional 30,000 in the post-COVID-19 era. Similarly, the NDPR compliance drive created 7,680 jobs and a market valued at ₦1.2 billion.

“The agency’s National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) has engaged 900 farmers and created over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs. The initiative targets the engagement of 10 million farmers across the agricultural value chain by 2030.

“NITDA developed the National Outsourcing Strategy to deliver 1 million jobs by 2025, contributing to the employment of 16,540 Nigerians. The Business Process Outsourcing market is estimated at $286.8 million, as reported by Africa Global Business Services (GBS).

“The agency, under Inuwa, established the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) which has trained 1,250 youths on cutting-edge technologies. The Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) was created as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to incubate ideas and develop an enabling environment for startups.

“Through the ONDI, NITDA supported 143 startups via facilitation of ₦50 million grant each to 6, and $15,000 each to 3; seed funding support to 12, sponsorship of 40 to local events, 51 to GITEX global event, LEAP Tech Conference and Intra-African Trade Fair, and training of 300 secondary school students on digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Acceleration of 30 startups through the Bridge to MassChallenge (B2MC), and 3 others through the NINJA Programme in partnership with JICA; Inclusion of 16 in the iHatch Incubation programme, and 20 in the North-East Start-up Training (NEST); training of 74 innovators through the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support (TIES) Scheme.

Acknowledging Inuwa’s efforts to position Nigeria as a global IT Talent Factory, NADIR commended NITDA’s “1 million software developer initiative”, in line with the FG’s social investment. Over 215,500 Nigerians have completed or are undergoing capacity-building programmes, while 823,814 have been so far trained on digital literacy.

The need for academic-industrial collaboration to advance engineering practices was the highlight of a special panel session recently at the University of Nigeria (UNN) Enugu. 

The panel with the theme: bridging the skill gap: Collaborative strategies for academic-industrial partnerships in engineering was organised by EngineeringXpress, a project conceived to build and maintain the capacity for safe and innovative engineering education and practice by understanding and closing the gaps between engineering education and industry practice in Nigeria. 

EngineeringXpress is sponsored by The Royal Academy of Engineering, Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Onyia Construction in collaboration with the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). 

The session in collaboration with the National University of Engineering Students Association of the Faculty of Engineering, UNN Chapter attracted engineering education experts, industry players and students. 

The panelists agreed academic-industrial partnerships can enhance the practical skills and professional development of engineering students. 

They also said internships play a vital role in this regard as they provide students with industry relevant skills and early career practical experience on industry-related projects. 

They also identified mentorship as a crucial element that is lacking in Nigerian education system, stating the guidance and support of mentors can greatly facilitate students’ learning and development journeys, making students better equipped and guided into the national workforce. 

They also recommended sharing research between academic institutions and industries as a way to leverage existing knowledge and foster collaboration. 

According to them, access to industry expertise, networking opportunities, exposure to real-life problem-solving and increased employment prospects are also essential benefits of academic-industrial partnerships.

When discussing successful examples of academic-industrial partnerships in engineering, the panelists provided interesting case studies. 

These included the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratory for training individuals in AI and data science, collaborations between energy companies and universities where staff pursue postgraduate studies while working on research topics relevant to industry challenges, and funding initiatives by organizations such as PTDF and Shell Chair to support postgraduate studies. 

The creation of centers of excellence, like in Benin where industry professionals are involved in teaching, was also identified as examples of effective strategies for knowledge transfer and collaboration. Moreover, competitions organized by the industry specifically for university students were commended for fostering engagement and innovation.

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They panelists said university curricula must align with industry needs in preparing students for the workforce, emphasising the importance of structuring courses to mirror industrial training experiences and involving industry representatives in curriculum design and implementation. 

By integrating industry perspectives, they said universities can ensure graduates are equipped with the practical skills required by employers.

They wanted some of the challenges academic-industrial partnerships in the engineering field create include a lack of commitment, differing objectives between academia and industry, limited resources, communication gaps, issues of trust and intellectual property, as well as corruption and mismanagement of funds. 

Addressing these challenges require open communication channels, proactive proposal writing, technical events, inclusive enjoyments such as this, workshops and conferences that implement ideas from publications and international exchange programmes to inspire students and motivate them, as well as build and learn from foreign networks ustry.

Looking towards the future, the panelists highlighted key skills that engineering graduates in Nigerian engineering should possess for innovation, safety, and entrepreneurship. These skills include project designing (conceptualizing),  analytical thinking, research skills, adaptability, flexibility, effective verbal and written communication, building relationships (networking), relevant professional skills in technology, teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.https://www.unn.edu.ng/

The EngineeringXpress Principal Investigator Dr. Uzor Onyia advised the students to develop an inclusive attitude towards learning, industrial practice and advocacy to meet the demand of sustainable engineering which is required to build Nigeria. He also called on stakeholders to support the project for an improved Academia-Industry Linkage in Nigerian engineering sector.

Google has partnered with Verve, the largest domestic card scheme in Africa, to make digital transactions on Google Play Store easier and more accessible for Nigerians.

Nigerians can now use their Verve cards to make purchases on the Google Play Store, strengthening the digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

Under this new arrangement, Google will process Verve transactions within Nigeria. These transactions will be undertaken in Nigerian Naira (NG), and treated as local transactions by the country’s banking institutions. As a result, any Nigerian with an Android device and a Verve card now has a streamlined method for making purchases on the Google Play Store.

Anthea Crawford, Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships, Google Play, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Verve, expanding Google Play access for more Nigerians. The introduction of local payments with Verve cards is a significant milestone, enabling more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and access the apps they need.”

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Speaking about this partnership, Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director Verve International, stated that “the integration with Google Play is a significant stride towards achieving Verve’s vision of promoting financial inclusion. We are excited to bring digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, hence bridging the digital divide.”

As a foremost payment card scheme in Nigeria, Verve’s expanding acceptance promotes inclusion by extending the reach of digital services to a larger segment of the Nigerian population. Maximising this exciting possibility, users can now add their Verve Cards to their Google Play Account and pay in Naira, without stress.

Here’s how to use your Verve card on Google Play: Open the Playstore, choose the app you want to buy, click the amount you see on your screen, click “add credit or debit card” enter your Verve card details when asked. You can also go to pay.google.com, log in with your Gmail account, click on ‘Add a payment method,’ enter your Verve card details and save. Then, return to the Playstore to make your purchase. Your card will be charged automatically.

This new partnership not only simplifies the payment process for Google Play Store apps and services but also contributes significantly to a more inclusive digital environment for Nigerians.

TikTok has paved the way for text based posts as other rival social media platforms innovate.

The video-sharing platform announced this on Monday. 

It said: “Today we’re thrilled to announce the expansion of text posts on TikTok,  a new format for creating text-based content that broadens options for creators to share their ideas and express their creativity.

It further reads: “With text posts, we’re expanding the boundaries of content creation for everyone on TikTok, giving the written creativity we’ve seen in comments, captions, and  videos a dedicated space to shine.”

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The new feature on TikTok follows the rebranding of Twitter and sudden launch of Threads, an innovation of Meta-owned Instagram.

The app added that the new format will allow users to add a variety of coloured backgrounds and stickers to the posts, which have limits of 1,000 words, and can also “duet” with other users on the platform.

Source: TikTok website

Founder of social tech startup, Valleytop Communications Andrew Odoe has lamented the continuous demand for foreign products among Nigerians, describing it as a lack of love for national brands.

Odoe, who said Nigerians are unconcerned about projects that would positively affect them and their socio-economic landscape, urged the populace and institutions to invest in the enrichment of locally owned products.

He added that international brands became prominent due to the support given them by their citizens, saying Nigerians must also learn to do the same.

Odoe said: “Valutok has the capacity to change the Nigerian narrative, generate thousands of jobs and vastly improve our economy, yet influencers, celebrities, journalists, the average Nigerian, none are interested in supporting or partnering with us to establish the platform without charging millions or wanting money upfront. Banks have also refused to fund the project, but they are all falling heads over heels to create accounts and support the owner of a foreign brand that they cry about daily for banning, marginalising and limiting their abilities to properly earn on his platform.

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“The part that beats my imagination is that I am getting funding offers and more from the US, but my own people are not concerned about a project that directly affects them, everyone in a position to move the brand forward wants money first and nothing else.

Describing the app, Odoe added: “Valutok is a super app that has an inbuilt store and digital wallets to aid and facilitate business transactions as well as an algorithm that makes visibility easier for users and small businesses, plus there’s no ban on free speech like Facebook. The only challenge that we have faced is funding for advertising and server maintenance and we have been pitching and calling on investors to no avail. I was at the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit NDIS at Aso Villa last November where I pitched Valutok to dignitaries and others.

“If Mark Zuckerberg didn’t get support from his people and the US, Nigerians won’t be here celebrating and patronising his businesses.”

MonicaNG, a pioneering platform in Bitcoin trading, is receiving high praise from Nigerian users for its user-friendly interface and secure transactions. Providing a seamless, efficient, and secure Bitcoin to Naira conversion process, MonicaNG is revolutionising the cryptocurrency landscape in Nigeria.

The brand’s PR officer Mr E Davies emphasised the platform’s commitment to simplifying and securing the process of converting Bitcoin to Naira, stating, “We believe in providing users with a seamless experience, making cryptocurrency accessible to all.”

MonicaNG’s standout feature is its user-friendly interface, designed to be easily navigated by both tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy individuals. User registration is a breeze, requiring only an email and password, and verification is conducted through the user’s email. Users can personalize their profiles with a display picture of their choice, further enhancing their experience on the platform.

As part of its effort to automate and streamline Bitcoin trading, MonicaNG has implemented an automated conversion system that eliminates the laborious and risky manual trading process. CEO Mr E Davies explained, “By sending Bitcoin to the provided wallet address, users can initiate the transaction. Their Monica wallet is then automatically credited with the equivalent Naira amount after three block confirmations. This streamlined process eliminates delays and minimizes the risk of unfulfilled transactions.”

MonicaNG prioritizes security and speed, ensuring a safe and prompt trading experience for its users. Transactions are conducted with utmost security to safeguard user funds, and the platform’s speed guarantees quick access to funds. Once a Bitcoin transfer is completed, the user’s Monica wallet is instantly updated with the Naira equivalent, ready to be withdrawn to any Nigerian bank account.

In addition to its core features, MonicaNG offers other exciting features to enhance user experience. Users can conveniently purchase airtime or data using their Naira balance, eliminating the need for additional transactions. Furthermore, MonicaNG boasts a referral program that allows users to earn rewards for every transaction made by their referred contacts. This fosters a vibrant and engaging Bitcoin trading community in Nigeria.

As MonicaNG continues to revolutionize Bitcoin trading in Nigeria, Nigerian users are impressed by its user-friendly interface and secure transactions. With MonicaNG, Bitcoin trading has become more accessible and efficient for Nigerians looking to venture into the world of cryptocurrency.