The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Tech

  • NICO, tech company to roll out digital repository for Nigeria’s culture

    NICO, tech company to roll out digital repository for Nigeria’s culture

    The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), in collaboration with ACITeksystem, a subsidiary of ACI Entertainment, has  announced the unveiling  of ‘DuduPlugs’, a revolutionary digital platform designed to preserve and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and as well showcase the ingenuity of its people on global stage.

    They made the announcement at the pre-launch event on Tuesday in Abuja, adding that plans were underway for its global rollout scheduled for 2025.

    Wole Adeniyi, CEO of ACI Entertainment and Founder of DuduPlugs, emphasised the platform’s unique role in a globally connected world.

    He explained that DuduPlugs, is a dynamic social media and digital repository that  will allow users to immerse themselves in Nigeria’s vibrant culture through nine distinct plugs: Music, Fashion, Art, Film, Food, Dance, Green/Artistic Building, Technology, Language, and Literature.

    According to him, the platform  will not only promote cultural diplomacy but is also set to boost Nigeria’s creative economy, positioning the country as a global leader in cultural innovation.

    “DuduPlugs is more than just a platform—it’s a beacon for cultural heritage, a bridge connecting Nigeria to the world and vice versa. Our vision is to create a global community where users can share, explore, and appreciate the vibrancy of Nigerian culture.”

    He added: “Through cutting-edge technology, DuduPlugs empowers users to become cultural curators and influencers. The platform supports crowdsourcing and virtual exhibitions, helping to preserve Nigeria’s cultural stories for future generations.”

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    In his presentation, Tech Leader  of the DuduPlugs, Fola Ogunsiakan underscored the platform’s potential for social and economic impact, noting that large-scale user onboarding could significantly boost Nigeria’s GDP, adding that “DuduPlugs is the perfect vehicle towards ensuring that foreign income comes into the country.

    Another Tech Leader, Banji Oyewumi lauded  DuduPlugs as a cutting-edge technology that leverages AI, machine learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to create personalized cultural experiences, bridge language barriers, and offer GPS-enabled virtual tourism of iconic Nigerian sites.

    Earlier in his Welcome Address, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, highlighted DuduPlugs’ alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and avowed commitment towards  ensuring that the nation’s culture and creative industries contribute meaningfully to national income., which he demonstrated through the creation of stand-alone Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.

    He added that “DuduPlugs is a groundbreaking step in elevating Nigeria’s global cultural presence. This platform enhances cultural diplomacy and opens new economic opportunities by showcasing our heritage to the world.”

    “This seamless combination of social connectivity aims to promote and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with the view to pass it down to younger generations.

    “It will attract global acceptance and accessibility; attract foreign exchange earnings as well as evoke appreciation of the Nigerian culture, thereby strengthening its  economy and international image.

    “It will serve as an accessible educational resource and foster collaborations between cultural organisations, government agencies, and individuals to create a sustainable platform for cultural preservation and knowledge-sharing.”

    Ajiboye projected that by 2030, DuduPlugs would attract over 100 million users worldwide, significantly contributing to cultural tourism, entrepreneurship, and preserving Nigeria’s diverse traditions.

    In her presentation, Foluke Michael, Project Management Executive for the DuduPlugs, said the platform, when launched would  serve as tool for cultural diplomacy for Nigeria and will create jobs for its teeming youths and  therefore called for support and collaborations from government at all levels.

    She said, “This project is driven by passionate Nigerians from America and by some talents that have really made it around the world. I want the world to know that we are not just cut out for what they read in the news and there is something positive about our nation.

    “We want to create employment opportunity, we want to help youth and children and rebrand our culture.We want to be the Chinese of this world so that our food can also be yearned for beyond the borders of Nigeria,”

    The pre-launch event had attendance top government functionaries, as well as representatives of relevant agencies of the Federal Governments and that of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF) who delivered goodwill messages.

    The ministers of Art, Culture & the Creative Economy and that of Aviation and Aerospace Development  also send their goodwill messages through their representatives.

    As part of DuduPlugs’ global expansion, NICO and ACI Entertainment said  the platform will host the Nigeria-Pennsylvania Cultural Festival in the United States in 2025.

    They said the Nigeria-Pennsylvania cultural fiesta would offer opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s music,fashion, film, food and other cultural assets to the world, adding that “ the  landmark event will gather international stakeholders, artists, influencers, and cultural ambassadors to celebrate Nigeria’s cultural impact on the global stage, solidifying its role in cultural diplomacy.”

  • Adeboye’s wife launches initiative to train 76,000 African women in tech

    Adeboye’s wife launches initiative to train 76,000 African women in tech

    The wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, has launched a free three-month tech training programme under the Ladies in Tech Africa Programme (LITA) to empower 76,000 women across Africa.

    The initiative is a partnership between Africa Missions Global and The Incubator Hub to provide participants with in-depth training in high-demand tech skills.

    The curriculum is designed to be accessible to women of all backgrounds via an online learning platform.

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    A statement by the MD/CEO, African Missions Global’s, Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, explained that by offering free training, LITA seeks to remove financial barriers that often prevent women from pursuing careers in technology.

    The programme also aims to create a robust pipeline of skilled female tech talents, thereby fast-tracking Africa’s journey towards digital transformation and sustainable development.

  • On women participation in the tech ecosystem

    On women participation in the tech ecosystem

    • By Shuaib S. Agaka

    Sir: A report by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) indicated gender disparity in favour of males’ participation in Nigeria’s digital economy. This is a big problem that needs quick action. This difference doesn’t just limit chances for women; it also holds back the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy. Fixing this imbalance isn’t just about fairness – it’s a must-do for economic growth.

    Women make up just a small part of the tech workforce. For example, a National Bureau of Statistics report finds that women account for below 20% of tech jobs in Nigeria. This number falls well below the worldwide average where more women are joining the tech field. These facts highlight the need to take action to fix this imbalance and make sure women have the same chances to add value to the digital economy.

    Studies show that companies with mixed teams are more likely to come up with innovative products and services. By getting more women into Nigeria’s tech field, the country can tap into a broader set of ideas and methods leading to more useful and cutting-edge tech breakthroughs.

    Several obstacles make it hard for women to join Nigeria’s digital economy. One of the major issues is that many women lack access to good quality education and training in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Many girls run into social and cultural roadblocks that stop them from choosing tech careers.

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    Also, gender bias and stereotypes can scare women away from entering the tech industry or moving up in their jobs. Not having enough chances to network and get support makes these problems worse, which means women struggle to succeed in tech. To fix these issues, we need a complete plan that includes changes in education, helpful policies, and community projects.

    Moreover, boosting funding and resources for start-ups and tech projects led by women is crucial to encouraging female involvement in the digital economy. This includes giving grants, investment chances, and support to develop businesses for women entrepreneurs. By setting up a more supportive money environment, Nigeria can push more women to launch their tech ventures and help grow the industry. Also, programmes that offer chances to network and get mentorship can help women tackle the hurdles of running a business and building successful companies.

    Looking ahead, a more inclusive and equitable digital economy can help Nigeria grow and innovate. By bridging the gender gap and giving women the opportunity to participate in the tech world, Nigeria can become a leader in the global digital landscape.

    •Shuaib S. Agaka,

    Kano.

  • Tech enthusiasts gather for summit in Ifako-Ijaiye

    Tech enthusiasts gather for summit in Ifako-Ijaiye

    Over 100 tech enthusiasts on Friday, July 12, gathered for the inaugural tech summit organized by the Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro local government.

    Themed “Greenify Your Future: Tech Solutions for Local Challenges,” the event took place at Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Idiagbon, College Road, Lagos state. 

    Experts in various technology fields shared their experiences and emphasised the importance of using technology as a tool to drive progress from the grassroots level.

    Speaking at the event, Alabi Opeyemi, the senior special assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu on youth mobilization, encouraged the youth to invest in technology, highlighting it as the next big thing.

    He said: “I advise youth that they should invest in Agriculture and Technology, because they are the next big thing, if you can’t do agriculture, then invest in technology, technology has gone way higher than what it used to be, we even have currencies in technology now, which are cryptocurrencies, and i tell you in the next coning years, 10 to 20 years from now, technology will have taken over the world.” 

    Alabi also noted that technology has become an integral part of our daily living and also aids smooth transition of activities in governance. 

    “Technology goes a long way in our daily living, from security, to education, to appropriation, you know, there are many ways technology is helping us, when we look at the educational sector for example, you can now use website and applications to generate report cards easily, same as the agricultural sector, things are becoming easy and it’s the same in governance too, we just need for implementation of this technology and i know we are getting there” 

    Assistant General Secretary to the National Youth Council Ojokoro Branch and Devbot Academy founder, Comrade Segun Emmanuel Osuniyi said Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro Local Government is committed to building a tech society to train and equip young minds.

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    “We noticed that in Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro local government we have a huge number of tech savvy who are doing great in the industry, and so this event is to call everyone who are tech savvy or want to kickstart a career in tech, come together, let’s collaborate and see how we can solve tech challenges with our tech given skills.”

    Opeyemi while calling on youth of the local government to join the tech community affirmed that the local government is not relenting and will engage in more activities via its tech community 

    “One good thing about this event is that from this event, we would build a strong community of tech, where we have the Ifako-Ijaiye and Ohokoro tech community in the local government, and we can always meet to discuss the needs and problems the local government is facing and how we can solve them through tech”

    Participants of the summit enjoyed innovative approaches to tech problems, speaking to one of the participants, Alexandra Adeni who expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the event saying events like this should be propagated and advanced beyond just the local government but up to the federal level because tech offers alot in different sectors. 

    “I really enjoyed the sessions today, and i believe the organizers have done a great job to put this up, and i hope that more of this kind of programs are organized to help us grow as a community. 

    “Tech has a lot to offer in various sectors, and I believe this should not just end in the local government, but should be advanced to the federal level” 

    The summit ended with an assurance that the Ifako-Ijaiye local government will grow to become on of the greatest tech hubs in the Lagos and Nigeria, helping young minds grow to become tech experts in coming years. 

  • Ogun tech community endorses TedPrime Hub’s digital platform for artisans, others

    Ogun tech community endorses TedPrime Hub’s digital platform for artisans, others

    The Ogun tech community has thrown its weight behind TedPrime Hub’s innovative digital platform, TACBay, designed to empower artisans and informal sector workers in Nigeria.

    The Ogun tech community, comprising stakeholders in the technology sector, endorsed the platform, commending its user-friendly interface, multi-lingual support, and interactive features like TecvoAI.

    The platform, which provides a robust digital marketing tool for artisans to showcase their skills and products, has been hailed as a game-changer for economic empowerment and digital inclusion.

    According to the co-founders of TedPrime Hub, Olalekan Adeeko and Odeogbola Ayodele, TACBay aims to bridge the gap between artisans and a wider audience, providing access to resources, digital literacy, and financial management.

    Reacting to the initiative, the President of Ogun Tech Community, Durosinmi Adekunle in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, said the platform has the potential to transform the informal sector.

    He added, “This platform is a testament to the power of innovation and technology in driving economic growth and social development.

    “TACBay’s user-friendly interface and multi-lingual support make it an inclusive platform that can be accessed by a wide range of artisans, regardless of their language or skill level. This is a critical step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering Nigeria’s informal sector workforce.”

    He added, “The platform’s interactive features, such as TecvoAI, provide artisans with the tools they need to enhance their skills and explore new opportunities in the digital economy. This is a game-changer for economic empowerment and digital inclusion in Nigeria.”

    Adekunle commended TedPrime Hub for its commitment to innovation and social impact, saying, “The company’s dedication to empowering artisans and informal sector workers is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that TACBay will have on the lives of Nigerians.”

    “With  its potential to transform the informal sector, TACBay has received international recognition, including praise from the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Lee Satterfield.

    “Skilled artisans and users in Ogun State and beyond are encouraged to leverage the TACBay platform to enhance their skills and explore new opportunities in the digital economy.

    “Visit the TACBay website or mobile app store to learn more and register,” he concluded.

  • Nigeria seeks global cooperation to address tech challenges

    Nigeria seeks global cooperation to address tech challenges

    Nigeria has tasked global leaders to team up to address the technological challenges and build a more resilient and inclusive society for future generations.

    Speaking at the 112th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said: “We must continue to work together to mitigate the challenges of technology and its related threats to the world of work, while charting a more productive, resilient, equitable and more inclusive society for future generations.”

    The minister’s address at the ILC was in response to the director-general’s report on the renewed social contract, outlining Nigeria’s position on the global agenda for decent work and social justice, and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to fostering a culture of constructive social dialogue and promoting decent working conditions in Nigeria.

    According to her, these are in a bid to ensure a fair and equitable work environment for workers. This is even as she highlighted the Federal Government’s policies targeting food security, job creation, poverty alleviation and social cohesion, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    She applauded the DG’s office for selecting a timely and relevant theme, which highlights the mutual interdependence between individuals and societies in promoting social unity, economic robustness and political stability.

    The minister noted that this theme aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Tinubu’s administration, a visionary policy framework designed to transform Nigeria into a premier investment hub on the global stage.

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    She said: “The agenda is hinged on the core pillars ‘4-D Diplomacy Strategy’ centred on promoting democracy, driving economic development, harnessing Nigeria’s demographic potential, and engaging with the diaspora community. The eight priority areas of the agenda, she explained, aim to pursue economic prosperity for the country through food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, inclusiveness, improving the security of life and property, rule of law and fight against corruption.

    “This will help build a more just and equitable society, reminding both Nigerians and the global community that Nigeria stands ready to embrace the future and conduct business in line with international best practice.’’.

    She added that the government has provided an enabling environment for social dialogue with the tripartite constituents to advance social justice and has solicited tripartite plus cooperation to align with the government’s agenda in the labour sector to promote workers welfare and boost national productivity.

    On the new national minimum wage, she said: “the Federal Government is negotiating through its tripartite committee to review the national minimum wage as part of its efforts to promote decent work for workers in both the public and private sectors.

    The minister further showcased Nigeria’s progress in implementing international labour standards, promoting social justice and boosting national productivity through the recent launch of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), aimed at creating jobs and equipping youths with entrepreneurship skills.

    “The government also recognises skill acquisition as a viable strategy for youth empowerment and job creation, and has identified the informal sector as the driving force of economic growth in most developing countries of the world. As an intentional strategy towards achieving the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government launched the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) on Thursday 25th April, 2024, with the fundamental vision to create jobs by training and equipping 2.5 million persons every year within the next 4 years with requisite entrepreneurship skills,” she said.

    The Minister expressed that the efforts of the government towards promoting entrepreneurship will revamp Nigeria’s economy and reposition it on the path of steady growth, enhance job creation and reduce unemployment and insecurity.

  • Tech to drive supply chain optimisation

    Tech to drive supply chain optimisation

    Daniel Obeka, managing director and chief executive officer of Tagad-Intl Ent, a player in oil servicing support services, has stressed the role of technology in driving supply chain optimisation in Africa.

    In a statement, Obeka shared his expertise on importance of leveraging technology to streamline supply chain operations.

    “Technology has transformed the supply chain landscape, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

    In Africa, where supply chain inefficiencies cost businesses up to 30 per cent revenue (Source: World Bank), technology is a game-changer.”

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    Obeka attributes success of Tagad-Intl to strategic implementation of technology in their supply chain management.

    “By harnessing the power of technology, we’ve streamlined our operations, improve delivery times, and enhance customer satisfaction. This has positioned us as leader in oil servicing support services.” he said.

    He noted Ghana has implemented a digital logistics platform to streamline trade, commerce. Its digital logistics platform has reduced transit times by 50 and costs by 30 per cent

    ‘‘This is a testament to impact of technology on supply chain optimisation in Africa.”

  • ‘How tech can inspire African youths’

    ‘How tech can inspire African youths’

    A seasoned data analyst and engineer, Yusuff Giwa, has said that Africa and Nigerian youths in particular have what it takes to change the world in the tech space if given the right support and enabling environment.

     Giwa said that technology has democratize the world of work and innovation making it possible for everyone to leverage it to make an impact. He mentioned the likes of flutterwave, piggyvest, Andela, Paystack among other tech brands founded by young Nigerian men and women.

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     Giwa, resident in the United Kingdom, is making waves in the tech industry with his groundbreaking solutions and unwavering commitment to ethical AI practices.

    “Driven by a desire to address global challenges, I  ventured into Earth observation data analysis, providing actionable insights for environmental monitoring and management.” he added.

    Throughout his career, Giwa has developed cutting-edge AI/ML solutions across various sectors, including predictive maintenance systems and customized data visualization tools.

    He went further to advocate for continuous learning, collaboration, and ethical AI practices, emphasizing the importance of investing in skilled workforce development, innovation hubs, and responsible AI deployment.

    Giwa’s commitment to excellence and innovation has shaped the future of technology, inspiring others to embrace ethical practices in AI/ML engineering.

    His visionary leadership and technical prowess continue to revolutionize the industry, making him a true pioneer in the tech world.

  • Firm’s chief salutes Nigerian’s expertise in tech

    Firm’s chief salutes Nigerian’s expertise in tech

    Chief Executive Officer of Unyte, Fortunate Alozie, a Nigerian, Daniel Oyeduntan’s expertise in the technology industry.

    Anozie said Oyeduntan was a visionary in data science.

    He praised Oyeduntan’s problem-solving approaches and his commitment to excellence. Oyeduntan is excelling in the technology landscape in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

    A stalwart in data science and machine learning, his innovative strategies at Linkage Assurance, including automation of reporting processes, caused a 37 per cent revenue surge in 2021.   As director of Data Science and AI at Unyte London, his leadership in AI-driven predictive modelling revolutionised risk assessment and insurance optimisation.

    His achievements include creation of AI-powered chatbot for enhanced customer interactions and data-driven initiatives that secured Unyte’s admission to the Tech Nation Libra Programme in Britain.

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    Reflecting on his contributions, Daniel underscored his passion for harnessing data to drive meaningful change and innovation in the insurance sector. He highlighted the importance of uncovering unseen insights to deliver tailored products and enhance customer experiences, ultimately strengthening the insurance ecosystem. 

    Beyond his professional endeavour, he  is a staunch advocate for data science and tech proficiency in Africa, actively mentoring aspiring individuals and engaging with learning institutions to impart valuable knowledge to the next generation. 

    Armed with a Master’s degree in data science from the University of Hertfordshire and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics & Statistics from the University of Lagos, his blend of academic rigour and practical expertise positions him as a frontrunner in the data science landscape, shaping the future of AI and machine learning across borders. He has garnered acclaim every where he’s worked including Mastercard, where he spearheaded the development of data-driven products and features that garnered over 75% adoption rates within the first quarter of launch. 

    Notably, his deployment of a machine learning model led to a 20% increase in click-through rates and a remarkable 45% boost in sales revenues. 

     Also at Kuda Bank in London as a Senior Data Analyst, his  focus on leveraging cutting-edge machine learning models to enhance customer experience metrics resulted in a notable 13% improvement in operations turnaround time (TAT). 

    His pivotal role in the development of the V2 app, which amassed over 17,000 downloads and earned a commendable four-star rating, further solidified his reputation as a leader in the field.

  • Ogun tech community endorses Edutams for national technologydevelopment

    Ogun tech community endorses Edutams for national technologydevelopment

    The Ogun tech community has thrown its support behind a foremost school management solution provider, Edutams, an initiative aimed at developing the country’s technological infrastructure. 

    The tech community which comprises digital experts, healthcare professionals, government officials, and media professionals, noted that Edutams is a valuable partner in its efforts to create a more technologically advanced Nigeria. 

    Recently, Edutams launched Ogun State’s largest digital technology and startup hub, with a plan to train and establish at least 25 developers from January 2024.

    Reacting to the initiative, the President of Ogun Tech Community, Durosinmi Adekunle in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, noted that Edutams can help to improve access to technology in rural areas.

    Adekunle added the initiative would also provide training and support for educators who are using technology in the classroom. 

    While commending Edutams founder, Dr Ademola Adenubi, the president of the community said the the new initiative can be used to advocate for policies that support the use of technology in education. 

    “The Ogun tech community has identified several key areas where Edutams can make a difference. Edutams can help to connect local entrepreneurs with global markets. 

    “By working together, the Ogun tech community and Edutams can make a real difference in the lives of Nigerians.

    “The Ogun tech community recognises that Edutams is a homegrown Nigerian initiative, which means that it understands the unique challenges and opportunities of the country. 

    “Also, the founder of Edutams has a proven track record of success, having already implemented several successful programs. 

    “We as a community believe that Edutams’ focus on education is critical to the country’s future. We also see Edutam as a partner that is committed to working collaboratively and transparently.

    “In short, the Ogun tech community believes that Edutams is uniquely positioned to make a real difference in the country, and it is excited to work together to advance educational technology in Nigeria. 

    “This partnership is a win-win for both organisations, and the tech community is confident that it will have a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians,” Adekunle noted. 

    He, however, said the tech community would hold a roundtable discussion on innovation and excellence on April 27, 2024. 

    Adekunle said the event scheduled to hold at Abeokuta Club Hall is with the theme; ‘Empowering Tomorrow: Innovating Together’.