05082020 - Buhari to completely rejig security system —NSA

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22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 NITDA develops frameworks to leverage 4th Industrial Revolution By Emmanuel Elebeke The Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has said that the agency is working round the clock to leverage the advantages of 4th Industrial Revolution by developing compliant frameworks to the revolution. He said the effort was in reaction to several studies that have indicated that some jobs are vulnerable to automation in the next decade, meaning that institutions and organisations must be prepared to adapt to the rapid transformation and security risks triggered by digitization. Abdullahi at a recent International Conference on Information Technology in Education and Development (ITED 2020) organised by Academia in Information Technology Profession, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, said that NITDA has positioned itself to balance the concerns and help companies in Nigeria take advantage of 4th industrial revolution. The DG, who was represented at the event, by Dr Usman Gambo Abdullahi Director IT Infrastructure Solutions, stated that in order to adapt to the Information Technology development in the 4th Industrial Revolution, the agency is developing new and updating regulatory frameworks, putting into consideration economic, environmental and social aspects in a way it serves and benefit the people. He assured that NITDA is quite aware of the concerns and will continue to establish adequate regulatory system for new business models and services, while allowing the economy and the society to benefit from innovative ideas. “One of our priorities as a regulatory agency is to strengthen the innovation capacity of the IT industry, which is why we have been deploying hubs and technology infrastructures in various parts of the Nation.” “We provide assistance to SMEs, start-ups and researchers by funding projects in line with digital innovation.” Konga turns down $300m global funding •Invested over $120m in two years •Loses N100m monthly •Mulls listing on reputable Stock Exchanges By Prince Osuagwu, Hi-Tech Editor Despite making a loss of over N100m monthly, e-commerce outfit, Konga says it has just turned down a N300 million funding from a consortium of global investors, just to keep integrity and high level of professionalism in the business. The company which prides itself as a technology company rather reposed trust on its current investors, saying they have got all it takes to lead its lofty quests to expand into other African countries and eventually taking the top position in the continent’s ecommerce landscape. Already, the e-commerce giant has invested well over $120m in its Nigerian operations alone since the Zinox Group acquired it in December 2018. That is also as the company hopes to list its shares in reputable stock exchanges, including the Nigerian Stock exchange, New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, which the company revealed have all approached it for listing. In a television interview recently, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Konga Group, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh revealed that at the start of business, the company was incurring a loss of over N400 million monthly, but with diligence and strategic approach to business the company has managed to reduce the loss to just about N100 million while it hopes to flatten the curve very soon. He said: “Though we started with a monthly loss of N400m, but with new systems, structure and energy put in place, we have gradually been reducing losses and now about N100m loss per month. E- Commerce is an expensive project but we are best positioned to deliver as a very innovative technology company”. The young business leader, who described Konga as a technology company revealed that Konga employs directly and indirectly over 150,000 Nigerians. Most of them are merchants, logistics and other service providers. He added: “We partner to create a trusted and sustainable digitallydriven ecosystem and working hard to scale this to about 250,000 before the end of 2020. We see ourselves as more than just an e-Commerce company. Konga is a technology company and as a technology company, we are positioned to leverage that status in deploying new solutions and innovations. “Although we have received several offers from interested investors, we are content with the group that is currently funding Konga. The group is highly ethical and want us to maintain the highest level of integrity. Our investors have assured us of enough capital to survive the next five years at least. This was why we did not accommodate a valuation of $300m from a consortium of global investors last year. “However, we are also keen to expand into other African markets after taking charge of the Nigerian market. The e-Commerce market in Africa is still a largely untapped one. Therefore, any company that makes the right in-roads will reap huge benefits from it,” he said. “We have also received enquiries from the New York Stock Exchange, the London Stock Exchange and the Nigerian Stock Exchange to list on these markets. It’s something that will happen as part of our African expansion plan when Konga becomes a multi-billion-dollar business.” Continuing, he stated: “Our strategies and tact are 21 st century influenced, but also taking cognizance of deficiencies in our country and that was why we spent the first two years rebuilding technologies, setting up secure but robust warehousing facilities and delivery logistics nationwide. With these under our control and owned by us, we are driving towards profitability. It is important to note that at Konga, we do not believe in just hype “In addition to our status as a technology company, Konga is also Nigeria’s first ever marketplace and composite e-commerce group. The company is on the verge of rolling out a suite of cutting-edge solutions and services that will excite the market very soon. “But that is not all. A lot is happening behind the scenes at Konga. We recently announced the re-launch of the Konga Affiliate programme. Also, we developed a solution for corporate procurement which has helped procurement managers in major establishments. Konga boasts the largest collection of merchants and because of this, pricing is very aggressive, thereby helping procurement managers get the best deals on Konga while also promoting transparency. We are committed to our vision and clearly understand that it is a long term and highly ethical race,” he concluded. Smile releases SMILEVoLTE dual- SIM smartphone By Prince Osuagwu Smile Nigeria has introduced first entry-level, dual-SIM, Voice Over 4G LTE-enable smartphone on its network, saying it will help subscribers access the 4G LTE network at a more affordable rate. The SmileVoLTE dual SIM smartphone, which is Google approved and manufactured in partnership with Mediatek , comes pre-loaded with applications including the SmileVoice App, WhatsApp, twitter, skype, Instagram, YouTube, music and FM radio. Other features include fingerprint and face recognition for private access and security. The VoLTE dual –SIM smartphone, is Smile’s second attempt at introducing smartphone on its network after doing so, for the first time in 2016. Smile says its device comes with the same chipset used in other leading smartphone brands and is •Nnamdi Ekeh equipped with 1.3 Ghz Dual core, VoLTE-enabled, 5MP front camera, 8MP back camera, 2950mAH battery, 5.45" HD touchscreen, 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM. The SmileVoLTE smartphone also offers HD voice quality, WiFi hot spot, touchscreen and Android 9OS, and comes with a complimentary phone case in the box. Smile says it deliberately made the smartphone affordable for consumers to enjoy high definition IDSL goes international with three IMS Certifications By Juliet Umeh The Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) has been awarded International Management System (IMS) Certification award. The award, by a German- American Certification Company, DQS Management System Nigeria Limited, was in recognition of its safety and service delivery to humanity and corporate world. The IMS Certification is a bouquet of certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, Quality Management Service (QMS); ISO 45001:2018, Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH&S), and ISO 140001:2015, Environmental Management System (EMS). Receiving the award at the weekend, Managing Director of IDSL, Engr Ferdinand A. Bariwei said the journey towards achieving the feat was not an easy one, but with the support of IDSL top management, staff and the resolute commitment and hard work of the IDSL ISO Committee members, the strategic objective of becoming ISO 9001, 45001 and 140001 certified was achieved in the first quarter of this year. He said: “With these ISO voice calls and an embedded AlwaysOn internet access which offers hassle free internet for the next 30 days with a daily FUP of 1GB and data speed of up to 1.5Mbps. The package offers customers 100 local off-net minutes, 50 local offnet SMSs and unlimited on-net voice and on-net SMSs. Modern and portable, the new dual-SIM SmileVoLTE smartphone is said to be a must-have for the discerning customer especially Certifications, IDSL is poised to offer quality services in line with global best practices. Our new Certification status will also open-up the Company to attract more jobs locally and globally, it is therefore, hoped that these Certifications will go a long way to market the capacity, ability, corporate responsibility and goodwill of the Company to its clients and the public. “We believe it will help in no small measure to boost IDSL business opportunities and give IDSL a competitive advantage to take the emerging markets, change the narratives in the Oil and Gas Industry, and leverage on the new normal to touch lives in many positive ways.” Earlier, Country Director, DQS Management System, Lawrence Ogudu had confirmed that the process started several months ago when IDSL contacted them that they wanted to be certified to ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 standard. He said: “Our team of auditors came and they gathered their facts and sent their reports to central control in Germany, we have technical review team. From the technical review team, and the facts before them, they believed that IDSL has met the requirements of ISO 9001 standard, the ISO 45001 standard, and the ISO 14001 standard,” he added. •IDSL team displays the awards in a group photograph with DQS Management team those desirous of utilitarian contemporary device. Chief Marketing Officer of Smile Nigeria, Abdul Hafeez, said: “We are making available to customers one of the best VoLTE Smartphones in the market with 4G LTE capabilities and an AlwaysOn internet access for non-stop 30-day internet connection. The market is moving much faster in the broadband direction and we want Nigerians to enjoy the best that broadband can offer hence the introduction of this new SmileVoLTE smartphone”. C M Y K
08055069060 (SMS Only) Email: aihebho@yahoo.com For Danbatta, time to lay telecoms milestone he ephemerality of time is Tone mystery that humbles my understanding of life. Winks growing into seconds, seconds into minutes, into hours and days and so on. All the time humans are trapped in the transiency, and so many suffer the time warp. In the undulating contour of this time without end are the activities and efforts of men, put on a scale of performance of success and failure, with the latter gaining the upper hand. In our part of the world, failure is one homogenous cable that binds the affairs of men together; like the colour of the rainbow, you cannot miss it in the sky. We sew failure into our seams and record more gravestones than mile stones. The fiery ambitions of young men and women are beneath mother earth somewhere in a very cold and desolate environment. And time moves on. Winks into seconds, seconds into minutes, into hours, into days and so on. Only a few break the odds, they use their heads to break the stubborn coconut and record their achievements in milestones. In the face of untold difficulties, we still remember to sing the praises of this tiny lot. Nigerians are a very grateful lot. This very moment I am looking at yesterday, to see how far it has receded from the present. It doesn’t look so far away and memories are like the welcoming green leaves of the plantain tree. Let the riddles stop and let history reveal its secrets. Just like yesterday, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, came to start a new life at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), far away from the academia where he had spent most of his life, to contribute to the regulatory successes of the Commission. August 4, which was yesterday, brought a conclusion to his first five years in office. Today, he begins another lease, his tenure having been renewed by the President in accordance with the contents of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 which states in Section 8 (4): Subject to sections 11(3) and 11(4) of this Act, each Commissioner shall serve for a term of 5 (five) years from the date of his appointment at the expiration of which the President may renew his term for a further period of 5 years and no more. Prof Danbatta is lucky. His tenure has been renewed by the President and this writer only hopes that someday he will survive the shenanigans of those who have no respect for the laws of the land. History, sometimes, plays tricks. With the opportunity of a fresh burst of energy assured, Danbatta is having some moments of introspection in order to prepare the way forward, which I think is the more difficult job. To use his words: “Now in the fifth year of the five-year vision plan, I can tell you that we have recorded appreciable successes under each of the items (referring to his 8-Point Agenda). We have increased broadband penetration to 41.27 per cent as of June 2020 from 5 per cent in 2015, developed regulatory framework for broadband penetration through the infrastructure companies (InfraCo) Licences, issued wireless broadband licences. For the second agenda, we have set up Task Force on Quality of Service and continue to engage critical stakeholders to address industry challenges arising from right of way issue, multiple taxations, multiple regulations and indiscriminate shutting down of live base stations. With respect to item three (optimize the usage and benefits of spectrum), the Commission has encouraged the re-farming of various frequencies to improve their efficiency. Spectrum monitory has been improved to ensure sanity in the industry……We have also facilitated the listing of telcos on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), we developed and promoted compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance in the industry from voluntary to mandatory compliance. We also developed a framework for participating in ITU working groups…… Finally, we want to ensure speed of Fifth Generation (5G) technology to, at least, five per cent of the population. Already, the NCC, in November 2019, pioneered 5G trials, becoming the first telecoms regulator in West Africa to proactively begin such trial towards unleashing greater digital revelation. We have also worked with stakeholders to develop guidelines on the use of Television White Space (TVWS) to extend affordable broadband penetration to underserved and unserved areas.” This is an abridged version of that document. I searched for the MTN fine but it was not there. It wasn’t so much the money, N330bn, but the deft management of the process which if it went otherwise was enough to sink the industry. You may not fancy this point of view but that was obviously a very trying time for the telecoms sector. I also thought that the efforts of some state governors, led by Dr Kayode Danbatta needs to pick a point of impact as he launches into the future. Fayemi of Ekiti State, in waving the cost of right of way (RoW) which was an annoying impediment for the pervasive laying of fibre optics cable across the nation, needed to have been properly highlighted in order to encourage orders to join their progressive colleagues. It looks so easy now but not really. Negotiations with governors started long ago but formal results are emerging under Danbatta. However, the challenges ahead are much more than whatever may have been observed as achievements. Technology is mutating every day, changing shape, form and usability, influencing an ever increasing demand in a market dominated nearly in equal measure by both the rich and the poor who have their eyes set on tools and packages of convenience in affordability and service relevance. Danbatta needs to pick a point of impact as he launches into the future. But he will need to wrestle down the demons which build bogey features around big offices, making it difficult for even good men and women to speak truth to power. One is conversant will all the stats of achievements in the industry but having featured in the sector for nearly thirty years, you can permit me a little liberty to observe that the industry is at crossroads and needs urgent intervention from the regulator. First point of impact is for Danbatta to retrieve the regulatory independence of the Commission from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy whose noticeable intrusiveness is palpably overbearing and worrisome to industry practitioners. There are so many people across the nation who are very concerned about boosting the fortunes, reliability and relevance of our telecommunications infrastructure. Danbatta has readily canvassed his support for InfraCos in deepening the telecoms ecosystem. Responding to a position expressed in this column recently, a friend wrote: “Any solution that leaves out government direct intervention on the infrastructure side would in my view be cosmetic and palliative in nature. Yes, government erroneously believes that telecoms is much like oil, a natural resource where you can take rent without making investment but that is wrong headed thinking. People need to advocate for government to invest in infrastructure development in the sector as that is the only thing that can unleash the full potentials of the sector. I appreciate that because of the lack of trust in the government capacity to deliver infrastructure, it is toying with alternatives like using subsidy to tackle that deficit. But I tell you that will be wrong as experiences have shown that such scheme will only end as another bazaar for the anointed and the connected. We observe what is unfolding in the guardianship of other scarce resources that are near cash only to imagine what will follow when it is direct cash distribution. We need to think outside the box by developing a near developmental model that can deliver the expected outcome. The kind of example developed for the power sector with the arrangement with Siemens, without the skewed and nepotistic abuse, can be explored if government is serious and focused on economic expansion.” The NCC should think outside the box speedily to ensure that the entire nation is wired otherwise its dream for pervasive broadband penetration will only be a mirage. Permit to add that without broadband modern society will regress to the Stone Age era. Figures of penetration should have more meaning to phone users. Danbatta should hold on to the dream of introducing 5G but should expand projected availability beyond five per cent of the population. He should also pursue the elusive quality of service being provided by the operators with undiluted vigour and resist very strongly the temptation to go on media celebration at this time. As Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, said in an interview with Charlie Rose at the World Economic Forum, Davos in 2015, “You don’t win the world by talking but through hard work.” The NCC needs to work much harder to enable Nigerians enjoy a better telecommunications industry. Prof Danbatta should resist the euphoric lure of the moment and engage in structured actions so that the next five years don’t end in a whimper but in a bang, a time to build legacy milestone in the sands of history. Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 — 23 Obaseki threatened violence not me — Oshiomhole •Says I've never relied on violence to win election By Clifford Ndujihe N SPITE of Governor IGodwin Obaseki’s alleged threat of violence on Edo people, voters will troupe out en mass on September 19 to elect the next governor of the state, immediate past National Chairman of the All progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said. On Sunday Governor Obaseki warned of stiff penalties against perpetrators of violence ahead of the poll and condemned the July 25 display by thugs at the gate of the Palace of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin. Obaseki warned those intent on disturbing public peace that he is determined to carry out his primary responsibility of maintaining order and protecting lives and property as the Chief Security Officer of the state. Speaking on Arise Television programme, on Monday, Oshiomhole, who regretted that violence is now been associated with Edo, said during his eight year tenure many peaceful polls were held in the state on account of his campaign for ‘’one man, one vote,’’ adding Edo voters will not be disuaded by threats of violence. According him, in his second term election during which he won in the 18 local councils of the state and defeated the godfathers of Edo in their wards ‘’not one shot was fired. During the election of Governor Obaseki, when I was the sitting governor, not one shot was fired. My campaign for one man one vote dismantled those who use violence to conduct elections instead of ballot papers. I have a track record which I want to protect.’’ Oshiomhole, who recalled that his supporters were shot at recently by thugs of political opponents, of which he did not retaliate ‘’because I am someone who has never relied on thugs,’’ said: ‘’Before now I have complained about a How Jegede ran to Mimiko for reconciliation, support Contacted, Mimiko’s By Dayo Johnson AKURE—CANDIDATE of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, yesterday, visited the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko to solicit his support for the October 10 election. His visit is coming years after they fell apart and Mimiko defected to the Labour Party. Mimiko who allegedly imposed Jegede on PDP members during the 2016 governorship election fell out with Jegede over some irreconcilable differences. Jegede was the Attorney General and Justice Commissioner under Mimiko for eight years. With the emergence of Mimiko’s Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, and the movement of the deputy governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, Jegede decided to make peace with his former boss. Sources in the Ondo country home of Mimiko said that Jegede and five chieftains of the PDP visited him on Monday evening and held a closed-door meeting. A PDP leader told Vanguard: “Eyitayo has visited his principal and benefactor at last but it is unfortunate that he is just doing it now after Mimiko’s Zenith Labour Party had picked Ajayi as its candidate. This third force is almost consuming our party as many bigwigs across the state are already dumping the party unannounced.” PDP leaders angry with Jegede It was, however, gathered that some PDP leaders are angry that Jegede went back “crawling to Mimiko begging for forgiveness” *Jegede: PDP candidate after it was glaring that he is behind the emergence of the third force to hit back at him. A top PDP leader said: “It is just formality. We know where Mimiko’s mind is. We don’t expect anything from the visit; he just wants to satisfy some party supporters who are putting pressure on him to visit the former governor and make peace.” It’s a courtesy visit to my former boss— Jegede But, Jegede, in his reaction to the visit described it as a courtesy visit to his former boss. The Head, Media Research, Eyitayo Jegede Campaign Organisation, EJCO, Samuel Fasua said: “I went to the home of my former boss, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, on a private visit, not more than a courtesy call; notwithstanding that we belong to different political parties.” His visit is coming too late- ZLP leader A leader of the ZLP told Vanguard that Jegede’s reconciliatory moves were rather too late. It is like crying when the head is off the neck/ It is just a waste of time. The great Iroko has pitched his tent with another formidable politician ahead of the election.” *Oshiomhole: Former APC chairman situation where Obaseki said I should not come to Edo, that before I come to Edo, I must get permission...I watched a clip on Channels Television where the governor said: ‘I am the governor, between me and the deputy, we are the two persons who have immunity, I will arrest anybody who does XYZ. I will arrest him’ He did not say he will report to the police. So he is above the law. That ‘if they want violence we will give them violence.’ A leader does not talk like that." According to Oshiomhole, Edo people cannot be cowed by the threat. ''They will come out en mass to vote on September 19.'' media aide, John Akinduro confirmed the visit but declined to give further details. Ajayi’s posters adorn ZLP secretariat in Ondo Meanwhile, posters and banners of Ajayi have flooded the streets of Akure and the ZLP Secretariat. The state chairman of the party, Mr. Joseph Akinlaja said he is ready to receive Ajayi and other new entrants into the party. Akinlaja said: “You would recall my address during our party primary election that we are going to run for the governorship election of Ondo State and win. After the party primaries of other parties, our ZLP has become the beautiful bride of all parties. For those coming including Mr. Ajayi, they are all welcome into our great party.” Ajayi shuns PDP State congress The deputy governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi was conspicuously absent at the state congress of the PDP held, yesterday, in Akure. Ajayi’s absence at the congress confirmed his defection to ZLP as his aides and supporters were equally absent Only delegates from his Ese- Odo council area of the state were seen at the venue of the congress. One of his aides confided in Vanguard that their boss was away in Abuja to perfect his defection plan slated for Thursday and Friday this week. Ajayi, according to findings, will be going to his Apoi ward in Ese- Odo tomorrow to resign his membership of the PDP and the same time register as a member of the ZLP.
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05082020 - Buhari to completely rejig security system —NSA

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