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14 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 Don’t be distracted from daily worship AMONG the things that can destroy the rewards of fasting is allowing oneself to be distracted by being engrossed in TV shows, movies, soap operas, football matches especially the common European and English championship; playing games, idle talk and gathering among others. These most times, distract Muslims from daily congregational prayers and other ibadah in this month. Some fasting Muslims also use most time of the day to sleep so as to avoid the pangs of hunger and thus spend the night in entertainment and indulging in their desires. These acts diminish the rewards of a Fasting Muslim. The month, both day and night should be used to the fullest in gaining the rewards in it. It is important we have to work, though, even as we go about our businesses in the halaal way, we have to minimise our mundane involvements and maximise our acts of worship. We can change the sinful lifestyles that have crept into our lives. To do this, we need to exert ourselves more in spiritual matters this period. It is only a Workers strike over unfair labour practice by Chinese firm Group focuses on mental, physical well-being in movie premiere AWARD: From right, Security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, the Vice Chancellor, European American University, Prof. JC Egbuta, the awardee, Dr. Victoria Ekhomu, the Registrar, Dr. Amaechi and Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Aro Olusegun at the conferment of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in Industrial Security and Risk Management on Voctoria, yesterday. Benue leaders demand arrest, prosecution of killers of 12 soldiers in Konshisha LG By Peter Duru M A K U R D I — BENUE leaders and stakeholders have demanded for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the Easter Monday murder of 12 Nigerian soldiers at Bonta community in Konshisha Local Government Area, LGA, of the state. The leaders also mandated Governor Samuel Ortom to lead a delegation from the state to visit President Muhammadu Buhari to condole with him and thank him for his patience and understanding. This was contained in the communiqué issued yesterday in Makurdi at the end of the Benue State Security Council/ Stakeholders Meeting on security challenges in the state. While condemning any form of attack on security agencies, the meeting commended Governor Ortom and Konshisha COVID-19: FG laments death of 2, 000 By Ibrahim Hassan Other grievances of the Nigerians MEMBERS of the National Union of Engineering Civil Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers, NUCEECFWW have begun a nationwide strike against China Zhonghao Nigeria Ltd over alleged unfair labour practices. Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of the Union, Shola Oyelayo, accused the company of violating the nation’s labour law, among other issues. “Some of the labour laws that the China Zhonghao Nigeria Limited violated included casualization of workers, noncompliance with health and safety standards at work place,” he said. TO ease the stress imposed by daily hustle, Freak Media Limited, organizer of Movie X Event will weekend celebrate its second edition, billed to be the first ever outdoor movie premiere in Nigeria. In a media chat, the organizer of the event said the premiere promises to be a unique one with an unconventional screening style of having to see movies in the most memorable settings, with wellness theme that would support physical and mental well being as a way of encouraging young adults to do away with stress and think about their health just as often as they consider their wealth. “This edition would be premiering a Nevada Bridge T.V. exclusive movie and have some month and must be used to the fullest. We know that in this month the Prophet (s.a.w) beside fasting during the day, prayed for longer hours at night, exerted more in Allah’s dhikr (remembrance), humbled himself before His Creator, and showed his love and fear of Allah and special reverence for this month. This Ramadan we, too, need to take the minutes and the hours from our schedules to exert more in worship of Allah. This is the only way Ramadan can positively change our lives for better. The Children Endeavour to encourage your children to recite Quran regularly every day even if it be a little. This will not only instill discipline in them but will also make them know more about the words of God. Wake them up for Tahajud, Suhoor and Fajr prayers. Build their confidence by encouraging them (especially the younger ones under ten years old) to fast even for a few hours or half a day. Let them perform Salat together while you pray. Teach them one new things about Ramadan every day, on dua, Quran, Hadith, benefit of fasting and Taraweeh, Charity, etc. workers included nonimplementation of condition of service, non-payment of outof-station and transfer allowances and poor industrial relationship practice. Oyelayo lamented that the union held series of meetings with the management but failed to address their demands. He said the workers embarked on indefinite strike after the expiration of 14 days ultimatum, explaining that the strike was nationwide and all the gates of the company would remain closed till further notice. The Director of China Zhonghao Nigeria Limited, Mr Liu said the firm would call for an emergency meeting to address the workers’ demands. of the biggest A-list Nigerian celebrities in attendance,” the statement read. The event, which is scheduled for this Saturday, is to be aired at the Amore Gardens, Freedom way Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos. The organiser also added that the event is billed to start with a red carpet walkway and guests are encouraged to dress casually, noting that the event is positioned to attract a wide media attention. “Movie X is more about a unique experience rather than the movie itself. Movie X can air anywhere but the cinema house. We hope to give people more options when it comes to movie screening as against the very conventional cinema house style,” the organiser said. By David Odama LAFIA—THE Federal Government yesterday decried the death of over 2,000 Nigerians due to COVID-19 pandemic and urged stakeholders to mobilize against the virus. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha stated this at the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 town hall meeting on COVID-19 vaccination for North Central Zone in Lafia, Nasarawa Sate capital. According to Mustapha who is also the Chairman Steering Committee, CSC, on COVID-19, over 142 million persons in Nigeria had contracted the virus, noting that the country was yet to receive negative report on the effect of the vaccine administered on people since the receipt of the Oxford AstraZanica vaccine in March this year. While noting that the nation would soon overcome the pandemic, the SGF disclosed that travelling out of the country would henceforth be determined by COVID-19 vaccination. Also speaking, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said 2,060 Nigerians had died of COVID-19 since the first case of the disease was confirmed in Lagos on February 27, 2020. According to the minister, the COVID-19 pandemic had slowed the country’s Gross Domestic Product GDP by 23 percent due to the downturn in the economic activities within and outside Nigeria as well as the international trading partners. •As Nasarawa receives 61, 350 doses of Astrazeneca vaccine He said the Federal Government had successfully taken delivery of the first batch of four million doses of the COVID- 19 vaccines on March 2, 2021. On his part, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa Miyetti Allah leader's peace award, scandalous, mockery of Tiv nation — MUT By Peter Duru M AKURDI—AN umbrella body of Tiv speaking people, worldwide, The Mzough U Tiv, MUT, has distanced itself from the peace award given to the President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, by a Tiv Unity Forum, TUF, describing it as scandalous, mischievous, a blasphemy and mockery of the Tiv nation. The MUT in a statement, yesterday signed by the President General, Chief Iorbee Ihagh and Secretary General, Luther Iorbee in Makurdi, said Solomon Semakaa of TUF had no mandate of the union or that of the Tiv Traditional Council, TTC, to bestow the said award. Part of the statement read, “We want the world to know that TUF is a sycophantic and a self seeking partisan organisation which is not recognised as a socio-cultural organisation in Tiv land by both Mdzough U Tiv and the Tiv Traditional Council. The group does not have the power to speak, act and conduct any activity of such a magnitude for and on behalf of the Tiv people. “We view the conferment of award by this group on the leadership of Miyetti Allah as stakeholders for ensuring the recovery of 11 out of the 12 weapons that were taken away from the murdered soldiers urging that efforts be intensified to recover the remainder The meeting also commended the efforts made by the governor to ensure peace and security in the State as well as preventing the escalation of the crisis in Konshisha LGA. Part of the communiqué read, “the meeting recommends State, announced that the state received 61, 350 doses of Astrazeneca vaccine and had administered most of them on the people in the state. He said the state government would commence second phase of the jab this May. scandalous and mischievous and must not be misconstrued by the public as a true reflection of the feelings and aspirations of the Tiv people. “It is also an act of blasphemy, mockery to the Tiv nation and blunt disregard for the uncountable deaths of innocent and defenseless Benue citizens By Bose Adelaja THE Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Mr Olusesan Daini has said that the council would build two more Police stations and posts within the area. Daini, who spoke while rendering his account of stewardship within 1,358 days in office, at the Council Secretariat, said this will improve the security situation in the LCDA. The Council Chairman said with the approval of the state government, the Police stations would be cited at Elepe and Agunfoye areas, adding that a family has increased surveillance in Benue communities while monarchs and other stakeholders should support security agencies through intelligence gathering. The meeting cautions politicians against the use of thugs to harass opponents and charges leaders at all levels to intensify synergy in combating criminality in the state. “The meeting recommends that all illegal revenue check points in the state be dismantled with immediate effect. The meeting supports the call for restructuring and devolution of powers, as well as a review of the revenue sharing formula. The meeting recommends that security support be provided to traditional rulers to enable them discharge their duties effectively at the grassroots level.” The meeting had in attendance political and religious leaders as well as traditional rulers from the three senatorial zones. in the wicked hands of blood thirsty herdsmen militia over the years. “Hence the purported award is merely a calculated attempt to jeopardize and scuttle the collective determination of the Benue people to protect and defend themselves from the orchestrated agenda of the Fulani herdsmen.'' Council plans more police stations, clears drainages donated six plots of land at Elepe for the project. According to him, plans were underway to also cite a Marine Police post in Ibeshe area of the LCDA to curtail and ensure security of lives and property in the area. Daini said the council has embarked on repair works on canals and clearing of drainages to make the roads passable ahead of the rainy season. These, he said, would reduce flooding, accidents and ease movement of motorists during the rainy season. He said: “As part of our efforts to ensure adequate security, we constructed 63 squadron base of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force in Igbogbo Baiyeku.''
C M Y K Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021 — 15 Truecaller’s new anti-fraud solution builds business-client confidence By Juliet Umeh Telephone search engine and caller identification, ID service provider, Truecaller, has introduced a new identity solution, Truecaller Business Identity, for businesses to reinforce safety and eliminate fraud. The enterprise solution makes business calls tamper-proof and increases consumer safety by preventing fraud and scam calls. It allows businesses to verify their identities using a green verified business badge, accurately presenting the name, photo and the logo of the organisation. Truecaller said the new solution brings greater trust and efficiency in communication between businesses and clients as it gives confidence to consumers, knowing that the caller is a verified business by Truecaller. Apart from adding trust and reducing the possibility of fraud, a Verified Business badge can be a big boom for start-ups and businesses who are brandconscious and want to accurately present the name of their entity, logo and give their customers the satisfaction of knowing exactly who they are conducting business with. The new feature also allows businesses to drive efficiency in their communications while improving call-pickup rates for genuine and important calls. Speaking during the launch, Zakaria Hersi, Director of Business Development in Africa said: “Fraud continues to be a major issue across Africa and as a company, Truecaller wanted to provide solutions on a business level as well as a personal level. Trust is at the heart of everything we do and with so much of our lives lived through our phone, we need to ensure that our communication happens in a safe environment. “Truecaller Enterprise has been set up with the strong intent of building solutions for businesses that will not just improve the efficiency of their communication but also provide significant value and safety to consumers in their day-to-day lives. *Mr Alioune Ciss By Prince Osuagwu, Hi-Tech Editor You once worked at UNCTD. How has the experience helped you to shape the vision of Webb Fontaine? When I was working for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, we were offering ICT solutions for Customs Administrations. I was collaborating with Customs Administrations such as the Nigeria Custom Service. This allowed me to develop a great understanding of the importance of technology to develop the trade environment. In Webb Fontaine, our purpose is to transform the future of trade through technology. Our mission is to empower governments and communities with future-proof technology and expertise to transform the Customs and Trade environment. At Webb Fontaine, our ethos is centred around knowledge transfer and this is something I have carried with me. You recently announced readiness to establish AI Centre for R&D in Africa, which of the three big African ICT countries; Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt are you looking to do that? We are investing in Africa because we know the talent is there and its growing, I have seen it with my own eyes. As you mentioned, there are a few countries that are really taking strides in IT, and Nigeria is definitely one! We are looking at all of the IT leading countries in the region and looking for the best fit. Setting up the centre will be a step-by-step process. Firstly, we need to identify the best of the best Africans to power our research and development centre. We will organise bootcamps where we will gather people from different countries. We will be looking at a large spectrum of talent. Not only in ICT, but also need people in geography, mathematics, physics, to enable us build the best solutions. We have realised that the location of the center is not such a big issue. Today, people work remotely while others will be working in the centre. Why Africa, for this project? Look at the technology around AI, Our AI centre will open up Africa’s economy — Alioune Ciss, Webb Fontaine CEO CEO of Trade technology company,Webb Fontaine, Mr Alioune Ciss, is a tech professional with cognate experience in Trade and Customs field. His job entails strategically bringing together new technologies and ideas to implement and change mindsets. He has worked in different international fronts including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, where he spent a record 24 years. While at the UNCTD, Ciss worked on Trade and Customs issues, and was instrumental to digitising the sector in Nigeria. His experience in Nigeria gave him more insight to the pool of talents from Africa. So, when he joined Webb Fontaine in 2015 as the Executive Director of Sales, basically helping countries to optimize trade through technology, Africa was on his radar. Today as CEO, he has a lofty plan to establish an Artificial Intelligence centre in Africa; which he says will open up the continent’s economy. you have things like face recognition, right? But when you go to an airport today, you have to use face recognition, which most often, doesn’t recognise Africans or darkskinned people. This is because the technology was not built to fit our needs. Although this has started to change gradually, but we still have a long way to go; and I believe the technology that is being developed in Africa now will not only address that but will be exported and shared across the globe. How will the project open up Africa’s economy? I think things are changing especially in ICT. For a long time, Africa has been receiving a lot of new technologies. This has changed tremendously over the last few years where we have seen ICT hubs and development boom from within Africa by Africans. But we want to see this more and be a part of this. This is why we will be opening our R&D hub. The pace of technological development in Nigeria is high and that makes almost everybody who wants to come to Africa, think of Nigeria. Are you considering the country for modular space of innovations? It is a consideration, a serious consideration that we’ve been working on. As I said, Webb Fontaine has been working in Nigeria since 2006. And we are already collaborating with a lot of IT companies and telecom companies to set up the solutions we are delivering to Nigeria Customs Service today. Nigeria is definitely one of the countries we are seriously considering for this centre. Are there expectations that the centre will attract FDI in the region? FDI is extremely important across the Africa region, especially in this new era of the African Free Trade Area that we’re setting up for the continent. I think that we need to continue developing our economies, but we also need to attract people to invest and build companies. From a Webb Fontaine perspective, through our technology, the Trade environment is being optimised. It’s easier to import, it’s easier to export and this is extremely important in attracting FDI. I have taken time to study Webb Fontaine and I can see how much you have increased your outputs in multiple countries. What other plans beside the AI Centre do you have for Africa? Webb Fontaine has some of the largest R&D centres in the industry that are all fully in-house. This means that we can develop the most effective Trade technology in the industry from within Africa that can be fully tailored to Africa but also more importantly, taken to the rest of the world. We see so much talent in the continent, we want to tap into this talent, and we want Africa to be at the forefront of the trade transformation that is happening. Are there policies you think will challenge your setting up the AI Centre? Not at all; we know the policies very well across the region. We are in talks with a few countries already in regard to setting up the centre. The countries I talked about are definitely giving good incentives to set up centres. Nigeria, we know quite well and of course have a large foothold there already therefore this is of huge interest to us. Recently you got three prestigious awards at the Nigeria Technology Awards, are they part of incentives spurring your actions? I think it was a great honour, to receive these awards in Nigeria. This is a testament to not just us but to our partners and their vision. Nigeria Customs Service, our partners here in Nigeria are really making strides in digitalisation in Trade and Customs and you can see this through the continued positive results. They are a great example of an optimal Trade environment powered by AI and technology. Even through the challenges of Covid-19, NCS continue to set a great example to not only the region but to the rest of the world as well. This award is about the coming together of two partners to create positive change. POST-COOKIE ADVERTISING: Terragon, Facebook introduce new solution to bail-out brands By Juliet Umeh As the online advertising industry counts down to the total extinction of third-party cookies, online advertisers and digital marketers have been urged to test new solutions now rather than later. This was a consensus call at a recent webinar organized by Terragon Limited in conjunction with Facebook. The Webinar titled: Online Advertising in a Post-Cookie World: Delivering Personalised Ads using the Terragon CDP and Facebook Conversions API, had almost 300 signups from industry leaders and practitioners from leading FMCG, Telcos, Banks and E-Commerce brands across Africa. Speaking during the Webinar, Chris Humphery, a Marketing Strategy and Tech Consultant at PwC, noted that brands must invest in data and technology to prepare adequately for the post-cookie world. “To test and learn is not to move fast and fail, it is about moving fast and building things. It is understanding what data and technology can expand into the marketing technology space and potentially adding to that MarTech space to drive through the greater ability to execution.” Buttressing the same point, Dayo Adefila, Head Digital Marketing, Africa at PZ Cussons advised against a fire-brigade approach to online advertising in a post-cookie world. “Test and begin. Don’t wait till October, November. Start getting to see how you can take advantage of Facebook’s Conversions API and look at the right CDP. Terragon has something that is really customised for Africa because it is mobile-first and it has mobile reach.” Acknowledging the potential disruptions to online advertising that the extinction of third-party cookies will cause, the speakers called for restrategising and investment in customer data. “What advertisers really need to do is to rethink their approach to customer data. Ultimately, by doing that, they will reduce their reliance on the thirdparty cookies.” Chris Humphrey noted.” “The role of a CDP (Customer Data Platform) will become very important in a post-cookie world and particularly API into each of the Walled Gardens. The challenge that we as advertisers will have is getting the level of data back from those Walled Gardens.” He added On his part, Dayo Adefila highlighted the importance of restrategising in order for advertisers to meet their KPIs. “There’s a brave new world that is not waiting. At the end of the day you don’t want to be spending money without achieving key results.” “Customer Relationship Management is required to help get better first-party data and to understand what is important to your customers.”- He added. Introducing the Facebook Conversions API, a solution to help brands prepare for the post-cookie world, Emily Wilson, a Marketing product and Partnership Manager at Facebook discussed the importance of personalisation to consumers and how Facebook’s solution can help brands. “When we surveyed consumers across 8 markets globally, 87% of consumers feel that it is really important to purchase from brands or retailers that understand them and understand what they actually care about.” “Personalised experiences are powered by data and that is what helps advertisers provide the most relevant message at the right time across a customer’s journey. It is impossible to serve a targeted Ad to someone and make sure that Ad is super relevant and interesting to them if you don’t know anything about that user.” Also speaking on the benefits of the solution, she noted that the Facebook Conversions API can be used to share any kind of real-time website interaction with a brand’s website as well as the customer activity that may be stored in the server that the pixel may not be able to access.” - She stressed the need for Brands to invest in data-driven marketing noting that “The better your data, the better your Return on Investment.” According to her: “A more reliable data connection ultimately means better insight into your customers’ activities and preferences and more insights provide more opportunities to personalise the Ad experience for customers which ultimately drives higher engagement and better outcomes for your business.” Terragon is the leading data and analytics company in Africa that uses data and analytics to help brands in Africa connect at scale to their customers. Terragon is also listed as the only African-founded CDP partner for the Conversions API, in Africa.
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