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Tag: ICT

  • How regulation can deliver promise of digital economy

    How regulation can deliver promise of digital economy

    The first “Global ICT Regulatory Outlook” released last year by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) showed that expectations of regulation in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) have grown.

    TheNewsGuru reports not surprisingly, the pace of regulation in the ICT sector is faster than in most other industries, according to the ITU.

    ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao, in his opening remarks at the Global Symposium for Regulators 2018 in Geneva on Tuesday said, “We at ITU embrace our role as a catalyst for innovation and technology development”.

    “And I say this mindful that regulatory authorities are often characterized as lagging behind technological change – that they need to keep up with the fast pace of the industry and address new frontier technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G,” he added.

    Information and communication technologies (ICTs) now permeate every aspect of our lives. 2017 produced more data than the entire history of humanity.

    “We are moving to a world where everyone and everything will be connected at all times – and across countries, people and sectors,” said Houlin.

    Significant progress has been made towards bringing mobile-broadband technologies to rural and remote areas: 85% of the world’s population was covered by a mobile-broadband network at the beginning of 2017. The number of mobile-cellular subscriptions worldwide exceeds the global population, he said.

    As for fixed-broadband adoption, it continues to increase at a steady pace – and with increasing speeds. In early 2017, almost 70% of all fixed-broadband subscriptions in the developing world had advertised speeds equal or above 10 Mbit/s, although the overall penetration rate in developing countries is still well below that of developed countries.

    In response, ICT regulators are teaming with regulators from other sectors to address multi-sector issues. Policies, laws and regulations need to be updated in nearly every aspect of our daily lives as consumers, businesses and citizens, according to Houlin.

    The move towards a more open, collaborative, incentive-based and cross-sectoral regulation will be critically important in delivering on the rich promise of the digital economy, not just for the benefit of consumers and businesses – but to all those who are still unconnected around the world.

    Connectivity is key for health, agriculture, banking and education. It is key for all the sectors of the economy that can benefit from the increased efficiency, new services and innovative business models that emerging technologies can bring.

    The risk is that the wave of technological change might deepen the divide between the “haves” and the “have nots” when 3.9 billion people around the world are still not using the Internet, let alone today’s new frontier technologies.

    There can be no mass digitization without universal and affordable access to broadband. Divergent regulatory frameworks across the world add complexity, create uncertainty and discourage investment.

    Together with innovation and inclusivity, infrastructure and investment form the “4 I’s” that are critical to bridging the digital divide and leveraging the power of ICTs to advance WSIS Action Lines, Connect 2020 and the SDGs.

    “How we deal with this transformation will be a defining challenge of the 21st century. Regulators and policy makers from around the world are in the unique position to unleash the opportunities brought about by new technologies and business models.

    “Let us continue to work together to harness ICTs for the greater good – and for everyone,” Houlin said.

     

  • Smart city: Obaseki, global city leaders examine barriers

    Smart city: Obaseki, global city leaders examine barriers

    The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the President of Singapore, Halimah Yacob, Minister of National Development and Second Minister for Finance, Singapore, Lawrence Wong; with over one hundred representatives of national and municipal governments as well as leading private sector players in cities development, at the weekend began deliberations on how to eliminate challenges to sustainable cities at the World Cities Summit in Singapore.

    The meeting of experts organisers say, “is an exclusive platform for government leaders and industry experts to address livable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships.”

    Jointly organised by Singapore’s Centre for Livable Cities and Urban Redevelopment Authority, the biennial summit, features the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize; the annual World Cities Summit Mayors Forum; and World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium.

    In his contributions at the global summit, Obaseki made a case for smarter cities that would rely on information and communication technology (ICT) for the efficient management of cities’ assets and resources.

    The governor’s smart city proposition, according to experts“ is an urban center that uses different types of electronic data collection sensors to supply information which is used to manage assets and resources efficiently.

    “This includes data collected from citizens, devices, and assets that is processed and analysed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, power plants, water supply networks, waste management, law enforcement, information systems, schools, libraries, hospitals, and other community services.

    “The smart city concept integrates information and communication technology (ICT), and various physical devices connected to the network (the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimise the efficiency of city operations and services and connect to citizens. Smart city technology allows city officials to interact directly with both community and city infrastructure and to monitor what is happening in the city and how the city is evolving.”

    Organisers explained that the “World Cities Summit Mayors Forum is an annual by-invitation-only global event for city leaders to discuss pressing urban issues and share best practices with one another.

    “The peer-to-peer platform invites mayors and senior leaders from international organisations and the industry to exchange experiences in developing integrated urban solutions, building economic and environmental resilience, engaging with communities and sustaining a high quality of life in urban regions. Participants will hear from each other on innovations and changes they are implementing in their cities, and how these are managed.”

    Obaseki will showcase the impact of the revamped Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) in the state, the agency’s civil but firm approach to traffic management after months of training and the positive reception and feedbacks from road-users months after its revamp.

    He will also showcase the work of the Edo State Geographic Information Service Agency (EGIS), the Ministry for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Land Bureau that are working together in generating land data for development, easing transfer of land titles and in obtaining Certificate of Occupancy as well as the simplification and speedy issuance of approvals for businesses amongst others.

    The Edo State delegation has the Managing Director of the Edo Geographic Information Service Agency, Architect Frank Evbuomwan, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Edorodion Oye Erimona, the chairmen of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas.

    The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Lecture & Forum, a major feature of the Summit, recognises outstanding international initiatives for city excellence by outstanding individuals and organisations who have contributed urban initiatives, policies or projects which epitomise foresight, good governance or innovation in overcoming the challenges faced by cities.

    The organisers further said that the Lecture and forum discussions will focus on four key pillars that are instrumental to the success of every city and its quality of urban life – livability, vibrancy, sustainability and quality of life.

    The World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium is an annual gathering of a select group of change-makers from diverse sectors who shape the global urban agenda where the decisions that leaders make today will impact more than half of the world’s population. The World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium provides a platform for discourse on pressing urban issues and to launch initiatives to tackle the challenges of urbanisation such as planning for urbanisation and preparing cities to be inclusive by creating better access to opportunities such as affordable housing, sustainable transportation, accessible education and meaningful employment.

    With participants drawn from Europe, North and Latin America, Middle East, Asia and Africa and the Oceania, the summit will also feature a series of high-level plenary sessions which provide strategic insights from senior city and organisational leaders on the interplay of leadership and governance and the latest debate on livability and sustainability. The Plenary sessions will be complemented by thematic tracks for in-depth discussion of specific urban issues.

     

  • ICT: Anambra targets 1,000 digital entrepreneurs

    ICT: Anambra targets 1,000 digital entrepreneurs

    No fewer than 1,000 youth from different walks of life in Anambra State will benefit from the Digital Entrepreneurship training programme organised by the state government.

    The state Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, made the disclosure at the inauguration of the maiden Anambra DigiPrenueur Week tagged `The Next Level’ in Awka on Monday.

    Okeke said the programme was in line with Gov. Willie Obiano’s programme for the youths.

    The deputy governor said that business had moved from archaic brick and mortar approach to modern information driven system.

    He said that Obiano remained the most youth friendly governor with over 65 per cent of them as appointees of his government and some of the youngest commissioners in the country.

    The deputy governor expressed the hope that with the training and subsequent mentorship, Anambra would raise the pool of entrepreneurs that would dictate the pace in the digital world.

    In his remarks, Mr Ifeanyi Aniagor, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Empowerment and Digital Entrepreneurship said that the programme was meant for youth including employed and unemployed graduates.

    Aniagor said that it also included undergraduates and any other interested persons who wished to explore business opportunities available in the digital world.

    He said that there were lots of opportunities for internet users to make good business but decried that the right attitude and environment had not been created for them to earn legitimately.

    The governor’s aide said that the training was free with digital tools of over N2 million for distribution to outstanding trainees with mentoring of not less than six months.

    “Through this DigiPrenueur campaign, we will teach people what and how to rightly use the digital space; it focuses on self development, value reorientation and digital skills development.

    “Through creating digital entrepreneurs, we wish to eradicate unemployment, insecurity, end internet fraud also have youths who will dominate the age of digital economy,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Celestine Achi, Chief Executive of PR -wire said digital sector was a sure way to go in the post recession economy of Nigeria.

    Achi, who is one of the resource persons at the training, commended Obiano for creating the enabling environment that encouraged people to seek and exploit opportunities in the Information Technology sector.

    He said that his firm would empower successful trainers with about 500 units of digital tools.

    In his remark, Stanley Uzochukwu, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanel World, Awka said it was time that youths were positioned to take their place in the information age.

    Uzochukwu who is a major partner in the project urged participants to take the training seriously as leading social media, digital and information technology entrepreneurs have been invited to deliver hands-on practical lectures.

     

  • Kenya to use Alphabet’s balloons for rural internet

    Kenya to use Alphabet’s balloons for rural internet

    Kenya will use Alphabet Inc’s system of balloons to beam high-speed internet access in hopes of connecting more of its rural population to the web, its ICT Minister said on Thursday.

    Known as “Project Loon”, the technology was developed by Alphabet’s X, the company’s innovation lab.

    It was used by U.S. telecom operators to provide connectivity to more than 250,000 people in Puerto Rico after a hurricane last year.

    Joe Mucheru, the Information, Communication and Technology Minister, told the media on Wednesday that project representatives were holding talks with local telecom operators.

    “The Loon team are still working out contracts and hopefully, once that is done, we can be able to see almost every part of the country covered,’’ he said.

    The project confirmed it was holding talks locally but it did not give details.

    “We are always in discussions with governments and telcos around the world,” said a Project Loon spokesperson in London.

    With more than 45 million people, Kenya’s major cities and towns are covered by operator networks, but vast swathes of rural Kenya are not covered.

    A Microsoft backed Kenyan start-up has been using under-utilised television frequencies to connect some of those rural communities.

    “Loon is another technology that is being introduced that the licensed operators hopefully can be able to use,’’ Mucheru said, adding it would help the government meet its goal of reaching everyone.

    “Connectivity is critical. If you are not online, you are left out.’’

     

  • Ministry restates commitment to provide online security

    The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu on Tuesday in Abuja restated the ministry’s commitment to ensure adequate cyber-security in the country.

    Shittu said this at the 2018 Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) with the theme: “Internet: An Enabler for Good Governance’’.

    He said that the ministry was putting in place necessary measures to check cyber-crime which he noted was militating against economic growth of the country.

    “We are aware of the negative activities of some users in the past, so government has taken cyber-security with all seriousness and has enacted the Cybercrime Act that leaves no hiding place for criminals online,’’ Shittu said.

    He said that the Federal Government was aware of the difficulties faced by Nigerians in transacting businesses online due to cyber-crime.

    According to him, (Internet Protocol) IP addresses that are traceable to Nigerians or Nigeria are sometimes restricted or out rightly blocked by major e-commerce sites.

    The minister, however, said that Nigeria must leverage on ICT to reposition its economy.

    “We recognise ICT as not just an enabler but a catalyst for economic growth and development and envisage the drive to successful implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the country.

    Shittu said ministry’s determination to embark on building a smart digital Nigeria as enshrined in its ICT strategic road map 2017-2020.

    “This road map is consistent with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government.

    “We envisage a society with the knowledge and means to make transactions anytime, anywhere and by anyone.

    “It is expected that the effort will help Nigeria’s transition to a digital and knowledge-based economy that gives the private sector the latitude to innovate and easy to access government services,’’ Shittu said.

    Earlier, the President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Mr Sunday Folayan frowned at indiscriminate arrest of people with tools of ICT under the guise that they used them for cyber-crime.

    Folayan, in his lecture titled: “Impact of Internet Governance Process in Nigeria in the last six years’’, condemned persons who use ICT tools for fraudulent purposes.

    He said “in recent times people with phones and laptops were arrested by security operatives and tagged: “yahoo-yahoo boys”, but no to that because the internet ecosystem has evolved.

    He urged the minister to raise the issue at the Federal Executive Council meeting to attract the attention of the Federal Government.

    He, however, urged internet users in the country to explore the benefits as provider of information and tools for improving one’s capacity.

     

  • Democracy Day: Nigeria needs to change economy through ICT – Expert

    Democracy Day: Nigeria needs to change economy through ICT – Expert

    Mr Gbenga Sesan, the Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative, an NGO says the country needs radical change through the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to improve the economy.

    Sesan said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja as the country is preparing to celebrate another Democracy Day on May 29.

    He urged the government to utilise the opportunities in technology to bring about a radical change in the economy for the benefit of citizens.

    “Countries of the world that are taking advantage of technology are moving faster; and government should focus on it properly and make sure that the promises that have been made are carried out,’’ Sesan said.

    He said the country needed change to move forward, adding that Nigeria could not afford to have small gains but radical progress and this could be done quickly though ICT.

    “We need a radical change terms of the economy and security, which is a major focus of the government.

    “We call for progress in securing the country, which should be the focus as we celebrate another democracy day.’’

    Sesan said he would rate democracy in Nigeria as six out of 10 because the framework of democracy was already present, which had given citizens the opportunity to participate and express their opinions.

    “But government can do better in this coming year to make democracy what it should be.’’
    Paradigm Initiative Nigeria is a non-profit social enterprise that connects Nigerian youths with ICT-enabled opportunities.

    It works with Nigerian government, civil society, private institutions, and international organizations to achieve its objectives.

     

  • Cyber security: Senator calls for single national infrastructure

    The Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Cybercrime, Sen. Foster Ogola, has called for a single national infrastructure for gateway as a strategy to combat cybercrime.

    Ogola made the call on Wednesday at the end of a two-day Indo-Africa ICT Expo 2018 with the theme: “One World, One Platform: Let’s Talk about Digital Transformation”.

    “There must be a control structure for whatever data coming into Nigeria, and that is the duty of government and private sector because attack of a hacker in the country would affect them.

    “Then, whatever you are protecting may not be as protected as you think.

    “We have storage but what we are lacking is a single national infrastructure for gateway which we, in the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Crime, are taking into cognisance,’’ he said.

    The lawmaker urged participants and panels at the Expo to look into the issue and reflect it in the communique they would issue.

    “We need a national infrastructure to ensure data are protected,” he said.

    Ogola added that telecommunications companies in the country had critical infrastructure not nationally protected.

    “A nation should be proud of her data and store it by herself and see it as a national asset.

    “If MTN is storing its own in South Africa, Austell doing same in Arabian countries, and all the data not nationally secured, then we risk defeat in cyber war,” he said.

    The senator said that, with a national infrastructure, security agencies could monitor activities of citizens to reduce crime.

    “This is why Nigeria has partnered with India; data is critical to national security and should be taken very serious.’’

    Mr Toyin Olaniteru, Chief Executive Officer, Spindlar Cyberlaw Centre, called for proper enlightenment of social media users on information security.

    According to him, some information given on social media such as family functions and birthdays have been used to defraud.

    About 1,400 delegates, 35 ICT companies from India and 15 ICT firms from Nigeria attended the event held at the at Eko Hotels and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The two-day event was organised to provide wider opportunities for African and Indian companies to stand out with their distinctive products through exhibition and networking.

    It is also aimed at establishing strategic partnerships among key players of the ICT ecosystem.

    The forum is expected to proffer practical steps and solutions that will assist relevant MDAs in formulating a robust roadmap toward a workable partnership in fostering local ICT content among some development partners.

     

  • FG to create national artificial intelligence ecosystem – Minister

    The Federal Ministry of Communications has restated its commitment to support stakeholders in the ICT to create and strengthen a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem to achieve sustainable development.

    The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, said this at a press conference on Thursday, in Abuja.

    The event was to mark the 2018 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, with the theme: “Enabling the Positive Use of Artificial Intelligence for All’’.

    Shittu said that the ministry was committed to focus on the potential of the AI to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and improve the nation’s economy.

    He said that, “AI is taking centre stage with a lot of impact on peoples’ lives as its potential power is being exploited and developed at an unprecedented speed.

    “With many nations, including Nigeria bank on technology, robotics and artificial intelligence to reshape humanity, we need to encourage our youth and people to be digital literate and become multi-discipline in ICTs.

    “Also market analysts predict that intelligent machines programmed to think and reason like the human mind will revolutionise healthcare in the very near future.

    “Proponents of the transformative power of artificial intelligence usually give two examples: self-driving cars and the delivery of healthcare.”

    The minister emphasised that AI was no longer confined to the laboratories, but could be seen in many instances of human activities.

    “We are accustomed to seeing countless references to intelligent machines and robots in popular culture whether it is in movies, fiction or books.

    “But apart from computers and smartphone technology, nothing is more worthy of praise than our commitment to replicate human behaviours and thought pattern into machine and that is the world of artificial intelligence.

    “As governments increasingly rely on the internet for governance and delivery of social benefits, technology simultaneously holds the promise of transformation and potential for exclusion.’’

    He said that the ministry would engage in crucial conversations with stakeholders to manage and explore the AI regime.

    According to him, Nigeria will seek to bring industry leaders and academic experts to the forefront by identifying priorities and share lessons for sustainable growth.

    “We shall consider and explore pillars like connectivity, digital inclusion, trade, security, innovation and policy.

    “We will also examine challenges and prospects of AI to foster greater interoperability and security.

    “Since government is leveraging the internet for delivery of social services, all lesson must be internalised to make this initiative more inclusive,’’ the minister said.

    NAN reports that ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao in his message to mark ‘s day said every year on May 17, ITU members around the world celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

    “Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is taking center stage with a lot of impact on people’s lives.

    “AI’s potential power is being exploited and developed at an unprecedented speed. AI brings us many opportunities and challenges. AI will greatly change our economy and society,’’ he said.

    According to Zhao, ITU in its role of specialised UN Agency for ICT services and technologies, wishes to work with academia, researchers, industries, administrations and governments, UN Agencies.

    Zhao said the union would also work with other stakeholders and partners to facilitate the AI development, to bring the benefits of AI to all.

    “ITU invites you to join us to celebrate WTISD 2018!’’, he said.

     

  • Edo Govt. trains 1,500 persons on ICT-based teaching

    The Edo Government has trained no fewer than 1,500 teachers in the public primary schools in the state on Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based teaching.

    Mr Mike Itua, Secretary, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo wing, disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Benin.

    Itua said that the trained and certified teachers had, since the resumption of the present term, been teaching online in the 300 pilot schools marked out by the state government.

    “Another batch of 2,000 will commence training in August as the training is in line with the Edo government’s vision and desire to digitalise education in the state.

    “The 300 pilot schools are spread across the wards in the state as teachers’ participation in the training for now is voluntary.

    “It is expected that in due course, all teachers in the state will be ICT compliant.

    “The programme is presently for teachers handling primaries one to three classes and the essence is to regenerate the old order and turn it anew.

    “It is expedient that you get it right with the pupils in their formative years as that is the foundation period,’’ he said.

    The NUT scribe said that the programme was saving teachers lots of man-hour deployed in lesson note preparation and planning, as this had been built into the programme.

    He said that the trained teachers were provided with working tools like tablets and iPads.

    Itua explained that government was considering the provision of solar energy in the public schools.

    He said that funds for the payment of promotion arrears for the primary schools teachers for 2013 to 2015 had been provided.

    Itua remarked that the teachers were now at par with other workers in the state civil service in that regard.

    The NUT secretary expressed optimism that the financial benefits of the promotion would be worked into the pay roll in June.

    “Pensions for the retired members of the NUT have been paid as at when due.

    “The gratuities and the arrears will be paid from the N1.5 billion approved by Gov. Godwin Obaseki on May 1,” he said

    Recall that early this year, Obaseki approved the ICT- based training to be done in phases.

     

  • Nigeria to cooperate with India on ICT – Minister

    The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has assured of Nigeria’s readiness to forge closer cooperation with India to achieve meaningful growth in the ICT sector.

    Adebayo made this known in Abuja while briefing newsmen about the proposed 4th edition of the Indo-Africa ICT conference and expo organised by Indian High Commission.

    The event marked this year’s edition in the series scheduled to hold from May 22 to May 23 in Lagos.

    According to the Minister, this expo is very important because it was organised at a time Nigeria had made investment in its ICT at the front burner.

    Adebayo said “Nigeria being the fastest growing ICT market and with a young population that have capacity and innovative mind, we stand to partner and learn from India.

    “The Federal Government’s campaign on encouragement of the patronage of locally produced goods and services is on course.

    “Government also put the spotlight on local manufacturers when, via three strategic executive orders, it compelled MDA’s to channel at least 40 per cents of procurement to locally-made goods and services.

    “This expo will enable Nigeria’s start-ups, entrepreneurs and businesses to form partnerships with their foreign counterpart and pitch innovative creations for public/commercial acceptance.

    “Government is more than ever before prepared to patronise made-in Nigeria goods, instead of buying foreign products, to grow faster and stimulate economic growth.”

    Adebayo urged Indian investors to key into the numerous untapped resources and huge potential market in the country, to promote business cooperation between the two countries.

    He described Nigeria to be among the fastest growing markets in African and by extension the world that had improved in macroeconomic indicator, comfortable business environment and population.

    He, however, reiterated that the nation’s policy thrust is to step with reality of digital and fourth revolution, create viable environment for investment in network infrastructure.

    Earlier, the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Mr Shri Reddy, said that the Third edition of the event took place in Lagos in September 2017

    According to him, the holding of the 4th edition of the expo is reflective of commitment of India to engage with African countries, to promote use of ICTs in national economic development.

    Reddy said “the choice of Lagos for this event for a second time is a recognition of the vast potentials that exists in Nigeria.

    “It is also because of the nation’s importance as gateway to the West-Africa and other parts of the continent.”

    He said that India and Africa would forge closer cooperation in efforts to accelerate growth in ICT with the view to boost economies through the use of advanced technologies and services.

    He said that ICT would provide business opportunity for local entrepreneurs to pitch their solutions and products to over 50 Indian companies expected to attend the forthcoming event.

    The expo was an initiative of Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TECP), an organisation set-up by government of India, to promote telecom services.