Nigeria’s first metropolitan wi-fi, Oxygen Broadband Networks has launched providing Lagosians in the Computer village area of Ikeji with their wi-fi needs. Speaking at the network service provider’s launch in Lagos last month, the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of the company, Mr. Wande Adalemo, said: “Oxygen is setting up a Wi-Fi network to provide access to the Internet. By using Wi-Fi technology, a fault tolerant and flexible infrastructure can be delivered. A central Network Operation Centre is in place to enable a 24/7 monitoring of the network and to guarantee fast reaction times in case of faults by the local NOC personnel. The first Hot-zone is at ‘Computer Village’ area of Ikeja, Lagos State. Stakeholders in Computer Village require Internet services extensively.” According to him, the company aims to deliver mass market broadband to Nigerians through two packages it is marketing in the country: ‘Oxygen for you’ and ‘Oxygen for business’. To roll out the network, so far, the company has partnered with Nigeria’s Main One Cable Company as well as with Loop21 Mobile Net, a Wi-Fi hotspot software development company located in Austria. So far, over 6,000 devices have been connected to the company’s wi-fi network since its launch. Computer Village is Oxygen’s first hotspot zone and currently has over 60 access points over a 1km radius of the country’s electronics trading hub. The company currently prices its wi-fi services based on the following bundles as indicated below: More details about the company can be found on the company’s website at www.oxygen.net.ng
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Nigeria’s first metropolitan Wi-Fi, Oxygen Broadband Networks launches in Computer Village, Lagos
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Nigerian invents power-generating machine, makes Africa’s first local car
Perhaps, Nigeria would have joined the likes of Germany, Japan, India and Malaysia as an automobile manufacturer as far back as 1997 when Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu, an electrical/electronics engineer, a doctor of science and lecturer of communications and electronics engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Owerri, made a prototype of his first ever all-African car which he named Z-600. The car which BBC’s Hilary Andersson described as the all-African dream machine, was made for the family market with a top speed of 140km (86m) per hour. Ninety per cent of its parts were sourced locally. For instance, the horn was a doorbell and it would have been the cheapest car on the planet as it would have cost just $2,000 to own one. According to Izuogu who had demonstrated a great flair for inventive and creative knowledge from early childhood, he was working on adapting the engine to allow the Z-600 to double up as a lawnmower or an electricity generator. With the usual Nigerian lackadaisical attitude when it comes to things that will help project the country’s image to the world positively, the authorities were not ready to invest money in the project and so in 2005, the South African Government invited him to build the car there. And since he who pays the piper dictates the tune, South Africa would have been the proud manufacturers of the Z-600 were it not for the incidence of March 11, 2006. Made by Izuogo Unfortunately, this dream was not to see the light of day. According to Dr. Izuogu, some armed men numbering about 12 broke into the Izuogu Motors factory on Saturday, March 11, between 1.00 and 2.00 a.m. and carted away various machines and tools including the design history notebook of Z-600, the design file Z-MASS, containing the design history for mass production of Z-600 car, and the moulds for various parts of the car. Said Izuogu; “It seems that the target of this robbery is to stop the efforts we are making to mass-produce the first ever locally made car in Africa. Other items stolen included locally produced timing wheel, locally produced camshaft, locally produced crankshaft, locally produced engine tappets, all 20 pieces each. Made by Izuogu Also stolen were ten pieces of locally produced Z-600 engine blocks, ten pieces of locally produced pistons, four pieces of engine block mounds, four pieces of top engine block moulds, ten pieces of engine fly wheel and two pieces each of rear car and front mudguard moulds.” The inventor regretted that not only did they lose over one N1 billion in monetary terms, but also time (about 10 years) and the energy it took to design and produce the moulds. “To worsen the matter, our design notebook was also stolen,” he stated. He regarded the incident as a national economic disaster because the nation had lost a technological and intellectual property. Izuogu machine: Before the Z-600 car, Dr. Izuogu had been working on ways to provide the nation and the world with clean, cheap and environment-friendly energy source. So, after 33 years of intense research, he came up with a new branch of physics known as Emagnetodynamics, the branch of physics that studies the conversion of the energy of static magnetic fields into work. Before now, “the conventional electric motor was built on the principle/law of Michael Faraday which states that Force is exerted on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.” The two laws of Emagnetodynamics state as follows: Force is exerted on a composite magnetic pole in the vicinity of an array of like poles; and this force is in the direction of the composite polarity similar to the array. Based on these two laws, he invented the Izuogu machine, also called the self-sustaining Emagnetodynamics machine, a kind of electric motor that draws atomic energy from the nuclei of permanent magnets and therefore requires no input power to operate. Dr. Izuogu According to Izuogu, there are two versions of the Emagnetodynamics machine – the non-self-sustaining and the self-sustaining machine which can run for upwards of 30 to 40 years. He added that soft iron machine or the hard iron machine could be built from each of them. He noted that the machines named M-1000 and M-6000, respectively, could drive 100 KVA and 5 Mega watt electric power generators with no noise, no pollution, and zero energy input. “The M-60 prototype machine has been built and demonstrated, while the M-1000 and M-6000 have been designed waiting to be built,” he said. Scientists have experimented with nuclear reactors in their bid to seek energy source that is clean, cheap and environment-friendly. However, this could not work as the dangers inherent in that are enormous. For instance, reports say that more than 20,000 people developed thyroid cancer and had to have their thyroids removed as a result of April 26, 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Till date, there is about 1,660 square-mile Exclusion Zone around the site of the Chernobyl disaster, 26 years after the accident. Unlike nuclear reactors, the Izuogu machine draws atomic energy without the dangers and complications of nuclear reactors. Izuogu said that besides generating electricity, the machine can also power big luxury buses and trams.
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Ghana Making Foward Move On Mobile Money
Secretary of state for communications authorities in Ghana have confirmed that the entire process of creating a “cashless society” is on the right track and also the Ministry wishes to finalize numerous contracts prior to the finish of the season to be able to get this to a real possibility. Minister of Communication Haruna Idrissu stated the “benefits from the growing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) atmosphere for that financial sector were enormous and should be utilized through the banking sector to create banking towards the door-steps of the clients.” Delivering a keynote address in the opening from the 16th Ghana National Banking Conference on Tuesday, Idrissu stated that “cashless transactions could safeguard the folks against transporting bulky sums of cash to draw in the interest of crooks privately in their houses and office premises.” His ministry confirmed on Friday that they are presently dealing with Central Bank authorities in Accra arrive at a contract to assistance with the delivery and functionality of mobile money for clients in the country. Anticipation, they stated, was that by the middle of the coming year, operators will have the ability to begin moving the origins of the items the ministry thinks is a new functioning mobile money system which will alleviate some time and frustration over transactions.
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Africa’s Mobile Money Forum 2012 – South Africa
This unique event will showcase the evolution of mobile lifeline services and applications in Africa, enabling you to define your opportunities from the intersection of mobile money, mobile health and mobile agriculture. Select strategic partners from our definitive exhibition of innovative apps and services, devices, platforms and mWallets – powering your strategy to create new revenues, efficiencies and loyalty. Run by a team of mobile money, mobile health and mobile agriculture experts, Connected Africa Forum brings together senior decision makers from across the lifestyle apps and services universe to explore opportunities in banking, healthcare and agriculture. Benefits of attending Africa is the fastest growing mobile market in the world FACT! For the first time the mobile community at the heart of socio-economic development in Africa will convene to leverage the mobile infrastructure that will increase financial and social inclusion. Connected Africa Forum will engage the project leaders within MNOs and banks responsible for programme deployments; the NGOs, governments and donor agencies investing in mobile lifeline services. Our team of mobile money, mobile health and mobile agriculture experts have identified the key pioneers at the forefront of mobile lifeline evolution to help propel your business into the new mobile age. Read more here:
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Nigerian FG pledges to boost investment in ICT
The country’s ICT sector is specified for a big improvement as the Federal Federal government has actually vowed that the financial investment profile of the sector should be offered fresh fillip so that it could be increased for project creation. President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, stated in Dubai at the on-going ITU Telecom World 2012 that the US$ 15billion investment level on Information and Communication Technology, ICT, will be increased and also uncovered to create added jobs. Comparing Nigeria with the United Arab Emirates, UAE, the Vice-President pointed out “Nigeria, with a populace of pertaining to 167 thousand people, has a financial investment level of pertaining to US$ 15 billion in the ICT sector while Dubai with a populace of almost 4 ton has an investment level of pertaining to $ 60 billion.” Further, VP Sambo took note of that ICT is one of the primary locations of project and riches design as well as as a result “it is vital that Nigeria continues to have teamwork at the worldwide level so regarding continue to grow as well as start the ICT sector in the country to develop projects for the teeming Nigerian populace.” At the innovators lunch time thrown by Nigeria the other day, which was gone to by representatives of state of UAE as well as other Middle East countries and also field forerunners, Vice President Sambo said President Jonathan would definitely have loved to be personally present, but had to be exemplified by your man owing to stress of concerns of state. Mentioning that additional success in the telecoms as well as IT sector will definitely be assisted in by dependable strength supply, Arc Sambo pointed out the advancement of the ICT sector is important to the Federal Government. His words: “One of the facets of this development is the problem of ample power generation and quantity. Before our administration entered strength, generation was just a little over 2,000 Mw, yet now we generate over 4,000 Mw. In the Lagos location, we have actually attained 19 hours of everyday power quantity. 10 brand-new thermal power station are under building, which should add 5,000 Mw to the national framework, while federal government has actually likewise purchased the Mambilla Hydro-electric strength venture, which is expected to add one more 5,000 Mw, in addition to yet an additional hydro power job in Zungeru which is expected to generate 700 Mw. In addition to all of these, government is partnering with Siemens on alternative sources of power.” He mentioned that Nigeria has the chance to increase much higher than Dubai, stating that the Federal Government was figured out to create projects for Nigerians, open the sector as well as create possibilities for wide range design. According to him, Nigeria is taking part in the seminar in acknowledgment of the wonderful benefit of ICT to the realisation of the superintendence’s transformation agenda of making it one of the most constructed economic climates of the globe by 2020. Secretary-General of the International telecommunications Union, Dr Hamadoun Toure in his statements kept in mind that “for Nigeria to have continued to be the fastest expanding telecoms market for five years in a row indicates there are things individuals in that sector are doing. Now, the giant of Africa has risen, and also there is no ceasing it. I am from Mali, as well as I should know, Nigeria is the economic power residence of the West African sub-region.” This drew applause from the viewers of Nigerians present at the occasion. The ITU scribe took note further that several countries want broadband yet Nigeria not only wishes broadband however has actually put together a plan for broadband progression and thus should be encouraged via investment. Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, talking at the occasion restated the significance of the ICT sector to the Nigerian economic climate as well as its supplement to GDP development, and approved both President Jonathan and also Vice-President Sambo. “Nigeria is the only nation here exemplified at such high levels. Our Vice-President should be here for three days, more emphasizing the importance of ICT advancement to this government. Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Eugene Juwah additionally at the launch offered a presentation with the theme: Broadband Nigeria– A connected country. He reeled out facts regarding Nigeria’s exceptional development in teledensity, which was 1.92 with a little over 400,000 lines at the turn of last century to concerning 75 per penny with 105 scad lines at current. He nevertheless took note that while sizable progress has actually been made in voice telephone systems, advancement in the location of broadband has actually been bad. He then revealed that NCC has developed the Open Access Model, sustained with a job plan for broadband development which capitalists can easily take advantage of. He also approved the Open Access Model to other creating nations so regarding avoid obstacles experienced by constructed nations. The Nigerian event was gone to by sector pioneers, government officials, and 2 state governors, Dr Muázu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State as well as Governor Theodore Orji of Abia state. 10 new thermal strength plants are under building, which should add 5,000 Mw to the nationwide framework, while government has even invested in the Mambilla Hydro-electric strength job, which is expected to add an additional 5,000 Mw, in addition to yet another hydro strength project in Zungeru which is expected to generate 700 Mw. In addition to all of these, government is working with Siemens on other sources of power.” Secretary-General of the International telecommunications Union, Dr Hamadoun Toure in his remarks kept in mind that “for Nigeria to have actually continued to be the fastest developing telecoms market for five years in a row suggests there are things individuals in that sector are doing. I am from Mali, as well as I ought to recognize, Nigeria is the economic strength residence of the West African sub-region.” He likewise supported the Open Access Model to various other developing nations so as to prevent difficulties dealt with by constructed countries.
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Telecom Companies Must Aid To Regulate Mobile Money –Globacom Nigeria
Nigeria’s Globacom is urging the federal government to look at the role of telecom operators in aiding to regulate the mobile funds subsector. At a current workshop entitled “Nigeria Transiting to a cashless culture: Possibilities and Challenges,” Glo’s Director for Telebanking Tunde Kuponiyi said that the current process of rule is being driven by the banking sector and is leaving mobile operators behind, making certain that tolls as well as some other variables in the mobile payment platform are not “telecommunications friendly.” He incorporated that telecom providers in Nigeria may help in new concepts as well as structure, but not with the current rules in place. Kuponiyi stated that since the mobile payments business is “90 percent based on the mobile sector, it was unjust that the mobile networks are protected against from advertising their numerous mobile repayment items, which are the foundation on which the financial institution items function. “From the customer’s mobile phone, to the mobile payments system and comments to the mobile telephone, the mobile repayment transaction uses mostly mobile resources, makes usage of mobile time and is assisted largely by mobile designers, however unfortunately the CBN has limited telecom providers from marketing in the mobile payments space,” Kuponiyi incorporated. He urged the federal government to think again before allowing banks to push new strategies that leave telecom agents behind.
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How Aso Rock Monitored The US Election
After his formal visit to Jigawa State yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan went back to Aso Rock at concerning 4pm with a light schedule for the remainder of the evening. Leading on his thoughts was the election in the US and how it was visiting play out: Will it be Barrack Obama or Mitt Romney? According to a source, unlike numerous week day evenings when his schedule could be filled with consultations or political conferences, he maintained just one function, which last only thirty mins and finished at 8.30 pm. He devoted the rest of the night with his close aides going over the different feasible results in the US elections, including the likelihood of an electoral university tie. “By 11pm,” a source said, “the commander-in-chief delivered the meeting to an end and claimed, like several of us, that he was going upstairs to see the remainder on TELEVISION.”
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Nigeria: Faces of the 4 Teenagers who invented a Urine Powered Generator
Potentially one of the more unanticipated products at Maker Faire Africa this year in Lagos is a pee powered generator, developed by four ladies. The ladies are Duro-Aina Adebola (14), Akindele Abiola (14), Faleke Oluwatoyin (14) as well as Bello Eniola (15). 1 Liter of pee provides you 6 hours of electricity.
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”Bachelor” Music Video by D’banj – a review
Since his split with Don Jazzy, D’banj has woken up everyday to meet a world that challenges him to prove his name; that he is still the entertainer; the extremely talented D’banj we once used to know. Each time, D’banj has pushed himself even harder. With his last single Oyato still ‘enjoying’ airplay, he has released another one he calls Bachelor. But did he deliver on this one? Music video Many agree, D’banj was smart to have released the song immediately with it’s video directed by long time pal Sesan who had D’banj also as co-director. *D’banj The video is boiling hot, with very clear scenes that tells an excellent storyline. Music video critics with raised skeptic brows would drop it a few seconds into the montage of scenes. D’banj opens the video as a young man played by himself who walks into an argument with his somewhat ‘possessive’ girlfriend in a sprawling white mansion. Their voices are muted as the song plays on in full force. Watch video here The video soon swings to D’banj partying away in the club while his enraged girlfriend smashes things in the house and then his car windshield before moving out of the house. It’s a high budget video, shot in high definition with the eye popping mansion lingering on in memory long after the video is over. Like all of Sesan’s previous works for the pop star, a lot of praises has been showered on this job.
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Microsoft Windows 8 Launches in Nigeria
As the world today goes mobile, so are people living in it also seriously going mobile. Not again do people have to wait until they get to their offices before getting jobs done. Reports are now written on the go, queries and replies are delivered virtually. In fact, it is becoming totally absurd to live in this hyper connected world clutching to the traditional office rules. Yet, with the launch of the new Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows phone 8 operating systems in Nigeria, Monday, Microsoft may have made work a little easier and traditional face to face office interface, a little more unattractive. The operating system actually, is a step up from the windows 7 which the software giant launched two years ago. But it is also a world away, in terms of fluidity and current technology trends. The OS according to Microsoft was launched to enhance people’s work flexibility. Introducing the product to Nigerians Monday, at the Open Door event held at Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Microsoft Country Manager, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Emmanuel Onyeje said, that the OS presents a beautiful new user interface,UI, a wide range of apps with the opening of the Windows Store, available on more than 1000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets. “With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world. Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs. “We are recommending this OS due to its fluidity, beauty and fast for users. This gives us the opportunity to enable people connect to their businesses, associates and loved ones”. For him users should switch from windows 7 to 8 because Windows 8 is a better platform, has faster boot time, longer battery life better performance, secure and has great productivity tools, making Skype calls more like the normal voice call without the usual hitches and screeches. It encourages fast wallet packages with NFC experience. All these are in addition to the over 120,000 windows phone apps contained in the new OS. At retail, Windows 8 will be available in two versions, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for the business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker. Launched at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which will be available pre-installed on new devices. Windows 8 features the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive. Microsoft also clarified that in addition to the range of new devices available, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. Through the end of January, 2013, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $39.99 (U.S.). And eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 in more than 140 countries can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99 (U.S.) with the Windows Upgrade Offer. Targeted at IT professionals, developer and partners, Microsoft’s Open Door events serve to address the demand for more spaces in which African technology professionals are able to experience the latest-generation technologies first-hand, exchange ideas, build skills, and network with their local IT community and Microsoft technology experts. Finished products from the windows also bear testimony of its fluidity. For instance, One last radical change for the Windows 8 bears a radical change on the lock screen of any windows 8 PC. A colorful design with mountains and Seattle’s space needle will greet you every time you start a Windows 8 PC, even though the user could eventually customize the picture as well. Microsoft has opted to provide time, date, calendar entries, network status, and battery levels as default, but the user can display up to seven lock screen apps that will provide quick status and notifications when a screen is locked. This is particularly useful if the user wants to glance at a mobile device to see how many calendar appointments he has during the day or the amount of emails in his inbox.
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Minister launches students PC ownership scheme in Nigeria
The Honorable Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson at the weekend launched the students PC ownership scheme with the theme “promoting increased access and utilization of ICTs in education”. The initiative was launched in conjunction with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abuja. Johnson disclosed that the Scheme is a collaborative and mutually beneficial effort between PC assemblers, universities, banks, global technology companies and telecoms companies that has required many months of conceptualising and fine tuning. ‘’This initiative is entirely technology driven and contributes to the growing number of ecommerce initiatives that will move us to the desired digital, diversified, productive and efficient economy’’. She informed participants at the launch that the technology used to power the initiative was developed by a group of extremely talented Nigerian software developers- a testament to the fact that Nigerians can develop a viable and vibrant local software industry catering to the nation’s domestic needs but exportable to other markets. Mrs. Johnson who decried the low PC penetration in Nigeria which is ranked the lowest in Africa, noted that, the affordability and availability of the devices and the slow pace by which ICTs were being adopted for teaching and learning in secondary and tertiary institutions was partly responsible for the low PC penetration in the country. She emphasised that the initiative is in line with two of the mandates of the Ministry of Communication Technology- first, to promote the utilization of ICTs in all sphere of life-with education as a priority, and the second to promote and facilitate the development of the ICT industry. She stated that, the whole world of knowledge and learning was to be found on the internet and effort should be made to ensure that young students have unfettered access to this world so they can participate meaningfully in the knowledge society. Johnson stressed that being connected to electronic libraries, having access to world class research material, being connected to a network of students and research institutions means that students can also participate as not only consumers of all of this content but also creators of the content through the productivity and efficiency benefits of having their own device. Mrs. Johnson noted that government in this scheme has moved from the role of the contracting entity to the enabling entity through the efforts of NITDA and the Ministry in conceptualising the scheme and being the ‘honest broker’ that brought all the parties together. According to Johnson ‘’On the other hand, we have a fairly well established device assembly industry. Some of the companies that you see represented here today are over 20 years old and have operations in countries other than Nigeria. Unfortunately, our preference of international or global brands who have much better marketing, research and production capacity has led to the poor capacity utilisation of these assembly plants. Federal and state governments have been their biggest customer which mean that they are dependent on the most uncertain world of government supply contracts. The Ministry of Communication Technology and NITDA saw a very clear window to literally kill the two birds of poor PC ownership by students and poor acceptance of local brands and poor capacity utilisation of our PC assembly plants with one stone. As you well know, our youth tend to be most critical, vocal and demanding of goods and services they procure. Once they are sold however they will be the greatest advocates of the brand and will demonstrate loyalty well beyond their student years. Providing them with computers that are built to exacting world class standards, designed with Nigeria in mind and aesthetically pleasing will go a long way to earning this loyalty’’. Johnson after launching the initiative urged all the partners of the scheme to continue to collaborate to make the scheme a successful one. She emphasised that ‘’Even as all the parties have worked together over the last few months we must continue in this collaborative manner if this initiative will be as successful as we all hope and pray it will be and deliver the objectives of PC penetration, capacity utilisation, brand acceptance and most of all student participation in the digital economy. The process you have seen today is a chain; a weak link in the chain will compromise the integrity of the entire chain. I urge all of our partners today not to be the weak link in the chain even during the pilot phase where the scheme and all its components will be thoroughly tested before being rolled out to all tertiary institutions. While students may hunger and yearn for computers they do not have the earning power – so while the demand will be catalysed by students, it will be actualised by willing parents, wards, guardians, mentors and other well-meaning Nigerians who are willing to invest as little as N3,500 a month in the future of the country’’. Speaking earlier in his welcoming speech, the Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof.Cleopas O. Angaye said that the student personal computer ownership scheme was born out of the dire need to increase PC penetration among the students of higher learning especially in Nigerian Universities. He noted that it was means of challenging licensed OEMs to boost their productive capacities which would eventually have a multiplier effect in terms of job creation, poverty reduction and increase their market share in the Global competitive economy. Prof. Angaye enumerated some of the unique strategy adopted for the student PC ownership scheme to include: ensuring sustainability. Continued and increased access; partners with tertiary institutions’; and the student’s scheme is self funding. He solicited for collaboration and partnership with any of the stakeholders to ensure the sustenance of the scheme. In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Dauduspecially thanked the Hon Minister for her resoluteness in putting this initiative to fruition. A demonstration on how a student could access the website, which is portal information driven: www.cosportal.com.ng was demonstrated on a slide. However, twelve (12) pilot universities were selected from the six(6) geopolitical zones, and two (2) students from the University of Josnamely, miss Dorcas Danladi and Master Victor Dapam were the first beneficiaries. The launch attracted several speeches/goodwill messages from stakeholders in the ICTs industry which included representatives of the following companies, namely: Zinox, Veda, Omatek, Brains and Beta Computers, Microsoft and Skye Bank. Others were committee of Vice-Chancellors, Committee of Chancellors and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Femi Bamiro who all agreed that the scheme was a laudable one and needed to be sustained and extended to lecturers. They all were of one voice in commending the Hon. Minister for her steadfastness. They called for synergy among the stakeholders in ICTs industry, education and research institutes. It could be recalled that this scheme was a collaborative and mutually beneficial efforts between PC assemblers, Universities, Banks, Global technology companies and telecom companies. Prominent among those that graced the launch were top management staff of the Ministry, Postmaster-General, (NIPOST) Mallam Ibrahim Baba, Vice-Chairman NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, Managing Director, NigComSat,Alhaji Rufai and representatives of Ministries of Education, Youths Development, NUC and students from tertiary institutions.
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Lagos State Announced as First African City to Host Social Media Week
Lagos Joins 10 Cities Worldwide To Host Major Global Event in February 2013 & Invites Leaders In Nigeria And Around The World To Get Involved Social Media Week Lagos (SMW Lagos) co-produced by Dragon Africa and AFRIKA21 debuts in Lagos, Nigeria February 18 – 22, 2013. Entering is 5th year in 2013; Social Media Week is a worldwide event. Taking place in 11 cities simultaneously, it explores the social, cultural and economic impact of social media. The conference’s mission is to help people and organizations connect through collaboration and the sharing of ideas and information. The format of the week-long conference is a mixture of keynotes, panels, workshops, networking events and mixers, with the majority of the events being free and open to the public. Host cities for the February event, powered by Nokia, include Copenhagen, Doha, Hamburg, Lagos, Miami, Milan, New York, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington DC. In 2012 more than 66,000 people attended Social Media Week in twenty-six countries around the world. Taking place in multiple venues throughout Lagos, SMW Lagos is guided by the global theme of “Open and Connected,” and will focus locally on several themes including how social media facilitates open government, how social media impacts business, media & entertainment, how social media can be a tool for social good and how social media empowers the public and promotes local art & culture. “I am truly excited to have succeeded to bring this event home to Lagos, the largest black city in the world, I believe that we Nigerians are viral in social media and this event will showcase all the innovative ways we are using social media to impact our daily lives, it is only proper that this event should be coming to Lagos as it’s first African destination. We are reaching out to people all over the continent to get involved and come over to Lagos. From Open Government to Law & Order, From Content to Technology, From Politics to Elections we hope to explore all these themes as they relate to social media and really deliver some depth and new and exciting information,”states Obi Asika, Founder of Dragon Africa and SMW Lagos Chairman. SMW Lagos is guided by a stellar group of industry leaders and stakeholders. The SMW Lagos Advisory Board members currently include Ayo Alli, Director at Illa Media, Abasiama Idaresit, Founder of Wild Fusion Ltd., Chris Ubosi, MD at Beat FM, Taj Onigbanjo, CEO for Cable & Wireless, African Digital Media, Seyi Akinwunmi, Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Wiebe Boer, CEO of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Juliet Ehimuan, Google Country Manager for Nigeria, Mark Redguard, CMO of Spinlet, Matthew Dawes, CEO of All Amber/Mobile West Africa, Mamadou Kwidjim Toure, Founder Africa 2.0, Kola Karim, Founder Shoreline Group, Emma Kaye, CEO of Bozza and Colin Gayle, CEO of Billboard Africa. New members appointed to the SMW Lagos Advisory Board will be announced in the coming weeks. The SMW Lagos Advisory Board Chairman is Obi Asika, CEO of Dragon Africa. Collaboration is at the root of Social Media Week, hence SMW Lagos encourages individuals and organizations interested in hosting their own events, talks, panel sessions, workshops, networking events and mixers to get involved by submitting their idea here: http://socialmediaweek.org/submit-event. Deadline for submissions is January 11, 2013. For more information on how to get involved, please email lagos@socialmediaweek.org. For the latest news and updates visit www.socialmediaweek.org/lagos or follow SMW Lagos on Twitter via @SMWLagos or on Facebook via facebook.com/SMWLagos. SMW Lagos media partners include BusinessDay, BellaNaija, Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM. ABOUT DRAGON AFRICA Established by Obi Asika and Dragon Associates founder Charlie Methven, Dragon Africa uses its wealth of knowledge and understanding of Africa and Europe, with extensive contacts in the media, government, and financial centres, to address challenges and maximise opportunities for African companies seeking a cutting edge advantage in London and other major financial centres ABOUT AFRIKA21 AFRIKA21 was conceptualized by Society HAE as a media and production outfit that could take a multidisciplinary approach to promoting a new vision of Africa in the 21st Century. AFRIKA21 produces online content, multimedia events and public programming with the expressed purpose of re-framing the conversation around Africa, creating awareness of the opportunities that exist on the continent and encouraging collaboration. ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA WEEK Social Media Week, powered globally by Nokia, is a worldwide event exploring the social, cultural and economic impact of social media. Our mission is to help people and organizations connect through collaboration, learning and the sharing of ideas and information.
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Facebook Lover Arraigned for Attempted Rape and Murder
A 26-year-old man, who allegedly pushed down his Facebook lover from a multi-storey building due to a disagreement over sex was Friday arraigned in Lagos. The accused, Arthur Obiora is facing a three-count charge of threat to life, attempted rape and attempt to cause bodily harm at a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court. Also read: University Student Lands In Hospital Over Date With Facebook Friend The prosecutor, A. C. Orji (an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP), told the court that Obiora met Nkiruka Akabuogu on Facebook (a social media network) and invited her to a clubhouse in Apapa, where they had drinks. The prosecutor said the pair later moved to Obiora’s house at Block 10, Flat 317, 1004 Housing Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos. Orji said Obiora, who claimed to be an unemployed graduate of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State and the Centennial College, Ontario in Canada, shut all the doors in the apartment and demanded to have sex with Akabuogu. “This was after he had smoked some wraps of Indian hemp. He tried to rape her and threatened to kill her with a bottle of beer. “The girl, fearing for her life, then jumped down from the third floor of the high/rise building,” Orji said. The prosecutor said that the incident happened about 3am. on October 31, this year. “The girl was discovered lying unconscious in a pool of her own blood about 30 minutes later by the security men in the premises, who then reported it to the police. “The police took the girl to a hospital and after she regained consciousness, obtained her statement,” Orji said. He continued: “This case highlights one of the major problems of the social media. The young lady went to visit someone she doesn’t know. “She met the defendant on Facebook and they had been chatting until October 30.” Orji said that the offences contravened Sections 56 (A), 260 and 404 (1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos 2011. The Magistrate, Mr. Martins Owumi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 21-year-old Nkiruka sustained multiple injuries, including a fractured pelvis, and is undergoing treatment at the General Hospital, Marina, Lagos, following the incident. Nkiruka, a Linguistics student of the University of Lagos, had told NAN on her hospital bed that she went clubbing with the young man she met on Facebook a week earlier and ended up in his family home at 1004 Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos. She noted that the young man had earlier talked about sex on phone prior to the outing, but she told him she was menstruating. Nkiruka said that on getting to the house, the man tore her dress and tried to rape her and thereafter pushed her down from the third floor of the building, because of her refusal to have sex with him. But the mother of the young man, who was at home on the night of the incident, told NAN that she was not aware of what happened. She claimed she slept around 10 pm., while the disagreement between the pair started much later. The magistrate adjourned the case to November 30, this year. She claimed she slept around 10 p.m., while the disagreement between the pair started much later. It would be recalled that another young lady, Cynthia Osokogu, met her death in the hands of Facebook friends, who killed her in a hotel Festac area of Lagos. The magistrate adjourned the case to Nov. 30, 2012. Source
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NCC bans telecommunication operators from lotteries, promotions
Abuja – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday notified telecommunications agents against running drawings as well as offers. This is had in a declaration issued by Mr Tony Ojobo, the Director, Public Affairs of the payment in Abuja. The restriction dealt with authorized promotions and drawings where the NCC signed a Memorandum of recognizing with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. The declaration claimed the ban would be in place until such a time as might be determined by the payment. The payment had in recent times been swamped with many criticisms from people and stakeholders from the various promotions supplied by the operators. It said the percentage had actually reviewed the grievances obtained against the backdrop of preserving the integrity of the networks and the basic interest of the consumers. The statement more stated that the commission was mindful of one of its legal responsibilities; to secure as well as promote the interest of people from unethical practises. It claimed the deals had actually boosted the variety of mins readily available to clients for use within a limited time period, thus, producing blockage in the networks. It also claimed that on-net telephone calls were now being offered by agents at tariffs well here the prevailing inter-connect rates, therefore, launching anti-competitive practises and habits. It further said the termination of calls was becoming difficult between networks, making it extremely hard for subscribers to make calls successfully. It listed the Telecom Operators affected by the ban as: GLOBACOM, MTN, INTERCELLULAR,VISAFONE, ETISALAT, AIRTEL and MULTILINKS The commission said it was determined to ensure that the quality of service offered by the networks were such that delivered value to the consumers. (NAN)
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Meet the First Nigerian on Facebook
She says she is the First Nigerian on Facebook with proof, what do you think? We all know Ms Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo is controversial, popular and fierce, I think that’s a cracking combination to have in a lady. Anyways, this time she has come out with facts. She’s already a friend on Facebook who I’d love to have a chat with next time I’m in Nigeria. If you have anything to say, please use the comment box Here is the controversial comment: “YES! I am the FIRST Nigerian on Facebook! My friend Andrew McCollum enlisted me around Feb 17th 2004 in the Harvard network beta testing phase. It was called THE FACEBOOK. I was enlisted bcos I was one of the heavy MySpace users where I had over 100,000 friends. Many of them joined me in 2006 when FB rolled out to the general public. One of them is Glenda Day Dunlap who I will meet one day. Glenda….It’s now 8 years online. Time to meet.” Here’s the Facebook Proof:
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Popular Video: How Many Boyfriends Can a Nigerian Girl Have
This is a must watch, this doesn’t look real, but it sure is:
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Nigeria – Pastor Bakare under Fire (Private jets Saga)
RELIGIOUS leaders including the General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Musa Asake; Director of National Issues of CAN in charge of North West Zone, Rev. Haruna Karatu; and the PRO of 19 northern states and Abuja CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe have condemned the comments credited to Pastor Tunde Bakare who was calling for a revolution because certain eminent religious leaders have private jets, saying there is nothing wrong with people donating aircraft to their religious leaders. Bakare had said, a few days after church members donated a private jet to Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor as a birthday present, that a bloody revolution that would consume religious leaders who are acquiring private jets would soon break out in the country, as he urged their congregations to challenge them to explain where and how they raised the money to procure such expensive jets. Responding, the CAN secretary said: “What is wrong with giving a birthday gift to Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor? Did he embezzle church money? Did he collect somebody’s money? If a group of people come together to buy him a jet to ease his evangelical work, why should that be a subject of public debate? Pastor Tunde Bakare “Oritsejafor is a man of God. He is doing everything for the work of God”. Also speaking on the ongoing debate in social media especially the tweet by former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el Rufai, Elder Eghes Eyieyien said Nigerian pastors who own private jets should not be envied because they travel very frequently around the world ministering. “Redeemed Christian Church of God has thousands of branches and millions of members on all continents of the world. Winners’ Chapel and Christ Embassy equally have many international branches and hundreds of thousands of members. Pastor Adeboye, Bishop Oyedepo and Pastor Oyakhilome travel thousands of kilometres monthly doing God’s work and have to be in places not well-served by commercial flights.
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How 4G broadband will revolutionize business in Nigeria & African Countries
Mobile internet is truly taking off on a global basis at the moment. 4G is the latest generation of cellular wireless that is set to take Africa by storm. The fact that African countries are going to have access to this innovative technology is huge. This presents massive possibilities for businesses situated in the continent. In order to benefit from this, companies will need to make sure they have a good internet package in place. Productivity will improve dramatically The rate of productivity and efficiency at companies will improve dramatically. They will be able to download at anything from four to ten times faster than they would have with 3G. It goes without saying that productivity is imperative if a business is to be successful. Your employees will be able to gain access to files and alike on their smartphone instantly and this will ensure that efficiency flows. Worldwide video chatting possibilities The latest cellular technology presents the opportunity for video chatting all over the world. Prior to this, 3G only allowed for video calls to be made when a Wi-Fi connection was present. However this is no longer the case. This is great because video calls allow for business executives to communicate no matter where they are. Meetings do not have to be put on hold when certain employees are away. Not only this, but businesses will be able to hold initial conversations via video calling before they dedicate substantial resources to flying abroad and alike. This will open African businesses to a wealth of international possibilities. Increased security Another benefit to businesses in Africa is the fact that security will improve dramatically. After all, businesses and employees will not have the need to connect to any public networks. Public networks obviously allow anybody to connect and thus security can be compromised as it is much easier for people to gain access. Improved customer experience Because fourth generation allows internet to be available wherever and whenever, it allows customer experience to be improved dramatically. Businesses can be on hand to deal with queries at all times – this can be particularly good for start-ups and small to medium sized businesses. This attention to quality will give them the edge, Improvements to products and services African businesses will be able to increase their quality and level of innovation. This is because they will be able to enhance their service quality through quicker access to media content or other information. Aside from this products can be improved through the incorporation of enhanced mobile functionality. Cost reductions Everything works together in order to provide businesses in Africa with cost efficiency. Businesses will be able to reduce their travel costs. They will also save when it comes to telecoms equipment and office space too. The possibilities that have derived from 4G implementation in African countries are huge. Businesses now have the opportunity to improve their productivity dramatically, make global connections, and much more. In order to benefit from all that this internet has to offer you need to make sure you have a good package in place. About the Author: CJ is a business journalist. She is currently analyzing the impact of 4G on companies worldwide. She believes companies like Broadband Expert shows 4G comparisons of internet providers and she found this to be a useful tool for her research.
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African Actress, Nadia Buari Tweets about #Love
The sexy fair skinned Ghanaian actress seems to be all emotional of late, up to the extent of going all mushy mushy on Twitter. Nadia Buari is allegedly dating Nigeria’s Nollywood bad-boy Jim Iyke and have been seen together in very intimate positions. Hope her tweets aren’t in anyway meant for Jim Iyke. Read tweets below: Hurt me with the truth, but never comfort me with a lie. #Adios — Nadia Buari (@B5sNadiaBuari) June 23, 2013 If its important to u, u'll find a way, if not, u'll find an excuse! — Nadia Buari (@B5sNadiaBuari) June 23, 2013 Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer give a s***! Smdh! — Nadia Buari (@B5sNadiaBuari) June 23, 2013
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Instagram Proof: Nadia Buari & Jim Iyke Still In Love
Nigerian actor, Jim Iyke and beautiful Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari have proved to their fans that they are still very much in love dispelling the rumour making round that they’ve broken up. Also read: African Actress, Nadia Buari Tweets about #Love Facebook Introduces Free Voice Calling to Android Users Nadia reacted to the rumours by posting a photo of herself and her boo on her instagram page to prove all is well between them. She wrote “#Life is a beautiful journey for all those who are willing to #live and #love!
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