Category Science & Tech

Adoption

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, Dec. 24, 2023 (NAN) Netcore Cloud has hailed the adoption and utilisation of marketing technology in Nigeria to drive brand growth for better customer service experience.

Mr Nisham Chhabra, Netcore’s Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Chhabra said the company with Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning-powered marketing automation and customer engagement platform seek to revolutionise how marketing and product teams engage with customers.

He pointed out that the acceptance, utilisation and adoption of marketing technology in Nigeria had grown exponentially.

He added that this had led to a mutually-engaging and beneficial relationship between the various brands and their customers.

“Netcore’s mandate is to deliver a highly personalised and exceptional customer experience with a human face.

“Since we began in Nigeria, we have witnessed a steady and rapid adoption of this technology by top brands and business in the country.

“This is why we rewarded some of our clients who have used our platform to reach and deliver their messages to their target audience.

“We will be awarding Nigeria’s top brands in the banking, fintech and aviation sectors,” he said.

He listed some of the awardees as: Wema Bank for the Best Engagement Strategy award; EcoBank (Champion of Email Engagement); UBA- Omni-channel journey master; Sterling Bank (Best Innovative App of the Year); First Bank (Best Email Engagement); Interswitch (Best Engagement Strategy).

Others are: Access Bank (Martech Thought leader); Stanbic IBTC Bank (Best Email Campaign); Polaris Bank (Best Use of AI and Analytics; Carbon (Martech Team of the Year); Opay (Emerging Martech Champion); Fidelity Bank (Martech Automation award of the year); Wakanow (No Code Innovation award).

Also, Mr Edirin Abamwa, the Chief Executive Officer, Axon Analytics Ltd., one of the subsidiaries of Netcore Cloud, noted that the company was excited with the way marketing technology had come to stay in Nigeria.

“We are happy with the way marketing technology has become a game changer for various businesses in Nigeria.

“Tonight, we are reflecting on the many strides made by Netcore Cloud in the evolving landscape of marketing technology which serves as a reminder that excellence knows no boundaries, innovation continues to drive progress,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Fintech

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, Dec. 22, 2023 (NAN) PalmPay, a Fintech Company in Nigeria, says it plans to grow its multi-country and cross-border presence in 2024.

The Managing Director, Mr Chika Nwosu, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos, on the company’s projections for the new year.

He said the company would also utilise artificial intelligence for big data and risk control measures.

Nwosu said that the company, determined to build on its financial inclusion efforts, would also inaugurate additional payment channels.

“We launched in Tanzania in 2023; in 2024, we will continue to grow our multi-country and cross-border presence.

“Our continuous drive for financial inclusion and literacy means that we will be launching new products and features on the app that would support our customers in carrying out their payment needs.

“PalmPay has its footprint in Ghana where we operate with an enhanced Payment service providers (EPSP) license and offer merchant acquiring solutions (All-in-one payment solutions for business).

“Also, we run business solutions in Ghana and the personal app which provides some bill payment solutions. Our services are being upgraded.

“In addition to Ghana, we have also established a footprint in the east of Africa, Tanzania, under the payment system provider license, “ he said.

The MD said the company would keep exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) for in-payment, out-of-payment, and utilise it for big data and risk control measures.

According to him, PalmPay is committed to ensuring compliance and fostering a secure financial ecosystem, as the safety and security of its users are a priority.

“To show our preparedness to protect our users from incidents of fake accounts, fraud, and cyber attacks, we recently upgraded existing users’ Know Your Customer (KYC) upgrade page.

“This is, so that tier one users who have not upgraded their KYC can do so seamlessly.

“Moving forward, we will continue to build a super app that supports the seamless sending and receiving of money, effortless payment of bills, and the ease of shopping anywhere.

“As a driver of financial inclusion, PalmPay will continue to focus on giving our users the freedom to take full control of their finances, “ Nwosu said. (NAN)
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Strategy

By Jessica Dogo

Abuja, Dec. 21, 2023 (NAN) The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, says he will unveil a strategic plan for the telecommunication sector at the end of January 2024.

Maida disclosed this when executives of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), Abuja chapter, paid him a courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.

He assured Nigerians of improved quality service by telecommunication companies and solutions to the Right of Way (RoW) challenge for operators.

He explained that the Subscribers Identification Modules (SIM) linkage to the National Identity Number Policy, would improve and secure digital services in the country’s telecoms industry.

He called for collaboration with the media on seamless development of the sector.

“Regarding our direction, I want to thank Mr President and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, for considering me to fill these big shoes.

“The strategy that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy put forward was very clear regarding policy direction and we have to try to achieve it.

“We also need to ensure we are telling the story fairly and simply, whether to the man on the street or internationally.

“Be assured that our guiding principle is the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Strategic Roadmap set out by the Minister are specific and we will add to that.

The vice chairman said that the narrative of RoW needed to change and to push forward the work started by  his predecessors.

“Today, if we can tie everybody to an identity, other sectors have similar identities, like banks, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Federal Road Safety Corp, FRSC.

“Bringing it all together to NIN gives us a foundation whereby a lot of digital services can be built and there is a security aspect to it,” he said.

On his part, President, NITRA Abuja chapter, Mr Blessing Olaifa, commended NCC for kicking the ground upon the assumption of office.

“With your appointment, we are confident that you have the capacity and competence to drive this institution to greater heights.

“We believe you will build on the performance of your predecessor,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

JEZ/AAA/BRM

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Edited by Aisha Ahmed/Bashir Rabe Mani

TELA maize to be commercially released in 2024-NABDA D-G

TELA

By Sylvester Thompson

Abuja, Dec.21, 2024(NAN) Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of National Biotechnology Development Agency(NABDA), says genetically modified maize, known as TELA maize, will be commercially released by National Variety Release Committee in 2024.

Mustapha disclosed this at a media parley on Thursday in Abuja.

He said TELA maize was a huge project that would boost food productivity in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency on food security.

The director-general said that great research progress had been recorded towards the commercialisation of the TELA maize project.

He said Nigeria was facing immense food security challenges as the population was already gearing to over 400 million by 2030.

“Our farmers need all scientific and technological tools available to increase crop yields, resilience and nutrition on existing farmlands.

“Biotechnology has already shown its potential with benefits demonstrated across 30 countries and for farmers big and small.

“From pest resistant crop varieties to biofortified staples packed with crucial vitamins and minerals, agricultural biotechnology offers solutions for greater productivity and food access.’’

He said testimonies existed from farmers across the country that were benefitting from products of modern agricultural biotechnology.

He cited the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea which was helping farmers to overcome the devastating insect pest, Maruca Vitrata that caused 80 per cent destruction on farmers field.

“Today, farmers are applying only two insecticide sprays as against eight to 10 sprays previously, as a result of planting the PBR cowpea.

“The farmers are also planting Bt Cotton, another innovative product from modern biotechnology that is changing the game in cotton farming and the hope of textile industry revival, ” he said.

The NABDA director general revealed that the achievements were made possible through the over 14- year partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation(AATF), Agricultural Research Council and Bayer Agriculture Nigeria Plc.

According to him, the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), a creation of the AATF, is fast-tracking President Tinubu’s food security agenda.

He said the effective agricultural biotechnology advocacy campaign championed by OFAB Nigeria had significant and positive impacts on the nation in various ways.

Mustapha listed the impacts as increased farmer awareness and adoption of biotech crops and promotion of productive policy reforms.

He also listed strengthened public research and development pipelines among others.

Mustapha reiterated that NABDA was committed to harnessing biotechnology for sustainable national development, which was yielding positive results.

He expressed optimism that with recent launch of the NABDA Journal of Biotechnology Research (NJBR), the agency was set to advance the frontiers of scientific research in biotechnology.

He also hinted that the agency was set to collaborate with the AATF on research and development activities to reduce post-harvest crop losses.

The director-general enumerated various achievements and projects carried out by the agency as well as future plans.

Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department,  NADBA, in her vote of thanks, urged journalists to stay the course until Nigeria got to the promised land.(NAN)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

NBTI promoting entrepreneurship, creating jobs

NAN

Creation

Tolu Aiyegbusi

Abuja, Dec. 21, 2023 (NAN) The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) said it is committed to achieving its mandate through capacity building, promotion of entrepreneurship and creating jobs.

Dr Uchenna Chukwu, Director-General (D-G) NBTI, stated on Thursday at a capacity building training to support its staff and incubatees in food and pharmaceutical products registration.

Dr John Oni, NBTI’S Director post incubation and extensive services, who represented the DG said the basis for training was to create awareness, support entrepreneurs and promote economic advancement.

“ This is our way of educating our staff and entrepreneurs, it is our way of supporting them.

“ The benefits of the training are numerous, the training will enhance productivity, create jobs and eliminate poverty,” he said.

He said there was a need for awareness on the registration requirements of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)for food and pharmaceutical products.

Oni also added that the training would enhance the federal government’s industrialisation initiatives and economic promotion.

Dr  Ado Ahmed, NBTI’s Director of procurement said the training was an economic tool for development.

“ NBTI’s technology incubation centres are tools for economic development so regular training would enhance their effectiveness.

“ The training will address teething problems of the entrepreneurs in the area of funding, branding and packaging,” he said.

One of the trainers, Mrs Aisha Giree, an official of NAFDAC said the training of NBTI staff and entrepreneurs would ensure the people in the society are consuming quality products.

“ It is our responsibility in NAFDAC to ensure the consumption of quality products in the society.

“ Training like this will help ensure that our message is passed to the public.

She called for continuous training of NBTI incubatees as it will enhance their efficiency.

“ With the nature of NBTI’s services, it is important to train staff so as to acquire new knowledge which will guarantee production of quality service, ” she said.

Giree highlighted the importance and process of acquiring a NAFDAC registration.

She said, ` NAFDAC plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and other related products in Nigeria.

“ Its functions are aimed at protecting the health of the Nigerian public and promoting the growth of the Nigerian economy through the promotion of safe and effective products.”

Participants were tutored on  topics like product development and packaging for food and pharmaceutical related products, NAFDAC registration process and related issues. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

TOLU/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

We’re facilitating building of fiberglass boats—NACETEM D-G

Conference

By Sylvester Thompson

Abuja, Dec.20, 2023(NAN) Dr Olushola Odusanya, Director General of National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), says the centre is facilitating a process where Nigeria will start building fibreglass boats.

Odusanya disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a Global Science, Technology and Innovation Conference orgainsed by NACTEM on Wednesday in Abuja.

The theme of the conference was, “Unlocking the Potential of Market Ready Technological Solutions for Blue Economy in Nigeria.”

He said that wooden boats were nice but the world had migrated to the use of fiberglass boats.

“It is not a technological problem but a problem of us coming together.

“That is the reason why we have put people in this room; to discuss how we can start using fibreglass boats.’’

The NACETEM director-general said the conference was also to discuss how the knowledge of welding and foundry among others could help achieve the goal.

According to him, on the long run, the endeavor will metamorphose into carriage for trains and other vessels.

“Let’s get this one right first related to blue economy.

“It is crystal clear in my mind that this is one area that we can actually build wealth, and we have highly trainable people.”

He explained that the conference was about “setting up the nuts and bolts of blue economy.”

The director-general pointed out that though the national policy on the development of blue economy and the pathway to follow was clear, operators of the blue economy still needed to come together for corporate knowledge.

He said the conference also afforded the opportunity for participants to learn from what other countries were doing, which would provide a clear vision for Nigeria’s blue economy

NAN reports that blue economy is an economic system or sector that seeks to conserve marine and freshwater environments, while using them in a sustainable way to develop economic growth.

Odusanya hinted that the relationship between agriculture and environmental husbandry would also be brought forward.

“The relationship between the customs and the Nigerian navy in ensuring that this economy becomes localised will also be discussed,” he said.

He argued that starting the blue economy by opening it up as a new way of generating income, required new set of skills and a system of training.

Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Secretary General, cademic Staff Union of Research Institutions(ASURI), told NAN that Nigeria was one of the most naturally endowed nations in the world.

He said one of the endowments was blue economy and the capacity to harness it.

“Anytime you are flying, just look through the window, you will wonder whether this country was specially designed with waterways.

“You can see rivers crisscrossing the whole length and breadth of Nigeria,” Ndubuaku said.

He said Nigeria had big rivers and coastal region and didn’t depend on rain-fed agriculture, and the waters could be used to produce enough fish to feed the world.

Ndubuaku said  it could be used as a means of transportation, adding that Nigeria had no business importing fish.

He urged the government to allocate funds to research in order to drive the blue economy and other researches which would fast-track national progress.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo