Stella Vibes: August 2015

Saturday, 22 August 2015

CTO meets to review Internet governance transition

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is convening a meeting of experts to review transition plans underway to transfer the management of the Internet from the U.S. government to the broader Internet community.

Consultations on how the stewardship of the management of names, numbers and protocols of the should be transitioned from the bastion of the US Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to the wider globally-distributed Internet community will close at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Forum 2015 taking place from September 14-16 in Nairobi, Kenya, the technology body has said.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) – under the proposals – will have a role in managing the resources in the new Internet Assigned Names Authority (IANA) regime through an independent subsidiary under contract with the five regional Internet registries and the Internet Engineering Task Force.

“The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) – under the proposals – will have a role in managing the resources in the new Internet Assigned Names Authority (IANA) regime through an independent subsidiary under contract with the five regional Internet registries and the Internet Engineering Task Force.”

Sunday Folayan, President of Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA)

President Muhammadu Buhari has told government agencies to harmonise collection and use of biometric data of Nigerians they have collected rather than replicating their efforts.

The President said this on Monday in Abuja in what again reflect position of experts and analysts that have underscored the need for harmonised data of biometric information of Nigerians collected by different government agencies.

Buhari said this after receiving a briefing on the activities of the National Population Commission from the Chairman, Eze Duru Iheoma (SAN), who led other National Commissioners to the Presidential Villa, according to an official State House statement.

“The visiting NPC team came to inform the President that a planned national population census would cost Nigeria about N273 billion, whilst about N10 billion of the amount would be required at the instance.”

Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), undergoing a biometric verification exercise

The visiting NPC team came to inform the President that a planned national population census would cost Nigeria about N273 billion, whilst about N10 billion of the amount would be required at the instance.

The President expressed surprise that each agency has to gather its own biometric data when such data could easily be shared.

“It will be more cost – effective, if you work together. It helps even the credibility of the election process as Nigerians of voting age can be identified easily,” the President Buhari told the visiting NPC team.

According to the President, “the government organizations which currently collect biometric data include: the National Population Commission, National Identity Management Commission, Federal Road Safety Commission and Independent National Electoral Commission, among others.”

He added that all the agencies should work collaboratively, instead of going in different directions stressing that adequate data is necessary for planning and development in any country.

According to the President, “the government organizations which currently collect biometric data include: the National Population Commission, National Identity Management Commission, Federal Road Safety Commission and Independent National Electoral Commission, among others.” He added that all the agencies should work collaboratively, instead of going in different directions stressing that adequate data is necessary for planning and development in any country.

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria

MTN Group has partnered with South Africa’s Rhodes University to sponsor the Highway Africa 2015 Conference, a key event that seeks to empower African journalists.

Highway Africa 2015 Conference is the largest annual gathering of African journalists in the world and takes place on August 30-31 in Grahamstown, South Africa.

Themed “Journalism in the City,” this year’s event will explore the relationship between the media narratives and the city, in particular, looking at aspects such as how a city’s geography, economic activity, politics and social life influence journalistic narratives, according to organisers.

“Highway Africa 2015 will also explore how language and identity are implicated in the narratives of the city; and how ICT innovation enables city dwellers to tell their own stories and to challenge dominant narrative.”

Cross section of attendees at TECH+ Expo in Lagos

The 2015 Consumer Security Risks Survey report released by Kaspersky Lab has revealed that 46 percent of those surveyed believe they are not a target for cyberattacks,

The views of the respondents contrast with the fact that 45 percent admitted that they have encountered a malware incident, 25 percent have experienced account hacking and 48 percent have experienced a financial threat, according to the 2015 Consumer Security Risks Survey report

The study, which explores consumer behavior and opinions related to their use of connected devices and awareness of current security threats, found that although many consumers are aware of cyber threats, most admit that they neglect to properly protect their devices, personal data and families from online risks.

“Adult participants worried that older relatives may not know how to protect themselves from malware (52%), online scams (50%) or theft (45%). For children under the age of 18, 61 percent of parents worry that their kids have uncontrolled access to inappropriate content online; however, 76 percent of parents surveyed had not installed parental control software that would help to mitigate such risks.”

Kaspersky Lab surveyed over 12,000 consumers aged 16 and older from 26 countries across the world. The study found that a majority

Visa Inc. said that Samsung has joined the Visa Digital Enablement Program (VDEP) under a plan to offer secure mobile payments.

The VDEP offers a commercial framework that makes it easier for issuers and technology companies to access the Visa Token Service, the tech companies said.

Under the plan, Samsung will use the Visa Token Service (VTS) to offer secure mobile payments. By joining this programme, Samsung will be able to ensure financial institutions can offer Samsung Pay, which will ultimately help accelerate the availability of Samsung Pay for consumers around the world, the company said.

“Samsung Pay is now one more way consumers can make secure payments based on tokens –technology that is quickly becoming the standard for safe mobile payments.” Jim McCarthy, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Visa.

: Mobile phones

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched the ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship Awards 2015, a new awards programme for businesses participating at ITU Telecom World 2015.

The ITU Telecom World Entrepreneurship Awards 2015 will recognise the most innovative start-ups, micro, small and medium-sized businesses using ICTs to provide solutions with real and sustainable social and economic impact, according to ITU, the UN specialised agency for ICTs.

ITU says the Awards programme recognizes the crucial role played by ICT entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and supporting technology hubs, incubators and government initiatives.

Mr. Michael Ikpoki, MD/CEO, MTN Nigeria (left); Dr Eugene Juwah, ex-Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC); Dr Omobola Johnson, ex-Minister of Communication Technology; Mr Ibrahim Dikko, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Etisalat Nigeria and Mr Joseph Tegbe, Principal Partner, KPMG Nigeria at the Nigeria Investment Meeting held at the ITU Telecom World 2014 in Doha, Qatar

Mr. Basil Udotai, Managing Partner of Technology Advisors LLP, will this Friday deliver the thought leadership keynote reviewing Nigeria’s new Cybercrimes Act at the Technology Times Outlook.

Technology Times Outlook organized by Technology Times Media is a thought leadership series where industry leaders come together to discuss and deliberate on technology issues in the country and give road maps on ICT development in Nigeria.

With theme NigeriaCybercrimes Law Review, the billed to holdFriday August 21, 2015 at the Rodizzio inIkeja Lagos will converge attendees across ICT, Law, Media and other sectors of the economy.

“In the last few years, analysts have said that the security of cyberspace has become imperative, not only to ensure the growth of economies, but also to safeguard them against local and international threats that may be posed to by cybercriminals prowling the Internet.”

Attendees at TECH+ Expo in Lagos: Growing technology innovation continues to shape the ways we live, work and play

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President Muhammadu Buhari’s request Tuesday to review the sale of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited to NATCOMS, in what may pose another hurdle to the revival of the nation’s pioneer national operator.

The President gave the marching order to the Ministry of Communication Technology (CommTech), which has also been asked to explore technology sector stakes to drive revenue for Nigeria, in the face of dwindling oil income.

CommTech Ministry says that the Nigerian tech sector, which contributes 10% of Nigeria’s GDP can grow to become 20%, if some of its proposals are approved for implementation.

“NATCOM Consortium’s offer of $252.25 million was accepted by BPE as the winning bid, beating NETTAG Consortium, which was disqualified by the government agency over alleged breach of the sale rules.”

: File photo shows Dr Tunji Olaopa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication Technology (right) and Mr Peter Jack, DG, NITDA at DEMO Africa 2014 in Lagos

Nigeria’s last presidential election, won by President Muhammadu Buhari, was among world events that generated increased spam emails in the second quarter of 2015 according to Kaspersky.

According to the Kaspersky Lab’s Spam and Phishing report for the quarter, the study of world’s unsolicited mail traffic discovered a marked increase in the use of world events such as the presidential election in Nigeria, the earthquake in Nepal and the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, “in spam emails in attempts to extract personal data and voluntary donations from victims worldwide.”

Although the percentage of spam in email traffic decreased by 5.8 percent from the previous quarter (from 59.2% to 53.4%), Q2 2015 spam emails were more focused on current events to lure victims. Some spam included fake messages asking the recipients to make a donation to help the victims of the earthquake in Nepal.

“In other mass mailings, fraudsters tried to lure recipients with the sum of $2 million, which the newly-elected President of Nigeria was allegedly ready to send the user as compensation.” Kaspersky Lab’s Spam and Phishing report.

In other mass mailings, fraudsters tried to lure recipients with the sum of $2 million, which the newly-elected President of Nigeria was allegedly ready to send the user as compensation, the Kaspersky Lab’s Spam and Phishing report cited.

All is now set for Technology Times Outlook, Nigeria‘s technology thought leadership series, which holds tomorrow in Lagos to brings industry leaders to discuss and deliberate on issues that foster growth in the local ICT industry.

Technology Times Outlook, themed: Nigeria Cybercrimes Act 2015 Review, holds tomorrow the Rodizzio Event Center in Ikeja, Lagos, to review the nation’s new legislation on Internet and related crimes.

Basil Udotai, Managing Partner, Technology Advisors LLP, a law firm specializing in ICT will deliver the thought leadership keynote presentation that will review the new legislation.

Udotai, the Thought Leadership Keynote Presenter for tomorrow’s edition of Technology Times Outlook, will be complemented by a distinguished team of panelists who will bring their wealth of experience on the subject matter.

Sola Salako, President Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON)

Top 5 Free Android Apps you should install on your new Smartphone

Did you just get a new Android Smartphone and you keep wandering around on Playstore and other App markets for good Applications to download, but you keep downloading only the boring and irrelevant Apps ? If that's the case then this post you're reading will help you choose the most important Apps which you really need on your Android phone.

As you already know, Android is the world's most popular mobile operating system and it has a gigantic ecosystem of Apps with nearly 1.5 million applications on the Google Play Store, leaving you with so many apps to choose from thus it’s hard to find the essential apps, the ones that truly enrich your experience in a meaningful way. So, in order to help you discover the very best Android Apps on Google Playstore. We've decided to release this awesome list. There is something you have to get right here, almost all Smartphones have some necessary Instant messaging and social networking apps pre-installed on them (e.g Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, Pinterest etc). Even if not pre-installed, we've used our initiative to judge that you'll eventually install those messengers and social apps of your choice, so you won't be seeing any of them on this list. The Apps you'll see in this list will be the outstanding Apps in their own category. Here you go !

How I Rooted the Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 without PC in just 1 minute

Earlier this week, I was faced with a huge task (according to my mindset) but later on I realized the task is not huge but very simple when I finished it successfully in just a matter of few minutes. If I never knew the best way to go about it, I'd probably waste a lot of time and energy before getting it done. There are some people out there who are probably facing or still going to face this task, so because of this, I'll be explaining how I turned a huge task into a very simple one. What is the task ? You may ask. The task is just to root a Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 (T-mobile).

I'm not just rooting the phone for fun but I was trying hard to root it because I had to do probably the most important thing you'd ever root a phone for - SIM unlock the phone. The phone was locked to the T-mobile network so I wanted to unlock the phone but before I could even proceed with the SIM unlocking, I had to root the phone first. Thank God I've eventually unlocked the phone at the moment but that's another story that will come up in one of our upcoming posts soon.

List of Android Devices that works with Framaroot Rooting App and their exploits

In our last post, I explained how I rooted the T-mobile version of the Samsung Galaxy S2 using the Framaroot Android rooting Application. I was able to root the phone successfully in just 1 minute which shows how effective Framaroot is. So if you're thinking of rooting your device, just check if your device is among those listed below. If your device is there, just follow the post here to root your device without hassles -> How to root your Android device using Framaroot. If not, you can still give it a try though. :-)

Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge: New 2015 Flagship Smartphones from Samsung

On the 1st of March, 2015, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. So many new gadgets, electronics and smart devices were released. Out of so many that were released, we have the next Samsung Galaxy S in the Galaxy S series i.e. the successor of the beautiful & awesome Galaxy S5. Now, it's official.... The Samsung Galaxy S6 is the next in line in the Galaxy S series with its slightly identical twin brother - Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.

Samsung Galaxy S6

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

Roommates Stab each other in Apple iPhone 6 vs Samsung Galaxy S6 Argument

I remember we've written a post about the Android vs iOS arguments and fights which is not difficult to run into, on the Internet. Most of them always result to e-fights but this time around, it's a physical fight. Two guys in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the United States took their Android - iOS argument to another level yesterday, leading to stabbing with injuries and hospitalization.

Two roommates, one with the Apple iPhone 6 and the other using the just released Samsung Galaxy S6, had a heated argument over which phone is the better smartphone. The fighting intensified until both men smashed beer bottles and used the jagged edges to stab each other. One of the men received a beer bottle blow to the back of his head, causing both of them to be hospitalized. Neither the men, nor their mobile operating system preference, was identified. The Police initially weren't sure if there would be charges filed.

Search "Find My Phone" on Google to Locate your missing Android Phone

It's been a while now since Google has had a phone locating service in their Android Device Manager website. But Google has now implemented the functionality within its search engine itself, making it very easy to locate your phone just the usual way you would perform a search.

How to use a full-size Photo as your Profile Picture on WhatsApp without Cropping It

I've experienced what you're about to read in this informative post so many times while trying to change my Profile Picture on WhatsApp. I know so many of you must have faced the same problem too, while trying to change your Profile Picture on WhatsApp and some other Social Apps. To understand, almost every time you change your profile picture on WhatsApp, the picture is needed to be cropped and you lose a substantial part of the picture, which means that you won't be able to use the full picture as your Profile picture just because the cropping box that popped out on the picture can only stretch from your face down to your waist. Now there is a perfect solution to that because you can now use your full picture as your profile picture, no matter how long or full it is. How ? Read on as I explain the solution in the next paragraph.

Samsung Galaxy S6 - Specs, Features, Review and Price

The first-generation Samsung smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S came into existence in 2010, when the Smartphone market was largely dominated by Apple's iPhone. Since then, it has been a new Galaxy S Smartphone every year and It's no longer a news that the 2015 Galaxy S smartphone has been released but this time around, it's a pair, but first off, we'll be reviewing the Samsung Galaxy S6, which is the successor of the lovely and amazing Samsung Galaxy S5. Later this month, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Specs, Features and Review will follow.

How to Subscribe to Etisalat 1GB for #1000 Data Plan

These days, It is getting more and more difficult to access the internet cheaply and freely. Even on my end here, all the plans I know of are just not enough for me. I always exhaust the 4.5GB MTN Night plan in just 2 - 3 weeks, forcing me to do more than one subscription within a month. Today, I will like to inform you about a data plan from Etisalat which is cheap compared to the usual price they use to offer it for. Before, you can only get 200MB on Etisalat for #1000. But now with this plan you'll be getting 1000MB i.e. 1GB for #1000.

Will the LG G4 be launched during the Jumia Mobile Week Megathon?

If there is anything we know for sure, it is that there will be a good number of phone launches during the Jumia Mobile Week Megathon. There has been a lot of speculation but still no official confirmation that the LG G4 will be included in one of those launches but whichever the case is Sunday the 7th of June which is LG’s day will be one to watch out for. The Jumia Mobile Week Megathon has been described as some form of heaven on earth for mobile phone lovers and June 7th cannot come soon enough for LG fans nationwide!

How to Enable WiFi and USB Tethering on Samsung Galaxy S5 (AT&T) and other Smartphones

Can I even remember the last time I used a USB Modem to browse on my PC ? Oh no, I can't, just because it's been long since I used it. I connect to the internet on my PC through my phone's mobile data plan, making use of the Wireless tethering, USB tethering feature on my Samsung Galaxy S5 SM-G900A (AT&T version). Before I started using the Wireless and USB tethering on my AT&T branded Galaxy S5, I searched for hours and tweaked for days before I eventually get it to work.

Galaxy A8 - The Slimmest and Thinnest Samsung Smartphone Ever is Out !

Wow, it's finally official. After countless speculations, rumors and even a hands-on video, the Samsung Galaxy A8 is here with a unique and awesome ultra-thin design, there is no doubt that the Samsung Galaxy A8 is the slimmest Smartphone so far from the Korean manufacturer. The phone is now listed on Samsung China's website and we can finally say that Samsung's thinnest phone to date is a reality.

I know you are so keen and overly excited (most especially Samsung fans in the house) to know more about this new release from Samsung. Well, the Samsung Galaxy A8 has a metal frame with a curvature very similar to that of the Galaxy S6, but it has aluminum on its back instead of the glass used on the S6's back. Despite the fact that the Galaxy A8 has a large 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, it is still very light weighing just 151 grams. That is not really heavy, it is quite impressing and modest for a Phablet.

Here is a List of The World's most Powerful International Passports

While surfing the internet and reading around online as usual, I stumbled upon a very informative and interesting article on CNN and I thought it'd be nice to share it with you here. Even though it's not really related to technology, but it is still very worthy of being shared on a Tech Blog. This post is all about the most powerful international passports in the world with the numbers of countries that each passport can access without a visa, or by getting visa on arrival. There is no doubt that a passport from a country on good diplomatic terms with other countries is a very powerful tool, allowing holders to travel across borders so easily.

As always expected, developed countries with advanced economies fare the best. If you are to guess which country comes in the first place, I know you'd at least have a very good and close guess. Now, did you guessed right ? Here is the brief details within - for first place are U.S. and U.K. passports, which give holders access to 147 countries. Passports from the world's most populous country, China, offer quick access to 74 countries while Indian passport holders aren't so lucky, with 59 easy destinations. A Russian passport provides 98 country options.

Download the Final Release of the Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Core Here

On the 29th of July 2015, Microsoft officially released their best version of the Windows Operating System so far, Windows 10. The Windows 10 OS has been the talk of the town since they started designing it, one of the main reasons why Windows 10 is making waves and seeming to be the next big thing is the usability across all platforms, be it a Smartphone, Tablet or Computers. With so many technical preview builds & versions flying and crawling everywhere on the Internet, you have to be very careful where and how you are downloading your Windows 10 (also which version).

"ROC Live Life Loud" - Cristiano Ronaldo Unveils New Audio Brand In Surprise

This is what I call Creativity, this is what I call Diversifiability and the owner I call Cristiano Ronaldo. I was so surprised and wowed when I stumbled upon Cristiano Ronaldo's new funny video online. The video is not the main reason I was surprised but seeing a Great sportsman being so techie and musical at the same time, if you understand what I mean. Well, I'll break the news to you - "Cristiano Ronaldo now has a new Brand named ROC Live Life Loud" which was coined from his name, its tagline is Live Life Loud.

Cristiano Ronaldo explained that Music is part of his life and it inspires him and this passion he has for music motivated him to start the ROC by Monster brand which is an Audio accessories or to be more specific 'Headset' producing company, something similar to Beats by Dre.

Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact allegedly seen in a Leaked Image

Yesterday, Sony announced a press event for September 2, 2015 during the IFA. Their next Xperia flagship Smartphone is expected to be unveiled during this event, which will be succeeding the Xperia Z4. This flagship is probably going to be called Xperia Z5, and it could be the first in the Xperia line to feature a fingerprint scanner. The leaked image as you can see below is purportedly depicting the Xperia Z5 to the right of an iPhone 5S, while the Z5 Compact is said to be to the left of the iPhone 5S in the comparison picture.

List of Nigerian Banks with their Official Android, iOS & BlackBerry Mobile Apps

After writing a very long article on Mobile Banking in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. I decided to bring you a list of Nigerian Banks with their official Mobile Banking Apps so you can download the App of your financial institution on your Smartphone. If you've not read the last article on Mobile Banking, you should read it here -> Mobile Banking <-. Now, I present to you the list of Nigerian Banks with their official Mobile Banking Apps. Note that if you did not see your Bank's App on this list then that means your Bank does not have a Mobile Banking App yet, you can check back for further updates.

Mobile Banking in Nigeria and Africa; What You Should Know !

According to WikiPedia, Mobile banking is a term used to refer to systems that allow customers of a financial institution to conduct a number of financial transactions through a mobile device such as a Smartphone or Tablet.

Note that Mobile banking differs from mobile payments, which involves the use of a mobile device to pay for goods or services either at a POS or remotely. The earliest mobile banking services were offered over SMS, a service known as SMS banking. Later on, the introduction of WAP enabled phones created a new era of using the mobile web in 1999, which prompted European banks to start offering mobile banking services to their customers.

Specs, Features and Leaked Pictures of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Samsung's anticipating unveil event for the Galaxy Note 5 will take place exactly one week from today, that's on the 13th of August, 2015. And I will like to give you the latest updates at hand prior to its release, with stunning & awesome pictures of the next Smartphone in the Samsung Galaxy Note series. As the unveil date gets closer, different leaks (images) of the Note 5 keeps rolling out, even up to several times a day.

As you can see in the picture above, this leak seems to be showing a geek doing the hands-on video with the smartphone, and also photographing it from all possible angles. This is probably the best pre-launch image of the Note 5 so far, at least we can see an actual operating device in the picture which shows it's for real.

How to Browse and Download on your PC with #70 on MTN; 5GB Data Limit

Even though our Network providers in Nigeria are trying as much as possible to reduce the price of subscription plans for Android Phones, iPhones and PCs recently. Still, it's quite expensive and the data limit is very low. Most of the time, I do exhaust the MTN 4.5GB Night plan in just a week because I'm a heavy data user, if you are also in my shoes then no worries, I've got a very cheap data plan I'll like to share with you, though it's very cheap yet it still has a high data limit close to 5GB depending on your SIM.

The plan is the MTN BBLITED subscription plan, with just #70 only you'll be able to browse on your PC for 24 hours with a data cap of 5GB. Please note that you'll make use of a Server before you'll be able to browse on your PC, the server is called "Simple Server" and the download link has been inserted in the first step below.

Nigeria’s new telecoms regulator begins sweeping shake-up of NCC

Professor Umaru Garba Danbatta, who was Tuesday named as Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) by Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, has kicked off his first week on the job with sweeping reshuffling in the nation’s influential telecoms industry regulator.

“Under the plan, Danbatta has approved the redeployment of Mr. Abdullahi Maikano, who was moved from his former position as the Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the special fund established to extend telecoms penetration into rural areas nationwide.”
Technology Times has just learnt that the reshuffle effected weekend by the new regulatory chief affected key officials across several cadres in NCC and will soon be made public in the next few days, barring any change of mind by the new boss of the agency.

Under the plan, Danbatta has approved the redeployment of Mr. Abdullahi Maikano, who was moved from his former position as the Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the special fund established to extend telecoms penetration into rural areas nationwide.

The shake-up of USPF is one of several changes at the top cadre of NCC, people conversant with unfolding developments Abuja, the headquarters of the Nigerian telecoms industry watchdog today confirmed to Technology Times.

Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, NCC 2000 – 2010

Details are sketchy as to the new boss of USPF, which manages a multi-billion wallet set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in rural, un-served and under-served areas across the country.

Indications have however emerged that Danbatta will be looking inwards for a new USPF Secretary, who may likely be a serving Chartered Account in NCC simply identified as Ayuba, according to an insider.

NCC internal structure and organogram

Charles Onu, a young Nigerian technology entrepreneur is one of 12 young people -and the only African – selected from across the globe to participate in the Jeanne Sauvé Public Leadership Program 2015 – 2017.

Organised by the Jeanne Sauvé Foundation, the two-year fellowship aims to convene, connect, engage and empower young leaders who are applying their skills and expertise in ways that are helping to create a better and more sustainable world. Over 1400 persons applied from around the world, after which a dozen young leaders where selected across 10 countries.

In the official announcement from Jeanne Sauvé Foundation, Charles was described as “a software developer and humanitarian technology researcher committed to sustainability and balanced resource allocation in Nigeria.”

“Nigeria’s Charles Onu is the Principal Innovator behind Ubenwa, a digital health initiative in which he and his team are applying machine learning and mobile technology to provide portable, affordable, and reliable diagnosis of birth asphyxia.”

Charles Onu, (second from right at bottom row) a young Nigerian technology entrepreneur is one of 12 young people -and the only African – selected from across the globe to participate in the Jeanne Sauvé Public Leadership Program 2015 – 2017.

Nigeria’s Charles Onu is the Principal Innovator behind Ubenwa, a digital health initiative in which he and his team are applying machine learning and mobile technology to provide portable, affordable, and reliable diagnosis of birth asphyxia.

Huawei Marine Networks Co. Ltd, a global submarine network provider, says it has started marine installation of the Nigeria-Cameroon Submarine Cable System (NCSCS), a submarine cable linking the two West African nations.

According to Huawei, the NCSCS is Cameroon’s first wholly-owned submarine cable with investment provided by the Cameroon Government.

Spanning approximately 1,100 km, the NCSCS will directly link Kribi in Cameroon with Lagos in Nigeria, delivering 12.8 Tbps of capacity to broadband users in both countries by the end of 2015, the Chinese company says.

Presiding over the installation ceremony, Jean-Pierre BIYITI bi ESSAM, Cameroon’s Minister of Posts and Telecommunications says that “the Government of Cameroon has embarked on putting in place the necessary facilities to boost the demand and supply of services in quality, in quantity and at affordable prices, as well as to increase telecommunications universal access and universal service”.

“Spanning approximately 1,100 km, the NCSCS will directly link Kribi in Cameroon with Lagos in Nigeria, delivering 12.8 Tbps of capacity to broadband users in both countries by the end of 2015″ Huawei Marine Networks

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria

The Federal Government has ordered Nigerian mobile and other network operators to deactivate all pre-registered phones or face sanctions.

The telecoms regulator says it has asked network operators to deactivate all Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards, the system that terminates phone lines, under measures to address security challenges in the country.

The industry umpire says that network operators have so far registered and transmitted record of over 120 milion SIM cards to the government central database holding biometric information of Nigeria’s teeming mobile phone subscribers across all networks.

However, the government agency is worried that as at at September 2014, about 45% of the total number of registered SIMs revealed data shortfalls like invalid portrait image, invalid fingerprints, a combination of invalid portrait image and fingerprints and incorrect or inaccurate demographic data like name, address, among others.

“The industry umpire says that network operators have so far registered and transmitted record of over 120 milion SIM cards to the government central database holding biometric information of Nigeria’s teeming mobile phone subscribers across all networks.”

Nigeria SIM Card Registration

“Since the invalid records were returned to the operators in September 2014 for correction, less than 30% of the invalid records has been resubmitted”, the telecoms regulator claims.

Ismail Ahmed, Founder and CEO, WorldRemit, an online money transfer service says that a possible merger of Western Union and MoneyGram, two of the global remittance industry’s biggest players, “would create a monstrous monopoly.”

Ahmed made the comments amid reports that Western Union was in talks to acquire rival MoneyGram underscoring that if closed, the deal could undermine the limited competition that exists in the world remittance industry.

“Western Union is reported to be in talks to acquire its largest competitor MoneyGram. If the deal is approved, it would create a monstrous monopoly that would impact the livelihoods of millions around the world”, the WorldRemit CEO says.

“Western Union is reported to be in talks to acquire its largest competitor MoneyGram. If the deal is approved, it would create a monstrous monopoly that would impact the livelihoods of millions around the world” Ismail Ahmed, Founder and CEO, WorldRemit

According to him, Africa will be most hit by the deal, which he reckons would have “profound consequences for competition” among remittance market players.

With the support of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) platform in Nigeria, thousands of Nigerian youth with brilliant ideas have taken the arduous road to establish hi-tech start-ups which they believe would accelerate the country’s emergence as a strong force in the digital economy with footprints around the continent and in the world.

Needless to say, led by software and other content developers, these young ones are seeking funding from investors and joint venture capitalists which will help transform their ideas into the next successful companies which create jobs, wealth and rise steadily to establish their corporate digital footprints.

But Mr Nicolas Martin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jumia Africa, the leading e-commerce company online, agrees with them that technology has presented immense opportunities to the youths to excel, but they must first make themselves trustworthy and the venture capitalists will come to them with funding.

“Think beyond the money,” he advised the young, start-up entrepreneurs. “Think about why they should trust you. Who are you? Why should they trust you with their money? Are you capable of evolving if you fail?” he reeled out the venture capitalists questions. “If you have the most brilliant idea in the world, it is not so easy to implement the good idea as you may think,” he advised. Nicolas Martin, CEO of Jumia Africa

Cross section of attendees at TECH+ Expo held in Lagos

Mr Micheal Ikpoki, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria today told attendees at TECH+ Conferences and Expo in Lagos that the information and communication technology (ICT) sector can power the nation’s drive to become a major global economic power.

Ikpoki, the MTN Nigeria CEO, the largest mobile telephony company in the country says that the tech sector is a critical contributor to GDP, and can play a key contributory role in further powering the economy.

According to him technology has been the driver of growth of developed countries in the world as diverse tech solutions now make it easier for people to reach out to themselves “with just a click of the button.”

The MTN Nigeria CEO, who also commended oragnisers of TECH+ says the maiden edition of the two-day conferences and exhibitions will be an eye-opener for many Nigerians to know how to leverage technology in their everyday life.

“Our oil and gas sector is 75 per cent of our Federal Government revenue and 95 per cent of foreign exchange earnings and just 12 per cent of the GDP. So, how do we power other sectors. We can only do that with technology by coming up with relevant apps that make us do business better. That’s what we will be doing in TECH+ because that will create a platform for us to improve on our economy.” Mike Ikpoki, CEO of MTN Nigeria

Mike Ikpoki, CEO of MTN Nigeria, delivers the keynote presentation today at TECH+ Conferences and Expo, which opened in Lagos

MasterCard Friday has announced at the ongoing TECH+ Conferences and Expo in Lagos that it is developing selfie technology for biometric authentication for online payments to eliminate fraud.

Omoke Ojomuyidele, business head of Mastercard told attendees at the well-attended TECH+ that the innovation will contribute to boosting cashless initiative in Nigeria.

“MasterCard says that to use the upcoming function, customers will be required to download the MasterCard app on their phones and once an online purchase is at the checkout stage, the app will push through a request asking authorisation before payment is submitted.”

Attendees at TECH+ underway in Lagos

Dr. Abdu Bulama, Minister of Science and Technology, has said that use of technology will enhance the integrity of electoral process ahead of the forthcoming General Elections billed to hold next month.

According to the Minister, “the use of election technology to ensure integrity and/or enhance transparency in the electoral process can be tremendously effective.”

The Science and Technology Minister said that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Blackberry Messenger (BBM), Whatsapp, Linkedin and Instagram are veritable means of technology that can be deployed in enhancing the electoral process for quick transmission of results.Dr. Abdu Bulama, Minister of Science and Technology

He said this at a two-day capacity development conference supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the theme: “Enhancing the use of Technology during the 2015 electoral process” held recently in Abuja.

The Science and Technology Minister said that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Black

ICT will be Nigeria’s next oil says Imo Ukpong, CEO, Apace Innovative Solutions says in this article for the Nigeria Technology Forecast 2015 (#NGTF2015) the technology thought leadership annual by Technology Times, offering insights into Top 10 Key Trends that will shape and define the Nigerian technology landscape in 2015 and beyond.

New ICT SMEs, further growing industry contributions to Nigeria’s overall GDP in 2015
Government-backed initiatives and programmes that lower barriers to new ICT startups will result in more investments in local ICT businesses. However, such entrants will grow and get big results with value chain creation. Key policy thrusts like market protection for locally-manufactured IT products, generation of local market for, and increased consumption of local ICT products, services and solutions through government procurement programmes that incentivize special categories of businesses – like Women ICT SMEs – will assist create that value chain.

Enhanced ICT access, improved service quality and sustainable socio-economic development
Sustained government policies, initiatives and programmes – like increased broadband penetration through the open access model, spectrum auctions, gender empowerment, increased investments aimed at extending ICTs to, and building of human capacities in rural communities, etc – will have a significant impact on enhanced access to ICTs, improve service quality and unleash socio-economic benefits to the people – like job creation, poverty reduction, among others.

Security will be a major issue

As e-commerce, e- and m-banking, social media and personal mobile devices usage across government and business platforms proliferate, coupled with lack of relevant cybercrime and infrastructure protection laws; proper education and advanced monitoring techniques, security will surely be a hot button in 2015.

“Nigeria’s ICT sector is reputed to be one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. With the current contribution of 9.58% to the Nigerian GDP, the ICT industry will witness the emergence of local startups that will add significant value to the Nigerian economy in 2015. With sustained government interventions and programmes geared towards creating the enabling environment needed to attract private sector investments, ICT contributions to the overall economy will ultimately surpass the oil revenues, given the sliding oil prices globally.” Imo Ukpong, CEO, Apace Innovative Solutions

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ICT Governance and Regulation: Not yet Uhuru!

Whereas government has relied on ICTs to drive transformations over the past 15 years, little can be said of the overall value derived from such huge investments. Ineffective project governance and weak regulation will continually affect government technology acquisition, deployment and management. As government embarks on continuous efforts to harmonize and integrate information silos across government, appropriate policies, standards and guidelines need to be adopted; careful planning, appropriate technologies, proven project methodologies and enterprise-wide implementation approach must be employed in future projects – to institutionalize industry best practices, reduce duplication of efforts and waste, increase inter-operability, efficiency and stem the tide of failed government projects.