Author: Stellamaris Ashinze

Google ambassador encourages women  to utilise opportunities in programmes

Women

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A Woman Techmaker Ambassador (WTA), Mrs Gbemisola Esho, on Sunday encouraged women to take advantage of the opportunities in Google’s Women Techmakers Programme.

In an interview  with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) In Lagos, Esho said that the programme was a global initiative aimed at empowering women in technology and bridging the gender gap in the tech industry.

According to her, this programme works to give women visibility, foster a more inclusive and diverse environment for women in tech through various programmes, events and initiatives.

“Google’s Women Techmakers Programme has made significant strides in promoting women’s empowerment in the tech industry.

“By providing opportunities for education, networking and career development, the programme has helped to increase women’s representation in tech and create a more inclusive and diverse workplace.

‘’As a result, more women are pursuing careers in technology, and the industry is benefiting from their diverse perspectives and contributions,’’ she said.

Esho said that there are two streams: the Women Techmakers Membership, which was free and open to all to join.

She said the other stream was the Women Techmakers Ambassador Programme which was by selection after application.

According to her, the key components of the Women Techmakers Programme include events and workshops, mentorship and leadership programmes and community building.

Esho said that the programme organised events and workshops to bring together women in tech, promoted networking and provided opportunities for learning and skill development.

Esho said that these events included conferences, hackathons, coding workshops and panel discussions in which participants gained exposure to cutting-edge technologies, connected with industry experts and enhanced their technical skills.

She said that Google offered mentorship and leadership programmes to help women in tech advance their careers and develop their skills.

“Mentors provide guidance, support and career advice to mentees while leadership programmes equip women with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in the tech industry,” she added.

Esho noted that the community building programme facilitated the creation of online and offline communities where women in tech could connect, share experiences and support each other.

She said that these communities provided a platform for women to discuss challenges, seek advice and collaborate on projects.

According to her, the programme also hosts regular meetups and networking events to strengthen connections and foster a sense of belonging.

Esho urged women to take advantage of all these opportunities to develop industry relevant skills. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

Data protection, key ethical consideration for Nigeria’s AI influx  – Expert

AI

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Mr Jide Awe, a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Advisor, on Sunday stressed that privacy and data protection are key ethical considerations for the influx of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the country.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Awe said that one reason necessitating increased attention to data protection and privacy was the immense reliance of AI systems on data.

He said that data must be collected, used, processed and stored ethically to protect user privacy and respect their privacy rights.

Awe, who is also the Founder, Jidaw.com, said that bias could be problematic in AI.

According to him, in order to ensure AI is not used to foster and entrench unfairness, discrimination, and oppression, it is ethically responsible to identify and mitigate bias in the data that trains AI systems.

“Other important ethical considerations in use of AI are responsibility and accountability; What is the responsibility of developers? How can the deployer, project owner or the user be held accountable for the actions of AI systems?

“Though Nigeria currently lacks a comprehensive legal framework for AI, data protection regulations are essential in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

“Regulation should enable impact assessment to evaluate the potential social and ethical impacts of AI systems before and after deployment,’’ he said.

According to him, human oversight is also crucial as AI systems are programmed machines that can not think for themselves.

Awe noted that there was a need to ensure AI-made decisions were guided by common sense and critical thinking.

According to him, unequal access to AI technology can also exacerbate existing inequalities, adding that inclusive AI development that benefits all Nigerians is crucial.

The STI advisor said that transparency in AI decisionmaking was crucial, instead of the black box approach.

According to him, it is important to know AI systems reach decisions which make human oversight and intervention possible.

Awe said: “Regulation on AI should be efficient, effective, and flexible to adapt to the changing circumstances of our technology-driven world and to foster innovation.

“Having standards and certification processes for AI systems could promote responsible development and use.

“Regulation should also promote an environment of continuous learning and ensure standards are kept up to date.’’

Awe described the country’s  preparedness towards AI as unsurprisingly a combination of positives and challenges.

He said that the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy had started the AI readiness process with the development of a National AI Strategy, which began with an AI Experts workshop.

Awe said that this workshop led to the launch of Nigeria’s first Multilingual Large Language Model (LLM).

According to him, Nigeria also collaborates in international AI development efforts and is a signatory to relevant declarations.

He added that there were some AI development and advocacy efforts, along with capacity building and talent training programmes in Nigeria.

The STI expert, however, noted that the level of AI-readiness activity remained low with minimal impact, saying that it was also primarily driven by private research initiatives.

“Unreliable internet, limited computing power and inconsistent public electricity, coupled with inadequate talent and research capabilities are major obstacles to AI development in the country,’’ Awe stressed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

MTN announces construction of West Africa’s largest data centre

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) MTN Nigeria on Saturday announced the construction of its West African largest data centre, a facility with a 1,500-rack and Tier 4 data centre within the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Tier 4 data centre is built to be completely fault-tolerant, has redundancy for every component and an expected uptime of 99.995 per cent.

This means it can withstand a wide range of potential disruptions and offers the most reliable infrastructure. 

The Chief Technical Officer, MTN, Mr Mohammed Rufai, told newsmen in Lagos that construction of the data centre was a move to enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

Rufai said that the data centre was set to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing data demands and digital needs of businesses and consumers across the country.

He said that the new data centre would support MTN’s infrastructure and serve as a vital resource for businesses across Nigeria.

“Businesses that require data centre capacity can now forgo maintaining their server rooms.

‘’Our facility will provide the space and services needed, enabling companies to digitalise their operations and improve efficiency.

‘’The data centre will also enhance the delivery of content from major tech companies like Meta and Google, bringing content closer to Nigerian users and improving access speeds,’’ he said.

According to him, this local hosting of content will significantly boost user experience and network efficiency.

Rufai highlighted the critical need for expanded data processing capabilities, driven by significant growth in data usage and the emergence of new services.

“We see a high demand in the market, with data usage growing significantly.

“And in order to cater to demand and prepare for future growth, MTN is expanding and modernising its data centre capacity,” the MTN official said.

According to him, the project is not just a technological investment but also a catalyst for economic growth.

Rufai said by providing scalable and adaptable infrastructure, it would enable businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to leverage cloud services and other digital solutions.

He stressed that this would, in turn, drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness across various sectors of the economy.

He emphasised MTN’s readiness to partner with startups and MSMEs, offering numerous opportunities for collaboration, particularly in cloud services.

According to him, aligned with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy, the data centre signals the company’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.

He said that the facility would eventually utilise efficient cooling systems and a combination of traditional energy sources, gas and renewable energy.

Rufai stressed the importance of these energy measures, saying it would significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

According to him, up to 60 per cent of the power consumption of a typical data centre in our clime is for cooling, MTN’s highly efficient systems will ensure it meets the sustainability targets.

The MTN official added that as Nigeria’s digital landscape advanced, the new data centre marked a significant milestone.

He said that it captured a continued drive for innovation, quality,  growth and fostered a connected, modern life aiming to provide improved services, economic benefits and a strong digital infrastructure for the future. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

Storage

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Data  Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) has called for the review of the National  Identification Management  Commission (NIMC) data storage  system.

The Chief Executive Officer of DKIPPI, Mr Tokunbo Smith, made call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Smith, also a Data  Protection  Controller, spoke against the backdrop of the NIMC’s statement that five websites are allegedly harvesting Nigerians’ data fraudulently.

The statement was against the backdrop of the recent alarm raised by the Paradigm Initiative that some websites are selling Nigerians’ National Identification Number, Bank Verification Number, and International Passport, among others.

The NIMC in a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kayode Adegoke, said the websites engaging in the illegal harvest of data without its authority include idfinder.com.ng and Verify.Ng/sign in.

Others, according to him, are championtech.com.ng., trustyonline.com, and
anyverify.com.

The commission, however,  noted that Nigerians’ sensitive data have not been compromised as claimed by Paradigm Initiative.

Smith said that the challenge of data harvesting experienced by NIMC could be averted if the data storage is domiciled in Nigeria.

“It is time for Nigeria to look inward and encourage local content to avert challenges of data harvesting.

“An issue of such weakness experienced sometime 2022 and having such again is really unhealthy for a national critical  infrastructure,” he said.

He said the NIMC storage  infrastructure  should be domiciled in Nigeria handled by qualified and experienced human resources, robust infrastructure and secured platforms.

‘’We have such issues when the right steps are not taking before awarding of contract.

‘’At this point, there is little or nothing that the  Data Protection Commission can do.

‘’And that is why I have always emphasised the need for NDPC  to be independent of any ministry or minister but to  report directly  to the presidency,’’ he said.

He added that NIMC employees should be trained and disciplined for non-compliance with policies.

NAN reports that Mr Bosun Tijani,  the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of Nigeria, said that investigation has commenced into the alleged breach of data of Nigerians domiciled at the NIMC.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Tijani said the NIMC and National Data Protection Commission have commenced a probe into the matter. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

MSMEs

By Stellamaris Ashinze
Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) MoniePoint MFB, an Africa financial technology institution, on Thursday, reiterated its commitment to providing peerless and holistic support for Macro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The Managing Director, Moniepoint MFB, Mr Babatunde Olofin, said this in a statement in Lagos to mark the World MSMEs Day.

Olofin said the support would boost the MSMEs capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said that the MSMEs had continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability in facilitating economic growth and development across borders, in spite of economic downturns and global crises.

“Moniepoint  is  driven by the increasing need to improve access to financial services to power sustained and inclusive progress to support the MSMEs on  capacity building among others,” he said.

The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in April 2017, June 27, was designated as MSMEs Day  to raise awareness of their tremendous contributions to the achievement of the SDGs.

He said that MSMEs could lead the change toward a sustainable and prosperous future with the proper support from governments, financial institutions, and consumers at large.

According to him, enablers like Moniepoint is willing to partner with all stakeholders to create an environment that supports MSMEs in their efforts to invest, trade, and thrive in local and global markets.

“We recognise that MSMEs are the lifeblood of the Nigerian economy, millions of people depend on MSMEs for food, daily necessities, and sustenance.

‘’For businesses across Nigeria, we have just one promise, we are always going to be here to make you happy.

‘’As we celebrate this year’s World MSME Day, we must all acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of MSMEs and the driving force not only to bolster economic stability but also foster sustainable development,” he said.

According to him, MSMEs are helping to eradicate poverty and improve quality of life for  Nigerians.

He said that by empowering MSMEs stakeholders pave the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all, especially the coming generations.

He noted that as the sector closest to local communities, MSMEs are essential for creating local jobs, empowering women, youth, persons with disabilities and other groups in vulnerable situations.

‘’Commemorating MSMEs Day is a recognition that this vital sector, agents of innovation, growth, and sustainability has tremendous potential to unlock critical pathways to accelerate SDG progress across the globe,” he said.

Olofin said that Moniepoint provided incentives ranging from gift vouchers, fuel vouchers and two months sewing material  to a tailor, among others to mark the day. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Stakeholders advocate collaboration to harness climate change opportunities

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Some stakeholders on Wednesday called  for collaborative effort to harness the opportunity of climate change and address the challenges associated with it

The stakeholders made the call at the opening of the two-day Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF) 2024 in Lagos.

The forum had the theme, “Green  Economies, Brighter Future: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate Smart Development.”

Ms Ramatoulaye Diallo, Chief Executive Officer, Great Green Wall of Africa Foundation, said in her keynote address that stakeholders are decisive of the urgency with which Africa’s climate challenges are addressed.

Dialo said that aside climate change being one of the most critical issue in 21st century, the reality of climate change was becoming more and more eminent.

She said that Africa was unfortunately  in the heart of these realities and facing severe weather challenges such as rising temperature, erratic rainfall and desertification among others.

According to her, decisive action is essential in the battle to protect Africa, noting that, however, the journey  requires collaboration, innovation and commitment from all stakeholders.

“I have great faith in the fight against   climate change, the existence of this challenges are always hampering livelihood and social economic development .

“That is why proactive, collective and continental efforts are too sure to address them, like I always say the development of Africa will lead to the development of higher might.

“Money is not the issue, we have the money; what we do need, we need to fight. We need to come together and hold hands to achieve a better goal,’’ she said.

According to her, with what countries are facing, it is imperative we work together to get sustainable solutions  resilient for a worthy transformation and significant breakthrough.

Dialo said that stakeholders must utilise collective wisdom, share knowledge and goals as well as build capacity.

She said that there were always opportunities for people, so, therefore, it was important that all turn the opportunity into projects that could attract investment .

‘’CAAF 2024 is already the platform where we can harness and address the needs of those most vulnerable to climate change’’.

Also in his address, Markus Wauschkuhn, Cluster Coordinator of German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Nigeria, said that the German cooperation had supported green economies in Nigeria.

Wauschkuhn said that there was need not to talk of climate only on defensive action but as a business opportunity, adding that the innovation potential was particularly high, especially in Africa.

He said that it was similar to what happened 10 years to 20 years back in the telecommunications sector, which saw the influx of businesses.

He said that there were open opportunity which could be used to create businesses, instead of complaining about the situation.

According to him, some examples are innovative green solutions to address challenges, green technologies in the production of goods in clusters .

“We also have 44 skills programme for youths, employment programme which is focusing on technical training  for youths development and we are also actively working towards developing a curriculum for green skills in Nigeria’,” the GIZ executive said.

According to him, green economy is not only a tool or academic concept, it is very much a trust cutting tool which is affecting more and more areas of the cooperation.

He said it was part of its transition to a sustainable future in which critical environmental, economic and social challenges are addressed.

“We at GIZ support our partner countries in establishing economic structures based on sustainable production of consumption patterns and combined prosperity climate, environmental protection and social justice.

He said that in Nigeria, for example, GIZ was actively promoting energy transition through its Nigerian energy support programme.

Wauschkuhn added that the energy support programme was focused on fostering investment for renewable energy and energy efficiency across different areas for electricity for disadvantaged rural areas.

According to him, GIZ has also supported recycling volume chain jointly with the Lagos State Government and has worked with over 3,000 plastic waste recycling actors on different aspects of business support.

He expressed excitement to be part of the conversation and future engagements.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CAAF is a two-day  conference which started from June 19 and would end June 20. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

Youths

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Microsoft says Africa’s youths will comprise a significant portion of the potential global workforce by the turn of the century.

Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer at Microsoft Africa, said this in a webinar on Tuesday.

The webinar was on “AI and the Future of Work in Africa whitepaper”, produced by Microsoft and industry experts from across the continent.

According to Bhat, one billion people in Africa are currently under the age of 35, with the continent projected to host almost half of the world’s youth population.

He highlighted Africa’s unique opportunity to shape the future of work in these formative years, saying large language models (LLMs) evolved and the application environment continued to develop.

The expert said that up to 12 million young Africans enter the job market annually.

He, however, said that more than 20 per cent were neither employed, in education, nor trained according to the International Labour Organisation.

“We envision generative AI playing a pivotal role in transforming work environments and creating opportunities for youth to innovate, drive economic growth, and foster job creation,” Bhat stated.

He emphasised the potential of generative AI (GenAI) to reshape knowledge worker jobs, alter job types, required skills, and output.

“McKinsey research suggests that GenAI could boost annual labour productivity growth by up to 0.6 per cent through 2040, contingent upon technology adoption rates and the reallocation of worker time to other tasks,” he added.

The technology and solutions officer, therefore, cautioned that technology alone would not address the challenges facing Africa’s youthful population.

He underscored the importance of developing policies and practices to ensure responsible deployment of GenAI and AI in general, with a focus on valuing AI-related labour and ensuring dignified employment.

Jacki O’Neill, Director of Microsoft Research Africa, spoke on the transformative potential of generative AI in enhancing human capabilities across various sectors.

“As access to GenAI tools expands across Africa through internet-enabled devices and more affordable data, barriers to access are diminishing, presenting increased opportunities for skills development,” O’Neill said

The director stressed the need to equip youth with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-disrupted labour market.

This, he noted, included deployment of GenAI tools, development of innovative applications, and proficiency in areas like machine learning, natural language processing and cybersecurity.

“Investing in these skills equips Africans to create dignified jobs, integrate AI sensitively with indigenous knowledge, forge new value chains, and develop AI systems that reflect human-centered and community values.

“The whitepaper underscores the importance of proactive governance, inclusive design, education investment, and commitment to regulatory and ethical standards for ensuring positive outcomes with GenAI.

“This is a collective responsibility involving policymakers, technologists, and citizens alike,” O’Neill emphasised.

He highlighted that the AI revolution in Africa was not merely a possibility but already underway, with Microsoft committed to collaborating with individuals, governments, partners, and stakeholders across the continent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Microsoft, as a technology company, creates AI-powered platforms and tools to deliver innovative solutions meeting the evolving needs of customers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NDPC law has enhanced investors’ confidence in Nigeria – Olatunji

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria  Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Tuesday said that it had enhanced investors’ trust, credibility and confidence in the nation for investment to thrive.

The National Commissioner, NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) this during its working visit to the Data Knowledge and information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) in Lagos.

Olatunji said that the commission had contributed substantially to the nation in the past one year of the passage of the NDPC Law.

“The commission has contributed in the sense that an average investor coming into Nigeria now has that trust and confidence in our nation.

“When you invest we are talking of using technology and when you use technology, we are talking of people’s  data and personal information.

“When investors share their data and it is registered with the NDPC there is that element of trust that should anything go wrong, a law and a commission exists to which one can report to seek redress.

“That alone is enough credibility and assurance of protecting the data of the investors.

“The issue of having a national law and independent data protection authority is one of the criteria for investment in the country.

“The level of compliance among others are what investors look out for; we are aware of what the President is doing to attract direct foreign investment,” he said.

Olatunji noted that in terms of job creation, in the last one year, the commission had added about 3000 jobs because with the data protection law in place, many organisations had shown a need for data protection.

He said that with the law in place, the country had gained international recognition in the global data protection  body made up of over 100 countries.

According to him, a country without a national law or an independent body  cannot be accepted in the global data protection body.

He, however, said that with the data protection law in place, having been passed in June 2023, and the commission  applied that June; by August the commission had been accepted in the global body.

The national commissioner said that with the law in place the commission  would be hosting the network of African  Data Authorities Convention coming up  later in the year.

He said it was where all the authorities of data protection bodies met to share their views and knowledge.

“You know what that means to Nigeria bringing all Africa countries for like four  days, bringing multinationals and development partners, it says a lot about the confidence they have to invest in our system.

“These are what the law has brought to Nigeria and many more,’’ the NDPC boss said.

He said that the commission was working with Data Authorities of Canada, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa on knowledge exchange and mutual  assistance.

Olatunji called for awareness and sensitisation of an average Nigerian on data protection law.

He said the commission had developed a General Application Implementation  Directives (GAID) to work more with partners, which would help the commission implement whatever it wanted to implement.

The commisioner added that GAID would also help the commission to thoroughly  explain the NDPC law and roadmap. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

LASG donates N1bn seed fund for startups to LASRIC

By Oluwatope Lawanson and Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 14, 2024 (2024) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday presented a cheque of ₦1 billion as seed fund for startups to the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC)..

Sanwo-Olu made the presentation at the inauguration of members of the newly reconstituted Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) in Lagos.

He said that the seed funding was for the advancement of scientific innovations in Lagos State.

He emphasised the state’s commitment to supporting innovation, acknowledging Lagos as the home to many promising early-stage and unicorn startups.

Sanwo-Olu said that in the past years, the success metrics in the startup ecosystem in Lagos State had leapfrogged startups in many other cities and countries in Africa.

He said that there had been amazing impacts in Foreign Direct Investment attraction, numbers of startup solutions and patents.

“We are committed to increasing these success metrics with the provision of LASRIC seed fund to the tune of N1,000,000,000 (one billion Naira) – in the first tranche funding to the council.

“We believe this fund will continue to catalyse development in our dear state.

‘’It is my expectation that the new LASRIC Board being inaugurated today will work assiduously towards ensuring the realisation of our collective goals and aspirations,’’ he said.

According to the governor, sustaining the path of the development of Lagos State is the central focus of his administration’s THEMES Agenda.

He said that to drive deeper positive economic outcomes, it became essential to establish an Innovation, Science, and Technology body (LASRIC) to manage and propel Lagos State’s engagement with the science and technology ecosystem.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the LASRIC council is composed of experts from industry, academia and the public sector.

He said that their mission was to deepen and expand innovation activities in Lagos.

“Over the past four years, LASRIC has created over 500 jobs by supporting innovative startups in areas such as AgriTech, the circular economy, climate change and construction tech.

“In research and development, LASRIC has supported more than 70 initiatives, ranging from projects in biomass and biodiesel to artificial intelligence for medical imaging.

“LASRIC’s efforts have increased innovation activity within the state by over 250 per cent,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu  added that notably, LASRIC secured the government’s first patent through a multidisciplinary team from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which worked on the Ambubag Ventilator.

He said that there were many other patent-pending projects underway, adding that these activities highlighted a path toward strengthening his administration’s value creation tenet.

While reconstituting the new LASRIC council, the governor commended the outgoing members of council under the leadership of Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos.

He commended their outstanding performance in laying the foundation and charting the course for the new members of the council to build on.

Sanwo-Olu urged the new members to have a renewed commitment to enhancing the state’s innovation capacity.

He highlighted key areas of focus for the newly reconstituted council, which included increased funding and support, collaboration and partnership.

Some others, he said, included capacity building, focus on local challenge and promotion of culture of innovation.

Also speaking  at the occasion, Mr Olatunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, said that there was a structured assessment for technology companies and startups that could apply for the seed funding.

Alake said that the ministry had developed a system of assessment and Code of Activities called “POEM” for would-be applicants.

“POEM stands for Proposition – what problems are the startups and tech companies solving? Organisation – what kind of skills have been put together to solve the problem?

“The ‘E’ in POEM stands for Economics – does it make business sense? Will it make money? Will people buy it? and ‘M’ stands for Milestone in terms of the building these businesses will have.

“Startups or tech companies that are able to pass this assessment and access the seed funding should be able to solve problems in Lagos State and beyond,” Alake said.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, the newly appointed Chairman of LASRIC and Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University of Science & Technology, expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the council’s future.

“It is a call to duty and to work. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work with great minds to further advance human enterprise.

”We are glad that the government is matching its words with action,” Odusanya said.

A member of the council and Founder, Eko Innovation  Centre, Mr Victor Afolabi, said that being a member of the council was an opportunity to serve, upskill and support startups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Christiana Fadare

Healthcare
By Stellamaris Ashinze
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Executive Director and Board Member, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya on Friday highlighted the importance of healthcare system to the economic growth of the nation.

Sanya who made this known in her keynote address at the 10^th graduation of CLI College in Lagos, said that strong healthcare system would enhance a thriving economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduation of over 50 students at the CLI College exemplifies its dedication to equipping Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to address the critical needs for qualified healthcare professionals.

She said that a healthy workforce was essential for any economy.

‘’When there are issues with healthcare, it erodes the talents and hinder economic growth,’’ Sanya said.

She noted the crucial roles of the private sector, encompassing not only corporations but also individuals and institutions in bridging the skills’ gap within the Nigerian healthcare industry.

The executive director also encouraged the graduating class on the importance of collective action in building a stronger healthcare system for Nigeria.

In her welcome address, Head of Health School, CLI College, Angela Chizea, acknowledged the graduates’ dedication and emphasised the importance of education in shaping their future.

Chizea said that CLI College’s graduation exemplified its dedication to equipping Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to address the critical need for qualified healthcare professionals.

According to her, the programmes empower graduates to enter rewarding careers and contribute significantly to the national healthcare workforce.

She, however, expressed gratitude to the college staff and supportive families who played a role in the graduates’ journey.

Chizea acknowledged critical roles played by the college staff, whose tireless efforts and unwavering support had helped shape the journey.

The institution also announced the launch of new health care programmes including Health Office Administration, Developmental Support Worker and Pharmacy Assistant programmes to further enhance healthcare professionals’ knowledge and skills.

NAN reports CLI College is a private career college in Nigeria offering Diploma and Certificate programmes designed to prepare students for success in healthcare, business, technology and creativity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi