Tech Trends: Key Skills That Will Help You Stay More Relevant [Video]
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Farmcrowdy Gets $325,000 Grant from GSMA
Farmcrowdy, Nigeria’s first and leading digital agriculture platform which allows Nigerians to venture in and sponsor agriculture, was named as a recipient of a $325,000 grant from dedicated GSMA global team Mobile for Development as part of the GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator Innovation Fund.
The award was granted at the ongoing Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.
The grant will allow the multiple award-winning startup develop a mobile app for smartphones and feature phones that will enable farmers and Technical Field Specialists interact about farm related activities.
The app will also deliver other services to farmers, such as information, electronic payments and training.
Launched in 2016, the Fund was set up to provide selected start-ups in Africa and Asia Pacific with grant funding, technical assistance and the opportunity to partner with mobile operators in order to scale their products and services into sustainable businesses with positive socio-economic impact.
Other recipients of the 2017 equity-free grant award include Ugandan Fintech startup Ensibuuko and online mpayment platform LipaMobile, Tanzanian Micro-Health Insurance product Jammi Africa, Kenyan education mobile platform Kytabu and Optimetriks , Zambian Musanga Logistics, Nigerian e-learning platform PrepClass, Egyptian Carpooling app Raye7 and multinational knowledge-based network, Lynk.
Onyeka Akumah, Co-Founder and CEO of Farmcrowdy says, “we at Farmcrowdy are honoured to have our hard work recognised and supported by GSMA.
We are thrilled about the possibilities this grant will provide as we continually strive to remain at the forefront of innovation in Agritech across Nigeria.
This award will play a crucial part in the continued journey towards scaling our activities across the country while building our relationships with the telecommunication partners of GSMA across Nigeria.”
Launched just over a year ago, Farmcrowdy, the only African startup fromTechstars Atlanta’s 2017 cohort, recently announced a $1million seed fund led by international and local investors including Social Capital, Cox Enterprises and Techstars Ventures.
This seed fund will allow the startup to scale its operations with plans to expand beyond 8 states they operate in Nigeria, work with more than 4,000 small-scale farmers by the end of 2018 and engage 20,000 new farm followers and farm sponsors on its platform, as they participate in addressing sustainable development goals through the opportunities available in agriculture.
3 Simple Fix to Android SystemUI Has Stopped Error
This error is common with Android device. It pops up on your screen, interrupting whatever you are doing. It could be frequent and distracting.
When this happens, you see something like this …”Unfortunately, the process com.android.systemui has stopped” Or “Unfortunately, SystemUI has stopped”
When this message shows up, there is an OK button which a user can just tap and continue with what he or she was doing. But that doesn’t mean it won’t show up again. It doesn’t fix the error.
Ordinarily, the SystemUI has stopped shouldn’t be such a big issue, but when it becomes frequent and constant, then there is every need to fix it.
What Causes this SystemUI Error?
Android devices constantly need to be updated. These updates are released for various issues which range from fixing of bugs in previous versions, improving the overall function of the software. But not all upgrades end up well.
Updates on Android depend largely on Google App. And this app is mostly ignored by phone users; they think they do not need it. Sometimes just updating all apps or particularly the Google app can solve this issue.
The other reason this could happen is an improper installation of firmware as well as flashing of ROM. These are essential parts of the phone and when anything is not right with it, the phone gets to experience a processing failure such as the com.android.systemui has stopped” error.
How you can Fix this Error
1. Deactivate Apps Auto-Update on Google Play store and Uninstall Updates on Google App.
The Google App is very important in Android devices. If the SystemUI isn’t responding error keeps popping up on your screen, go to the Google app and uninstall any recent updates. This is how to uninstall the Google App updates:
Go to settings > apps > App Manager.
Scroll down and search for Google App, open it and you will see the option for Uninstall Updates. Tap to uninstall its updates, then restart your phone. The issue will be taken care of.
The next option comes in if the above doesn’t fix the problem for you.
2. Wipe off Cache Partition
One way to fix this issue is by clearing your phone’s caches. Regularly doing this can free up your phone, make it cleaner and lighter. To clear cache partition, your phone needs to be put in recovery mode. Individual phone with different methods on entering recovery mode, please refer to your manual or do a simple online search.
When in the Recovery Mode, you can scroll the options using the volume down button.
Scroll down and select wipe cache partition option and wait. When it is done, reboot your phone. Reboot option is at the top of the options on the menu.
3. Restore phone to Factory Settings.
This should be your last resort; however, it is ideal to back up to an external storage device or to the cloud as a Factory Reset erases everything on your phone. A readily available option is the Google Drive.
- Steps to Reset phone to factory settings
- Open Settings on your phone
- Scroll to Back up and Reset
- Tap on Factory Reset and Erase everything
- Click Ok when asked to confirm.
- Your phone will restart after finishing with the Factory reset.
Conclusion
Hope you were able to solve this issue. Leave a comment below in the comment section.
Tech Trends: News On Cash Scarce Venezuela, Seeing Boom In Payment Apps [Video]
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NCC: 60 GHz V-Band and Amateur Radio Services reviewed by stakeholders
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, held a consultative forum of industry stakeholders, on the process leading to the opening of 60GHz Spectrum Band as well as a presentation of a draft guideline for the development of Amateur Radio Service in Nigeria, at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, on February 27, 2018.
The EVC, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbata, was represented by Mrs. Abigail Solanke, Director of Research and Planning at the event.
In the first paper presented, titled, “Guidelines on the deployment of Amateur Radio in Nigeria”, Engineer A.K. Nwaulune, Director, Spectrum Administration, NCC, stated that the NCC is in the process of granting authorization to qualified persons or companies who are interested in Amateur Satellite Radio Services for the purpose of non-commercial exchange of messages, interconnection, self-training, recreation, wireless experimentation, technical investigations, etc., and it needs the input of stakeholders in the industry in order to make it happen according to international best practice.
Some of the issues considered at the forum include provision of interference-free operations by all users of the Band, scope and operations, by setting clear and comprehensive outlines of rules, standards, important procedures and operating limits for the operations.
To be eligible for licence, he stated, the applicant, who must be 18years old and above, must download and fill the application form, pay the required fee of N1,000 and sit for a written examination to determine technical competence. He gave the classes of licences to be issued as Novice, General and Amateur, depending on technical ability.
Engineer Nwaulune stated that the Amateur Radio Service was formerly managed by an individual, Mr. Oyekunle and it was then seen as an hobby. After he passed on, the NCC now wants to see how this can be done under regulation for the benefit of everyone. He stated that the Amateur Radio covers all applications, including broadband and not restricted or limited to narrowband alone.
Engineer Nwaulune also presented the second paper titled, “The opening of 60GHz Spectrum Band to facilitate short-range high data and broad band applications”. He stated that the 60GHz V-Band is not currently in use in Nigeria and one of its benefits is that, it is largely uncongested, compared with the current 2.4 and 5 GHz used for WiFi. Some other attributes of the 60 GHz, he stated, include its ease of installation and alignment by non-expert installers. It also has a high data transmission security. It also has socio-economic benefits through its assistance in achieving broadband deployment and service. Others include temporary service restoration, LAN to LAN connection and WAN, among other benefits, which the UK, USA and Canada are already benefiting from its use..
Engineer Nwaulune, stated that, all the equipment to be used by the operators must be duly type-approved, emphasising that, although, its use is going to be unlicenced, NCC will set the standards for its use by the operators and any user must notify NCC.
Engineer Nwaulune stated that, the steps for using the 60 GHz V-Band, will be revealed and publicised after getting it ratified and approved for use by the NFMC. He, therefore, urged the NFMC to ratify and approve it.
In his closing remarks, Oluwatoyin Asaju, Deputy Director, Spectrum Admin, NCC, stated that the presentation of the 60 GHz V-Band and Amateur Radio Service, are consistent with new initiatives and international best practice to harmonise issues. He stated that the issues were introduced in an efficient way to operationalise the initiatives, more so,as it will fast track the broadband penetration. He stated that the NCC is still open to receiving more responses to the presentation in order to deliver the required value when these fully come on stream.
Nigeria: GE, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Announce Partnership to Empower Corp Members with Entrepreneurial Skills
General Electric (GE) the world’s premier Digital Industrial Company has announced a partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to empower Youth Corps members with valuable entrepreneurial skills in line with its commitment to skills development in Nigeria.
Known as the Start & Improve Your Business (SIYB) training programme, the initiative which is based on the curriculum of the International Labour Organization (ILO), will see thousands of youth corps members receive critical entrepreneurial training.
The overall goal is to improve on and increase the capacity of the youth in building Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that can operate effectively and be sustainable long-term.
It has been recognized that even at the best of times, employers of labor in the economy will not have the capacity to absorb all the entrants.
This has led to a need to promote the development of small and medium scale enterprises, to create self- employment opportunities and expand the scope for job creation, as research findings indicate clearly that 60-70% of new jobs are created by the SME sector.
Speaking when he led a team on a courtesy visit to the Director General of the NYSC in Abuja on Monday, Managing Director of GE Gas Power Systems in Nigeria, Mohammed Mijindadi, explained that the initiative was one of the many ways GE is supporting skills development in Nigeria.
“We are committed to the sustainable development of Africa and Nigeria in particular, and as such we invest in skills development initiatives that empower people with valuable skills, equip communities with new tools and technology and elevate ideas that are helping to solve Africa’s challenges,” Mijindadi said.
Giving more insights, he explained that the program works using a Train the Trainer approach where NYSC personnel and facilitators are trained utilizing an international curriculum benchmarked to global standards.
Following that, the facilitators are supported to execute training programs for all youth corps members across the country.
The initiative, Mijindadi added, “is a practical business management-training programme with a focus on starting and improving small businesses.”
The SIYB program initiative is part of GE’s commitment to skills development in Nigeria in support of the Federal Government’s job creation objectives.
The government plans to create 15 million jobs by 2020 as indicated in its 2017 Economic and Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP) and for Nigerian youth to embrace this opportunity they need to have the right skills.
Speaking on the partnership, Roti Balogun, Chief Talent and Skills Development Leader for GE Africa and Corporate Champion for the Nigerian Economic Summit Group Human Capital Development commission added “We are pleased to lead a private sector response to some of our commitments from the recently concluded NES23 summit on skills, competencies and capacity building with a focused strategy on faculty development in Nigeria.
We remain committed to entrepreneurial leadership development across the continent with programs such as the SIYB.”
Responding, Brigadier-General Kazaure commended the partnership with GE stating that the SIYB program is aligned and complimentary to the NYSC’s efforts in setting up skill acquisition centers in the country’s six geo-political zones.
He expressed interest in continuing to partner with GE to build capacity and encouraged other private sector players to look for similar ways to support the agency.
GE has created several skills development initiatives in Nigeria, a prime example being the Lagos Garage- a hub for advanced manufacturing-based innovation, strategy development, idea generation and collaboration.
Co-located with the GE Lagos offices in Victoria Island, the Lagos Garage offers a year-round series of skills training programs focused on building the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Till date, 140 entrepreneurs have graduated the program having been trained to use the latest in advanced manufacturing technologies; 3D printers, CNC mills, and laser cutters as well as in business development.
Sale of 9Mobile: Group Accuses Barclays of Bias
Condemnation has continued to trail the announcement of Teleology as the preferred bidder for 9Mobile. The latest of the trenchant condemnation rails at the perceived tardiness by Barclays Africa, the financial advisor to the sale of 9Mobile.
Making the condemnation in a statement issued in Abuja, a non-governmental organization Business Renaissance Group (BRG), noted that the letter said to have been sent to Teleology by Barclays Africa was hasty and preemptive.
According to the statement co- signed by its President Mazi Omife I. Omife and its Secretary Dr Funso Akomode, the group stated that Barclays Africa jumped the gun in announcing a preferred bidder.
It noted that in a meeting held with the interested bidders on the 26th of January 2018, Barclays gave the two finalists in the bid process: Teleology Holdings and Smile Telecoms Holdings the opportunity to increase their bid for 9Mobile within 30 days which brought the deadline date to Monday February 26, 2018.
The group wondered why Barclays could not wait till the 26th of February 2018 before its apparently preemptive announcement of a preferred winner. It therefore alleged that Barclays had merely changed the rules while the game was at its climax.
Further alleging bias against Barclays in the handling of the sale of 9mobile, BRG recalled that Barclays had earlier affirmed that any preferred bidder on selection will need to sign a Sales Purchase Agreement immediately and will have to instantly pay a non-refundable deposit of USD 50 million.
It decried a situation where Barclays has now given its announced preferred bidder 21 days to pay the non-refundable fee of USD 50 million. To BRG, this is a classic case of bending the rules and shifting the goal post to favour a particular team
The group further underscored its allegation of a less than transparent handling of the entire bid process by Barclays Africa by recalling that some of the earlier entrants, among them two major GSM network operators, had opted out of the process alluding to lack of transparency.
It also claimed that at least two major vendors of 9mobile rejected the financial offers of the preferred bidder and had no confidence in weak and unrealistic business plan presented. And wondered how such a bidder with questionable business plan would be able to sustain and improve the operations of 9mobile.
BRG contended that the precipitated announcement by Barclays is indicative that the preferred bidder did not satisfy any of the precedent conditions. It therefore called on the regulatory authorities especially the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take more than a passing interest in the bid process.
It advised that instead of the regulators especially NCC merely giving a stamp of approval to the seemingly contrived result by Barclays, the commission should undertake a review of the entire process with a view to ensuring that strict adherence to the canons of corporate governance and transparency are upheld in the 9mobile bid process.
Tech Trends: News On VR/AR Industry Creating Educational Content For Augmented & Virtual Reality [Video]
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Stakeholders Hold Roundtable on Digital Rights and Engagement in Lagos
Effective digital engagement by government agencies remains a big priority for the Federal Government because of its immense potential, this was the position of Tolu Ogunlesi, the Head of Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE). Ogunlesi was speaking at a stakeholder roundtable on digital rights and digital engagement organised by Paradigm Initiative, Facebook and PODE.
The roundtable, which held on February 22, in Lagos, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, the private sector and the civil society. It provided an engaging atmosphere for a lively debate on issues affecting internet freedom and digital engagement by government agencies in Nigeria. Issues discussed at the roundtable include data privacy and protection, law enforcement, libel, fake news, and digital engagement by the government. The roundtable followed the first edition held in Abuja last year.
Speaking at the roundtable, the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, ‘Gbenga Sesan emphasised the need for continuous conversation between stakeholders in the private sector, civil society and the government on digital rights issues in Nigeria. He said, “Digital right issues are far too important to our democracy and it is crucial that we engage in conversation with security agencies and public servants on how we can ensure freedom of people online while keeping the nation and citizens safe.”
In her remarks, Public Policy Manager, Africa of Facebook, Akua Gyeke said, “Facebook is an important platform for political conversation in Nigeria, and we are happy to be a part of this. Facebook is dedicated to keeping people safe online, foster civility and responsible behaviour and promoting free expression and sharing.”
Tolu Ogunlesi, who led the conversation on a proposed Digital Engagement Policy for Federal Government, said that his office was working hard on creating digital engagement standards that would guide all government offices in their use of digital tools to ensure effective communication with the public.
“There is currently no social media policy for the Federal Govt. This is understandable as social media use is relatively new in government circle. But this situation has led to inconsistency in the way government offices use digital media. We are currently working on creating a digital engagement policy for the federal government. It will provide guidelines on platforms to use, accounts administration, logo and naming standard, editorial policies, archival system, content process and management, among other things”
Participants at the roundtable include Anselm Ozioko of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission representing the Acting Chairman of the Commission and the Acting Director of Defence Information Brigadier General John Agim, who provided perspectives from the national security and law enforcement side. Other participants are Chioma Okee-Aguguo representing the CEO of National Information Technology Development Agency, Olufemi Fadare of the National Identity Management Commission, Olusola Teniola, President, Association Of Telecommunication Companies Of Nigeria (ATCON), Edet Ojo, Executive Director at Media Rights Agenda.
“Screen Overlay Detected” Error: How to Fix It
This happens when floats Apps (Apps that pops up or impose on other apps on your screen) are running, and then another of such Apps requests for permission. When such App requests for permission, they are interrupted, hence, the screen overlay error displays.
Not all Apps installed on your phones cause this error. However, you need to first identify the App causing screen overlay error and fix it up.
1. Identify, temporarily disable or hide and restart the permission requesting apps (Apps that draw over other Apps)
- If you are using a Samsung phone, use this method.
- Settings > Applications > App Manager > More > Apps that can appear top
- Such apps that have permission to overlay on your screen.
- If you are using other devices:
- Go to Settings
- Press the search icon (like a magnifying lens) and search for “Draw over other Apps”. You will find such apps that draw over others.
Having gotten list of these Apps, identify the one(s) causing the problem, let us get on fixing it. You can know the problem apps by checking for the bubble of the App on your screen.
Also, check for those Apps that constantly need to monitor your phone in the name of cleaning junks such as Clean Master, Battery Saver. Actually, you don’t need these. If you don’t seem to find any particular App causing issues, temporarily disable all.
Restart the App disabled earlier, allow the permissions it needs to run well. You won’t experience such issues again.
It is reported that Samsung users also experience a screen overlay error because of the One-Handed Operation. You might consider deactivating this feature, go to Settings, Advanced Feature. You will see the One-Handed Operation feature. Open it and disable.
2. Reboot your phone into Safe Mode
The safe mode is known to fix a lot of problems on devices. So if the above option didn’t work for you, try to enter your phone to the Safe Mode.
Entering the Safe Mode
- Press the power button as if you want to shut your phone down.
- Their options pop up, press and hold the *Power Off* option for few moments.
- A new prompt shows up, asking if you want to enter safe mode, click OK.
- When the phone reboots to safe mode, go to Settings on your Phone and then apps.
- Go to the apps that had a screen overlay issue and tap to open it.
- Open Permissions option; allow all permissions required restart your phone.
3. Use of App
If booting to safe mode didn’t work, we can use Apps to fix it. Apps such as Alert Window Checkered Button Unlocked will help.
When this App requires permissions to draw over other Apps installed on your phone. This keeps your apps in check. The Alert Window Checker has a menu of apps and their behaviour. If you are not in need of any app that is causing a mishap, please uninstall it.
Hope this was useful.
Cybersecurity: Digital Encode Highlights 17 Ways to be Proactive
Multiple awards winning Cybersecurity Company, Digital Encode, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, trained ICT journalists, weekend, providing them with cybersecurity insights and 17 practical ways to become proactive.
The training, tagged “Cybersecurity Master Class for ICT journalists” was geared towards equipping ICT journalists with the proper understanding of cybersecurity for effective reportage.
“Besides reporting cybersecurity for proper understanding by the readers, it is also important for everybody to be cybersecurity conscious and proactive because it concerns everybody,” Wale Obadare, Chief Operating Officer, Digital Encode said.
He explained that the way cybersecurity is reported in Nigeria is a sign that there is a huge knowledge gap between experts and journalists, a situation which calls for an immediate address. Adding that “Digital Encode will continue to offer such training, to ensure that all Nigerians get the best in cybersecurity reportage.”
“When I read how cybersecurity is reported in the US and compare with Nigerian reports, there is usually a big difference. It’s difficult to report what you know nothing about,” Wale said.
Onyediji Simileoluwa, Senior Consultant, Digital Encode, in his presentation highlighted 17 proactive ways to cybersecurity.
He told journalists to do the following:
- Stay on top of all patch releases and apply them regularly.
- If at all possible, replace older Windows systems with the latest versions.
- Be extremely suspicious of all emails particularly those containing attachments or web links which you might be asked to open.
- Users should watch out for unsolicited emails. If you are not sure of the source of an email, DO NOT OPEN links or any attachments in it. Simply delete such emails.
- Regularly backup critical files offline and create restore points.
- Use Antivirus and update it regularly.
- Do not use pirated/unauthorized software.
- Use encryption to store important data.
- Use firewall, Anti-spyware or threat protects programs.
- Disable Remote sharing (Desktop, Network)
- Disable unnecessary services or unused ports.
- Disable Wi-Fi / Bluetooth network when not in use.
- Do not use USB mass storage devices on systems with critical files.
- Do not share your password or use same password for different sites.
- Don’t give administrative privileges to user accounts
- Disable Autorun
- Regularly scan systems for vulnerabilities.
Ekeh to FG: Grant Exceptional Tax Concessions to Save Tech Sector
Serial digital entrepreneur and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has charged the Federal Government to seriously consider extending exceptional tax concessions to the technology sector as a means of encouraging the huge undoubted youthful potential in the sector to create a new economy.
According to Ekeh, the tech sector that is driving leading economies in the world, is struggling seriously in Nigeria. And in spite of the great and sincere efforts of the present administration, the Nigerian economy is also fatigued as a result of its predominantly analogue nature. In his opinion, millions of Nigerian youths nurse big dreams and have the capacity to thrive in a new and futuristic economy that is technology-driven, but urgently need government support in terms of structured capital and tax concession during their incubation period.
Ekeh affirmed that these young men and women have globally certified education and need the right environment to exhibit their capacity, noting that if the country cannot provide it, the situation will create unfortunate ones who would resort to scientific robbery, kidnapping and many other vices. He also warned that the nation may not experience all-inclusive peace until we provide for these brilliant kids.
The Zinox Chairman made this call at the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards held at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, February 23rd 2018.
In attendance at the event was a host of dignitaries from the public and private sectors including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, several serving Governors including Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; Rivers’ State Governor, Nyesom Wike; Governor of Kebbi state, Abubakar Bagudu and the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson. Also present was the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Senators Dino Melaye and Ademola Adeleke as well as Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. Others include Chief Abba Folawiyo, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Lady Maiden Ibru and Stella Chinyelu Okoli, among others.
Ekeh, who received the Extraordinary Business Achievement Award at the event, disclosed that globally, technology has become the driving force behind the fortunes of many nations. According to him, the 10 richest men in the world and the biggest companies in the world today can all be found in the technology sector – a reality that shows how technology remains the only profession that can help Nigeria bridge the gap between it and other advanced countries in the world.
“Technology is the only profession in the world today that can make the son of the poorest man the richest man in the world. Though still struggling, I am a practical testimony of the possibilities in the sector, having led several technology teams that deployed in Iraq, Libya, Guinea Bissau, etc. However, I am still Nigeria-based. It is not just its lifestyle nature but technology is the only profession in world today in which you can experience miracle wealth. Our kids have read, seen and worked in tech companies or tech-driven companies in the world that became multi-billion dollar companies within five years and they are smarter than many of these foreign entrepreneurs but their only sin is that they are Nigerians and living in Nigeria.
“I have experienced this frustration for over 30 years and it is too late for me to complain. These kids are 21st Century youths and the majority of them are not interested in agriculture and will never be forced to adopt it because of its unstructured nature. Youths today are faith-driven and can anticipate the future better than their parents and leaders. My research shows that over 85% of them would rather prefer to make money only from tech-driven platforms which certifies them as global citizens or do nothing.”
Continuing, Ekeh disclosed that, “If the Federal Government of Nigeria can invest 20% of what she has invested in the Agricultural sector in the Tech sector, over 75% of present unemployed youths would become employed or self-employed in a profession that has a future. I am not against investment in the Agricultural sector, but it is a sector of extreme passion today due to its present analogue nature. Our leaders should ask their children who trained in quality institutions if any of them would want to do farming, for example. I’m sure the answer you will get is 100% NO. So, who do you expect his child to go into farming? Farming is good, but it is a profession of passion. You can’t force a young man or woman to farm,” he declared.
While commending the government and its agencies, especially the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for improving the tax revenue base of the country, Ekeh pleaded with the Federal Government to encourage a new and prosperous economy by allowing entrepreneurs in the ICT sector a decent tax-free period of at least ten years – an incentive that will see Nigeria prosper immensely in the technology front.
“If this is granted, this country will experience, within the next five years, an army of tech billionaires whose one year tax payments shall significantly be more than our present ten years’ collections. We must see the bigger picture and prepare for tomorrow instead of frustrating people at incubation period. IT companies in today’s Nigeria are the poorest corporates and slowly disappearing – a situation which I find very unfortunate. Tech kids are restless and need time to develop, experiment and deliver products into the market successfully. Most times you succeed with one out of the thirty you invested money and time in. It takes time to stabilize in a country that is not digitally-driven. I am in a better position to tell this story because I have been in same sector for over 30 years. The sector is full of hype because it is a youth-dominated profession and when the FIRS personnel read, they come to the conclusion that you are a multi-billionaire and then go after your company.
“I plead with the Federal Government to grant tax concessions to the technology sector. Tech guys have the potential to create sustainable wealth and transform this country for good. I challenge the people in government, including the few present here such as the Deputy Senate President, distinguished senators and several Governors.”
Ekeh, who heaped praises on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele and his team for protecting the economy from failure during the recent economic recession, also called on him to intervene in the IT sector more than he has done in the Agricultural sector by extending support to millions of young Nigerians yearning for an opportunity to transform the fortunes of the country.
“I advise him to have a simple conversation with his kids during breakfast and see where their faith for decent future belongs.”
He rounded off by encouraging the younger generation to remain focused in a brighter future.
“Having done this for the past 35 years as a disruptive digital entrepreneur in Africa, I can only encourage the younger ones here. When I look at the global figures and the stock market, the biggest enterprises in the world are tech companies. It tells me there is a future for you, so do not be discouraged,” he concluded.
Arguably Africa’s biggest technology entrepreneur, Ekeh has built the Zinox Group into a foremost integrated ICT conglomerate with a 360-degree spectrum orientation and advanced competencies in manufacturing, software development, distribution, core and enterprise ICT solutions, retail and after-sales support, among others. His recent acquisition of e-commerce giants, Konga – a development that is widely expected to raise the profile of e-commerce in the country – has further gone a long way to show the far-reaching ambitions of Ekeh who launched BuyRight Africa, Nigeria’s first e-commerce company about 10 years ago.
How Hackers are Leveraging AI and Machine Learning
Machine learning, an integral part of Artificial Intelligence is one of the current big things in the tech ecosystem.
Machine learning is also been leveraged by hackers to launch deadly cyber-attacks.
Both Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are reshaping models for cybersecurity. It is important for security experts in the cyberspace while cybercriminals have understood how it could be used to their advantage.
This is the first time in the history of cybersecurity where a clash between AI and AI exist.
The same Machine Learning used to protect critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks is used to launch attacks.
However, these only criminals have a variety of ways through which the will launch attacks in the nearby future.
Increased Evasive Malware
Before now, cybercriminals write scripts manually but with the advent of AI and Machine Learning this process is going to be easier and simplified. These scripts are written to develop viruses, password scrappers and all forms of cyber criminality tools.
Already, some studies and findings have shown that Machine Learning could be used to modify code on the fly based on how and what has been detected in the lab .
Phishing
Machine Learning apparently, will have an impact on algorithms like speech recognition, and Natural Language Processing (NLP), text-to-speech for sophisticated engineering and phishing.
It will help fasten and beef up phishing emails targeting high profile person’s by training on genuine emails.
Last year, McAfee Labs’ predicted that criminal would increasingly look to use machine learning to analyse massive quantities of stolen records to identify potential victims and build contextually detailed emails that would very effectively target these individuals.
Smart Botnet
Botnet attack is going to be scalable, at the same time smart enough to cause destruction. Machine Learning and AI will make this feasible enough.
According to Derek Manky, global security strategist, Fortinet, Botnet will be capable of talking to each other and taking action based off of local intelligence that is shared.
“In addition, zombies will become smart, acting on commands without the botnet herder instructing them to do so.
As a result, hivenets will be able to grow exponentially as swarms, widening their ability to simultaneously attack multiple victims and significantly impede mitigation and response.”
Tech Trends: Encouraging Nigerians To Use .ng Domain [Video]
On this edition of Tech Trends show on Channels Television, the Interview segment focused on , with Kemi Adepoju, Head, Business Development, NiRA on the interview seat.
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Airing time of Tech Trends on Channels TV can be found here.
Blockchain and financial services disruption [ICT Clinic]
Technology has no doubt changed the financial services industry in so many ways but some experts believe that blockchain will change it in more unbelievable ways.
Experts have argued that artificial intelligence will ride on blockchain to offer the world much more effective banking services with little or no high charges. Hard to believe? Well, only time will tell!
Globally, businesses are beginning to witness rapid displacement, not just disruption and in worse cases, going into outright extinction due to rapid change in technology. The financial services industry, especially, is beginning to feel the heat from this and many other disruptive technologies.
Key areas of the financial services that are most likely to be affected by blockchain include transfers, payment and lending. We have seen different start-ups such as OneFi, Inspire, Upstart, and Funding Circle, playing critical roles in peer- to -peer lending and services to individuals.
Lending had always been a traditional banking function. What this means is that, individuals do not need to go to banks to seek for certain kinds of loans anymore.
We know how strenuous it has always been to obtain loans from the financial service providers. Aside from the high-interest rates, the conditions and requirements for individuals and businesses are usually high.
So these platforms are providing alternative decentralised lending solutions to individuals and small businesses, using the innovative blockchain technology.
This innovation has increased the quest for peer-to-peer lending services in developed countries such South Korea, US and even Russia, which has led traditional banks to come up with new survival strategies with some throwing their weight behind crypto currencies.
One of the key benefits promoters of blockchain claim is that it’ll eliminate the monopolistic power of financial service providers. Also, that transactions are usually safer, transparent, decentralised and that is going to be a fair game for everyone.
Blockchain uses strong predictive algorithms that can detect any form of fraud. What this means is that instead of having a centralised authority just like the Central Bank of Nigeria, it makes use of a network of computers to approve transactions, otherwise known as “blocks.”
These blocks are linked to the “chain” of computer codes. The security of blockchain technology is, however, built around cryptography, making it more difficult to manipulate but hackers are not resting on finding back doors.
Beaming the spotlight down to Nigeria and West Africa; do we have any innovation built on blockchain technology yet? The closest we have seen so far is what VoguePay, a leading online payment start-up, has done.
It recently launched a multi-currency payment platform to enable businesses to — Finish Reading on the Punch
How to Fix Boot-Loop and Bricked Home
When your Android device doesn’t turn up to the normal homepage display, it is said to be bricked.
We have hard and soft brick; it needs careful hands when dealing with it. A bricked phone is quite a serious issue and can be a pain in the neck.
What causes phone briskness?
Phone users tend to tweak around manufacturer’s default settings, customizing, playing around the phone setup, flashing of the phone, installation of unhealthy apps; all these leads to a brick phone.
The symptoms include frozen phone, logo hangs while booting, blank or dead screen, and worse of all, no response to any touch or command, not even the power button.
Hard brick and Soft Brick
The two types of booting cause the same havoc. It prevents your phone from turning on. But they have their differences, ranging from what factors lead to each and the extent of their damage.
Hard brick devices are not very common like the soft brick. This happens when your devices does do not even turn on at all. It is the severe condition of a brick smartphone.
The kernel, an interface between a smartphone’s hardware and software is altered or tampered with. It is not easily fixed and either it does not even show up and recognized by a computer when connected.
A soft brick phone is mild and easily fixed. In this situation, the phone goes through a boot loop; a situation where the phone boots only halfway, not up to the home screen. It is also when your phone automatically turns on, even when you turn it off, it doesn’t stay off. It is caused by error in the software. They are very common unlike the hard brick problem.
How to fix a brick phone
Wipe cache partition: A cache partition is a place where data about system files, kernels, modems, system apps, drivers etc. are stored. When it is clogged up, it tends to affect the boot system of the device, such as the boot loop. It is wisdom to regularly clear your cache. In this circumstance we cannot turn on our phone. We have to enter recover mode.
Normally, recovery mode can be entered by pressing the power and volume down button same time. But different devices with different ways to do this so we advise you check for your particular phone online.
On the Recovery Mode, navigation is done by pressing the volume down button. Select wipe cache partition option. When it is done, reboot system at the top of the options on the menu.
This frees up the partition. You should be ready to let go of some apps. The next option is the next method to use if clearing cache doesn’t work.
Flash the phone ROM
When your device doesn’t boot normal but instead boots directly to the Recovery Mode, its ROM needs to be flashed. This can be done by unlocking the boot loader of your phone and rooting. Refer online to your particular phone manual for guide on unlocking the Bootloader.
When you are done back up your data in the Recovery Mode.
Get an SDCard, download your phone ROM and save it in the SD Card. insert to the phone and flash. When you phone boots to the recovery mode, in the options selectInstall Zip from SD card. Select the ROM you earlier downloaded and wait for it. When you are done, select reboot phone in the options at the top.
Conclusion
If you cannot do this on your own, kindly get someone to help you out as a mistake might lead to a bigger issue. Identify what exactly is the issue and use the appropriate solutions.
Please leave a comment below. Thanks!
NCC Board Reassures Stakeholders of Commitment to 9Mobile Sale
The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reassured Stakeholders of its commitment to ensure that the nation’s fourth largest Mobile Network Operator, EMTS/9Mobile, is duly taken over by investors with the requisite technical capability and pedigree to manage the organisation.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s Director of Publicity, Tony Ojobo, he said, “Rising from its Board meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, February 22, 2018, the Board affirmed its determination to avoid the recurrence of any missteps that may have led to the current situation.
The Board also made it clear that pursuant to the powers conferred on the Commission by the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and other instruments in that regard, the Commission will ensure that all relevant statutory and regulatory processes are duly complied with in the process leading up to the emergence of new owners for the company.”
“The Board therefore assured all Stakeholders that the Commission will apply all necessary diligence to see the ongoing sale process through to its logical conclusion in a manner that protects the overall national interest and the seamless operation of the national telecommunications network.”
World Child Innovation (Nigeria) Awards Jury Constituted
The jury has been constituted for the World Child Innovation Awards Nigeria.
The jury includes eminent personalities such as Dr Aminat Showole, Adem Karaduman, Peter Oluka and Olajide Ademola Ajayi.
The award is the brainchild of Turkey’s Elvan Groups Founder, Mustafa Kadiroglu, an entrepreneur and Innovator
The group forged an alliance with Africa’s foremost youth capacity development Not for Profit Organisation, Coderina after finding information about the groups activities online.
The project , targeted at a demographic or 14 year old and under, aims to empower the youth of Africa in the area of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship to help them realize their full potential while also creating for them an opportunity to gain global and economic mobility.
It is believed that the award would serve to use financial rewards and recognition as positive reinforcement for abilities of creative youths and young innovators.
This should foster a culture of “I can make things” within the teeming African youth population.
The program will be launched in Nigeria on the 24th of February and the first awards events would hold in November 2018.
It is also expected that the program roll-out to other African countries will happen in 2019 to cater for other African countries with Nigeria as the central hub.
Meet The Jury
The jury includes eminent personalities such as:
Dr. Aminat A. Showole
She is the Head of Department (HOD) Computer Science Department University of Abuja. Her research interests include Open Source Development, Open Government, Open Data, Big-data and Software Engineering Processes.
Dr. Showole is the Director of Engagement & Advocacy for Coderina. Her passions include empowerment and capacity building for the youth and women. She was the co-coordinator of the first ever FIRST® LEGO® League Tournament hosted by the University of Abuja.
She is a stakeholder of the National Internet Government Forum. She was a key Resource person at the 2015 Women Leaders Forum.
Her interests include entrepreneurship development, coaching, mentoring, research and development. All of which would be brought to bear on the jury of the Child Innovation Awards.
Adem Karaduman
Adem Karaduman graduated from Istanbul Kültür University in Istanbul. He studied Industrial Engineering and Business Administration.
He is the export manager of Africa at Elvan Group that is one of the best leading companywithin the Confectionery sector all over the World.
He is a firm believer that doing business should not be focused solely on profit but also on doing Social good.
Adem is very passionate about Africa and Africans and believes owing to the shared heritage between Turkey, his native country and some parts of Africa, doing corporate social responsibility would contribute in no small measure in the area of youth empowerment.
His passion is fueled by the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.
He is committed to helping African youth realize and fulfil their potential through the World Child Innovation Awards.
Olajide Ademola Ajayi
Ademola is an IT Manager at SAP Ireland. Passionate about Ed-Tech, creativity and innovation, He is the founder of CODERINA, an NGO working to promote and strengthen coding and STEM skills acquisition among African students and teachers.
He is involved in several STEM /Coding initiatives such as: EU Code week, CoderDojo and FIRST LEGO® League, Africa Code Week. Olajide is one of the lead mentors on the Coderina University Challenge (COUCH) and he has successfully hosted this program across Africa, in partnership with some African Universities e.g., most recently at the University of Abuja and National University of Lesotho.
He is a jury on the Ireland FLL Championship panel and coordinates similar activities in Nigeria and Ghana.
He holds a Masters degree in Computer Science as well as a PMI membership & Graduate Certificate in Innovation in Social Enterprise from the Dublin City University. Olajide is on the global jury of the World Child Innovation Awards
Oluka, Peter Ikenna
Peter Oluka (@peterolukai) is a practicing ICT Journalist; Tecnopreneur, PublicSpeaker, Speech Writer, amongst other Media Relations interests.
Currently, the Editor, TechEconomy.ng; prior to which he worked as Senior Correspondent, nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng Peter’s quest for Developmental Journalism is exceptional.
Peter started his mainstream (print) journalism in 2010 with the Nigerian NewsDirectNewspaper based in Ogun State. His penchant interest and stunts registered NewsDirect’s presence in the league of Property & Environment and Labour pious media outfits.
Peter was a Nigeria Youth Merit Award (NYMA) nominee 2013. He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Information Management (IIM-Africa) and was awarded the Records and Information Management Best ICT Reporter of the Year by the Institute of Information Management-Africa (IIM-Africa) in year 2014.
As a rising gem in the Nigerian Online journalism space, peter is currently .ng domain name Brand Ambassador (2015 till date).
Peter is a certified Customer Relations Management Personnel by the Nesburg School of Business and Management (NESBG-Nigeria), Africa’s foremost Persuasion School of Business based in South Africa (2015).
He obtained PGD (Mass Communications) from NOUN in 2015; HND (Mass Communication) from the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu in 2008.
He is an alumnus of the School of Media and Communications (SMC) Pan Atlantic University (PAU) (since 2016).
He was recognized by a Body of Computer Professionals at the Nigeria Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) 2017.
The program will be launched in Nigeria on the 24th of February and the first awards events would hold in November 2018.
For more information on how to register to participate please visit here.
Must have Apps for Professionals
The day -to- day activities in our career demand attention, considering he different forms of activities that unfold. If you are an executive, or a professional in any field you will always be busy to attend to some issues.
Your secretary or assistant most times get the scolded, wear long face if some deadlines were not met. The good news is that, the inability to meet deadlines and other disappointments could be easily averted using some tools.
Here are 4 apps professionals can use to be at the top of your craft and also have some me time for yourself.
1. HootSuite and Buffer
If your line of work involves the social media and sending out messages to people, these two tools will be of immense help to you. The traditional way of making a post on social media is long and time wasting. You might get distracted by other things online and even leave your mission.
HootSuite and Buffer, an online and mobile-based solution that manages all social accounts that are connected to it. It can schedule when posts can be made. Note that the two are completely different platforms.
2. Adobe’s EchoSign
As a boss or someone in charge of some major signings in your workplace, the EchoSign is good for you. It is an app developed by Adobe which enables you to digitally sign, send documents, contracts, and agreements.
This is very necessary as you may not always be seated at the office, or you are running late for a contract signing and your signature is needed, you can sign that right from your car. Amazing isn’t it!
3. The Google Keep
Ever been in a situation where you got an idea of a situation and hope to work on it when you arrive at the office, only to arrive and then you cannot recall? That can be frustrating.
Google Keep helps in taking vital notes and ideas as they pop up. Not just notes, you can take images, voice noted, checklists to your Drive. This way you can access them on all devices connected to your Google account.
4. Asana
Asana is a mobile-based app that enables you to share and assign a task to your employees.
It is a very productive app because everyone gets notified about what task is assigned to them, the deadline, and feedback is immediate. You can share links with Asana, relate with colleagues and team members.
So did you find any of these apps helpful to you? Let’s know what you think below in the comments section.
13 Awesome Technology Hacks
Technology hacks are like shortcuts, they help you save time and make things a lot easier.
I have listed 13 technology hacks that will be of interest to you.
- If you accidentally close an tab, ctrl+shif+t
- If you lost and Android phone in our house and is on vibrate, you can find I b going to Google Play>Android Manger>Ring
- To charge our iPhone faster, use an iPad charger
- If you want to buy the cheapest airline tickets online, use our browser’s incognito mode. Prices go up if you visit a site multiple times.
- If you are in a hotel and run out of charges (No socket to plug our phone), the TV usually has a USB plugin.
- Putting your phone on airplane mode will stop ads while playing games
- He program Detune will transfer all the songs from iPod/iPad and put them on your computer.
- Stop using Googlr.com o search information for school essays, use scholer.google.com instead. You will find more relevant information right away.
- If you download a PDF file and you see it ends in exe, delete it. It’s a virus.
- If you have a computer that blocks sites such as YouTube, Google Chrome’s incognito mode will let you access them.
- You can use Google as a timer by typing “S timer (X) minutes into the search bar.
- If you want to download YouTube video, just add “ss” to the url between www. and YouTube.
- If our battery is low and you need to use it later. Do not turn it off. Instead, put it on airplane mode, turning it off and on will drain the battery.
