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Tackling Child Mortality, Global Environment Issues, Disability

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More than 400 delegates from 120 countries met at Nova SBE Campus, Cascais, turning Portugal into a global hub for start-ups and digital innovators on the subject of “Purpose driven digital Innovation.” About 82 international jury members have selected 9 Global Champions 2019 from the 45 WSA winners 2018, awarded by the City of Cascais, the Republic of Austria and UN-representatives at the festive Gala on March 13 at the WSA Global Congress in Cascais.

Many people are suffering because they don’t have a chance to health treatment or have access to information, while the industrialised society lacks the integrity to include and empower. Impact is vital in the sense of the word. Digital Content is bringing knowledge to places where it has not been yet, it integrates and enables.

Social benefit, sustainable impact, global diversity and digital innovation were the core themes of the WSA Global Congress 2019 – and the Global Champions. The 3 day congress showed how concern and distress give rise to innovative solutions, and how need can foster invention and sustainable design. The Nova SBE campus became a hub for unique knowledge exchange with 400 participants and outstanding international best practices of digital innovation with impact on society and mentors for 3 days.

Based on the UN goals for a true information society (UN WSIS) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), 82 international jurors selected the 9 WSA Global Champions from Kenya to Pakistan, based on their presentation at the Congress and their social and local impact from the 45 WSA winner projects – with Africa making a strong showcase of innovation.

Prof. Peter A. Bruck, Chairman of the World Summit Award Board of Directors: “The 9 Global Champions show just a small portion of what social innovation can do around the world with digital, content-based solutions. Thanks to the City of Cascais, we have brought this Austrian initiative to Portugal for the first time and opened a showcase for products from all member states of the United Nations that make a difference. WSA and the Global Champions selected here in Cascais show that innovation comes primarily not from the pursuit of profit and quick money, but from commitment to avoid suffering and alleviate need. This results in sustainable positive transformations of our society. “

The outstanding digital innovations were honoured at the festive Gala ceremony on March 13th.

Guest of honour H.E. Manuel Heitor, Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal states: “WSA presents a display of impressive digital projects from around the world embraced by entrepreneurs and aiming at improving the quality of our society while solving real life problems. More than 400 participants from 120 countries met in Portugal at this 2019 World Summit, turning Cascais into a global hub for start-ups.”

WSA GLOBAL CHAMPIONS 2019

The winner in the Government & Citizen Engagement category was Chaos AI from Finland, an innovative team providing a multi-stakeholder decision tool for estate planning based on AI – making estates focused on the inhabitants and environmental protection.

Irelands Complete Anatomy was selected Global Champion in the category Health & Well-Being. The international jury states: “Most innovative. Using VR to enable medical students to learn the human body structures saves time and valuable resources.”

“Pakistani girls have few alternatives in getting this information. Getting female health information from a trusted source is crucial all over the world to reduce female and child mortality and empower women.” a Jury member pointed out, as to why Global Learning & Education champion AI chatbot Raaji from Pakistan was awarded.

Multi-facet digital platform Kuza One from Kenya educates small-holder farmers in Africa concerning environmental Agriculture and Entrepreneurship and was selected by the Jury for Environment & Green Energy: “It could be a winner in education. Could be a winner in many categories. It is a real winner.”

AFROCOMIX from Ghana won the Championship for Culture & Tourism, benefitting the lives of multiple creators of African Culture with a monetization platform, “… telling African Stories – and these stories need to be told to present African heroes”, the Jury states.

Business & Commerce solution Sokowatch from Kenya was a favourite among the winners because it works on so many levels for “…providing small retailers with services and an affordable credit line, closing the gap of last mile delivery and supporting small entities.”

From Japan, Wheelog convinced with empowering wheelchair users in the Smart settlements & Urbanization category. The Jury concludes: “Creative, innovative and addressing a pressing problem. Creates sense of inclusiveness. Can scale globally.”

Enablement through digital solutions also made the Championship in the Inclusion & Empowerment category: “Feelif from Slovenia is a tablet for blind people. It is much more affordable than any given alternative hardware, providing access to internet for blind people.”

The highly competent WSA Young Innovators Global Champions LEAF from the USA proved that fintech can serve the most vulnerable of all, refugees and the stateless, who are provided with a block chain technology to preserve and transfer their money through digital currency – across borders.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Nigeria Could Save $267m from Local Polypropylene Production

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77 Polypropylene Grades

By Adedapo Adesanya

The domestic production of polypropylene will help Nigeria to save around $267 million in import costs, according to estimates by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

The group said investments from Dangote Group in the sector could significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported raw materials for the textile industry.

The local production of polypropylene will not only boost industrial growth but also create jobs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s textile sector.

According to the Director-General of MAN, Mr Segun Kadir-Ajayi, this could help revive and ease the challenges facing a lot of industry in Nigeria, particularly the textile industry, which once employed over 25,000 workers in the northern region.

He attributed the industry’s decline to the lack of local polypropylene production and foreign exchange scarcity, forcing many companies to shut down.

Recently, Business Post reported that Dangote Industries has fully commenced polypropylene production, a move expected to transform Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

It will help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports for this essential material used in packaging, textiles, and automotive components.

The Chairman of the group, Mr Aliko Dangote, projected that once fully operational, the refinery will meet local demand, eliminating the need for $267.7 million in annual imports.

By producing polypropylene locally, Dangote Industries is set to enhance industrial growth, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic used across multiple industries due to its durability, chemical resistance, and lightweight nature.

It plays a vital role in packaging, textiles, automotive, healthcare, construction, agriculture, consumer goods, and electronics. Its applications range from food containers and medical devices to car parts and irrigation pipes.

Local production of polypropylene is expected to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and enhance competitiveness.

Polypropylene’s versatile applications crucial for various industries including packaging, textiles, automotive, healthcare, construction and agriculture.

In packaging, polypropylene is essential for plastic containers and food packaging films. The textile industry relies on it for non-woven fabrics and carpets, while the automotive sector benefits from its lightweight properties in car bumpers and dashboards.

In healthcare, it is used for syringes and medical vials due to its sterility and durability. The construction and electronics industries utilize polypropylene for insulation materials, cables, and battery cases.

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EFCC Declares Aisha Achimugu Wanted for Money Laundering

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Aisha Achimugu

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

An associate of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ms Aisha Achimugu, has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The agency is investigating her for an alleged money laundering and criminal conspiracy, a statement said.

The action of the EFCC followed a report by an online newspaper, Peoples Gazette, that President Bola Tinubu was not happy that the some funds made available to Ms Achimugu for the 2023 general elections were used to prosecute the campaigns of his main challengers, Mr Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).

Already, the former Vice President of Nigeria, Mr Atiku, has denied getting funds from the fugitive’s ally, Mr Sanwo-Olu, calling the claims “a blatant lie from the pit of hell.”

“We wish to state emphatically and for the record that this is a political hatchet job aimed at providing a much-needed justification to jettison Governor Sanwo-Olu, who appears to have fallen out of favour with the Bourdillon Cult,” a statement from his media office said.

The EFCC asked anyone with the whereabouts of Ms Achimugu to contact any of its offices in the country.

“The public is hereby notified that AISHA SULAIMAN ACHIMUGU, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering.

“Achimugu, 51, is an indigene of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: info@efcc.gov.ng or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies,” the notice signed on Friday by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale, said.

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Tether Acquires 30.4% Stake in Be Water to Redefine Modern Media

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Be Water Tether

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

In a bid to redefine modern media through technological innovation in content creation and distribution, Tether has embarked on a €10 million capital increase and equity acquisition in Be Water.

A statement from the largest company in the digital asset ecosystem on Thursday said it would take up a 30.4 per cent stake in Be Water by the end of the month to support the company’s technology-driven approach to content production and storytelling.

With this investment, Tether and Be Water will collaborate to enhance digital content distribution, integrate new technological solutions, and support the international expansion of Be Water’s brands.

The partnership will enable Be Water to develop a holistic technology infrastructure that leverages blockchain and advanced digital tools to distribute high-quality, independent content globally.

In addition, Be Water will launch a significant investment plan focused on developing a cutting-edge digital infrastructure for content distribution and production, expanding Chora and Will’s investigative journalism division establishing new strategic partnerships with global talent in film, television, and documentary production, and driving the international growth of Be Water’s brands.

Also, Be Water’s ownership structure will change, with key shareholders now including Guido Maria Brera, Giancarlo Devasini and Paolo Ardoino (Tether), Mario Calabresi, Roberto Condulmari, Saverio Costanzo, Barbara Salabè, Mattia Guerra, Sabina Grossi, Claudio Erba, Alessandro Borghi, Stefano Bises, Cecilia Sala, Riccardo Haupt, Fabio Pirovano, Sabrina Giovannetti, and Giorgia De Paolis.

Equally, the board will be restructured with Guido Maria Brera as Chairman, Barbara Salabè as CEO, and Mario Calabresi, Claudia Lagorio (COO of Tether), and Sabrina Giovannetti (CFO of Be Water) as members.

“At Tether, we recognize the power of storytelling and the importance of independent media in shaping informed societies.

“Our investment in Be Water aligns with our vision to support technology-driven innovation across industries. We are excited to collaborate with Guido Maria Brera and the entire Be Water team to explore new frontiers in content creation and distribution, ensuring that high-quality, independent content and entertainment reach audiences worldwide,” the chief executive of Tether, Mr Paolo Ardoino, said.

Also, the Chairman of Be Water, Guido Maria Brera, said, “Since the beginning, our goal with Be Water has been to build a modern media company capable of producing and distributing content across multiple platforms—podcasting, film, television, and live events—with a strong, diverse, and independent voice.

“With Tether’s entry and the technological expertise of Paolo Ardoino, we have the opportunity to accelerate our growth and expand our reach both in Italy and globally.”

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