Technology
Ilori Wants More Investments in Technology in Solving Problems
A technology enthusiast, Mrs Roseline Ilori, has reiterated the need for government at all levels and stakeholders to consider more investments in technology; not just software development, but in robotics, artificial intelligence, bio-medicine, voice biometrics and a host of other technology spectra.
Mrs Ilori, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bridge57 Solutions Limited, made the call in a statement in Lagos.
According to her, such investments will shore up manufacturing competitiveness via authentication and traceability of goods and services and improve physical and cyber security, among others.
She said that government needs to be more proactive in making the Nigerian technology environment more friendly, seeing that the growth and young people’s interest in technology were massive.
She noted that Nigerian technology experts were the most sought-after in developed economies as the relocation syndrome had taken up to half of the country’s technology brains.
“The fact is that the environment we are in is not conducive enough for technology to thrive, so the government has to do more in that regard to bring out more technology to the fore.
“The ‘Japa Syndrome’ has been a major challenge affecting our human capital potential, hence, the need to grow more of these professionals internally so that when some leave, many more would be around to keep the country going.
According to the Bridge57 boss, Nigeria still lags earnestly in innovation as she submitted that, unlike the notion many are having, technology is quite different from innovation.
She noted; “In terms of innovation, we are still very far in Nigeria. For instance, while I had the opportunity to go through some training on innovation in some international organizations, I realized that many people talk about innovation, but very few people do innovation, as a lot of people don’t really understand what innovation means.
“For technology, yes, we are doing well, but for innovation as a practice itself, we still lag. Innovation is not just about technology, it is deeper than that. Innovation can be applied to processes, products, marketing and different areas of business models. But technology can use innovation; when people often mention innovation, people assume that it is technology, but they are two different things. They both need each other in a way to flourish.”
However, the technology expert also advised the government to remodel the Nigerian educational curriculum across levels to accommodate the practical aspects of technology to engender early exposure to the nitty-gritty of technology and innovation.
She said that the need to expose, encourage and sensitise the Nigerian child through the educational system from a tender age was due to the massive economic potential of technology and its ability to solve almost every problem across sectors.
“Technology as of today is beyond computers and smartphones as it encompasses a whole lot which, if youths are properly exposed to practice, can yield massive economic potential and gains for the country.
“We must, therefore, rework the curriculum to accommodate technology, innovation and robotics beyond the surface use of computers.
“In our universities, a lot is going on technologically that the government can take advantage of, but they must first invest enormous resources right from the universities to open students’ minds to the practical aspects of technology.
“More practical approach that is relatable to real life more than the abstract classes the Nigerian child is used to is what is needed to open up their minds to the endless possibilities of technology,” she said.
Mrs Ilori said that government funding, upon disbursement, must be put to good use to secure the future of technology and educate more persons willing to use their intelligence for the nation’s development.
She charged young girls with interest in the technology industry, perceived as a male-dominated industry, to take the bulls by the horn, even if they might be few, and assert their competencies and capabilities.
“Funding is key, and the cash flow is the blood of any business, and this is necessary to build innovation-driven start-ups.
Speaking on Bridge57 Solutions, where she had implemented diverse business initiatives and products for several organizations, NGOs, and government parastatals using strategic foresight, drive and determination, Ilori said the organisation was established to organise workshops, using innovative practices, methodology and tools to improve the Nigerian technology environment.
“I have been in the technology space for 18 years now in Nigeria and several other countries in Africa where we have deployed many solutions in the past. I decided to start Bridge57 Solutions because I saw that there are more problems to be solved in Nigeria and in Africa at large. Our problems are in abundance, if I can put it that way. But where there are problems, there are opportunities as well. So I was looking for the opportunity to solve more problems on a larger scale. That was one of the things that prompted me. I see there are lots of opportunities that would enable more entrepreneurs to be born.
“At Bridge57, there are two pillars; innovation and technology and in between them is digital transformation. Those are the two pillars our business is being built on.
“We have a lot of international partners that we work with that are technology providers. We partner with them to bring such technology that does not exist here. For instance, looking at voice biometrics, we have a solution in voice biometrics. It would surprise you that our voices are as unique as our fingerprints. We can use that to help people using services, but they are not very literate. Some people have problems with remembering their PINs, because they are not literate, and you see people that are not so literate telling people their passwords and therefore exposing themselves. How can we use that voice, for example, in terms of security, as we have a lot of security issues in our society?
“These are some of the problems that this technology, as simple as it might seem, can solve. Aside the voice technology, there is a technology that uses artificial intelligence, AI. There is a partner we are working with, we use AI to identify moving objects. It can tell if the person is a male or female. These are some innovations we do at Bridge57,” Mrs Ilori submitted.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
As part of broader Africa-focused Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives, Google has launched the AI Skilling Blueprint for Africa, designed to help governments build a future-proof workforce.
The programme provides governments with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to formulate national skilling strategies. It focuses on developing three critical cohorts: AI Learners, who will gain foundational AI literacy; AI Implementers, professionals upskilled to integrate AI tools into their work; and AI Innovators, deep technical experts dedicated to building the next generation of AI solutions.
Africa is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population. The continent shows immense potential for AI-driven economic growth.
However, new research highlights a significant challenge: while optimism for AI is exceptionally high, reaching 95 per cent in Nigeria and 76 per cent in South Africa, 55 per cent of firms across the continent report needing AI talent more than financing. Closing this skills gap is key to unlocking Africa’s opportunity.
Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Doron Avni, explained that, “The AI Skilling Blueprint provides a clear roadmap for governments to build the workforce of the future.
“By also investing in AI-ready data and expert local organisations and partners, we are helping build the interconnected ecosystem needed for a prosperous, AI-driven future for the continent.”
As part of its broader initiatives, Google also announced $2.25 million to support projects building trustworthy public data sets for AI by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and PARIS21.
This contribution will help national statistical offices modernize their infrastructure and empower decision-makers with the reliable data they need to address challenges from food security to economic growth.
“For Africa to drive sustainable development, evidence-based policymaking is indispensable. This requires accessible, reliable, and AI-ready data.
“This effort is a crucial step forward. By building a Regional Data Commons, we can empower African institutions with the data and tools they need to make strategic choices that will drive growth and prosperity,” the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete, said.
Finally, building on its $7.5 million Google.org Skilling Fund commitment, Google announced the first set of expert social impact organizations who will receive funding to execute on projects consistent with its skilling mission, including FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which will embed advanced AI curricula into universities; and JA Africa and CyberSafe Foundation, which will advance crucial work in online safety and digital literacy.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the African Institute of Management Sciences on the Advanced AI UpSkilling Project, with support from Google.org. This groundbreaking initiative is a direct response to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
“This strategic support aligns perfectly with FATE Foundation’s mission to foster innovation and sustainable economic growth across the continent, ensuring Africa is fully equipped to lead in the global technological future,” the Executive Director for FATE Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi, stated.
“We live in an age defined by rapid technological change and our mission at JA Africa is to ensure that African youth are not left behind. However, even as we engage our youth in more digital programs and encourage AI literacy, we are fully aware of the harmful effects of unchecked online exposure and, therefore, invest equally in protecting their data, physical safety and mental wellbeing.
“Through this support from Google.org, we will give young people the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly,” the chief executive of Junior Achievement Africa, Simi Nwogugu, remarked.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Global technology firm, Zoho, has enhanced its all-in-one business software platform known as Zoho One with improve security, and deeper intelligence across all over 50 applications.
The company improved the user interface, placing context at the centre of the user journey and removes traditional boundaries between applications.
Spaces now organise tools by purpose—such as Personal, Organisation, and Department-specific groups—enabling employees to access what they need without switching between apps. A centralised search bar spans the entire ecosystem, allowing users to find information or trigger workflows instantly.
An enhanced Action Panel provides a full view of upcoming meetings, unread messages, pending tasks, and other key updates, helping employees remain informed regardless of which app they are using.
The updated Dashboard consolidates data from Zoho and third-party apps into one central hub that can be customised using pre-existing or bespoke widgets.
The platform also introduced Vani, a new visual-first collaboration space that supports brainstorming, planning, and creation through diagrams, whiteboards, mind maps, and integrated video calling.
A central integrations panel enables administrators to monitor and configure all connections. Foundational integrations bring application-specific portals—Zoho or third-party—into a single unified portal. Practical tasks such as domain verification and authentication can now be configured more easily.
The new Smart Offboarding feature introduces outcome-based integrations, allowing organisations to transfer department ownership, manage employee device data, and determine data access rights within a single workflow, ensuring smooth transitions.
Also, Zia, Zoho’s AI assistant, is now accessible throughout Zoho One, providing unified intelligence that supports decision-making and improves productivity. Zia can aggregate and contextualise information from various platforms, including third-party systems such as Google Workspace, and present it as clear, actionable insight.
Zia Hubs, the platform’s intelligent content management system, now has a dedicated space where contracts, meeting recordings, and other important assets are automatically organised. Through Zia Search, employees can quickly surface relevant information without navigating multiple locations.
In addition, Ask Zia, available from the bottom toolbar, enables prompt-based searches across Zoho One, providing quick visibility into schedules, tasks, recent interactions, and other key details.
Commenting on the changes, the Country Head for Zoho Nigeria, Mr Kehinde Ogundare, said, “The Zoho One update reflects how work has evolved from using individual applications to operating within a unified platform.
“Zoho One customers are not simply licensing apps; they are choosing a solution that allows Zoho to handle the technology while they focus on productivity. The enhancements announced today deliver a cohesive experience built on unified integrations, context, and data.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The unlimited data market in Nigeria is getting more robust with MTN Nigeria joining the fray.
The company, in a statement, said it has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology.
The new plans are available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, designed to cater to a wide range of users and smart homes.
New customers that purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus offer of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the Power of Unlimited 5G!
It aims to convert interest into subscription through immediate incentives such as attractive bundles and device tie-ins, offering exclusive deals on 5G routers to ease the transition for new users.
MTN Nigeria said its new Unlimited Broadband Data plans were tailored to resolve major frustrations faced by Nigerian internet users, capped data volume limits, high costs, and unstable connectivity.
The new proposition is positioned by the company as a transformative product intended to support high-demand users, from streamers and gamers to households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.
The unlimited broadband data plans focus on providing the necessary high-speed infrastructure to support contemporary Nigerian digital demands and enable customers to Stay Limitless. This includes guaranteeing the stable connection required for virtual meetings and large file transfers, crucial for remote work and digital lifestyle expressions. It also aims to facilitate uninterrupted online learning, high-definition streaming, and professional online gaming.
The technology company is differentiating its plan by highlighting the capabilities of its network, promising lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency, a direct response to the pervasive problem of connection lag and buffering.
Furthermore, the network will offer affordable and flexible options, designed to cater to diverse economic segments, ensuring accessibility for both individuals and households.
Customers interested in the new Unlimited Broadband Plans can access them by dialing *461*1#, on MyMTNApp, MTN eShop, MTN website, visiting any authorised retail store, or by speaking with an agent to enquire about available packages.
“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life; content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households.
“Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability. Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” the Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Egerton Idehen, stated.
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