NITDA Opens Startups Sponsorhip Application for GITEX 2020

By Aduragbemi Omiyale A 10-week equity-free accelerator for African startups designed to tutor participants on how to use artificial intelligence to solve local challenges has been introduced by Google. The initiative is called Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First. It recognises the transformative role AI is playing across the world, innovating industries and reimagining the realms of possibilities. It also highlights the significant contributions of African startups in addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges through the use of AI. A statement from Google disclosed that application for the programme has commenced. It is for startups up to series

Here’s how we’ve made Search more helpful over 25 years — and had a little fun along the way, too. When Google first launched 25 years ago, it was far from the first search engine. But quickly, Google Search became known for our ability to help connect people to the exact information they were looking for, faster than they ever thought possible. Over the years, we’ve continued to innovate and make Google Search better every day. From creating entirely new ways to search, to helping millions of businesses connect with customers through search listings and ads (starting with a local

The pinnacle of technological innovation and thought leadership, Art of Technology Lagos (AOT), returns for its fifth edition, AOT 5.0. With an unwavering commitment to progress, this year’s conference dives into two crucial pillars that are shaping Lagos’s future: “The Creative Economy” and “A Digital Lagos.“ Curated by the Eko Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, AOT 5.0 promises to be an unparalleled gathering of visionaries, industry leaders, and changemakers. Lagos’s creative economy sector is a dynamic force that fuels the state’s economic growth, encompassing diverse industries such as film, music, fashion, design, and advertising. This ecosystem

By Aduragbemi Omiyale The 2023 edition of Techconnect, an event put together by Interswitch to provide valuable insights into the digital payments landscape in the country, will take place in five cities. A statement from the organisation disclosed that these places are Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos. Participants will get information about the latest trends and best practices within the payment ecosystem, while keynote speakers and others will deliberate on other topical issues. The immersive event will feature keynote speakers and panel sessions that will provide valuable insights into the digital payments landscape in the country, spotlight trends

By Dipo Olowookere An online booking platform to allow users secure quality accommodation, great food and awesome experiences has been launched by Transcorp Hotels Plc. The new initiative called Aura is the company’s first in the alternative accommodation segment aimed to use technology to deliver true hospitality, exciting experiences, and drive shareholder value. A statement issued by the hospitality giant explained that the organisation will partner with homeowners, hoteliers, restaurateurs, tour operators and locals to redefine travel and tourism through Aura. Transcorp Hotels believes with the launch of Aura, it has further cemented its leadership in the hospitality industry and

By Dipo Olowookere Not less than four markets in Ogun State have been shut down by the Ogun State government over their failure to remit developmental levies to the state government. The affected markets are Ita-Osu market in Ijebu-Ode as well as Kuto, Omida and Panseke markets in Abeokuta, the state capital. Chairman of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), Mr Adekunle Adeosun, explained that the markets were sealed after they failed to offset three years accumulated developmental levies. He appealed to business owners and artisans, especially market women and men in the state to perform their civic responsibility

By Modupe Gbadeyanka A review of the third quarter performance of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has shown positive growth across all key financial metrics and improved strategic positioning of the brand. In the unaudited financial results of the bank for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016, released to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges, GTBank recorded a profit before tax of N140.84 billion, representing a growth of 53 percent from N92.06 billion recorded in the corresponding period of September 2015. Also, its gross earnings for the period grew by 44 percent to N329.3 billion from N229.4 billion reported in

By Modupe Gbadeyanka The Senate on Tuesday dropped the nominee for the chairmanship position of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Prof. Akintunde Akinwande. The Senate explained that it took the decision because the nominee failed to appear before its Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy for screening. However, the red chamber confirmed the nomination of six members for the board of NERC and they are Nathan Rogers Shatti (North-East), Sanusi Garba (North-West), Moses Arigu (North-Central), Frank Okafor (South-East) and Musiliu Oseni (South-West), Dafe Akpedeye (South-South). But Sanusi Garba was confirmed as Vice-Chairman of NERC, while the other five

By Adedapo Adesanya Nigeria has ranked 34 in the index of emerging markets in digital readiness, according to the 2022 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, a ranking of the world’s 50 leading emerging markets. The digital readiness of emerging markets index showed that leading African economies that have struggled to improve their infrastructure, business conditions and overall competitiveness are generally performing better against other emerging markets in areas that measure their digital skills and sustainability. The index, now in its 13th year, surveys 756 supply chain industry professionals and ranks countries for overall competitiveness based on their logistics strengths, business

By Olutayo Irantiola We woke up on Friday, April 12, 2019 when a Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) van was said to be involved in a Road Traffic Accident (RTA). I was awestruck at the various ways in which our lives have become trivialized as those who should reduce road carnages are the ones leading commuters to their early graves because of their ego that took over reasoning in an attempt to arrest an erring driver. The accident has brought up the memory of the various social media posts aimed at hoodwinking these safety officers. One of such pictures showed

By Adedapo Adesanya As coronavirus continues to affect oil prices, Saudi Arabia has urged members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to further cut production to one million barrel per day. At a meeting held earlier this month, it was proposed that a further 600,000 should be cut by oil producers in the group, but Russia, which is one of the key members, is yet to accept. The oil cartel is expected to meet on March 5 and 6, 2020 and ahead of the gathering, Financial Times is reporting that Saudi Arabia, one of the main leaders

By Adedapo Adesanya The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged stakeholders in the education sector to design the curricula of primary and secondary schools to prepare them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This call was made by the Director-General of the agency, Mr Kashifu Abdullahi, at the National Olympiad Award Ceremony organised by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) in Abuja, where over 90 students from secondary schools across the federation who have performed exceptionally well in mathematics were recognised and awarded. Represented by the Director, Corporate Planning Strategy, Mr Agu Collins Agu, the NITDA chief opined that