GRTech
Nigeria: Expanding the frontiers of information technology
From the 9th to the 11th of July 2018, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osibanjo led a high powered delegation of IT Professionals and enthusiasts on a road show to the heart of the cyber world in the United States of America – the Silicon Valley.
The objective of the timely and auspicious event tagged investinnigeria2018 Summit was crystal clear – to attract global investment in IT to Nigeria, a country whose potential in that regard remains undeniable.
The delegation comprised of policy makers, regulators, indigenous innovators and other stakeholders. It was an intense three days of meetings, presentations and networking with global industry players who had converged on the Cyber Valley at the behest of the Nigerian government.
Leading the charge from the regulatory arm of the sector was the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, a seasoned professional and die hard IT enthusiast. This was his forte and he came prepared as usual.
As part of its core mandate to enter into, and foster strategic partnerships with global entities to ensure Nigeria secures a competitive pedestal in IT among the comity of nations, the Agency provided sponsorship for some of the indigenous startups thereby, availing them the rare opportunity of showcasing to the world and indeed, potential investors the immense potential that abounds within our great country Nigeria. And they made Nigeria proud.
One after the other, all eleven indigenous egg heads took to the stage and pitched their solutions before an impressed audience.
Addressing the elite audience of industry giants, Dr Pantami was passionate in his delivery. The globally recognized Professor of Software development and Fellow of the prestigious British Computer Society who has determinedly led NITDA to champion engagements of global investors to explore IT opportunities in Nigeria as well as expose the country’s community of startups at various fora, told a spell bound audience that Nigeria remains a formidable market with high Return on Investment.
“As demonstrated today, there is no dearth of potential in Nigeria. The potential is immense and the possibilities limitless. Investing in the Nigerian IT industry is the next best thing out of Africa and there is a guaranteed infinite Return on Investment as it can only get better owing to the dynamic nature of the sector”. Citing copious examples of the talents in the country, Dr Pantami disclosed that young Nigerians were making their mark in the industry every where in the world as partners and employees in various organisations. “The addiction of the average Nigerian youth to the tools of ICT, is a glaring testimony to the tremendous interest vested in technology. The hunger for knowledge has led to the high rate of IT solutions churned out daily by Nigerian youths.”
The erudite professor seized the moment and appealed to his spell bound audience to partner and collaborate with individuals and entities who have demonstrated their willingness and ability to add value to the industry. Especially at this time when the country’s IT Policies are investor and investment friendly.
Nigeria’s National IT Policy is predicated on the roadmap document developed by the regulatory Agency and supported by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
At the Summit, NITDA acting in accordance with its mandate made contacts with, and established a working foundation with tech giants like Google, LinkedIn and Facebook towards digital job creation for Nigerian youths.
That been said, it is pertinent to note that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is pushing the boundaries and expanding the frontiers of Information Technology like never before seen in this country.
Enabling policies to drive ease of doing business like the recent Visa on arrival pronouncement, empowering policies like the Executive orders 003 and 005 to further give impetus to NITDA’s regulatory powers, the establishment of various startup hubs around the country to drive indigenous innovation, the deployment of local content in government practices like the TSA to mention but a few, are part of the larger picture gradually taking shape.
This administration has demonstrated in no small measure, its recognition and adoption of IT as the only infinite resource that can guarantee economic stability, security and a pride of place in the global scheme of things. Little wonder then that the Office of the Vice President is personally committed to its development in word and in deed.
For NITDA as the regulator, it is proof that its leadership is working. Since assuming office as the Director General just over a year ago, Dr Pantami’s relentless efforts at instilling professionalism in the industry is paying off! He has successfully drawn the attention of the highest offices in the land to a sector which had hitherto been plagued by corruption and unethical conduct.
He is steadily proving his critics wrong on all fronts. He has successfully reduced corruption in the industry and by extension, the entire country through a series of strategic policies and programmes methodically aligned with the anti-corruption and change mantra of the presidency. Dr Pantami has taken the bull by the horns and there is definitely no going back at this rate.
During the visit to the Facebook Headquaters in Silicon Valley which he led, he needed no introduction. It was a moment of glory on the world stage as his picture was boldly displayed on the giant electronic billboard at the office grounds of the tech giant where he yet again called for the continuous engagement with the sector in Nigeria leveraging on the existing relationship.
Long after this epoch event is gone, Nigeria will continue to benefit from the fruits it has borne. According to Google, the future of the internet is in the hands of the next billion users which will lead to innovation on an unprecedented scale and Nigeria, has been identified as one of the major countries where the next billion will come from. This generation of users are already changing the internet in three prominent ways:
An instinct for universal computing
The prominent use of smartphone for internet access and;
A demand for localized content
NITDA is grateful to the Executive arm of government for its unparalled support and encouragement and it is in order to give accolades to the leadership of both parties.
Written by Uwa Suleiman, NITDA’s Spokesperson
Technology Company, Globacom, has announced significant reductions in its International Direct Dialing (IDD) rates, making international calls more affordable for its existing and new customers across Nigeria.
Effective August 10, the new rates began applying to over 15 popular international destinations, including United States which will has moved to ₦30 per minute, down from ₦35, United Kingdom is now N350 from ₦400, while India also moved down to ₦40 from N45.
The rates for China, Saudi Arabia and Cameroon however recorded major reduction moving to N75, N300 and ₦700 respectively.
The reduction was also extended to African countries including Benin Republic which goes for ₦650 per minute, Niger Republic ₦750, Ghana ₦500, and Togo ₦650. United Arab Emirates also moved from ₦450 to ₦325, Germany to ₦550, Côte d’Ivoire ₦700, Libya ₦700, while calls to Malawi is now N1,100 from ₦1,200.
Glo aims to provide more value for its customers through these revised rates, encouraging them to make Glo their preferred network for international calls. New IDD bundles will also be introduced, offering frequent international callers even more attractive deals.
Globacom, which remained optimistic that frequent international callers will benefit immensely from the reductions in IDD bundles, enjoined customers to take advantage of the new rates to stay connected with friends and business associates across the globe.
GRTech
Oil subsidy removal freed up resources for infrastructure – Enugu Governor
By Orji Israel, South East Correspondent
The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has attributed the financing of numerous infrastructure projects embarked by the state government to the oil subsidy removal policy of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
He made this declaration at the Govermment House, Enugu, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of federal government led by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, as part of activities lined up for the 2-day Citizens’ Engagement Series in the South East geo-political zone.
“For us in Enugu, we are able to accomplish all we promised our people during the campaign, thanks to the bold decision taken by President Bola Tinubu, which has freed up resources needed to execute humongous capital projects,” said Governor, while listing ongoing projects in the state, which include the construction of 7,000 classrooms, 3,300 hospital beds and 2,000-hectare of 260 farm estates across the 260 wards of the state.
Governor Mbah also pledged more support for the policies of the federal government, saying they are in the best interest of the people of the state.
TechNews
Samsung Launches Vision AI TV: A New Era in Home Entertainment, Celebrating 19 Consecutive Years as the Global No. 1 TV Brand
Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of its groundbreaking Samsung Vision AI TV, marking a bold new chapter in the company’s history of innovation and leadership in the television industry.
For 19 consecutive years, Samsung has held the position of the world’s No. 1 TV brand, a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality, design, and user experience. This remarkable journey of excellence has been defined by a series of world first innovations that have consistently set new standards in the industry.
From the debut of the Bordeaux LCD TV in 2006, admired for the world’s first sensuous design, to other breakthroughs like the first edge type LED TV, the first Smart TV with applications, the brilliance of 100% Color Volume QLED technology, and the refined Curved UHD TV, Samsung has never stopped setting new standards for what a TV can achieve.
Now in 2025, the company has taken another bold step forward with Samsung Vision AI which positions Samsung TVs as more than entertainment devices. They enhance content interaction, smart home functionality and synergy across devices, while maintaining strong privacy with the Samsung Knox security.
“Our mission has always been to create technology that feels personal, intuitive, and inspiring,” said Tae Sun Lee, CEO of Samsung Electronics West Africa. “With Vision AI, we’re not just offering a TV, we’re introducing a smarter, more connected way to live, building on almost two decades of global leadership.”
Samsung Vision AI is packed with features designed to make the TV experience smarter and more personal:
• Click to Search – Find information and personalized content recommendations about what you’re watching instantly, with just one click.
• Future-Proof Design – Enjoy 7 years of free OS updates so that your TV keeps evolving, unlocking new AI-powered experiences over time.
• Smart Home Control Tower – Effortlessly connect and control your Galaxy devices, Bespoke appliances, and other IoT products through SmartThings.
• Knox Security – Advanced protection to keep your personal information safe while you stay connected.
• Art & Entertainment – Seamlessly integrates with the Samsung Art TV lineup and offers immersive gaming, making it a hub for both creativity and play.
According to Oge Maduagwu, Head of Marketing & Communications, Samsung Electronics West Africa, “These new TVs are intelligent lifestyle hubs as they leverage Vision AI to deliver personalized, contextual, and seamless experiences that redefine television. Combining TV, AI Art, Live translations and sleek designs to set our TVs miles ahead of others”.
Continuing she said:
“Samsung’s 2025 TV lineup delivers our most advanced viewing experience yet, with innovations across OLED, Neo QLED, QLED, and lifestyle models. This year, we’ve introduced glare-free OLED and expanded anti-glare technology to more Neo QLED models, boosted brightness by up to 30%, and added high refresh rates up to 240Hz for ultra-smooth motion. Our new Vision AI enhances picture, sound, and even integrates smart home features like pet and family care monitoring.
“We’ve launched premium additions such as Neo QLED Mini-LED with wireless One Connect, plus Nigeria’s first 100-inch Neo QLED. From breathtaking picture quality to intelligent home integration, 2025 Samsung TVs are designed to deliver unmatched clarity, style, and connectivity.”
She reiterated Samsung’s commitment to shaping the viewing experience of tomorrow, with innovations designed to bring joy, connection, and inspiration to households worldwide.
“For years, customers have put their trust in Samsung TVs, trusting them to get quality and value for their money, thus, making them the global No.1 TV brand for 19 years consecutively and the brand continues to honor that trust by delivering products that exceed expectations.
“The new Neo QLED 8K, OLED, Neo QLED 4K, QLED & Crystal UHD TVs are now available at all authorized Samsung stores nationwide”, she Maduagwu added.
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