GRBusiness
There is no better time to harness benefits of ICT than now, says LCCI
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is strategic in driving productivity and efficiency in all sectors of the Nigerian economy, says the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Babatunde Ruwase.
Mr. Ruwase made the remark at the ongoing 2-day ICT and Telecommunications exhibition (ICTEL Expo 2018), in Eko Hotel, Lagos, stressing that there is no better time to harness the benefits of ICT than now when the Nigerian economy is in dire need of diversification and sustainable recovery.
The LCCI President told the gathering comprising of captains of industries, government functionaries and investors, that, ICT is strategic in driving productivity today as virtually all sectors leverage ICT for optimal performance.
“This is evident in the financial services sector, where electronic banking is now the vogue; the agricultural sector, where government allocates farm inputs through mobile phones to farmers; the consumer goods sector where online stores and e-commerce has brought an incredible transformation to retail business; the medical sciences where ICT applications are now being widely used for efficiency and many more
“The fact is that ICT has become the backbone of businesses,” he said, adding that, although Nigeria has witnessed a phenomenal growth in ICT sector over the past two decades, “But there are still enormous potentials yet untapped”.
Thus, the Expo, the President explained, is one of the major platforms that offer opportunities to unlock these potentials.
“As a foremost private sector body in Nigeria (since 1888, the Lagos Chamber is providing, through this Expo, a credible to advance the opportunities and linkages in the world of ICT”.
He expressed Lagos Chamber’s commitment to the building of economic and commercial ties across all subscribers and players in the ICT sector.
“We plan to continuously broaden the horizons and scope of the EXPO over the coming years. We see great opportunities coming from closer interactions and business integration among ICT players and their customers”, he told guests and exhibitors at the event.
In a keynote speech, the Minister of Communications, Dr. Adebayo Shittu reflected on theme, adding that the EXPO heralds a new dawn in the country’s collective gravitation towards developing efficiency and competitiveness in the digital age.
He said the Ministry remains committed to supporting Digital Economy in its laudable endeavour and vision to bridge the gap between Nigeria and the rest of the world in ICT.
The Minister who was represented by the Director of ICT at the Ministry, Monisola Udoh (Mrs), sad that the Ministry will support the establishment of Companies or organisations in the area of hardware and software by ensuring that they are protected through regulations or other means.
“We will assist them to grow. We have accepted that Nigeria must take the leadership role in Africa’s ICT ecosystem. Therefore, we are amendable to PPP relationships to drive the Ministry’s project; 2018 and beyond must be a year of action”, the Minister said.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) congratulated LCCI for its consistency in the organisation of the EXPO.
According to him, ICTEL provides an opportunity for investors and the government to assess the performances of ICT in different sectors of the economy and make amends where necessary for improved productivity.
ICTEL EXPO, now in its fourth edition, gives 360 degree view of the ICT and telecoms industry and gives top visibility to sweeping trending innovations as well as providing networking opportunity for business decision makers, innovation managers, enterprises, solution providers, startups, ICT academics, among others.
Transport
Travelers to Make Money as Ozi Launches to Redefine $460 billion Global Package Delivery Market
Key Takeaways from Ozi launch:
- With logistics representing a $1.34 billion in Africa, the demand for innovative delivery solutions has never been greater
- Nigerians face numerous hurdles when it comes to moving packages, ranging from delays and high costs to a lack of secure options
Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches today, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.
By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.
Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.
With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engr. Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held today at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”
“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient.
“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.
He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.
“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in other country outside Nigeria but for their believe in the Nigeria dream and its potentials made us to choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, the CEO said. “Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.
Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.
In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process. By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.
“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.
To enhance security further, Azubuike said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.
“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the CTO added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”
“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.
“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.
He added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025. Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.
The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has reiterated the dangers of drunk driving at the launch of the Annual “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign.
The two-day campaign began with a press conference on Tuesday, December 10, at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, and continued with park rallies on Wednesday, December 11.
Both events emphasized the importance of avoiding drunk driving, the consequences of impaired driving, and the critical need for responsible road habits to enhance safety across Nigeria.
Speaking at the press conference, Chairman, BSG and CEO Nigerian Breweries, Hans Essadi, commended FRSC for its dedication to road safety and pledged continued support for initiatives that reduce traffic accidents. He stated: “Each year, countless lives are lost to preventable accidents caused by impaired driving. This campaign is built on three pillars: education, enforcement, and encouraging responsible behavior by all road users.”
Essadi also announced the following day’s park rallies, during which campaign teams visited major motor parks in Lagos—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi. At these locations, they engaged commercial drivers in discussions on the risks of impaired driving, distributed educational materials, and offered voluntary breathalyzer tests.
FRSC Lagos Sector Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat emphasized the importance of defensive driving and passengers’ rights to challenge reckless drivers. He also highlighted FRSC’s new app, which alerts users to speed limits, dangerous roads, and potholes.
The press briefing attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including executives from BSG, senior FRSC officials, and road safety advocates. Speakers highlighted the campaign’s objectives, shared success stories from previous editions, and renewed their commitment to reducing road accidents caused by impaired driving.
The park rallies saw impactful interactions with drivers and park officials, with many participants pledging to adopt safer driving habits. The campaign reinforced the message of accountability and safety through practical demonstrations and community engagement.
The 2024 “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign exemplifies the effectiveness of partnerships in addressing critical societal issues. BSG and FRSC reaffirm their shared commitment to reducing alcohol-related crashes and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.
As part of continued commitment to support its Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) customers, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has planned to offer some selected Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (MSME) customer’s free exhibition stands at the Made by Nigerians Fair.
The company has been paying particular attention to MSMEs because of their significance to the economy.
Earlier, the company has offered different media exposure opportunities to its MSME customers, giving them the platform to introduce their products and services to a wide range of customers for free.
According to the Head, Marketing, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Olusesan Ogunyooye, said this is another gesture by the company to show that MSMEs can benefit for having insurance.
He explained that MSMEs are the backbone of any economy, noting that they drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute significantly to national development.
“Our support for these businesses at the MBN Fair reflects commitment to their growth and sustainability.
“We are passionate about helping them reach their full potential by connecting them with resources and opportunities that foster success”.
“By the very nature of insurance, its benefits are in the future and they are uncertain. That has been a main source of discouragement, particularly to MSMEs. Businesses are geared to making money. So, when thinking about Insurance, an average MSME will rather invest the money in the growth of his business first”.
But the risks that businesses face are also real. There are various types of risks businesses have to contend with today. From burglary, to fire, health of employees, and so on. When these risks manifest, they can significantly impact a business negatively. We understand that to get MSMEs to protect themselves and the millions of jobs they create, we must help them strike a balance between growing their businesses and protecting them”.
So, we have come up with different Initiatives to help them grow their businesses. The opportunity to exhibit their products and services to thousands of visitors to the MBN Fair is another in the series of our initiatives.
“We are convinced that for insurance to grow, we need to help people and businesses see it as a strategic lever to grow their businesses, not a cost that takes away from them. If we get this right, it can’t have a massive impact on our economy because, when MSMEs thrive, the economy will prosper”.
“We have experimented with this model, and we are particularly excited about the responses from our customers. It is a call for us to do more, and we are committed to Nigerian MSMEs”, Ogunyooye explained.
AXA Mansard has been recognised for its various MSME Initiatives. The organization has been recognised by Nairametrics as Best MSME Insurance Company of the Year, and Marketing Edge Magazine as Inclusive Insurance Brand of the Year.
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