The Anambra State ICT Agency, in a strategic collaboration with the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), recently, successfully organized a one-day interactive session that brought together Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), to discuss the imperativeness for interconnectivity and to lay the foundation for establishing an Internet Exchange Point in the State.

The collaborative session saw vibrant discussions and resolutions aimed at creating a more livable state and a robust economy through increased internet access and connectivity.

In furtherance of the milestone recorded with the interactive session, and in recognition of the pivotal role of ISPs and HEIs in expediting actions towards this interconnectivity, a one-day AFRINIC virtual training program has been scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 5th December by 12.00pm.

The follow-up virtual training will not only provide participants with invaluable insights, technical expertise, and practical knowledge to optimize their network infrastructures but will further yield answers to key questions posed by ISPs and HEIs.

AFRINIC, the Regional Internet Registry for Africa, is renowned for its commitment to advancing internet development across the continent. The AFRINIC virtual training therefore represents a significant stride towards realizing the goals outlined during the interactive session.

This initiative aligns perfectly with the vision of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, of building a technologically advanced state, while the collaborative efforts of the Anambra State ICT Agency and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) underscores practical commitment to positioning Anambra as a digital hub, driving innovation, economic growth, and improved quality of life for its residents.

Participants can expect an interactive and immersive learning experience, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the dynamic landscape of internet services in the State.

Grand Africa Initiative-GAIN and the Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) have announced the second edition of their collaboration to train two hundred young Nigerian Women in an entrepreneurship course titled “GAIN Entrepreneurship Masterclass for Women (Nigeria)”, starting in July 2022.

According to the organizers, the course is designed to equip selected young women entrepreneurs from across the country with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to build and scale their businesses to create wealth and jobs.

The training will cover areas critical to the success of MSMEs including ideation, legal, branding, marketing, communication, accounting, modelling, taxation, team building, structure etc.

Describing the significance of the Women Entrepreneurship Masterclass, the Managing Director, DBN, Dr. Tony Okpanachi said “We are excited about this initiative which speaks to our mandate of providing sustainable funding, building capacity of the Nigerian MSMEs and also providing credit guarantee. The GAIN initiative has become imperative to reach as many women as possible by leveraging technology and promoting gender equality. At the end of this exercise, we hope to see more empowered women creating opportunities towards achieving sustainable social economic development”

On his part, the Programs and Partnership Lead at GAIN, Mr Jerry Momoh, stated that “we are delighted to have the support of DBN as we continue to empower women to build sustainable businesses. This training prepares the women to develop themselves, empower them to develop their businesses, equip them with knowledge to create wealth and jobs by building thriving businesses. We strongly believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for economic empowerment and gender inclusion. At GAIN, we are committed to supporting women and young people in general to unleash their potential and contribute significantly to economic development of Nigeria”.

According to Mr Momoh, this program is in line with one of our focus areas at Grand Africa Initiative-GAIN which is Women Empowerment. He said the program is targeted at selected women from across Nigeria and who will benefit from a faculty of experts in various aspects of business. Eligible for the program are women who have a business or a business idea, between 22 to 45 years of age, have demonstrable interest in business, access to internet, internet-enabled device, and electricity to participate in the program. GAIN Entrepreneurship Masterclass for Women (Nigeria)’ is scheduled to open a call for application on July 4, 2023. The six week program will include training and mentorship sessions which will be held virtually”.

Application Link is via:  bit.ly/GAINDBN

The Evangelical Church of Yahweh (ECoY) is set to celebrate its Golden Jubilee Anniversary, signifying 50 years of ministry.

ECoY is a full Pentecostal and prophetic church established February 4 1973, by Apostle (Dr.) Theophilus Olabayo in Ilorin, Kwara State with parishes in several states in Nigeria, United States and Britain.

The founder of the ministry is one of the major prophets in Nigeria that has given accurate prophecies about the country and its leaders.

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the ministry will host a 3-day event starting with a Football Match on Friday, February 3 in the morning and a Praise Evening, which will feature different seasoned music ministers, later in the day still on the 3rd.

This event will be followed by a colloquium on Saturday, February 4, and as a landmark celebration for the ministry, the conference will host speakers from different ministries to present series of lectures on “The Prophetic Ministry and the Pentecostal Movement in Nigeria: 50 years evolution of the Evangelical Church of Yahweh”.

The Rt. Reverend (Prof) Dapo Asaju, Diocesan Bishop of Ilesa Diocese Anglican Communion and Bishop Theologian, Anglican Communion is the keynote speaker for the occasion, while renowned religious leaders such as Apostle Dr. John Amarachukwu Daniel, President/Provost, Melchisedek Graduate Bible Academy, Prophet Bolaji Oduntayo, Deputy Shepherd, Disciples of Christ Ministry, Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement Church (Ayo Ni O), Dr. Tokunbo Bankole, and Pastor Joshua Olabayo, Pastor Evangelical Church of Yahweh, London will lead other discussions. The conference is scheduled to be a time of celebration, reflection, and re-dedication to the mission of the Evangelical Church of Yahweh.

On Sunday, February 5 the church will host a thanksgiving service to wrap up the anniversary celebrations.

It will be an avenue to appreciate God for his faithfulness to the ministry in its 50 years of its existence.

Speaking ahead of the celebration, the Organising Committee Chairman, Bishop Enighokhana Oni, said “This 50^th Anniversary marks a turning point in the physical and spiritual development of the ministry. It will give us an ample opportunity to re-evaluate the past, and to look forward to the expansion and winning souls for Christ, in accordance with the vision of the ministry”.