Amin Oyagbola Leaves MTN

AFTER 12 years, Amina Oyagbola, Head of Human Resources and Corporate Services of MTN Nigeria, is moving on.

A press statement from MTN Nigeria on her exit described her as a woman often hailed as the Y’ello Lady for her practice of associating with the brand by wearing yellow clothing and accessories for all public appearances during her early years.

 Amina joined MTN in 2004 as Corporate Services Executive and was the pioneer Director of the MTN Foundation.

Since then she has added significant value to the organisation through a number of key roles. In 2008, she was appointed Human Resources Executive.

During her tenure, MTN became the first company in Nigeria accredited with the Investors in People (IIP) Gold Standard, and was named the best telecoms company in Jobberman's best 100 best places to work in Nigeria in 2014.

Amina also provided deep insight on strategy and governance as a Director on the boards of MTN Benin (Spacetel) and Visafone, and chairs the MTN Audit and Risk Committee.

In 2015 she was appointed Corporate Services Executive in addition to her role as HR Executive. 

Amina will be missed for her exemplary work ethic. She is much loved, and very popular with the staff for raising staff welfare and the HR function to award-winning heights.

She will continue to support the organisation on select projects for the near future.

MTN is grateful to its Y’ello Lady for her loyalty and dedication over the past 12 years and wishes her success in her future endeavours. 

Jumia Travel Unveils “Dream Deals”

FOLLOWING the remarkable 2016 Black Friday campaign that beat all-times sales record of + 30% gross bookings a day, Jumia Travel is back in the deals business with a new campaign dubbed “Travel Wednesday” running every Wednesday on the company’s official website.

The promotions, also called “Dream Deals” consist of great discounts on top hotels in popular destinations, in a bid to continue providing customers more vacation options especially during the festive season.

 While initially a maximum of 8 hotel deals will run during the promotion, they will in the coming days be increased to a total of 12 deals running until every Wednesday and Friday.

“This is designed to meet our customers’ demand to have access to affordable travel options through Jumia Travel. Following the impressive public response on Black Friday, we want to create a new appointment for all travellers, an opportunity to get more deals that we have negotiated with thousands of hotels across Africa,” noted Paul Midy, CEO of Jumia Travel.

The deals have been launched in African countries where the company has been on the forefront in providing accommodation and travel packages within the means of most travelers. They include Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Senegal, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Algeria.

 As in the case of Black Friday, the Dream Deals will also be co-marketed across all Jumia ecosystem in the countries they operate in.

“More than 25% of our Black Friday bookings came from the Jumia ecosystem. Thus, it is vital to continue working closely with our sister companies to increase the traffic of the customer, as this was the main objective of the rebranding” added Midy.

 Other channels through which the Dream Deals will be run include Jumia Travel’s social media pages, newsletters, and SMSs among others.

Zinox Founder Lauds STANBIC IBTC BANK Digital Stride

THE founder and chairman of the Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh as described as remarkable the opening of a digital branch of Stanbic IBTC Bank located strategically in the Maryland Mall along Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

 The digital branch will offer customers a wide range of technologically-driven and seamless self-service channels including instant deposits, personal teller machine, airtime top-ups, interactive access to the bank’s suite of products and services and an integrated app through which customers can access the Group’s various solutions such as Personal Banking, Pension Fund and Asset Management,  among others.

Ekeh who featured as the Special Guest of Honour, disclosed that the launch of the digital branch was timely and in line with the rapidly evolving revolution in the digital space.

He said that Stanbic IBTC Bank has with this singular achievement effectively positioned itself as a bank of choice for the current generation of digitally-minded and tech-savvy youths, many of whom are constantly in search of more innovative ways to carry out their daily activities.

“I must commend the Management of Stanbic IBTC Bank for this revolutionary feat. In the 21^st century, money shouts but wealth whispers. This is a century of constant innovation and with the launch of this digital branch, you have taken a huge step towards meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the current generation of technologically-minded customers.

“Many years ago, I had sought to obtain a license from the Central Bank of Nigeria for card-less or virtual banking but this was not granted as the concept sounded strange at the time. Today, we are witnessing a banking revolution as you do not need to have a debit card with you to make withdrawals here or a teller attending to you before you can make a cash deposit,” he stated.

Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Yinka Sanni disclosed that the launch of the digital branch was in line with the need to stay one step ahead of the game by leveraging on the power of sophisticated technology to bring convenient banking to customers.

According to him, Stanbic IBTC has consistently maintained its focus as first rate provider of seamless and convenient personal and business banking solutions which enables its customers move forward.

The event, which featured a tour of the various digital self-service outlets in the branch, also witnessed detailed demonstrations which gave attendees a first-hand glimpse of the workings of the various terminals and channels.

Data Abundance Will Spur Mobile Innovations,Say Stakeholders

STAKEHOLDERS in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria have said that the abundance of data is very critical for mobile innovations and investment to thrive in the country.

Speaking at the Nigeria Mobile Economy Dialogue with the theme: ‘”Growing the Nigerian Economy through Mobile Innovations and Investment”, the stakeholders said that the country needs data for the economy to grow.

Delivery a keynote address at the event, Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, said that the growth of the Nigerian economy through mobile innovations and investment require a concerted efforts of both the private and public sector saying that a private/public partnership is the most effective way to successfully sustain innovations and investment growth in the telecoms industry.

He disclosed that since government is mindful of the role of data in mobile innovation and investment, it decided to suspend the proposed data tax adding that “the operators will maintain the status until the conclusion of the study to determine retail prices for the broadband and data services in Nigeria is achieved with the relevant stakeholders and the National Assembly.”

Shittu noted that the decision to have a price floor was primarily to promote a level playing field for all operators in the industry, encourage small operators and new entrants adding that it was meant to check anti-competitive practices by dominant operators.

Chairman of the Smart City Innovation Hub, Mr. Demola Aladekomo while giving an insight into the project said that data is a key driver of the project, saying that upon completion in the Lekki-Epe corridor of Lagos, the hub will achieve the concept of work, live and play within the same environment.

Aladekomo disclosed that the Zinox Group has already acquired a large expanse of land in the city, saying that the hub is an A-grade technology development infrastructure which will prime the local technology industry for global competitiveness, galvanizing it from crass consumerism towards innovation and world class manufacturing standards.

He added that upon completion, it has the potential to create about 50,000 direct employments in its first five years noting that the SmartCity Innovation Hub will engender economic diversification and will move Nigeria towards a knowledge-based economy birthing a prosperous, productive and innovative nation.

Executive Director, Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development, CECAD, Dr. Bayero Agabi disclosed in his welcome address that despite the economic recession, the mobile ecosystem is growing consistently giving hope and platform for entrepreneurs, young or old male and female opportunity to create and innovative services and products.

He said that the event was put together by CECAD because mobile technology plays a central role in addressing a range of socio-economic developmental challenges across Nigeria, particularly digital and financial inclusion.

“This will drive economic and infrastructure development, increasing productivity and employment across the economy, as well as improving access to vital services such as education and healthcare”, he said.

Visa Wins Best Card Payment Scheme Award In Nigeria

VISA Incorporated has been announced by the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (BJAN) as the Best Card Payment Scheme in Nigeria. This announcement was made at the 4^thAnnual BJAN Marketing Awards. This year’s awards which began with a conference themed ‘”Mobile Money in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities and Threats”, which addressed the challenges of this platform and finding lasting solutions to create effective mobile money programs in the country.

Speaking at the Awards’ presentation, Country Manager for Visa West Africa Ade Ashaye said: ‘We are excited to receive this award for Best Card Payments Scheme in Nigeria and it is an honor to be recognized by the Brand Journalists Association in Nigeria. Visa’s aim has always been to replace costly, inefficient forms of payment with more secure, convenient and reliable ways to pay and be paid.’

Visa improves lives and livelihoods, foster opportunities and strengthens economies through its efficient and secure digital payments solution which aligns to the financial inclusion plans of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria. Visa is also committed to bring the benefits of electronic payments to 500 million more people globally by the end of 2020.

The BJAN Chairman, Goddie Ofose said Visa emerged the winner after considering the organization’s strides in the provision of digital financial services to the financial services industry in Nigeria through its contribution to the cashless  initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the ability of the company to localize their products to meet the needs of the  Nigerian market.’

Visa was nominated alongside other payment platforms in the financial services industry and emerged the winner after the organizations’ performance for the year was reviewed using measurement tools defined by the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria.

Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies conduct Gigabit Class LTE Demo

ERICSSON and Qualcomm Technologies Incorporate, a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, are the first to announce a successful demonstration of over-the-air Gigabit Class LTE in Africa with the use of licensed spectrum.

Peak data speeds over 900Mbps were recorded using Ericsson Radio Access Network equipment and a Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 LTE modem mobile test device.

To put that speed in perspective, Gigabit Class LTE means up to one billion bits of information delivered to a mobile device in a mere second. In technical terms, that’s LTE Category 16.

The demonstration continues the long-term cooperation between Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies to support African operators in bringing advanced communication technologies and enhanced user experience to their subscribers.

James Munn, Vice President Business Development, Qualcomm International, Inc., South African Branch Office, said: “This achievement of Gigabit Class LTE download speeds with Qualcomm Technologies and Ericsson is an important milestone on the road to Africa’s first 5G networks.

“This continent’s first announced demonstration of this technology using licensed spectrum makes use of the Snapdragon X16 LTE modem, which is expected in multiple devices during the course of next year, and underlines Qualcomm Technologies commitment to African ICT development.”

While smartphone ownership continues to increase exponentially with consumers still restricted by a lack of fixed broadband availability, mobile broadband is the most common way to connect to the internet in Africa.

For example, 83 percent of Nigerian mobile phone subscribers rely solely on this channel. Research indicates that LTE networks will serve 50 percent of the population in 2021.

Ericsson Radio System's multi-standard platform enables African operators to cost-effectively leverage the reach, maturity and increasing affordability of today's 4G technology, while laying the foundation for their LTE Advanced and 5G evolution.

The Snapdragon X16 LTE modem is the first processor from Qualcomm Technologies to support LTE Advanced Pro, the next generation of LTE. It supports 4x carrier aggregation, 4x4 MIMO, 256 QAM, and Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) technologies and has the potential to expand the number of operators that can offer Gigabit Class LTE service to their customers.

Jean-Claude Geha, Head of Region sub-Saharan Africa, Ericsson, said: “We strongly believe that we can contribute and support African operators to develop a sustainable African telecommunications industry where mobile communication dominates. We are proud to continue with our longstanding relationship with, Qualcomm Technologies, to demonstrate the Ericsson platform leading to future 5G deployments in Africa.”

MediaTek, Ericsson aligns on Affordable LTE Advanced connectivity in Africa

MediaTek has announced its collaboration with multinational telecommunications company Ericsson to make LTE -Advanced features available in mainstream mobile devices. This partnership will ensure the affordability of devices that support LTE -Advanced technology to consumers across the region. 

The announcement was made today at AfricaCom 2016, Africa’s annual telecom conference and exhibition, which promotes economic development and social empowerment through digital connectivity.

LTE-A Category 6 Carrier Aggregation allows consumers to experience a network download speed of up to 300 Mbps and a 50 Mbps upload speed.  It improves coverage quality, provides enhanced HD video capabilities, offers faster data access, and reduces packet latencies. Additionally, the same segment of devices will be capable of supporting Voice over LTE (VoLTE), Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi), Wi-Fi calling and Video calling over LTE (ViLTE), to provide operators a way to seamlessly move to all-IP connectivity on 4G networks and use their spectrum for advanced technologies.

Currently, mobile devices that can support this technology are considered ‘high--end’, costing as much as $800. MediaTek’ s smartphone chipset technology, which enables consumers to take advantage of the benefits of carrier aggregation, will be available on affordable MediaTek-powered handsets for the mass market in Africa. This is the first time that two-carrier aggregation will be available at affordable prices.

Finbarr Moynihan, General Manager, Corporate Sales International, says: “By collaborating with Ericsson, MediaTek can offer a superior mobile broadband experience at an affordable price. This is another step toward MediaTek’s goal of democratizing technology – making world- class leading technology more accessible to everyone.”

This collaboration will ensure the availability of devices that will operate on a faster, more advanced 4G LTE network to users in the region transitioning from feature phones to smartphones.  According to the latest sub-Saharan Africa Appendix of the Ericsson Mobility Report, there will be 720 million mobile subscriptions in the region by 2016. That number is predicted to grow to over a billion by 2022. With about 300 million mobile internet subscribers throughout the continent, it is clear consumers rely on their smartphones to enhance how they live, work and play. 

Ajay Sood, Head of Network Products, Region sub-Saharan Africa, Ericsson, says: “Our research shows that today, most mobile broadband devices are, and will continue to be, smartphones. Many consumers in sub-Saharan Africa first experience the internet on a smartphone. This ability to enhance accessibility to advanced devices by making them more affordable makes this partnership even more exciting.”

At the end of 2015, there were 72 live LTE networks in 32 countries across Africa. Most -, if not all -, can expect to evolve to LTE Advanced between 2017 and 2020. Enabling these capabilities on MediaTek devices will bring a new broadband connectivity experience to millions of users, while simultaneously adding network capacity to handle increased network traffic.

In its recent Evolution to LTE report, the GSA noted 521 operators have commercially launched LTE, LTE -Advanced or LTE -Advanced Pro networks in 170 countries, 74 of which commercially launched 4G/LTE service in the past year. A total of 192 LTE operators (37 percent%) are deploying LTE -Advanced or LTE -Advanced Pro technologies in 84 countries, of which 147 operators (28 percent%) have commercially launched superfast LTE -Advanced or LTE -Advanced Pro wireless broadband services in 69 countries.

MTN Clarifies Alleged Fund Repatriation

MTN Nigeria has said that no dividends were declared or paid until its Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) were issued and finalised.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Ferdi Moolman made the disclosure while clarifying on the alleged repatriation of funds out of Nigeria adding that

 MTN Nigeria only requested for CCIs for Foreign Capital that was imported into Nigeria, and dividends were externalised on CCIs.

He said that it is not possible to issue a CCI within 24 hours, and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Forex Manual contemplates such situations by asking that the banks refer to the CBN for approval saying that the requirement to issue a CCI within 24 hours of conversion is an administrative requirement.

“As such, the CBN has the authority, and indeed we believe, approved the banks’ applications to issue CCIs outside the recommended time frame,” concluded Moolman.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission has refuted claims that some of its officials were bribed in the negotiation and on-going settlement of the N330 Billion fine the agency slammed on GSM network provider, MTN Nigeria.

Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, of the commission, Abdullahi Maikano debunked the claims in Effurun, Uvwien council area, Delta state where the telecoms regulator held its 22nd Consumer Town Hall Meeting.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Femi Atoyebi on the occasion, Maikano said: “no NCC official was bribed. I repeat, nobody bribed any NCC official on that MTN fine issue, quote me. NCC is a very responsible organization under quality leadership which cascades down to the least of staff.

“No NCC staff will ever take bribe. Challenge me if you see one. That allegation is not true. You read in the papers what MTN has done, they have paid some amount and they are to pay the rest by instalments. So, that case is actually settled.”

On the recurring consumer complaints of unsolicited SMS and poor network among other concerns against service providers, Maikano noted that the continued town hall meetings to bridge and bring telecoms consumers with operators and the regulator are providing gainful results in gradually resolving the complaints by users.

“It’s not true that NCC has not been doing anything about complaints. The town hall meetings are not jamborees. Everything going on here is being recorded and we will played. We do a comprehensive report and make recommendations on every outing to management.

“Some of the policies you see being rolled out by NCC emanate from reports from meetings like these. The consumers are the target beneficiaries of all our activities which make them enjoy primary focus in ensuring that they get quality of service, value for money and timely and fair redress of complaints.”

SMILE Now Into Full Telecoms Service With Unique Plan

SMILE Communications Nigeria limited hitherto known for data service has pushed its luck further by introducing its unique voice plan with the launch of its latest  0702SMILE 4GLTE SIM.

Smile is presently is the only operator that offers voice, data and SMS in one plan, an indication that has further pushed the notch of differentiation by giving practical expression to its status as an innovative full telecommunications services provider.  

The company which has always had a valid number range and can do voice just like any other Mobile Network Operator has been misconceived by some as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) announced its entrance into the voice market at a press parley in Lagos. 

The launch, which was also followed with the media presentation of its brand ambassador, On-Air Personality, OAP, Steve Onu popularly known as Yaw  has brought Smile to the fore as the telecommunications service provider in West Africa poise to deploy the 4G LTE that enables it to provide the most advanced telecommunications technologies and standards available anywhere in the world using the 4G LTE network technology.

Speaking during the launch Managing Director of Smile Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Efeurhobo said that in the recent past has unveiled a number of innovative Voice and Data services and is reinforcing its 0702 number range with the recent introduction of the lowest call tariff that allows its customers to make calls at 8kobo per second to any network from within and outside the country at the same rate, using SmileVoice App on any Smart Phone, and its 4G LTE SIM on Voice over LTE compatible handset.

According to him, Smile offers the best value proposition and experience to customers in Nigeria saying that there are multiple benefits of using a Smile 4G LTE SIM in the latest phones.

Efeurhobo said that Nigerian consumers “can put their Smile 4G LTE Sim in the LTE handset, use their handset to make calls locally and to anywhere in the world, for Internet, video/music streaming/downloads and SMSs, all using one Smile bundle plan, which is a first in this market.”

 Efeurhobo stated that the new brand-positioning proposition accentuates Smile’s quest to expand its scope of operations, provide its customers with unrivaled quality service and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of mobile broadband penetration in Nigeria.

He said that these initiatives of Smile are designed to further entrench its position among the leading telecommunications companies in Nigeria adding that Smile remains the only telecom provider that allowed Voice calls and sms from a data package and the benefits include 8k / sec from home and abroad on the SmileVoice Only plan, free calls from aboard on the SmileVoice app which is available on the IOS and Google play store and many more and this gives Smile the unique positioning of offering bespoke and affordable propositions for Nigerians.

HE said explained that the role of Yaw as brand ambassador for Smile Nigeria is coherent with Smile’s values for innovation, creativity, versatility and values of reliability, respect and service.

Kaspersky Beef-up Internet Security For Nigerian Users

DETERMINED to assist internet users in Nigeria to scale the challenges of internet security, Kaspersky Lab has brought into the country its new version of 

security solution.

The Kaspersky Internet Security multi-device solution provides users with additional opportunities to manage their Internet protection and to ensure the safety of their data.

According to the company, users can now protect their data from being intercepted during an unsafe Internet connection with the help of Secure Connection noting that the Kaspersky Internet Security – multi-device 2017 is a security solution for the whole family; that protects Windows, Mac, and Android users against malware, dangerous sites, online tracking, fraud and money theft.

Managing Director at Kaspersky Lab, Africa, Riaan Badenhorst disclosed that the the security solution can patch potential "holes" in their device security with Software Updater and Software Cleaner.

"At Kaspersky Lab we believe that IT security is not only about the effectiveness of a security solution. It is also about the user’s own cyber savviness. Cyber savvy people behave carefully and watchfully online, and they are also ready to apply the latest technological achievements to protect what is most important for them – whether that’s personal information, files, privacy, their devices or peace of mind for their family members. We are striving to offer the user these possibilities with each new version of our solutions", he said.

He explained that Secure Connection allows users to connect to the Internet safely, by encrypting all data sent and received through the network , and that this is especially important when performing financial operations, authorisation on sites, or transferring confidential information, as in these cases traffic interception by a stranger could cause users serious (for example, financial) losses.

He noted that this function is especially useful while traveling, when many people are increasingly connecting to insecure Wi-Fi networks to stay in touch.

According to a Kaspersky Lab study, globally, every 18 percent user has fallen victim to cybercriminals when traveling, saying “This is not surprising considering the fact that (and what a coincidence) – one in five (travelers does not take any steps to protect themselves while online. Secure Connection is now a necessary protection measure when connecting to a public Wi-Fi.”

The Kaspersky Lab protection component, Secure Connection, can be launched from the main window of Kaspersky Internet Security – multi-device.

It can also be activated automatically when the device is connected to public Wi-Fi or the user is inputting confidential information online, such as on banking websites, online stores, payment systems, e-mail and social networks.

Within the security product’s license, users have 200 MB of encrypted traffic at their daily disposal, and for an additional monthly or annual fee they can get an unlimited volume of traffic.

Kaspersky  revealed that one of the common methods of malware penetrating the computer is the use of errors (so-called vulnerabilities) in the programmes installed on it stressing that developers regularly update their products, however not all users regularly update these on their devices.

Software Updater can automatically find the applications that need to be updated and, if the user agrees, install the latest versions from vendor sites on their computer. The user can also request the update of an application manually or add any of them to the list of applications that should not be updated (for example, if the older version is required).

According to the Kaspersky Lab study, 37% of users store programmes that they do not use on their device. In addition to the fact that this overloads the device memory, it also provides extra opportunities for cybercriminals to penetrate the system. 

Software Cleaner scans all applications installed on the computer and marks those posing potential risk. Users sometimes do not even know about these applications being installed on their devices or are unaware of their negative effects.

Software Cleaner will inform users of a programme if it has been installed without their awareness or clear consent (for example, as additional software during the installation of another application), or if it slows down the user’s device, provides incomplete/incorrect information about its functions, operates in the background mode, shows banners and messages without permission (e.g., advertising), or is rarely used. 

Upon receipt of a report from Software Cleaner, the user can either remove or leave the application in question.

In addition to the new functions, Kaspersky Internet Security – multi-device 2017 has been enhanced with improved advanced technologies such as the multi-level protection of financial transactions (with Safe Money), the prevention of the installation of unwanted applications (with Application Manager, part of the former Change Control feature) and the blocking of advertising banners in the browser (with Anti-Banner).

Reps To Investigate ATM Charges By Banks

THE House of Representatives yesterday resolved to investigate the N65 being charged customers by commercial banks for Automated Transaction Machine (ATMs).

The house directed its Committee on Banking and Currency to investigate the charge and other related rates paid by banks’ customers.

The resolution followed a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance moved by Tijani Yusuf (PDP-Kogi), which was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.

Bank customers can withdraw from ATMs other than those of their banks freely thrice a month. Subsequent withdrawals would attract a N65 charge.

Moving the motion, Yusuf expressed concern that banks across the country had been extorting N65 from customers from every bank transaction while the Central Bank of Nigeria failed to act.

He said that recently, banks in the UK were asked to pay customers monies collected from them in the name of bank charges.

Also contributing on the matter, Rep. Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano) accused the CBN of not doing its job as a regulatory agency.

The house referred the matter to the Banking and Currency committee and was directed to report back in four weeks for further legislative action.

NigCommWeek

CBN Disburses N366.39bn for 465 Agric Projects

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disbursed N366.39 billion to 465 projects under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) from 2009 to date.

The scheme was established to address financing challenges in the entire agriculture value chain: production, processing, storage and marketing or distribution.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, disclosed this at an international conference on ‘Environment Dialogue 1: Diversification of Economy – The Role of Jatropha’, held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

Meanwhile, the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), yesterday, commenced training in design and fabrication of agricultural implements for 60 youths across the nation.

This comes as the Benue State Commissioner for Agriculture, James Anbua, disclosed that 3,750, hectares of land have been cleared for this year’s dry season farming in the state.

Acting Director of NCAM, Yomi Kasali, said: “This training and empowerment is not targeted at the novice but youths undergoing training in welding and fabrication, to brush up their skills and further empower them, as part of the commitment of the Federal Government towards youth empowerment through agricultural development.”

Represented by Dr. Aisha Mahmud, Emefiele said the dialogue could not have come at a better time, when the current global economic crisis required game changing transformations, to achieve resilient and sustainable growth through economic diversification.

The Guardian

TECNO Mobile Retains 31.1 % Of Nigeria's Market

MOBILE technology company, Tecno Telecoms, which recently took a swoop on the global market launching its flagship smartphones in Dubai, retains 31.1 percent of the mobile device market in Nigeria.

Deputy General Manager and Global marketing lead at TECNO Mobile Mr. Vane Ni, said its aims is to become the most competitive mobile brand in the world.

Ni said that since 2006, TECNO has been delivering quality mobile devices - smartphones, smart-bands and tablets, with the aim of making high-end mobile devices readily available to consumers.

He said its customized product lines focus on how to meet the needs of the African consumers and how to effectively serve them saying that very few people would have thought that we would grow so fast to control the largest market share of 25.3 percent across six major African markets such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroon and Ethiopia.

“We are proud of what we have been able to achieve in Africa so far and we are confident the time is right for us to duplicate the same success across other emerging markets”, he said.

 While unveiling two of its latest brand, TECNO Phantom 6 and Phantom 6 Plus in Lagos, General Manager, TECNO Mobile, Mr. Chidi  Okonkwo described the Nigerian market as one of its critical markets, and that currently Nigeria has one of the highest yearly mobile shipment volume for TECNO smartphones while feedbacks from Nigerian consumers have helped inform some of its most revolutionary upgrades in flagship specifications.

He said that the launch of our latest TECNO Phantom duo- Phantom 6 and Phantom 6 plus was meant to impress Nigerian customers who prefer durable, super-performance, high-end smartphones to budget phones or mid-rangers.

According to him, TECNO Phantom 6  comes with an outstanding SONY 13MP+5MP dual rear lens camera capable of capturing beautiful images with stunning detail as a professional DSLR camera saying that Phantom 6 currently wears all these specifications upgrade in an ultra slim metal uni-body- which makes it the slimmest smartphone with the dual-rear-camera technology in the market.

Okonkwo added that the 6 plus version is taunted as one of the fastest smartphones in the market today, stomaching the latest MediaTek Helio X20 Deca-core chipset with an impressive 6.0-inch IPS touch display and hosts TECNO’s first tri-fold security combination (fingerprint, eye scanner and Trustlook antivirus).

“We had over 500 engineers work for more than 2,880 minutes, passing through 32 systematic processes to manufacture either of the duo - TECNO Phantom 6 and Phantom 6 plus”, he said.

Glo Rolls out 4G LTE Network Across Nigeria

GLOBACOM has instituted the country's first world-class nationwide mobile 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network following the development is consequent upon its successful multi-dimensional test-run of the advanced network.

Telecom subscribers in  key cities in Lagos, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Abuja in the Federal Capital City, Jos in Plateau State, Warri in Delta State, Eket in Akwa Ibom State, Benin City in Edo State, Yola in Adamawa State and Zaria in Kaduna State are privileged to enjoy instant connection to Glo 4G LTE network, while roll-out to other major cities of the country will be effected in quick succession in the coming days.

Globacom said its 4G LTE  is the country's first nationwide network implementation, and offers  instant efficient broadband internet to millions of Nigerians at speeds multiple times faster than the 3G network, thereby enabling customers to download ultra high definition videos within seconds.

This is a major milestone which will enable the data grandmasters, Globacom, to give its subscribers data intensive applications. The development, said industry watchers, is great news to individuals who consume huge volumes of data, as well as government and corporate organisations like banks, oil and gas companies, academic institutions and health institutions, which depend extensively on seamless data transfer for their operations.

Head, Corporate Sales, Globacom, Kamaldeen Shonibare said at the launch in Lagos that "We are pleased to once again play a leading role in empowering Nigerians with world class data services, which will help to close the digital divide. In the last one and a half years, the people of this great country have spoken repeatedly by making Globacom the largest data network in new subscriptions. The best we can do for our people who believe in us and made us their number one data network is to give them the best technology. What we are offering is the new speed of life"

The launch of 4G/LTE services by  Globacom promises a basket of hard-to-beat 4G data bundle offers to all categories of subscribers for   access to the revolutionary products and services.  Benefits accruing to subscribers on the strength of the innovation include free access to thousands of music, videos and movies on demand. For instance, for only N500, subscribers will get a whopping 1.6GB of data, while N1000 will give them 3.2GB data. Other exciting offers include 7.5GB for N2000, 10GB for N2,500, 18GB for N4000 and 24GB for N5000. The very cost effective data plans range from N50 to N18,000.

Globacom also disclosed that it was offering a brand new 4G LTE router which provides  access to Ultra High Speed Internet  and landline, with free SIM, 60Gb of shareable data valid for a month. It will also give access to free world-class contents for a set up cost of N31,000. Subscribers who prefer MiFi, can enjoy  the brand's  bundling of its 4G MiFi with free SIM, 60Gb of shareable data valid for one month and free world-class content at a set-up fee of N25,000.

Shonibare disclosed further that  the Glo 4G LTE services would make life more exciting, comfortable and enjoyable for Nigerians as the advanced technology would touch all aspects of life from education to agriculture and medical care.

“Our subscribers today already enjoy downloading music, video and movie contents while also streaming contents on their phones and other devices.  But the new Glo 4G LTE network offers subscribers a significantly improved experience. The video and voice quality in video calls on different applications like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Viber etc is a lot clearer while the picture quality is crisper, and the transmission is faster,” he noted.

According to him, the technology will give most of the over 150 million telecom subscribers in Nigeria access to the internet at a much faster speed, while they can also enjoy ultra-high definition video without buffering as they  utilise other high intensive data applications seamlessly.

Shonibare added that Globacom was the digital network for both the present and future generations. “We're the next generation network, the grandmasters of data. That is why we have taken the lead in providing 4G LTE nationwide with mobility for Nigerians. We want them to experience the power of real time mobile broadband technology at the most affordable rates," he said.

Subscribers who wish to join the most advanced network are encouraged to buy and register  a 4G LTE Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or swap his or her existing SIM for a 4G SIM, get a 4G phone and dial *777# to buy a data plan.

He urged subscribers to visit the nearest Gloworld shop to connect to the Glo 4G LTE and enjoy the boundless opportunities offered by the advanced and superior technology.

MTN Refutes Improper Fund Repatriation Allegations

THE MTN Group has denied the allegation of improper repatriation of money out of Nigeria by the company, which was made made on the floor of the Senate.

The allegation said that MTN had illegally repatriated $13.92 billion out of Nigeria over a period of 10 years in collusion with a number of commercial banks.

MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman while reacting to allegations from Senator Dino Melaye, a member of the Senate representing Kogi-West Senatorial District, said, “The allegations made against MTN are completely unfounded and without any merit”.

Melaye alleged that MTN Nigeria had repatriated $13.9 billion from Nigeria to other countries between 2006 and now with the help of a serving minister and some banks.

He said that  Stanbic IBTC,  allegedly helped the firm to transfer $4.87 billion; Standard Chartered Bank, $5.72 billion; Citi Bank, $2.98 billion; and Diamond Bank, $0.35billion.

The lawmaker further disclosed that he had documentary evidences to back his claims, some of which he brought to the floor of the chamber and said would be made available for investigation.

He said, “The Senate observes that MTN did not request for the Certificate of Capital Importation from its bankers, Standard Chartered Bank, within the regulatory period of 24 hours of the inflow. The Senate observes also that the CBN was not notified of this inflow by Standard Chartered Bank within 48 hours of receipt and conversion of the proceeds to naira as required by regulation.

“It further observes that the sum of $117,683,987bn was also brought in by MTN between 2001 and 2003 in three different tranches. It is concerned that since inception, MTN had sought the collaboration of influential and unpatriotic Nigerians to assist them in looting our external reserves.”

Melaye added, that a serving minister, was used in moving $13.92bn out of Nigeria by  which was over 50 per cent of the country’s external reserves, to floating and incorporating offshore Special Purpose Vehicles in the Cayman Island, Mauritius and British Virgin Island.

The senator listed the names of the SPVs, their promoters/shareholders and their share loan between MTN South Africa as: Cel Telephone Investment Limited, Port Louis, Mauritius; Dr. Pascal Dozie and Dr. Okechuckwu Elenemah; $20,749,532; Celtel funded shares SPV (which was renamed NISPV Limited in 2008), Port Louis, Mauritius; Dr. Pascal Dozie, Ahmed Dasuki, Gbenga Oyebode, Babatunde Folawiyo and Dr. Okechukwu Elenemah, $2,019,232.

Others are Mobile Communication Investment Limited, Port Louis, Mauritius; Mohammed Sanni Bello; $3,862,985; Mobile Communication Holdings, Port Louis, Mauritius; Mohammed Sanni Bello; $3,454,102; Hermitage Overseas Corporation Limited; Victor Odili; $10,273,986; SASPV Limited and Ahmed Dasuki, $10,058,991.

The list also includes NCell Limited, Geneva Water Front Drive, British Virgin Island; Gbenga Oyebode, $4,512,593; Universal Communication Limited, Barkly House, George Town, Cayman Island; and Babatunde Folawiyo, $5,534,941.

FG Names New DG For NITDA

• PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim as the substantive director general and chief executive  the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) he takes over from Dr. Vincent  Olatunji.
•  Pantami is one of 13 the new chief executives for different federal government agencies were appointed yesterday.

Pantami is a professor of Computer & Info Systems at the Islamic University of Madina and former lecturer, Department of Information Technology, ATBU takes over from Olatunji, an establishment man who put up perfunctory efforts to get President Buhari’s confirmation.

He is expected to turn around NITDA, which is a waltzing story of failures and inadequacies unable to meet its clear mandate of fostering the development and growth of IT in Nigeria.

Since its establishment in May 2001, NITDA has operated in fits and starts and abdicated its responsibilities in a country where ICT is growing at an increasing rate.

Perhaps, nothing could have been more damning on the NITDA as a failed agency than the recommendation that it should be scrapped by the Steven Oronsaye 2012 Committee Report on Rationalization and Harmonization of MDAs.

Oronsaye recommended that NITDA should become a department inside the newly created Ministry of Communications Technology and its duty as IT clearinghouse for government to taken over by Galaxy Backbone Plc.

To some extent, NITDA’s careworn state is a direct doppelgänger of past leaderships at the agency since inception.

They all displayed clear lack of focus and understanding of the role of the agency in the present ‘knowledge era’.

Drive and innovation are scare at the agency beyond its mechanical civil service role.

It is so worrisome that an agency with so much powers from the National Information Technology Development Agency ACT 2007, has failed over the course of 14 years to plan, develop and promote the use of Information technology in Nigeria.

Olatunji who has acted since Mr. Peter Jack, former DG was sacked earlier in the year, over alleged “misconduct” did little to lift the image of the agency still remains as a director at NITDA playing leading role.