Global Interns Partners Airtel To Trains Youths For Employability Skills

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Global Interns, a professional group committed to the personal development of young people, in partnership with telecommunication giant, Airtel Nigeria, continued its ‘Career Connect’ series last weekend in Lagos, with special training on skills for employment.

Tagged “Training for Employability Skills”, the exercise was designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and soft skills to develop self and prepare for the workplace especially as more employers continue to seek versatile skills from entry-level employees.

During the 2 days training, participants drank from the pool of certified and experienced trainers on topics like Proficiency in Digital Skills – Learn Self-Management Skills –Introduction to Analytical Skills -Communication and Reasoning Skills – Writing Resume Q & A.

In her welcome remarks, Olufunmilayo Modupe, the Principal Adviser to Global Interns, disclosed that the organization berthed in 2016 as a mediator agency connecting students to internship jobs and career development opportunities. This, she said has broadened into offering training for the soft skill with a goal of making youths versatile for today’s workplace whilst also increasing internship and job placements.

From the left is Chinedu Duru Managing Consultant Hamilton and Lloyd Associates, Olufunmilayo Modupe Principal Adviser Global Interns and Richard Adieze, Head. Design, Thinking and Innovation, HR Analytica

Funmi also commended Airtel Nigeria for supporting the Global Interns Training alongside our esteemed partners like HR Analytica, Hamilton & Lloyds and FutureSoft who were on ground to assess and engage the trainees.

She further emphasized how Global Interns with its Career Connect Series has continued to showcase and emphasize the multiple roles of professionals and organizations as the nurturer, mentors, and hirers of young people in their pursuit for career and entrepreneurial success.

Some highlights of the two days Global Interns training for employability skills also included four Smart Classanchored by seasoned professionals like Chinedu Duru, Managing Consultant at Hamilton Lloyd and Associates Elizabeth Ajala, Digital Skills Trainer and Consultant; Kayode Abass, Marketing Consultant & LinkedIn Strategist and Ebere Njoku, Founder, Wholesome Inspiration Network.

According to one of the facilitators, Duru enjoined the youths to know themselves and become attractive to employers by imbibing self-management skills. He admonished the participants that since about 500 thousands youths join the labour market every year, they need to be on top of their game to “stand out” in the global employment market.

A cross-section of participants with the facilitators

He further counselled the youths to consciously boost their employability on the social media, while being mindful of posting irrelevancies since these posts can be checked by potential employers.

The array of enthusiastic trainees also broke out after class into mini sessions with the experts for assessments and advice. Aramide Oni and Eton Angela, both students of the Bells University Ota, Ogun State, commended the organizers of the training for the invaluable knowledge they are taking away. This line was also echoed by McJustice Charles who added that the training had equipped him with the power of goal setting. Also in attendance were graduates from Pan Atlantic University, University of Lagos, University of Nsukka, Babcock University as well as some new entry employees.

Nokia Foundation grants 2019 Recognition Award to Elements of AI online course

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Nokia Foundation has granted its 2019 Recognition Award to the Elements of AI free online course with Hanna Hagström, Director of AI Business at Reaktor, and Teemu Roos, Leader of AI Education at the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence and Associate Professor in Computer Science at the University of Helsinki, as the recipients. The Foundation recognizes the outstanding work Hagström and Roos have done on the Elements of AI course that has helped teach the basics of artificial intelligence to more than 220,000 people in 110 countries.

The annual Nokia Foundation award ceremony was held on 28 November in Helsinki, Finland and celebrated the winners and the success of the course, which was created by the University of Helsinki and Reaktor. The course demonstrates best practices in the collaboration between universities and the private sector in working together to promote scientific development and education.

“Artificial Intelligence is already part of our everyday lives, and it is going to have an even bigger impact on every industry and individual in the future. This is why everyone should be given a chance to understand what AI really is and how we can use it. This is how we can empower people to take part in shaping the future,” said Hagström.

“There is great diversity among the participants; over 40% of the students are female, 25% of the students are over 40 and they speak several languages. The course is currently available in English, Finnish, Swedish and Estonian, and there’s interest in Europe and elsewhere in the world. We are also developing a follow-up course for students who are interested in diving deeper,” said Roos.

“In order to create new innovations based on AI, it is important that people from a variety of backgrounds learn about it and think of new ways of applying it. The Elements of AI course is one of the leading Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) in the world. It allows students to gain credits for their formal education and the general public to update their competences. By leading the work on the Elements of AI course, Hagström and Roos have created an internationally competitive learning environment in Finland,” says Timo Ali-Vehmas, Chairman of the Board of Nokia Foundation.

Nokia Foundation has granted over 1,700 scholarships during its 24-year existence. In 2019, the Foundation will grant scholarships and awards totalling more than 300 000 euros.

The African Energy Chamber Launches Its African Energy Outlook For 2020

The African Energy Chamber is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural African Energy Outlook for 2020.

Providing a thorough look at the continent’s oil and gas sector, the report analyses the state of the industry, highlighting current trends, opportunities, and key challenges and how they will impact the future of Africa’s energy and economic development.

With a focus on key strategic and operational developments for 2020, the African Energy Outlook forms part of the African Energy Chamber’s mission to play an instrumental role in laying the foundation that will ultimately allow Africans to benefit from its resources for generations to come.

The report looks at key developments in major African oil and gas producers and offers key insights into the growth potential of the industry whilst examining the role of the public and private sector. It also includes the African Energy Chamber’s Top 25 Movers and Shakers to Watch list which profiles individuals who will play a big role in shaping the continent’s energy economy in 2020.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of the African Energy Outlook for 2020. This document is our analysis of where Africa’s oil and gas sector currently stands and our forecast of what 2020 holds. In it, we study key factors that will contribute to the growth and development of Africa’s oil and gas sector. This includes regulatory and strategic reforms, finance and trading, foreign participation in Africa’s energy sector and the role of gas developments on the continent,” said Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President of the Africa Energy Chamber. “This document is not a compilation of what Africa is doing wrong but rather what it has done right and how it can build on this to unlock greater opportunities for growth and investment,” he added.

Dangote Honors 160 Staff At Long Service Award Ceremony (Photos)

Dangote Industries Limited recently presented 160 employees with a long service award in recognition of their commitment, loyalty, exceptional service and invaluable contribution to the growth of Africa’s most admired brand over a period of 10 to 30 years and above. Posthumous awards were also given to ex-employees who lost their lives during their time of service at the organization.

At the Dangote Long Service Award, hosted by the Group Managing Director, Dangote Industries Limited Mr Olakunle Alake, celebrated members of staff were each given a certificate of recognition, an award plaque, financial reward and ovation from other members of staff, family members and friends of the awardees.

During the ceremony, 29 staff were awarded 10 – 14 years’ of service awards; 85 employees  with 15 – 19 years’ of service; 29 employees with 20 – 24 years’ of service; 13 employees with 25 – 29 years’ of service and 4 employees were also honoured with 30 years’ of service awards.

Remarkably, 12 staff who had passed on while in active duty to DIL, were eulogized and post-humous awards were given to their families for their dedicated service ranging from 10 to 39 years.

The Group Executive Director, Logistics and Distribution, Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Abdu Dantata, emerged the highest living awardee for his 36 years of service, while the Group Managing Director, Mr Olakunle Alake, who gave the welcome remarks, was given an outstanding ovation for his 29 years of loyalty in service to the organization.

In his keynote address, the Group President/CE of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, commended all the awardees for their loyalty, commitment and dedicated service over the years; all of which had contributed to elevate the company from a trading concern founded in 1981 to one of the largest manufacturing conglomerates in Africa today, with a household name in Nigeria and a global brand to boot. He noted that employees, especially the awardees, were a crucial part of the global success story which Dangote Industries has become today.

According to him, “I want to say a very big thank you to all of us here tonight. Indeed, loyalty is royalty and the successful growth of our company is a direct result of your excellent service. Your loyalty upholds our core principles and our continued growth is based on a culture of resilience and loyalty.

“Today, we celebrate your individual and collective successes and our breakthrough was due to your investment of many years of loyal service. I encourage you to remain dedicated and committed. We deeply appreciate you and your efforts. Thank you very much”, Dangote added.

Africa’s wealthiest and foremost philanthropist, who personally presented the awards to all the awardees that have served DIL for 25 years and more and to the families of all the post-humous awardees, was likewise presented with a surprise gift of a framed picture of himself with the names of all the 160 awardees embedded by the organizing committee led by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Olakunle Alake.

Their overall gratitude at the award, gift and honour was aptly captured by staff in the security department, Mr Samanja Umaru, who was rewarded for his 20 years of service to the company. Samanja, who effusively narrated how Dangote has transformed his life and family, pledged his undying loyalty to the organization which has given him so much.

According to Samanja, “Dangote is a blessed man and Dangote (DIL) is a good company. I began working with Dangote way back in 1981 at the warehouse where we were paid N10 daily. God bless Alhaji Dangote. He carries everybody along, whether Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, anyone. Alhaji Dangote changed my life. He is a blessed man”

2019 WISCAR Annual Conference Amplifies The Need For Women To Collaborate For Better Career Success

To further affirm its commitment and dedication towards inspiring and empowering women for a successful future and a better nation, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), a non-profit organization focused on empowering and developing professional women in diverse careers, has successfully organized its 2019 Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference. The special evening event took place on November 23, 2019, at the MUSON Center, and was centred around the theme: ‘I DO NOT WALK ALONE’.

This year’s conference had as the Keynote Speaker and 2019 Distinguished WISCAR Award Recipient, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Amina J. Mohammed OFR, who gave a powerful and inspiring address based on the conference theme: I DO NOT WALK ALONE. She emphasized the importance of sisterhood, solidarity and community. The of value of family, friendship, mentors, community, partnerships and a strong support network to achieve your career goals and be successful. She said, “Women’s forward and meaningful participation makes economies more dynamic, peace agreements more durable, governance and inclusive societies much more resilient. A girl’s education contributes to remaking our world from the economy to the environment and society at large. Women must be included in all spheres. Let me also point out that the United Nations is committed to leading by example and I am proud to say that WISCAR’s mission is ours.” She also urged participants to be ethical. “stick to what is right and do the right thing always”.

The convener of the conference, Founder and Chairperson of WISCAR, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola during her address said: “Women and men need to work in unison for collaborative growth and success in our nation. The old adage says that if you want to move fast, move alone but if you want to go far, you need to move with people. This year’s theme fully echoes the power of collectivity, the power of networking, the power of social gatherings and communities, the power of not walking alone.“.  She went on to say, “we want to keep encouraging each other to walk together and cross bridges and challenges that hinder our progress and inclusion across sectors”. Mrs Oyagbola also congratulated the 30 outgoing mentees from the WIN with WISCAR Mentoring program and welcomed the incoming 2020 stream of mentees.

A high powered panel discussion at the conference took place that was moderated by Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of BusinessDay Newspaper. The panel discussed, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling; The Power of Networks, Community and Partnerships.” The panel featured Chief Sharon Ikeazor, Hon. Minister of State for Environment, Hon. ToluAkande-Sadipe, Member of Reps/Policy Influencer, Funmi Omo, CEO African Alliance ; Cecilia Akintomide, Director FBN Holdings and Comfort Lamptey UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS. The discussants explored the avenues through which women can stand together to achieve results across industries and influence bold change.

Other notable personalities in attendance included The Governor of LASG, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ably represented by Ajibola Poonle, Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Establishment, training and pensions, who formally opened the 2019 Conference. Goodwill messages were delivered by Mr Olufemi Lijadu, Chairman Securities and Exchange Commission, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria – H.E Catriona Laing who has represented the Deputy British High Commissioner, Harriet Thompson and Mr Kayode Pitan, MD/CEO Bank of Industry, ably represented by Mr Leo Kange, ED BOI.

The evening with WISCAR’ included a presentation by Ugoma Adegoke, titled, ‘The Power of Many versus The Power of One’, followed by a dramatic and powerful theatre performance called, ‘Wait’ by Bikiya Graham-Douglas.

WISCAR is a not for profit organisation founded in 2008 to help address the need for women to be better represented, empowered and developed as professionals in the workplace. WISCAR is focused on Goal 5 of the SDGs- gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls The aim is to achieve 50:50 representations in both the public and private sector for national growth and development. WISCAR has successfully graduated over 300 young professional women from its rigorous 12month structured WIN with WISCAR mentoring Programme. It has also developed and impacted thousands (8000+) young and aspiring women and men through its various programs.

Some of the sponsors of this year’s conference include Pacific Holdings, First Bank, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, First City Monument Bank, MTN, UBA, Stanbic IBTC Bank, FBN Quest Merchant Bank, MAINONE, IHS Towers, IO Furniture, DKK Media,Pinkberry Gourmet Frozen Yoghurt, Hill+KnowltonStrategies, UN Women, Oyagbola Chambers, Lagoon Hospitals amongst others.

Celebrating You 2019: Gathering Of Crème Of Nigeria’s ICT Ecosystem

Anticipation and excitement are building up ahead of the 2019 edition of Celebrating You, an annual year-end awards and dinner party organized by Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and lifestyle products distributors, Technology Distributions Limited (TD), to celebrate its partners across Africa.

Equally important, Celebrating You remains the most eagerly-awaited celebratory event in the Nigerian ICT ecosystem and Corporate Nigeria as a whole. In addition, the event is arguably the only one which brings together the major competing local and international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other stakeholders in the industry under one roof, albeit in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

The event, which holds on Sunday, December 8 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Vitoria Island, Lagos, will begin with a Black Carpet at 5 pm prompt. Incidentally, this year’s edition is the 9th edition of this epoch-making, annual event.

Also, expected to spice up the event is the entertainment fare, with a powerful line-up of A-list artistes and performers as well as a rich assortment of choice wines and food.

On the hand, to thrill the high-profile audience will be superstar artistes, Flavour and Kizz Daniel. Also billed to perform is a 13-man orchestra; as well as comedian SLK and DJ Crown Kontroller who will light up the after-party with back-to-back hits. Host/compere for this year’s edition is renowned comedian, broadcaster and show host, Okey Bakassi.

Adding to the excitement for this year’s edition, TD will also be giving away a truck to one lucky partner during the event via a raffle draw.

A stellar occasion, Celebrating You grosses an annual attendance figure of well over 1500 guests. In addition to a star-studded guest list this year’s event is expected to be graced by the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s ICT industry as well as captains of industries, bank CEOs, high-profile dignitaries and other prominent representatives of the biggest brand names in corporate Nigeria the event will specially recognise and celebrate TD’s partner ecosystem, including a host of globally-renowned OEMs in the technology space.

Executive Director, Zinox Group and Chairman, Organizing Committee, Celebrating You 2019, Stanley Okpaleke submits that this year’s event will not only be enthralling but it will be a top-notch and fitting way to end the year.

“This year’s edition of Celebrating You promises to be the best since we started this event. Those who have been following us will notice that we keep on improving the event.  So this year, we are appealing to our partners to find time to join us on December 8 for this year’s Celebrating you. We have exciting events packaged for this year. There will be A-list artistes to entertain us in a relaxing atmosphere as usual.

“It is our tradition not to invite our guests to a party and allow them to leave empty-handed. This year is not going to be different. Also, this year, we are having an after-party, which will be awesome and enthralling as usual. However, there is a slight departure from the previous events. This year’s invite will be electronic invites, which admits two persons. However, it is important to add that the invites are not transferable.”

Celebrating You 2019 is an annual tradition aimed at bringing together employees, partners, suppliers and clients of TD in a fun and relaxing environment to mark the end of the calendar year on a positive note. An avenue to unwind after the rigours of the outgoing year and re-energise for the challenges of the coming year, Celebrating You is also an effective medium of showing appreciation and encouragement to outstanding individuals and corporate entities that have positively impacted TD’s performance during the year under review.

Telecoms Infrastructure Giant IHS Nigeria Supports USAID’s HIV/AIDS Eradication Efforts in Bayelsa

As part of its efforts to involve private sector involvement in Nigeria’s health sector, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) accepted a contribution from a leading telecommunications infrastructure firm IHS Nigeria today to support USAID’s activities to eradicate HIV and AIDS in Bayelsa State.

IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of the international telecommunications infrastructure provider IHS Towers, will contribute 60,000 rapid test kits to the Bayelsa state government through USAID’s HIV/AIDS program.  The kits will specifically be used to test young women and children to prevent mother-to-child transmission and help health clinics improve antenatal services.

“This collaboration is a great example of USAID’s new approach of engaging the private sector to help Nigeria develop local solutions to solve local problems,” USAID Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin said at a signing ceremony today.  “The donation also shows the commitment of IHS Nigeria to social responsibility, in this case advancing HIV epidemic control measures in Bayelsa State.”

At the signing, Chief Executive Officer Mohamad Darwish said IHS Nigeria’s contribution to HIV control in Bayelsa underscores the company’s support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through its sustainability programs.

“As this contribution coincides with World AIDS Day, we hope this assistance to the state health system in Bayelsa through USAID will help encourage other organizations to pursue strategic partnerships beneficial to their respective communities,” Darwish said.

In 2018, USAID tested over two million people for HIV and funded treatment for nearly 80 per cent of the 69,000 identified as positive.  USAID also provides more than 285,000 HIV-positive Nigerians with lifesaving therapy and continues to provide health agencies test kits and medicines, as well as support more than half a million children orphaned or otherwise affected by HIV.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO signs MoU with Niger State

The Niger State Government and an affiliate of Dutch dairy company, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 10,000 hectares of land for milk production.

The agreement will see the dairy company utilize the Bobi Grazing Reserve in the Northern state for its Dairy Development Programme.

The MoU was signed by the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, and the President of FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy, Roel van Neerbos, at the Presidential Villa in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

This deal falls in line with the Federal Government’s National Livestock Transformation Plan which seeks to grow livestock farming and transform the dairy sector to help boost the economy.

According to the dairy company, the deal will see the replication and expansion of local dairy production at the reserve similar to what has been done in the southwestern states of Oyo, Ogun, and Osun states as well as train dairy cooperatives in Niger State on best global practices.

“Currently, the company has developed pasture on 1,000 of the 10,000 hectares of land assigned to it at the Bobi Grazing Reserve and established key infrastructure including a milk collection centre with a high capacity cooling tank and high-quality milk testing equipment,” the firm said in a statement.

The partnership between both parties are expected to create employment and strengthen milk production techniques as it has done in Oyo, Ogun and Osun states which have seen beneficiaries including over 7000 farmers, six milk collection centres, and 20 milk collection points.

British Airways Rolls Out Black Friday Deals

Friday November 29 – British Airways, a full-service global airline offering year-round attractive fares with an extensive global route network, launches Black Friday deals with special offers to London, Europe and North America.

As part of its Black Friday sales, British Airways hereby announces great return fares for as low as $659 and $809 to London from Abuja and Lagos respectively, in World Traveler Economy. Fares in World Traveler Economy class to New York start from as low as $1199 and $929 from Abuja and Lagos respectively. There are specials available in all cabins for flights from both Abuja and Lagos.

According to Kola Olayinka, British Airways Regional Commercial Manager for West Africa, “Your dream trip can soon become a reality, with our Black Friday sales on flights.” Giving more details, he said, “We will be offering attractive great offers to London, Europe and North America, across the economy, premium economy, business and first cabins.”

The Black Friday fares are available from November 28 to December 5, ensuring travellers enjoy savings on fares within this period.

However, customers are advised to book early to avoid disappointments, the airlines also pointed out that fares are subject to availability and may fluctuate due to changes in exchange rates, surcharges and taxes. Fares are inclusive of taxes, terms and conditions apply.

More details of the discounted fares in each cabin and when they are valid for travel can be found on www.britishairways.com

Nigeria’s First Digital Economy Diagnostic Reveals a Vibrant Entrepreneurial Ecosystem but Rural Areas are still without Internet Access

ABUJA, November 28, 2019 – The World Bank Group today launched its first Nigeria Digital Economy Diagnostic Report during an eSummit hosted by the government. The report reveals that although Nigeria is the largest mobile market in Sub Saharan Africa with strong mobile broadband infrastructure and a vibrant digital entrepreneurial ecosystem, the lack of infrastructure and connectivity in the country’s rural areas is a key challenge.

The government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan for 2017–2020 (ERGP) recognizes the need for a digital-led strategy to make it’s economy more competitive for the 21st century.  In line with this goal, the Digital Economy Diagnostic reveals that the country has made several positive developments in the digital space including high-speed Internet via five underwater international links. This has significantly reduced constraints in terms of international bandwidth usage and prices, as well as boosting network capacity.

Additionally, the diagnostic found that Nigeria is improving on the provision of digital platforms. For example, the government created a central portal to improve the delivery and quality of public services. With the size of Nigeria’s economy, the report highlighted the enormous opportunities Digital Financial Services (DFS), a driver of financial inclusion, could have for this growing market. The financial sector has already benefitted from investments in payment systems and financial markets infrastructure, such as the Bank Verification Number (BVN). Millions of Nigerians still lack formal identification records to access a range of public and private services. Financial Inclusion in the country has effectively stalled with around 60 million Nigerian adults without access to a formal account

“Realizing the full benefits of the digital economy requires Nigeria to focus on accelerating improvements in five fundamental pillars of the digital economy; digital infrastructure, platforms, financial services, entrepreneurship and skills,” said Shubham Chaudhuri, The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria. “To ensure that the country is digitally enabled by 2030, investing in infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and creating an enabling regulatory environment for the digital economy to thrive is of paramount importance”

Given Nigeria’s large, young and entrepreneurial population, digital entrepreneurship could become an engine of growth, the report notes. Lagos is a mature and active ecosystem with dynamic incubators, venture capital companies, and digital start-ups. Digital entrepreneurship ecosystems are also growing in the cities of Abuja and Port Harcourt, with a potential for expansion to other cities. But lack of early-stage financing and limited market opportunities outside of Lagos and Abuja remain key constraints.

Nigeria has over 500 tertiary and secondary institutions offering skills development and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, some of which also offer digital skills for employment. Some of the dominant education and training programs in Nigeria are offered through private sector-led interventions by (e.g. Andela and Google among others), while the government has also established the implementation of digital skills programs as a component of a national digital economy project.

Nigeria can still do more to ensure it takes full advantage of the opportunities bound in its digital economy. The diagnostic highlights the need for strategic investment and interventions needed for Nigeria to kickstart its digital transformation

To read the full Nigeria Digital Economy Diagnostic report please go here: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/387871574812599817/