Explore technologies, grow revenue in sports –Awogu

Felix Awogu is a known face in the Nigeria’s sports industry and presently, the General Manager, SuperSport International, in this chat with correspondent, he says exploration of technologies will grow revenue in sports industry.

As a digitally–minded person, what impact do you think technology and the digital age would have on sports, especially football?

Oh! Yes, quite well, indeed, technology and the computer age have already started impacting positively on sports generally and football in particular. Of digitalized television stations – for example AIT 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; and NTA 1, 2, 3 4 and 5 from where you have a barrage of options to watch your favourite games. There was no way the analogue station would have been able to cope with such.

Also consider the broadband technology. Now you can do online payment to book for seats ahead of matches and games you intend to watch live and all that.

Considering our peculiar situation in Nigeria, are you positive that we would actually explore these technologies for the benefit of sports development?

It all depends. The world is going digital. If you don’t go with them you would be left behind. All relevant associations, organizations that have to do with sports administrations like football federation, basketball federations, and even governments must look critically into areas of how to explore technology to make more revenue in sports.

Is there any way we can bring technology into play in order to stop some of the vices such as age cheats and match-fixing. Particularly in Africa and Nigeria, how can we improve in these areas to better our sports?

First of all, we have to note that these things are not peculiar to Nigeria. Match-fixing, age cheats and all that. The first thing to do is to ensure that there is proper childbirth record. The truth is that no child is born in developed world today without adequate record of him or her by the appropriate arm.

In our own case here, the truth is that many of the children honestly do not know their date of birth because there is no proper record to that effect; those are mainly children of the less privileged.

However, it is cheering that the census board is taking care of this aspect fairly well. This means that in the next five years or thereabout, it will be difficult to forge birth certificate and get involved in age cheating.

Again, however, another way out of it as I called the former minister of sport and told him that if we had to stop age cheat, he should stop rewarding Under – 17.

When you give an Under -17 player a house in Abuja, you are telling him that category is an end; not a means to an end. At 17, they are supposed to be of school age.

So, you can give them scholarship. It will reduce age cheat. Once that category of footballing is made less attractive, we’ll get over over-age cheat.

What is your advice to sports managers generally in Nigeria?

It all depends on the sport manager you mean. It may be the managers of the clubs, or even television station managers who handle sports content or the administrators, coaches, they are all managers.

For coaches, they must always recognise that they are not the ones to play. They must really learn to discover players, individual special talent, skill, strength and weakness; be above board in selection to ensure honestly that strictly, only players that should make the team do so.

Don’t forget any time you rob an Under-17 of the right chance to feature, you are denying the country a talent in the national team. When you engage in age-cheat with an over-aged player in the U-17, you are robbing another Nigerian child of the opportunity to play at the national level and consequently play in the diaspora.

Coaches should see themselves as role models and live up to that noble expectation.

For the administrators, there must be discipline, real sense of business, and we should be more forth-coming in our planning; then we will get there.

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS: A prayer for my country men

THE great quadrennial event, the World Olympic Games is here again and Nigeria, as usual is participating. The elaborate conglomerate of sporting endeavours worldwide is a veritable avenue for global fraternity, recreation and rejuvenation

The 60-year sporting summit yet get younger, newer, better and stronger per edition. This edition is tagged London 2012 Olympics.

As characteristically expected of succeeding edition, this year’s London version of the opening ceremony feature was all pomp. The architectural choreography, the fighter-jet acrobatic displays the multi-drum standing band that gave rhythm to  steps and movements at the avenue, colourful parades of flags, faces frames and gazes all combine to make the event ever memorable and so it remains.

Good a thing, Nigeria has remained a regular feature in the Olympic since it started, skipping only the Canadian version of 1972. Yes, excellent in attendance, but what of performance? We are neither here nor there. However, we remain respected for the Kanu Nwakwo–led Under-23 football Dream Team at the Atlanta ’96 edition, in which, the two ever dreaded world giants in football; Argentina and Brazil were literally swallowed in their own dreams to clinch the gold. Finally, the Golden Rule gave us the golden gold and Nigeria returned adorned with the gold medal as king of Olympic soccer that year.

Also, many thanks go to Chioma Ajunwa who further did us proud in the athletics by grabbing the gold in the Long jump event.

Now again, we are present at the Olympiad without a football team for which we enjoyed so much honour! What went wrong? What did we do or fail to do that returned us to a no body–status in this area? Symposium question for another time!

OUR HOPE

Give her strength, Oh! Lord, our own Blessing Okagbare that the Olympic hopeful, born in the Olympic year of 1988, may remain at her peak all through the heats into the final; the best she has been to return our flag as the best in her category.

Chika Chukwumerije: another of our prospect in the Martial Art; exposed, determined relentless and focused. God helping us, we dream medal in him.

Our debut Basketball team, courage you need. Be strong and confident. With faith in God and facing the Americans with their own ‘We can do it’ attitude; Yes, we can, and sure we shall.

 
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Broadband: NCC canvasses 3-way business model

Dr. Juwah, EVC NCC

The executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah has proposed a three-way business model operation to fast-track the penetration of broadband in the country.

Juwah in his keynote address at the Nigeria Broadband Forum (NBF) organized by the Directorate of Licensing and Competition at NCC in Lagos, said that the three models include focus on utility, equal access and passive infrastructure business models.

According to him, the top on the models being proposed for adoption is the equal access model.

This, he noted is similar to the model implemented in countries like Singapore and Australia, expressing optimism the model will facilitate the development of broadband in Nigeria.

For the Communications Technology Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, the key issue in adaptation of broadband is appropriate pricing and availability.

These, she said, are critical in achieving universal access to Broadband, especially in rural areas.

She assured that government of President Goodluck Jonathan is very much interested in getting broadband to all Nigerians, hence, the federal government is keen on setting up Presidential Committee on Broadband Deployment in Nigeria.

Earlier, Chairman of NCC, Mr. Peter Igho in his welcome address noted the need to replicate the revolution in voice telephony experienced a decade ago in the provision of broadband in the country and invited stakeholders to join hands with the leadership of NCC in getting this done.

Also in his address, the Secretary General, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Dr. Hamadoun Toure, who was represented by Internet Protocol (IP) cum Cybersecurity Coordinators at ITU, Mr. Desire Karyabwite, harped on the importance of establishing a transparent and effective regulatory framework and policy for broadband development in the country.

To elucidate discuss on the broadband subject, three sessions were held at the forum with the first session having a sub-themes on “Broadband Demand Drivers: Economic and regulatory approaches to ubiquitous Broadband infrastructure and services (imperatives for national broadband development and economic growth); Sustaining competition in a broadband market; and Multi-sectoral impact services on the economy.

The government was charged on creating a solid foundation for sustainable broadband deployment, through funding and investment, while spurring national growth.

Also, government was urged to provide enabling environment for the development of infrastructure that will support the growth and access to broadband services at affordable cost to consumers.

Participants posited that availability of spectrum in the 2GHz band would drive mobile broadband penetration and availability in Nigeria. Whereas different categories of services should be developed to suite the various needs of customers.

In addition, the concerted government effort at both Federal and State level to solve the problem associated with right of way through provision of ducts along highways, elimination of double taxation will help drive down the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX).

They pointed out that in order to sustain competition in a Broadband market, the global phenomenon such as the scissors-effect and economic recession pose significant threat to the capacity to finance broadband infrastructure developments.

Asserting that broadband would facilitate the growth and availability of innovative and evolving Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) services which will increase the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Just as the provision of incentives by government will stimulate investments in Broadband deployment similar to the tax exemption granted to GSM operators at the inception of GSM mobile services in Nigeria.

Recent study shows that there is huge demand gap for broadband services in Nigeria. However, there is insufficient infrastructure to support the provision of broadband to meet the demand.

Director, Policy and Competition at NCC, by Mrs. Lolia Emakpore, in her paper ‘Demand as catalyst for broadband services in Nigeria’ said that the forum was just the beginning of consultation and collaboration.

As Nigerians look forward to see how the regulator and key players in broadband penetration including MainOne, Glo1, MTN’s WASC and SAT-3 management would liaise in the delivery of much awaited to the last mile, Nigerians are watching.

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

PCFix: My laptop battery lasts 15minutes

My laptop battery lasts 15minutes

My laptop battery doesn’t last more than 15 minutes; an engineer said it is because I just close the lid instead of shutting down. How can I increase the battery duration? A.M

Answer:

Hi A.M, first thing to note is that your laptop battery needs to be replaced. What caused the battery to go bad includes but not limited to age, over-charging, over-heating, moisture, and other technical reasons. By default, depending on the operating system software you have installed on your laptop, closing the lid of your computer would activate one of these functions; stand-by, hibernate or shut down. While hibernate and shut down powers off your computer completely, stand-by keeps it in a low powered state so that you can resume anytime.

If left for a long time, your laptop battery will eventually drain in standby mode; this however, does not harm your laptop battery. To prolong the lifespan of your laptop (or any other mobile device) battery, you should calibrate it once in a month; this involves using up the battery until the computer shuts down, then charge it all the way up, repeat the process and you are good to go.

How to fix a rip-off laptop key

I was cleaning the keyboard of my laptop with a cloth napkin and one of the keys came off. I tried putting it back but it just won’t stay in, what can I do? O.G

Answer:

Hi O.G, there is a tiny lever underneath each key; it can be either metallic or plastic, whatever material it is made from, please note that it is very fragile and cleaning with a cloth material would rip-off some of the keys. It is advisable to use a soft brush with a cleaning agent specialized for electronic devices.

You will find one of such cleaning agents in spray cans at your local electronics store; use this for cleaning your computer keyboard. If more than one key has been compromised, you can make use of a glue to stick the key to the rubber conductor that sits on the keyboard panel. If all else fails, you may have to replace the keyboard of your computer.

Installing trial software

I installed trial software and after it expired, I uninstalled it and re-installed, but it shows a warning message that my trial period is over. What do you advice? J.C

Answer:

Hi J, it is interesting to note that you are not the only one who has thought like this before. There is certain software we don’t intend to buy, but just want to use it on a trial basis, and get some work done before our time runs out (literally). Software publishers have since caught on to this thought pattern of end users and have included a chunk of codes into their software algorithm that makes it virtually impossible for you to continue using the software after the expiration of the trial period without purchasing a license or an activation code.

When you install any software on your computer, especially if you have the Microsoft Windows Operating System Software installed, certain files are installed in your computer registry; these files are left on your computer even when you uninstall the software. You can buy the software if you really cannot do without it to enjoy the full benefits including support from the publisher.

Alternatively, you can search online for other software that can get the same work done; if you are on a budget, you should consider free and/or open source software, as these will not give you a time limit to try the software. It is worthy of note that free software may not offer the robust features and support that paid versions do.

Effects of having more than one anti-virus on a PC

What are the effects of having more than one antivirus software installed on a computer? F. T

Answer:

Hi F, antivirus software is written to access the root of the system directory of your computer, and as such, multiple antivirus software would cause conflict on your computer and could eventually cause system failure.

The popular belief that more antivirus software equates greater security is a myth and you are better off with single updated antivirus software on your computer than multiple conflicting antivirus software.

How to balance trade with Internet Service Providers

How can I monitor my internet usage so as to cross-check with my service provider’s billing system? G.E

Answer:

Hi G, depending on the operating system software installed on your computer, you will find lots of bandwidth monitor software on the internet, and they log all incoming and outgoing network traffic both on your computer and on your home/office network.

They also allow you export daily, weekly, monthly reports.

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

ISOC gives fellowship to 11 techies for IETF Vancouver’12

A total of 11 fellowships have been awarded by the Internet Society (ISOC) for selected technologists to attend the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) on-going meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

This group, ISOC said includes new awardees and returning fellowships to the internet engineers’ gathering holding between July 29 and 3 August, 2012.

ISOC explains that the fellowships were to enable technologists from developing countries to participate in the IETF meetings.

First-time fellows, officials said, are paired with an experienced mentor and are given the opportunity to make a positive contribution to IETF work.

Recalling that the IETF, the Internet’s premier standards-making body, represents an international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers involved in the technical operation of the Internet and the continuing evolution of Internet architecture.

“The Internet Society has a long-standing commitment to encourage and support next–generation technical leaders from around the globe,” said Toral Cowieson, Senior Director of Internet Leadership at the Internet Society.

Toral also said that this round of IETF fellowships garnered more than 250 impressive applications from 65 countries, hence, ISOC was excited to help accelerate the careers of these professionals and to provide an opportunity for them to participate in and contribute to the important work of the IETF.

The first-time Internet Society IETF Fellows for the IETF 84 meeting include; Shabbir Ahmed (Bangladesh); Raitme Citterio (Venezuela); Xiaohong Deng (China); Omar Diaz (Venezuela); Paul Muchene (Kenya); Nomsa Muswai (Zimbabwe); Saurabh Srivastava (India);

The Returning Fellows for the 84th IETF meeting consist of Burmaa Baasansuren (Mongolia), Fernando Gont (Argentina), Vinayak Hegde (India), Dorcas Muthoni (Kenya).

The Internet Society Fellowships to the IETF in 2012 are made possible by donations from Internet Society Organization members Afilias, Google, Microsoft, SIDN, and Verisign. Since its inception in 2006, this programme has made 125 awards to technologists from more than 40 developing countries to participate in IETF meetings.

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

PTDF, Galaxy Backbone partner on ICT Centres for educational institutions

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and Galaxy Backbone plc has partnered for the provision of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in educational institutions.

A press statement made available to DigitalSENSE News, manager, Marketing Communications at Galaxy Backbone, Mr. Franklyn Ekeh said Galaxy has been selected as a partner by for exercise expected to connect ICT Centres nationwide.

The project, he said supports PTDF’s commitment to improve the quality of technology education in Nigeria.

He quoted a letter signed by Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, the Executive Secretary of PTDF conveying the award of the contract, saying the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the award of the contract to Galaxy Backbone Plc for the provision of the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) facilities, installation and commissioning of ICT centres in 146 educational institutions across the country.

Also commenting, the Group Head, Customer Operations and Services, Galaxy Backbone, Mr. Yusuf Kazaure, noted this project is in line with the government’s desire to develop the quality of human capital requirement for a 21^st century knowledge society.

“On completion of the project, the network connectivity in the selected educational institutions across the country will enable students and teachers access the internet at a fast speed,” he said.

The PTDF ICT initiative will foster collaborative relationships between teachers and students in the development and sharing of content applications and other resources as well as stimulating capacity building among educational institutions in the country.

"This is the beginning of a new era for students and teachers in the selected educational institutions. They will enjoy internet services at a faster speed on a secured network. A very important aspect of the initiative is the ability to share information in a cost-effective manner and this will create opportunities for the educational institutions to share multimedia information, create and disseminate content in a collaborative manner,” he said.

Remmy Nweke
... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Rising insecurity in Jos: CNSSL closes MTN call centre

The continuous insecurity in the country, may have heightened Monday, with operators of MTN call centre in Jos, the CNSSL has shut the centre on security reasons.

The management of CNSSL in a press statement made available to ITRealms states “CNSSL regrets to announce the closing down of its call centre operation in Jos, Plateau State.”

ITRealms recalls that CNSSL had entered into a contract to operate and staff the Jos call centre on behalf of MTN Nigeria in July 2010, and has been doing exactly that until the recent closure.

The company also attributed the closure to persisting state of insecurity in Jos and its environs, the consequence of which has had significant impact on CNSSL operations, personnel and therefore the ability to deliver on contractual obligations to MTN.

Also, the CNSSL management stated that the current state of insecurity and threat to personnel has been heightened by recent developments in Jos.

“Since we conduct our operations in accordance with international best practice, we consider the safety of human lives as more important than financial gain or consideration. We have therefore informed MTN and all other concerned stakeholders including our staff,” part of the press statement read.

Further, the company says “This is a decision that we have not taken with levity, given our antecedents as one of the pioneer local companies in Nigeria to operate an outsourced call centre model for the telecommunication industry and the confidence reposed in us by MTN Nigeria.”

In addition, CNSSL deeply regrets the loss of jobs and consequential economic loss to all stakeholders.


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Etisalat debuts with smartphone plans for voice, data

Telecommunications company, Etisalat Nigeria, has debut with the what the operator classified as a new and exciting range of data plans for Smartphones on its network.

This, also, offers subscribers a nation-wide call rate of 20 kobo per second from the very first second with no access fees. In addition, the launch of the Smartphone Voice Plans also offers an instant bonus promotion of 30 per cent extra data on any of the data plans in this range.

Director, Product and Services at Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Lucas Dada said in Lagos, the Smartphone data plans have been specially customized for Smartphone users to enable cheaper call rates while allowing super fast browsing at the same time.

“We’re a brand that will continuously seek to meet the demands of our loyal customers. With more subscribers now using Smartphones and even more considering the value of purchasing a smartphone, we designed a great product to enhance user experience on our super fast 3.75G HSPA+ Broadband network. 

The satisfaction of our customers is key to us and that is why we at Etisalat always strive to make their communication lives better, easier and faster,” he said.

Mr. Dada also explained the offer, saying, “The range of individual smartphone data plans are 200MB, 500MB, 1.5GB, 3GB and 6GB bundles. To subscribe to the 200MB, all a subscriber has to do is send the word Smarta to 8183, or dial *229*2*11#. For the 500MB data plan, the subscriber sends the word Smartb to 8183, or dial *229*2*22#, while for 1.5GB, the subscriber sends the word Smartc to 8183, or dials *229*2*44#. For the 3GB and 6GB data plans, he sends the words Smartd and Smarte to 8183, or dials *229*2*33# and *229*2*55# respectively.

Additionally, he elucidated that as a new tarrif plan, any  existing subscriber who purchases any of the smart phone voice plans, will  automatically get migrated to the new tariff structure and loses all unused data from their old tarrif plans prior to the migration.

Pointing out that once any of the smartphone voice plan’s validity expires and its not renewed, the subscriber’s call rate is changed to the default call rate.

“But as soon as he renews his smart phone voice plan, the 20k per sec call rate takes effect,” he said.

Remmy Nweke

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Apple partner, Core Group unveils new iPad+ in Nigeria

new iPad3 with Wi-Fi and cellular

Accredited Value Added Distributor (VAD) for Apple in Nigeria, the Core Group Africa, has announced the availability of the new iPad Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) plus cellular in the nation’s market.

Executive Director of Core Group Africa, Rutger-Jan van Spaandonk, made this known to DigitalSENSE News in a press statement, saying this is to announce the official launch locally with a take-off price of N105,000

The new iPad, he also said, would be available from today, Friday, July 27, 2012, as part of the next global rollout by Apple.

“This is the first time it will be available through the official Apple channel in Nigeria,” he disclosed.
Some of the features to expect in the new iPad Wi-Fi and iPad Wi-Fi+Cellular, he said, would be available in black or white in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models.

“It features a stunning new Retina display, Apple's new A5X chip with quad-core graphics and a 5 megapixel iSight camera with advanced optics for capturing amazing photos and 1080p High Definition (HD) video,” he said.

The new iPad, as said by him, delivers the same all-day 10 hour battery life, amazingly thin and light and runs almost all of the over 650,000 apps on the iTunes App Store. This is in addition to providing the most versatile, on-the-go user experience whether checking email at home, reading a magazine while waiting in a queue, watching a movie on a plane, updating documents before a meeting, checking sport fixtures, uploading a Facebook status, or sharing a bedtime story.

"Apple's category defining mobile device, the new iPad, has revolutionised the mobile computing industry and delivers the most amazing experience people have ever had with technology.  We are thrilled to make this unbelievable product available to Nigerians",  van Spaandonk said.

According to him, the Core Group Africa has appointed Apple Authorised Resellers (AAR) in the country to ensure the product is available through official channel partners.

“The new iPad will initially be available from today, Friday, 27 July through iConnect, The Orchard, Meed Networks and Cross Energy Supply who are the existing Apple Authorised Resellers, with a plan to authorise more channel partners post launch,” he said, stressing that a full list of Apple Authorised Resellers will be available on www.isocietynigeria.com and will be updated as new official channel partners are added.

Remmy Nweke

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

There’s no fact deduction in PDP-Oyinlola case - MTN

Leader in the mobile communications solutions in the country, MTN Nigeria, has denied deduction of facts from its submission to the security agencies on the case concerning MTN by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Reacting to some news report on the case yesterday, Thursday, July 26, 2012, MTN through its Corporate Service Executive, Mr. Wale Goodluck, lamented what he described as “inaccurate and biased reports” over the issue, which alleged that its officials recanted their position on the ownership of two lines linked to the election dispute in Osun State.

The matter, he said, has precipitated a series of spurious allegations against MTN by the PDP (Osun Chapter) and the politician and former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

He also said the reports were a deliberate misrepresentation of the information given to the Police by MTN officials in Abuja on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in respect of a petition filed against the company by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

“We would like to state categorically that our officials did not recant earlier information given in respect of the ownership of the two phone lines for which details of ownership and call records were requested from MTN. We have provided consistent information to the authorities as contained in our records at every stage that the information has been requested. For the avoidance of doubt, we explained to the Police that since the SIM registration exercise, the ownership of the lines for which information was requested has  changed and we gave the Police the most recent records of the individuals to which those lines are currently registered.  We are not required by law, to verify documents presented to us as proof of identity by those who register their SIMs. We do not have the expertise to do so.” he said.

Prince Oyinlola

According to him, the harmonization exercise between the NCC’s SIM registration records and operators who participated in the exercise had not been concluded and as such information held by operators is technically incomplete.

He explained that it is for all the aforementioned reasons that any information given to authorized security organizations by MTN, all carry bold disclaimers, clearly stating that MTN cannot confirm the authenticity of the information provided.

Goodluck expressed disappointment that the details of statements given to the Police could be so easily obtained and then deliberately misrepresented in the public domain, stressing that this breach itself was indicative of bad faith on the part of those who stand to benefit from such misinformation.

Additionally, he said the MTN officials who honoured the invitation of the Police to provide further information and perspective on the matter did not make any statements that differed from their previous statements at all material times.

Equally, he said the company is apolitical and non-partisan, and as such has no reason to act in any unethical manner as being alleged by the politician. Noting that MTN had made strenuous effort to explain the processes and procedure of their business and the reasons why all customer information and records are routinely presented in a particular way.

“MTN is guided by strict corporate governance codes and we take grave exception to this continuous insinuation of unethical or improper conduct against us by the plaintiff. It can never be in our interest to misrepresent facts or falsify information. We have provided all the necessary records to the requisite security agencies in accordance with laid down procedure,” he said.

He urged the media to always seek to ensure that the facts that they report are accurate and, in accordance with their professional ethics, strive to hear the other side of the story before they publish such sensitive information in the future.

Remmy Nweke

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Industry group, Indian govt disagree over 2G license price

In Indian the price of new Second Generation (2G) licenses have been described as very high by industry groups, thereby disagreeing with the government on the price hitherto.

Although the government of India has accepted to lower the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) recommended recently a base price in the upcoming auctions of between INR140 billion to INR160 billion (US$2.5 billion to US$2.9 billion) for a pan-Indian license.

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

World Bank boosts Ghana economy by $80m

A member of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has boosted Ghanaian economy with the sum of $80 million loan to Accra-based Takoradi International Company (TICO), for expansion of gas-fired Takoradi 2 power plant (“T2”) in Ghana, thereby increasing the power generation and economic growth of the country of former Gold Cost.

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

John Atta Mills is dead! What's technology got to do here?

President of Ghana, Prof. John Atta Mills was earlier today pronounced dead by the government authorities in Accra-Ghana following confirmation of his dead at the 37 Military Hospital, Accra at the age of 68. The former Vice President and Minister of Communications, Mr. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA (53) has since been sworn in as President.

The question now is if the technologies at the disposal of the US hospital where Atta Mills visited was unable to diagnose what actually was his problem and definitely not Cedis?

May the soul of John Atta Mills and all those departed rest in Peace … Amen!

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Samsung Galaxy S3 enters Nigeria

The latest in stock of Samsung Electronics, the Galaxy S III smartphone is now available in Nigeria, according to the Head, Corporate Marketing, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Donald Etim.

He said at the unveiling in Lagos that the Samsung Galaxy S III has been designed to respond intuitively and naturally to human use and interaction.

He said that this came a few weeks after its European launch, adding that the much expected device is now available at Samsung Brand Shops at The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki and Ikeja Shopping Mall, in Alausa, Ikeja, both in Lagos.

Etim noted that the new phone is the follow up to the very popular Galaxy II, which was critical to Samsung overtaking Nokia to become the world’s best-selling mobile phone maker.

Samsung, he said, hope to consolidate the success achieved with Galaxy S II by enhancing some of its most popular features in this latest device.

“Galaxy S III comes with a 4.8 inch (12.2cm) screen, an increase on the 4.3 inch screen of its predecessor, and much bigger than the 3.5in display on the iPhone 4S,” he said, stressing it is one of the largest screens on smartphones ever.

The availability of this smartphone in Nigeria, Etim further said,rrival of the phone on Nigerian shores put paid to speculations as to when mobile phone users in the country can have access to the Smartphone which has enjoyed rave reviews across the world.

“Once again, we are putting the ‘Next Big Thing’ in the hands of consumers. The Galaxy S III introduces a completely new way of sharing and socializing that no other mobile phone can. The device essentially balances ergonomics with intuitive use, making it an extension of the user,” he said.

DigitalSENSE News recalls that Samsung Electronics overtook Apple Incorporated in the last quarter of last year to become the world’s largest smartphone vendor amid a widening technology and legal battle between the two companies.

During the period, Etim pointed out that Samsung shipped 27.8 million smartphones, taking 23.8 per cent of the market, according to the United Kingdom- based renowned research consultancy, Strategy Analytics.

Apple’s 17.1 million shipments, comprising 14.6 percent of the market, pushed Apple to second place, the firm said, adding that Nokia maintained its third position.

Equally speaking, Olumide Ojo, Head, Smartphones, Samsung Electronics, West Africa said, “Nigeria is very important to us and we are delighted to bring this incredible device into the hands of Nigerians.”

He maintained that Samsung’s adoption of Google’s Android software has proved very useful to boost sales of its Galaxy smartphones and tablet computers, just as the company has managed to incorporate a number of features that proved popular with phone users.

Remmy Nweke

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Michael Dell in Nigeria, reiterates commitment

Michael Dell with Austin Okere during his visit to Nigeria

THE founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dell Incorporate, Mr. Michael Dell reiterated the commitment of his firm to the Nigerian market.

Mr. Dell who was in Nigeria last month aside impressing the recent visit was in fulfillment of a promise made to the chief executive officer of the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), Mr. Austin Okere, to visit Nigeria, two years after, also used the opportunity to meet with local business partners.

DigitalSENSE News gathered that the visit which took place on Friday, June 15, 2012, may not be unconnected with Mr. Dell’s promise made in September 2010 when Computer Warehouse Group visited the Dell Executive Briefing Center (EBC) in Texas with some customers from Nigeria, including Ecobank International.

He also noted that the appointment of a Nigerian, Mr. Nnamdi Orakwue as the Executive Director, Strategy and Operations by Dell was a good boost in actualizing the trip to the most populous nation on the continent of Africa.

To the Dell community in Nigeria, he pointed out that the visit was to demonstrate the commitment of his company to the market than the fulfillment of his promise.

He equally gave an insightful presentation about the current strategic focus of Dell, and the acquisitions that have been made to support the strategy, including acquiring Equalogic, Compellent, Wyse and Perot Systems.

The aforementioned companies are the technology platforms upon which Dell intends to launch into the Enterprise and Cloud spaces.

Mr. Dell later had a closed-door session with selected partners at local Dell office at Mulliner Towers, Ikoyi-Lagos, including Austin Okere, Founder and CEO of the Computer Warehouse Group, the acclaimed largest Systems Integration company in West Africa; his counterpart at Dataflex, Mr. Andy Nwani; the chief executive officer, Equipment Hall, Mr. Gbolahan Olayomi, and Mr. Emeka Maduibuike, Managing Director of Systemtech Group.

Mr. Dell was quoted  as saying that a major plank of the Dell Partners’ strategy has been the ‘Try & Buy’ concept which has worked very well.

This was preceded by a welcome address by the Country Manager, West Africa, Dell, Mr. Chuks Ulu-Udensi.

Speaking, Mr. Okere of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) explained his company has taken advantage of the opportunities of these platforms to provide virtualization solutions to major customers in Finance and Oil & Gas sectors such as First Bank of Nigeria, UBA, TotalElf, and Ecobank International for their global operations coving Accra, Lagos London, Paris, Lome and over 30 other countries.

As a result, he emphasised CWG is now considered one of the most dominant players in the space.

Remmy Nweke

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

‘Electromagnetic fields, unavoidable’

Mrs. Omobola Johnson, CommTech Minister

… Johnson advocates usage of hands-free

THE Minister of Heath, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has said electromagnetic fields are unavoidable part of the environment despite its side effect on human health, just as his counterpart in Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson has warned on length of calls, advising on use of hands-free.

Speaking at the first-ever West African Conference on Electromagnetic Field Exposure and Health in Lagos recently, the minister through his representative, Dr. Mrs. Patience Osinubi, the national coordinator, National Cancer Control Programme in the ministry, said the magnetic field component of electromagnetic field has the capability to penetrate the body.

This, he said, has been studied in correlation with health especially in the area of cancer related diseases.

He affirmed there is an increase in the number of communication masts in urban areas which give rise to the concern of whether people living near high tension wires or communication masts are at a higher risk of developing cancer.

The reason for the fear, the ministry noted is as a result of research findings which some asserted a possible association between living close to high tension cables and cancer of the blood as well as leukaemia in children while some other findings said there is no association with limited evidence to back up their stands.

Although studies carried out on electrical occupation, power station operators and telephone line operators have proved that people in those set of occupations have a higher risk of brain tumor, leukaemia and male breast cancer than expected.

Prof. Chukwu further expressed his ministry’s readiness to partner with any ministry in terms of research.

In her address to the two-day conference, Communications Technology minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Hon. Okechukwu Itanyi, emphasised the importance of consistently conducting researches and communicate same to the end-users.

She also noted that mobile phones usually are known for low-powered radiofrequency transmitters, operating at frequencies between 450 and 2700 Mega hertz (MHz) with peak powers in the range of 0.1 to 2 watts.

She explained that handset only transmits power when it is turned on, hence the radiofrequency exposure to a user, maintaining that the radiofrequency falls off rapidly with increasing distance from the handset.

“A person using a mobile phone 30-40 centimeters away from his or her body, for instance when text messaging, accessing the internet or using a hands-free device, will therefore have a much lower exposure to radiofrequency fields than someone holding the handset against the ear,” she said, stressing that users of mobile could do well by reducing the number of minutes or length of calls.

Remmy Nweke
... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Egyptian Fadi, new ICANN boss to assume office in October

FIFTY-year old Egyptian-America, Mr. Fadi Chehadé has been named the president and chief executive officer of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), even as he is expected to assume office by October 1, 2012.

Mr. Chehade who was unveiled at the Prague public meeting of ICANN held last June by the chairman of ICANN board of directors, Dr. Stephen Crocker. His appointment to the office of ICANN CEO follows the non-renewal of the contract of former president, Mr. Rod Beckstrom and ICANN’s chief operating officer Akram Atallah will be acting in Chehade’s capacity from July 1 until October.

Chehade’s career has been defined by building consensus and promoting collaborative technologies and practices.

He has more than 25 years of experience in building and leading progressive Internet enterprises, leveraging relationships with senior executives and government officials across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

Chehadé, age 50, is a citizen of Egypt, Lebanon, and the United States. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to Egyptian parents and left the then war-torn country in 1980 at the age of 18. He speaks fluent Arabic, English, French, and Italian.

Most recently he served as Chief Executive Officer of Vocado LLC, a U.S. firm that is a provider of cloud-based software for the administration of educational institutions.

Prior to Vocado, Chehadé was CEO of CoreObjects Software, Inc., a leader in new product software development services for both large and growing companies. He oversaw the expansion of the company to include more than 400 engineers and its successful acquisition by Symphony Services.

Prior to his role at CoreObjects, Chehadé served as the General Manager of IBM’s Global Technology Services in the Middle East and North Africa. Based in Dubai, he led a team across an emerging region experiencing high growth.

He also built and managed a new global business for IBM, providing managed services to large clients in telecommunications, aerospace and retail to improve the accuracy, depth and timeliness of business information visibility across demand and supply chains.

Chehadé founded and has led three companies since 1987.

Remmy Nw

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Akwule decries lack of Africa’s contribution on Internet

Prof. Akwule, president, DBI

... Echoes @ Nigeria IPV6 Roundtable 2012

The President, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Prof. Raymond Akwule has decried the absence of significant Africa and Nigeria’s contributions in particular into the core Internet development.

Speaking at the 2012 edition of the Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable held in Lagos, Prof. Akwule who presided over the occasion, organized by DigitalSENSE Africa Media in collaboration with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Internet Society (ISOC) Nigeria chapter, with the theme: IPv6 and the Future of Internet in Nigeria.

He said it has become worrisome there is absolutely no contribution from Nigeria on core internet evolution.

 “You will find out that there has been absolutely no contribution from our own country in this process,” he decried, wondering if this was because Nigeria and Africa at large lack the requisite people and capacity

“Is it because we don’t have people who understand language of the internet, architecture, engineering software?” he asked.

But, Prof. Akwule was quick to add that the above should not be the case, declaring “if we don’t have them in country, we have them in Diaspora.”

As the current president of Digital Bridge Institute, Prof. Akwule said unequivocally that Nigeria has what it takes to make relevant impact and contribute to the development of the Internet in some areas.

He, therefore urged experts to come up with how to improve on Nigeria and Africa’s contribution to Internet development, saying that this could start by crafting what happens in the core architecture of the internet such that Nigeria’s presence will be felt not just as users of the internet.

He enjoined Nigerians not to worry about studying a particular subject, pointing out that most bright Information Technology (IT) person he met so far in all institutions including the current one did not study IT.

“My best IT person that does all kinds of wonders did not study IT and I always say that because there is lesson there,” he submitted.

Remmy Nweke

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Adebayo stresses importance of IPv6 awareness

Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON chairman

,,, Echoes from Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable'12

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, has called on Nigerians to prepare for the future, especially as technological tools are becoming more intelligent on daily basis, hence the importance of creating awareness on Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and IPv6.

Adebayo in his remarks at the Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable 2012 to commemorate the World IPv6 Day which held in Lagos, organized by DigitalSENSE Africa and NITDA in partnership with Internet Society (ISOC) Nigeria chapter, saying that it may be difficult to connect to some particular networks, once IPv4 is eventually exhausted.

“As we develop in our day to day life, technology is changing, devices are more intelligent, today people are talking about handheld, it’s no longer desktop computer. There is a need for us to prepare ourselves for the future.

That is why the awareness about IPv4, IPv6 is very important,” he said. Adebayo used the opportunity to respond to some begging issues in the industry as it affects telecommunication sector.

“You may be aware that there are some discussions that some operators are fined. The problem is very simple, there is something peculiar with our country, and we are coming to an answer before the question,” he said.

ALTON boss also acknowledge some challenges facing the operators and noted that when the fine was imposed it raised a lot of questions. Who is the victim of all of these? It is all of us, the Nigerian subscribers who unfortunately happen to be the political football in this country.

He, however, assured you that the industry, is doing all that could be done to alleviate such a challenge. “A way forward as we have proposed is to redefine the key performance indicators to reflect the peculiarity of our operating environment,” he suggested.

Adebayo pointed out that during his time in Europe as a service engineer, they use to go to maintain site at 2am; “there is no fear of anything happening to you, you can travel across country even to a remote location.”

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Huawei invests N605.1bn on R&D

Leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, Huawei has explained the decision to commit 11.7 per cent, about $3.758 (N605.1 billion) of its 2011 revenue worth $32.4 billion for Research and Development (R&D).

Disclosing this in a recent press briefing in Lagos, Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria, Mr. David Pan Fan, said that the reason is that as a solution provider, the company needs to constantly innovate.

Out of the total revenue, he confirmed to DigitalSENSE News that an estimated 1.2 per cent of it came from West Africa, which office is situated in Nigeria.

He also said that the vote for R & D is a strategic investment from Huawei, to augment its research and development capabilities and deploy resources globally, and implement a future-oriented business architecture that puts Huawei in a confidant position for sustained growth.

Hence, he said, Huawei, decided to boost its investment in R&D with 11.6 per cent of total annual sales revenues in 2011, which is a core pillar of company’s business strategy.

“Through this investment, Huawei is positioning itself to leverage high-growth areas and industry growth fundamentals for continued success,” he said.

Additionally, Mr. Pan Fan said that the company’s performance for the year under review has been very impressive.

According to him, Huawei was established in Shenzhen, China, and has grown to become a global ICT solutions provider running its business in over 140 countries worldwide.

“It becomes the second largest ICT solutions provider with the revenue of USD 32.4 billion in 2011, an 11.7 per cent growth over the previous year,” he said.

Mr. Pan Fan pointed out that in 2011, Huawei increased its investment in the enterprise and consumer business segments, and achieved all-around growth on the back of strong business momentum generated by the company’s successful transformation into a complete end-to-end ICT solutions provider.

On Nigerian market, Mr. Pan Fan said Huawei, which has operated in the country for 13 years, has become one of the most important players in the telecommunications industry that providing employment, expanding local investment and cultivating talents.

For Mr. Pan Fan who was accompanied at the press meeting by the Managing Director, Terminal West Africa, a subsidiary of Huawei, Mr. Tony Liang and chief technology officer, Huawei in the region, Mr. Adam Jiang, Huawei aspires to be a localized company by expanding its local investment.

“We have built a technical training centre in Abuja, which is the first one built by telecommunications solutions provider here. The training center has trained more than 5,000 telecommunication engineers for stakeholders,” he said.

Huawei, he said, would set up 3 Global Network Operation Centers (GNOC) and one of them to be located in Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of the nation.

The Lagos GNOC, he said, is expected to be put into use by July this year, assuring it would add great value in the training of telecom experts in the country.

Other corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects by Huawei includes the MAU (UNILAG) ICT scholarship, charity funds for the less privileged and school buses donation are some of the community-assistance initiatives funded by Huawei in Nigeria.

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!