Technology

Staying Safe Online: A Guide to Avoiding Phishing Scams

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By Maxwell Oyekunle

In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, but it also comes with significant risks such as phishing scams and identity theft.

Phishing scams and identity theft can lead to devastating consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, and emotional distress.

It is crucial to prioritize online safety and take proactive measures to protect yourself from these threats.

By being aware of the tactics used by cybercriminals and taking simple yet effective steps to secure your online presence, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks.

Here’s a simple guide to help you stay safe online

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a scam where attackers try to trick you into giving them your personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. They often do this by sending fake emails or messages that look like they’re from a legitimate company or website.

How to Spot Phishing Scams

1. Check the URL (Universal Resource Locator): Before clicking on a link, hover over (place the cursor on the link for a few seconds) to see the actual URL. Look for misspellings or extra characters compared to the true spelling of the website the scammers are trying to imitate. For example, abcd.com is not the same as abbcd.com, mike.edu.ng is not the same as mikeedu.ng.

2. Verify SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): Make sure the website uses “https://” and has a padlock icon.This indicates a secure, encrypted connection between a browser or user’s computer and a server or website.

3. Verify the sender: Check the sender’s email address to make sure it’s legitimate.

4. Beware of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly without thinking. Be cautious of emails or messages that pressure you to respond immediately.

5. Check for Poor Design: Phishing websites may have low-quality graphics, incorrect logos, or unusual layouts compared to legitimate sites.

6. Avoid Pop-ups: These are new windows that open quickly on a computer screen in front of what you are working on. Several of them can “pop up” on a single webpage. Don’t enter personal information into pop-up windows on websites.

7. Use Security Software: Install antivirus and anti-phishing tools on your devices. These can help detect and block malicious websites.

8. Be cautious with links: Don’t click on links from unfamiliar emails or websites. If you need to go to a website, type the URL directly into your browser.

9. Watch for spelling and grammar mistakes: Legitimate companies usually have professional emails without mistakes.

10. Keep your antivirus software up to date: This will help protect you from malware and other online threats.

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Technology

Rep Calls for Declaration of Emergency on Digital Literacy

By Web News 185 0

By Olawale Asake

A member representing Ibadan North West/Ibadan SouthWest Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, Mr. Adedeji Olajide popularly known as Odidi Omo, has called for the declaration of a state of emergency on Digital Literacy in Nigeria.

Mr. Olajide made this call while fielding questions on a Radio Programme in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

The Lawmaker maintained that Data is the new gold which has become a crucial resource for economic growth and development, just as oil was the mainstay of our economy in the past, data is now the new oil that must be treasured.

“We must prioritize digital literacy and skills acquisition to prepare our youths for the digital economy.”

He emphasized that the future of national development as a country is digital, hence, Nigerian youths must be digitally compliant to remain relevant in the global economy.

Mr Olajide said youths must be equipped with the necessary skills to compete favourably with their peers globally, adding that Nigerian youths are very intelligent and resourceful.

While further highlighting the importance of digital literacy in improving the country’s economy, the Federal Lawmaker noted that, Digital Literacy would not only reduce unemployment rate among the teeming youths but also help increase the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

He, however, commended the public for being calm at the moment when there is hardship in the country, saying, the suffering will soon be a thing of the past. The Lawmaker promised to continue to bring dividends of democracy back to his Constituency by facilitating many more projects that will be beneficial to the people

Technology

Ogun Traditional Rulers Benefit from ICT Training

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By Olusegun Folarin

Eighty-three traditional rulers in Ogun West Senatorial District of the State have been trained in Information Communication Technology, ICT and modern technology trends to address security challenges in their domain.

The training programme, put together by the Senator representing the District at the National Assembly, Senator Solomon Adeola also featured the presentation of laptops, tablets and other gadgets to the traditional rulers. 

Senator Adeola who was represented by a former Commissioner for Forestry in the State, Alhaji Aliu Ajibode said the training was aimed at equipping the traditional rulers with the needed skills and exposing them to evolving technology to aid the fight against kidnapping and other crimes.

Addressing the royal fathers, a security expert based in the Republic of Ireland, Mr Adekunle Ilori emphasized the benefits of deploying the various ICT gadgets at their disposal to identify and tackle security threats, while appealing to the facilitator to sustain the initiative.

In a remark, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle who identified unemployment and poverty as some of the factors fuelling insecurity in the country, urged the government at all levels to intensify efforts towards addressing the issues.

The Paramount ruler applauded the senator representing Ogun West for the initiative and acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.

Similarly, the Olota of Ota, Professor Abdulkabir Obalanlege expressed confidence that the training of traditional rulers would go a long way to improve the competence of the royal fathers in the area of Information and Communication Technology and enhance their communication skills.

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Technology

Nigerian Scientists Agree to Commercialise Research Findings

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By Abisola Oluremi

Scientists and technologists in Nigeria have concluded plans to commercialise their findings for the economic growth of the country.

They made this known at their 38th annual conference held at IAR&T, MOOR Plantation, Ibadan.

Setting the tone for the discussion, the conference organised by the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, NISLT, in conjunction with the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria, ASLTON, the researchers lamented that most research findings were left on the shelf due to paucity of funds.

They agreed that, henceforth, such research would now be domesticated till they get to the end users.

The researchers concluded that if such potential were well harnessed, other nations of the world would be coming to Nigeria which in turn would generate more revenue for the country.

In his message to the conference, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji assured the readiness of the government to partner researchers.

The national president, Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria, ASLTON, Mr Ayotunde Omorilewa maintained that with the current crops of technologists, the nation could migrate from an importing nation to a massive exporting nation.

Welcoming the participants, the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr. Yemi Gbadegesin explained that for the nation to attain her desired level in science and technology, quackery in the profession should be tackled headlong.

In his message, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State encouraged scientists to take advantage of the licenses issued them for the growth of the nation and not look for white-collar jobs.

Delivering a paper on the theme of the conference, “Entrepreneurial Role of Science Laboratory Technology in Sustainable Development for National Growth”, the main speaker, Dr. Jackson Oshu from Federal University, Oye-Ekiti stressed the need to domesticate findings to meet the health, science, educational, economical needs of the people.

In a remark, the Oyo State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun stressed the need to instil technological skills into Nigeria’s educational curriculum from primary schools.

At the conference, nineteen members of the association were conferred with the award of Fellow of the Institute.

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Technology

S Korea Launches AI Humans

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Her face is a deep fake. Her body belongs to a team of similar-sized actors. But she sings, reads the news, and sells luxury clothes on TV as AI humans go mainstream in South Korea.

Meet Zaein, one of South Korea’s most active virtual humans, who was created by Pulse9, an artificial intelligence company that is working to bring corporate dreams of the perfect employee to life.

Pulse9 has created digital humans for some of South Korea’s largest conglomerates, including Shinsegae, with research indicating the global market for such life-like creations could reach $527 billion by 2030.

In South Korea, AI humans have enrolled as students at universities, interned at major companies, and appear regularly on live television driving sellouts of products from food to luxury handbag.

But Pulse9 says this is only the beginning. They are “working on developing the technology to broaden AI human use”, Park Ji-eun, the company’s CEO, told AFP.

“Virtual humans are basically capable of carrying out much of what real people do,” she said, adding that the current level of AI technology means humans are still needed for now.

The demand for AI humans in South Korea was initially driven by the K-pop industry, with the idea of a virtual idol – not prone to scandals and able to work 24/7 – proving popular with the country’s notoriously hard-driving music agencies.

Experts around the world, including AI pioneers, have spoken out about its dangers, and several countries are seeking regulation of the powerful but high-risk invention.

But Park is not concerned. Her company is working on new virtual idols, virtual influencers, and virtual sales agents to take over customer-facing tasks for South Korean conglomerates, which are increasingly struggling with recruitment in the low-birthrate country.

South Korea — and the world — needs better, clearer regulations on what AI can do, she said, adding that when done properly, the technology can add to “the richness of life”.

The trouble, however, is that a deepfake can “make it impossible to tell what is real and fake”, Kim Myuhng-joo, a professor of information security at Seoul Women’s University, told AFP.

“It’s an egregious tool when used to harm others or put people in trouble. That’s why it’s becoming a problem,” he added.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Technology

American Space Partners Media & Digital Skills Centre Nigeria

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*Stages 4.0 Industrial Revolution Skills Workshop for Secondary School Students

In order to bring the Nigerian Secondary School Students into the moving trends of Technological Revolution across the globe, the American Space Ibadan, a Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of United States Consulate in Nigeria in collaboration with Media and Digital Skills Centre, Nigeria (mDISCEN) has staged a Hands-On Workshop on 4th Industrial Revolution Skills (4IR) for students of selected Schools in Ibadan.

The principal aim was to stimulate the interest of the young ones, giving them a veritable platform to build upon.

The Programme which took place at the American Corner saw over 60 students from both Private & Public Schools participating.

In a Statement by the Executive Director of Media & Digital Skills Centre, Nigeria (mDISCEN) , Engr. (Dr) Ajibola Abiola, he said he has always believed that the pathway to a technologically developed Nigeria can only be through a “Catch Them Young” approach so that they can be well grounded and furnished at the earlier stages of life before they attain the maturity age.

He added that the theme “4.0 Industrial Revolution Skills” which focussed on Coding, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Drone Technology was aptly chosen to emphasise the relevance of those skills to the future of Works and the development of a nation generally.

He bemoaned a situation where most of our youths are more into rituals, yahoo yahoo & similar fraudulent practices, whereas the same brain can be deployed into useful ventures like the 4IR Skills.

He went further to say that the World is at the verge of a new Technological order that is already affecting the way we live, work and relate with one another. This explains why our Young ones need to cue into the emerging skills of the era.

According to him, the Training programme was part of his Company’s contribution to the development of learning & Skills in the country.

In her own words, the Director of American Space, Ms Karama Ajala, encouraged the students to pursue knowledge vigorously and relate with one another with the purpose of sharing knowledge & ideas that are capable of bringing development to the nation.

The Workshop saw Students acquiring hands on knowledge from experts in the afore mentioned fields of Technology which included Engr. Lifted Olasehinde and gladly supported by Dr (Mrs) Adekunbi Omotosho.

Also in attendance was Mr Eyitayo Alade Bamidele, the Principal of Baptist Grammar School, Idi Ishin Extension Lasokun, Ibadan.

For information on how your school can be part of subsequent programmes of this nature, calm or chat +234 8076550585

#schoolownersinibadan

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#SchoolDirector

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Engr Ajibola Abiola

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Technology

Oyo Govt. Gives Junior Staff ICT Training

By Web News 340 0

By Oluwakoyode Banjo

Oyo State Government has trained 40 junior staff members on Grade Level 3-6 on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training, emphasizing the need for them to master technological skills.

The Permanent Secretary, who oversees activities at Ministry of Establishment and Training, Mr. Paul Oyekunle made this known while declaring open a series of one-day workshop for personnel in the state, held at Simeon Adebo Staff Development Center, secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The Permanent Secretary said this is in accordance with the best practices towards enhancing capacity building, efficient and effective service delivery within the overall content of civil/public service.

Oyekunle said, the training which is in series, is a refresher course for key officers across ministries, departments and agencies of government, and is expected to last for three weeks with different related topics of discuss.

He explained further that, the series of training has buttressed the government’s commitment to workers development and welfarism as the present administration under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde opined that, only a well trained workforce can best serve the government and the governed.

Oyekunle stated that, the training is timely and appropriate just as the government is striving to promote and leverage technology for effective governance and discharge of duties.

“It is the first of its kind in the second term of His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde led administration in the state, as we have started today, it potent a great omen for the service and we expect more of it to come in this year and the nearest future.”

“Training is very important and there is no substitute for it, without training, there is no way the skill of the officer can be enhanced, no way their capacity can be build up and anyone who wants to be relevant in the society must embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) because it is the currency to be traded with in the contemporary world.”

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director, Management, Secretarial, Computer and Business Studies, Mrs Stella Okedum said the series of one day workshop is to develop and enhanced participants duty delivery ability particularly in the use of ICT tools and skills for overall improved service delivery.

She enjoined them to use the training opportunity for personal development and benefits of their ministries, departments and agencies and the service at large.

Courses lined up in series of the three weeks workshop programme are; Basic ICT Application Programme (Batch II), Basic ICT Application Programme (Batch III), ICT Skill Improvement Workshop, Capacity Building Workshop on Secretarial Competence Development and Effective Office Coordination Strategies.

Others are, Effective PowerPoint Presentation Skills, and Deployment of MS PowerPoint Skill for Effective Presentation.

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Technology

N-Knowledge: FG Empowers 105 Youths

By Web News 385 0

By Wale Oluokun

Federal Government has empowered one hundred and five youths from the Southwest zone with laptops and workstations under the N-Knowledge Expansion Training Programme.

The programme conducted by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development was held at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ikenne Campus.

The one hundred and five youths drawn from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States also received an allowance for the three months duration of the training.

The participants were trained in three key areas of software development, technology Hardware maintenance and script writing.

At the closing ceremony, the participants in the Software development and script writing training were empowered with laptops and software while those trained in technology hardware maintenance were equipped with workstations and starter kits.

The Southwest coordinator of the N-Knowledge Expansion Training Programme, Mr. Henry Olofinlade while presenting the empowerment items to the youths called on them to put the training into use to enhance their standard of living and become employers of labour in no distant period.

He stated that the participants satisfactory concluded the training.

Some of the beneficiaries while speaking with Radio Nigeria thanked the

Federal Government for the empowerment opportunity, noting that the materials would go a long way in making them to be financially independent.

The N-Knowledge Expansion Training was part of the Federal Government Social Investment Programme aimed at lifting Nigerians out of poverty.

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Technology

2023 IWD: Promotion of Gender Equity in Technology

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By Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Today is International Women’s Day, IWD.

It is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women.

Every year, the day is celebrated to commemorate the cultural, political, and socio-economic achievements made by women in various fields.

 It is a significant occasion for all involved in the fight for gender equity and equality. The day’s conception is embedded with the worldwide struggle for better living and working conditions for women which dated back to 1911.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

It is to bring to the fore the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women and girls.

  • Young woman working as a programmer, writing programming code on the computer at the coworking space

The campaign is to bring about a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

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Technology

Osun Gov Ready to Employ ICT for Economic Growth

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By Funmi Adekoya

Osun state government says it has mapped out plans to speedily entrench the development of Information and Communication Technology in order to put the state on a higher pedestal for digital economy, agriculture and telemedicine.

Coordinating Director, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Murtala Adekilekun stated this while addressing participants at series of stakeholders consultation and validation workshops on State ICT and Innovation Policy.

The Coordinating Director in a statement by Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed further explained the commitment of Governor Adeleke to positively turn the State around in all ramifications geared towards making Osun to be at par with the best global practices

technologically.

Mr. Adekilekun noted that by the time the current administration would mark 100 Days in Office, the State would have achieved many developmental goals in the areas of ICT in line with the Technology Innovation agenda of the government.

He described the convergence of experts and stakeholders drawn from Governmental and Non-governmental Organizations and members of the academia from higher institutions of learning to brainstorm on how best to come up with the State ICT and Innovation Policies as a better way of tapping from the pool of knowledge of experts and stakeholders.

Participants who were drawn from private and public universities in the state, Federal and State technological institutes operating within the state and NGOs among others described the programme as timely and worthwhile just as they lauded the current administration in Osun State.

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Technology

500 Oyo Youths Acquire Skills in Phone Repair, Wares Development

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Federal Government has trained 500 youths in Oyo State on Mobile phone repair, software and hardware development through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB.

The trainees were presented with certificates of participation and starter packs at a graduation ceremony held in Ibadan.

Addressing the trainees, Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote, who spoke virtually through the Board’s General Manager, Research, Statistics and Development, Mr Abdulmalik Halilu, said the board had so far trained over 4,000 youths across six states.

Mr Wabote called on the trainees to take full advantage of the training to become self-reliant.

In a remark, the All Progressives Congress, APC Governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, who facilitated the training to the state, also urged the trainees to use the skills acquired to contribute to the economic growth of the state.

Senator Folarin, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, reaffirmed his commitment to quality education and manpower development, which he said was the reason he was seeking for the votes of the people in the 2023 General Elections.

Some of the trainees, who demonstrated the skills they had acquired at the occasion, told newsmen that they had benefitted immensely in the last four weeks.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the trainees were also given 130,000 naira each as stipends.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Technology

Osinbajo Inaugurates ‘Omeife’, Africa’s First Humanoid Robot

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Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo has inaugurated Omeife, Africa’s first humanoid to boost Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technological development in Nigeria and the continent.

Professor Osinbajo was represented at Friday’s inauguration ceremony in Abuja by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, who in turn was represented by the Director-General, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Omeife was developed by the Uniccon Group.

Omeife is with near-human resemblance, language competency, movement, navigation, and behavioural intelligence using AI and computer vision capabilities.

“We are living in an exciting time of advanced technological advancement, where the science fictions of yesterday are becoming the reality in products and services of today,” he said.

VP Osinbajo said the Federal Government had the responsibility to ensure the success of the project and urged stakeholders to key into it to achieve likewise success as well as develop new ones.

He also allayed fears that technology or artificial intelligence would take over human jobs and render people without employment, arguing that, after all, it was humans that created Omeife and other robots.

CEO, Uniccon Group of Companies, Chucks Ekwueme said Omeife had the ability to speak eight different languages: English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, Pidgin, Wazobia and Afrikaans.

He said the six-foot-tall female African humanoid provides language as a service for businesses that need to integrate native African audiences, adding that it is a multipurpose and assistance robot.

Muzha Kucha

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Economy Technology

Innovation will drive economy – NACETEM

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Participants at a Science, Technology and Innovation Management Forum have identified innovation as the major key to the long-term growth of the economy.

They stated this at a 2-day Science, Technology and Innovation Management Forum organised by the National Center for Technology Management, NACETEM, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The forum with the theme, “The Role of STI in Development at the Grassroots Level”, was organised to enable stakeholders to collaborate and network the deployment of Science, Technology and Innovation to the key sectors of the economy.

The participants drawn from the relevant sectors who described the forum as apt noted that innovation held the key to the present and future growth of developing countries.

The participants, including Mr Saka Waheed from a Non-Governmental Organisation and Miss Abisola Ariwodola from State Ministry of information and Civic Orientation, said the forum has enlightened them on the need to educate rural dwellers on technology and innovation for development

In his opening remark, the Chairman, Governing Board of NACETEM, Sir Haastrup Olatunji maintained that any nation that relegated science, technology and innovation to the background in its developmental agenda would be left behind.

Sir Olatunji also pointed out that in a society where the most vulnerable were not attended to, there was a likelihood of most of them embracing vices for survival at the detriment of the citizens.

“Everyone, including the ones at the lowest rung of the ladder, must be carried along and integrated into the scheme of development. Hence, the need to begin to engage with the critical stakeholders in the grassroots development on the significance of STI in development, particularly at the local level”.

Earlier, the Overseeing Director General and Chief Executive Officer, NACETEM, OAU, Dr John Onimakinde, said that there was a vacuum to be filled in the deployment of Science, Technology and Innovation at the grassroots, hence the need to mobilize the people through education, empowerment and enlightenment.

 “For a long time, attention has always been on Urban development at the expense if rural development. This has led to issues such as Rural-Urban migration, poverty, neglect, diseases, among others which have continued to stunt growth and development at the grassroots level, thereby making rural dwellers extremely vulnerable”.

Dr Onimakinde further enumerated the roles of science, technology and innovation to include wealth creation, an improvement on quality of life, economic development and societal transformation.

Funmi Adekoya

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Technology

Twitter Aims for “Less Stressful Tweeting” With Edit Button

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Twitter says it has begun actively testing an edit button, after months of publicly discussing such a tweak.

The company said the trial of “Edit Tweet” will begin with internal employees, and then be expanded out to the platform’s “Twitter Blue” subscription population.

“Edit Tweet is a feature that lets people make changes to their Tweet after it’s been published,” the company said on its blog. “Think of it as a short period of time to do things like, fix typos, add missed tags, and more.”

Under the revision being studied, users could edit a tweet “a few times” in the 30 minutes after the initial posting, in ways that transparently note the changes to “help protect the integrity of the conversation and create a publicly accessible record of what was said,” the company said.

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, who is locked in a lawsuit with Twitter over a potential acquisition of the micro-blogging platform, had backed an edit button shortly before the company said in April it was studying the change.

Users of Twitter Blue – the subscription offering now available in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zeeland – “receive early access to features and help us test them before they come to Twitter,” the company said.

Twitter said an aim of the tweak is that “Tweeting will feel more approachable and less stressful”.

“You should be able to participate in the conversation in a way that makes sense to you, and we’ll keep working on ways that make it feel effortless to do just that.”

However, a Twitter spokesperson said the test will not necessarily be employed universally on the platform.

AFP/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Technology

FG Launches Presidential Delivery Tracker to Monitor Projects

By Web News 1084 0

Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Delivery Tracks and Central Delivery Coordinating Unit Website.

The PDT/CDCU device is developed to track, review and periodically report the activities of MDAs, the performance of ministers, permanent secretaries and others in the delivery of the ministerial mandates assigned to them.

At the presidential villa in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, explained that the CDCU was introduced in 2019 for the achievement of the nine priorities goals of the present administration.

Mr Mustapha stated that the PDT/CDCU App is a co-creation platform that aims to connect citizens to governance in Nigeria by increasing citizens’ access to the Federal Government’s Presidential priority policies, programmes and projects.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed said that the website was a citizen-based mobile tracking app which allowed citizens to send on-the-spot feedback on project implementation aimed at promoting public accountability.

The minister added that the device would also improve service delivery in all government institutions.

Ibrahim Shuaib/Adetutu Adetule

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Technology

News Production: We are charting the path of technology – FRCN DG

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The Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN Dr Liman Mansur has challenged News staff to be innovative and embrace the latest technological advancement to enhance news production.

Dr Mansur gave the charge during a one-day paper presentation to the staff of the news department of Positive FM Akure.

In a paper presented on his behalf by the Deputy Director News, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Tunde Abiodun, Dr Liman encouraged the reporters to embrace the use of multi-media opportunities provided by the internet to improve their operations and as well meet up with the new global trend of news gathering and dissemination.

Dr Liman, however, said that efforts would be made to deploy necessary logistics to enhance news production in the corporation. 

General Manager, Positive FM, Mrs Olubunmi Olalere appreciated Dr. Liman for the paper presentation describing it as timely.

Two of the participants, Mrs Dupe Isename and Mr John Ebiofini both expressed satisfaction with the paper presentation and appealed for quick implementation of ideas shared.

Dr Mansur Liman echoed no less view at Radio Nigeria Gold FM, Ilesha, urging staff to leverage the evolving digital technology to enhance productivity. 

Dr. Liman, represented by the Deputy Director of News and Current Affairs, Ibadan Zonal Station, Chief Tunde Abiodun explained that broadcast journalism had gone beyond the era of analogue as the world is now at the palm of individuals.

He noted for journalists to thrive in the profession, they must adjust to the new technological innovations being introduced to the profession.

The Director General Dr. Liman added that dishing out good news content would give credibility to the News Department and the station in general.

Earlier, the General Manager of Gold FM, Mr. Adedamola Tinubu urged the staff of News and Current Affairs to tap from the wealth of experience garnered over the years by the Deputy Director to improve news production.

In his closing remark, the Manager, News and Current Affairs, Gold FM, Ilesha, Mr. Akintunji Akinleye commended the efforts of the management in organizing the training, noting that it would enhance the performance of members of the newsroom.

Isaac Afolabi/Funmi Adekoya

Technology

FG Orders Twitter, Tik Tok, Others to Appoint Country Reps

By Web News 591 0

The National Information Technology Development Agency has disclosed that interactive computer service platforms and Internet intermediaries are required to fulfill certain conditions in running their services in Nigeria.

These conditions are stated in the recently released Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries (online platforms).

This is according to a statement issued by NITDA on Monday.

The statement read in part, “NITDA wishes to present to the public a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries for future review and input.”

The Code of Practice was developed by NITDA alongside the Nigerian Communications Commission and National Broadcasting Commission,with input from platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok.

One of such conditions in the Code of Practice is that each online platform is required to have a country representative, who will interface with the Nigerian authorities.

This means that Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, Tik Tok and other interactive online platforms are required to have country representatives.

Other conditions include registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a legal entity, complying with tax obligations, and abide by regulatory and legal demands.

The Code of Practice is aimed at safeguarding the fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in Nigeria, and regulating interactions on online platforms.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Technology

Nigerians Jubilate Over Twitter Ban Lifting

By Web News 571 0

Nigerians have described the lift of the ban on Twitter operation in the country as a welcome relief.

A public affairs analyst, Dr Moses Duruji, said lifting the ban was the right thing to do going by the number of Nigerians who utilized the media platform not just for social interaction but also for business engagements.

Dr Duruji noted that for the two hundred fourteen days while the ban lasted, about forty million Nigerians along with institutions and corporate bodies had their activities restricted, though some citizens migrated to the use of the virtual private network, known as VPN.

Similarly, some residents of Ibadan while responding to the development, pointed out how the Twitter ban affected them while it lasted.

They expressed delight that the federal government was able to resolve the dispute with the social media firm.

It would be recalled that the federal government wielded the big stick on the social media platform in June last year.

Simeon Ugbodovon

Technology

FG Lifts Ban on Twitter

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The Federal Government has lifted its suspension on Twitter.

The decision was announced by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Kashifu, in a statement in Abuja, said the approval was given following a memo written to the President by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.

He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, 13th January 2022.

“The approval was given following a memo written to the President by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.

“In the Memo, the Minister updated and requested the President’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.”

Oluwakayode Banjo

Technology

NCC Warns Against “AbstractEmu” Android Malware

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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has warned telecom consumers and the general public of a new Android malware.

The recently discovered malware, named “AbstractEmu”, can gain access to smartphones, control infected smartphones and silently modify device settings while simultaneously taking steps to evade detection.

A statement by the commission says the discovery was announced recently by the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT).

AbstractEmu has been found to be distributed via Google Playstore and third-party stores such as the Amazon Appstore and the Samsung Galaxy Store, as well as other lesser-known marketplaces like Aptoide and APKPure.

The commission in the statement advised users to be wary of installing unknown or unusual apps, and look out for malfunctions as they use their phones.

Olayemi Daniyan

Technology

Makinde Advocates Female Students’ Involvement In Technology

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The wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has called on female students to be more involved in the technological revolution being experienced in the world to be at par, with their male counterparts.

Mrs Makinde made the call at a programme organized for the girls to commemorate this year’s international day of the girl child at the house of chiefs, secretariat, Ibadan.

Wife of the Governor who stressed the benefits of technology noted that the key to changing the future for the better lay in the digital world, which must be embraced by the girls.

Mrs Makinde called on the girls not to think that technology was boys’ business, stressing the enormous role it played during last year’s lockdown caused by the covid-19 outbreak.

In her lecture, Senior Special Adviser to the governor on intervention, Mrs Aderonke Adedayo charged the girls to be careful with the use of their phones to utilize technology positively.

Some girls at the program promised to use their technological knowledge to improve themselves and better society.

The female students who were over 600 in number were drawn from sixty-six secondary schools across the State.

Seyifunmi Olarinde

Technology

OYHA Member Advocates Industrial Incubation Centres In Oyo

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In an efforts to address continued rise in unemployment, internet fraud and other crimes perpetrated by youth, a member of the Oyo state house of Assembly, Mr Seyi Adisa has called for the establishment of Industrial Incubation Centres.  

Mr Adisa, representing Afijio State Constituency made the call during the house plenary while presenting a motion on the need to establish Industrial Incubation Centres in each Administrative Zone in Oyo State.

The lawmaker who said the Industrial Incubation Centres would encourage entrepreneurs at completing their work seamlessly, expressed Concern that the shared facility established by the federal government in 2018 at Scout Camp,  Ibadan with top of the range equipment for fashion designing and shea butter processing is laying unharnessed.

He maintained that “to complement the Federal Government effort, the past adminstration purchased some machines which are currently in the Oyo State Small industries company, NTC yard.

It is however disheartening that, till this day, the potential of that joint government millions of naira investment is laying unharnessed”

Mr Adisa said “many young MSES are challenged with funding, the few who have access to funding expend a huge percentage of the fund for securing equipment and facilities. Hence, there is need for the government to support smes through shared facilities”

 Mr Adisa urged the Executive Arm through the Ministry of Trade and Investment to commence seeking private partners that can run the facilities and machinery for the purpose of the MSMES.

In his resolutions, speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin constituted a five man adhoc committee to investigate status of the jointly sponsored Federal and Oyo state governments shared facility at scout camp, Molete in Ibadan and report back to the house.  

Mosope Kehinde

Technology

Technological Experts Seek Framework To Recognize Individual Competences

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Experts have advocated the development of a National Skills Qualification framework that will recognize individuals competencies, irrespective of how such skills were acquired. 

They made the submission during a lecture at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State.

The Raheem Adisa Oloyo Annual Lecture, according to the organizers was put together to enable stakeholders to brainstorm on ways to promote technological and Vocational education to boost human capital development and and enable more Nigerians to become economically self reliant.

At the maiden edition of the lecture which attracted experts from different parts of the country, the speakers maintained that enhancing people’s access to qualitative vocational training and making skills acquisition attractive to the youths would mitigate the growing challenges of unemployment and under – employment in the country. 

In a presentation titled “Repositioning Technical and Vocational Education Training, towards addressing the Technological challenges of a Nation in the twenty first century, The Guest lecturer and immediate past Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, Doctor Adamu Kazaure noted that the sector was too formalized with no provision to cater for those who acquired skills informally. 

Dr Kazaure lamented that evaluation for all forms of education was based on conventional examinations with little or no opportunities for work based experiences. 

Doctor Kazaure also identified poor funding and inadequate infrastructure as some of the challenges confronting Polytechnic and technical college Education in the country.

Also, The Chairman, Governing Council of the Polytechnic, Doctor Veronica Ogbuagu said the country’s economy, infrastructure and people’s standard of living could not improve, if the nation failed to pay adequate attention to proper technology advancement. 

Similarly, Chairman of the Occasion and Immediate Past Chairman of The Polytechnic Governing Council, Professor Abubakar Sadauki applauded the lecture as a platform to discuss the Challenges limiting Polytechnic Graduates and Professionals from reaching their full potential.

Earlier, Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Olusegun Aluko had explained that the annual lecture was borne out of the desire of the institution to provide avenues for identifying and proffering solutions to issues affecting the polytechnic system as well as Technical And vocational education in Nigeria.

All participants were unanimous in their submissions that polytechnic education was imperative for the country’s quest to maintain national sovereignty, ensure prosperity among the people and compete favourably among civilised nations of the world.

Modupeola Sobukunola

Technology

Oyo Government Set To Digitize Public Work Force

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Oyo state government has disclosed plans to ensure a transition of its record keeping processes and registries in the state public and civil service from analog to digital through its office on ICT/e-governance.

The commissioner for establishment and training, Alhaji Siju Lawal stated this during a workshop organized by the state government for public and civil servants in the state registries and medical record officers in the state hospitals.

The commissioner explained that the present administration in the state was committed to promoting efficiency and effectiveness that would stimulate optimal performance of its workforce, and ensure the state public and civil service operate in line with international best practices.

Alhaji Lawal while urging participants to take advantage of the training to be diligent to their responsibilities said the workshop was part of efforts geared at  enhancing operational skills of participants for long term accountability as well as addressing series of lapses in government registries such as loss of personal files and other records .

Some of the participants at the workshop expressed optimism that the training would positively impact on their ability to discharge on their duties.

About sixty public and civil servants were participants at the workshop.

Iyabo  Adebisi