Technology

Makinde Advocates Female Students’ Involvement In Technology

By Web News 938

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

By Web News 854

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

By Web News 820

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

By Web News 822

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

Technology

Lawmaker Empowers Youths With Modern Day Technology

By Web News 724

Lawmaker representing Ogo Oluwa/ Surulere Federal Constituency, Segun Odebunmi has empowered youths in the creative industry with modern day tools to enhance their job.

Items doled out for the youth in the constituency included laptops and types of cameras.

Presenting the items at Igbo Ile, Surulere local government, Odebunmi charged the beneficiaries to identify modern day technology as a means to distinguish themselves in whatever industry they found themselves.

While noting that the knowledge of ICT in the 21st century was a prerequisite for a better tomorrow, the lawmaker said the world has become digitized, hence the need for the entertainment industry to up its games.

“The world is moving away from oil and natural resources economy to ICT and creative industry and one of the way to help the youth is to provide means for capacity building and empower them with tools and start up funds in these current order”

“I will continue to support youth development, my constituents are important, and I will continue to promote anything that will enhance growth and advancement of my people especially the youths because they are the future of the next generation” He said.

In an interview, one of the beneficiaries, Adedamola Adedayo appreciated the facilitator for giving back to the society, maintaining that the laptop would aid him in achieving his dream. 

Another beneficiary, Orolade Dorcas who could not hide her joy, maintained that the laptop would facilitate timely completion of her school project and thanked the lawmaker for the kind gestures.

Fifty laptops and fourteen cameras were distributed to beneficiaries drawn from Surulere/ Ogo Oluwa local governments.


Adedayo Adelowo

Technology

PMB Seeks Confirmation of New DG NASRDA

By Web News 763

President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Senate to confirm the nomination of Ahmad Shaba Halilu as Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA.

In a letter to Senate President Ahmad Lawan, President Buhari said he was acting in line with the NASRDA Act of 2010.

Dr Halilu was until his nomination, the Acting Director General of the agency after being the Director in charge of Strategic Space Applications from 2009 to 2019.

He previously worked at the National Population Commission, Federal University of Technology, Minna and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.

FRCN Abuja

Technology

Covid-19: RATTAWU Urges Stakeholders to Utilize Advantage of Radio

By Web News 656

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark Radio Day, relevant authorities in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic have been urged to take advantage of the wide coverage of Radio to curb the rising tide of the new variant of the virus

This is contained in a statement issued by the National President of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union, RATTAWU, Dr. Kabir Tsanni, in commemoration of 2021 World Radio Day.

Dr Tsanni, who described radio as the as a low-cost medium, specifically suited to reaching remote communities and vulnerable people, said pre-cautionary protocols on Covid 19 as established by World Health Organization could reach as many people as possible and in their own languages. 

While speaking on the theme for this year “New World, New Radio”, the RATTAWU national president said it reflected the realities of the new normal that the world was facing as a result of Covid-I9. 

Mosope Kehinde

Technology

Elon Musk to Give $100m for “Best Carbon Capture Technology”

By Web News 609

Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and chief executive officer of Tesla Inc. (Photo: Bloomberg)

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, now the world’s richest person with a net worth north of $180 billion, announced on Twitter that he planned to give away $100 million as prize for the “best carbon capture technology.”

He added in a subsequent tweet that he would provide more details next week, so it is not yet clear how such a contest will work.

Am donating $100M towards a prize for best carbon capture technology

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2021

Capturing planet-warming emissions is becoming a critical part of many plans to keep climate change in check, but very little progress has been made on the technology to date, with efforts focused on cutting emissions rather than taking carbon out of the air.

Carbon dioxide is the most commonly produced greenhouse gas. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change.

International Energy Agency said late last year that a sharp rise in the deployment of carbon capture technology was needed if countries are to meet net-zero emissions targets.

FRCN Abuja

 

Technology

FG Directs Removal of USSD Fees for NIN Retrieval

By Web News 725

The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to remove the N20 USSD fee imposed on subscribers for NIN retrieval requests.

In a statement, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr Ibrahim Pantami said the directive which takes immediate effect, is an intervention aimed at making the process easier and affordable.

In a letter conveying the implementation of the directive, the Executive Vice Chairman NCC and the Director General of NIMC, informed Dr Pantami that the relevant authorities had met with, and negotiated a waiver with the Mobile Network Operators in that regard.

By this waiver, all Nigerians, subscribers and applicants can access the service using the *346# code for their NIN retrieval at no charge for the duration of the NIN/SIM Card integration exercise.

The Federal Government had earlier directed that all National Identification Numbers be integrated with Subscriber Identification Modules for security purposes.

FRCN Abuja

Technology

Gov. Makinde Flags off E-Governance

By Web News 615

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has flagged off the first phase of E-governance with 1,108 computers and other digital facilities which include fiber-optic cables for the use of ministries, departments and agencies in the state.

The flag ceremony took place at the ICT Centre located inside the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde, while inspecting the newly purchased computers and other gadgets for the take-off of first phase of E-governance in the state, explained that the focus of his administration was to switch from the conventional way of conducting government businesses in the state to E-governance.

The governor said the flagging off of the first phase of E-governance backed with necessary tools would reduce the stress of passing files from one ministry to another.

Conducting the governor and his team round the facilities, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Communications Technology, ICT, Mr. Bayo Akande gave an assurance that the state was officially ready for the commencement of E-governance.

Iyabo Adebisi

Technology

Telecommunication Industry, A Major Factor Of Economic Growth – Prof. Dambatta

By Web News 678

The Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, says the telecommunication industry has become an enabler of economic growth which touches all other sectors of the economy for improved operational efficiency.

The executive vice-chairman of the agency, Professor Garba Umar Danbatta stated this during the 41st Kano International Trade Fair organized by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, held at the Trade Fair Complex, Zoo Road, Kano.

Professor Danbatta who was represented by the Director Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde maintained that the participation of NCC in the fair would provide an avenue to interact with Telecom consumers aimed at listening to their concerns on telecommunication service delivery in order to gain insight on how to improve the services of service providers in the country.

He explained that NCC employs modern techniques of tackling the challenges of cybercrime, e-fraud and other related crimes as part of efforts targeted at moving the nation forward.

Professor Danbatta added that NCC had facilitated the building and equipping of emergency communications centers in all the 36 states of the federation, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

In a remark, the President of Kano Chamber Of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, KACIMMA, Alhaji Dalhatu Usman said the NCC plays a vital role in the aspect of promoting business in the country.

He commended the efforts of NCC for collaborating with KACIMMA and supporting the actualisation of the fortieth Kano International Trade Fair.

Abdullahi Jalaluddeen

Technology

FG Inaugurates Digital Capacity Developments Projects in Oyo

By Web News 817

As part of efforts towards reducing unemployment among Nigerian youths, seven digital capacity development projects have been inaugurated in Oyo State.

The event which was held through virtual conferencing saw Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami flagging off the project at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and ICT Innovation Hub Samonda, Ibadan.

Addressing participants during the virtual inauguration, Dr Pantami explained that the project was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to empower youths through digital economy,

He said over 36,000 youths had so far been trained by National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.

In an interview, the Oyo Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde represented by his special adviser on ICT, Mr Dayo Akande said the project was strategically located, saying the project would benefit youths in the state

Coordinator of the project in Oyo State, who is also the executive director of Africa Leadership Forum, Dr Olumide Ajayi, said the project had three focus of providing training for youths on digital economy, entrepreneurship training and 3d machines that would make youths develop prototype products that meet market demands.

Rotimi Famakin

Technology

Technology No Longer a Luxury, It’s Our New Way Of Life, Says Osinbajo

By Web News 683

PRESS RELEASE

VP adds: “With tech innovation, the democratization of law and justice now on fast-track”

Technology and the innovations it entail has defined a new way of life, taking technology away from the realms of luxury into the arena of everyday endeavours whether in the professions or in matters of lifestyle generally.

 In fact, the advance of technology is now fast-tracking the democratization of law and justice in Nigeria, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

 Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday in his keynote at the Virtual Law Pavilion Technology Conference with the theme “A New Paradigm in Justice Delivery”. Also at the event, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed; the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro, SAN, and others addressed the theme of the 2020 Legal Tech Conference.

 According to him, “No one believed the day would come when the Supreme Court would, as it has now done, endorse Virtual Court Proceedings. Or that the day will come when e-filing of court processes will be considered medically safer than physical filing of court processes. 

“Today, even judges, especially older ones, will of course prefer virtual processes to in-person proceedings. Technology and the fourth industrial revolution, are no longer luxuries but they are the inevitable substructure of our new way of life.

 “For the administration of justice system, change has surely come and I am personally excited to see how easily our entire judicial system is willingly adapting to innovation.”

 Speaking further on the impact of technology, the Vice President said with technology and innovation, the democratization of law and justice is now on fast-track. 

According to him, “Tech companies must now innovate even more. We must now have purpose-built virtual-proceedings software that take into account the various needs of trials and other court proceedings. 

“There will be opportunities for retraining of judicial personnel, lawyers, and paralegal staff, the new normal calls for new skills and new ways of doing old things and doing away with many old habits.”

On the need for the entirety of Nigeria’s justice sector to embrace “the new normal”, the Vice President said though no one had predicted that a time would come when authorities would endorse virtual court proceedings, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the adoption of technology for all court processes.

 Referring to the Chief Justice of Nigeria at the event, the Vice President noted that “already, my Lord, the Chief Justice has set the example of adaptation to the new paradigm.”

 Prof. Osinbajo urged lawyers and stakeholders in the justice sector to be prepared for the times ahead by finding alternative and better ways of delivering legal and associated services.

 He said “the next few years will see even more changes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a bigger role in our court systems, I am told that Law Pavilion is already pioneering an AI-Powered-Speech-to-Text- Transcription System to replace writing in long hand and even the traditional slow stenographic recording. 

“There is also the AI-Powered Document Review System that helps judges quickly extract authorities and laws cited in any legal documents, outlines and analyses the principles relied upon automatically, in seconds. This is aside from the comprehensive court proceedings software that they have now perfected.”

 Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “…nothing can ever be the same again. Legal practice is also in a flux. Artificial Intelligence will make research a million times faster, the lawyer may no longer be required for several categories of legal advice. 

“There are already apps updated to the latest positions in legislation and case law. The lawyer must become a multi-disciplinary, multi-tasking tech savvy person of affairs,” recalling a description he gave to students of law at a recent function.

 He restated the commitment of the Buhari administration to support technology companies to drive the gradual shift of systems, in the country, to the ‘new normal’.

 In his contribution, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed said the judiciary which plays a crucial role in the economic development of Nigeria, must embrace changes within the environment so that it will continue to remain relevant in the scheme of things.

 The Legal Tech Conference is organized by the Law Pavilion in partnership with TELNET Nigeria Ltd. The conference is a 2-day virtual event featuring other speakers including Supreme Court Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola; Ondo State Chief Judge, Olarenwaju Olutoyin Akeredolu; Borno State Chief Judge, Kashima Zannah; Ekiti State Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Olawale Fapohunda; and Mr Dapo Akinosun, Partner, SimmonsCooper, amongst others.

 Laolu Akande,

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,

Office of the Vice President.

13th August, 2020.

Technology

IBEDC: Customers Decry Erratic Power Supply

By Web News 1008

Constant power supply is important for the economic growth of any developing Nation.

In recent times, power supply by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, has been erratic and this has generated concerns from residents of the metropolis.

Residents of Ibadan, who expressed displeasure at the incessant disruption in electricity supply, described the situation as unbearable, tasking IBEDC on the urgent need to find a lasting solution to the persistent power outage.  

Some artisans, noted that the erratic nature of power supply was affecting their businesses, thus making it difficult to meet deadline of customers, and this has had adverse effect on their income. 

According to some residents, the recurring blackout in Ibadan had forced them to resort to the use of generators. 

Residents of Labo, Elekuro, Orita-Aperin, in Ibadan South East local government, Oke-Ado, Challenge, Eelebu, Jiboye, Omi, Apata and Ologuneru in Ido-Local government also Jericho,Olodo, Alakia, Adegbayi along Old-Ife road and Igbo-Oloyin along, Ojo in Akinyele local government complained about epileptic power supply.

Commenting, an economist, Mr Michael Abegunde, said epileptic power supply usually affects the operations of businesses, and this in turn has negative impacts on overall economic performance and growth of any nation. 

Mr Abegunde called on Federal government to expedite actions at improving the power sector. 

Reacting, Regional Communication Officer of IBEDC, Mrs. Regina Samuel Adeloko, explained that the company distributed what it got from the power generating company.  

She pointed out that during the lockdown, the power distributed to the residents was improved.

Olukemi Akintunde

Technology

MASTS: OSHA Urges Network Service Providers to Prioritize Public Safety

By Web News 795

The Osun State House of Assembly has advised all Network service providers to always put human safety first in placing their masts.

Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Benjamin Ogundipe gave the advice during an oversight visit to the site of an erected telecommunication mast in Obalende town in Ipetu Ijesa, Oriade Local Government area of Osun State.

Mr. Ogundipe observed that citing masts and generators emitting dangerous fumes in residential areas is worrisome and dangerous to the health of the people.

He assured that the House would take measures to ensure safety of its people.

In his remark, the lawmaker representing Oriade State Constituency, Mr. Desmond Ojo noted that the major concern of the house is the safety and healthy living of the people especially the children and aged.

Mr. Ojo also urged concerned authorities to do the needful to put an end to toxic fumes emanating from the generator.

Some residents of the houses near the generator Mr. Alake George, Mrs. Bola Daramola and a widow, Mrs. Funmilola Damilare appreciated the good gesture of the committee to the environment.

They said some of residents have vacated their homes due to health challenges and fear of earth as the land shakes when the generator works.

Funmi Adekoya

Technology

Blacksmiths Appeal for Government’s Support, Donate Hand-washing Device to FRCN

By Web News 1140 Post a comment

National Blacksmith, Welders and Iron Benders Association, Oyo State chapter has donated a hand-washing device to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Dugbe, Ibadan.

The device which has a height of about four feet is operated with a pedal to avoid touching the metal.

Governor of the association, Mr Munirudeen Adegoke said the association made the device to contribute their quota to the fight against coronavirus.

Mr Adegoke noted that the metal device would encourage better hygiene and aid the physical distancing campaign.

He also used the medium to call on the government to assist them in production of such device which according to him should be in all public places.

Receiving the device on behalf of the Zonal Director FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Alhaji Muhammed Bello, Deputy Director, Marketing, Mrs Bolanle Owoyemi appreciated the association and pledged the readiness of radio Nigeria to collaborate with them.

Adedayo Adelowo

Technology

Ekiti Government Moves to Boost Internet Access across the State

By Web News 989

The Ekiti State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with a private organization, the Oodua Infraco Resources Limited, with a view towards providing internet facility in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

The State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi while signing the documents said that the step would open a lot of opportunities for the state in terms of job creation.

Dr. Fayemi also observed that the Internet facility would cover all the tertiary institutions, schools, security outfits and health institution in order to engage meaningfully with their counterparts in the world on best ways of doing things.

He stressed that the facility would go a long way to drive and achieve more on the state’s knowledge economy.

The governor explained that the Executive Order 007 which reduced the right of way charges from four thousand, five hundred naira to one hundred and forty five naira per kilometre, had begun to yield positive result as many Internet Providers shown interest to invest in the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mr Bamidele Faparusi who said the project would be completed within fourteen months, maintained that all the streets in Ekiti would have internet fibers in the interest of younger generation.

Contributing, the Chief Executive Officer, Odua Resources Infraco Limited, Mr Sammy Adigun said the project would cost five billion naira, while Federal government would contribute over one billion naira and Ekiti State Government would ensure the completion of the project.

Mr Adigun explained that the six hundred and six kilometres internet Wi-Fi construction would commence on October this year.

While appreciating the government’s giant steps, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mr Olumide Ajayi pointed out that the project would impart meaningfully on the society after completion.

Oriola Afolabi

Technology

Nigerian Inventor Develops Prototype COVID-19 Detector

By Web News 999

A prototype COVID-19 detector yet to be completed but capable of detecting millions of COVID-19 victims has been developed a 37years old technologist, Pastor Samuel Oludipe in Ejioku Ibadan.
 

Speaking on the project, Pastor Oludipe said he developed an equipment called “probe” to be held by an individual for test on covid-19.

 According to him, the ‘Probe’ when connected to an Android phone that possess an application and electrical equipment identified as magnetic body analyser or quantum would help in detecting if an individual is having COVID-19.
     
Pastor Oludipe, who said the performance of the equipment depends on the internet facilities in the affected state or country noted that input from two experts would be needed to complete the project early for national use.
 

 While attesting to the technical skills of the inventor, a beneficiary of Pastor Oludipe’s products in Ejioku, Mrs Ajoke Oladapo said a solar power generator manufactured for her family three years ago had been functioning effectively.
       
Other electrical appliances produced by Pastor Oludipe at Ejioku were electric booster, car inverter, solar halogen as well as a solar generator.

Rotimi Famakin

Technology

Expert Advocates Utilizing ICT in Language Documentation

By Web News 833

Broadcast media has been urged to take advantage of development in information technology, especially in helping to preserve the indigenous languages.

A research scientist and artificial intelligence expert, Dr. Tunde Adegbola, stated this at a lecture organized by the Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Department of Radio Nigeria Ibadan, Oba Adebimpe Road, Dugbe.

Dr. Tunde Adegbola

Dr. Adegbola observed that it is only broadcast media that document local languages while this is not the case in other official circles where communication is done in the English language.

The don said documentation of indigenous language is vital as it provides the data for computers in the translation of information into local idioms.

Dr. Adegbola pointed out that countries such as China, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan, which utilized their indigenous language have achieved accelerated industrial growth compared to those which sought to thrive on the use of foreign languages.

He said that any language which cannot be used to communicate with computers is endangered, noting that the media stands as the medium to salvage the situation besides its function as a-go-between information giver and receiver.

The guest lecturer, who stressed that the internet and social media are the future of broadcasting, said Radio Nigeria ICT Department was on the right track.

In an address of welcome, the head of ICT, Alhaja Wasilat Salami said the unit had come a long way in keeping in touch with developments in broadcast media technology despite challenges of inadequate staff and funding.

Alhaja Wasilat Salami

She lauded the Zonal Director for the progress ICT unit had achieved.

In a remark, the Zonal Director, Radio Nigeria Ibadan, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, emphasized that the future of broadcasting is with ICT and the new media, urging staff of the unit to collaborate with content providers and marketers.

Zonal Director, Radio Nigeria Ibadan, Alhaji Mohammed Bello

Alhaji Bello pointed out that Radio Nigeria had taken cognisance of the development in broadcasting, hence the emergence of directorates for ICT and Online Media.

Highlights of the events were the presentation of awards to the Zonal Director, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, the guest lecturer Dr. Tunde Adegbola, the General Manager, Positive FM Akure Mr. Tunde Abiodun and an on-air presenter, Mr. Imoyosola Adetoro.

R-L Alhaja Wasilat Salami, ZD Alhaji Mohammed, Bello, DDM Bolanle Owoyem
L-R ZD Alhaji Mohammed, Dr. Tunde Adegbola

In attendance were members of the station’s committee of management.

Technology

Digital Skill: Federal Government to Empower 1.5 Million Youths

By Web News 782

The Federal Government is to empower one point five million Nigerian youths with various grant for Digital Skill acquisition.

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development Mr Sunday Dare announced this at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, where the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi honoured one hundred outstanding Nigerian youths.

Correspondent, Adenitan Akinola completes the story.

Technology

Prof. Calls on Federal Govt. to Invest in AI

By Web News 621

A Professor of Computer Aided Engineering from the Federal University Oye Ekiti, Sam Adejuyigbe has called on Nigerian government to adopt and invest heavily in Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics and Robotics towards addressing some of the nation’s challenges particularly in the areas of health, economy and security.

This forms part of his recommendations while delivering the lecture to mark the 17th combined convocation of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti.

Technology

Oyo Govt. To Collaborate With NCC On Emergency Communication Centre

By Web News 805
Oyo Govt. To Collaborate With NCC On Emergency Communication Centre

Published by Editor at August 8, 2019 Categories Tags 0  0  0 

Plans are underway to establish a more effective emergency communication centre for distress calls on security and other issues of urgent importance in Oyo state.

The state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde stated this during a courtesy call on him by the management team of the Nigeria Communication Commission NCC in his office.

Governor Makinde who noted that an emergency call centre was located at Monatan in Ibadan, said his administration would harness full potentials of the centre for the benefit of the people and the government of Oyo state.

He said his government would set up a team to work with the NCC on information communication technology and telecommunication.

The Governor equally called for assistance from the Commission to get data on Mast installations around the state and prompt payment of taxes from telecom companies.

Earlier, Head of Emergency Communication Centre of the NCC, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim said an emergency call centre has become necessary in this era of security challenges and expressed willingness of the commission to partner the state government on telecom related issues.

South West zonal controller of NCC, Mr. Yomi Arowosafe and other senior management staff were on the delegation.

Bisi Adebayo

Technology

Tornadoes Claim over 20 Lives in Eastern Alabama

By Web News 983

At least 23 people have been killed as tornadoes struck Lee County in Eastern Alabama, authorities say.

County Sheriff Jay Jones said there had been “catastrophic” damage and there were fears more bodies would be found, while the number of injured persons is not yet known.

Rescue efforts have been halted until dawn due to the danger of searching in the dark.

The most devastating tornado struck the area around Beauregard, carving a path at least half a mile (0.8km) wide.

The National Weather Service (NWS) classified it as at least an EF-3 – meaning winds of up to 165mph (266km/h).

It warned people to “stay out of damaged areas so first responders could do their job”.

The area around Beauregard, about 60 miles (95km) east of Alabama’s State capital, Montgomery, appears to have borne the brunt, also the tornado there struck at about 20:00 GMT on Sunday.

Footage showed snapped poles, roads littered with debris and houses without roofs.

Sheriff Jones said some homes had been reduced to slabs.

Authorities fear the death toll could rise.

Residents of Smiths Station told local TV they had seen businesses destroyed there and a large bar called the Buck Wild Saloon had had its roof torn off.

Sheriff Jones said: “The challenge is the sheer volume of the debris where all the homes were located. It’s the most I’ve seen that I can recall.”

Tornado warnings were also issued for Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. Footage showed smashed buildings and snapped trees in Talbotton, about 80 miles south of Atlanta.

Tornadoes were also reported in Walton County and Cairo in northern Florida.

All of the deaths so far have been in Lee County. Authorities say they are still working to identify the victims and the injured.

One of the dead in Beauregard was an eight year old, family members said.

“We’ve never had a mass fatality situation, that I can remember, like this in my lifetime,” Lee County coroner Bill Harris said.

He said on Sunday evening: “We’ve still got people being pulled out of rubble. We’re going to be here all night.”

Alabama meteorologist Eric Snitil tweeted that there were more deaths in Lee County in one day due to a tornado than in the entirety of the US in 2018.

East Alabama Medical Centre said it was treating more than 40 people injured by the extreme weather, and was expecting more.

Several people were reported hurt in Talbotton in Georgia, though not seriously.

US says there are about 3,000 customers without power across Alabama, most of them in Lee County.

Cold weather is forecast for the region after the tornadoes, with temperatures predicted to drop to near freezing.

The National Weather Service said it would send three survey teams to assess the damage caused by tornadoes across Alabama on Monday.

The extreme weather initially cut off electricity for 21,000 Georgia Power customers, according to a company spokeswoman, and tore down trees and destroyed homes.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey posted on Twitter to warn residents there could be more extreme weather to come.

“Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives in the storms that hit Lee County today,” she wrote.

President Donald Trump also tweeted, asking people to “Please be careful and safe”.

And Apple CEO Tim Cook, who was born in Mobile in the southwest of the state, said he was “devastated” by the news, saying Lee County was “a place close to my heart”.

This series has occurred earlier than the traditional peak season for tornadoes, which runs from April to June, when more than half of the year’s tornadoes generally strike.

Weather systems are more conducive in these months. Warm air flows north from the Gulf of Mexico at the same time as storm systems are propelled into the south and mid-west by a southward dip in the jet stream.

These latest tornadoes appear to have carried the deadliest toll since 35 people were killed in Arkansas and Mississippi in April 2014.

A “super outbreak” of tornadoes across a swathe of the US in April 2011 killed more than 300 people.

BBC