Digital Innovative Forum Begins Digital Skill Training, Sunday 24

 

Priscilla Akpanettot

An initiative to help Akwa Ibom youths acquire relevant and highly-demanded digital skills is set to be launched this Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Vinpy Event Centre, Udoudoma Avenue in Uyo by 2:00pm.

The initiative is the Digital Innovative Forum, founded by the Managing Director of GT Technologies, Prince Godwin Tommy.

Co-sponsored by Ephafresh Foundation, the Digital Innovative Forum is aimed at building a robust and digitally driven economy for people of the State.

Briefing newsmen in Uyo on Friday, December 21, 2023, Prince Godwin Tommy explained that the Digital Innovative Forum is a consortium established to train Nigerian youths in creative, contemporary and highly sought digital skills such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing, UIUX, Cloud Computing, Web Design and Development, Graphics and Design, Animation, Data Analysis as well as Digital Publishing and Printing.

“We’re trying to ensure that youths of the State and University students are empowered by our digital skills where they can work remotely and earn in dollars while they are still studying. My main goal is to bring digital skills to every young Akwa Ibomite and to help them say no to urgent 2k and ‘my leader, my leader’ attitude”, he stated.

“We are also doing this in support of Governor Umo Eno’s administration to help curb unemployment and poverty among youths in the State. We want to see a way of helping them acquire highly demanded, saleable and highly sought-after digital skills that would make them self-reliant and independent”, he stressed.

Tommy who spoke extensively on the Forum furthered that it was a three-fold package which includes the study-and-work-abroad program; a package that aids students secure admission, obtain a visa and combine work and schooling overseas, while offering them loans payable within 5-10 years after study.

The third package of the Digital Innovative Forum according to the progenitor is the real estate innovation which allows a person to acquire a 100sqm sized portion of land at the rate of N100,000 with yearly Return on Investment of 30% after it has appreciated.

He encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the Sunday inauguration to improve their lives, while dispelling fears that the program would be cut-short with time.

“Digital Innovative Forum is an offshoot of GT Technologies Limited. Over the years, the organisation (GT Technologies) has successfully and freely trained, mentored and assisted more than five hundred youths in Akwa Ibom State in diverse fields of information technology, digital printing and publishing. To the glory of God, testimonies from the beneficiaries have been awe-inspiring and encouraging”.

“So the Digital Innovative Forum won’t be short-lived because it is certified by the Akwa Ibom State Government as a Cooperative and Corporate Affairs Commission as a Non-Governmental Organisation”, he said.

Energy Transition not a walk in the Park - Aniekan Umana

 

…Says so much has to be  put in place before transition occurs

Priscilla Akpanettot

Against frantic calls by stakeholders in the energy sector for States to migrate to clean energy, the Honorary Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno, Hon. Aniekan Umana has averred that energy transition cannot be achieved on the spur of the moment.

He said this when he was hosted by members of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, during a live interview on Premium FM.

The former Information Commissioner and immediate past member representing Abak/Ika/Etim Ekpo Federal Constituency made the assertion on grounds that the process of transiting to clean energy was expensive, technically demanding and rigorous.

Umana who relayed the resolution of COP 15 which he attended 10 years ago, said that many country attendees of the Conference are still struggling to come to terms with what was unanimously agreed upon, due to the lack of modalities to switch. He therefore sued that fossil fuel be used alongside clean sources of energy until the former is completely phased-out.

“There’s no transition that can happen in a jiffy. There cannot be just one quick break. It’s going to be a process where we’ll remain side by side until we transit fully into clean energy. We’ll also look at the sustainability models that will allow it work and sustain the kind of power requirement that the system needs. Today, we are still benchmarking our economic development in the country on oil prices and production quota. What is still giving us money today is fossil fuel and that is crude oil. So we cannot completely say that we’re detaching... It would sound eutopic to think that because of the clamour for clean energy, we get up and say we’re transiting then we abandon our energy capability and what we can offer to the world. If we do that, how would we get 13% derivation? How would we get money to develop the State? Even in those countries that are proposing it, there’s no magical transition. What should matter to us as a country now is to make sure that our refineries work so that we reduce our importation of finished products”, he said.  

Speaking on other sectors of the ARISE Agenda, the Special Adviser informed that 

 Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructural Development, Security and Education Management were components of Pastor Umo Eno's blueprint, making up the ARISE Agenda.

"The ARISE Agenda has five cardinal points and 18 sub-units under these cardinal points which the current administration lays its foundation. What Pastor Umo Eno has done is to transit the ARISE Agenda from being his document, to being a political party's document and now, to becoming a state document and the compass with which the ship of his administration would be navigating through the seas of development".

"Governor Umo Eno wants to undertake the ruralisation of governance and he is not hiding his passion. He doesn't hate urbanisation, but he says there is an inequitable distribution of infrastructure between the urban and the rural areas. So, development will be rural community-centric. It is now time to connect the rural areas to the urban areas", he noted.

For these, he applauded the State Governor for looking deep into the developmental gaps of the society and filling them with his Agenda. He further commended the Governor for keeping to his campaign promises of making his impact felt across all sectors of the State, through various human empowerment including the recent appointment of 600 aides; payment of gratuities, refurbishment of Christ the King Primary School along Wellington Bassey Way, among others.

On why he accepted the offer to be one of the Honourary Special Advisers to Governor Eno, Hon. Umana posited that he agreed to the appointment because he is in full support of the Governor, his governance of Akwa Ibom State and the ARISE Agenda. “I cannot be bigger than the government. If I am invited to participate in the governance process in any capacity that the Governor deems fit, I have a duty to honour him”, he stated.

“The role we’re privileged to play is advisory. I’m asked to play that role and I know I’m competent to offer such advise and knowledgeable enough to operate in that ecosystem”, he expressed.

He therefore promised to bring to bare his wealth of experience in his advisory role, while ensuring that strategies such as media intelligence, reputation mapping and tracking which requires indepth knowledge and contact across ecosystems within the country are effectively utilized.

In his response to why Governor Umo Eno was yet to execute a major project since the commencement of his administration, the aide explained that the Governor came into office and inherited the budget of the immediate past government, and will soon have his budget passed into Law. 

"The first time the Governor is going to have his own budget and project clearly outlined and mapped out is in the 2024 Appropriation. It will come because it can only come through the instrumentality of the Law which is the Appropriation Act, the Bill will  become law by 2024. So, Akwa Ibom people should exercise patience", he said.

Journalists Donate Sanitary Items to 50 School Girls

  ...advocate against SGBV

Priscilla Akpanettot

A group of Journalists in Akwa Ibom State were part of advocates joining the global campaign against Sexual and Gender based Violence.

The group known as The Pen Girls visited Methodist Girls Secondary School, Utu/Ikpe (jointly owned by Essien Udim and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas) on Thursday, December 7, 2023, being the 13th day of the global advocacy.

Speaking at the visit, leader of the Pen Girls, Comrade Priscilla Akpanettot explained that the advocacy was necessary to raise awareness on the spate of violence perpetrated against women and girls by those who should protect them. 

copies of the VAAP Law and Training Manual on GBV for Schools

She reminded the school girls of their dreams and career prospects, and charged them to guard those ambitions tenaciously by protecting their bodies from defilers and reporting any threat to life to relevant authorities.

Corroborating Akpanettot’s position, Comrade Mary Ekere urged the girls to break the culture of silence if and when molested or threatened. She told them that that the dangers of a closed mouth could include depression, mental illness, emotional withdrawal, loss of concentration and eventual death. She then listed a number of contacts the girls could call in cases of emergency, while assuring them of a swift response.

Speaking on the various forms of gender-based violence, Comrade Ekemini Akpan pointed at a number of offences committed against women, such as rape, genital mutilation, incest and the likes. She exposed the school girls to the ways in which the violations can occur, and advised them to be vigilant and wise with those they share the same physical space with.

Leader of the Pen Girls, Comrade Priscilla Akpanettot

She however warned them to desist from indecent dressing, stressing that like uncovered food, an uncovered body attracts flies.  

Lastly, Comrade Amadie Udoakpan told the girls of the Laws jurisdicting gender-based violence. “The fine for rape is 14 years in prison. Genital mutilation is 4 years imprisonment with a fine of N200,000. Stalking is 2 years in prison and a fine of N500,000, so do not keep quiet and allow the culprit go scot-free. Report them to the authorities and protect your right to a bright promising future”, she admonished.

Copies of the Simplified VAPP Law, Referral Pathway booklets and GBV training manual were given to the School for the girls’ use, while 50 bag packs containing sanitary items were distributed to the girls.

Comrade Akpanettot presenting a copy of the VAAP Law to the Principal, Mrs. Affiong Inua

Responding to the gesture, the visibly elated Principal, Mrs. Affiong Inua commended the Pen Girls for bringing the advocacy to her school. She remarked that it has been ages the School had such visits and requested for subsequent visits. She also promised to ensure that what was taught the girls and contents of the educational materials will be incorporated into their academics.

Earlier in her address of welcome, she informed that Methodist Girls Secondary School founded in 1956 by the Women Fellowship of Methodist Church Nigeria, Ikot Ekpene; was established to groom the girl-child beyond the widely held belief back then that a woman’s place lies in the kitchen.

“The School has produced many prominent women who have proven that there’s no profession a woman cannot attempt”. She therefore called on members of the public make the School their choice, saying it is open to girls from any religion and denomination.

The Head Girl giving a vote of thanks

The Head Girl in her vote of thanks prayed God to bless The Pen Girls, and assured that they will uphold what they have been taught.

The 16 Days advocacy against SGBV which began on November 25, 2023 and ended on Sunday, December 10, 2023 was themed “Unite! Invest to Prevent Gender Based Violence Against Women and Girls.”

Deputy Governor for NUJ Federated Chapel Symposium

The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator  Akon Eyakenyi, PhD is set to join the Chairman Comrade Nsibiet John and members of the Federated Chapel on the symposium day of the Chapel's 2023 week.

Dr. Akon Eyakenyi is billed to declare the event open.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee Ekomobong Peter who disclosed this to newsmen said, with the confirmation of attendance of the number 2 Citizen of the State, the Chapel week for 2023 can best be described as the gathering of intellectual stars.

The event which will hold on Friday 10th November, 2023 at the NUJ Press Centre shall begin at 10:00am and will be Chaired by Rep. Martins Esin who represents Oron Federal Constituency at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly.

The event which has as its theme, Navigating the Socio Economic Challenges of Post Subsidy Era in Akwa Ibom State shall be dissected by a set of six analysts including Dr. Victor Ekpenyong, founder of Kenyon International West Africa Limited, Kings Udoidua National PRO of PENGASAN, Mrs Funmi Idongesit- Nkanga Wife of Former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Odiko MacDon, Police PRO Akwa Ibom State, Cletus Ukpong- Regional Editor of Premium Times and Hanson Johnson founder of StartInnovation  Hub Nigeria Limited shall be moderated by Otobong Billy a seasoned broadcaster and journalist per excellence.

The Chapel invites Comrade Amos Etuk Chairman NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council, leaders of the Union and the public to attend.

Federated Chapel Donates Sanitary Equipment to AKSEPWMA

 

...Laud Agency on committed dedication to Waste Evacuation

Priscilla Akpanettot

The most vibrant Chapel in the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, has donated sanitary equipment to the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency.

Federated Chapel on Saturday, October 28, 2023, made the donation to the Chairman of the Agency, Obong Prince Ikim, who was supervising the monthly sanitation exercise at Nnung Oku junction, in Ibesikpo-Asutan.

Presenting the equipment, the Chairman of the Chapel's 2023 Press Week Committee, Comrade Ekomobong Peter lauded the Agency for being committed to its objective of sanitizing the State, and enjoined members of the public to support their activities.

"This is one Agency that doesn't need much introduction because of the role they play in environmental sustainability practices", he said. 

"Federated Chapel has a duty to collaborate with this Agency hence our support". 

"I challenge everyone to appreciate the objective of this Agency and contribute where necessary in ensuring that Akwa Ibom is not just a destination but a destination with a review of being clean, healthy and sustainable", he appealed.

Responding, Obong Prince Ikim commended the Chapel for identifying with the Agency. He  called on environmentalists, corporate bodies and public spirited individuals to tow the line of the Chapel, saying that that the task of keeping the environment clean is a collective one. 

Items donated to the Agency were spades, safety boots and safety gloves which were immediately put to use.

The presentation of equipment was a feature of the Federated Chapel's 2023 Press Week which holds from Monday 6th to Sunday 12th of November, 2023.

The event will feature a visit to the Correctional Centre on Monday,a tour of facilities within the State on Tuesday, a Symposium on Friday, a football Match between the Chapel and College of Personal Aides to Governor Umo Eno (COPA) on Saturday and will culminate in a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday.

Members of the Press and public are invited to be part of the Week.

NUJ Receives New COOPA Exco, says Traditional, Digital Journalists must Synergise for Development

 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, on Wednesday, played host to the leadership of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), led by the Chancellor, Mr. Utitofon Ukpong.

Chairman of the Union, Comrade Amos Etuk, who received the new COOPA Executive at the NUJ Secretariat in Uyo, congratulated members of the organisation on their successful 2023 Conference/Election held recently in Eket.

Flanked by the State Working Committee of NUJ, Etuk while acknowledging the dominance of the new media, expressed the Union's readiness to partner with COOPA and quelled insinuations of a cold war between the NUJ and online publishers in the state.

"There was a time when the traditional media used to feel threatened about the dominance of the social media, but we had this Conference four years ago in Abeokuta where we started creating awareness that rather than have a division against the social media, let's embrace it and also encourage our members to be strategic in having a strong online presence."

"Today, I am excited that we have a lot of NUJ members who have blogs and are active too on the social media. We don't know what it will be in the next ten years, but we try to encourage ourselves that today, the social media has the space", he said.

"Be reassured that COOPA and NUJ will be partners. We have never been rivals or seen ourselves as enemies. We just needed to streamline a lot of things for us to have that synergy. Now that the synergy has come and the NUJ Constitution has recognised Online Publishers, there is need for us to work hand-in-hand for the growth of this noble and well-respected profession", he said.

Comrade Etuk urged the new COOPA Chancellor to prioritise the training of members and particularly saluted the ingenuity of the immediate-past Chancellor, Comrade Ifreke Nseowo who he noted led the group to limelight.

"The same hand of fellowship that we gave to the immediate past Chancellor, Ifreke Nseowo, is the same hand of fellowship that we'll give to you. We are even giving you stronger because we want you to succeed."

"Your responsibility is that you have to move COOPA out of Lagos and out of Nigeria. You have to start looking at the West African hubs and engage with colleagues from other sub-regions on how you can develop yourselves. Wherever you feel NUJ can give you that support, I want to tell you that we're always ready at every point to support", he added.

Earlier, the Chancellor of COOPA, Mr. Utitofon Ukpong, appealed for a cordial working relationship between the NUJ and COOPA, especially,  in the area of capacity development as well as defence of members against intimidation or harassment in the course of their official duties.

Ukpong further appreciated the Union for its support over the years and made a case for the restoration of the 'Online Publisher of the Year Award' in the NUJ Press Week Awards, to give a sense of belonging to some Journalists registered with both organisations.

Prayers were offered for the success of the new COOPA Executive.

African Entrepreneurs are beating the Innovation Pathway - Capital Luxury Group CEO

 

……splashes $20,000 for Becoming  Pitch Deck Challenge 

Africa has seen a surge in entrepreneurial activities in recent years, with a wave of innovators and visionaries rising up to tackle challenges and create sustainable solutions. These African entrepreneurs are not only making a name for themselves but are also setting an example for others to follow.

One area where African entrepreneurs are excelling is in the technology sector. They are leveraging technology to develop innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by the continent. For example, in Kenya, M-Pesa revolutionized mobile banking and digital payments, allowing millions of people who previously had no access to formal banking services to send and receive money securely and efficiently. This innovation has since spread to other parts of Africa, improving financial inclusion and boosting economic growth.

Another sector where African entrepreneurs are making waves is agriculture. Africa has a rich agricultural heritage, but it has historically been plagued by issues such as insufficient access to markets, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change. However, entrepreneurs are using technology and innovative approaches to transform the sector. For instance, Farmcrowdy, a Nigerian startup, connects farmers with investors who provide them with the necessary resources to increase their productivity. These resources include funding, training, and access to markets. This model not only boosts agricultural productivity but also provides investors with a return on their investment.

Energy is another area where African entrepreneurs are driving innovation. Many parts of the continent still lack access to reliable and affordable energy sources. However, entrepreneurs are finding creative ways to address this challenge. For example, Solar Sister, a social enterprise operating in several African countries, trains and supports women entrepreneurs to sell affordable and clean solar lighting products in their communities. This not only provides communities with access to clean energy but also empowers women economically.

Furthermore, African entrepreneurs are also leading the way in sectors such as healthcare, education, and e-commerce. They are leveraging technology and local knowledge to develop solutions that meet the specific needs of African consumers. This not only drives economic growth and job creation but also improves the quality of life for millions of people across the continent.

Capital Luxury Group, a leading transit, logistics, real estate, auto and music company has been unveiled as the headline sponsor of Hajem Becoming Series Pitch deck competition by the duo of William and Meflyn AnwanA  currently being deployed  in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt and South Africa on the www.becomingseries.ng online and offline platforms. 

The company is noted for such social impact projects and initiatives aimed at touching the lives of people and creating positive social change.

According to Mr Edidiong Udoidiong the Ceo of Capital Luxury Group, “This is a good time to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of young Africans as our continent is at economic crossroads. Our young entrepreneurs are going to be the ones that will beat the path to prosperity and we must help them. I can’t wait to see the innovative ideas that will be pitched.

The first phase of the pitch deck competition runs till 30th  October 2023 after which the second phase kicks in where selected entrepreneurs would pitch their business ideas to Angel investors and venture capitalists in virtual and physical sessions.

During the Pitch Deck competition, young African entrepreneurs stand a chance of winning cash prizes, training facilitation for business funding, seed funds , business linkages etc . Capital Luxury Group is in pole position as it is splashing $20,000 in training facilitation and business funding.

Undoubtedly, Capital Luxury Global Resources, a multifaceted and prestige company with a commitment to providing unlimited luxury products and services is driving a new narrative in the business ecosystem in Africa.

Capital Luxury is committed to the concept of social impact for societal development and human index raise as they wholeheartedly embrace the conscientious responsibility in human capital development by partnering with educational institutions, non-profits, governments, etc in training and implementing development programs, thereby ensuring that individuals have access to career opportunities, training facilitation and business linkages to further position their businesses  etc.

 Their focus on nurturing talent and potentials strengthens the foundation for societal advancement and core functionalities targeted at emphasizing and uplifting marginalized communities to empowering individuals.

Social impact goes beyond monetary gains. It encompasses the positive changes in communities and individuals' lives that result from targeted initiatives. Capital Luxury recognizes the significance of social impact in uplifting communities, empowering individuals, youths , women and creating a more equitable society. 

African entrepreneurs are blazing a trail of innovation and demonstrating their potential to create lasting impact. They are leveraging technology, adopting innovative business models, and tackling pressing challenges to create solutions that are transforming their communities and industries. With the right support and conducive business environment, African entrepreneurs have the potential to continue driving innovation and contributing to the continent's sustainable development.

In today's world, organizations are not just expected to be profit-driven entities; they are also seen as agents of change and drivers of social impact. Their commitment to driving social impact serves as a catalyst for societal advancement tells a story.One such organization, Capital Luxury has emerged as a leader in integrating social impact as a core functionality in their operations.