Uncategorized
Tech4Dev, Commonwealth Office partner to train 1000 on digital literacy in Northern Nigeria
Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), an NGO, says it has partnered with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on digital literacy training in Northern Nigeria.
Diwura Oladepo, Executive Director at Tech4Dev, told a virtual conference on Tuesday in Lagos that the initiative was designed to directly impact on 1,000 beneficiaries over a 12-week period in 10 rural clusters across 10 states in Northern Nigeria.
She said 50 per cent of the beneficiaries would be vulnerable women and girls (aged 8 -18, 45-65), 30 per cent of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), while 20 per cent would come from other vulnerable groups.
Oladepo said the partnership was part of efforts to empower vulnerable groups in the rural clusters of Northern Nigeria with digital skillset required for the future of work and advanced learnings in the 21st century.
The Executive Director said this would help in closing the digital skills gap needed in the digital economy.
“It has become pertinent, especially on the path of the new normal, to focus on digital literacy allowing vulnerable populations to leverage on technology for commerce, education and communication.
“Digital literacy is also essential to improve their socio-economic recovery, pandemic resilience and build a more prosperous future,” Oladepo said.
According to her, the programme is meant to introduce learners in underserved communities and vulnerable groups in Northern Nigeria to digital literacy.
“This is with the intent of equipping them with the basic digital knowledge required to succeed in the 21st-century and the emerging new normal from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Basic Digital Literacy for Rural Clusters in Northern Nigeria programme aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals one, four and 10 (No Poverty, Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities),” she said.
She said that investing in digital literacy for vulnerable people living in rural clusters in Northern Nigeria would reduce the poverty index by increasing employability of the beneficiaries.
Mr Idongesit Udoh, Head, UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and Country Adviser, said Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, Economic Sustainability Plan and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Strategy have identified digital skills as key economic prosperity for Nigerians.
He said that with COVID-19, digital literacy has become a must-have, adding that the UK Government was once again demonstrating timely support not only for Nigeria’s inclusive economic development but building effective COVID-19-related resilience.
Udoh said the project was already helping to close the digital divide, enabling inclusive digital access and building communities’ resilience to current and future pandemics.
“According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), about 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
“This figure is due to increase with the use of technology and automation of jobs,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), a non-profit organisation founded in 2016 to empower African communities with digital skills that will bridge the gap of unskilled labour needed for the future of work.
Uncategorized
London Property Dispute Exposes Alleged Corruption, Forgery by Nigerian Politician and Lawyer
By Hassan Taiye
A recent judgment by the UK’s First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) has shed light on a complex web of alleged corruption and forgery involving a Nigerian politician and a senior lawyer. The case revolves around a disputed property in North London, valued at 79 Randall Avenue.
The property was purchased in 1993 under the name “Tali Shani,” which is allegedly an alias for late General Jeremiah Useni, a powerful member of the Abacha regime. Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, claimed the property was gifted to him by “Mr. Tali Shani” in 2021 as payment for legal services. However, the tribunal dismissed this claim, describing it as “fabricated” and “fraudulent.”
The tribunal’s ruling highlights the alleged involvement of Ozekhome and his associates in fabricating documents, including a Nigerian passport, National Identification Number (NIN), and Tax Identification Number (TIN). The NIN was reportedly created remotely from Monaco using a non-compliant photograph and bypassing biometric requirements ¹.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate Ozekhome and others over alleged fraud, forgery, and unlawful attempt to acquire the London property. The ICPC has launched an investigation, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has also taken notice of the case ²
Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN Senior lawyer accused of forgery and attempting to acquire the property through fraudulent means.
General Jeremiah Useni Late Nigerian General allegedly behind the purchase of the property under the alias “Tali Shani.”
Osilama Ozekhome*: Ozekhome’s son, implicated in the alleged forgery and fraud.
L-r Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Solomon Adeola; Senate Deputy Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin; Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Senator Sharafadeen Ali; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Senate Whip Tahir Monguno and Senate Committee Chairman on Financial Institutions, Tokunbo Abiru, after resumption of plenary yesterday. Photo: Senate President’s Office
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet amid a growing controversy surrounding his academic credentials.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed Nnaji’s resignation in a statement issued late Tuesday.
Nnaji’s exit follows mounting allegations that his academic certificates were forged. Investigations revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree he claimed to possess, stating that he never completed his studies at the institution and was therefore not issued any certificate.
According to UNN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but failed to meet the requirements for graduation.
In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reportedly disowned the certificate of national service presented by Nnaji, describing it as fake.
His resignation marks the latest in a series of controversies to hit the Tinubu administration over questions of integrity and accountability among public officials.
Banditry: Rep member condemns attack on Kwara community
London Property Dispute Exposes Alleged Corruption, Forgery by Nigerian Politician and Lawyer
Senate ‘ll Remain Open, Accountable and Responsive – Akpabio assures Nigerians
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion6 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines9 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader