Author: ITPulse

  StarTimes, a popular Chinese pay TV company in Nigeria, has come under weighty allegations of systemic racism and anti-labour practices by its Nigerian employees and ex-staff. Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigations confirmed that five Nigerian senior management staff and numerous junior executives have recently resigned from the company also known as NTA-Star TV Network following widespread discontent between the Chinese handlers who occupy the topmost seats and many Nigerian senior staff. The ex-staff accused the top echelon, mainly of Chinese nationals, of deep-seated racial discrimination, management highhandedness and widespread discontent. But, Mr. Henry Eyo, director of Human Resources at the Company…

  By Martin Ekpeke The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is on the verge of inking a partnership deal with the Minister of Federal Capital territory, Hon. Mohammed Musa Bello on the concept of smart city. The deal, when finally sealed will see Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city has robust telecommunications and ICT infrastructure that will ultimately lead to better security, better environment and control, including transportation infrastructure, which could be integrated to provide smart solutions for the city residents. The idea was disclosed when the telecommunications regulator’s Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, yesterday, led a team of the Commission…

  In emerging markets, increasing smartphone adoption and growing internet penetration is fueling the expansion of e-commerce. E-commerce has become a significant tool in unlocking job creation and innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. Further, the World Bank’s Global Findex database shows that in key mobile money markets, e-commerce is being used by low-income and rural people. However, in these markets, over 70 percent of e-commerce payments involve cash-on-delivery payment processes, which are expensive, inefficient and time-consuming for both merchants and buyers. As a source of funds integrated in the phone, mobile money presents a compelling…

  By Martin Ekpeke Programos Foundation, Nigeria’s coordinating civil society organization of the United Nations based World Summit Awards which selects and promotes local digital innovation with high impact on improving society has released results of winners for this year’s edition. According to a statement released during the weekend by Amos Emmanuel, President, Programos Foundation and the WSA Eminent National expert for Nigeria, the results were based on nominees and products with respect to World Summit Award Nigeria 2017  national database, which closed on the 15th of August 2017. The award is categorized into the following: Learning &  Education, Culture…

  By Martin Ekpeke Irvine Partners, a hitherto South Africa based and one of the leading Public relations and integrated marketing agencies on the African continent, has expanded its  footprints to Nigeria. The company said in a statement that its entry into Nigeria is as a result of the strategic importance of the country market, reputed to be one of Africa’s dynamic country. “Nigeria is a dynamic and important market and our clients need us there,” says CEO Rachel Irvine. She believes the physical presence in the country means the company is able to directly service its international clients in…

  According to s recent Fortune Magazine survey, 42 percent of Startups say that they did not evaluate the market needs for their various products, solutions and services before launching into the market. Unfortunately, this keeps recurring and adversely affects the acceptance as well as the profitability of such products in the market. It is interesting to note that, the failure rate of about 95% of Startups within 5 years of commencement of business because of this and other extraneous factors. I recently had a chat with Bolaji Finnih, CEO, TechPreneur Africa, who is passionate about building growth bond companies…

  Kaduna based Teams Offikwu, which emerged champion of last edition Nigerian Communications Commission’s Tennis League, has started this year’s edition with an overwhelming win over Team Tech Vibe of Jos by 6-1. Christopher Bulus and Henry Atsheye won the two men’s singles on opening day while Oyinlomo Quadri gave them a three match lead by beating Abies Amadasun in the ladies’ singles. Shehu Lawal and Atsheye combined to win the men’s doubles that gave the defending champions an unassailable 4-0 lead. In Ado Ekiti, Team Goshen of Ilorin rallied from losing the opening singles to beat Team Yetade 5-2.…

  Leading social media platform, Facebook will henceforth introduce publisher logos next to articles in trending and search surfaces, saying is part of an ongoing efforts to enhance people’s recognition of the sources of news distributed on our platform. In a statement signed by Andrew Anker, Product Manager at Facebook, publishers will now be able to upload multiple versions of their logos through a new Brand Asset Library, so that the logos can appear next to their content on Facebook. “Today, we will begin introducing publisher logos next to articles in Trending and Search surfaces on Facebook  as part of…

  By Kester Omu The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated its commitment to implement the national policy on local content, which was intended to transfer technology and develop local know-how. The Director general of NITDA, Dr. Isa Pantami stated this in Lagos during the StartUp Nigeria event, where some startups in the country pitched their tent for investors and buyers. The startup event was organised by the Office of ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), a department in NITDA. The aim was to identify and promote innovative ideas by youths to develop the IT ecosystem and create job…

  By Martin Ekpeke A digital currency enthusiast and Coordinator of Blockchain Nigeria user group,  Mr. Chimezie Chuta has called on the Nigerian government through the Central bank of Nigeria to come up a regulatory framework for Blockchain technology, especially as it has to do with digital currency. Chuta, who made this call at the first nationwide Blockchain and digital currency conference held in Lagos, argued that the revolutionary technology is being explored and exploited in the developed nations around the world. He believes that Blockchain will greatly strengthen the Nigerian financial system and help the government to control funds.…