AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

MTN can drive Nigeria to a $1 trillion economy” says CEO, Kari ToriolaCEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola has said that the organization can drive Nigeria towards a $1 trillion economy.

He made this statement at the CWG Africa Texcellence Conference 3.0, highlighting the company’s evolution from a traditional telecom provider to a forward thinking technology company.

“The shift Telco to TechCo represents a massive opportunity for Nigeria. By embracing digital, investing in infrastructure and fostering innovation, Nigeria can accelerate its journey toward becoming a $1 trillion economy”, he said, emphasizing MTN’s vision to drive Nigeria’s economy, with a focus on strengthening community connectivity, promoting financial inclusion, and empowering businesses nationwide.

He noted the telecommunications industry’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy, saying “The telecommunication sector has been a critical sector of economic growth in Nigeria, contributing roughly 14% GDP”.

Toriola detailed MTN’s dedication to reshaping Nigeria’s digital future through key initiatives such as SG deployment, advancements in fintech, and the integration of artificial intelligence.

“The telecommunication sector has been a critical sector of economic growth in Nigeria, contributing roughly 14% GDP. At MTN Nigeria, we are undertaking a transformative shift from a telecommunications provider to a technology company.

While this transition is a significant challenge with its own risks, it presents immense opportunities, especially with the launch of 5G technologies.

We are moving to revolutionize connectivity nationwide by creating urban centers, providing fixed broadband solutions for businesses and homes, creating a foundation for major advancements”, he said.The MTN Chief Executive officer highlighted some of the company’s present digital solutions and initiatives contributing to Nigeria’s digital economy, including MoMo PSB, Ayoba and MTN play, while also emphasizing the power of 5G in driving economic development.

“The low latency and high- speed capabilities of 5G open up exciting possibilities in areas such as the internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (At), expanding our reach into sectors like healthcare.

Mobile money services are also at the forefront of our transformation from a Telco to a TechCo, as we aim to meet evolving consumer demands and build new business cases in financial solutions”.

He also noted the ongoing construction of MTN’s data center, which will enable the ICT firm to provide extensive infrastructure and storage services for various businesses.

Karl Toriola’s submissions at the Texcellence Conference indicated that MTN’s transition from Telco to TechCo goes beyond business solutions, also forming part of the firm’s strategic efforts to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth.

ZENITH BANK HOLDS 4TH EDITION OF ANNUAL TECH STARTUP PITCH COMPETITION

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Fourth Edition of the Zenith Bank Tech Fair, tagged “Future Forward 4.0: Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI”, is set to hold on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

The fair will showcase leading technological innovations that cut across Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Compliance, Financial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Communication Technologies, among others.

The event will also feature a Start-up Pitch Competition – Zecathon – to identify innovative startups, panel discussions, masterclasses and exhibitions.Among the rich lineup of activities, the event will feature opening remarks by Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank and a welcome address by Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc.

There will also be a goodwill message to be delivered by the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Kashim Shettima and the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu.

The keynote address, “Banking Transformation in a Digital World “, will be delivered by Robin Speculand, a renowned Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist. Other prominent IT practitioners who represent top global brands will make presentations.

These include; Danillo McGarry, Global Expert in Digital Transformation & AI; Jania Okwechime, Partner, Africa, AI & Data, Deloitte and Rupert Nicolay, Director, Microsoft Worldwide Financial Services, amongst others.The panel discussion which has Wole Odeyele, Client Technology Lead for Microsoft Inc. as its host, will feature six discussants including Ada Jabaru, Founder & Director, Nistad Limited; Funke Opeke, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MainOne; Guy Futi, Chief Executive Officer, Orda; Dr Auwal Adam Sa’ad, Founder, ZamzamPay; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General/Chief Executive Officer, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The masterclass will be divided into seven (7) different classes, and facilitated by key industry players that cut across renowned tech giants such as: Microsoft, Oracle, CyberSoc, IBM, Google, Huawei & Amazon Web Services.To register and participate, visit www.zenithbank.com/techfair. The fair will be live on Zoom and streamed on the bank’s social media pages.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

n a bid to promote a savings culture and enhance financial literacy among young Nigerians, Unity Bank Plc has announced plans to launch a new app for children and teenagers designed to empower users to achieve their financial goals.

The announcement was made during the World Savings Day training held at Emerald Fields School, Calabar, Cross River State, as part of the Bank’s nationwide initiative to mark the global event.

World Savings Day is observed in Nigeria as an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bankers Committee and Junior Achievement Nigeria to drive financial inclusion with the vehicle of Financial Literacy Training which is held in secondary schools across the country.Speaking at the event, Unity Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, represented by the Chief Compliance Officer, Mrs. Patricia Ahunanya, emphasized the importance of instilling good financial habits early in life.

She explained that the upcoming app would equip students with tools to set SMART financial goals, understand the power of compound interest, and build financial safety nets through savings and prudent money management.“Financial literacy is the foundation of a secure future.

By teaching students to distinguish between needs and wants, budgeting, and embracing delayed gratification, we empower them to take charge of their financial journeys.

The new app will serve as a practical tool to support these lessons and help young Nigerians build a culture of savings,” Mrs. Somefun stated.

The training session in Calabar, one of 16 held simultaneously across secondary schools in Nigeria, aimed to instil essential money management skills.

Participants were exposed to simulations on earning, budgeting, spending wisely, and understanding the principles of borrowing and saving. Unity Bank’s representatives guided the students through interactive discussions, encouraging them to set financial goals and cultivate habits that support long-term financial stability.

World Savings Day, celebrated annually on October 31, aims to promote the importance of savings and financial awareness globally. In Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Banker’s Committee, Deposit Money Banks, and Junior Achievement Nigeria, coordinated activities to engage students nationwide.

Unity Bank’s initiative aligns with the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy by encouraging young Nigerians to embrace financial literacy early.

The Bank’s upcoming app, designed specifically for children and teenagers, will complement this effort by providing an engaging platform for setting savings goals, tracking progress, and building healthy financial habits.With financial literacy training held in six geopolitical zones, Unity Bank reinforces its commitment to youth development and capacity building.