TECHDIGEST  – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami has officially opened the 3rd National Identification Number (NIN) diaspora enrolment centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Professor Pantami accompanied at the event by the National identification commission DG/CEO Engr. Aliyu A.Aziz reiterated the federal government commitment to ensure that all Nigeria have the foundational identity, most especially the Nigerian’s in the diaspora.

He emphasized the need for all Nigerian living and working in the UAE to enrol and be issued the NIN.

ALSO READ : Nigeria’ll capitalize on Digital Technology to Combat Insecurity – Pantami

The newly opened Centre managed by NIMC-license Diaspora enrolment partner, Knowledge Square and Plectrum Limited bring the total number of Centre opened in 38 countries to 152.

The Dubai Centre is located at 19th floor, Conrad Tower, Sheikh Zayad road, trade Centre 1,Dubai UAE.

Meanwhile, Professor Pantami uses the occasion to showcase and educate the Nigerian in the Diaspora on the recently launched FGs NIN tokenization policy which was unveiled on 16th, September 2021 by the President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR ,as part of his administration policy of ensuring the protection of Data of all NIN holders, especially for verification to access all government services.

It should be recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria had earlier announced the 31st March 2022 as the deadline for the adaptation of tokenization NIN verification policy by both the public and private sectors. NIMC shall cut-over all verification transactions to the NIN tokenization service with effect from 31st March, 2022.

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TECHDIGEST – Religion is not our albatross in Nigeria. It has never been.

Recently, there is a short documentary about the Emirate of Dubai, an Islamic Emirate, State in all standards and its many disruptive and record-breaking technological/innovative strides, and compared it with similar Emirates in Nigeria. Definitely, our hearts must sink indespair.

Dubai is NOT a country . It is just one out of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

UAE is an Islamic country which declared an independence from Britain in 1971.

Yet, Dubai is the fastest growing Science and ICT hub in the world. Yes, you read that correctly; in the world! You can see some of their young scientists in Arabic and Islamic gowns having a dialogue about championing the next frontiers in science and innovations.

Watching the documentary one must marvel at the unbelievable leaps in education, innovation and infrastructure achieved within 50years. Can the this Emirate be compared with the Sultanate of Sokoto and Emirate of Kano in Nigeria. The difference is more than 7UP but millions of mile a apart.

The Emirate of Dubai has singlehandedly launched two satellites into Space; launched its first Mars Exploration Spacecraft and had the innovative signature of a Dubai teenage girl on it. A teenager who dreams to be the first astronaut on Mars.

Dubai emirate currently has the largest number of foreign research scientists and ICT experts in the world.

This is a deeply culturally Islamic State prioritizing Science, Technology and Futurism and not tackling banditry and terrorism every day and night as it is in sections of Emirates in Nigeria.

Is the Islam.being practiced in Dubai different from the one being practiced in Nigeria.

While their religious practice (Islam) prioritizes innovations and science, the religion practice by Christians and Muslims in Nigeria Prioritise building of mega worshipping centres for flamboyant preachers who cruise in private jets.

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TECH DIGEST – The Federal Government says about 50 million dollars foreign investments are already being attracted into the economy for the support of various start-ups in the country through its digital economy and innovations policy.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, shortly after unveiling Nigeria’s Pavillion at the 2020 40th Gulf Information Technology Exhibition(GITEX).

Pantami noted that the journey of start-ups is a tough one, but urged them to be consistent and steadfast as the breakthroughs might come after several years.

According to him, Nigeria was not lacking in terms of innovative ideas, stating that it was the plan of the government to identify the challenges confronting the start-ups and see how government could assist them.

The minister pointed out that start-ups in Lagos and Abuja have really made Nigeria proud as they keep attracting foreign investments into the country.

“The startups need to be mentored, any start-ups without mentorship cannot be successful on the platter of gold, you need to be patient, and consistent.

“You have to be steadfast and partake in critical thinking as well as be analytic. The main challenge is not about funding, but mentoring. That is why our focus now is on mentoring our young start-ups.

“We are also providing the enabling environment for them to thrive, so you discover that in the proposed finance bill 2020, there is reduction in small and medium enterprises taxes.

“If we are able to implement this plan in the next five years, our start-ups are going to be celebrated not only in Nigeria, but globally,” headed.

Pantami recalled that Amazon became a global brand with huge profit today after several years of trials and failures, expressing confidence that Nigeria start-ups which attracted the 50 million dollars investments gives hope that the future would be bright for the country.

Mr Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA), in his address, said about ten Nigerian start-ups would be showcasing their innovations in Dubai this year.

He reiterated the commitment of NITDA to continue encouraging all Nigerians to invest and participate in efforts that would boost innovation and digital economy in the country.

GITEX is the biggest annual consumer computer and electronics trade show, exhibition, and conference in the Middle East and East Africa that takes place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The GITEX 2020 started on Dec. 6 and is expected to end on Dec. 10.

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TECH DIGEST– The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has opened its application for sponsorship of Nigerian startups to the upcoming 40th edition of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Dubai, United Arab Emirates from December 6th – 10th, 2020.

Over 150,000 trade visitors from over 140 countries are expected at the 5 days global tech expo and conferences, GITEX is the biggest tech event in Asia, Middle East and Africa.

The GITEX Technology Week 2020 is a major meeting point for technology industry professionals; governments, innovators, futurists and corporate buyers.

GITEX has now become a major thrust for the Global Startup Movement attracting some of the world’s biggest technology mentors, angel investors, and venture capitalists.

Nigeria has featured an increasingly strong delegation and Country Pavilion presence through NITDA since 2013 to explore cross-nations deals and collaborations.

In the last five years also, NITDA has provided strong support for Nigerian startups by featuring over 40 startups at GITEX Future Stars Pavilion through its subsidiary, the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE).

The exhibition offers attendees and startups an opportunity to explore and gain new perspectives; explore innovative ideas; expand their networking opportunities through facilitated business meetings, blockbuster showcases and enlightening briefings.

SECTOR FOCUS:

We are calling for Innovative Technology (and Technology Driven) Startups with solutions addressing any of these problems’ areas to apply for a full sponsorship to represent Nigeria at GITEX:

1. 5G
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Augmented Analytics
3. Transportation
4. Digital Economies
5. Cyber Security and Resilience
6. Cloud and edge computing
7. Blockchain technology

NOTE:

Applications will be considered and scored by a panel of judges from within the Nigerian technology startup ecosystem based on a set eligibility criteria to identify solutions addressing any of the problems listed above that can compete globally

HOW TO APPLY:

This year, interested applicants are invited to visit: http://bit.ly/NITDA-GITEX2020 to apply. The application process closes by midnight of November 16, 2020 after which all entries will be evaluated and successful startups will be selected and contacted.

ENQUIRIES:

All enquiries related to startup participation at GITEX should be directed to: The Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE).

Phone: +234 909 788 8885

E-Mail: oiie@nitda.gov.ng or info@ictinnovation.gov.ng

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