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AfriTEX calls for policy framework on smart cities

Published

4 years ago

October 16, 2021

The Africa Information Technology Exhibition and Empowerment Initiative (AfriTEX), an NGO, has called for a policy framework that would drive an initiative towards the country becoming a smart city and digital economy.

Mr Oyesola Oworu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AfriTEX disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

Oworu said the organisation is set to hold a summit from Nov. 2 to Nov. 4, a stakeholders’ forum that would focus on how to integrate technology into how the cities function and as well provide solutions on how city develops.

According to him, stakeholders from private and public sectors as well as professional bodies would deliberate on proffering a policy framework that would become an act of government to transit to smart cities.

“Technology is changing the ways cities and economies evolve, helping to respond to challenges of rapid urbanisation and pressure that is exercised on infrastructure. AfriTEX is committed to working with stakeholders to promoting digital economy for Nigeria and Africa at large.

“The forum is expected to identify substantial opportunities to build inclusive sustainable smart economies through leadership and collaboration to maximise the interoperability of new technologies across different industries.

“This mega forum will be an innovative platform in promoting smart cities development and digital economy that are in sync with the latest innovations and to understand the potential of implementing cutting-edge smart, safe, secure and sustainable digital economy,” he said.

Oworu, therefore, called on the government to join the rest of the world to key into smart solutions to tackle the insecurity of the country and have better surveillance system for the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Miebaka Adoki, Chairman of AfriTEX, said there was need to have a smart government who would put together documentations that would guide the development of a smart city.

Adoki said that the idea of having a smart city by a nation was to use technology to make the life of the citizens easier.

He urged the country to take a cue from China whose entire economy was driven by technology saying that as of today, China was the smartest nation in the entire world.
According to him, 10 things make a city smart and among these are the functionality of the building, policy of government, environmental factors and the Internet of Things, among others.

“How prepared is Nigeria to enter the era of smart solutions? No nation will wait for Nigeria because the smart solutions has come to stay.

“ Cities all over the world is emerging to becoming smart and nobody will wait for Nigeria. We cannot in anyway avoid this because it is for the uplift and development of human.

“ We need to catch up with the rest of the world and be in tune with what is happening around the globe.

“ So, as a country, we need to come together to provide a policy framework that will lead to a policy direction for the country to have smart cities, “he said.

(NAN)

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NSF: Oparaoji, Ekpeyong, Quadri Gear Up for Tough Quarterfinal Clashes in Abeokuta

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The tennis courts at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta are buzzing with intensity as the competition hits the quarterfinal stage in both the men’s and women’s singles events, following a gripping round of 16.

Men’s Singles Quarterfinals:

Abubakar Yusuf of FCT will square off against Rivers State’s Abua Canice. Yusuf booked his spot with a 4-0, 4-2 win over Ehigiamusoe Endurance of Edo, while Canice cruised past Azi David 4-1, 4-0.

Bayelsa’s Uche Oparaoji faces Adeleye Daniel of Ekiti in a clash of skill and strategy. Oparaoji outclassed Urenyang Nuhu of Taraba 4-1, 4-2, just as Adeleye powered past Kaduna’s Ibrahim Sulaiman with the same scoreline.

In one of the most anticipated ties, Danjuma Lucky (FCT) will lock horns with Bayelsa’s top seed David Ekpeyong. Danjuma came through a thrilling contest against Ekiti’s Abamu Matthew, rallying to win 1-4, 4-2, 10-5, while Ekpeyong dominated Taraba’s Rubi Toba 4-0, 4-2.

Home favourite Christopher Bulus of Ogun will battle Edo’s Michael Chima for a semifinal ticket. Bulus swept past Rivers’ Timibra Godsgift 4-1, 4-0, while Chima triumphed over Delta’s Iloputa Ikechukwu in a straight-set win.

Women’s Singles Quarterfinals:

Delta’s Barakat Quadri, fresh off a 4-1, 4-0 win over Rebecca Ekpeyong of Bayelsa, will face rising star Emmanuel Bright of the IJA (Invited Junior Athletes), who overcame Rivers’ Maxwell Timipre 4-2, 5-3.

Edo’s Omotayo Blessing will battle Akwa Ibom’s Udoffa Mary in what promises to be a fiery encounter. Omotayo brushed aside Ekiti’s Adeusi Jesutoyosi 4-0, 4-1, while Udoffa outplayed Moses Favour of Kaduna 5-3, 4-0.

Elsewhere, Ogunjobi Success of Ekiti will test her mettle against Aina Goodnews of IJA, and Akwa Ibom’s Etoro Bassey faces Ogun’s Yakubu Ohunene in a South-South vs South-West showdown.

With the quarterfinals locked in, tennis fans are in for a thrilling ride as the battle for medals intensifies under the Abeokuta sun.

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