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Zoom Users Advised To Update Software After Vulnerabilities Found

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8 months ago

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NCC Issues Final Letters Of Licence Awards To 5G Spectrum Winners

Olushola Okunlade Writes

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has advised users of the video telephony platform, Zoom, to install the latest update of the software from its publisher’s official website following the discovery of vulnerabilities that allows a remote attacker to exploit the app.

In an advisory issued on Wednesday, NCC-CSIRT reported that the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) found several flaws in Zoom products.

The video telephony platform became popular for virtual meetings in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic with more than 300 million daily users.

According to the NCC-CSIRT advisory, “A remote attacker could exploit the vulnerabilities to circumvent implemented security measures and cause a denial of service on the targeted machine.” 

It noted that “These vulnerabilities exist owing to incorrect access control implementation in Zoom On-Premises Meeting Connector MMR prior to version 4.8.20220815.130. A remote attacker could exploit these flaws to join a meeting they were not permitted to attend without being seen by the other attendees. They can also access audio and video feeds from meetings they were not permitted to attend, as well as interrupt other sessions.”

In 2019, the Southern Swamp Associated Gas Solutions project was commissioned, and the SPDC JV is planning to reduce associated gas flaring further through its Forcados Yokri gas-gathering project, of which large parts are set to be completed in 2022. Despite such efforts to reduce continuous flaring, unfortunately flaring intensity (the amount of gas flared for every tonne of oil and gas produced) at both SPDC- and SNEPCo-operated facilities increased in 2021 owing to short-term operational issues. Flaring from SPDC-operated facilities increased by around 5% in 2021 compared with 2020. The increase was primarily because of the extended outage of the gas compression system in SPDC’s shallow-water operations. The system was restored and became operational from January 2022. Flaring at SNEPCo-operated facilities rose by around 160% in 2021 compared with 2020. This was mainly because of an increase in flaring on the Bonga floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. Repairs to a flex-joint on the Bonga FPSO’s gas export riser in the second quarter took longer than expected, in part because of weather conditions. While repairs were under way, the FPSO continued to produce oil and therefore flaring was necessary for safety reasons. The repairs were safely concluded in July 2021. Although flaring intensity levels rose in 2021, SPDC and SNEPCo over the last 10 years have almost halved the combined amount of hydrocarbons they flare from 1.5 million tonnes in 2012 to 0.8 million tonnes in 2021. This reduction is the result of a strict flaring reduction management process and both SPDC and SNEPCo will continue to work in close collaboration with joint-venture partners and the government to make progress towards ending routine flaring of associated gas. NIGERIA LNG EXPANSION UNDERWAY Global demand for LNG continues to grow as the world increasingly seeks reliable supplies of lowercarbon energy. Shell’s investment in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure for export is expected to help 6 This is according to a data provided by global research and consultancy business Wood Mackenzie. the country benefit further from revenues. Shell Gas B.V. and its partners took a final investment decision in 2020 on a new LNG processing unit – known as Train 7 -- at NLNG. The expansion is expected to create around 12,000 jobs for Nigerians during construction and stimulate growth of the local oil and gas service sector, with 55% of engineering and procurement of goods and services being sourced in-country. Train 7 is expected to ensure Nigeria’s continued place as a global player in a lower-carbon energy source. Once operational, Train 7 will add around 8 million tonnes per annum of capacity to the Bonny Island LNG facility, taking the total production to around 30 million tonnes per annum. In 2021, NLNG began awarding procurement and construction contracts. Early works started at the site. The first phase of the worker village is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2022 and the new material offloading facility ready for use by the end of 2022. NLNG’s Train 7 is expected to come onstream in the middle of the 2020s. KEY LICENCE RENEWED FOR DEEP-WATER SNEPCo has interests in four deep-water blocks in the Gulf of Guinea, two of which it operates. Today, nearly one-third of Nigeria’s deep-water oil and gas production comes from the Bonga and the nonoperated Erha fields.6 Since production began in 2005, Bonga alone has produced more than 950 million barrels of oil with the 2021 average oil production per day at 105,000 barrels. The Bonga FPSO vessel has a total production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day and 150 standard cubic feet of gas export per day. In 2021, the availability of the FPSO vessel increased to 80% from 70% in 2020. In addition to Bonga, SNEPCo’s exploration activities have led to several significant discoveries of oil and gas over the last two decades, including the Bolia and Doro fields (Shell interest 55%). Nigeria Briefing Notes Helping to power Nigeria’s economy 13 In the right investment climate, SNEPCo believes that there are opportunities to expand. In 2021 the OML 118 (Bonga) production sharing contract was renewed and the lease extended for 20 years. Bonga North and Bonga South West Aparo (BSWA) oil fields are two such potential opportunities. Bonga North is a proposed tie-back project to the existing Bonga FPSO with Phase 1 comprising 14 wells. BSWA is a development of a new FPSO with Phase 1 comprising 23 wells. SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY STARTUPS Millions of Nigerians are excluded from the country’s power grid and Shell Companies in Nigeria have established and provided substantial funding for a not-for-profit, impact-investing company called All On. Operating as an independent company, All On works to bring reliable electricity – often from renewable energy sources -- to off-grid urban and rural customers. This support aims to build a solid pipeline of viable businesses that can create the scale required to address Nigeria’s access to energy gap. In December 2019, SPDC and SNEPCo made a significant additional 10-year financing commitment of $160 million in All On, bringing the total commitment to $200 million. By the end of 2021, All On had provided investment capital to over 40 renewable energy start-ups in its portfolio – an increase of more than 30% from 2020. One such company is Infibranches Technologies Limited, to which All On has committed $2 million, which is expected to enable the indigenous technology company to expand sales of solar home systems via its more than 13,000 agent banking partners across Nigeria. With the support of the Rockefeller Foundation, the All On Hub was established in 2020 to provide nonfinancial support and build the capabilities of off-grid energy entrepreneurs. In 2021, the hub supported 81 ventures – nearly double the 41 supported in 2020. Also in 2021, All On, Odyssey Energy Solutions and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet launched a $10 million equipment financing facility as part of the DART pilot programme in Nigeria. 7 Hydraulic flying leads support the delivery of hydraulic fluid and/or chemicals between subsea equipment. 8 Subsea trees are an assembly of valves and other components used to monitor and control the production of a subsea well. DART will combine demand pooling, aggregated purchasing of solar equipment, and access to affordable finance to unlock economies of scale for solar companies, achieve cost savings for end-users, and accelerate the growth of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria and beyond. DEVELOPING LOCAL CONTENT AND SKILLS Shell Companies in Nigeria contribute to the growth of Nigerian businesses that can provide technical and support services to the industry. This includes the manufacture of tools and technical kits, the operation of helicopter flights in the Niger Delta, and strategic partnerships between foreign and local companies to stimulate technology transfer and capacity development. While there are government-required programmes in some areas, such as the Nigerian and Community Content Strategy embedded in the Assa North/Ohaji South gas development project, Shell Companies in Nigeria deliberately seek to contract local businesses wherever possible. In 2021, Shell Companies in Nigeria awarded $800 million worth of contracts to Nigerian-registered companies. Of these, 92% were companies with at least 51% Nigerian ownership. SNEPCo has awarded major engineering and construction contracts to companies that are indigenous, have local staff, or possess domestic capabilities in the country. At present, the manufacture and rebuild of hydraulic flying leads7 (HFLs) is being carried out in-country by wholly indigenous companies. Pressure Controls Systems Nigeria Limited, another Nigerian company, continues to refurbish old subsea trees.8 Sometimes, a lack of access to capital hinders Nigerian companies from competing for and executing contracts effectively. Shell Companies in Nigeria have provided access to nearly $1.6 billion in loans to 901 Nigerian vendors under the Shell Contractor Support Fund since 2012. These loans help improve their tendering opportunities.

A successful exploit of these vulnerabilities could allow an unauthorized remote authenticated user to bypass implemented security limitations on the targeted system.

The Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) is the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence centre set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector and as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large. The CSIRT also works collaboratively with the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting, and securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks, and problems or related events.

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Telecom

Airtel Africa Appoints Carl Cruz As Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer Of Airtel Nigeria

Published

4 weeks ago

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May 4, 2023

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Airtel Africa Appoints Carl Cruz As Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer Of Airtel Nigeria

Rahidat Okunlade Writes

Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, has announced the appointment of Carl Cruz as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria).

The appointment which takes effect from 5th May 2023, will also see Mr. Cruz join the Executive Committee as the Regional Operating Director reporting to the Airtel Africa Group CEO, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya as well as the Board of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria).

Mr. Cruz has over 31 years of business and corporate experience from multiple geographies across Africa and Asia. In his most recent position, Mr. Cruz served as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Unilever in West Africa, with responsibility and oversight of three listed operating companies, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Francophone Africa. He was a board member in the role of Executive Director in Unilever Nigeria Plc and a Non – Executive Director on the board of Unilever Ghana representing Unilever as a shareholder.

Airtel Africa Appoints Carl Cruz As Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer Of Airtel Nigeria

Carl Cruz, Managing Director, CEO, Airtel Nigeria.

Prior to this, he was the Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Sri Lanka, in addition to occupying leadership roles in Unilever Philippines and Hindustan Unilever India. Throughout his career, Mr. Cruz has managed strategic and directional responsibility in sales, distribution, customer and brand development, trade development, and commercial engagement.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from the University of De La Salle, Philippines.

Speaking on Mr. Cruz’s appointment, Airtel Africa Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya said, “Mr. Cruz brings to Airtel Africa a wealth of business experience, exceptional track record, and strong values. He has a solid record of accomplishment as a strategic and transformational business leader who thrives on problem-solving and building strong teams to deliver business growth. We look forward to working with him to steer our largest region and to deliver on our corporate purpose of transforming lives.”

Mr. Cruz takes over from Mr. C Surendran.

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Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Published

1 month ago

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May 4, 2023

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Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

Leading entertainment content streaming service, Airtel TV, announced the winners of its first Super Skit-Makers contest on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023 at Airtel Headquarters, Ikoyi, with prizes ranging from N250, 000 to N1, 000,000.

Launched in March 2023, the Airtel TV Super Skit-Makers competition is an initiative by the fledgling platform, to recognize and reward the country’s outstanding talent in the emerging online skits genre.

An evidently thrilled crowd at the prize presentation ceremony applauded as the star winner, Qudus Shokunbi, received the unprecedented N1, 000,000 cash reward and a scholarship to Del-York Creative Academy, a top film school in Lagos.

Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Left-Right: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023.

Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Left-Right: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023.

Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Left-Right: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; second runner-up, Akueme John-Paul; first runner-up, Mathias Saidu; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023.

This star award was followed by additional prizes to other winners and contestants. Second and third-place winners were presented with cash prizes of N500,000, and N250,000, respectively, alongside film school scholarships to Del-York Creative Academy. For their notable participation, makers of the top 10 most viewed videos that were entered into the competition also received branded Airtel TV merchandise.

Speaking at the event, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja said, “Airtel Nigeria is excited to host the Skit-Makers and celebrate the incredible contributions of young skit makers to the comedy genre in particular, and Nigerian entertainment in general. We believe in supporting and promoting creativity in Nigeria, and with Airtel TV, we are thrilled to recognize and reward the impact of these talented creators.”

He added: “We hope that the prizes will not only serve as a form of recognition for the winners but also as a source of inspiration to other aspiring skit makers.”

Sharing a similar sentiment, Shokunbi, expressed his gratitude to Airtel TV for boosting the art form. “I am happy that Airtel TV organized this competition and offered this large prize. Their support will go a long way to encourage more youths to produce more creative skits,” he said.

 

 

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Airtel Partners AXA Mansard To Launch Digital Health Plans To Consumers

Published

1 month ago

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April 25, 2023

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Airtel Partners AXA Mansard To Launch Digital Health Plans To Consumers

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

Leading telecommunications network provider, Airtel Nigeria, has partnered with AXA Mansard, to launch a digital health insurance plan that provides access to basic health care consultation and minor treatment for customers on the Airtel network.

This was announced during a press launch at Airtel Headquarters, on Wednesday, 19th April 2023.

The Airtel AXA Mansard health bundle gives Airtel customers the opportunity to approach low-cost health care consolation and treatment for minor illnesses. The bundle plan is said to provide three forms of healthcare services, including telemedicine, pharmacy, and hospitalization reimbursement, and Airtel customers can subscribe by dialing *141*44# to select the service.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja described the bundle as an innovative product that has been particularly designed to make significant difference.

Airtel Partners AXA Mansard To Launch Digital Health Plans To Consumers

Left-Right: Director, Internal Assurance, Airtel Nigeria, Ngozi Akamelu; Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja; Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard, Tope Adeniyi; Chief Customer & Marketing Office, Customer Engagement and Marketing, AXA Mansard, Jumoke Odunlami at the press briefing announcing the Airtel and AXA Digital Health Partnership at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, April 19th 2023.

 

Airtel Partners AXA Mansard To Launch Digital Health Plans To Consumers

Left-Right: Director, Microinsurance, AXA Mansard, Alfred Egbai; Chief Executive Officer, Truthware Solutions, Deji Macauley; Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja; Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard, Tope Adeniyi; Head, Customer Communications, Airtel Nigeria, Guruman Iwundu at the press briefing announcing the Airtel and AXA Digital Health Partnership at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, April 19th 2023.

“In line with Airtel’s core value, which is to deliver solutions that enrich the lives of our customers, we are pleased to partner with AXA Mansard, to launch a cutting-edge health bundle that will add value to our customers. This partnership aims to provide easy and pocket-friendly health insurance access to Airtel users, through mobile data service”, he said.

He added that the health bundle will shorten the distance between Airtel customers and healthcare providers such as hospitals and pharmacies.  “With this simple cover,” he noted, “users may now have access to the medication of up to N60,000 and hospitalization cover of N50,000 per year.”

Also speaking during the launch, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard, Tope Adeniyi hailed the partnership between the two companies for deploying technology to make far-reaching impact in healthcare.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Airtel to make health insurance accessible through mobile services, and we believe that this is currently one of the most innovative and relevant solutions that will empower more Nigerians to conveniently access best-in-class health insurance value offerings,” he said.

Some of the other interventions made by Airtel as part of its continuing commitment to health and wellness in Nigeria include the N200 million investment in the refurbishment and outfitting of the infectious disease center at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in addition to a  donation of N20 million from personal contributions by Airtel employees which was described by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the first of its kind, and many several other projects under Airtel’s award-winning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Airtel Touching Lives.

 

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