Olushola Okunlade Writes

In Its continuous efforts to create fair and inclusive society that provides equal opportunity, the Federal government of Nigeria, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), organized a 1-day stakeholders consultation forum on the National Outsourcing Strategy (NOS), in Abuja, to give stakeholders an opportunity for inputs to express their views and opinions on the proposed NOS.

The participants which include the Academia, relevant MDA’s, ICT Related Organizations, as well as Government representatives, and key relevant stakeholders in the Digital Economy sector share ideas and brainstorm for gainful deliberation.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, who was represented by the Ag. Director, Digital Economy Department, Engr. Salisu Kaka said that the stakeholder’s engagement is an avenue where the National Outsourcing Strategy will enable Nigeria to take advantage of the opportunities presented by global value chain, leveraging its competitive advantages of having the largest youth population in Africa,  mature telecoms market, strategic geographic  location, and vibrant innovation ecosystem to create millions of jobs.

According to him, the vision of National Outsourcing Strategy is to make Nigeria a prime global outsourcing destination. To achieve this, 7 strategic pillars have been carefully chosen based on the country’s unique environment and strengths, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria.

He noted that the strategy is also in alignment with the National Development Plan and addresses key focus areas of Mr. President which are economic diversification, youth employment, and security.

“We, in NITDA, call on all stakeholders to support the implementation of the strategy. This, we are confident, will facilitate the development of a resilient and vibrant digital economy”, he noted.

Furthermore, he stated, “as a national strategy, we encourage all stakeholders to cascade this strategy so that we can build a highly competitive market, making Nigeria the prime Global Outsourcing Destination.”

Presenting a paper on the NOS, Dr, Ayodele A. Bakare, Head of Digital Technology Adaption Unit, NITDA, discussed the summary information about the proposed NOS which includes the rationale, vision, mission, goals, and Objectives of the NOS as well as supporting pillars, governance structure, and implementation strategy.

Laying emphasis on the primary objective of the document, he said, “the National Outsourcing Strategy which aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy aims to deliver 5 Million Jobs in Nigeria by 2030”.

“To achieve this ambitious target, the strategy is focused on seven critical pillars which include the following: Outsourcing, Infrastructure, Human Capital Development, Trust, Privacy and Security, Branding and Promotion, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, and lastly, Finance and Incentives,” he concluded.

By Moninuola Sulaiman

FBN Holdings Plc. has rebutted a trending malicious publication made against the Managing Director (MD) of FirstBank Nigeria PLC whilst using the name and image of the Group Managing Director (GMD) of FBN Holdings.

The false news publication insinuated that the GMD of FBN, Nnamdi Okonkwo was involved in a purported raid of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s residence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as Nigerians reel under the weight of Naira scarcity following a currency redesign project of the apex bank.

Titled “MALICIOUS PUBLICATION- A REBUTTAL,” FBN’s reaction followed a cogent denial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) few hours after the fake report.

FBN Holdings Plc., in a statement made available to BusinessEcho Nigeria on Monday morning, described the report as fake story attempting to damage the country’s banking system at large by dragging it into the murky waters of politics.

The statement reads thus, “Our attention has been drawn to false news making the rounds that an order of arrest has been made against the MD of FirstBank whilst using the name and image of the GMD of FBN Holdings.

“We wish to state categorically that this is fake news which has already been debunked by EFCC in their publication titled: ‘EFCC Did Not Raid Tinubu’s Home’ and signed by the Commission’s Head, Media & Publicity on its verified Twitter handle.

“Neither the Managing Director of the Bank nor the Group Managing Director of the Holding company, Nnamdi Okonkwo have any involvement with the matters alleged in this made-up news story nor is there an order of arrest against either one of them.

“The public should disregard this and all such similar stories whilst the authorities are called upon to fish out the perpetrators of this malicious story”.

Also, EFCC on Sunday debunked the fake news from fake news peddler (WWW.IGBOTIMESMAGAZINE) that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was arrested in his house and 400 billion was recovered from him.

The statement from FBN Holdings Plc. reads:

MALICIOUS PUBLICATION – REBUTTAL
Our attention has been drawn to false news making the rounds that an order of arrest has been made against the MD of FirstBank whilst using the name and image of the GMD of FBN Holdings.

We wish to state categorically that this is fake news which has already been debunked by EFCC in their publication titled: ‘EFCC Did Not Raid Tinubu’s Home’ and signed by the Commission’s Head, Media & Publicity on its verified Twitter handle.

Neither the Managing Director of the Bank nor the Group Managing Director of the Holding company, Nnamdi Okonkwo has any involvement with the matters alleged in this made-up news story nor is there an order of arrest against either one of them.

The public should disregard this and all such similar stories whilst the authorities are called upon to fish out the perpetrators of this malicious story.

Signed:
Management

Olushola Okunlade Writes

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has reassured the general public that is liaising with the Body of Banks CEOs to address the current challenges occasioned by the Naira redesign policy.

In a statement issued by Dr. Ken Opara, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, he said, “the banks would continue to remain open to serve the public as long as it is safe to do so.”

“The safety and security of the staff of banks are of paramount importance. Hence, where there is security challenge, the Management of banks has been empowered to take proactive measures to close their operations in such locations and inform the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

“Therefore, the safety concerns being expressed in various quarters are already being addressed. Banks will continue to ensure that adequate security is in place to protect staff and customers whilst safeguarding their assets in contending with the current challenge.”

“Consequently, we appeal to the general public to remain calm and eschew any act of violence as the banking industry remains resolute and committed to finding ways to address all the related issues.”

“We indeed appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work together towards restoring normalcy” he concluded.