Four teams from Nigeria have secured two grand prizes, and two first prizes at the Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 Global final held in Shenzhen, China on May 26, 2024.
At the fierce competition designed to help students enhance their ICT knowledge and practical skills, the Nigeria teams emerged part of 19 teams from nine countries who won the Grand Prizes of the Practice and Innovation Competitions.
This 8th edition of the Huawei ICT Competition themed “Connection, Glory and Future”, attracted more than 170,000 students from over 2,000 universities and colleges across more than 80 countries and regions, making it the largest offline competition since its launch. More than 160 teams consisting of over 470 contestants from 49 different countries and regions made it through national and regional competitions to reach this year’s global final.
The Nigeria team comprising of four students from the University of Ibadan namely Rufus Olusoji Adisa, Tolani Adekunle Adisa, Chibueze Emmanuel Ibekwe, and Lawrence Chukwuemeka, won the grand prize in Computing Track category.
In the Cloud Track category, another Nigeria team also from the University of Ibadan won the grand prize. The students include – Lukman Oyeniyi Abdulyekeen, Sodiq Babawale, and Temiloluwa Oloye.
Two teams from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, also won first prizes in the Network Track category. Students in Team 1 included Knimi Bakna Musa, Kaosar Salaudeen Ahmad, Taiye Ayantola, Oluwagbemiga Victor Ogundele and team 2 consisted of Justus Ilegieuno, Yusuf Olanrewaju Toye, and Jamiu Damilare Dahunsi.
The Nigerian stars beat thousands of competitors at the national level competition testing a range of practical and theoretical digital skills, and represented Nigeria at the regional level contest where they qualified for the finals in China.
Speaking at the event, Ritchie Peng, President of Huawei’s ICT Strategy and Business Development Department, said, “ICT is the cornerstone of the intelligent world. Through the Huawei ICT Competition, we aim to provide students with a global platform to compete and exchange ideas.”
Furthermore, Zhou Hong, President of Huawei’s Institute of Strategic Research, disclosed that, “To make sure everyone can truly enjoy the benefits of digitalization while such technologies are making radical progress, Huawei believes it is crucial to guarantee that digital technologies are accessible to all.”
On the same day, Huawei also held the ICT Accelerating Education Transformation Summit. At the summit, Huawei awarded 24 instructors with the title “Huawei ICT Academy Global Most Valuable Instructor”, which is the first of its kind.
The award aims to show gratitude for the important contributions these instructors have made to talent development, and mark them as role models that show how the brightest minds can develop even brighter minds. These role models will help drive sustainable development of the ICT talent ecosystem.
The Huawei ICT Competition is an annual contest held by Huawei for global university and college students. Through the competition, Huawei aims to provide students with an international platform for healthy competition and the exchange of ideas.
Since its launch in 2015, the competition has helped students enhance their ICT knowledge and practical skills, while also increasing their ability to innovate by using new technologies and platforms. The ultimate goal is to advance technological development and facilitate digital inclusion around the world.
[29/05, 15:31] Michael Thisday: Thailand Govt commends NDLEA over drastic drop in number of Nigerians in Thai prisons
The government of Thailand has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for mounting a vigorous fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, a development that has impacted positively on the image of the country in the international community.
The commendation was given by the Charge d’affaires/Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Thai Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Kriwat Pharmorabuta who was accompanied by a Counsellor, Mr. Perapol Berananda during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd).
While praising the inspiring leadership Marwa has provided the NDLEA in the last three years, the Thai envoy said: “I have good news that I received as we speak, because before, there were around 800 prisoners from Nigeria in Thai prisons, but right now the number has decreased greatly, it is less than 200. That means it’s very difficult now for them to get out with the drugs.
“So, I congratulate you and the Nigerian people. I feel pleased because I’m a diplomat in Nigeria and so I love not only my country, I love also Nigeria because Nigeria is my second home. So, when I receive good news like this I feel very happy.”
Speaking on the ongoing collaboration between the Thai embassy and NDLEA on visa clearance, Mr. Pharmorabuta said his government seeks to strengthen the partnership since the embassy relies more on NDLEA visa clearance to issue Thai visa to any Nigerian travelling to Thailand from anywhere in the world because of the thorough job usually done by the agency on the important travel document.
According to him, “I would like to thank your excellency and to inform you that the government of Thailand gives more importance to the certificate of NDLEA of Nigeria before issuing visas. There may be some other criteria, some other qualifications that they might need but I think it’s not the priority, the priority document which the government of Thailand needs is the certificate from NDLEA. So, it means that if a Nigerian has the NDLEA Certificate, the correct one in their hands, 90- 95% assurance is guaranteed that they can receive the visas to enter into the kingdom of Thailand. So, I would like to thank you very much and to inform you that I’m too pleased that our team, my delegation and your delegation can know each other so that we can coordinate well in subsequent works.”
While stating that he’s responsible for bilateral relations between Nigeria and Thailand, the envoy assured that he would work towards strengthening partnership between NDLEA and its counterparts in Thailand as well as support for the Agency in terms of training and scholarship for its personnel.
In his response, Marwa expressed delight on the ongoing partnership between NDLEA and the Thai embassy on visa clearance certificate. He indicated keen interest in the readiness of the Thai government to support the agency with training and scholarship for its personnel.
“In the area of training that you just indicated your readiness to support us, you are very welcome and we are going to write this week indicating interest in the training and the scholarships. We have a lot to learn from Thailand, In fact I just created a unit, the Alternative Development Unit in my office, which focuses on encouraging our drug traffickers, especially the cannabis growers, because we have so much going on here, over 10 million consuming it and we’ve seized such a huge number, over 7000 tonnes of cannabis, we’re looking at encouraging them to stop cannabis and do other things like rice, sugarcane, cocoa and the country that we can turn to for help is Thailand, because you have the experience in alternative development, so that the people will drop this bad habit and do something more legitimate for themselves”, the NDLEA boss stated.
[29/05, 15:31] Michael Thisday: State Action Plans’ 2nd Phase for Peace and Security Underway in Borno and Yobe States
In a significant move to bolster women, peace, and security in Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have committed to commence a review of the implementation of the current State Action Plans (SAPs) for Peace and Security as plans are underway for the second phase of revision and implementation of State Action Plans (SAPs) in Borno and Yobe States.
The State Action Plans (SAPs) are adaptations of the National Action Plan, which aims to implement the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security through an articulated strategy document called action plan.
The NAP seeks to increase the number of women involved in peace and security matters at the federal, state, local or community levels. The five objectives include prevention and disaster preparedness; participation and representation; protection and prosecution; crisis management, early recovery, and post-conflict reconstruction; and partnerships, coordination, and management.
In a visit to the agencies, the UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, noted that the SAPs, originally developed and launched in 2014, have been pivotal in promoting peace and security in these regions.
However, widespread concern has been expressed regarding the weak implementation of these plans. Emerging security challenges and a growing demand for more robust policy documents have highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the existing SAPs.
Eyong, who was represented by the UN Women Programme Coordinator WPS, Peter Mancha, reaffirmed UN Women’s goal to integrate new peace and security issues and to establish and strengthen coordination mechanisms that will enhance the implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes.
She added that UN Women is committed to supporting the governments of Borno and Yobe states in this endeavour through the State Ministries of Women Affairs under the framework of the “Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project in Nigeria (Phase II).” This initiative is supported by the Government of Germany and aims to ensure that the updated SAPs are more effective and responsive to the current security landscape.
The project also fosters local ownership and coordination among state governments and various stakeholders, ensuring that the SAPs’ implementation is comprehensive and sustainable. Efforts will be made to establish and reinforce mechanisms that enhance the monitoring and reporting of these plans.
The Commandant of the Borno Command NSCDC, Faruk Musa Boyi, reiterated his team’s readiness to collaborate with UN Women and other stakeholders. “Our command is fully committed to supporting women, peace, and security initiatives in Borno State. The fight against gender-based violence is a top priority, and we are ready to work hand-in-hand with UN Women to ensure the protection and safety of women and girls in our communities,” he stated.
In view of this collaborative effort, Yobe State has committed to conducting a review workshop on 30 May 2024. This workshop will be a pivotal step in revising the SAPs, ensuring that they address current challenges and effectively promote peace and security within the state.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing the complex issues of women, peace, and security in Borno and Yobe states.
The commitment of these MDAs to support the review and enhancement of the SAPs marks a unified approach to tackling the challenges faced by women in conflict-affected regions. With the backing of international partners and local stakeholders, Borno and Yobe states are poised to make substantial progress in promoting inclusive conflict resolution and peacebuilding for sustainable peace and security.
[29/05, 19:01] Michael Thisday: Nigeria Remains Committed to Global Efforts at Mitigating Climate Impacts- Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has expressed Nigeria’s commitment to global efforts aimed at mitigating climate impacts and promoting sustainable development.
He gave this commitment at the 4th Nations International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) held in Antigua and Barbuda with the theme: “Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity.”
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Lawal said: “We must remind ourselves of the collective responsibility to support the sustainable development of small island nations that face unique and devastating challenges.”
He decried that: “Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are at the frontline of global environmental crisis due to climate change and other factors such as pollution and loss of biodiversity. Despite contributing less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, these nations suffer disproportionately from the impacts of climate change resulting to rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the degradation of marine ecosystems.
“These factors pose existential threats to the livelihoods and cultures of millions of people in these region. Innovative adaptation strategies as well as robust international support and partnerships are essential to enhance and build resilience in these vulnerable islands.”
He said: “Nigeria stands in solidarity with SIDS and is committed to contributing to global efforts aimed at mitigating climate impacts and promoting sustainable development. Despite these challenges faced by SIDS, they also have opportunities to move towards a green economy, they possess both unexploited terrestrial and oceanic natural resources such as fish stocks, minerals, potential pharmaceutical products, renewable energy such as wind, sun, ocean, wave, hydro and geothermal.
“If harnessed properly, SIDS have the potentials to take a lead in defining models of sustainability and human well-being whilst moving towards a Green Economy. Nigerian Government addressed environmental issues such as pollution and flooding in our major island in Lagos state by establishing and empowering Government Ministries and Agencies that are related to environment to implement robust waste management programmes.”
He noted that the challenges faced by small island developing states are a reflection of broader global issues that require collective action, insisting that: “By supporting SIDS, we are also advancing the broader agenda of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. We must collaborate with SIDS and prioritize investments in climate resilience infrastructure which includes building sea defenses, developing early warning systems, and implementing sustainable land and water management practices.”
He noted that: “Collaboration with international financial institutions and the private sector is essential to mobilize the necessary resources. The economic vulnerabilities of SIDS are exacerbated by their heavy reliance on tourism and external markets. Diversifying their economies through the promotion of sustainable industries, such as renewable energy, fisheries, and agriculture, can create more resilient economic structures.”
He added that: “Access to concessional financing is critical for SIDS to address their development challenges. We must advocate for tailored financial mechanisms that recognize the unique circumstances of SIDS and provide them with the fiscal space needed to invest in sustainable development and create more climate resilient environment. Strengthening regional cooperation among SIDS and fostering partnerships with larger economies can drive innovative solutions and share best practices. Nigeria is committed to working with SIDS and other nations to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.”
He reaffirmed commitment to the principles of equity, justice, and shared prosperity, stating that: “The Lands, Water and Air all belongs to humanity and together, we can chart a course toward a more resilient and sustainable environment for our future and generations to come.”
