NCC, Nigerian SMEs bag awards at ITU Telecom World 2017
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and three Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises won several awards at the just concluded International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World 2017, Busan, South Korea.
NCC was named the most Valuable Partner by the ITU for its commitment and participation at the events over the years. The NCC was also awarded a certificate of Appreciation for the ITU Telecom World 2017 National Pavilion and thematic Pavilion as well as Loyal Participation and supporters of the yearly ITU Telecom World in a number of years.
Nigeria also won the ITU Telecom World Government Award for being the Government with the most innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) included in the nation’s pavilion.
Five Nigerian SMEs and start-ups qualified for the ITU Telecom World 2017 pitch for the Global SMEs Awards. Three of the SMEs, Miss Temitope Awosika (Medsaf ), Mr. Valentine Ubalua (Ubenwa) and Mr. Chizaram Ucheaga (Mavis Computel) joined the ITU Global SME honours lists.
Medsaf for instance leverages technology to make the process of buying and selling, and managing medication easy and efficient, connecting hospitals, pharmacies and clinics to safe quality medication from leading local and foreign drug manufacturers. Ubenwa’s recognition is for leveraging the most innovative use of ICTs category for pioneering a crybased diagnostic mobile app for birth asphyxia. In addition, Mavis computel’s recognition of Excellence certificate, as the best and most innovative individual exhibitor in the Nigerian pavilion at ITU Telecom World 2017 completed the circle of recognitions in this global event. The certificates were presented to those recognized and won by ITU Secretary General, Mr. Houlin Zhao.
Zhao said he was very encouraged by Nigeria’s participation and told other nations present at the award ceremony to emulate the Nigerian example personified by the NCC; for putting together quality participation every year and bringing to ITU Telecom World 2017 SMEs with innovative ICT digital solutions that have social impact. Heritage Bank Plc is stimulating economic diversification through support for the Nigerian creative industry towards sustainable, persistent growth as alternative to crude oil.
The bank’s Managing Director, Ifie Sekibo who stated this at the Exhibition Gallery of National Museum Benin by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in collaboration with the Edo State Government, and the Smithsonian Institute, United States of America, which Heritage Bank was the lead sponsor, said the art and culture industry has become one of the major contributors to so many countries gross domestic products (GDP).
The exhibition focused on photographic works of Chief Solomon Alonge, photographer to Royal Court of Benin kingdom during the reign of Oba Akenzua II.
Represented by the Executive Director, Jude Monye, Sekibo said Heritage Bank has continued to make efforts in supporting ideologies like this, through the use of arts as a tool to promote cultural awareness and to help younger Nigerians form a strong sense of National identity.
In his presentation, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, called on states to emulate Edo in collaborating with the federal government to promote culture, tourism and the arts.