…As House C’tte on NASENI Lends Its Support

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has assured the House of Representatives Committee on NASENI that the Agency’s branded commercial products that have been unveiled are market ready and SON certified.

Mr. Halilu disclosed on Thursday in Abuja when the House Committee on NASENI paid an oversight visit to the Agency’s Headquarters to inspect its products and projects towards robust research in technological advancement in Defense/Security Sector, Agricultural Sector, Infrastructural Sector and other areas of human endeavours.

Among the recently unveiled products include NASENI Laptop, Android Smartphone, Lithium Battery, LED Solar Street Light, Solar Irrigation System, Electric Bicycle, Electric Keke and Keke Cargo. The EVC used the visit to showcase two NASENI electric vehicles (EV) to the lawmakers.

According to Halilu, NASENI has been at the forefront of driving Nigeria’s technological advancement and industrialization. “Over the past few months, we have implemented several key initiatives aimed at transforming our operations from primarily research-based activities to the commercialization of our products and services.  

“This transformation is essential for us to contribute more effectively to the national economy and to achieve sustainable development goals,” he said, adding that 85 per cent of NASENI projects are on counterpart funding. “We don’t want to invest alone in what we do and that is why we work with our 3C’s principle of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization, thereby engaging the services of private sector by partnering with them to ensure that we deliver on our mandate.

He stated that about 35 products of NASENI under his watch are market ready. “We are ready for Nigerian market and we want the honourable members to be our first ambassadors. Also, we are establishing show-rooms in all the 36-states of the federation for marketing of our products. Every activity we do, we have commercial plan. We don’t want our products to end up in shelves, but to get to the end users”, he stated.

Highlighting on achievements NASENI has made so far, the EVC/CEO listed some of them to include: Innovation and Research Development, Product Commercialization, Renewable Energy Projects and Capacity Building. He however, called on the lawmakers to keep supporting NASENI to deliver to the nation, especially in creating jobs for teaming Nigerian youths.

In his speech, the Chairman, House Committee on NASENI, Hon. Otunba Abimbola Ajilesoro, said the essence of the oversight visit is to have an opportunity to interact with the Agency towards robust research in technological advancement in Defense/Security Sector, Agricultural Sector, Infrastructural Sector and other areas of human endeavours, adding that it will in turn save and bring in much needed foreign exchange that will impact positively on the economy.

He pointed out that the committee has been following the activities of the Agency. “We have been hearing NASENI branded products, NASENI Laptops, NASENI Android Smartphone, NASENI Lithium Battery, NASENI LED Solar Street Light, etc. The Committee deems it necessary to see for ourselves, these products and other technologies that will enhance Nigeria’s economy.”

Speaking on the mandates of the NASENI Development institutes, he assured NASENI of the Committee’s readiness to support it in the areas of Appropriation and Legislative framework that will strengthen the Establishment Act to enable the Agency deliver effectively.

“However, while the committee will continually give all necessary support periodically, it will demand for accountability and value for money in the implementation of the lofty programmes embedded in the mission and vision of the Agency. This would enable us expand, deepen and create an enduring part for a sustainable technological advanced Industrial hub within the country of Nations”, he affirmed.

Mastercard has announced a groundbreaking $2.04 million investment in partnership with Wowzi, Africa’s premier influencer marketing platform, and Masria Digital Payments (MDP). This collaboration aims to transform the financial management landscape for content creators through innovative digital card solutions.

The five-year initiative will provide Wowzi’s content creators access to a range of digital card benefits. Leveraging MDP’s expertise in digital payments, these cards are designed to offer content creators a seamless and secure user experience, simplifying both online and offline transactions.

“Our journey has always been driven by the belief that content creators are the heartbeat of the digital age. This strategic partnership with Mastercard and MDP represents a pivotal moment in our mission to empower these creators. Innovation is at the core of our values, and we recognize that the influencer and creator market is underserved when it comes to payment solutions. We are dedicated to being at the forefront of technology solutions that cater to the unique needs of content creators. This collaboration allows us to not only address those needs but to set new standards in financial empowerment, security, and convenience for our valued community,” said Mike Otieno, Co-Founder and President of Wowzi.

These innovative digital cards will revolutionize the way content creators manage their finances. Content creators will now receive payments from brands, fans, or sponsors, directly onto their digital cards. This will facilitate a secure and convenient financial management process, streamlining both online and in-store transactions while granting content creators’ access to exclusive Mastercard rewards and benefits.

“Our decision to invest in the influencer and content creation space is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of the gig economy. As the world of work continues to evolve, we are inspired by the incredible impact content creators have on global culture and the economy. Our objective is to empower these digital trailblazers with the financial tools and security they need to thrive in the dynamic payments landscape. This investment aligns with our vision to promote financial inclusion and drive innovation in an ever-evolving digital economy,” said Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard.

This partnership introduces a range of unique digital card features like Watch Cards and Ring Cards. These wearable contactless payment solutions offer content creators a blend of convenience, security, and style.

“In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, it’s clear that the future of finance is intertwined with the

influencer space. As pioneers in the issuing and processing industry, we understand the importance of security and innovation. This collaboration with Wowzi and Mastercard signifies our commitment to shaping the financial future for content creators, empowering them with more than just payments, it will be a secure and seamless experience,” our tagline Hello Africa, speaks to our mantra of listening to Africa and with that we walk with our customers into the future. We look forward to growing with Wowzi to create a sticky ecosystem for their end users beyond just cards (Physical and Virtual),” said Frank Molla, Managing Director at MDP Africa.

As the content creation industry grows, so does the need for efficient, secure, and flexible payment solutions that keep pace with the dynamic nature of digital content creation. This partnership represents a significant leap forward in meeting these needs, fostering a more vibrant and sustainable ecosystem for content creators worldwide.

The Honorable Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST), Olatubosun Alake has revealed that the proposed Lagos Innovation Policy will spur economic renaissance and corporate-startup synergies, among other benefits.

The Honourable Commissioner said this while fielding questions from journalists at the end of the stakeholder engagement with different stakeholders including government agencies, the organized private sector among others, at the Eko Innovation Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Among the stakeholders present at the occasion are Adaora Ikenze – Director, Public Policy, Meta; Prof. Peter Bankole – COO, Pan Atlantic University and LASRIC Member; Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho – Founder, Futuresoft; LASRIC and Alex-Adedipe Adeleke – DOA Law, among others.

Shedding more light on the key elements of the proposed Lagos Innovation Bill, which aims to serve as a catalyst for innovation across all sectors, from startups to established corporations, he remarked, “The Lagos Innovation Bill is a two-pronged approach. Firstly, it localizes the federal government’s Startup Act, tailoring it to the unique needs and dynamics of Lagos State. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, it goes beyond just nurturing startups by actively encouraging innovation within large companies and small businesses alike.”

The Commissioner emphasized that the bill’s inclusive nature is a strategic move to create a vibrant and interconnected innovation ecosystem, where startups and established players can collaborate, learn from each other, and drive collective growth.

“Imagine a situation where a startup’s innovative solution is adopted and supported by a major corporation like MTN or Airtel,” Alake posited. “Or a situation where our universities are driving a thriving entrepreneurial culture, spinning off ten new companies each year, supported by the resources and mentorship of industry giants. This is the future we are working tirelessly to manifest through the Lagos Innovation Bill.”

To incentivize large corporations to actively participate in this ecosystem, the bill proposes a range of measures, including tax incentives, fee waivers, advocacy support, patent assistance, and incentives for driving research and development initiatives within universities.

Alake highlighted the role of universities in this innovation renaissance, recognizing them as fertile grounds for cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial talent. “Our universities are crucial to this process,” he asserted. “In creating stronger collaborations between academia and industry, we can accelerate the translation of research into tangible products, services, and economic opportunities.”

When questioned about the potential impact of the Innovation Bill on the state’s budget allocation for science and technology, currently hovering around 9%, Commissioner Alake expressed confidence that the bill would catalyze a significant increase.

“While the specific percentage remains to be determined through due process and stakeholder engagement, the overarching objective of this bill is to drive Lagos towards becoming a global hub for innovation and development,” he stated. “By unlocking new streams of economic activity and fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem, we anticipate a substantial boost in budget allocations for science and technology initiatives.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Victor Afolabi, Chief Executive Officer of the Eko Innovation Centre emphasized the significance of the stakeholder engagement as a co-creation event, where collective deliberation would shape the regulatory incentives and create an inclusive innovation ecosystem. He commended the commissioner’s vision and commitment to advancing innovation in Lagos State, describing the state as the innovation engine room of the country and a globally recognized hub for innovation.

The highly engaging and robust stakeholder engagement witnessed active participation from government agencies, the private sector, development agencies, and other key stakeholders. The event featured five breakout sessions, where participants made actionable recommendations and proffered realistic solutions to contribute to the framework of the proposed Lagos Innovation Bill.