Business
NSE Partners US On Professional Development
The United States Government has indicated interest to partner the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) for enhanced professional development in order to stimulate her technological potentials.
The Consul General, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins of the United State Consulate General gave this assurance when the delegates of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) Port Harcourt Branch led by the branch Chairman, Engr. Denis Dania paid him a courtesy visit at the American Embassy, Water Carrington Crescent Victoria island Lagos.
Mr. Hawkins, who expressed delight over the submission by the NSE said that Rivers State is within their focus area of development, and promised that the US government was prepared to partner with the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt branch by creating links with a professional institution in the United States for training programmes that would advance their professionalism.
In the areas of trade and business relationship, the US Ambassador to Nigeria promised to liaise with the business and commercial department of the Embassy and all the various departments concerned in response to the proposal as articulated by the NSE.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt Branch, Engr. Denis Dania thanked the US Ambassador for granting them the audience, which he said was aimed at strengthening the mutual relationship existing between the US Government and the Nigeria Society of Engineers.
Denis disclosed that NSE Port Harcourt Branch is one of the largest branches in the
country with over 3,500 Engineers as members of multi-disciplinary professional background and located in the heart of geographical head quarters of the Niger Delta.
The Chairman noted that with the high level of technological activities and challenges in the environment, there was need to explore collaborative opportunities with countries of advanced technologies like the United States, for areas of professional development and mutual benefits for capacity building.
He disclosed that the Port Harcourt Branch of NSE, has over the years embarked on
professional development as one of its cardinal objectives and so far achieved a lot of successes, stating that in its desire to aggressively pursue the society objectives, they have acquired 30 plots of land (1,350 square meters) along Prof Tam David West
Boulevard Port Harcourt for the construction of an epic centre for professional
development.
Dania disclosed that the branch also owned and runs a company called LEADRlTE
GLOBAL ENGINEERING LTD, which interest is in providing high tech service in
design, supervision and project monitoring.
While disclosing that the body would hold the maiden edition of what he called “NSE Prominent” next year, he expressed confidence that the partnership would make the programme ticker as motivational speakers and guest lecturers would be invited from the US.
The NSE boss expressed confidence that the visit would offer them the opportunity to explore possibilities that would enable them to draw up a comprehensive programme of activities and projections for the year 2013.
Engr. Dania also pleaded with the US Ambassador to have NSE in their scheme of official service to facilitiate visas for members wishing to travel abroad and participate in other international activities, adding that plans are on top levels to participate in the Oil and Gas Trade Congress (TOC) in Houston, next year.
Meanwhile, the 2012 Mechanical Engineers Distinquished Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers holds on November 29, at the Aztech PRCUM Event place, Liberation stadium Road, Port Harcourt.
The lecture, with the theme; “ A frame work for efficient and sustainable power delivery in Nigeria,” will have the state governor Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Special Guest of Honour, his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru as Chief Host while Engr Howells Hart will be the distinguished lecturer among other dignitaries.
MoniePoint Inc. a digital financial firm in Nigeria, has said it is empowering community pharmacists across the country with innovative payment solutions to improve access to drugs.
The financial firm said it had also provided loans for pharmacists under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to drive healthcare delivery in the country.
MoniePoint in a release titled, “Inside Nigeria’s community pharmacies: How Moniepoint drives healthcare access with payments and funding”, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing digital payment solutions to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.
The release examined how community pharmacies play a crucial role as vital access points for medical care in Nigeria, especially in areas with limited hospital or clinic access.
According to the release, the ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Igwekwam, highlighted the critical role played by community pharmacies in Nigeria’s healthcare system over the years.
Igwekwam, however, expressed concerns over the challenges confronting the nation’s pharmaceutical industry which he said was hindering access to affordable medicines.
The pharmacist listed poor infrastructural systems, power, transportation, regulatory bottlenecks, importation dependency, and limited research opportunities as major challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.
He also stressed the need for robust collaborative efforts with institutions like Moniepoint to strengthen the sector.
“As Nigeria continues to grow, improving local pharma manufacturing to meet the demands of this growth presents a key opportunity for us all.
“There is also the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which is expected to boost our industry, especially when we start producing our drugs locally, which will provide the much needed foreign exchange from exports.
“We are also seeing advancements in digital health and technology which would hopefully deepen the practice of e-prescription in Nigeria”, the ACPN boss said.
Corlins Walter
In order to enhance customer service and streamline operations, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has called on stakeholders in the insurance industry to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The President of the institute, Yetunde Ilori, made this call at the 2024 Office Representatives Committee (ORC) Workshop, organised by the institute, with the theme “AI and the Future of the Insurance Industry”, in Lagos.
Ilori at the event, emphasised the importance of AI adoption, noting that it was not a threat to jobs but rather a tool to improve efficiency across the insurance sector.
“It is not about AI taking over our jobs, but about us using AI to simplify processes and give maximum satisfaction to all the customers we serve whether as underwriters, brokers, loss adjusters, or in educating our members”, she said.
The workshop, which brought players in the insurance sector together, aimed to address how AI could be leveraged to transform business processes and improve customer interactions.
The Chairman of the ORC, Monica Nwachukwu, underscored the role of AI in modernising the industry, adding, “AI can automate customer and claims processes, allowing insurers to provide faster and more efficient services to their customers”.
She explained how AI could help extract data from legacy systems, enhancing decision-making processes.
“By integrating AI with APIs, insurers can feed valuable data into AI solutions to improve operations and customer service”, she added.
In his address, the Managing Partner of A4S and Training Heights, Orlando Odejide, stressed the need for companies to align their strategies with future technologies like AI, especially as they prepare for 2025.
“Any organisation that wants to grow into the future must have its strategic plan in place. If your strategy for 2025 is not ready, it should be done by October”, he advised.
He encouraged participants to think critically about how AI could be integrated into their business models to ensure they remain competitive.
“The idea is for you to use this workshop as a platform to think about your organization and how AI can help streamline your processes and improve growth”, Odejide noted.
In order to gain global respect and recognition, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has reaffirmed its determination to pursue its goal in ensuring that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global space economy.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, NASRDA revealed that the Director-General of the agency, Matthew Adepoju, emphasised this during recent engagements at the 79th United Nations General Assembly and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Global Alliance Business Association international conference in Michigan, United States.
The statement noted that Adepoju outlined a forward-thinking agenda, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s space programme as a leader in research, exploration, and technological innovation.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
“We must foster collaborations with global space agencies to enhance our satellite capabilities and technological infrastructure”, he stated.
The NASRDA boss said the agency is focusing on enhancing satellite capabilities, expanding international collaborations, and leveraging space science for national development.
He said NASRDA will have no stone unturned in pursuit of excellence, ensuring the agency secures the necessary resources and recognition to propel it forward.
“The relationships we build today will pave the way for tomorrow’s advancements in space science.
“Innovation and progress thrive in an environment built on collaboration and inclusivity”, he stated.
He emphasised that with the support of the government, international partners, and a dedicated team, NASRDA is poised to make significant strides in the evolving global space landscape.
“We are on the brink of a new era for Nigeria’s space agency. Together, we will ensure our nation stands out in the global space economy”, he said.
Corlins Walter