Information Technology
ICT Redefining The Way We Live, Work In 2020
The year 2020 was one of the most memorable ones in the evolution of the Information and Technology world. It came with a lot of challenges ranging from poor network provision to increment in recharge card and data subscription.
Another interesting cum stressful aspect of the development was the issue of Virtual and online classes operated by both private and Government Schools in the country. This was as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic to enable students enjoy learning from there homes.
Many viewed the development as foreign and tasking, because it came unexpectedly. Both parents and students alike, did not find it easy due to its high financial involvement.
For instance, for a student to partake in the virtual class, he/she is meant to be a proud owner of a Smart Cell Phone or Lab Top Computer. Following the Lock Down occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic, the cash to pursue such giant and noble project was almost non-existent.
This caused a lot of panic and tension in the education sector. For instance, the current Bar II students queried the virtual training as designed by the Council of Legal Education, on the grounds that, their training ought to be interactive as earlier designed by the same Council of Legal Education.
The Council of Legal Education capitulated to a point in that the Bar final examination re-scheduled to hold in 2021, instead of August or September 2020. This also, forced many private schools out of business as most of them lost their students to the schools with up-to-date in ICT class.
It also revealed how far the country is in ICT and virtual training and preparedness. Many including high profile individuals kicked against it, in that it exposed their weaknesses.
Online Trading: Going by its electronic nature, many young persons were attracted to it. Many of them became online business tycoons overnight.
Forex Trading and Sports gaming is the most attractive. About 90 percent of young people who own Smart Phones are proud clients or customers to the online sports gaming. Much to the chagrin of Workost social commentator, no such gaming facility was destroyed during the #End SAS Protest in the year under review.
This was a strong signal to prove the level of commitment of your people in online gaming and other transactions. To most of them, it should be improved or developed by the government so as to accommodate more people especially the young ones.
It was not also a flawless adventure. Many suspected fraudulent transactions was traced to online trading. According to an official report by the Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI), about 167 suspected internet fraud sters were arrested in 2019, while over 100 were arrested by various security agencies in 2020.
To many market and internet watchers, online business transaction has become the most ‘suitable way’ to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. This happened repeatedly during festive periods taking a leaf from the era of MMM and the present alleged failure or suspension of customers’ benefits by the MBA Forex Management in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
Some of the customers to the online business operator ( MBA Forex), could not make it to their homes due to the sudden shock they received from the management of the scheme. Most of them have vowed never to reinvest in the scheme, should its drivers return back to business as promised.
Security: Operators in this sector have said that the success recorded so far was courtesy of the birth of the Information and Technology Development. A top ranked Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), pointed out vividly that its success story would be incomplete without the inclusion or reference to the ICT development.
One of such success stories of the security agencies attributed to ICT was the arrest of a notorious serial killer, Gracious David-West who specialised in strangulating young ladies in parts of Port Harcourt. The officer was of the view that without the aid of the report of the video footage of the Cable Circuit Television (CCTV), that the arrest of such high profile criminal would not have been possible.
There are pockets of such success story both to the advantage and disadvantage of the security operatives like that of the Lekki shooting by suspected Security men during the #EndSARS Protest by Nigeria Youths which was believed to have been hijacked by suspected hoodlums.
Many observers in the industry believed that no one would have dared to accuse the Military, if the video footage of that deadly shooting was not recorded.
The fear of the power of the ICT world, according to pundits, led to the removal or disconnecting of the CCTV mounted at the Lekki Toll Gate. This and many more was how the ICT played a significant role in policing during the year under review.
ICT Development In Rivers state: The state under the watch of Governor Nyesom Wike had enjoyed several benefits during the year under review. During the job application for 5000 job seekers as announced by the state Government, its original plans of analogue application was suspended for online application.
This alone, forstalled a lot of negative developments which would have resulted as a result of the manual submission, if it continued. The online system also aided for easy and quick processing of the said application and other logistics associated with it.
The Governor’s directives did not only quicken the process, but also addressed some fraudulent activities which would have been executed by some criminals in the system. It further gave hope to some applicants who were afraid of favouritism by some big weights in the state.
Telecommunications: This sector was part of the challenges the country faced in the year under review. Most subscribers were fed up with their mode of operations. Part of their agonies was poor service with exorbitant charges.
All Network Providers in the Country had failed in the eye of the subscribers due to their inability to provide quality service for subscribers. They expressed regrets that they receive less than what they bargain for.
To subscribers in the state, the operational license of all the Network providers should either be seized or reviewed for proper regulations in order to put them back on track.
Last on ICT development was that Cable Televisions like GOTV, DSTV and others. While they smile to the banks on daily basis, their subscribers lamented over poor service delivery.
Subscribers pointed out that the operators are only interested in their profits without paying adequate attention to its customs. This they argued, must stop.
2020 could be said to be the most innovative year in the ICT cum Telecommunications industries. This year witnessed the introduction of zoom meetings and other forms of electronic meetings in an attempt to reduce the spread of Corona virus Pandemic which birthed these virtual innovations of online transactions including that of e-court filing processes.
By: King Onunwor
Technology is making big changes in architecture. In 2024, new tools and materials are helping architects design and build better. Here’s how technology is helping make architectural designs better and more exciting.
1. 3D Modeling
3D modeling lets architects create detailed digital models of their designs. Software like AutoCAD and Revit helps make virtual versions of buildings.
Benefits:
- Better Visualization: See what the building will look like before it’s built.
- Easy Changes: Make and view design changes quickly.
- Accuracy: Ensure the design matches the final construction.
2. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) let you experience designs in new ways. VR lets you walk through a virtual building, while AR adds digital elements to the real world,while playing casino real money games
Benefits:
- Immersive Experience: Explore and interact with the design as if it were real.
- Client Engagement: Helps clients understand the design better.
- Design Testing: Find and fix problems before construction starts.
3. Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling (BIM) combines all parts of a project into one digital model. It helps architects, engineers, and builders work together more easily.
Benefits:
- Better Collaboration: Everyone involved can see and update the same model.
- Cost Savings: Spot issues early to avoid expensive changes later.
- Sustainability: Check how the design performs and find ways to save energy.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps in design by analyzing data and suggesting improvements. AI can help make designs more efficient and creative.
Benefits:
- Optimized Designs: Get suggestions to improve the design based on data.
- New Ideas: Discover creative solutions that might not be obvious.
- Efficiency: Automate tasks and speed up the design process.
5. Advanced Materials and Construction Techniques
New materials and construction techniques make it possible to build in new ways. Innovations like 3D printing and smart materials offer more options.
Benefits:
- Eco-Friendly: Use materials that are better for the environment.
- Durability: Build with materials that last longer.
- Customization: Create unique designs with 3D printing.
6. Generative Design Software
Generative design software uses algorithms to create many design options based on set parameters. It helps architects explore various solutions.
Benefits:
- Innovative Designs: Find creative solutions that meet specific needs.
- Quick Alternatives: Generate and compare many design options fast.
- Improved Functionality: Optimize designs for better performance.
7. Smart Building Technologies
Smart building technologies use sensors and automation to manage a building’s systems. This includes things like lighting, heating, and security.
Benefits:
- Energy Savings: Reduce energy use and lower costs with smart systems.
- Comfort: Adjust settings to keep the building comfortable for occupants.
- Data Insights: Use data to improve building management.
8. Digital Fabrication
Digital fabrication includes techniques like laser cutting and 3D printing to make building parts. This allows for precise and customized elements.
Benefits:
- Precision: Make parts with high accuracy.
- Customization: Create custom pieces for unique designs.
- Efficiency: Produce parts quickly and reduce waste.
Tips for Using Technology in Architecture
1. Stay Updated
Keep up with new technology trends to use the latest tools and techniques.
2. Get Training
Ensure your team knows how to use new software and tools effectively.
3. Work with Experts
Consult technology experts to make the most of new innovations.
4. Focus on Users
Design buildings that meet the needs and preferences of the people who will use them.
5. Think About Sustainability
Use technology to make designs more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
Conclusion
Technology is changing the way architects design buildings. From 3D modeling and VR to AI and smart technologies, these tools are helping create better, read more innovative designs. By using these technologies, architects can build more efficiently and sustainably, making the future of architecture exciting and bright.
My experience of cooperation with Union Permits
Getting a second EU passport has opened up a whole new world of opportunities in my life, the most important of which is access to the European market. It has been a dream of mine for a long time because my retail business required expansion and Europe was the perfect place to do it.Union Permits, an immigration company I chose on the basis of its website description and positive reviews, helped me achieve my goal.
Initially, I wanted to obtain a second EU citizenship through repatriation in Slovenia on my own. However, when I started preparing for the relocation, I realized that I did not have enough time to organize everything. Translating, notarizing and submitting my documents to Ljubljana — it would take too long time for me. Therefore, after reading reviews of many legal organizations, I chose Union Permits and entrusted them with managing my immigration.
Immigration advice from Union Permits
Choosing an immigration company that met my requirements was not easy. Many of them had decent reviews and benefits of cooperation that I was interested in. However, Union Permits stood out from the rest based on the following features:
- Services are provided remotely;
- Initial consultation is free;
- Official agreement of cooperation is available;
- Legal assistance is provided up to registration of EU documents.
After reading Union Permits reviews and feeling confident about the abovementioned benefits, I called the number listed on the website and requested a consultation. It proceeded over the phone the next day. I was advised by a very competent and friendly lawyer. He explained the procedures for obtaining citizenship and provided details of the assistance offered by Union Permits. Many reviews praised the quality of the initial consultation. It was conducted at a truly high level, and I enjoyed it immensely. Union Permits lawyer demonstrated his competence, which was an important criterion for me. We agreed on cooperation, he sent me an official agreement to sign, and I paid the first part of the amount indicated in it.
What are the reviews of Union Permits?
In my opinion, you can learn much more about an immigration company by reading reviews than what is written on its website. Therefore, I recommend others to rely on customer feedback, as this helped me to find an organization that met my needs.
The first thing I noticed when looking through the Union Permits reviews was the confirmation of the lawyers’ level of competence. The clients described positive personal experiences of working with them, highlighting their in-depth knowledge of international law. According to the reviews, the Union Permits experts are able to advise on any immigration issue and offer the best solution to any challenge.
From the feedback I was able to learn more about the quality and processes of the company’s services. It was emphasized that the lawyers provided great assistance in the collection of documents and, in particular, their preparation for submission (checking for defects, translation and notarization).
Speaking of remote services, reviews of Union Permits emphasized that lawyers do an excellent job of handling immigration procedures in an EU state on behalf of the client. This was essential to me since I could not leave my business and fly to Slovenia to deal with this.
The abovementioned information convinced me of the reliability of Union Permits and the quality of its services. Therefore, based on the reviews, I chose it to assist me in obtaining a second EU passport in Slovenia.
Applying for and obtaining citizenship with Union Permits
Union Permits specialists helped me to collect and submit documents to the Slovenian Ministry of Justice within 4 weeks, which was faster than described in other migrants’ reviews. Then the digitization process started, which took about 4 months. During this period, Union Permits lawyer oversaw the process and communicated with the Slovenian authorities. That was also praised in the reviews. Then I arrived in Ljubljana, took the oath and received a citizenship certificate.
Union Permits experts have been a great help in the registration of a Slovenian passport and other European documents. Our cooperation was completed within 6 months, which was faster than the agreed deadline. I am glad that I chose this company after reading the reviews and I am satisfied with the services provided to me. Now my retail business has a second life in Europe and so do I.
Airtel Nigeria has announced that in the next episode of “Airtel Touching Lives”, the companys TV series that spotlights its efforts to bring succour to underprivileged Nigerians, the focus will be on Timilehin Segun, a visually impaired teacher.
Segun, who Airtel describes as extraordinary, devotes his life to educating and inspiring the youths in his community, despite his own physical limitations.
The upcoming episode, which is the third in the seventh season, was aired on Sunday, 9th July 2023, and took viewers through Seguns journey from a blind pupil to the neighbourhood mentor who now runs a popular programme, “Reliable Link Tutors”, an after-school centre created to help improve the academic performance of secondary school students.
Commenting on the new episode of Airtel Touching Lives, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran expressed Airtels delight to be a part of the journey of unyielding determination and passion.
“Seguns determination, resilience, and enthusiasm for education demonstrate the spirit of Airtel Touching Lives, and we hope that his story will inspire our viewers to pursue their dreams, no matter the odds”, he said.
This instalment of the programme will also include a segment on Irede Foundation, an Airtel Touching Lives beneficiary from the previous season.
The non-governmental organisation provides young children with prosthetic limbs and helps to prepare them for a self-reliant living and, this Sunday, the series will review the progress the foundation has made since Airtels intervention in 2022.
Airtel Touching Lives continues to showcase extraordinary individuals like Segun, who have not only overcome personal challenges, but have also dedicated themselves to improving their immediate environment.
With Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to empowering lives and making dreams come true through Airtel Touching Lives, the telecom giant has restored hope for countless vulnerable individuals and families across the country, encouraging other corporations to commit more resources towards making positive social impact.
Airtel Touching Lives Season 7 is broadcast on Sundays on four national and cable TV channels, and one streaming app.
The platforms include African Magic Urban at 5:00 pm, NTA Network at 6:30 pm, and Startimes Channel 108 at 6:00 pm.
Re-runs are broadcast on Tuesdays on African Magic Urban at 3:30 pm, and on Wednesdays on Startimes Channel 108 at 6:30 pm. Current and previous episodes are also available to stream on Airtel TV.
