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Notes on the African Smart Cities Investment Summit in Kigali
Published
2 years agoon
By
Eric
By Dolapo Aina
The African Smart Cities Investment Summit in Kigali which had over one thousand delegates, over eighty speakers, twenty-five sessions and over forty-nine sessions brought to the fore the importance and the necessity for African Smart Cities. The speakers from their own varied perspectives stated and alluded to the fact that cities cannot be built the way cities used to be conceptualised, developed and built. Cities need to be attuned with the realities of the 21st century. A smart city uses technology and data-driven solutions to improve the quality of life for its residents, enhance sustainability and maximise urban services. It was also stated that second and third cities have to be developed and built as smart cities.
During the first day, the Mayor of Kigali, Mayor Prudence Rubingisa: stated that; “hosting this summit at a time when digital tech is changing the way of living for everyone globally, in cities, second cities and satellite cities. This summit would solidify cities’ position to transform into smart cities. The progress we seek is dependent on our collective collaborations within countries, sister cities, exchange solutions and challenges.”
Governor James Muchiri, Deputy Governor of Nairobi County stated that; “Through Smart Cities Initiatives; they are a driver and avenue to create cities of order for all where no one is left behind. Nairobi County has undergone citizens’ digital delivery (online services range from parking, licenses and trade licences). The main role is to improve urban planning using different city data of Nairobi.” He further talked about how the Nairobi County is utilising smart cities templates in different sectors e.g., medical services delivery, public transportation, government services and digital eco-system. He ended by encouraging collaborations amongst cities.
Belen Calvo Ugarra; EU Ambassador to Rwanda in her speech opined that “Cities are where innovation happens. Rwanda is championing the Smart Cities’ innovation on the continent. Smart cities need to be where innovation happens.”
Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo UN Resident Coordinator for Rwanda in his speech stated that; “Meeting in Kigali today is opportune for three main reasons. First, the Government of Rwanda has demonstrated visionary leadership and innovation with respect to e-government and shifting to digital and smart city development. The leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame has embarked on a remarkable journey to not only embrace urbanization but to harness it as a force for positive change. Rwanda’s commitment to smart cities and its pioneering efforts to address climate change are truly inspiring. Second, in the last two decades Rwanda has witnessed the proliferation of cities. Urbanization is currently estimated at 18%. Although, this rate is among the lowest in the world, with an estimated annual growth rate of the urban population of 4.5%, compared to the worldwide average of 1.8% urbanization calls for urgent interventions. The urbanization explosion in Rwanda is occurring in the context of changing climate. The effects of the changes in urbanization and climate manifest in unique ways, therefore, presenting new challenges and opportunities for sustainable urbanization. The growing demand to address these new challenges and the need to harness opportunities resulting from changes in climate and urbanization have resulted in the urgency for climate compatible urbanization. The intensified rainfall, and prolonged dry seasons that Rwanda has been experiencing in the last decade is generating myriad of challenges. These include increased flooding, more landslides, notable water shortage, contamination of water sources, and destruction and/or loss of municipal, private business, community, and household assets. The impact of these adverse effects is increased and potentially perpetual vulnerability of cities, businesses, communities, and households. At scale, Rwanda’s recent experience with urbanisation, are no different to the realities of urbanization globally.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator further stated; “This inaugural Summit is also opportune to consider and adopt new ways of responding to the urbanization challenges of today and tomorrow. We are here to catalyse change, to envision, and to shape the future of our cities. Our primary objective is clear: to foster collaboration, innovation, and investment in smart cities across Africa. We aim to identify opportunities, address challenges, and forge partnerships that will drive sustainable urban development. Our cities must be engines of growth, and innovative investment is the fuel that will power these cities. Let us embrace technological advancements to create smarter, more resilient, and more inclusive cities. Our cities must not only thrive but also withstand the challenges of the 21st century. Sustainability and resilience should be at the core of every smart city initiative. Smart cities should leave no one behind. We must ensure that the benefits of urbanization are equitably distributed, regardless of gender, age, or socio-economic background. Yet, smart cities must lead the way in adopting green and sustainable practices. We must prioritize clean and renewable energy sources, invest in green infrastructure, and embrace circular economy principles to reduce waste and emissions. These actions are not only environmentally responsible but also economically advantageous. On our part, the United Nations in Rwanda is committed to promoting and supporting the development of smart cities. This commitment includes advocating for sustainable urban planning, encouraging investments in digital infrastructure and innovation, fostering inclusive and equitable urbanization, and addressing climate change within urban contexts. Through collaborative efforts with government, organizations, and communities, the UN strives to ensure that smart cities prioritize the well-being of their residents, enhance quality of life, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for all. The Government of Rwanda had demonstrated leadership embarking on a remarkable journey on innovation. We need to foster collaboration, partnerships and solve challenges. Cities must not only thrive but face the challenges of the 21st century. Smart cities must lead the way in adopting green solutions. Cities need to be smart and also compassionate as they build cities of our highest aspirations.”
Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo; the UN Resident Coordinator for Rwanda revealed that: “The UN is currently, together with the City of Kigali and the City of Seoul, seeking resources to implement improvements in smart city governance and data management within the Smart Cities and Communities Control Centre initiative of the Government of Rwanda.”
Rwanda’s ICT Minister, Ms Paula Ingabire’s speech in summary was about the emergence of Smart Cities and how Smart Cities have become a global imperative. In her words; “It is truly heartening to witness diverse efforts from various partners across the African Continent converging to propel the smart city agenda forward. We are currently experiencing rapid advancements in the integration of AI, the internet of things, and digital twins for our cities. These developments are fostering a more habitable urban environment. The emergence of smart cities has rightfully taken centre stage, and Rwanda, under the Smart Africa initiative, has taken the lead in championing the theme of smart cities. Today, as we embark on the journey of launching these smart cities, they will not just be physical spaces but also vibrant hubs where ideas, collaboration, creativity, and innovation will flourish. They will undoubtedly serve as catalysts for a citizen-centric approach in practical innovations.”
During the Investing in Africa’s Smart Cities for the next one billion African citizens session, one of the panellists opined that; “In the digital world, if you cannot anticipate the future, it would be difficult to project for the future. There are challenges of entrepreneurs surviving smart cities but Africa needs to have smart cities tailored to Africa. African smart cities. Africa needs to create smart cities that are for Africa.”
During the Growth by Design: Shaping Smart Cities to Nurture Innovation and Entrepreneurship session, a panellist placed emphasis on data to information to decision processes. The panellist further stated that; “Smaller cities can be made more attractive and then grow bigger. Existing cities cannot absorb all the modernisation coming their way. Other cities outside capital cities would have to be developed innovatively.”
During another session, Gbenga Sesan, founder of Paradigm Initiative was of the view and in his words; “Smart Cities need to use technology that are appropriate. Smart Cities cannot be about what vendors are offering but about what the citizens are in need of. In many countries, policymakers kill innovations. Same applies with smart cities. We need to identify people who are providing solutions. You don’t come with policies without knowing what the people in that same sector are doing. Policies need to support what people are doing. In this new digital age, everyone (policymakers, civil societies, citizens, entrepreneurs etc) is still learning. Data might be the new oil but you don’t need to mine it. A lot of the solutions that we have in many African countries and become global solutions die because of the environment.” The Paradigm Initiative founder went further to posit that: “Human rights and data rights are not Western concepts. People need to be given the opportunity to contribute in digital policymaking.” And he ended by asking: “Is there an outreach plan for secondary and third cities to be smart cities?
The following day’s final session titled: “Investing in Homes of the future for all: Innovations in Home Tech and Design” where Dr MKO Balogun stated that: “There are examples of smart homes but how connected and convenient are they? You have a smart home but no smart phones. We should also think of several scenarios. How do you create smart homes that would create healthcare?”
On the other hand, Alex Ndibwami opined that smart needs to go away from just a single household to a neighbourhood level.
Sir Demola Aladekomo, who is a computer engineer from Lagos, Nigeria and the chairman of SmartCity Resorts Plc, Card Centre Nigeria Limited and Chams Consortium Limited gave a wide range of views and was of the opinion that: “The Governments and developers have major roles to play; the land and basic infrastructure to make them available because if you leave it to developers, there would not be anything like affordable housing in Smart Cities. What is affordability? Your house can cost five thousand dollars but costs of the environment can be higher than the cost of the house; which is unaffordable. Africa needs education and empowerment and knowledge is democratised in the 21st century. Smart Cities can be achieved but it takes time to develop these smart cities. Africa should not be in a rush. Since 2002 we have been pushing policies for governments. We need to begin to build polycentric cities. These cities would be attached to the main cities. We also need to build purpose-driven cities. The role of Government cannot be downplayed.”
Another panellist responding to a question from the audience stated that smart cities are still possible without the middle class but it can be a strain. And this is where the government comes in.”
The chief curator for the African Smart Cities Investment in Kigali, Mr. Jean-Philbert Nsengimana recapped the summit and paraphrasing him: “There are five take away Ps for smart cities during the summit: People. policies. partnerships (to get funds, to get investors); platforms (being ahead of the curve with embedded technology); profits (the only way this agenda can be realised is through making profit). Other take aways are: education, inclusiveness.”
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Communal Clashes: Adeleke Threatens Royal Fathers with Dethronement
Published
4 days agoon
March 31, 2025By
Eric
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has threatened stern state action against traditional rulers of Ifon, Erin Osun and Ilobu communities if they fail to sustain current peace, and de-escalate the crisis in their communities.
The Governor issued the warning against the backdrop of online reports that some faceless groups across the conflict areas are planning another round of attacks.
“In the midst of sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns. The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place.
“The security agencies are also speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict. I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaking they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.
“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas. Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.
“Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough”, the Governor was quoted as saying in the statement.
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Celebrating a Hero of June 12, Humphrey Nwosu
Published
4 days agoon
March 31, 2025By
Eric
“Professor Humphrey Nwosu laid a landmark foundation for the present independent National Electoral Commission today and that Professor Humphrey Mwosu passed away on the 20th of October 2024, aged 83 years old.
“Despite his contributions, Professor Humphrey Mwosu was seemingly neglected until his death, which highlights complaints of unfair treatment of notable public servants,” he added.
In support of the motion, Senator Osita Ngwu that “there was no way he would have announced the results with a gun to his head. That doesn’t change the fact that some of us see him as a hero.”
Among the several senators, who opposed the immortalisation motion, with excuses of Nwosu’s lacking courage to announce final results, were Senator Jimoh Ibrahim from Ondo State, who stated categorically that “nothing should be named after him”, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who argued that history does not reward efforts, but only results, saying “As long as he did not announce the result, whether under duress or not, I am against naming INEC headquarters after him”, Senator Sunday Karimi, who criticised Nwosu for lacking the courage to speak out; Senator Afolabi Salisu, who said that immortalising him would undermine the memory of MKO Abiola, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Adeola Olamilekun, who claimed he lost his brother in the aftermath.
But Nigerians have argued in favour of the immortalisation of the former chief electoral officer, admonishing that he did his job very well. Most of them reasoned that if the likes of Babagana Kingibe, the running mate to Abiola, who ditched the struggle to join the government of General Sani Abacha, could be honoured with a GCON honours, the second highest in the land, how much more the proponent of the most viable option to voting, Option A4.
In his accessment, celebrated journalist and Chairman of Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, said Nwosu performed his duty to the very best of his abilities, and very well. The well traveled journalist wondered on what pedestal the opposing senators stand to deny him honours.
Also lending his voice to the immortalisation of Prof Nwosu, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, said all honours Abiola is enjoying today is credited to Nwosu’s honesty.
“It is very important that Prof. Humphrey Nwosu should be recognized, the genesis of having a free and fair or the foundation of having a free and fair June 12, 1993 elections was through having a sincere NEC chairman like Humphrey Nwosu.
“Humphrey Nwosu conducted free and fair election that gave Aare MKO Abiola the mandate that the Nigerian government then did not install him as president.
“And the respect and the glory that Aare MKO Abiola is having today is as a result of the honesty displayed by the then NEC chairman and the products that worked with him that made it happen,” he said.
HUMPHREY NWOSU AND JUNE 12 DEBACLE
The CNPP lamented the continued exclusion of Prof. Nwosu from the list of heroes celebrated on Democracy Day, despite his significant contribution to the nation’s democracy through the introduction of the Option A4 voting system.
“It is time to transcend petty biases and to embrace the spirit of inclusivity that Professor Nwosu’s legacy warrants,” the association of all registered political parties noted.
An online platform, Businessday.ng once captured Prof Nwosu’s contribution as follows:
In the middle of the night of June 10, 1993, an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Bassey Ikpeme, in breach of the relevant decree, ordered the electoral body to put on hold the presidential election that was some 36 hours away from happening.
The plaintiff in the case was an unregistered body known as the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) , which consisted of a group of politicians generally believed to have government backing. Nwosu took the risk of his life and found his way in the morning uninvited to a meeting of the MILITARY COUNCIL, ASO VILLA, to explain the grave consequences of Ikpeme’s indiscreet pronouncement. After intimidation and harassment of Prof and other deliberations at the uninvited meeting, it was agreed that NEC could discount Ikpeme’s order and continue with its arrangements and preparations for the elections.
At the end of voting, when it became clear from the majority of the results already collated from the states that the candidate of the then Social Democratic Party (SDP) Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola could not be stopped from winning the contest, the then Chief Judge of Abuja, Justice Dahiru Saleh ordered NEC to halt the process. Again, Nwosu stormed the Aso Villa, but this time, he found that the government had withdrawn their support.
The then Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Clement Akpamgbo, who gave Nwosu legal backing earlier, did not only ditch him but also ensured that a bench warrant to arrest Nwosu issued by the Chief Judge of Abuja was duly served. From then, Nwosu became labelled as the problem, while his Electoral Commission was formally suspended forthwith. The only other option left to Nwosu was to seek judicial cover from the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, headed by Justice Achike. With no one else behind Nwosu except the Commission’s vibrant Director of Legal Services, Bukhari Bello, with Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN, OFR, one time Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission. NEC drew attention to an earlier judgment by a higher court in which Oguntade JCA as he then was, established two main points.
The first was that where a court makes an order in a case where it lacked jurisdiction, the order was null and void; and second, that it was unnecessary to go on appeal in such circumstance.
This suggested that Nwosu had no business obeying the erroneous decisions of the lower courts. Interestingly, NEC produced in Court the COMPLETE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION, which he had been stopped from announcing and which confirmed the victory of MKO Abiola. The real problem was that some ambitious military fellows aided by a set of compromised politicians wanted to prolong military rule. At this point, the government, sensing that it might lose the case, decided to annul the election a few hours before the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
Prof Nwosu is an apostle of democracy, and of June 12, 1993 more especially, and deserves to be honoured and celebrated.
In his tribute at the burial of Prof Nwosu, President Tinubu, though acknowledged that the deceased upheld democratic principles, he was however, silent on any form of honour for the June 12 chief electoral officer. He noted:
“As we mourn the death of Prof Humphrey Nwosu, we are invited to celebrate him for his profound accomplishments and personal fulfilments as a public administrator, political scientist, and academics icon. We are urged to reflect on his democratic ideals and his sense of commitment to a democratic Nigeria. These are the hallmarks of his life and times that will be cherished beyond this generation,” Tinubu said, through his representative, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi.
As the south east governors prepare to meet and present their proposition of honoring Nwosu before President Tinubu, Nigerians have said that whatever the situation, Nwosu remains and etched in the hearts and minds of the real heroes of democracy and June 12; the average Nigerians, as democratic force to reckon with, and a man without whose name the story and history of the freest and fairest election in Nigeria cannot be written.
According to Yusuf John Imam, who wrote from Abuja, in an article titled Senate’s failure to immortalize Humphrey Nwosu, disservice to democracy, “if the Senate cannot honour Nwosu, then every state in the Southeast should take it upon themselves to immortalize their son. Build monuments, name streets, and establish scholarships in his name. Push his narrative and celebrate his legacy. The Southeast must rise to the occasion and ensure that their son’s legacy is preserved for generations to come.”
The bottom-line remains that Professor Humphrey Nwosu is a hero of June 12, and deserve to be honoured, immortalised and celebrated.
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Milk of Human Kindness: Glo Foundation Spreads ‘Food Drive’ Joy to More Communities
Published
5 days agoon
March 30, 2025By
Eric
Glo Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Globacom, on Saturday extended its Food Drive Initiative “Giving Back Together” to more communities as thousands of families in Ikota, Ajah, Lagos, received packages of food and household items from the team.
Two Saturdays ago, the foundation was in Bariga where it shared food and other household items to thousands of other vulnerable members of the community.
In a similar vein, Glo Foundation officials and the project partners, the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, last Saturday presented packages containing Rice, Garri, Spaghetti, noodles, tomato paste, tooth brushes, sardines, salt, vegetable oil, bread and seasoning cubes to thousands of beneficiaries, the majority of whom were women, at a ceremony held within the Ikota neighborhood.
Thousands of beneficiaries had assembled at the New Generation Baptist School in Ikota as early as 7 a.m. to await the start of the distribution.
Before the gifts were distributed, Globacom’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, welcomed the recipients and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to aiding the underprivileged in the society. She pointed out that helping the most disadvantaged members of society nationwide was one of the Foundation’s goals.
“Giving brings joy and smiles to the faces of the beneficiaries as we have seen here today. It also makes us happy that we are able to do something to touch the lives of others in a highly interdependent world,” she noted, adding that the Foundation was working on other projects that would impact various segments across the country.
At the occasion, the beneficiaries, who were mostly women, expressed their happiness and gratitude to Globacom by singing and dancing. Some of them who expressed their opinions were happy that they were able to benefit from the gesture and prayed that Globacom would continue to thrive.
The recipients were ecstatic and unable to control their excitement. After getting their food gifts, a few of them spoke up and thanked and prayed for Globacom for showing their community such love and concern.
Christina Itoro, an Akwa Ibom indigene, who operates a POS business within the community, expressed happiness at the content of the package. “When I opened the carton and saw the content, I was so excited. May God bless the company and the staff,” she said.
For Godwin Mary, who sells Kunu drink, Globacom has come to her aid at a time that her business was crumbling. The native of Benue State thanked Globacom for remembering her and other women in the Ikate neighborhood.
On her part, Sarah Oliseh, who is a housewife, said: “I am very happy and so excited getting this from Globacom. It will definitely go a long way to help me and my family”.
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