Featured

Notes on the African Smart Cities Investment Summit in Kigali

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2023

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.”

Featured

Unveiling the Truth Behind False Accusations, Unjust Sentences

Published

8 hours ago

September 15, 2024

Eric

By Hezekiah Olujobi

A criminal may deny their crime even when caught red-handed. It is important to recognize that just because the government condemns certain crimes like sexual molestation and rape, it does not mean that everyone accused should automatically jailed contrary to law or receive heavy sentences. Fairness and justice must prevail in every trial.

As a child rights advocate and a father of four daughters, I am fiercely protective of my children. I will not tolerate anyone attempting to harm them. While I am vigilant in safeguarding my children and providing them with education, I am troubled by the stories I hear from prison inmates across the Southwest, including the recent complaint we received from the United States prison in Atlanta, Georgia, who claim they have been unfairly sentenced.

For example, I encountered a man behind bars in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, who insisted that his wife forced her own daughter to falsely accuse him of impregnating her. He vehemently denied committing such a heinous act because it is an abomination in his hometown, citing a misunderstanding with his wife over allegations of adultery involving a police officer who happened to be the investigating officer in his case.

Despite his pleas for a DNA test to prove his innocence, he was swiftly sentenced to life imprisonment.

We also have a similar case in Kirikiri where a wife accused her husband of molesting his own daughter, and the man was dumped in prison without trial since 2020. The same woman came to cry for our intervention to free her husband. Our investigation revealed that this woman was actually jealous of her husband with another woman. She has ran away from Lagos because some human rights lawyers are threatening her with arrest for failure to show up.

We also have a man complaining against his former girlfriend who framed him for the offense of raping her daughter just because they had a misunderstanding.

In the United States of America, we have one ADEDOJA Olaniyi baH, a Nigerian who was convicted to 3 life sentences plus 76 years over the allegation of rape. All evidence such as DNA, CCTV footage, and his GPS data that could have exonerated him were prevented during the trial. The man was unfortunate to run into such a deep grave dug by his friend who betrayed him after a business transaction.

Also in Kirikiri we attended to Robert Israel, who was sentenced to life imprisonment over allegations of rape. Mr. Robert Israel, a 60-year-old electrician and estate agent from Ibadan, was sent by his US-based employer to supervise a house in Lagos in July 2021. He explained that his path crossed with Oluchi, the 9-year-old victim’s mother, in August when she was engaged with a neighbor who had a shop on the same street. He mediated a misunderstanding between the two sisters, which led to a fight in August. By September.the other woman died mysteriously.

Subsequently, Oluchi’s mother sought house cleaning work from him, but he recommended her to a house painter but she quoted a high price, leading to her rejection.

Robert Israel recounted his surprise when Oluchi’s mother, accompanied by her husband and Oluchi, arrived at his place with two police women from Langbasa Police Station, Ajah, Lagos to arrest him on 29 October, 2021. They accused him of raping Oluchi on the 5th and 9th of October 2021 in the corridor of his master’s house. Robert stated that Oluchi and her mother knew his place but had never entered his apartment due to security measures.

When questioned about evidence, Oluchi’s mother claimed to have washed the victim’s underwear, leading to her dismissal from the DCO police officer’s office. Despite a medical report showing no injuries to the victim’s genitals, Robert was charged to court , convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on June 13, 2024.

Behind every false allegation of rape, there is an underlying story which may not be clear to the public. When any aggrieved person wants to deal with the offended person, what he or she needs to do is to report to the police and frame up the person on allegations of rape.

The attitude of the Court of Justice towards this offense does not portray the true symbol of justice. The court should be a place where the oppressed get justice, not where the oppressor triumphs over the innocent. The court and the police should never be used as an instrument of oppression. Sincere apologies to my noble lords. The office of the Chief Judge must caution some judges who are known for conviction. There is a need to sensitize the conscience of these judges to the consequences of their judgments upon the accused person. Crushing the life of an individual is crushing the children at home and their extended family. Such heavy sentences are indirectly death sentences.

The police carry the whole blame for this for a lack of power to turn down every false accusation and allegation instead of dealing with the real grievance.

No matter how brilliant and strong a submission a defense counsel can make, some judges are hell-bent on tempering justice with mercy.

We also have some so-called human rights activists who go about mounting pressure on the victim and their families to appear before the court with a threat to send them to jail. Why all these things? Just to gain popularity or international grants.

A case of rape or sexual molestation is indeed a very sensitive and serious issue that requires careful consideration and handling. We would not take such cases lightly; we will ensure that justice is served for the victims. However, justice is not for the victim alone but also for the offender and the society.

It is crucial to prioritize the well-being and justice for the victims in such cases and not to be swayed by the denials or attempts to minimize the seriousness of the offenses.

It is essential to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the real perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

As for us here, or let me say, “as for me, I would take the risk to listen to the individual who strongly believes he is innocent with his proof of evidence, and I shall raise my voice on behalf of such an individual until justice is triumphed.”

In situations where individuals are crying out for justice, it is crucial that we listen attentively and not ignore their pleas. The pursuit of truth and fairness should always guide our actions in such cases.

It is high time to listen to the complaints of individuals crying in heavy sentences without money to appeal for their case.

While the Correctional Centre are doing their best to keep the people behind bar safe, the overcrowding remains their major problem. The only way to help reduce the overcrowding is to identify cases who are not supposed to be there.

For more information about us, visit www.cjmr.com.ng or contact us at 08030488093 or via email at hezekiaholujobi@yahoo.com or info@cjmr.com.ng.

Featured

Atiku Leads PDP Campaign Rally for Edo Guber Election

Published

9 hours ago

September 15, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

As the campaigns wind down in the race to Osadebe House, the final destination of the Edo State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the electorate to come out and enmasse and vote, and ensure to guard their votes to avoid manipulation.

Leading the charge in Oredo, Benin City, venue of the PDP mega and final rally, former Vice President of Nigeria, who is the Waziri Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, told the people of Edo State not to be intimidated, threatened or be scared of voting, but, rather vote, and defend their votes on Saturday to ensure that their candidate in the Governorship election in Edo State, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, emerges victorious.

He recalled that the opposition threatened the State four years ago, but it didn’t work because Edo people can’t be intimidated, and ‘Edo no bi Lagos’. He appealed to the residents of Edo State to do the same this time around and ensure the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, becomes the governor of Edo State.

Also addressing the mammoth crowd, chairman of Edo National Campaign Council and governor of Adamawa State Ahmadu Fintiri, commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his many developmental strides.

He Said, “Obaseki has led a landmark in Edo State in terms of development, performance and human capacity development. Edo people need to bring a competent person like Obaseki or a man better than Obaseki.

“You can’t vote for somebody else than Obaseki, we will support Asue Ighodalo because he is the most credible in this election come September 21st governorship election.

“We all will be here next Saturday, we can’t be intimidated, threatened by anybody or party. We will vote, protect and defend our vote and ensure Asue Ighodalo wins the election”.

Chairman of the Governors forum and Bauchi State Governor Balar Adulkadiri Mohammed said the PDP governors are more united than ever. He noted that PDP are all backing the Asue Ighodalo to emerge governor of Edo State.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke said dancing is sure in Edo State to come 21st of September 2024 as light and darkness can’t agree. We have the best candidate in this Edo election as Obaseki has done well for the Edo people and Asue Ighodalo will do more.

In his welcome address the chairman of Edo State chapter of PDP, Anthony Aziegbem, thanked guests present urging Edo people to come out enmass to vote PDP candidates.

He said, “it’s only Edo people that can determine who will be their governor come September 21st governorship election in Edo State No matter the intimidation, harassment, threat the people will stand their ground to vote their choice come September 21st in Edo State”.

The BOT Chairman Adolphus Nwabara said he has warned Prof. Mahmood Yakubu not to be intimidated but create a level playing field for all candidates in the election.

The party used the medium to call on the INEC Chairman to use the Edo election to correct the wrongs of last year.

“Don’t be intimidated, do the right thing and retire as a clean man,” the party advised Yakubu Mahmood.

Handing over the party’s flag to the Governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo, the PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum called on the INEC chairman to refrain from calling results at night as the midnight announcement will be resisted by Edo people.

“I call on all Edo people to be watchful and defend their votes as the Edo election is a test for democracy in Nigeria”.

The PDP governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo and his running mate received the party flag from the National Chairman of PDP and Ighodalo thanked all present in the rally assuring them that he would take Edo to higher ground.

He said he will lead a successful State where citizens will be prosperous. “I will govern sincerely, transparency and do what will make Edo great again. PDP is a party of courage and we dare to fight and win our elections come September 21st 2024.

“We promise to take Edo to the next level and make the State amongst the first world States.”

The Edo governorship election is billed to hold on Saturday, September 21, 2024 with the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo squaring up against 16 other candidates from various political parties, two of which are formidable. They are Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).

Featured

Investment Summit: Adeleke Vows to Transform Osun Economy

Published

9 hours ago

September 15, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has said that his government is poised to transform the economic fortunes of the state.

The governor made the vow while speaking on one of the fora of the 4-day Industrial Investment Summit 2024, hosted by the state, with a solid pledge to transform the state’s economy while identifying opportunities and strengths of various sectors that will attract investors, and add more value to the state.

In his speech as the Osun Investment Summit got underway, at the opening ceremony of the Osun Investment Summit held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium hall, UNIOSUN, Osogbo, the governor said his administration would further provide a platform for discussions and agreements on actionable strategies for accelerating the pace of industrialisation and economic growth in the State with the investors.

According to him, “Our vision is also to make Osun State one of the top ten revenue-generating states in Nigeria, ensure relative peace and security and grow the economy.

“Osun State is Open Beyond Borders and Across Space for Industrial Investment to Investors, Manufacturing Industries, World Leaders in Business, Private and Corporate Investors, Tourists and people in the Diaspora. We are open to investments from Osun indigenes, Osun in the diaspora and indeed everyone from across the globe. Osun is home to everyone irrespective of tribe, race, language, colour or background.

“We want to accelerate the pace of industrialisation because we are on a mission and that is why we have embarked on several initiatives across different sectors of the Osun economy which include the revitalization of the Free Trade Zone which is planned to provide over 1,000,000 direct and indirect jobs for the people, Establishment of Farm Produce Aggregation Centres with Cold and Dry Storage Facilities and Processing Units, Encouragement of Youths to key into Skills Upgrade and Entrepreneurship Development Training Programmes and Revival of Moribund Industries among others.

“Let us use this summit to shape the State’s development agenda and forge long-lasting bilateral and multilateral alliances for mutual prosperity. This will ensure that in the final analysis, when the story of Osun’s emergence as an economic giant is written, history will reserve for us a commendable mention and a glorious front seat.”

In his speech, the commissioner for Commerce and Industry Revd. Bunmi Jenyo stated that the Industrial Investment Summit 2024 is a platform for opportunities and strategic matching for stakeholders in Osun industrial ecosystem to facilitate partnerships and investments.

According to him, “We want Osun to be a hub of commercial, industrial and economic activities in the South Western Nigeria and beyond. We are hopeful this summit will open up the industrial and business landscape of Osun and many investments will spring up in the State with multiplier effects.

“Osun State is Open Beyond Borders for Investments from Osun indigenes, Nigerians, and all persons in the Diaspora. The State, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is ready to support investments by providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He however affirmed that, “the state planned the industrial investment summit to bring together investors, business and corporate giants, industry experts, academia, government officials and entrepreneurs to explore industrial and business investment opportunities across Osun.”

Additional info: The Tribune