The Olam Prize is one of four initiatives launched for Olam’s 25th anniversary in 2014, which also includes a scholarship program, a foundation and the Building Sustainable Futures Forum, which was held on September 15, 2016. Entries are now open for the second global Olam Prize for Innovation in Food Security. The winning research project for the 2016/2017 edition will receive $50k of funding. The laureates may also have the opportunity to work with Olam to develop the practical application of their innovation with the company’s expertise in agricultural supply chains spanning 47 products in 70 countries.
Data is the new oil
In the most eye popping of headlines, Softbank has announced that it is forming a technology investing megafund in conjunction with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The $100bn Softbank Vision Fund will be the largest private equity fund of its kind.
In a paradigm where oil prices remain depressed and the world’s most prolific oil producer is investing in technology to salvage its returns, we must all acknowledge that “data is the new oil.”
By 2020, humankind will produce 44 zettabytes of data, with over 10% of that data coming from machines. A zettabyte is one sextillion bytes—yes that would in fact be 21 zeros!!! This is a tenfold increase from 2014 alone and enough data to fill up Lake Ontario.
In the financial services industry, more data in and of itself is not necessarily a good thing. While large volumes of data are still needed for some organizations, the emphasis on smart, meaningful analysis of that data will always take precedent. Smart data always trumps big data, as quality always trumps quantity.
At the end of the day, some of the data collected may not even be worth the cost of storage. In a world where data is truly the new oil, fintech startups that can help find the “signal through the noise” will make the largest splash.
Cybersecurity Training Programs in Nigeria
Our Cybersecurity education is structured around four key pillars of policy, management, technology and digital forensics. This implies that we cover all the core needs of any organization or state institutions. While some staff like corporate lawyers may require training on policy, some staff like IT managers may need technical skills. Others like business leaders will find the management module useful. We deliver all these programs through our web portal – www.facyber.com. The program structure is presented below: certificate programs take 12 weeks; diploma programs which require certificate programs as perquisites take 24 weeks (inclusive of the certificate programs) and the nanodegree programs require a live (physical) one week training in Lagos (for Nigerian learners) with the diploma programs as prerequisites
Program Descriptions
Certificate in Cybersecurity Policy (CCYP): Certificate in Cybersecurity Policy deals with the policy analysis and implementation aspects of cybersecurity. It presents theory and topical issues, at government and enterprise levels, with both technical and managerial components in the fields of information systems security. The program helps learners develop skills on the policy, ethical, and legal issues associated with cybersecurity and information security.
Diploma in Cybersecurity Policy (DCYP) Capstone: This is a practical-oriented program where learners are tasked with developing solutions for a theoretical or real case cybersecurity policy issue with the guidance of a mentor. A project report is required at the end of the program.
Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology (CCYT): The Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology is designed to provide learners with skills to analyze multi-faceted complex cybersecurity issues, develop capabilities to make strategic decisions to protect organizations from threats and become competent cybersecurity professionals.
Diploma in Cybersecurity Technology (DCYT) Capstone: This is a practical-oriented program where learners are tasked with developing capabilities in the core technical aspect of cybersecurity. Learners will have access to some tools and equipment to work throughout this program. A project report is required at the end of the program.
Certificate in Cybersecurity Management (CCYM): The Certificate in Cybersecurity Management equips and prepares learners with modern skills to become effective managers across the broad nexus of cybersecurity and intrusion preventions in organizations. The central core is developing capacity to prevent anticipated cyber intrusions, using experiences to mitigate future threats, and formulating and implementing enterprise-level cybersecurity roadmaps. The program also explores the roles of regulation, policy developments, legal instruments and civil liberties.
Diploma in Cybersecurity Management (DCYM) Capstone: This is a practical-oriented program where learners are tasked with developing cybersecurity project management capabilities with the guidance of a mentor. Here, learners develop cybersecurity implementation frameworks. A project report is required at the end of the program.
Certificate in Cybersecurity Intelligence & Digital Forensics (CCDF): The Certificate in Cybersecurity Intelligence & Digital Forensics is structured to provide modern skills to those interested in digital forensics, digital intelligence and uncovering digital evidence. The program equips learners with broad analytical frameworks and prepares them to become competent cyber investigators.
Diploma in Cybersecurity Intelligence & Digital Forensics (DCDF) Capstone: This is a practical-oriented program where learners are tasked with developing capabilities in digital forensics, digital evidence and digital intelligence. Learners will have access to some tools and equipment to work throughout this program. A project report is required at the end of the program.
First Bank of Nigeria to fund Uber Nigeria Driver Lending Scheme
Uber Nigeria has announced that it is now making low-interest, used-vehicle loans available to its top-rated driver-partners. The pioneering move is the result of partnerships entered into between Uber Nigeria and First Bank of Nigeria Limited, as well as smaller financiers. This means that, for the first time, Uber driver-partners in Nigeria will be able to apply for finance for used vehicles based on their driver performance records.
The move is set to create significant business growth opportunities for driver-partners by allowing them to access used-car finance from First Bank of Nigeria Limited at a very competitive interest rate of just 20% per annum over a 24 month repayment period. Alternative offers for used-vehicle finance on the Uber Vehicle Solutions Programme will attract 22% per annum, with a maximum repayment term of 36 months.
In order to qualify for this preferential used-vehicle finance from First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Uber driver-partners will need to be able to demonstrate an average driver performance rating of higher than 4.5 and have earned more than N2,400,000 in the preceding 6 months.
Apply to 2016 sub-Saharan Africa Innovation Awards
Ericsson has unveiled a new competition for students – 2016 sub-Saharan Africa Innovation Awards. The prize money is $10,000. The goal for the 2016 sub-Saharan Africa Innovation Awards is to find innovations that promote sustainability in the future of food, whether it be in food production, packaging, information availability or distribution.
The Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa Innovation Awards 2016 is a competition looking for the latest innovations in the future of food. Sub-Saharan Africa faces a rapidly growing population and as a result, food production will need to increase significantly. We encourage young innovators and start-ups to use this opportunity to make a real difference by using technology and ICT to make a positive contribution towards sustainability in the food sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
The goal is to find innovations that promote sustainability in the future of food, whether it be in food production, packaging, information availability or distribution – we want to see your innovation and how it will change the future of the food industry as we know it!
The Innovation Awards recognises thought leaders who create innovative technological solutions to empower communities and individuals, while working towards the goal of a fully networked society.
Outstanding ideas are rewarded to foster fresh talent. By competing in these awards, innovators will have the chance to showcase their ideas, grow their networks and reputations, and receive start-up support and guidance from leading African businesspeople.
Click here to enter the competition.
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