Galaxy backbone helps FG save N3b from video conferencing, others
The Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Prof. Muhammad Abubakar
The Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Prof. Muhammad Abubakar, has said that the agency has saved over N3 billion for the Federal Government from championing video conferencing last year.
Abubakar disclosed this at the GBB maiden Customer Appreciation Day, in Abuja, where customers were updated on its services and acknowledged for their constant support towards the growth of the organisation.
He noted that video conferencing had solved the problem of security, transportation, accommodation, feeding as well as money spent on entertainment, among others.
“You realise money for the government in two ways, whether in the liquid cash, that is, the revenue coming or in saving the government some costs that they are supposed to make with the fact that you have now provided a platform where everything is collated and then put together.
“You can look at Galaxy from that perspective. Our vision is to enable the private sector to also strive. For example the video conferencing, we have been championing now, we have been able to save over N3 billion for the government.
“Trying to join a meeting from your own house, will save you the issue of security, will save you the issue of transportation and will save you the money you will spend in terms of entertainment.
“So there are so many components that are being saved for the government because of the provision of that platform,” he said.
On the progress made for the data centre, Abubakar informed that the GBB was working assiduously to execute the deployment of phase 2 National Information Communications Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB) Project in the first quarter of 2022.
He appreciated customers for their support and cooperation in the development of digital technology in Nigeria and urged them to keep exercising patience for things to take proper shape.
“Our customers mean everything to us as an organisation and as individuals working for the greater good and technological development of our nation, Nigeria.
“We are doing all that needs to be done to see that we deliver the required services by these particular customers.
“It is usually an opportunity to take stock of how well we have performed in the delivery of our services and how well we have improved.
“Today, we will be doing all that and more. So, it is an interactive session with the customers and also to hear from them and get feedback on how much we are doing in terms of delivering these services so that we can improve,” Abubakar said.
Asst. Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission, (FRSC), Efosa Peter, said that the commission had 350 locations being controlled by GBB in terms of Internet connectivity.
Peter, who represented the FRSC at the event, said that even with some challenges of connectivity as a result of activities around where GBB provides services, it tries to provide the services and resolve issues concerning breaking.
Ahmad Abdulkadir, Head of Information Technology (IT), who represented Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), commended GBB in terms of customer support.
“From the group head of customer support services, they have been doing an amazing job. I started my relationship with them about seven years ago and throughout that period there was no single time that I called and they didn’t respond.
“In fact to the extent that at a time some of their management staff comes to visit the site to make sure that the problem has been resolved,” he said.
LEAP gathers experts to tackle global challenges with tech
LEAP will bring together the global technology community under one roof to tackle the biggest socio-cultural challenges of the world in February 2022.
The gathering, which would be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from February 1 to 3, would provide a platform for the entire innovation ecosystem, connecting pioneers and disruptors with business and government leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and more to experience and learn about the technologies of the future.
The event will welcome speakers from all around the world, including Eugene Kaspersky, CEO and co-founder of Kaspersky; Raghu Raghuram, CEO of VMware; Maelle Gavet, CEO of Techstars; Youngcho Chi, President and Chief Innovation Officer of Hyundai Motor Group; Peggy Johnson, CEO of Magic Leap; Nnenna Nwakanma of Chief Web Advocate, World Wide Web Foundation and SiimSikkut, Government Chief Information Officer (GCIO), Estonia.
They will be joined by experts from the region, including Olayan Alwetaid, Group CEO of STC; Salman Al Badran, CEO of Mobily; Ghinwa Baradhi, CIO MENAT region for HSBC and Sky Kurtz, founder and CEO at Pure Harvest.
LEAP will also feature inspirational stories from people like Steven Bartlett, renowned entrepreneur, and BBC’s youngest ever Dragon, as well as football legends Roberto Carlos and Luis Figo.
As global technology players gear up to participate in one of the region’s most anticipated events, over 700 emerging technology start-ups prepare to showcase their solutions to the world. Organised and produced by Informa Markets, LEAP is sponsored by leading local and international companies including, Microsoft, CISCO, KPMG, SoftwareAG, Nutanix, STC, Zain, Mobily and Ericsson, who will act together as strategic partners to bring this event to life.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Alswaha, said: “Technology and innovation have enormous potential to transform economies and societies. We live in a time where you either leap or be left behind. We are proud to host LEAP to help the region lead and leapfrog with technology and innovation.”
Regional Executive Vice President of Informa Markets, Mike Champion, said “Informa are delighted to have launched LEAP in Saudi Arabia. It is clear to us that with the enormous technology projects happening in the country, there is no hub in the world to host such an amazing event.
“In its first year, LEAP will be the largest debut technology event in history, and there can be no better evidence than that to prove Saudi Arabia is a future global technology hub.”
Related
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.