Features
Are religious Centres The Answer to Boosting Data Availability in Sub-Saharan Africa?
By Tolu Oyekan, Partner, BCG Lagos
My maternal grandfather passed away peacefully on March 11, 2021. It is always a sad thing to lose a loved one and we grieved the death of our Baba, but he had lived a full life, raised extraordinary children, contributed deeply to his community, and was ready to move on when he left us.
I do not raise the issue of Baba’s passing to further my family’s mourning but rather because of a curious fact surrounding his death: no one knew his exact age. People say he was 105 years old and that feels right based on the age of his children and the stories he told about pre-independence Nigeria and of his youth – and how those stories matched recorded history from the 1920s and 1930s. But the uncertainty about the exact date of Baba’s birth is telling; it is emblematic of the data shortcomings in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
This lack of data is troublesome in several ways. It severely limits our ability to fully analyse current conditions and livelihood challenges; compare ourselves to other regions that are facing similar development problems; measure our progress against goals so that we can take corrective action quickly when needed; and, importantly, provide critical services to people even in the most outlying areas.
In an initial post from March 2021, I laid out the three planning components that I believed were essential to fast-tracking development in the SSA region – data, techniques and people. These planning components are not outcomes themselves; instead, the results we strive for are nicely encapsulated in UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which cover healthcare, hunger, education, jobs, fair wages, economic growth and the environment, among other critical dimensions. But the three planning components are essential to achieving the outcomes. In this post, I offer ideas for rapidly expanding our data, with an underutilized resource at the heart of my recommendations: religious centres.
The Africa that Baba grew up in prioritized the spoken over the written word. And the beauty and impact of the spoken word is evident still in the poetry of Titilope Sonuga or Tobechukwu Dubem Nwigwe, who tell stories about our history and ongoing shared experience that are educational and touch our emotions. Clearly, we don’t want to lose the gift of the spoken word. But for SSA today and its people, so much depends on what is written down.
For example, consider the issue of verified identity. Fewer than 50% of children born in SSA have had their births registered, according to the World Bank. Unlisted on official rolls, these children are cut off from equitably accessing the healthcare, education, and other social services that they are otherwise entitled to. At the same time, government planners are hindered from adequately measuring the composition and demographic attributes of residents, and often are compelled to set policy based on judgement versus hard evidence.
Given the benefits of registering names, dates of life events, and other types of data – and the fact that sub-Saharan Africans are as eager as anyone else to utilize government services if they are inexpensive and convenient to access – we can assume that the dearth of adequate records is in part because providing data is difficult or too costly. We can improve convenience by increasing the number of data aggregation points and bringing them closer to people. And we can do this ‘cheaply’ by leveraging existing resources. Which is where religious centres can play a significant role.
Three steps could enable advancement of this data gathering plan: Expand; Digitize; Incentivize.
Expand
A good deal of data is collected today in SSA in formal aggregation points, such as hospitals and schools, but there are too few of these across the region. Using hospital beds per person as a proxy for the number of healthcare facilities and pupil-teacher ratio as a proxy for the number of education facilities (assuming that the size of the instructor pool is determined by the prevalence of schools), SSA is well behind most other regions of the world. On the other hand, religious centres are far more abundant. For instance, in the United States, there are about 380,000 churches serving roughly 230 million Christians – or 1.7 churches per 1000 followers – according to an article in the Akron Beacon Journal. By contrast, in Nigeria there are estimated 24,000 Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) houses of worship for an estimated 5 million worshippers (4.8 churches per 1,000 followers), according to a report funded by the Pulitzer Center found. Similar ratios are likely for other faiths and sects in Nigeria.
Spread out so broadly across the SSA population and routinely interacting with many residents once a week or even more, these places of worship would be extremely convenient venues for people to provide information for government data rolls. Note that I am not suggesting that we reduce efforts to increase the number and distribution of formal aggregation points, such as schools and hospitals. They offer many benefits over and above data collection. I only recommend that we broaden our data gathering sources to include religious centres and other informal aggregation facilities that are more plentiful among the region’s population.
Digitize
Frequently, basic data gathered at formal aggregation points is input in written formats and stored on paper. Two problems with this: first, manual data collection is error prone both at the collection and at utilization points; second, since this data is also often aggregated in physical locations, it is difficult for third parties – for instance, government planners – to access and make good use of.
As we expand the net of data aggregation to religious centres, we should also leverage digital tools to improve the quality of data collected and reduce the time required to aggregate it. To start with, we should build standard digital input forms that are used at both informal and formal aggregation points. Smart phones are proliferating across the region and it would be relatively straightforward to design standard forms to collect base biographical and biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, on these devices. These digital forms could then be transferred into computer systems at the religious centres and instantly aggregated to the cloud, where they can be quickly verified and utilized by local and government agencies and other organizations as needed.
Incentivize
Formal aggregation points, such as health and education centres, are mostly already required to collect vital information by laws and regulations. And many of them would welcome collecting data with digital forms. Handheld input devices at the reception area of a hospital to immediately capture patient data is easier than managing the many paper forms, pens and pencils, folders, shelves and file drawers that are currently involved in acquiring and storing patient data today.
Informal aggregation points such as religious centres may not be so eager to take on the added tasks and digitization efforts required to be data collectors. More than likely, new laws will be needed to mandate participation. And to increase compliance, incentives may also be necessary. For instance, in some SSA nations, such as Nigeria, where religious centres are granted non-profit status and along with it financial and other benefits, taking part in data aggregation could be a requirement for receiving or retaining this standing. Other possible incentives include grants to religious centres to support community-building efforts, such as food banks, job fairs and clothing drives. And religious centres that collect data may also enjoy more direct and efficient communications lines to local and federal governments.
Recall that our aspiration is to build up our data quickly. Religious centres leveraging digital forms and cloud aggregation can help us achieve this goal and I believe that developing and implementing a programme to support this data aggregation drive could also be accomplished rapidly. Spotify, the global audio streaming service with hundreds of millions of monthly active users, built its first applications prototype in four months. With the right leadership, expertise, and programme governance, there is no reason why a programme in sub-Saharan Africa to improve data aggregation cannot be developed, piloted and fully deployed within three years, or about 10 times the time it took Spotify to get its first product out.
Decentralizing the collection of identity data will not be without risks, including potential consumer privacy lapses that arise from improper collection, compilation, and dissemination at the aggregation points. Such threats to privacy would need to be adequately debated and mitigated as best as possible before we expand the data aggregation net to include religious centres. Adequate sensitization and training should be required for anyone managing and working at aggregation points to minimize these risks. Policies built into digital and manual processes to provide privacy safeguards as well as penalties for anyone intentionally mishandling data would need to be considered too.
I do believe though that the potential of decentralized data collection at religious centres to quickly close the existing troubling data gaps makes it worth a try, even with the inherent risks. Do you agree with this risk-reward trade-off? More generally, do you agree with leveraging religious centres as a pragmatic way to close our data gaps quickly?
Community
Abiodun declares state of emergency on flooded Isheri community
…assures residents of permanent solution after comprehensive assessment
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday declared state of emergency on the flooded Isheri community, in Ifo Local Government Area of the State, as he assured residents of the area quick intervention to save the situation.
The governor added that a comprehensive assessment that would lead to permanent solution to the menace of flooding in the affected area would be conducted very soon.
Prince Abiodun, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after inspecting the flooded community, said that his administration is working with the federal government to deal with the situation as an emergency case.
He noted that the time has come to find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding to make the area morw conducive for living.
According to him, the state government will see to the elevation of some roads in the area as parts of the solutions to the problem.
The govenor said: “We will prioritize the works here because I am touched with what I have seen. I will ensure that we immediately begin to see signs of relief as we are stepping this up. The Minister of State for Environment is already aware. The Vice President is already aware and also the president. It will be dealt with as an emergency and we are taking it as such.
“As an emergency, I will like to take it up myself. Please continue to bear with us as we are going to conduct a comprehensive assessment of what we need to do to make this place conducive for living.
“Whatever that assessment comes up with is what we are going to implement. So, we are going to first start with ensuring that we have the required road infrastructure at the appropriate levels.
“So if you now built in such a way that we need to relocate you, we have to do that. Whatever it is that we must do to ensure that place does not persistently experience flood, we will do it. But let us wait for the result of the studies to come back and then we will begin to take that decision as and when the situation arises.”
Addressing residents of Riverview Estate, Governor Abiodun said he has requested for an area survey of the entire estate to identify critical areas that needed immediately intervention.
He assured that the intervention would come through the construction of an elevated road with adequate drainages to mitigate their suffering.
“I want to assure you today, knowing fully well that we are a promise keeping administration, we do not say what we do not mean, my heart goes out to you, it is very unfortunate, I am giving my commitment today, the commissioner for works will come and see what needs to be done.
“We have also engage the Minister of State for the Environment, who fortunately, is from Ogun State and I have already brought this to his attention.
“Before the end of the week, I will also table it before the Vice President and the President as well so that we ensure that this problem gets all the desired attention and consequently gets the desired solution so we can bring this to an end,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that he and the Minister of Water Resources would visit the community in few days time.
“We will also discuss the issue of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority and try and interrogate the activities there and understand how their activities affect this community and other communities with respect to the opening and closing of the dam,” he said.
The governor described the environment around the Kara cattle market as an eyesore and not befitting the dreams of a “new Ogun State”.
He said that the market was not conducive for human living and not in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals and waste disposal.
He, however, acknowledged the area as one of the biggest commercial operation that provide services to a large number of people, even as he assured that government would go into a satisfactory agreement with the market men and women after which a comprehensive beautification of the area would take place.
The Chairman, Riverview Estate, Abayomi Akande, in his remarks, intimated the governor of the suffering residents of the area are going through as a result of the flooding.
He said that there is a need for a panel of inquiry into the operations of Oyan Dam to stop incessant release of water to cause havoc in the State
He applauded the governor for sending miscreants packing from the road, saying residents of the axis have suffered robbery attacks and other criminalities for quite awhile.
Akande urged the state government to think of converting the area into a Government Residential Area (GRA) through Public Private Partnership arrangement to fast track its development.
Features
MediaTek, Airtel Nigeria intensify collaborative efforts to bolster mobile connectivity in Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria – October 12, 2023 – MediaTek, a global leader in semiconductor industry together with Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications service provider, briefed the local media on Thursday on their collaborative efforts, to drive technological advancements and improve mobile connectivity across the nation.
The collaboration introduces MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a groundbreaking technology that enhances internet connectivity. This advancement allows users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, opening doors to remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming like never before.
Speaking during the session, Rami Osman, Director for Corporate Sales and Marketing at MediaTek, Middle East Africa, highlighted MediaTek’s commitment towards expanding its footprint across the Smartphone and Smart Device ecosystem in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.
“MediaTek is at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, and we are proud to lead the way in key sectors like Smartphones, 5G Fixed Wireless Access, Wi-Fi, TV, and AI-IoT. In Nigeria, our collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, revolves around three core areas of focus. In connectivity, we are enhancing high-speed internet access with our advanced chipsets.”
“In the Smartphone domain, we are committed to offering a wider range of premium and flagship devices while supporting the transition from feature phones to smartphones. In the realm of AI-IoT, we are exploring new possibilities and technologies. Thus, this will promote digital inclusion, revolutionize connectivity in Nigeria, and contribute to sustainable development goals,” said Osman.
In addition, he said, “This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our MEA agenda, laying a robust foundation for the future of 5G technology. As we move forward, we are excited to lead in technological progress within this continually evolving region.”
Ismail Olusegun Adeshina, Director, Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the partnership with MediaTek and how it will provide affordable connectivity to Nigerians. He stated, “Our commitment to innovation is evident through our early adoption of 5G technology. We’re proactively investing in this technology to improve connectivity, to tackle coverage and cost challenges, and make 5G devices more accessible across Nigeria”.
MediaTek powers globally recognized brands and remains dedicated to providing state-of-the-art innovations through its latest products and solutions. These offerings span a diverse range, including smartphones, smart devices, automotive technology, satellite connectivity solutions, and next-generation wearables.
MediaTek’s product portfolio includes MediaTek Dimensity for 5G smartphones, MediaTek HelioG series for 4G gaming smartphones, MediaTek Kompanio for arm-based Chromebooks, MediaTek Pentonic for Smart TV technologies, MediaTek Genio for Internet of Things applications, MediaTek Filogic for advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, and MediaTek Dimensity Auto for cutting-edge automotive technologies, among others.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mediatek.com/
The award-winning Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink brand, a product of Rite Foods Limited, is delighted to unveil her highly-anticipated fourth edition of its “Bigi Watch and Win” promo. Designed exclusively for movie enthusiasts in Lagos and Abuja, this exciting promo offers participants the opportunity to watch their favourite movies and win fantastic prizes.
From September 18, 2023, to November 18, 2023, movie goers can enjoy any film of their choice at Silverbird Cinemas and receive a raffle ticket. These tickets can be redeemed for a chance to win incredible prizes, including laptops, Bigi products, printers, perfumes, and more. The grand prize for this edition is a brand-new car.
The first edition of “Bigi Watch and Win” took place in 2021, and later that same year in December, the Bigi brand held another edition. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, demonstrating Rite Foods Limited’s commitment to rewarding brand loyalty among its valued consumers.
Ms. Biola Aransiola, Assistant Brand Manager for Bigi, expressed her excitement about the fourth edition of the promo, saying, “We’ve partnered with Silverbird Cinemas to enhance people’s movie-going experience. Movie lovers can enjoy any of our 13 Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink flavours while watching their favourite films and stand a chance to win amazing prizes.”
Ms. Aransiola also mentioned that her favourite part is witnessing participants’ reactions when they discover the incredible prizes they have won, particularly the grand prize—a brand-new car. She encourages potential participants to check @getbigi on all social media platforms for the terms and conditions.
Through the “Watch & Win” promo, the Bigi brand accentuates Rite Foods Limited’s dedication to supporting the entertainment industry. The brand continues to sponsor movie premieres, as it has in the past with movies such as “The Prophetess,” “Progressive Tailors Club,” and “Aki and Pawpaw.” Additionally, it has been a consistent sponsor of the popular talent discovery platform, Nigerian Idol, for three consecutive seasons (6, 7, & 8), helping aspiring Nigerian singers achieve their dreams of stardom in the music industry.
The “Watch & Win” promo, combined with other effective marketing initiatives, has earned the Bigi brand numerous awards within its market segment. In 2023, Bigi Cola was honored with the “Best Value for Money” award at the BrandXchange Consumers Value Awards. In 2022, it received the “Fastest Growing Cola Brand of the Year” award at the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards in Lagos. The Bigi brand also claimed the “Most Outstanding CSD Brand of the Year” award at the 2021 Brandcom Awards, solidifying its position as a market leader in the beverage industry, outperforming its competitors.
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