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AfricaPlan Foundation Selects 20 Graduates for 2022 HackathonAfrica in Enugu

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HackathonAfrica

AfricaPlan Foundation Selects 20 Graduates for 2022 HackathonAfrica in Enugu

Enugu-born tech entrepreneur initiates a plan to put more graduates on to careers in technology

HackathonAfrica

The inaugural edition of HackathonAfrica kicked off on Thursday, September 01, 2022, in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.

The HackatonAfrica program, a brainchild of the US-based AfricaPlan Foundation, is an intensive software coding boot camp for fresh graduates aimed at tackling the steep digital skills deficit in the Southeast region and creating opportunities for the enterprising youth to tap into the burgeoning technology industry.

 

 

With Nigeria’s unemployment rate at more than 35%, the AfricanPlan Foundation said the HackathonaAfrica provides one of several unique opportunities that must be explored to creatively tackle the unemployment crisis through an inclusive and strategic digital upskilling program that creates opportunities for the next generation of young Nigerians to play an active part in the digital economy.

The Hackathon attracted massive interest from youths across the region with over 300 applications received. However, only twenty recent graduates were shortlisted to join the first cohort, which included ten males and ten females, underscoring the Foundation’s strategic commitment to inclusivity and removing biases by granting equal opportunities to both genders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A unique fully-funded, residential software coding boot camp, HackathonAfrica will last for three months and will encompass intensive hands-on practical training on Fullstack Web Development (MERN) and in the latest and more commonly used software coding programs and databases in tech today.

The founder of the AfricaPlan Foundation, an accomplished technology industry executive and entrepreneur, Mr Oni Chukwu while speaking at the opening ceremony lamented the dearth of digital skills in Africa, which is hampering the ability of the continent to fully tap into the economic opportunities of the technology revolution and its attendant economic empowerment.

 

 

 

 

 

He noted that advances in technology, especially in software development have disrupted virtually every industry resulting in a greater disadvantage for any economy without sufficient or commensurate digital skills to meet industry needs. He, therefore, called on policymakers, governments at all levels and concerned individuals to embrace the new reality and put in place deliberate measures that will refocus the energy of the youth and equip them to tap into the technology sector.

In line with HackathonAfrica’s structure and design, the 20 trainees after completing their three months of training AfricaPlan will make every effort to deploy graduates to HackathonAfrica’s partner organisations within and outside Nigeria for their internship, with a stipend from the AfricaPlan Foundation. The long game here, according to Chukwu, is creating a successful pathway to launching successful careers in technology, as well as a pipeline to creating a talent pool for organisations that rely on digital skills on the continent. More partner companies that can join in providing internship opportunities for the students would be welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the participants who spoke to reporters during the ceremony expressed gratitude to the AfricaPlan Foundation for the opportunity and pledged to take full advantage of the programme to start careers in the tech industry.

Israel Chukwu, who studied Product Design Engineering at the university, said, “I finished school about 5 years ago and after the NYSC programme without a job, it puts you in a depressing state; you see your dreams slipping through your fingers. I stayed in Lagos for about two years and now I moved back to my hometown to take up this golden package. I feel glad. I tried coding at age 13 but could not continue. HackathonAfrica is a life-changing opportunity for me and I thank Oni Chukwu whom I have never met before being selected and the team for being thorough in their approach to the program.”

 

 

 

 

Also speaking at the opening ceremony in Enugu, Mr Jonah Onah, 2022 HackathonAfrica Project Coordinator, reiterated that the programme is anchored on three main objectives, which include upskilling, empowerment and sustainability, adding that AfricaPlan Foundation will leverage the initiative to provide excellent training that will equip youth in Southeast Nigeria with improved skills required to harness opportunities in the software technology space.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Business

Dangote Refinery Receives Its Maiden Crude Cargo

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Dangote Refinery Receives Its Maiden Crude Cargo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports in a major step towards boosting Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and attaining energy security (self-sufficiency), Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals plant has purchased 1 million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), one of the largest trading companies in Nigeria as well as globally, trading over 8 million barrels of crude oil per day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dangote Refinery Receives Its Maiden Crude Cargo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The STASCO cargo contained 1 million barrels from Agbami and sailed to Dangote Refinery’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) where it was discharged into the refinery’s crude oil tanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The maiden 1 million barrels, which represent the first phase of the 6 million barrels of crude oil to be supplied to Dangote Petroleum Refinery by a range of suppliers, should sustain the initial 350,000 barrels per day to be processed by the facility. The next four cargoes will be supplied by the NNPC in two to three weeks and the final of the six cargoes will be supplied by ExxonMobil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This supply will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This latest development will play a pivotal role in alleviating the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria as well as the West African countries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designed for 100% Nigerian crude with the flexibility to process other crudes, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery can process most African crude grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab Light and even US Light tight oil as well as crude from other countries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet 100% of the Nigeria’s requirement of all refined products, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, and also have surplus of each of these products for export.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The refinery was built to take crude through its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore and to discharge petroleum products through three separate SPMs. In addition, the refinery has the capacity to load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck loading gantries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dangote Refinery has a self-sufficient marine facility with the ability to handle the largest vessel globally available. In addition, all products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The refinery is designed to comply with US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms as well as African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) standards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote stated: “We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects. Our focus over the coming months is to ramp up the refinery to its full capacity. I look forward to the next significant milestone when we deliver the first batch of products to the Nigerian market.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor stated: “We welcome the startup of a refinery that is designed to produce gasoline, diesel, and low-sulphur fuels for Nigeria and across West Africa and are happy to be enabling it.”

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Business

Why You Should Patronize Oye’s Food Place

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Why You Should Patronize Oye’s Food Place

Why You Should Patronize Oye’s Food Place 

 

 

 

Everyone deserves a good meal, especially after a hectic day at work. Oye’s Food is the one-stop place to get delicious and nutritious food.

 

 

 

 

 

Run by Damola Oyewale, a gifted chef, Oye’s Food prides itself in all kinds of food and soups both local and continental at the doorstep of your house. They take the stress off you and their delivery package is top-notch. That’s why dignitaries prefer Oye’s Food to take care of their food. A trial will convince you…

 

 

Why You Should Patronize Oye’s Food Place

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The Alternative Bank Delights Customers with Exclusive Seasonal Product

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The Alternative Bank Delights Customers with Exclusive Seasonal Product

 

The Alternative Bank Delights Customers with Exclusive Seasonal Product

 

 

 

Ahead of the festive period, The Alternative Bank is offering customers an innovative financial product designed to enhance the holiday experience.

 

 

 

 

 

This pioneering solution – AltMall, allows individuals to instantly acquire desired items and pay in manageable instalments, freeing up funds for other essential needs.

 

 

 

The Alternative Bank Delights Customers with Exclusive Seasonal Product

 

 

AltMall provides customers unparalleled flexibility through deferred payment options, promising a seamless and stress-free shopping experience.

In an official statement, Mohammed Yunusa, Head of NIB Digital and Consumer Business at The Alternative Bank, acknowledged the challenging economic conditions and emphasized the bank’s commitment to ensuring that customers can still enjoy the best of the season.

Yunusa stated, “The Alternative Bank recognises the economic challenges that may hinder many people from fully enjoying the festive season. In anticipation of this reality, we are proud to offer our valued customers a unique financial product as a solution.”

“At The Alternative Bank, we understand the significance of family ties, reunions, and other festivities during this time of the year. With AltMall, we aim to provide a respite for our customers, enabling them to continue cherished traditions, regardless of the economic situation,” he added.

AltMall is tailored for the modern consumer, providing access to the platform from the comfort of home or while on the go. Customers can conveniently choose deferred payment options aligned with their financial preferences, allowing them to savour their purchases while effectively managing their finances.

Yunusa highlighted AltMall’s commitment to prioritizing customer convenience, stating, “AltMall gives our customers control over their purchases and payment schedules. Our platform ensures a seamless and user-friendly shopping experience, whether at home or on the move.”
The Alternative Bank, known for its dedication to innovative financial solutions, reaffirms its commitment through AltMall. The product represents a significant step in redefining the intersection of finance and e-commerce, offering a unique shopping experience that combines convenience, variety, and financial flexibility.

As the festive season approaches, The Alternative Bank invites customers to make the most of AltMall, embracing a new way to shop online that aligns with their evolving needs.

ENDS

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