By Kokumo Goodie, Lagos, Nigeria
As part of its efforts to encourage digital literacy and enable an entrepreneurial spirit, the Nigerian Police Force Microfinance Bank (NPF MfB) has entered into a strategic partnership with Airtel and Intel to provide affordable and accessible technological devices for the Nigerian police force and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.
This partnership was borne out of the need to equip members of the Nigerian police force with digital knowledge and provide access to highly affordable technology devices and internet bundles. Intel will provide devices through its ecosystem partners, Airtel will provide data bundles, while the NPF MfB will provide the financing for the acquisition of the devices.
Speaking during the event, DC CIID Zone 2 Lagos, DCP Isaac Akinmoyede highlighted the great impact that knowledge of ICT infrastructure can have on the operation and efficiency of the Nigerian Police Force both for individuals and for the Nigerian Police as a whole. According to him, this partnership is a welcome development for Nigeria’s police officers and small businesses. He said, “There are many benefits for businesses and for individuals in Nigeria when they are able to make good use of technology supported with the unlimited information that abound on the internet. The partnership with Airtel will ensure internet connectivity for free and the partnership with Intel will ensure that the best of devices are made available and accessible. This is a great step that has been taken to empower the Nigerian Police Force, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity.”
The Country Manager of Intel Corporation, Olubunmi Ekundare, who expressed delight at the partnership, stressed that the joint partnership with NPF and Airtel was in harmony with Intel’s values on education and digital literacy. “At Intel, we value education and digital literacy that is why we always seek ways to bring technology closer to people. Our utmost desire is to make computers more affordable and accessible to everyone and this partnership is a right step in the right direction,” he said.
Speaking on Airtel’s partnership with NPF and Intel, the Senior Marketing Manager Devices and Partnerships at Airtel, Bobby Iduoze, said: “Airtel is coming into this partnership with a desire to equip beneficiaries with the internet connectivity that they need to do more on their computers. The internet opens a huge door of opportunities for individuals and for businesses and Airtel is providing an opportunity for people to experience the power of the internet.”
Every police officer can benefit from the computer acquisition programme with access to a variety of devices. Also, digital skills training will be made available through African Learning while NPF while provide a one-year payment structure for all interested persons.
