Straight Talk with Chukwudi Obi

CHUKWUDI OBI caught up with two African entrepreneurs and innovators whose ambition is to change the face of storytelling in Africa. The duo of Franco Abott (Kenyan) and Brian Asingia tell their story in a most intriguing and thrilling manner. Enjoy.  Tell us about your software DreamAfrica application for mobile, web and soon smart TV connects story tellers to a global audience. DreamAfrica is currently the world’s largest digital collection of African stories for kids offering unlimited premium access to eBooks, animations and audio recordings for a s little as $1.99 (N350) monthly subscription. What ignited your move to develop the DreamAfrica software? The Pearl Dream believes in culture, connections and heritage and seeks to unlock the magic of Africa through the timeless art of storytelling. We are filling the void created by lack of authentic local digital content from all over Africa for children and families worldwide. The Pearl Dream will disrupt cross cu...

With the telecoms sector worth $32 billion and among the top ten fastest emerging markets in Middle East and Africa (MEA), CHUKWUDI OBI asks who needs a local content policy when there is much at stake. Local content policies are designed to encourage local companies, give them undue advantage over foreign companies and drive more local investment in that particular sector. To a large extent the local content policy as implemented in the oil and gas sector many experts say, has been successful to the extent of stimulating the industry, encouraging active local participation and encourage competition. But Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda has been hinged on increasing foreign direct investment and since inception of this administration, President Goodluck Jonathan and his lieutenants have not hidden their ambition to increase investments in the country. This, they have been pursuing vigorously, with some measure of success. It has paid off with Agriculture attr...

As part of their efforts to improve productivity,ensure customer satisfaction and improve users’ experience, Microsoft has lauched new applications for Iphone and Android users. This is coming as the Corporation has updated some application for Ipad tablet users and presented an expanded look at the new “touch-optimized” Office for Windows 10. The Corporation has launched new Office applications for Iphone and android users and an updated application for Ipad users thereby giving users of these devices ability to to create and edit Office content without a subscription.  “Anytime someone has an idea or an inspiration, we want to empower them to take action. “With over a billion Office customers worldwide, and over 40 million downloads on the iPad, it’s clear that Office applications are what people want to use to get things done,” Corporate Vice President, Office, Microsoft, John case said. With the launch of the new Office applications, iPhone and Android tablet custom...

Cookie Jam After launching games on Windows Phone store, award-winning Nigerian mobile games company, and highest paid windows game company, Gamsole has recorded over nine million downloads and three million worldwide players who are addicted to the game experience. Gamesole’s founder Abiola Olaniran, after being one of the first African startups to be awarded an innovation grant courtesy Microsoft 4Afrika, had his games now top over nine million downloads. Some of the games include Juicy Links and Cookie Jam “About 38 per cent of mobile phone users all over the world consume games, second to the use of social networks. People never get tired of gaming. On an everyday basis, millions of people are experiencing little boring moments: the long queue at the supermarket, the traffic, a 13-hour flight. Apart from providing the entertainment factor for scenarios like this, mobile gaming also serves as a great tool for education. “We want to focus on creating high-quality...

Award-winning Nigerian mobile games company, and highest paid windows game company Gamsole, has launched a new competition that will have winners compete for US$4,000 (N680, 000) in prizes and career opportunities for five talented illustrators. The competition, according to Gamsole’s founder Abiola Olaniran will be running until November 23 while entrants are expected to submit a graphical concept for a game, including character design in different moods and positions. Abiola, Nigeria’s highest paid Windows game developer said Gamsole will be offering a US$3 000 (N510, 000) prize for the best illustrator, with the runner-up receiving US$1 000 (N170, 000).  “The top five will be offered permanent positions at Gamsole’s offices in Lagos, giving them the chance to own equity and be part of a high-growth, fast-paced startup,” says Abiola. Illustrators, Abiola said, can enter the competition here and share entries with their friends who can vote. Submissions, it i...

Countdown to the national and global migration from analogue to digital broadcasting, Nigeria is still at its teething stage with many mechanisms that will ensure a seamless switch over yet to be put in place, writes CHUKWUDI OBI. With roughly two months to national deadline and eight months to global switch off, it is evident that work is being done especially on the part of government and regulatory agencies, but how much effort, commitment and political will that these officials have put in to ensure that Nigeria’s switch over becomes a reality leaves much to be desired. Jos is the only state that has switched over to digital broadcasting and with the national deadline approaching, indications are rife that though Nigeria is on the right course, the snail speed at which results are achieved leaves a sour taste in the much. “We have switched off all analogue stations in Plateau State and have commenced digital with TV stations like NTA, AIT and others whom NBC ha...