By Vera Samuel Anyagafu

Mr. Edwin Obiora Okafor is the CEO/MD, Access Telecommunication Link Service Limited, an indigenous company with Head office in Jakarta, Indonesia. Noted for his remarkable commitment to telecommunication and hybrid security technology, Okafor was determined to ensure that all Nigerians receive the best of his services at an affordable price.

Shortly after his university education, he ventured into entrepreneurship, then manufacturing and provision of security services across countries, including Nigeria. With his research and development centre in Jakarta, Indonesia, Okafor was able to provide reliable and advanced security system to enhance and deal with some of the security challenges facing Nigeria.

In this interview with Vanguard, the IT wizard spoke on many issues, especially the need to have Nigeria properly equipped with the necessary IT products for the security of all and those who may have come into Nigeria for one business or the other.

Excerpts;

Background

Shortly after obtaining a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electronics Engineering, Mr. Edwin Obiora Okafor proceeded overseas for further training on hybrid technology to compete with other hybrid technology experts. Back in Nigeria, his expertise was sought by two Nigerian Telecommunication service companies, followed by a foreign telecommunication service company, where he relentlessly contributed his quota towards providing quality telecommunication services to Nigerians.

Striving to be on top of his game, Okafor floated Access Telecommunication Link Service Limited in 1992 and with a research and development outfit in Indonesia, he was able to accomplish his vision and dreams of giving Nigerians the best in respect of hybrid technology.

What we do

Okafor said that Telecommunication Link Service’s hybrid security solution is customised to help citizens and governments checkmate various levels of criminality in the society. “The service ensures that citizens and foreigners in the country go about their businesses without fear. The fact is that management of companies in Nigeria, especially foreign investors are not comfortable with the security challenges facing the country.

Most foreign investors are afraid of investing in Nigeria because there is no security solution. It is worthy of note here that no country will overcome challenges of insecurity by using commercialised  security products to fight crime. “Our solution can streamline insecurity and assure a track record of any criminal action any time, any where, because we specialise on building a customized security solution based on the nature of the insecurity they intend fighting,

“In addition, we have invested resources and energy into operational development initiative that will support our chronological growth target. Our company has trained engineers on the board which give R&D support service for any product developed by us, we go the extra mile to train our customers in any product developed by us and ensure that our products are customer- friendly and stand the test of time.”

Challenges

“We are rarely challenged with having to deal with counterfeiting products. Although we may encounter hurdles arising from technical issues in some situations, it never hampered provision of quality services to our customers. The issue of maintenance appears worrisome sometimes, but in all, we have been able to maintain a standard unequalled.

Gathering components

“A good number of the components we use come through our head office in Kalibata city square in Jakarta, Indonesia, and for the fact that we have proven our worth in terms of providing quality services, most telecommunications companies in the country have signed us on as strategic partner to produce, install and maintain their customised security base devices, PABX equipment, hybrid security technology telecom products, etc.

“We are technically driven to deliver the utmost service in security system, IT and Telecommunication support services. We are synonymous with building excellence and specialised services and will continue to introduce innovative products to satisfy the needs of our new and existing valued customers.”

Business regulatory requirements

“Of course, the regulatory requirements expected for the type of business we do are not ruled out. We are fully aware that the security of lives and property is the focus of every well-meaning government, and as such, we are up to date with all the regulatory expectations in respect of our services. Consequently, we have gone into partnership with the government in areas of customised hybrid security products to assist in balancing their obligatory mandate towards safe- guarding lives and property of citizens.

We cannot overlook the urgent need for prevention of kidnappings, armed robberies and other related criminalities that occur on a daily basis across the country.” Okafor also added that, “Access Telecommunication Link Ltd has given birth to a new company, Eagle Eye followed by Access Gold. “In the past, we have had cases of kidnappings, assassinations, bank ATM frauds, and robbery attacks, where lives and goods worth several billions of naira were lost.

On many occasions, these unfortunate incidences occur at nights and odd hours, and being aware of that we are in the age of technological advancement, we have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of human existence by protecting and enhancing their lives through our improved technologies. “With the presence of these companies in Nigeria, Nigerians are sure of receiving the best of a world class security device to fight crime, as our security solution surpasses the security devices currently being used in both government and private establishments across the country.

Same is applicable to our telephone sets, Digital PABX equipment, GPS Tracker and other devices.”