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  • No honeymoon, hit the ground running, Pantami charges new NCC board chairman

    No honeymoon, hit the ground running, Pantami charges new NCC board chairman

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has given the new Chairman, Board of Commissioners of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, a marching order to hit the ground running by providing necessary direction for effective regulation of the telecom industry in Nigeria.

    Pantami gave the charge on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony for Akande, who is representing the South West zone, as the Chairman of NCC Board of Commissioners, and Chief Uche Onwude, the commissioner representing the South-East zone. The event took place at the Minister’s office in Abuja.

    The Minister said the NCC Board led by Akande must “hit the ground running”. The Minister, who said “there is no time for celebrations now and no time for honeymoon”, declared that “we would congratulate the NCC Board after you must have completed your tenure with resounding successes and achievements that have positive impact on Nigerians.”

    The Minister emphasised the need for the NCC Board to totally sanitise the industry of improperly-registered Subscriber Identification Number (SIM) cards and to develop regulations on the number of SIM cards an individual or organisation can have at any particular time, as well as ensure seamless integration of SIM data with the national database of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    Meanwhile, Prof. Akande, who spoke after the oath of office, assured of his readiness to work with other members of the Board and Management team of the Commission to exceed expectation in providing quality directions for effective regulations of the nation’s telecommunications industry.

    Akande, who served as Chairman of the Board of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) before his present appointment, said there is no doubt that the NCC, as the nation’s telecom regulator, has a major role to play in the development of the Nigerian economy, especially in the area of effective regulation that can bring efficiency across sectors.

    Akande is enthusiastic that the telecommunication sector will improve its contribution to the GDP and enhance the status of the security architecture of the country.

    Prof. Akande said: “We want to thank everybody who has been with us since our nomination by the President in the last two months. There is no doubt that NCC has a major role to play in our national life at this time, especially in the area of security. For instance, many people on the street believe that security of lives and property will be bolstered once NCC is able to properly address issues connected to Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) registration, because we would have helped to resolve a critical percentage of our security issue significantly”.

    “I know our Minister is someone, who normally sets high expectations and standards. I have worked with him at NITDA and I know he is somebody who normally expects the best from his team. To this end, I give you the commitment of the Board and management of NCC to work together to meet and exceed expectations,” he said. Akande also thanked all relatives and friends who attended the event.

    Akande, a professor of political science and notable scholar of media and politics, was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari as Chairman of NCC Board on December 23, 2019. He was subsequently confirmed on February 5, 2020 by the Senate, the upper chamber of Nigeria’s federal bicameral legislature.

    With the swearing-in of Akande and Onwude, NCC now has a fully-constituted Board of Commissioners as stipulated in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, and all the six geopolitical zones are represented on the Board.

    While giving the Vote of Thanks, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, expressed the Commission’s gratitude to the Minister for his continuous support to the Commission and requested the Minister to kindly convey the Commission’s appreciation to the President for “ensuring that we now have the full complement of the NCC board members.”

  • Viasat to provide Nigerians with cost effective Internet connectivity via satellite

    A strategic boost to Federal Government’s plan to deepen digital culture came on Monday when Viasat, a commercial satellite operator, visited the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to give an update on its readiness to deploy satellite broadband services in Nigeria.

    The Viasat team was received by Engr. Augustine. Nwalunne, Director, Spectrum Administration at NCC, on behalf of Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission.

    According to Nwaulune, the Monday meeting with Viasat team was a sequel to an earlier meeting with the EVC on March 4, 2019, when Viasat came to discuss its plans to get regulatory supports for entry into the commercial satellite communications market in Nigeria.

    At the meeting, Viasat sought the Commission’s encouragement and approval to reserve and use the 28 GHz KA frequency band in the country to provide cost-effective Internet connectivity and high throughput satellite connectivity through its incorporated Nigerian subsidiary, Viasat Nigeria.

    The company also informed the Commission of its plan to conduct a Proof of Concept (PoC) test in Abuja in 2020. Thereafter, Viasat plans to roll out in a community, and subsequently extend the services across a state and then proceed to extend its broadband satellite services nationwide by 2022.

    The Viasat’s GTH satellite services is targeting homes, governments, schools as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), among others.

    The company expressed confidence that its services will be really beneficial to unserved and underserved areas of Nigeria.

    Viasat said it has, over the years, invested over $2.2 billion globally on geostationary satellite services, with footprint in the Nigerian space towards bridging extant digital divide in the country.

    Originally a satellite operator but now a satellite operator and satellite services provider, Viasat declared readiness to effectively provide cost effective Internet connectivity via satellite and to provide high throughput satellite connectivity services in Nigeria.

  • Valentine’s Day: See 6 States where free condoms will be distributed

    Valentine’s Day: See 6 States where free condoms will be distributed

    February 14 every year is celebrated in Nigeria and in most parts of the world as Valentine’s Day, and AIDs Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has said it will distribute 250,000 free condoms in six states of the federation in commemoration of the 2020 International Condom Day (ICD).

    Mr Steve Aborisade, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday stated that the 2020 ICD with “Safer is Fun” as its theme, and is celebrated annually on February 13, in conjunction with Valentine’s Day that is celebrated on February 14.

    He said that AHF would mark the day with a road walk, distribution of condoms and HIV testing and counselling exercise across six AHF-Nigeria programme states of Benue, Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Nasarawa, Anambra and Abuja.

    Other activities the AHF Advocacy and Marketing Manager said will take place include entertainment and educational “Safer is Fun” activities alongside advocacy messages.

    The marketing manager noted that Dr Echey Ijezie, the Country Programme Director of the foundation in Nigeria had reiterated commitment toward ensuring increased access to condom as the world celebrates ICD.

    He said the use of condom would assist in preventing pregnancy, HIV and Sexually-Transmitted Infections (STIs), as well as promote healthy lifestyles.

    He quoted Ijezie as saying “on February 13 and February 14, we will show Nigerians how “Safer is Fun” and why we urgently need to take advocacy for condom access to a higher level.

    “This is critical as people cannot take charge of their health if widespread stock outs, shortages and unaffordable prices for condoms continue.

    “Presently, AHF-Nigeria is collaborating with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and NOI Polls in a nationwide survey on the condom culture of Nigerians.

    “This is an effort to support the Nigerian national condom policy and marketing approach to bridge the country’s annual condom gap of about 600 million.”

    Terri Ford, the AHF Chief Global Policy and Advocacy, also said that distributing free condoms to people who needed them most had always been a priority for the foundation.

    Ford said the foundation would step up its advocacy around the world to help break down barriers to access as condoms remained the most cost-effective option for preventing HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

    The President of AHF, Michael Weinstein, said “ICD is a great way to remind people everywhere that HIV and STIs are still major global health threats.

    “These threats can be avoided by regularly and correctly using condoms.

    “There are 1.7 million new HIV infections annually and more than one million new cases of curable STIs every day, according to UNAIDSand the World Health Organisation, respectively.

    “That is unacceptable when these conditions are 100 per cent preventable, thus, governments and global health organisations must do more to ensure that people have easy access to free or affordable condoms.”

    AHF is the largest global AIDS organisation taking care of more than 1.3 million lives across 43 countries, including Nigeria.

  • Kannywood says it won’t ban Maryam Booth over leaked nude video

    Kannywood says it won’t ban Maryam Booth over leaked nude video

    The leadership of the Northern section of the Nigerian movie industry also known as Kannywood says it won’t ban one of its members, Maryam Booth over leaked nude video.

    According the chairman of Kannywood Guild of Artistes, Alhassan Kwalle, unlike what happened in the past involving another actress, Maryam Iyana, that led to her ban from the industry, Maryam Booth’s case was different as it was deliberately meant to blackmail her.

    “What happened to this girl everyone knows that the video was mischievously taken to blackmail her, not that she was doing a film or sort. “She tried to take action about it immediately but the guy that did it acted as if he had deleted the video and for over three years he has been using that to extort money from her under threat that he will release the video until he eventually released it on Friday.

    “Recently, he called and said he wants to take his mother to the hospital and that she should give him money but she refused; that was why he decided to release the nude video,” Kwalle said.

  • Buhari: What happens if a thief pays rent, sponsors political career of an incorruptible man – Kukah

    -Presidency wades in on Kukah’s torrent of attacks

    Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Dr. Mathew Kukah has again queried the stance of President Muhammadu Buhari as the messiah sent to combat corruption, insecurity in Nigeria.

    Recall TheNewsGuru had earlier published a report on how Kukah castigated President Buhari, accusing him of bringing Nigeria to the brink, with his nepotism.

    Furious over the state of the nation (Nigeria), Kukah, threw the second salvo while delivering a speech as a Guest Speaker in a lecture titled “Is Corruption a Biological Necessity or a Political Invention”, at the launching of a book “One Step Ahead: Life of a Spy, Detective and Anti-Graft Czar”, authored by former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri in Abuja yesterday.

    He asked Nigerian leaders to show probity and accountability. He said: “First, the President for example won his elections on the plank that he would fight corruption. We have had such statements like, fighting corruption to a standstill, killing corruption, getting rid of corruption or, the favourite and life changing one, which is, if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill us. All great soundbites, I say. And of course, having been drenched in the cesspool of corruption, only the sadist, the fool would not want to see the pool drenched.

    “The philosophical questions however for me are, how do you fight corruption? Who and where is corruption sitting or standing? What tools do you use to fight corruption? How will we know when corruption has been killed? What will its body look like and who will officiate at the funeral of corruption? In other words, will the high priests of the funeral of corruption be those who have wined and dined with it or those who have washed their garments in purity?

    “You may find my questions quite irritating because they strike at the root of what we have not thought through but they will also help you understand why corruption has not died, will not die any time soon despite our marksmanship. Here are the reasons why I think corruption will not die so soon. “I do not for one moment doubt or question the enthusiasm, patriotism and moral probity of those who have sought to fight corruption and are fighting corruption. I am saying that in all of these, like my fever, we are only seeing symptoms. Only a proper diagnosis can begin a process of curing us. And, in my view, we have sought to fight corruption without enough diagnostic effort. And this brings me to the first section of my question, namely, is corruption a biological necessity?”

    The Bishop, who was represented at the event by Revered Father Patrick Alukumu from Abuja, however, provoked some thoughts, asking if President Buhari had fulfilled his promise of declaring his own assets public. Defining corruption He said: “The next issue is how do we define the corrupt? Who is corrupt? When power is used to shield those at the top, it is one of the worst forms of corruption. Often, those in power can subordinate the apparatus of state to hide their own corruption and leave the poor and ordinary people vulnerable. We create all kinds of fireballs of protections around those who govern us and we call it Immunity. When the politician controls the security agencies and the judiciary, when all these are made to serve the people in power, then we must find another word for defining corruption.

    “A man of integrity and piety and we can call him incorruptible. However, what happens if the thief pays his rent, sponsors his political career, or donates proceeds from his or her theft indirectly to the friends, family and cronies of those in power? Is the canvass of their piety or integrity and honour wide enough to cover the stench of corruption or do we only see the agent of corruption?

    “On a final note, let me ask two or three questions that I have heard being asked. First, is it in the Law that the Chairman of EFCC must be from the Police Force and a Muslim from Northern Nigeria? Two, people have asked, how is it that the President used Justice Onnoghen’s Asset Declaration form to prove his corruption and proceed to sack him, yet the President himself has not publicly declared his own assets as he promised during his campaigns? Thirdly, why has Mr. Magu not been confirmed as EFCC Chairman and what is the state of the trial of those who attempted to kill him in December, 2017? Thank you for your kind attention.”

    Meanwhile, Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina who was also at the event partly replied Kukah.

    In his reaction, Adesina said Buhari never promised to declare his assets publicly, adding that the president had not broken any law by not doing so.

    The presidential spokesman, therefore, challenged Kukah to produce evidence of where the president promised to publicly declare his assets if elected.

    He stated: “I remember I was appointed on May 31, 2015, and when I resumed work on June 1 2015, in a private meeting with the president, one of the first questions I asked him was: this promise about the public declaration of assets, when are you doing it?

    “And then he asked me: can you please show me where that promise was ever made? And behold, we searched everywhere, there was no place where the president ever said he would do a public declaration and he asked me what the law required. And he said: ‘The law requires you to declare your assets and that is what I will do.’ Yet, since that year, they keep repeating that he promised a public declaration.

    [d]

    “Sir, can you tell Bishop Kukah that I challenge him to produce that promise by the president because the president stands by it till tomorrow that he never promised a public declaration.

    “In 2015, he made his assets public, in 2019, he had declared, he has chosen not to go public, he has not broken any law. So, please let’s not continue to repeat what is untrue.”

  • Help us defeat Boko Haram, Gbajabiamila begs US

    Help us defeat Boko Haram, Gbajabiamila begs US

    The speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabimila, yesterday in Abuja asked the United States Government to assist Nigeria to defeat insurgency and other security challenges affecting the country.

    Gbajabiamila, while receiving the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, asked: “What is America doing to assist Nigeria defeat insurgency? Is the outcome of the Layee Act affecting the way international organizations operate? What is the status of the Tucano jets we paid for?

    “The house and indeed Nigerians are worried about the lingering insecurity in many parts of the country and many citizens of Nigeria are looking up to the United States of America for assistance to tackle this challenge”.

    Gbajabiamila commended the US Government for its decision to repatriate the over $300m Abacha loot.

    Responding, Leonard said the US was committed to helping Nigeria tackle its security challenges. She promised to assist in the timely delivery of the Tucano jets to Nigeria.

  • Former House of Reps member faces backlash for Special Adviser appointment

    Former House of Reps member faces backlash for Special Adviser appointment

    Former member of the House of Representatives, Evelyn Oboro is facing backlash after she was appointed Special Adviser by Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oboro, Chief Lucky Ekayama Loyibo, a member of the State Judicial Service Commission, and chairman and members of the State’s Sports Commission were sworn in on Tuesday in Asaba, the State capital.

    The Sports Commission has Chief Tonobok Okowa as Chairman and Rev. Omatshola Williams, Chief Chinonye Daphey and Chief Ernest Juweto as members.

    However, some Deltans were of the opinion that to be a Special Adviser to Governor Okowa was too low for the person of Oboro, whom they said should have turned down the offer of the appointment.

    Reacting to the comments about her appointment, the former House member, who represented the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rather expressed excitement.

    “First and foremost I thank God Almighty for making me see this day. I thank Governor Okowa for finding me worthy to be among those who advise him.

    “The same people who said Oboro is a woman and can not be Senator are the same people saying to be Special Adviser to the governor is too low for Oboro.

    “If you know the duties of a Special Adviser to a Governor, then a two time House of Representatives member has experience, knowledge and wisdom to advise a governor.

    “To be an adviser to a governor is a rare opportunity. I am very grateful to Governor Okowa. Nobody recommends a Special Adviser to a governor. The governor choses whoever he knows and feels has the experience to advise him.

    “When you contest an election you offer to serve and its a choice, but when you are appointed into an office you are called to serve, it is an offer.

    “Honestly I am happy, grateful and thankful to Governor Okowa. I am happy and peaceful. I appreciate all of you who have encouraged me in one way or the other with your posts, prayers, comments and presence. God bless you more than you ever imagined,” Oboro stated.

    Meanwhile, Governor Okowa has congratulated the appointees, urging political office holders in the State to be guided at all times by good governance and leadership principles.

    Okowa stressed that the appointees were well chosen as “men and women with strong work ethic, discipline and commitment’’.

    According to him, it is a good mix of motivators and technocrats, enthusiasm and experience, passion and temperance.

    He, however, urged the officer to be diligent in their responsibilities, saying “it is imperative that your decisions, actions and utterances as political office holders are guided by the principles of good governance, leadership by example, prudent management, effective public communication, excellent service delivery and collective responsibility.

    “You should discharge your responsibilities in accordance with section 196 sub-sections 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and work for the good governance and development of the state.

    “To the newly sworn-in Special Adviser, it is imperative that you get yourself thoroughly acquainted with the policy direction of this administration by getting a copy of my Inauguration Speech and digest it properly.

    “It goes without saying that you are required to render advisory services to the Governor and work in close liaison with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

    “I welcome sound and professional advice that will put the administration on the path of delivering the dividends of democracy and finishing strong.

    “This administration is ever ready to listen to good advice and work with it as long as it will further our developmental aspirations and impact positively on the lives of our people.’’

    He commended the Sports Commission for the outstanding work it did in the first term of his administration, recalling that Delta retained its front-runner status in athletics, coming first in all National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival 2019 by a very wide margin.

    “It is also gratifying to note that the State successfully hosted the 21st African Senior Athletics Championship, also known as Asaba 2018, at the reconstructed Stephen Keshi Stadium and it is expected that this board will strive to sustain this momentum and break new grounds.

    “I am delighted with the coming of the Delta Sports Festival and football competitions for our primary and secondary schools; hopefully, these competitions will help us to discover new talents in the areas we have competitive edge such as athletics, football, boxing and hockey thereby, putting the Stephen Keshi Stadium to good use.

    “The Sports Commission will need to do more in terms of attracting national and continental sporting events aside from their great entertainment/recreational value.

    “These also have the multiplier effect of impacting positively on the hospitality industry and the retail economy as we saw with Asaba 2018 and the Aiteo Cup Final 2018.

    “I assure you that this administration shall continue to give the necessary support and cooperation that all appointees require to be able to discharge their duties to the utmost of their individual abilities and in an environment that is empowering and liberating,” the Governor said.

  • Just in: Fire engulfs parts of Owerri airport

    Just in: Fire engulfs parts of Owerri airport

    A fire outbreak has been reported at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.

    The cause of the fire is still unknown but the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, described it as a bush fire.

    According to Yakubu, firefighters are currently working to control the spread of the fire.

    She said the incident did not affect flight operations.

    Details later…

  • Microsoft donates $22,500 ICT items to organisation for projects

    Microsoft Nigeria on Tuesday donated Information Technology (IT) items valued at 22,500 U.S. Dollars to The Zariah Elizabeth Foundation (TZE), an indigenous Non-Profit Organisation to sustain its projects.

    Mr Akindayo Akindolani, the Executive Director, TZE foundation, acknowledged the donation via a press statement on Tuesday.

    TZE is an Abuja based NGO that is into building capacity and skills development of the younger generation through digital literacy for personal development

    The donation of the items which took place in Lagos was in recognition of the foundation’s impactful IT activities majorly targeted at young people.

    The donated ICT gift items included hardware and software items.

    The hardware items were 11 computer notebooks valued at 3,650 dollars, five computer tablets valued at 1,750 dollars, 16 copies of office professional applications and 16 copies of Windows 10 Pro Full Operating System valued at 17,152 dollars.

    Mr John Edokpolo, Lead Commercial Attorney, Middle East and Africa of Microsoft, while making the donation said it was part of the organisation’s mandate towards empowering institutions to deliver IT skills to the grassroots.

    According to Edokpolo, Microsoft believes that technology is a powerful force for good in a rapidly changing world.

    “We are working to ensure that everyone has access to the opportunities it provides.

    “Microsoft is pleased to donate 22,552 Dollars in-kind to TZE in support of device donation and we are not seeking promises or favouritism for Microsoft.

    “We partner thousands of like organisations around the world to help each one achieve one’s mission.

    “We are committed to delivering accessible and affordable technology solutions to enable your organisation to digitally transform, accelerate its mission and drive greater impact,” he said.

    Akindolani lauded Microsoft saying that the items would enable it to reach more students, young people and consolidate on the digital skills programme running through the year.

    Akindolani said, “We believe that digital skills are shaping the future of works and it is better we engage, prepare the young ones with relevant skills earlier in life.”

  • Safer Internet Day: Facebook partners 9 NGOs to raise safety awareness

    Facebook says it is partnering nine non-profit organisations and government agencies within sub-Saharan Africa to raise awareness about internet safety and security.

    Jocelyne Muhutu-Rémy, Strategic Media Partnerships Manager for Facebook in sub-Saharan Africa said in a statement that the partnership was created to celebrate ‘Safer Internet Day’.

    The statement was made available to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday.

    According to her, Facebook is working with Watoto Watch Network, Kenya; Paradigm Initiative, Nigeria; Child Online Africa, Ghana;Youth First Madagascar, Computing and Information Association, Tanzania.

    Muhutu-Rémy said others are: Asikana Network, Zambia; Digify Africa, South Africa; Phambano Technology Development Centre NPC of South Africa and Diana Schwarz Attorneys also from South Africa.

    “We are committed to ensuring that Facebook and Instagram are places for everyone, especially, the youth.

    “That is why we offer a range of tools on our platforms to give people full control over their experiences.

    “ Facebook is working with all these partners to drive awareness about the practices, resources and tools people can use to protect their online wellbeing.

    “We now have new tools on Instagram that filter comments that may be inappropriate, offensive or involve bullying,” she said.

    Muhutu-Rémy said that on Instagram, they had created new ways to help stop bullying before it happens.

    “If someone writes a comment or caption for a feed post that our AI detects as potentially offensive, they will receive a prompt that the language used is similar to language that has been reported for bullying,” she noted.

    Muhutu-Rémy said that the Instagram Safety Centre (instagram-together.com) was a place where one could learn more about the safety features on Instagram.

    She said that youths could also resource for topics on suicide prevention social resolution and bullying prevention from the safety centre.

    Muhutu-Rémy noted that Facebook had also created a Youth Portal, which was a central place for teens to get a better understanding of the company’s products.

    He also added that youths could hear from other peers, and get tips and advice on how they could control their experiences from the portal.

    Safer Internet Day (SID) is an international event which is celebrated on Feb. 11 annually.

    It is meant to promote a safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones by children and young people across the world.

    It was an initiative of the European Union {EU} 2004 SafeBorders project of 2004 and taken up by the Insafe Network, also co-funded by the EU.

    Safer Internet Day is currently being celebrated in no less than 150 countries worldwide, and across six of the world’s seven continents.