I will pursue genuine accountability, transparency, says Omoragbon, NCP candidate

Success Damian:

Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon, the Governorship Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State has disclosed that he will pursue genuine accountability and transparency if elected governor.

Omoragbon was elected candidate to fly the flag of NCP in Benin City, Edo State on Saturday 27 June, 2020.

He stated that what is lacking in today’s governance in Nigeria is transparency and accountability. “Accountability and Transparency is lacking in today's governance in Nigeria,” he said.

Omoragbon pledged to Edo people that he will tackle the issue of transparency and accountability headlong by first declaring all the state's total income and assets on his first day in office. “I shall pursue genuine accountable and transparent government by First declaring all the state's total income and assets on my first day in office, and would request an independent audit of all the state’s finances within the last 12 years.

“Reason being that, the current actors in the political quagmire in Edo using state resources to pursue their political selfish agenda even though in different political parties by name (but are two sides of the same coin) are involved.

“Secondly would be the establishment of the Fortnightly Edo Peoples' Forum where all my cabinet members will answer questions of their activities from anyone in attendance. It will be an opportunity to report any wrong doing there by-passing the bottle necks of administrative protocols,” omoragbon stated.

Omoragbon went further to appeal to the people of Edo State to vote for him saying that a vote for him is vote for Edo people. “A vote for me is a vote for the Peoples' Government in Edo State, #NoRetreatNoSurrender.

Breaking: Omoragbon emerges NCP candidate for Edo Governorship Election

Success Damian:

Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon has emerged the Governorship Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) preparatory for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.

The election of Omoragbon took place in Benin City, Edo State on Saturday 27 June, 2020.

In his Acceptance Speech, titled: No Retreat, No Surrender, Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon said “Today, history has been repeated again as the delegates of my great party, the National Conscience Party overwhelmingly voted me as the Party’s flag bearer for the forthcoming Governorship election in Edo state, come September 2020”

He went into memory lane when he said “In 2016, I was on the ballot with the current outgoing governor-Mr Godwin Obaseki of the then APC and Pastor Ize Iyamu of the then PDP. In the usual Nigerian politricks, the state resources were pillaged to canvas votes and bribed the electorates for their votes.

“We are all witnesses to the current show of shame of the two actors in the opposing parties as they continue to recycle themselves from their parties interchangeably. What this show to prove is that, there is no difference between the People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressive Congress in Nigeria. They are two sides of the same coin,“ Omoragbon stated.

He went further to state that what cannot be taken away from the two parties and their members in government is the pitiable condition they have left the Nigerian state through corrupt practices, maladministration and nepotism.

“Nigeria and indeed Edo State can boast of countless intelligent and resourceful people to choose from both home and abroad. That is why people like us will never cease to present ourselves to you people of Edo state whenever the opportunity calls for it as the best alternative between people of integrity and the Ali Babas and the 40 thieves currently usurping our collective will and wealth to oil their selfish personal political interests as opposed to the growth and development of Edo state.

“As we push forward towards September 2020, the choice is for you people of Edo state to look around and ask yourselves if by the current actions of the PDP and the APC if Edo state does not deserve better? Are you satisfied with the way you are living?

“I Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon hereby full heartedly accept my party nomination and present myself to you as that alternative. I have served the country as a qualified nurse since 1983 till date (both in Nigeria and the Diaspora) and meritoriously retired from the civil service in Nigeria with no blemish, that today I get my honest monthly pension from the state as a mark of service and not from the stolen common wealth of the state.

“I do not have any money to share to any godfathers or godmothers so as to buy my way into a party to become its candidate. What I have is the name of God Almighty whom I FEAR and Serve and my Conscience to honestly serve you as your humble servant with all sincerity of purpose.”

Omoragbon promised to be transparent if elected as governor “I shall lead with all transparency and accountability and I can assure you that, if voted into power in September, every income of the state that has not been properly utilized by anyone will be accounted for under extant laws in the country. 

He said “The National Conscience Party is the Party for the masses and of the masses. It is the ONLY PARTY in Nigeria that candidates DO NOT PAY ANY MONEY TO PICK TICKETS to contest elections. That is where the corruption start. For, when you purchase a ticket to the tune of millions of naira, it is an open invitation to embezzlement of the state resources if voted.

“I shall be publishing our Plans and Programs for Edo state during the electioneering for you all to make your choice. 

“Suffice to mention that my program for the state development and growth shall be premised under the Party’s Manifestoes termed: THE TEN CARE PROGRAM namely: Food care, Housing Care, Energy care, Transport Care, Health care, Security Care, Employment Care, Education Care, Water Care. 

He thanked all the NCP stakeholders for a choice well made “I thank the Party leadership in Edo State under Comrade Victor Ogba and the Secretary Haruna Perfect and my National Chairman Mallam Yunusa Tanko represented here today by the Acting National GS, Comrade Adebola and all the members of the Party nationwide.

ATCON pledges support for NCC’s Strategic Master Plan 2020 - 2024

Success Damian:

National Executive Council of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and the entire member companies under it, have pledged support for the realization of set targets in the Strategic Master Plan 2020–2024 designed by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

The President of ATCON Mr Olusola Teniola made the revelation in his Goodwill Message at a Virtual launch of the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan which took place on June 23, 2020.

“We congratulate Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC and the management of NCC. ATCON pledges to work with NCC in order to realize the listed deliverables of the plan for Nigeria and the generality of the people of our great country,” Teniola said. 

He said the planning is expected to take its root from the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the new National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025 (NBP).

He said  “The planning which is expected to take its root from the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the new National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025 (NBP) is expected to be more successful than the previous ones because ATCON will collaborate with the Minster of Communications and Digital Economy, NCC, NITDA, NigCoMSAT, Galaxy Backbone, USPF, and DBI to work the plan out with all other stakeholders especially our members through initiation of programmes in order to realize its set goals for the industry.”

Teniola stressed that the plan takes into consideration the post COVID-19 pandemic in relation to regulation of the Nigerian telecom sector viz-a-viz the expectations of players in the industry.

Teniola therefore thanked NCC and its supervising Ministry, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, saying “I am particularly happy that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) under its supervising Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy which is ably headed by Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called the entire important stakeholders in the Nigerian ICT and telecoms sector to unveil a plan that would last between 2020 – 2024.”

Those present at the launch include Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy;

Professor Adeolu Akande, Chairman, Board of Commissioners, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Professor Umar Garba Danbata, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC; Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA.

Others were Captains of Industry; Distinguished ATCON CEOs and the Press.

Tragedy: How truck crushed policeman over money in Lagos

Success Damian:

A policeman has lost his life to the cold hands of death while making efforts to collect an unspecified amount of money from a truck driver.

The incident which occurred at Costain Roundabout in Lagos happened about 12 pm on Friday, June, 19, 2020.

According to eyewitnesses, the policeman was said to have accosted the truck driver at Apongbon Area of Lagos with aim of to collecting some money from him, but was ignored, he then boarded an okada with intent of double-crossing and stopping him at Costain.

The police man however met his waterloo, as according to eyewitnesses, having gotten to Costain, the policeman alighted from the motorcycle in order to flag down the truck only to be crushed to death instantly by the same truck.

"The policeman pursued the driver from Apongbon, he wanted to collect money, but the driver did not stop, he knew he would get him at this Costain roundabout, so he entered okada, as he get here he jumped down but the driver ignored him and hit him.”

Tears flowed like river from both commuters and security operatives who were at the scene of the accident.

The eyewitnesses also revealed that the truck driver immediately took to his heels but was pursued and arrested by some soldiers who were around.

It was also discovered that the body of the policeman was taken to an undisclosed hospital as the time of the report.

Public servants, Lagos residents, urged to subscribe to Lagos State Health Scheme

Success Damian:

For the teeming workforce of Lagos State Government, employees of private sector and residents of Lagos State, to have unhindered  access to quality health care service, tailored to meet the demands of the family, with a pocket friendly budget, the agency that is saddled with the promotion  of the health insurance scheme in Lagos has urged public servants, civil servants of Lagos State, employees in the private sector and other residents of the state to take advantage and subscribe to the Lagos State Health Scheme.

The advice was given by the personnel of Lagos State Health Management Agency( LASHMA) at the 5th Lagos State University ( LASU) Virtual training for staff titled Sensitization of staff and students on the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme" on Tuesday,16th June,2020.

Speaking on the topic" Benefit Package", the Head Operations, LASHMA, Dr. O.K Serrano told the participants that the scheme was initiated in the best interest of the end users, in order to deliver quality healthcare to them.

He went further to say that the scheme is a departure from the past, allaying the fears of would-be subscribers.

He listed " malaria, anti natal, child birth and welfare, dental care, blood transfusion, diabetics, asthma, investigation of sickness, ECG, caesarian, etc" as some of the ailments covered by the scheme.

He averred that the scheme does not cover blood transfusion in case of a road accident, feeding of the patient on admission and does not cover the treatment of cancer. He stated that the benefits of the scheme are far reaching, which would give subscribers access to quality drugs, improved healthcare and great access to topnotch health care delivery.

"The health scheme covers the husband, wife and four children, below the age of 18 years with a premium of #40,000 per annum. Any additional individual into the scheme attracts extra pay," Dr Serrano informed the participants. 

Finally, he said he was confident that the scheme would achieve the aim of providing quality health care delivery to those who subscribe to it.

Also, speaking at the training on" Overview and enrolment in to the scheme" Dr Olufunke Ijamakin of Lagos State Health Management Agency ( LASHMA) recalled that the health scheme emanated from the bill signed  into law by the state government in May 2015 which created LASHMA as the body to drive the initiative, promote and see to its delivery as well as efficiency.

She exclaimed that the scheme would cover a comprehensive health plan, affordable as well as quality health service to all residents of Lagos State. She assured that the scheme would not expose the users to high bills.

"The beauty of the bill is for end users to overcome the risk of financial burden and not expose them to financial hardship. Also, to ensure that Lagos residents are covered and have access to quality health delivery", she emphasised.

Dr Ijamakin said that the government, from statics understands many people live in extreme poverty, hence, the need for the scheme. She encouraged those in the informal sector to whole heartedly embrace the scheme for their benefits, too.

She ended by saying that "the scheme is family oriented. With this scheme, a family can have access to health care, in any chosen hospital of its choice, listed as participating partners on the scheme. The premium paid will be channeled back to the healthcare system of the state."

Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) was designed to promote, regulate, supervise and ensure the effective administration of the Lagos State Health Scheme as well as the health fund.

The meeting which was chaired by the Vice Chancellor, LASU, Professor Lanre Fagbohun, SAN,NPOM, was moderated by the Chairperson, Board of Health Services, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof (Mrs) Adeyanju Akinola.

LASU emerges national partner to FAO, wins $95,000 grant for catfish development

Success Damian:

Lagos State University (LASU) has been selected by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) as its national partner institute (NPI) in implementing the fish4acp project (support for the development of farmed catfish value chain in Nigeria), winning a partial grant of up to $95,000 in the process.

According to report Lasu was selected after the FAO adjudged its bid as the best among those submitted by institutions in the country. 

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) is the fish4acp project management unit for the European Union and Agrinatura fish4acp project (2020-2024) involving 10 Africa-Carribean-Pacific (ACP) countries.

The report stated that the partnership is part of efforts to develop food value chains that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable across the countries. 

In conveying the news of Lasu's emergence, the FAO noted that "with reference to the call for expression of interest launched by the fish4acp project on 15th April, 2020, we would like to inform you that the project management unit and the external panel have finalized the evaluation of the offers received. We are glad to inform you that the Lagos State University was selected as offering the best value for money for the solicited services, and as per FAO rules and procedures on the procurement of services.

"Please note that due to the current Covid-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions, the fish4acp project has decided to adopt a phased approach in implementing the activities that were originally envisaged in the call. As a result, we would like to award a partial grant (up to an overall amount of USD95,000) as provided for in section 3 of the call for expression of interest."

The Lasu winning proposal was led by Professor of Fisheries, Prof. Akintola, S.L. who also doubles as the National Project Officer. Other members of the team are Dr. Fakoya, K.A, Dr. Sherifat Yusuff, Dr. Zakariya Amoo, Mr Olusola Olabanjo and Yusuf Olabisi. 

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM, has also congratulated the team for the feat while urging them to work hard to see through the successful implementation of the project. He also pledged the support of the university to the team in their efforts on the project.

Recall that the Fisheries Department recently won a $2.5m partnership grant of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Canada

NITRA felicitates with Danbatta over reappointment as EVC, NCC

Success Damian:

The Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) has congratulated Professor Umar Garba Danbatta the Executive Vice Chairman EVC/CEO of the nation’s Telecoms regulatory body, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on his reappointment for second tenure.

President Muhammadu Buhari, last week confirmed a second five-year tenure for the EVC through the recommendation of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

In a letter to Prof. Dambatta, the technology media body noted that the reappointment is indicative of the fact that he had performed creditably well in his first tenure; and therefore has become a call to continue in order to see his plans and programmes to fruition.

According to the Chairman of NITRA, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the first tenure has given yield to so many notable achievements that have brought succour to consumers, sanity and growth to the industry, revenue to the government and operational efficiency and ease to operators.

Commenting on the milestone achievements of the EVC, he further stated: “In the light of your achievements with regards to reduction of RoW charges, lowering of the cost of calls/data, universal telecom access which as you said is premised on three ‘A’s, Availability of service, Accessibility of Service, and Affordability of service, among other initiatives, the reappointment is most deserving.”

Your reappointment has come at a time when the industry needs consolidation and tidying up of your noble initiatives. It also comes at a time when the nation and Africa as a continent need to see the success of the National Broadband Plan (NBP), the total digitization of the economy and the acceleration of the InfraCo model, among other developmental efforts to grow the Nigerian economy through ICT.”

He commended the EVC for constantly bringing to bear his academic and professional experience in the running of the Commission, and in fostering growth in the sector.

Mr. Onwuegbuchi noted that the reappointment of Prof. Danbatta will enable him to complete his plans and programmes at the Commission, which include effective kick-off of the InfraCo project, ensuring resolution and total compliance to the Right of Way (RoW) agreement, steering the telecommunications sector post-COVID-19 period, facilitating the realization of the set targets of the NBP 2025 and ensuring universal access, among other initiatives.

NITRA assured the EVC of the Association’s readiness to partner with the Commission in its mandate and quest to grow the Nigerian telecommunications industry to an enviable height.

The NCC boss was born in Danbatta Local Government Council of Kano State, obtained his Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Science, and PhD degrees from the Technical University of Wroclaw in Poland, and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, UK, respectively.

A Professor of Electronics Engineering, Danbatta, took over from Dr. Eugene Juwah, whose five-year tenure at the NCC ended July 28, 2015. Professor Dambatta, an accomplished academic of repute, had served as a lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, Kano, for 28 years, where he taught courses in Telecommunications Engineering, and Electronics and held academic positions of Dean of the Faculty and Head of Department at different times.

He also held high profile administrative responsibilities, including Chairmanship of the Implementation Committee of Kano State University of Science & Technology, and subsequently became its pioneer Deputy, and Acting Vice-Chancellor when it took off in 2001.

He had served two terms of five years as a Member of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and also a COREN registered engineer and member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

Professor Umaru Danbatta was also a member of over 60 University committees and task forces, including numerous stints as Chairman.

The Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) is the umbrella association for information and communication technology reporters in Nigeria.

ATCON congratulates Danbatta, says reappointment reward for dedication

Success Damian:

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has congratulated Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta on his reappointment as the Executive Vice Chairman (CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In a Press Statement signed by Olusola Teniola, President ATCON, the group reiterated that Danbatta’s reappointment was his reward for dedication to uplift the Telecoms sector.

The statement read in part “The National President, Members of the National Executive Council (NEC) and the entire Members of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) wish to specially congratulate Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta on his reappointment as the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).”

ATCON also thanked the minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami for his desire for dedication and excellence by recommending Prof. Danbatta to the President, Muhammadu Buhari.

“The Association sees his recent reappointment by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR following the recommendation by Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy as a reward for his dedication and determination towards changing the narrative of the Nigerian telecom industry landscape through the implementation of programmes and projects that were carried out under its supervising ministry and have been adjudged to be enhancing and improving the lives of Nigerians,” the statement said.

The association maintained that Dambatta’s reappointment was meant to ensure continuity in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. “We are particularly happy that Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has expressed his confidence in his continuity as a substantial Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC by advising the President for him to continue serving the industry as the chief regulator of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.”

ATCON further disclosed that the reappointment was predicated on Danbatta’s professionalism saying “We know that his recommendation is predicated on him being a technocrat, a professional and a promoter of human relations and human capacity who has over the years initiated and implemented successful policies that have positive impact on businesses and Nigerians and we are very confident that he is equal to the task ahead.”

The group however pledged commitment to work with Prof. Danbatta for the growth of the Telecoms industry. “We pledge our commitment to work with him and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and by extension, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to sustain and accelerate the growth and development of the Nigerian Telecoms and Information Communication Technology (ICT) industry.”

Rudman explains need for new IP as world population hit 9b by 2050

Success Damian:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Muhammed Rudman, has explained the need for new Internet Protocol (IP) in today’s world, as world population is expected to hit nine billion by the year 2050.

“That is the only compelling reason for more addresses to be made available to the world," Rudman said.

In a press statement made available by Remmy Nweke, Editor-in-chief, ITREALMS, Rudman, who also is the chairman, IPv6 Council Nigeria, gave the insights at the 2020 Digital Rights Series webinar on Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable hosted by ITREALMS in collaboration with DigitalSENSE Africa Media recently.

The theme of this year’s Roundtable was the ’Role of IP in 5G v COVID-19 Debate.’

Rudman, whose paper was on the “Role of IPv6 in 5G v Covid-19”, noted that every device connected to the Internet needs a unique number, known as an IP address, divided into two categories of addresses, namely the IPv4 and IPv6.

He also said that at inception of the Internet when connectivity to the commercial Internet was in its infancy, “The pool of around 4 billion IPv4 addresses seemed huge. No one could have predicted the impact the Internet had on our lives and it soon became clear that the pool of IPv4 addresses was not going to last as long as was hoped.”

For this fact, he said, “IPv6 was developed as the solution. The pool of IPv6 addresses contains 2 128 IPv6 addresses, or roughly 340 trillion, trillion, trillion addresses.”

On why a new IP is needed in today’s world, Rudman said that it’s only compelling reason for more addresses to be made available to the world.

This, he pointed out, would help in addressing the future of global population, which is estimated to be at 9 billion by 2050.

For billions of new users, he cited that in China, and India among others, “there is about 4.7 Billion people already connected to the internet, across Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, cars, appliances to name a few. In addition to over 300 million registered domains; there is need to make provision for some billions of new devices, at least for the Internet of Things.

IPv6 features, Rudman said include scalability of 340 trillion, trillion, trillion, improved security, real time application, auto-configuration, mobility, addressing and routing and extensibility to mention but a few.

On the link between IPv6 and Fifth Generation (5G) the chairman pointed out that with the Internet of Things (IoT), which is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction, citing some instances under this object to include connected security systems, thermostats, cars, electronic appliances, lights in household and commercial environments, alarm clocks, speaker systems, vending machines and more.

Currently leading the pack in deployment of 5G, he said, is South Korea with coverage in 85 cities. China takes second place with 57 cities, followed by the United States of America (US) with 50 and the United Kingdom (UK) with 31. While the remaining countries in the top 10 for 5G are Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, Germany, and Romania.

“Nigeria, in November 2019, became the first country in West Africa to test-run 5G technology and applications, thus has not deployed 5G.

Rudman emphasised that 5G technology entails beam forming, dedicated radio signal towards the user; a 4G signal is typically spread across a wide area, which enabled by massive Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology, identifies most efficient signal path, whereas improving connection reliability, it reduces interference (unwanted signals) and boost efficient use of spectrum and power thereby allowing for more simultaneous data streams.

On the electromagnetic spectrum, Rudman said that all radiation falls into two classifications – ionising and non-ionising, as such does not have implication connected to 5G.

ATCON extols Danbatta, Abdullahi for support to Minister, Communications and Digital Economy …As Telecom, ICT contributes 14.07% to nation’s GDP

Success Damian:

Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has commended Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for his show of support to the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

The association also extolled Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for his cordial working relationship with the Honourable Minister.

President of ATCON, Mr Olusola Teniola, made the commendations at a Virtual Conversation on the Socio-Economic and Political Impact of Covid-19 on Telecom and ICT Sector in Nigeria held on June 4, 2020. 

Teniola further attributed the contribution of a whopping 14.07% to nation’s GDP by the Telecoms and ICT sector to the support given to Pantami by Danbatta and Abdullahi.

“Permit me to also commend Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for their show of support to the honourable Minister in moving the industry to an enviable trajectory which can be explained by the recent 14.07% Q12020 contribution of the Nigerian telecom and ICT sector to the country’s GDP,” Teniola said.

The ATCON President said the high-powered virtual meeting which was put together to discuss the Socio-Economy and Political Impact of COVID-19 on Telecom and ICT Sector in Nigeria was designed also to come up with lasting solutions to issues that are militating against the growth of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria post COVID-19. 

He said objectives of the virtual meeting include but not limited to ensuring effective regulation and development and building of local capacities for the speedy spread of telecom and ICT infrastructure facilities across the country.

Teniola also stated other objectives of the meeting to include pushing for the buy-in of governments at all levels to encourage telecom and ICT infrastructure development in their respective states by encouraging rapid investment through incentives such as tax holiday and provision of special intervention funds for the sector by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He expressed delight that Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy accepted the invitation to the meeting which he said was indicative of the honourable Minister’s tirelessness in working to ensuring change in the narrative of the Nigerian telecoms and ICT sector in general.  

He stated that the honourable Minister in the recent times has matched his words with actions by getting President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval for the security of all telecommunications infrastructure nationwide. 

Teniola also commended ATCON members saying “I also commend the efforts of our member company CEOs who have been making right decisions to put us on this growth path and ensuring our networks withstood the pressures of the stay-at-home COVID-19 directive over the last 3 months.”

Participants in the virtual meeting include Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Professor Umar Garba Danbata, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC; Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA; ATCON NEC Members; ATCON CEOs, Captains of Industry and the Press.

Covid-19: Oganiru Umuada Anambra State Lagos Branch distributes palliatives to poor women

Success Damian:

Women group, Oganiru Umuada Anambra State (OUAS) Lagos Branch, a philanthropic group conceptualized to help members and the poor in the society, has distributed various food items to poor women in Lagos State to cushion the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The humanitarian Project of Feeding 100 Mothers took place at Uke Community Centre, Divine Estate, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos on Sunday.

Ezinne Ifeyinwa Amuzie, an international business woman, Enugu-Ukwu Anambra State by birth, married in Avutu-Obowo Imo State and one of the founding members of the group stated that OUAS is a group of women that wants to gather first for progress and happiness of their members, “We gather to help our members, and other people who are in need just like what we did today. Basically the group was formed to help members both in joy and in sorrow,” Amuzie said.

She also stated that admission into the group is not an all comers affair. “Intending members pass ^through very stringent scrutiny, we admit women of honesty and integrity; they are those that form our membership. We don’t want people that would come in and scatter our goals and objectives; we take women of substance and God fearing, women that have the heart of giving, women of philanthropy. And if we notice anything to the contrary, we remove the person from the group.”

Amuzie disclosed that the group was barely two weeks old adding that OUAS has about 60 members currently. “The organization is barely two weeks and this is our first outing in terms of giving to the less privileged.”

She said their spheres of operation go beyond Lagos, “We are Umuada Anambra State, we will also reach out to Anambra to be able to help those in need, to help our state. It is not only for Lagos, we can still carry it down to Anambra. We want to reach out to the poor, especially those that are helpless.”

Speaking on those who received palliatives Amuzie said “Those given palliatives today include mostly widows, not widows like me, no, I am Jesus’ wife, I am talking about widows that don’t have, and even the poor ones who have husbands but they are finding it difficult to eat, those are the people  we helped today.”

Items shared to the women include rice, noodles, pastas and many others.

Another Founding member of OUAS, and currently, the Secretary of the group, Mrs Uchenna Ifeoma Umeche, Ada Awka is married in Amichi - Nnewi, a Chartered Accountant and a licensed Auditor by Profession, speaking on the main objective of the group said “OUAS is designed to impact on the lives of the less privilege, especially the widows, poor women whose husbands have either abandoned them or those whose husbands do not have gainful employment. It is also meant to assist and augment what Anambra State is doing in that direction.”

She disclosed that the group has intention of partnering with groups and organizations to make more impact on society.  ”We partner with individuals for sponsorship, of course, we just started, we intent to partner with organizations as time goes on. Things may be slow now because of Covid-19 ravaging the entire world, but the vision of this group is to eventually partner with corporate organizations to be able to reach out for more people because with individual sponsorships, our capabilities will be limited,” Umeche said.

Umeche said she would like the group to become a household name, “In the next five years we are looking at Rotary Club of Nigeria that has become a brand, a household name in the country, so we look forward to becoming a brand, through our philanthropic and humanitarian activities.”

She advised members to be true to themselves, she called for spirit of God and oneness so as to sustain the current tempo in the group. She pleaded that there should be transparency  especially as they expect aids and grants from different quarters so that such funds should be ploughed into what they are meant for.

The team leader is Mrs Nkoli Nwosu and secretary is Mrs Uchenna Umeche.

One of those that received the palliatives Mrs Ebere Okigbo, a widow; her husband died three years ago, with little or nothing in her petty trading, it is difficult raising three children. She thanked the group for the kind gesture saying “I am very grateful that this group remembered us. Somebody just called me by 10 am this morning and said something like this is happening, God will bless them mightily.”