ATCON Sectoral Forum: Pantami confirms availability, reveals ministry’s policy direction …As Danbatta, Abdullahi, others constitute panelists

Success Damian:

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has confirmed his availability at the Sectoral Forum organized by Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

In a press statement by the Executive Secretary, ATCON, Ajibola Olude, Pantami will be presenting a principal keynote address on theme of the Forum with special focus on the Ministry’s Policy Directions.

The statement went further to disclose that the Forum was designed to focus on the need of Telecom and ICT Consumers in the Era of Covid-19 and Post Covid-19 Pandemic Cum Digital Economy Era with a view to meeting the New Broadband Target of 70%.

Date of the meeting is Thursday, August 6, 2020; time 11:30am, while the Venue is Zoom and will be live on Facebook and other social media platforms.

The Forum will also witness other eggheads in the Telecommunications and Information Technology brainstorming on the theme: “Meeting the Interests of Government, Consumers and Telecom & ICT Companies in the Era of COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 Pandemic for Digital Economy Development”.

Panelists from the government establishments include Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), among others and they will be making presentations on the theme of the event with special focus on what the Commission’s and Agency’s are doing in respect of consumers.

Other attendees include representatives of telecoms consumers in Nigeria, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director, Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF); Mrs Sola Salako Ajulo, President/Founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON); Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, FCIB, President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN); Prince Igho Majemite, Chairman, Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF).

Others include Chief Adeolu Ogungbanjo, National President, National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS); Mr Rasak Adekoya, Programme Lead, DFID Inclusion Works, Sightsavers; Comrade Moses O Igbrude, Chairman, Consumer Rights Awareness Advancement And Advocacy Initiative (CRAAAI) and Prince (Amb.) Sina Bilesanmi, National President, Association of Telephone Cable Tv and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) and their role is to give feedback on Telecoms and ICT Service delivery.

Also expected at the Forum are representatives from the angle of those companies that provide telecoms and ICT Services. They include Mr Biodun Omoniyi, MD/CEO, VDT Communications Limited; Mrs Abimbola Alale, Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT; Prof Muhammad Bello Abubakar, MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone; Mr Oyaje Idoko, Managing Director, Layer3 Limited; Mr Toba Obaniyi, Vice President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA).

Others are Mr Mohamad Darwish, Managing Director, IHS Nigeria Limited and Mr Abayomi Adebanjo, General Counsel, MainOne Cable Company Nigeria Limited. Their role will be to tell us what they are doing to meet the need of consumers as more people come online.

The statement read “ATCON is providing a veritable platform for Governments, Consumers (corporate and personal) and Telecommunications and ICT Companies to rob minds on how consumers can be better off in terms of effective delivery of telecoms and ICT services and products in Nigeria. The centrality of consumer to the projected growth of the Nigerian telecoms and ICT Sector cannot be overlooked in the area of the needed investment to accelerate the progress of our sector. With the emergence of digital economy in Nigeria coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, many economic transactions would be done digitally going forward.”

According to the statement, “The strategic objective of this very important sectoral forum is to converge regulator's Interests -to ensure a competitive telecom market and fast track development of telecom industry; Operator's Interests – an enabling environment for businesses and protection of investment in the sector; and Consumer's Interests – to be satisfied in terms of quality of services, affordability and access; for Digital Economy Development.

“Let me reiterate it that the interdependence among the government, telecom and ICT Companies and Nigerians are clearly obvious but each of them have limitations and potentials hence the forum would make an attempt to address their limitations and turn them to advantage for the development of Nigerian Telecom and ICT Sector in the era of COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 Pandemic,” the statement further disclosed.

NDDC, ‘a dubious creation’, Omoragbon blasts ruling class …Says it’s a reward for political hangers-on

Success Damian:

 Candidate of National Conscience Party (NCP) in the forthcoming Governorship Election in Edo State, Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon has blasted the Nigeria’s ruling class for creating the Niger Delta Development Agency (NDDC) saying that it was a dubious creation by the ruling class to reward their political hangers on.

In a press release Omoragbon averred that the NDDC was and is still a fraud, adding that it has nothing to do with resource control, regionalization or federalism.

He said “NDDC did not replace the quest for true federalism or resource control by the brewers and ewers of the wood from the Niger Delta. It was a dubious creation by the ruling class to reward their political hangers on.

“The rot and decay currently playing out in NDDC is a reflection of the failure of the government in power and the political elites and not the failures of the people of the Niger Delta. The APC and PDP who have at varied times ruled this nation are both epitome of corruption, so why would what is currently happening today in NDDC surprise anyone? The baby snake would always inherit the venom of its mother. It is not acquired but inherited,” Omoragbo emphasized. 

He added that True Federalism or Modern federalism is a system based upon democratic rules and institutions in which the power to govern is shared between national and provincial/state governments. “The idea as whether because of what is happening now is enough to rule out the readiness of Nigerians to practice true federalism is skewed and a dubious attempt to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it. In the first place how on earth would the Federal Government think that by allocating 13% from the revenue made from the Niger Delta is equitable whilst you expend 87% to develop mostly the Northern parts of Nigeria?

“NDDC from the onset was set up to fail because if the government was sincere, it would have allowed the communities themselves to elect amongst their communities people whom they can hold accountable to form the core of the managers. A situation where you now appoint your political stooges as a means of compensating them for their support through the pilfering of the states’ resources to fund your political campaign is another way of telling them ‘thank you’ for your support.

“Look at EFCCC, is the rot there different? Would you now say because the police are corrupt or EFCC is even more corrupt that Nigeria is not ripe enough for state police? What does that position breed? It breeds discontent and lawlessness. You now have regional security outfits like the Amotekuns and others, how would you control such if the Federal government fails to provide the enabling environment for true federalism? He who prevents a peaceful change is calling inevitably for a violent revolution-Nigeria is moving towards that, mark my word, it will come to pass,” Omoragbo stated.

Speaking further, Omoragbon said “By the time I am sworn in as Governor of Edo State, I shall conduct our own forensic audit from 1999-2020 to ascertain how much has accrued to Edo State from the NDDC and revalidate all contracts awarded in Edo State under the NDDC proceeds and where any mismanagement is found, the state would recover all from everyone concerned. The last has not been heard yet about the NDDC.”

Omoragbon condemns violence by agents of APC, PDP at Oba Palace …Says it’s desecration of Traditional Institution

Success Damian:

Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon, Governorship Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Edo, has condemned in unmistakable terms the orgy of violence as perpetrated by agents of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) around the Oba Palace on Saturday.

In a press release Omoragbon said “The entire ancient city of Benin was exposed to the shameful conduct and orgy of violence as perpetrated by agents of the People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress around the Oba Palace on Saturday 25 July, 2020.

“As one of the Governorship Candidates in the forthcoming election under the National Conscience Party, I condemn in its entirety the show of shame by these two rabid political parties as represented by both Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu and Mr Godwin Obaseki.

“This singular act of lawlessness has demonstrated the similarity of both parties in their definition of change-which is violence. I do not condemn the innocent young men and women enticed with two thousand naira to chorus obscenity before the Palace, but I condemn the leadership of both parties. This is an addition to the insecurity of lives and properties in the state since 1999,”Omoragbon stated.

Omoragbon maintained that the root cause of insecurity of lives and properties is largely economic and it is particularly occasioned by lack of access to a welfare program. “The root cause of insecurity of lives and properties is largely economic and it is particularly occasioned by lack of access to a welfare program. Economic hardship pushes many honest people into all sorts of crimes. The state of insecurity is compounded by executive lawlessness.

“The degree of state terrorism tends to make the experience under military dictatorship to pale into insignificance. Cult related violence is on the increase. Assassins unleash a reign of terror on their victims. Kidnapping that is politically motivated is of daily occurrence. This has been the case since May 29, 1999 Under Both PDP and APC Led Governments and yet agents of both PDP and APC appear not to be relenting because of their desperation to rule Edo State at the expense of the lives of innocent Edo sons and daughters,” Omoragbon revealed.

Omoragbon urged Edo people to grab the present opportunity of the election to sack the two gladiators represented by APC and PDP “The people of Edo State still have the opportunity to reject these two political parties and vote the National Conscience Party as represented by my humble self-Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon, (RPN, RN). The NCP under my watch in Edo State will be committed to governance to meet the basic needs of the people.

“To me, the measures of development are the material uplifting of the people. Our concept of a great nation is great people who are not burdened by lack of food, lack of water, lack of good health, lack of comfortable homes, lack of education, lack of electricity, lack of access to telecommunication services, lack of means of transportation and lack of security of lives and property with the devastating effects of environmental hazards brought about by massive erosion and flooding with improper drainage system,” Omoragbon stressed.

He reiterated that the Ten Care Plus One Programme of his party forms his bon with Edo people “The above measures known as our TEN CARE plus ONE Program is my bond with the people of Edo State. With this, we can MAKE EDO STATE GREAT AGAIN.”

Expect reduction in data price, Adebayo assures Subscribers

Success Damian:

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, has assured subscribers of reduction in the price of data if the present efforts of the Federal Government on Right of Way (RoW) are continued.

Adebayo gave the assurance on behalf of Telecom operators while stating that a lot of factors had been responsible for the current price regime, which many Nigerians are not comfortable with, he pointed at such factors as high cost of bandwidth and Right of Way.

According to the association’s helms man, the recent declaration of telecoms infrastructure as critical national infrastructure would also ensure the protection of telecoms facilities and decrease expenditure on repairs.

                                                                     
Engr. Adebayo observed that with recent efforts of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, which have started yielding positive results, Nigerians would see a reduction in prices soon.

“We commend the honourable minister for his interventions, which have prompted some state governors to reduce Right of Way charges. Our members do not even have to pay for RoW in some states. This is a good development that will lead to a reduction in the cost of telecoms services soon,” Adebayo disclosed.

According to Adebayo, telcos were also now enjoying the first level of protection from government subsequent upon declaration of telecoms infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, an accomplishment which was made possible by Pantami.

It would be recalled that while announcing the Federal Government’s position on telecoms infrastructure last month, the minister stated that the security agencies in the country were thenceforth responsible for the protection of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.

According to him, this followed the presidential approval of his request to that effect. With the approval, he said the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), had been notified of the President’s directive.

Omoragbon punctures INEC’s excuse, says N189.2b 2019 budget based on increased number of parties …Defence shameful

Success Damian:

National Conscience Party (NCP) flag bearer in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State, Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon, has punctured the excuse giving by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for delisting what it called non performing parties.

Omoragbon made the statements in a press release titled: The Law as the Hope of the Common.

He said in 2015, INEC got 120billion Naira, and in 2019 requested and got 189.2 billion Naira, to conduct elections in those years “The reasons it gave for the increased budget, was the rise in the numbers of political parties. So, is INEC telling Nigerians that we cannot fund election process in Nigeria, where a commission like the NDDC could expend 45 billion naira in 4 months during a period where there was total lockdown world-wide? 

“Is it therefore not an absurdity for the commission to disenfranchise millions of Nigerians just because it is too lazy to perform its constitutional duties to the electorates? Omoragbon queried.

He told his teaming supporters to remain calm as seeks legal solution to the issue “I appeal to our teeming supporters and independent voters to remain law abiding and eschew violence as we trust in the Rule of Law.

“Our campaign will continue with all fervency without let or hindrance in accordance with section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said INEC defence is shameful “It is a shame to learn from INEC’s defence against our originating summons by confessing that it was incapable of conducting elections for large numbers of political parties in Nigeria as a basis for preventing the NCP and myself from contesting in the Edo State governorship election. Hear what INEC stated in its watery defence in paragraph 17 of its affidavit to our originating summons:

“That the proliferation of political parties poses a major challenge to electoral administration in Nigeria with most of them remaining comatose after registration, but their presence in the register of political parties in Nigeria only makes the jobs of INEC ALMOST impossible to perform seamlessly.

Quoting  ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, he said INEC is the second-largest government agency in Nigeria, in terms of its staff strength; it is ranked second to the Nigerian Police Force. As at December 2013, the Commission’s staff strength was approximately 14,000 full time staff members across the country. The commission also appoints ad hoc staff for election duty (about 300, 000 were recruited during the 2011 elections).

Omoragbon said “It is worrisome for a commission that is funded Directly by a federation account with unlimited powers and unfettered access to fund to employ as much staff as it desires to openly make such undermining confession about multi-party democracy and call it proliferation. It is insulting to fathom the thinking of INEC when it was responsible in the first place for the registration of the parties.”

Omoragbon insists on contesting Edo Governorship election, goes ahead with campaigns …As he draws attention to court case

Success Damian:

National Conscience Party (NCP) flag bearer in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State, Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon, has insisted that he will go ahead with his electioneering campaigns even though his name was not on the final list released by the electoral empire.

He said “I appeal to our teeming supporters and independent voters to remain law abiding and eschew violence as we trust in the Rule of Law. Our campaign will continue with all fervency without let or hindrance in accordance with section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Omoragbon also drew the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the court case he instituted against the body saying “Equally of note was our warning that should INEC refuse to include my name and that of my party on the ballot and go ahead with the election, it may be engaging on a futile exercise,” the statement read.

Omoragbon made the statements in a press release titled: The Law as the Hope of the Common

Below is verbatim report of the statement:

During my acceptance speech after my Party Primaries on June 27, 2020, that got me the ticket to be the governorship candidate, for Edo State, I drew attention on our current court case before the Federal High Court Lagos, challenging the unconstitutional and illegal deregistration of the National Conscience Party by INEC which INEC is relying upon to prevent my participation in the forthcoming election.

This statement further strengthened our resolve above to remind INEC and its co-travellers in APC and PDP that, whatever victory they seemed to be enjoying now is pyrrhic. INEC would have lost nothing by allowing us to contest than it would, if at the end, its action is nullified and a re-run ordered by the Court of competent jurisdiction.

Nonetheless, may I appeal to our teeming supporters and independent voters to remain law abiding and eschew violence as we trust in the Rule of Law. Our campaign will continue with all fervency without let or hindrance in accordance with section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a shame to learn from INEC’s defence against our originating summons by confessing that it was incapable of conducting elections for large numbers of political parties in Nigeria as a basis for preventing the NCP and myself from contesting in the Edo State governorship election. Hear what INEC stated in its watery defence in paragraph 17 of its affidavit to our originating summons:

“That the proliferation of political parties poses a major challenge to electoral administration in Nigeria with most of them remaining comatose after registration, but their presence in the register of political parties in Nigeria only makes the jobs of INEC ALMOST impossible to perform seamlessly.

According to ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, INEC is the second-largest government agency in Nigeria, in terms of its staff strength; it is ranked second to the Nigerian Police Force. As at December 2013, the Commission’s staff strength was approximately 14,000 full time staff members across the country. The commission also appoints ad hoc staff for election duty (about 300, 000 were recruited during the 2011 elections).

It is worrisome for a commission that is funded Directly by a federation account with unlimited powers and unfettered access to fund to employ as much staff as it desires to openly make such undermining confession about multi-party democracy and call it proliferation. It is insulting to fathom the thinking of INEC when it was responsible in the first place for the registration of the parties.

Secondly, where is the respect for section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution that empowers every Nigerian their fundamental right to form, belong to any political party of their choice to advance their political beliefs? The Constitution never sets a ceiling to the number of political parties to be formed by citizens!

Under the current procedure of funding the commission gets it fund directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the commission is able to prepare its budget for approval, and thereafter it is disbursed directly to the commission through the Independent National Electoral Commission Fund (INEC Fund), which was introduced in the 2006 and 2010 Electoral Acts. The establishment of the fund enables the commission to directly manage the disbursement of its funds.

Is it therefore not an absurdity for the commission to disenfranchise millions of Nigerians just because it is too lazy to perform its constitutional duties to the electorates? In 2015, INEC got 120 billion Naira and in 2019 requested and got 189.2 billion Naira to conduct elections those years. The reasons it gave for the increased budget was the rise in the numbers of political parties. So, is INEC telling Nigerians that we cannot fund election process in Nigeria, where a commission like the NDDC could expend 45 billion naira in 4 months during a period where there was total lockdown world-wide? 

As at August 2, 2019 there were 408 registered political parties in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and out these about 6 are more popular-The Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green, Scottish National Party, Northern Ireland, the remaining 402 political parties remain UNKNOWN till tomorrow in the register of political parties and are featured on the ballots ONLY when they field a candidate.

None of them has been deregistered because they have no member in the House of Common, Lords or the county councils. Amongst the relatively unknown parties is the Workers Revolutionary Party headed by a Nigerian called Joshua Ogunleye. Would the Nigerian Police Force postulate that because the population of Nigerians are increasing daily and for it to be able to engage in crime control, it should begin the process of reducing the population by eliminating Nigerians it defines as ‘comatose’?

Our lawyer Barrister Marcus Eyarhono has responded accordingly and like it was in 2002, when the Late Abel Guobadia was disgraced by the Supreme Court ruling of November 8, 2002, so shall it be in 2020, when both the corrupt office of the Attorney General of Nigeria and the Mahmood Yakubu led INEC will be defeated by the Rule of Law.

We do not have a wall-chest or a bullion van of looted fund to bribe anyone but believe in the honour and integrity of the Judiciary today in Nigeria as the last hope of the common man on the street. Justice is assured.

Please, go ahead and promote our agenda to the people of Edo State under the 10 Care Plus One Agenda set to care and cater for the well being of the Edo people. This is the Party’s manifestoes and not my own agenda as currently demonstrated by the APC and PDP candidates. Their parties have no manifestoes they are proud of, but ours was developed as far back in 2001 and was submitted to INEC together with our Party Constitution on 27^th of May, 2001. Yet INEC is supporting APC and PDP by promoting and working for them as its pay master and such not interested in the ideals and political emancipation of the Nigerian Masses.

Let me end by expressing my unreserved appreciation to the Fourth Estate of the Realm on your overwhelming support to our campaign even where we have no ‘ brown envelopes’ to distribute. It is a sign of the good things to happen in Nigeria and we are still hopeful.

Signed, Pastor Peters Osawaru OMORAGBON, Governorship Candidate, Edo State 2020 Elections, National Conscience Party.  

Fagbohun felicitates with Okebukola over AdasiScience Award, describes him as "great pride of LASU"

Success Damian:

Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, (SAN, NPOM) has felicitated with eminent scholar, Professor Peter Okebukola over his latest achievement as the winner of the AdasiScience True African Heroes Award 2020, describing him as the "great pride of LASU."

With the latest international award on Tuesday, 14th July, 2020, Okebukola has become the 'Pillar of E-Learning in Africa' for his tremendous contributions to E-Learning in the Continent.

A Former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Distinguished Professor Peter Okebukola, OFR, is the pioneer Director, Lagos State University Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (LASU-ACEITSE).

In a personal message to the Awardee, Prof. Fagbohun wrote: "Distinguished Prof., Multiple Award Winner and the great pride of LASU, hearty congratulations, sir. 

"You are always looking for the good in others, and for the good of others. Little wonder, you are sought after globally. On behalf of our great Institution, the Lagos State University, we heartily congratulate you on this very recent recognition as Pillar of E- Learning in Africa. We are deeply proud of you sir," Fagbohun’s message read. 

Distinguished Prof. Okebukoka has continued to set the pace for his E-Learning efforts in the country.

The Covid-19 pandemic notwithstanding, LASU-ACEITSE, under the leadership of Prof. Okebukola, has left no gap in learning by holding regular virtual lectures for its students, with some eminent personalities, such as Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, as Guest Lecturers.

Idimogu mourns, says death of 2 Lagos lawmakers shocking

Success Damian: 

Hon. Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu, the lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 in the Lagos House of Assembly has expressed shock over the demise of two lawmakers from Lagos State in less than a month.

A member of the Lagos House of Assembly, Tunde Buraimoh, who represented Kosofe State Constituency II died last week.

Buraimoh, who passed on at the infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, where he had spent some days, according to sources at the Assembly, has been buried at the Ikoyi Cemetery according to Muslim rites.

Until his death, he was chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security.

Buraimoh’s death occurred less than one month after the state lost another brilliant lawmaker, Senator Bayo Oshinowo ((Peperito), who represented Lagos East Senatorial District, to COVID-19 complications on June 15. Surprisingly, both lawmakers were from Kosofe Constituency and said to be very close.

Idimogu said “I feel bad. Senator Bayo was a great leader and a personal friend, he made me to move to APC, he was a political father, we miss him, APC Lagos will miss him. From day one, he built the party with Asiwaju, and he had good heart, he did not discriminate. He taught me how to be loyal to my party. I will miss him greatly.”

”On the other hand Buraimoh was a socialite, a very great colleague, a good material; you cannot mention ten lawmakers in Lagos House without including his name. We are even scared but we pray that nothing of such will happen again.

“Buraimoh was a lawyer, we have lost a material, God will give their families and all of us the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses,” Idimogu stated.

ATCON hosts Sectoral Virtual Forum, focuses on new broadband target of 70%

Success Damian:

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has concluded plans to organize a Sectoral Virtual Forum that would address the need of telecom and ICT Consumers in the COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 Pandemic cum Digital Economy era with the principal goal of meeting the new broadband target of 70%.

The date for the Virtual Forum which will be live on Facebook and other Social Media platforms is scheduled to hold on Thursday, August 6, 2020, time 10 am, and has the theme, “Meeting the Interests of Government, Consumers and Telecom & ICT Companies in the Era of COVID-19 and Post Covid-19 Pandemic for Digital Economy Development”.

In a press statement signed by the Executive Secretary, ATCON Ajibola Olude, the centrality of consumer to the projected growth of the Nigerian telecoms and ICT Sector cannot be overlooked in the area of the needed investment to accelerate the progress of the sector, adding that with the emergence of digital economy in Nigeria coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, many economic transactions would be done digitally going forward.

“This time around ATCON is providing a veritable platform for Governments, Consumers (corporate and personal) and Telecommunications and ICT Companies to rob minds on how consumers can be better off in terms of effective delivery of telecoms and ICT services and products in Nigeria,” the statement disclosed.

The statement went further to reveal that in actualizing the dream of giving Nigerian telecoms and ICT consumers a place in the heart of Governments and Telecoms and ICT Companies, all hands must be on deck. “Governments must make laws that encourage further investment into the sector, telecommunications and ICT companies must make consumers satisfaction their priority and the consumers must support the telecoms and ICT companies by requesting government to relax its exorbitant taxes and levies.”

It also stated that telecoms and ICT companies must be able to buy Forex directly from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In addition, the statement reiterated that the Nigeria’s Telecom Sector has witnessed two major important developments. It said that President Muhammadu Buhari, on October 23, 2019 renamed the ministry which supervises the Telecoms and ICT Sector to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and further expand its mandate to capture the goals of digitalization of the Nigerian economy in line with the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP) and the global outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The release stressed that these two important developments will form the basis of the continued development of the Telecoms and ICT Sector in few years to come.

It said that the anticipated growth and development of this sector is hinged on the role of the government in terms of regulation and policy directions, the telecom and ICT companies and finally the end users (consumers).

Further, the statement said that ATCON is conventionally committed to the continuous progress of the Nigerian telecoms and ICT Sector plans to use the sectoral forum to proffer lasting solutions as well as galvanize support from the government, telecom companies and the consumers in the era of COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 for Digital Economy Development and increasing the contributions of the sector geometrically to Nigeria’s GDP by considering some  of the challenges of these catalysts of development with a view to solving them.

The strategic objectives of the very important sectoral forum among others include: to converge regulator's Interests, to ensure a competitive telecom market and fast track development of telecom industry; Operator's Interests which is to create an enabling environment for businesses and protection of investment in the sector; and Consumer's Interests which will be satisfied in terms of quality of services, affordability and access; for Digital Economy Development.

It said that the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will constitute the role of the government, adding that all members of ATCON and Players in the industry will constitute the role of the Operators.

While National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), Consumer Rights Awareness Advancement And Advocacy Initiative (CRAAAI), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Nigerian Bar Association, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), National Universities Commission, etc will constitute the role of the consumers.

The statement said “The interdependence among the government, telecom and ICT Companies and Nigerians are clearly obvious but each of them have limitations and potentials, hence the forum would make an attempt to address their limitations and turn them to advantage for the development of Nigerian Telecom and ICT Sector in the era of COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 Pandemic.”

Lagos Business Man again donates Protective items against Coronavirus to Ojo LGA

Success Damian:

Johnmarry Anagolu, CEO, E & C Logistics Limited, on Friday, July 10, 2020, donated protective gears against Coronavirus virus to the Executive Chairman Of Ojo local government area, Hon Alhaji, Rasulu Olushola Idowu. 

Anagolu, who is also the Founder of Chudyvindo Foundation, an NGO, saddled with the responsibility of empowering the youths and Caring for the needy, had in the past, distributed food items and protective gears to the resident of the community during the total lockdown in the state.

He had also donated to The Nigerian Police Force, Lagos State Police Command, Hospitals, Port workers and many others. 

The act of benevolence and magnanimity shown by the philanthropist was centred on combating the dreadful virus in Nigeria, and providing food for the poor. 

He used the opportunity to bring the predicaments of the people of Ojo to the Council Chairman. He urged the Chairman to solicit the state government to urgently look into the derogatory state of all the roads leading to Alaba and the hardship it posed to the traders.

Showing his appreciation, The Executive Chairman, Hon. Idowu, with heart filled with joy and happiness, thanked Chief Anagolu for providing those items for them to curtail the menace even at this time community spread is on the high side.

He also utilized the occasion to also thank and appreciate the importers best friend for all their supports to the needy and the vulnerable at the peak of the lockdown. He commended him for their love and generosity in always giving back to humanity, saying that their visit to the local government was the first of its kind since the era of this pandemic.

With other elders present at the donation,  prayer of blessings were  showered on Chief Anagolu, while encouraging him not to be weary in well doing as they continue to touch lives.

NCP candidate in Edo State Gubernatorial Election set to unveil Manifesto …says Ten Care Plus One Program will rescue Edo

Success Damian:

National Conscience Party (NCP) candidate in the forthcoming Edo State Gubernatorial Election is set to unveil the party’s Manifesto.

In a release sent to Newworldnewsng, he said that 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 starts,” he stated.

He continued “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 into power.

“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 PLUS ONE PROGRAM namely: Food care, Housing Care, Energy care, Transport Care, Health care, Security Care, Employment Care, Education Care, Water CARE.

“Telecommunication Care, and Ecological Care to take care of the Environmental degradation due to erosion and climate change #EdoDecide2020 #PetersEdoChoice,” Omoragbon stated.

Adebayo assures OPSN of support to boost economy

Success Damian:

Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo has assured the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) of support in the bid to boost the economy.

In a press release from OPSN Secretariat and signed by Director General, NACCIMA, Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, the Minister gave the assurance at a virtual meeting held on Thursday, 9^th July, 2020.

Otunba Adebayo affirmed that the private sector has an important role to play in the bid to restart the economy and assured the OPSN of his readiness, and that of his ministry, to work closely with the private sector in this regard.

He announced that a series of stimulus packages will be made available soon to assist operators in the private sector. These include a N50billion Naira survival funds for MSME; and a N15billion Naira Guaranteed Uptake Scheme to save 500,000 jobs. He revealed that under some of these interventions, 40% of the funds will be reserved for women owned businesses.

The virtual meeting also discussed and agreed that the implementation of project and programmes under the Economy Sustainability Plan which was recently approved by National Executive Council will be in close cooperation with members of the OPSN.

In her earlier statement, the OPSN President Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu thanked the Minister for the opportunity given to the private sector to present its positions and requests. She called for closer ties between the OPSN and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, especially as the country struggles to save and reboot the economy.

She said “Present situation truly presents an opportunity to diversify the economy and make it more self-reliant, and steps must be taken towards that goal.”

Other issues discussed at the meeting were Maritime Port Reforms; Appropriate Gas pricing; Special Economic Zones and Industrial Clusters, as well as stable and regular power supply.

The meeting agreed on a quarterly consultative meeting of the OPSN with the Minister as part of strategies to work closely with the private sector for the implementation of appropriate policies across all sectors of the economy to ensure desired impact.

The members of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) are made up of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), that his Ministry will support and work closely the private sector as Government works to reboot the economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting was attended by the President of NACCIMA, who is also the current president of the OPSN; Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu; the President of MAN, Engr. Ahmed Mansur; President of NECA, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi; and the President of NASME, Sir Orimadegun Agboade.

ATCON embarks on Data protection regulation awareness, says it’ll prevent cybercrimes

Success Damian:

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has embarked on Data protection regulation awareness and implementation, saying that such guideline will prevent cybercrimes.

The President of ATCON, Mr Olusola Teniola, made the revelation as part of his Welcome Address at a Virtual Meeting on Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 - Benefits and Compliance Process which was held on Monday, July 6, 2020.

According to Teniola, ATCON embarked on the awareness and implementation of the data protection regulation because of its strategic importance to the members.

“ATCON embarked on the awareness and implementation of the data protection regulation because of its strategic importance to our members’ businesses and to reduce or prevent cybercrimes by ensuring the safety and protection of Nigerians’ digital details on the world wide web as the failure to give adequate protection to data could be very devastating and costly to individuals and businesses,” he stated. 

Teniola said it should also be emphasized that data is now the new gold and it must be treated accordingly.

He disclosed that the meeting was put together by ATCON in collaboration with NetHost Nigeria Limited and also encouraged members to ensure implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation. “ATCON put the meeting together in conjunction with NetHost Nigeria Limited to create awareness and encourage our members to implement the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation,” Teniola said.

He stated that the Regulation aimed at protecting and guarantying the safety of all users of web from the unscrupulous people who use their knowledge to defraud and cheat people who are genuinely transacting business over different websites, public and private.

“The Regulation aims at protecting and guarantying the safety of all users of web from the unscrupulous people who use their knowledge to defraud and cheat people who are genuinely transacting business over different websites both public and private, he said.

Teniola commended the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for putting the document together for the benefits of Nigerians.

“We commend Mr Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for putting the document together for the benefits of Nigerians who have moved their physical transactions online,” Teniola stated.