LASU faults report of age falsification against Prof Okebukola

Success Damian:

Authorities of the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo, have again faulted a report by an online media outfit alleging that a member of its academic staff and former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commmission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola of falsification of age, saying the report is entirely a falsehood.

The university said there was no ambiguity in any form in the date of birth or the retirement status of Professor Okebukola as in his record with the university, nor with any other known institution.

LASU said this in its reaction to a report by an online publication claiming that Professor Okebukola has a multiple days of birth records with LASU and therefore not fit as the Chairman of Governing Council of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to oversee the appointment of a new vice-chancellor for NOUN and that he had planned to impose a candidate on the university.

Coordinator, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations of LASU, Mr. Ademola Adekoya, who made a statement to debunk the report available to newsmen at the weekend, said the university would not have reacted to the report having done so before but for the purpose of putting the record straight so as not to mislead the public on the issue referred.

He said LASU management without doubt abides strictly with the rule of law, statutes and conditions of service guiding operations of the university, and that the practice is greatly helping the university to make steady progress particularly in the recent years.

He said Professor Okebukola, who is the Director of Africa Centre of Excellence at LASU and  also Chairman of Governing Council of NOUN, joined the service of LASU from the then Oyo State College of Education, Ilesa and that the date of birth on his record of service forwarded to the university by his former employer is 17th February, 1951.

“So, the university is bound to stand by that date because the Record of Service is the officially recognised record of his past service and also confirmation of the assertion by Professor Okebukola that he was born on 17th February, 1951,” he said.

He said “Though, based on the foregoing and in compliance with the law and subsisting Conditions of Service guiding senior members of staff of the university as at 2015, Professor Okebukola was due for retirement on the 17th February, 2016, being the date he attained the age of 65 years, the new law promulgated by the Lagos State Government on 5th of January, 2016, extending the retirement age of professors in academic circle to 70 years and other lecturers less professorial cadre and non-lecturers to 65 years from 60 years as applicable in other universities nationwide changed the projection in Okebukola’s favour,” the statement said.

Explaining how, he said Professor Okebukola was captured by the provisions of the new law and that apart from him, five other academic and 20 non-academic members of staff of the university including those on terminal leave at the period were also beneficiaries of the new law.

“So, we don’t know the ambiguity in that to warrant the false report by the media organisation,” he stressed.

On the issue of conferment of Distinguished Professor on Okebukola, which the same online newspaper claimed was a sole decision of the vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, Mr Adekoya said such claim was another falsehood spread by the newspaper.

According to him, no vice-chancellor of any university including LASU has a unilateral power to confer on any individual the rank of distinguished professor.

He said, “It was the university Senate in the exercise of its powers as provided in Section 9:2(f) LASU LAW 2004 (as amended) that recommended to the Governing Council, the conferment of the rank unto Professor Peter Okebukola. The Governing Council also duly approved same.

He said LASU and all members of the university community would not in anyway and by any means allow themselves to be derailed in their resolve to take the university to enviable position in global ranking.

When contacted for reaction, the Director of Press and Public Affairs Unit of NOUN, Mr Ibrahim Sheme, said he had no comment to make over the issue.

Fire Grace & Mercy Restoration Ministry holds Thanksgiving, distributes food items to less-privileged

Success Damian:

In continuation of its mandate, vision and mission, Fire Grace & Mercy Restoration Ministry on Sunday distributed various quantities of food items and cash to the less-privileged in the society.

It was all joy and celebration by the less privileged especially those living around Ijegun, Lagos State as the poor went home with various food items, thereby having a sense of belonging and care.

The church carried out the act of philanthropy during its Thanksgiving /Inauguration of the Church’s NGO (DDHFF) at 1, Ayinda Street, by Fire Bus-stop, Ijegun Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Founder and Pastor of the church, Pastor (Mrs)Tessy Chika Nwokedi said that what matters in life is being able to touch life no matter how small.

While speaking on the sustainability of the philanthropic gesture by the church she said, “No matter how small it is, but let it be that you have touched life, even if it is One Naira, because it is going to solve a problem. Whether the country is good or not, we will continue, no matter how little, some people are partnering with us, giving us things, even many families brought things while we the church also brought ours, a lot of people are behind us, so we would continue no matter how the county is.”

She also talked about the motive and how the NGO Divine Destiny Helpers Family Foundation (DDHFF) was conceived “We have been doing Church NGO every last Tuesday of every month, but we decided today to upgrade it today to bring it to limelight to people, the NGO started far back in 1997/98, from my school days where I did a lot of things, there was a group we had in the church then we called it Madonna Mercy, what we did was that we saved our money we used in drinking minerals, we  dropped that money to feed the less-privileged so I promised God that time, that I will carry it on.”

Pastor Nwokedi disclosed that whatever that was made at the thanks giving would be shared to the less-privilege and the poor in the church and those outside. “Whatever we make here, I don’t go home with anything I make, I make sure I share it to the less-privileged, the widows and the orphans. Then the remaining ones we go to the streets and share to less privileged ones and beggars on the way.”

Speaking also on his plan for expansion she said “In the next five years to come, I am seeing it in another dimension where I want to have a building like where we can train women to help their families, give them money to help them to start businesses, the youth among them too that don’t have anyone to help them, also we will have something, so I have a very big plan for them, but as time goes it will unfold by itself.”

On relocation of the church to a bigger environment she disclosed that the church is trusting in God for movement to Permanent site “By His grace when the lord said that we should move, we move, but I know we are working towards that because I know this place by next year, I don’t think it will be able to contain people so, let’s see what God could do next year,” Mrs Nwokedi said.

Appreciating those that attended the programme Pastor Nwokedi prayed ”From the depth of my heart, I said thank you very much, because when you cook and you did not see anyone to eat, it becomes an issue, so but this time around when you call people they answer you. It is an honour. I really appreciate them, I say, may the good Lord bless them, as many as have entered here to drop there One Naira, God will bless them, from the minister to the visitors, to every soul, to the least child , even the ones still in the womb, I say the lord will bless them and keep them, they will not see anything of tears in life, when they call one, a thousand will answer them.”

 

BBA/ICC Election: John Ezeako unveils programme, saying the people are suffering …As he set to bring sanity back to the market

 BBA/ICC Election: John Ezeako unveils programme, saying the people are suffering

…As he set to bring sanity back to the market

Hon Chief (Dr) John Ezeako (Ozor Ojiji Eri ji na Eke) is one of the aspirants jostling for the position of president of Balogun Business Association/International Centre for Commerce (BBA/ICC) in the forthcoming election in the market. He has served the association for two consecutive terms as Treasurer hence he believes that he is eminently qualified to serve as the President of the market association. Ezeako in this Excusive chat with CYRIACUS NNAJI, SMART OMON and CHIOMA UDEFUNA in his office at BBA on Thursday said his selling points are experience, consistency, integrity, accountability, transparency, credibility and competence, the report.

Election into the central executive body of BBA/ICC by all standards is a great event in the annals of one of the biggest markets in Nigeria, nay, Africa, comparable only to the American Election, because the best candidates are expected to emerge and occupy the exulted positions especially that of the association’s president.

However the uniqueness of this year’s election is hinged on the participation of one man generally acclaimed to be a man of integrity and honour.

The name Hon Chief (Dr) John Ezeako (Ozor Ojiji Eri ji na Eke) rings bell in the ears of members of the business community and has also unsettled his opponents’ camps ultimately for the good and betterment of BBA.

Ezeako who is variously known as Enyikeuzor 1, and Ijele 1 of Eke Kingdom is the current treasurer of BBA serving his two tenures from 2014 till date. He is a businessman and also a manufacturer. He is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of U.J. Amez Ventures Limited.

Introducing himself to The AUTHORITY crew he said “I am a dealer, a distributor and a producer of wines, bitters and beverages. I am also a member of association of producers of wines and beverages in BBA. I was the first person that brought and distributed ALOMO BITTERS in Nigeria from Ghana in the year 2007.”

Speaking on what gave him the conviction to vie for the position of BBA president, he said having served the association for two consecutive tenures as treasurer, he said he has the experience to take BBA to another level. “This year I will have served the association as treasurer for two tenures, one under Pele, and now under Tony Bell, so I believe I have gathered lots of experience from the leaderships, I will make a good president. Again my chance depends on the people of BBA, although BBA knows what they want despite money politics that is trending in the union now. Some of them are collecting peanuts against their conscience. And for those that I have come in contact with one on one, they know my antecedents. So I have a better chance,” he said.

 Ezeako also spoke on his manifesto which he intends to pursue aggressively once elected to the office as president. He unveiled what his first 90 days in office will look like “First and foremost, we have come to BBA to trade, and if you look at the situation of the roads and parking lots, it’s deteriorating. First 90 days in the office, I am going to ban people from putting their goods on the parking lots of every Cluster. I will bring sanity into the movement of cars and goods within the complex. If you look around the complex you will see some uniform men working in BBA, I brought them, it’s my initiative. As the Patron of the Peace Corps of Nigeria Lagos Command, I used my connection to bring the Peace Cops men to work with BBA in this Covd-19 situation. And I believe that if I become the president, BBA will work again. I will stop multiple-taxation by government agencies.”

With smelling and dirty drainages, lack of attention to rule of law, impunity and others, a lot needed to be done to remedy the wrongs in the market, nontheless there is hope as Ozor Ojiji has made himself available, to serve the people in order to bring sanity back to the business community.

On the issue of miscreants collecting money from people around the market, Ezeako maintained that those issues are part of the nuisance which he must stop once he is voted into power. “Those things will stop as soon as I am elected as president; that is part of what I meant when I said I will bring sanity back to BBA/ICC.”

On whether he sees the election as a do or die affair, he responded saying “It is not a do or die affair for me, I have my business, I volunteered myself to serve the people, because there is a lot of suffering in Balogun. On the other hand, if it is not the will of God, I will simply go back to my business.”

Ojiji also spoke on his willingness to integrate his opponents in the election into his executive body so as to tap some of their good ideas for the running of BBA.” In fact it is my intention to also carry my opponents along once I am elected President, so that we can input their own ideas into the running of the market.”

With the promise of experience, consistency, integrity, accountability, transparency, credibility and competence, Ezeako is good to go. Tested and trusted, having served Balogun Market Association for two consecutive tenures as treasurer, many call him a game changer, adding that giving Ezeako opportunity to serve BBA will be the brightest decision BBA can make to better the lives of the business community.

Ezeako, according to many is not only educated, he has the character, outspoken, real and has the interest of all to restore the glory of BBA/ICC. Many also call him the servant leader who has heard the yearnings of the business community, adding that with Ojiji who is passionate about the well being and development of BBA/ICC, it is hoped the community will soon be a true World Trade Centre.

According to Ozor John Ezeako, while soliciting for vote said he is accessible “I am accessible and I have always given listening ears and attention to everyone’s issues as well as giving the much needed assistance to matters that concern anyone that comes my way anytime, anywhere by God’s grace, based on the information, resources and contacts I have.”

He also said he has prudently managed the resources of the BBA/ICC as treasurer for two consecutive terms “I have served and managed our resources as BBA/ICC treasurer for two consecutive terms without any form of negative report. I am transparent. Trust me again with your vote, to serve you better,” Ezeako urged.

Speaking on the secret of his business success, Ezeako reiterated that it is openness, hard work and defense of the vulnerable in society “The secret of my success is openness, hard work and defense of the vulnerable, being there for the less privileged, being accessible to the people that gave you their trust and their mandate. Then lastly in the business and other things, truth is a major key of every business, truth is life. Saying the truth at any situation means much even if it will cost you your business.”

He said he is a pioneer member of BBA by allocation of shops. “When they were contributing money to build shops, I contributed and this made me to have shops at Kaduna 1, Kaduna 2 and Kaduna 3. But then I was trading at Lawanson, Surulere. Although when BBA finally relocated to Trade Fair in 2002, I was overseas for a short period of time, bringing products to my workers to cell and supply in BBA Complex. As I came back from abroad, I joined BBA fully in 2006 till today.

On his advice to members of Balogun Business community he said, “My advice to the good people of BBA/ICC concerning the coming central election is they should vote wisely for the person who cares for them, who loves them without segregation. They should vote for the person who sees any member of BBA as his own brother, and that person is Hon. Chief (Dr) John Ezeako (Ojiji eriji.) This is because I care for BBA. I love BBA, their problem is my problem, their success is my success, their BBA our BBA.”

Bishop Okon holds Service of songs for father, the late Elder Bassey Udoh …Urges Nigerian leaders to have the fear of God

Success Damian:

The prayer of every man is to live long, however in this time of economic, political and security challenges in the world life has become brutish, nasty and short, as life expectancy has been pegged at 53 in Nigeria while the bible says otherwise, with 70 as its benchmark, any addition is said to be by the grace of God.

However in the case of the late Elder Okon Bassey Udoh, everything was double. He lived a ripe age of 106 before he went to meet with the Lord. No wonder the family in conjunction with Mount Zion Pentecostal Victory Mission, a church pastored by his first son, Bishop (Dr) Edet Bassey Okon, organized a Service of songs in his honour on November 27, 2020, venue was 17/19, Nwachukwu Drive, Okota, Lagos.

In his Exhortation, Reverend (Dr) Emmanuel Jack referred to Matthew 25: 1 to the end, whereby he re-enacted the story about a rich businessman who on embarking on a journey gave his three servants 5 talents, 2 talents and 1 talent in that order, for them to invest with and make profit. On return he called them for accountability. He said the talents represented the number of years that man live on earth. He said the number of years you lived on earth does not matter, that what matters is the positive impact you make with it. He disclosed that the late Elder Bassey Udoh lived a fulfilled live by having children and training them in the way of the Lord and today, they are a success.

Bishop (Dr) Edet Bassey Okon, the eldest son of the diseased, while speaking to the media said he is happy burying his father and not the other way round. “I believe I am the one giving my father the final farewell and not my father burying me and God has been very faithful for making me a son to a man who lived 106 years in this hard time.”

Giving a brief biography of the late Elder Udoh he said “My father belonged to a royal family in Ikot Ebom, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa -Ibom State. He left the village at very young age, about 30-31 years for Calabar, where he stayed briefly about a year, where he came in contact with a Yoruba sailor by name Olunloyo whose brother eventually became a one-time governor of Oyo State, that man brought my father to Lagos, that was how from village to Calabar and down to Lagos, until he got married and started having us.

“I lost my mummy 11 years ago. And coincidentally my Mum was buried on the 5^th of December 2009 and my Dad will be buried on the 5^th of December 2020, how that came about I don’t know; 5^th December 11 years ago and 5^th December 11 years after.”

He said the family would definitely miss their father so much “Without mincing words I believe among all the children I feel him the most, because he was living with me. He lived with me the last four years of his life. He died in my home. He died in the hand of my wife and one of my younger sisters; he just finished his meal that fateful night about after 10. They then went to the parlor to listen to Channels news at 10pm only to be called back to the room, within 1-2minutes before they got back to his room, he was gone.”

Speaking on how healthy his father was before his death, the Bishop said. “At age 106 it takes special grace for those organs to still be effective at that age. My father still had good sight, he was able to read papers without eye glasses, but his memory had failed him to an extent. He didn’t know all his grand children any longer.  And any of his children that was not close by for a long time, he will lost their faces.”

On being entrusted with leadership of the family he said, “It is actually a heavy burden but I believe God for the grace to succeed. As you understand a tree cannot make a forest, it is not all about me; it is about every one of us. Even before he passed on, for so many years, he had relinquished that position of leadership, I was virtually running the family notwithstanding he was still around. Also my siblings actually support me, without their support this wouldn’t be possible.”

While thanking his co-tenants, and his Landlord, Eze (Dr) Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, Eze Ndigbo of Lagos, he has a word of advice for people who still don’t believe that it is possible to live a longer life. “The bible says that it is not the swift that wins the race, it is whom the lord showeth mercy. Presently I believe by now he must have been interred, that is the chairman of PFN in Lagos State, Bishop Shola Ore. He died at age a little above 60, if we talk about righteousness, a man of God of that stature, we can give it to him for righteousness, but here he is, he died. It is not all about human effort, it is just the grace, because we are aware that people with so much wealth, too powerful, medical doctors, they also die at younger ages, I believe it runs in the family, some families have that grace for longevity, some may not have it.

“In my father’s case I believe it is the grace, because he was diabetic and he was hypertensive for so many years, although we made sure we took care of him medically, but I refuse to ascribe that to medical care, or diet, or whatever, I still believe it is the grace of God,” Bishop Okon maintained.

Bishop Okon used the opportunity to advise the Nigerian leaders on what leadership means, he said “My advice is that anybody that assumes any position of leadership, should not forget that he is in that position for service, not for self-aggrandisement, not for wealth, not for power. You get there to serve the people. The bible says when the righteous rules, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rules the people suffer. With the look of things in the country today, it appears the wicked are in power, because everybody today in this country has one complain or the other about the leadership. And I advise our leaders to have the fear of God, and have compassion, love for the people, everybody cannot become senators, governors, president, but when you get there, do your best with honesty and sincerity, then leave the rest for God. Nobody can solve every problem, but do your best.”

Describing the late Udoh, Pastor Mrs Okon said “Papa was my father in-law, a very lovely father, and God made it possible to make him to come and stay with me. He was in my hand before he died. When I was feeding him, and he gave up the ghost, before that he was looking at me, but I didn’t understand, but I still thank God he died in my hand.”  

Mrs Okon said they took good care of their late father “We took very good care of Papa. He was a loving father; there is no one who would not take care of such a loving father.”

Speaking on death she said death is inevitable, “It is God that knows everything, it is said that a man born of a woman is of few days, soon after he would go. Death is what God has ordained. It is just the departure of life from the flesh.”

 

Rescheduled LASU 24th Convocation ceremonies to hold between 10th and18th December, 2020 …As Sanwo-Olu performs ground breaking of 8,230 bed space hostel

Success Damian

Lagos State University is set to hold her rescheduled 24th Convocation Ceremonies between Thursday, 10th December and Friday, 18th December, 2020

In a press statement signed by Ademola Adekoya, Coordinator Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, LASU, the ceremonies will be flagged off with the Convocation Cup Competition for Staff (final) on Thursday 10th December, 2020 at the LASU Sports Centre.

This will be followed by Jumat Service on Friday, 11th December, 2020 at the University Mosque Ojo by 1:00pm. Special Thanksgiving Service will hold at the University Chapel (Chapel of Light) Ojo by 10:00am prompt on Sunday, 13th December, 2020.

The statement further revealed that on Monday, 14th December, 2020 there would be the Coconut Breaking Festival which will hold at the Badagry Gate entrance of the University Main Campus, Ojo by 9:00am, followed by the Command Performance and Convocation Play by the Department of Theatre Arts and Music at the Buba Marwa Auditorium complex.

It read “The Award of First Degrees and Diplomas will hold on Wednesday 16th December, 2020 simultaneously in two (2) batches. In the first batch, graduands from the Faculties of Arts, Education, College of Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, School of Communication, School of Transport, Education/Sandwich will be conferred with their awards while the second batch will be the Award of Postgraduate Diplomas and Master Degree at the Buba Marwa Auditorium Complex, Ojo by 9:00am”

Other activities, according to the statement revealed that on Thursday 17th December, 2020, the Governor of Lagos State and Visitor to the University, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, will attend the Convocation Lecture in a grand ceremony, which will also feature the Investiture of Chancellor, Award of Directorate Degrees, Conferment of Honorary Doctorates and Distinguished Professor by the University at 9:00am prompt. On the same day, the governor will formally perform the ground breaking ceremony of the 8,230 bed space capacity students hostel, at the main campus, Ojo.

On Friday, 18th December, 2020, the final day of the ceremonies, the Vice Chancellor’s Valedictory lecture will hold between 10:00am and 12:00noon at the Buba Marwa Auditorium complex, Ojo, followed by a partnership meeting with Cornell University(Virtual) by 3:00pm. 

The 24th Convocation Ceremonies is a hybrid programme, which will hold both physically and virtually. Only invited graduands and guests are expected at the physical events while others are to join virtually via the links that will be provided by the University, the statement said.

 

 

IT specialisations, NCS standards key criteria for 2020 NITMA awards, says Sodiya

Success Damian:

National President of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Adesina Sodiya has restated his commitment to merit saying that key criteria for the 2020 National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA) would be based on IT specialisations, NCS standards and global best practices.

Prof. Sodiya made the disclosure while briefing journalists at the National Headquarters of NCS in Ikeja, Lagos recently.

Prof. Sodiya said “This year, the key areas and issues affecting growth in the sector and society are addressed, for all awards, key criteria include IT specialisations, NCS standards and global best practices.”

Speaking further he stated that annually the society recognizes, celebrates and rewards outstanding excellence and exceptional contributions in the Information Technology space through the unique national platform NITMA provides.

According to him, “Our focus as a society is progress for the sector in particular and for the nation as a whole. As the acknowledged professional authority facilitating the development of an inclusive, globally competitive, prosperous and knowledge-based digital economy in Nigeria, NCS is committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding hard work and excellence in accelerating IT development.

Sodiya disclosed that there would be professional fellowship, honourary fellowship, IT Gold Merit prize, as well as digital governor of the year awards among others.

He explained that the professional fellowships would be conferred on members of NCS who are recognized as authorities in their field of computing and have distinguished themselves through significant contribution to the growth of Information Technology through their professional expertise and activities, whereas, the Honourary Fellowship would be conferred on distinguished personalities for their dedication and exemplary service to IT growth and development in Nigeria.

Those designated for the honourary fellowship award would include Engineer Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, CEO First Bank of Nigeria Ltd and Subsidiaries, and Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Chairman of the organizing committee, Mr. William, said plans have been advanced to comply with the COVID-19 protocols, hence, an estimated 200 participants would be accommodated at the venue while others would be joined online via various streaming options including Zoom, Facebook live to name a few.

 

NCC clears air on 5G deployment in Nigeria, says Commission still consulting

Success Damian:

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has cleared the air on permutations and side talks surrounding the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Technology in Nigeria, even as the commission said it is still consulting.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta made the clarification at the Capacity Building Programme for members of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) which took place on November 18, 2020 at the Citiheight Hotel, Lagos.

Danbatta said “A lot of falsehoods and misinformation have been peddled both on online and traditional media outlets about the health and safety implications of deploying 5G technology. 

“The Nigerian Communications Commission just recently published the Draft Consultation Document on the Deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Technology in Nigeria and I wish to use this medium to draw your attention to the fact that the Commission has not concluded plans for the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network,” he said.

Danbatta who was represented on the occasion by the Director of Public  Affair, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, said that Nigeria only undertook 5G trials in selected locations within the country in collaboration with an Operator in 2019. The trial, according to Danbatta, was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present. “The Commission also has an ongoing engagement with the academia while at the same time funding 5G related research projects, all in a bid to ensure the nation is provided with the best in terms of research findings and policy input to drive the implementation and deployment of 5G Technology in Nigeria.”

According to the NCC Boss, the Draft Consultation Document for deployment of the 5G technology in Nigeria has been produced and uploaded on the Commission’s official website (www.ncc.gov.ng). “I invite you all to please take advantage of this document, peruse it and share it with your readers so they can be informed about the 5G technology,” Danbatta stated.

He maintained that a recent landmark economy study conducted by Qualcomm states that 5G will affect the global economy and drive growth exponentially. “5G’s full economic effect will likely be realized across the globe by 2035, supporting a wide range of industries and potentially enabling up to $13.2 trillion worth of goods and services. This impact will be much greater than the current 4G network.”

Danbatta disclosed that 5G when fully deployed will provide increased speed and bandwidth as well as provide deeper coverage to reach people in rural or challenging locations, adding that 5G will provide strong security for the various sectors of government and private organizations. 

He stated that due to its sheer scale and scope, the ITU predicts 5G will accelerate the achievements of all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) from affordable and clean energy to zero hunger, adding that the misrepresentation of 5G technology has the potential of derailing the launch of this new technology in Nigeria. 

Commenting on the training he said “Training such as this is necessary for members of NITRA who have continued to cover the ICT industry in Nigeria. We will ensure that the NCC maintains this training periodically for our crucial stakeholders in the media to ensure that the information that reaches the average Nigerian is accurate and timely.

“It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that whatever we want to introduce to the Nigerian telecoms space is well understood by Nigerians and all those who make use of our telecoms services. 

“The onus is on all of us here today to make sure that we take this training seriously and take advantage of it to expand on our horizons. This is very necessary so that when we report events or activities relating to the industry, we are able to translate them into a language that the common man will readily understand,” Danbatta stated. 

Danbatta added that the Commission will continue to support capacity building and other initiatives which foster closer interaction and build stronger relationship with NITRA members.