Nigerian Guild of Editors confirms Funke Egbemode as president

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Friday confirmed Mrs Funke Egbemode as its latest President after she acted in that capacity for close to one year, reports ITRealms.

This followed the appointments of some leadership of the guild including the Malam Garba Deen Mohammed who is current the General Manager, Corporate Affairs at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and has to relinquish his position as President of Guild after taking over from Femi Adesina, the incumbent Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Mohammadu Buhari.

Mrs. Egbemode who is the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of New Telegraph Newspaper was confirmed at the ongoing 12th All Nigerian Editors Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Friday as contained in the agenda.

In her acceptance speech, she commended the guild for confirming her as the substantive president without any counter motion.

She pledged to ensure that every member is carried along and urged members to continue to act in a manner that will unite and uplight NGE.

ITRealms recalls that Mrs. Egbemode is the second female president of the NGE after late Mrs. Remi Oyo.

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Pix: Mrs. Egbemode, NGE president

Glo leads in June data acquisition

ITRealms:

Globacom is leading on data subscription acquisition for the month of June 2016, reports ITRealms.

A press statement made available to ITRealms by officials of Globacom, says the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) is on top position in the area of acquisition of new internet subscribers in the month of June.

The telco said that the latest figures released by the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the month of June, indicated that Globacom closed the month with a total of 26,628,065 internet subscribers up from 26,355,391 in May.

This, ITRealms gathered, showed that the operator added a total of 272,674 new subscribers during the month. 

The telco says the figure represents a quantum leap from the total number of subscribers gained between April and May. Glo recorded 49,124 new subscribers in April.

The closest operator to Globacom is Airtel, which recorded a total of 17,325,423 subscribers in June, up from 17,280,089 in May. In essence, Airtel added 45,334 new internet subscribers.

On the other hand, Etisalat had a total of 15,253,513 internet subscribers at the end of June, down from the 15,508,024 internet subscribers the operator had in May, effectively losing a total of 254,511 internet subscribers in one month.

MTN Nigeria on its part recorded a total of 32,974,177 in June, down from the 33,108,786 internet subscribers that the operator had in May. Consequently, MTN lost a total of 134,609 within a month.

In all, the industry gained a total of 318, 008 new internet subscribers, out of which Globacom alone had 272,674 new internet subscribers.   

Therefore, Globacom claimed responsibility for about 86 percent of the total internet subscriber acquisitions in the industry in the month of June.

ITRealms recalls that Globacom has recorded in the area of acquisition of new internet subscribers may not be unconnected with a broad bouquet of innovative products and services the company has introduced in recent times. 

Among the offerings currently thrilling subscribers is Jollific8 which gives subscribers eight times the va`lue of their recharge. It is widely acclaimed to be the best value for money in the industry.

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Online visibility matters a great deal - PwC

ITRealms:

The Lead, Tax, Technology and Innovation unit at the Price waterhouse Copper (PwC Nigeria), Mr. Victor Olorunfemi, has declared that at this era of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) online visibility matters a great deal, reports ITRealms.

“In this age of digital revolutions and globalisation, online visibility matters a great deal,” he asserted, at the 2016 one-day Capability Enhancement Workshop for journalists in Lagos hosted by PwC Nigeria on the theme: “Technology and Journalism.”

He noted that it has become very easy to classify everyone as a ‘journalist’ regardless of the quality of their content and this has become prevalent in the face of authentic journalists inability to master the art of online visibility, resulting in society receiving garbage as information.

“The public will be perpetually stuffed with garbage information to society’s detriment,” he lamented.

Olorunfemi stressed that online visibility requires a quick self-check, mostly by online media practitioners beginning with “How strong is your online profile?”

He told ITRealms, this could be done by looking up one’s name on the internet on any of the search engines including Google and Bing among others.

“What comes up first? Your profile? Or your name sake’s?” he asked, but quickly added that usually the top results arise from social media, Wikipedia and online publications.

He also made a case for those practicing trade online to have accounts on various social media platforms and be mindful of how to use them.

“What can a stranger in Singapore find out about you or your work from the internet? • How credible do you appear,” Olorunfemi wondered, pointing out that perception is a powerful force that is not too difficult to build and project.

As said by him, branding a company online, for instance, cannot be distanced from the social media, by way of making oneself and company more visible with the platforms around them.

This, he said, is because of the underlining advantages attached to these platforms if well used such as LinkedIn which is known with its professionals, has the capacity to stand you out peers.

For the journalists, he explained that LinkedIn offers media practitioners premium account after completing a given survey in profile, post and shares, and similar advantages could be taken on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Google+, Instagram, Medium and Quora.

He further explained that with Facebook one could easily showcase a profile, status updates, pages or groups, just as Twitter showcases bio, tweets, retweets and lately likes, even as YouTube primarily offers videos, Google+ takes on profile, communities, posts, whereas the Medium affords individuals to post articles; the Quora enables responses to questions, comments and Instagram is a microblog which usually is photo-driven.

Ujunwa Nweke/GEE

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Pix: Victor Olorunfemi

FG rejects appointment of new Boko Haram leader

ITRealms:

The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected the alleged appointment of a new Boko Haram leader, describing it as a cheap propaganda, reports ITRealms.

Reports have it that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has appointed a new leader for Boko Haram in the name of Abu Musab Al-Barnawi.

Reacting to the announcement, the Federal Government through the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, dismissed the appointment, saying it is too late to employ such tactics to revive the defeated Nigerian terrorist organization.

He told members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) attending the 2016 Annual Conference of Editors (ANEC) in Port Harcourt, on Thursday during the opening ceremony.

''By the way, don't believe the cheap propaganda by the global terrorist group ISIS, which has reportedly named a new leader for Boko Haram. Our gallant military has put Boko Haram on the run and nothing will bring back the terrorists, not even the wishful thinking by ISIS,'' the Minister said in his remarks at the ongoing All Nigerian.

According to reports, ISIS, to which Boko Haram is affiliated, has named Abu Musab Al-Barnawi as the new leader of Boko Haram.

He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and reach out to the security agencies if they suspect any security breach in their environment.

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47 base stations unsealed in Ogun, courtesy Danbatta

ITRealms:

An estimated 47 base stations sealed in Ogun State have been effectively unsealed courtesy of the intervention by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, reports ITRealms.

Affirming this to ITRealms, the Head, Public Relations at NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka quoted the EVC as revealing this after a closed door meeting with the state governor, Mr. Ibikunle Amosun recently in Abeokuta, however, noted that the development would positively impact on the access to telecommunication services in the state.

According to Danbatta, “We have also succeeded in resolving a contentious matter leading to sealing of 47 base transceiver stations in Ogun State. These are going to be unsealed immediately. And this would enhance, of course, the challenge we have of providing telecom access in the state.”

Also, the professor of telecommunication engineering expressed satisfaction with the assurances given by the governor in tackling the concerns of multiple taxations and right of way, which are among the non-technical factors conspiring to degrade quality of telecommunication services in the country. 

 “The assurances given by His Excellency is to ensure adherence to resolution of the National Economic Council on multiple taxation. We have heard him. Something is going to happen. There’s lot of excitement for infrastructure deployment in Ogun State,” Danbatta said.

Further, Danbatta had urged the Governor Amosun to enlist the support of other members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to ensure adherence to the provisions of NEC’s resolution, which takes care of the concerns of multiple taxations and Right of Way, among others.

“Indeed, Your Excellency, the resolution of the NEC of March 21, 2013 properly addressed the problems of multiple taxation, levies and charges on ICT infrastructure with a view to providing a lasting solution. Incidentally, these resolutions are largely honored more in the breach than in their observance hence the precarious situation has not changed,” he explained.

In his response, Governor Amosun applauded Danbatta  for what he described as his giant strides, since assuming the leadership of the commission, stressed the significance of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the development of the country, saying that his administration will key into these development for the benefit of the citizenry.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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FG says ‘National Addressing System, panacea against crime’

ITRealms:

The Federal Government has described the holistic National Addressing System (NAS) as the panacea against crime in the country, reports ITRealms.

Speaking through the Communications Ministry, the Federal Government urged for the establishment of a national addressing system nationwide.

According to a press release made available to ITRealms by the Special Assistance on Media to Minister of Communications, Victor Oluwadamilare, this was contained in a presentation by the acting Post Master General of Federation, Mr. CYB Ndahi, to the minister of in Abuja.

 According to him, the new development will help individual to secure a legal identity, facilitating the planning and implementation of public policies and to fight against any national disasters and diseases.

He further explained that this is necessary to reinforce national and international security and helps in sending mails, adding that people need addresses to be recognized as members of their communities.

“The national addressing system will help individual secure a legal identity and facilitate the planning and implementation of public policies and services. It is also useful to fight against national disasters and diseases. It will reinforce national and international security and enable tax levy better and dispatch emergency services.”

Ndahi maintained that the establishment of national addressing system is the only way to control criminality and fight corruption, adding that government should do all in its capacity to ensure it work out.

“Banks and other commercial institutions need accurate addresses to locate their customers against fraudulent activities. Water boards and electrical distribution companies need accurate addresses for distribution of their bills and revenue collection, he noted.”

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PMB names NCC chairman, commissioners, sends list to Senate

ITRealms:

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the nomination of new chairman for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other commissioners, just as he forwarded them to the Senate for ratification, reports ITRealms.

A press statement by the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina on August 2, 2016 and made available to ITRealms revealed that these positions include the Chairman, Executive Commissioner, and Non-Executive Commissioners of NCC.

A letter to that effect sent to President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Adesina said that Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye (South West) was nominated as Chairman, while Mr. Sunday Dare (South West) was honoured with the post of Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management.

Other nominee are Non-Executive Commissioners and include Aliyu Sa’idu Abubakar (North East), Clement Omeiza Baiye (North Central), Chief Okoi Ofem Obono Obla (South South), Pastor Ezekiel Yissa (North Central) and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume (South East).

The nominations are in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Communications Commission Act 2003.
 

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Cloud Energy boss urges for innovation, wins @ Titans of Tech award

ITRealms:

The Managing Director of Cloud Energy Photoelectric Limited, Mr. Theo Nweke, has urged energy solutions providers in the country to move away from traditional solutions and adopt innovative service delivery, reports ITRealms.

Speaking after he was recognized at the 2016 Titans of Technology award in Lagos as the Most Outstanding Energy Solutions Provider of the year, at the weekend, arguing that modern energy solutions aim at achieving the aspirations of citizens living in the information age.

He stressed the need for the all-time availability of energy, conformity with evolving climate standards and deliberately contributing to the acquisition of the new skill levels required to triumph in the knowledge economy.   

A press statement from Technology Africa, organizers of Titans of Tech said the award was conferred on the indigenous Cloud Energy corporate for its “commitment to standards, and extended warranty on products and for the premium it places on after sales support and overall systems availability”.

ITRealms gathered that the organisers further commended the exceptional capacity of Cloud Energy to install and support energy solutions across Nigeria without a drop in standards. The Award which took place at the world-class Oriental Hotels, Lekki, was presented by the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajiabiamila under the watchful eyes of the Minister of Communications, Hon. Adebayo Shittu.

“A society with a dependable power supply is a productive society,” Cloud Energy boss said, lamenting that the failure of energy policies and institutions may have done more harm to Nigeria than corruption, Nweke empahsised, that the award would encourage his firm to position solar energy as the answer to the current recession and the key to national development, just as he dedicated the award to customers and staff on whose confidence Cloud Energy leveraged to display multiple competencies.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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InnJoo Max 3 august entrance into Nigeria market

ITRealms:

Sensational mobile device, InnJoo 3 has finally been officially launched into the Nigeria’s market, reports ITRealms.

The President of InnJoo, Mr. Jack Lee in his opening remarks at the ceremony held at Lagos Sheraton on August 1, 2016, declared that InnJoo is in the Nigeria market for a long stay.

“InnJoo is in Nigeria to stay, “ he declared, listing the features of smartphone which he said would developed , especially for the Max 3 with the Nigerian mobile phone users in mind.

He stressed optimism that Nigerian mobile phone users must have a choice a better smartphone, it would be InnJoo Max 3 which was an advancement from InnJoo 2.

Also speaking, the special guest of the occasion, and former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, noted that any product with the kind of features of InnJoo Max 3, must be very applying to Nigerians.

“Especially if it has a big screen because people now watch films and foot balls among others via their mobile devices,” he said.

Expressing support for such a project, Ndukwe was optimistic that InnJoo Max 3 will have a resounding market acceptability in Nigeria.

“As a good phone with good price, it will have market edge,” Ndukwe said and recommended InnJoo Max 3 to Nigerians.

The chairman of Technology Distribution West Africa, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh assured that with TD involve in bring InnJoo into the Nigeria market and its partners across West Africa, InnJoo products, and mostly the Max 3 will be available every part of the subregion.

Ekeh also said his firm researched InnJoo before TD partnered with the brand.

In his production presentation, the Country Manager, InnJoo Mobile, Rakesh Rocque, said InnJoo Max 3 is a high-specifications smartphone with an epic six-inch High Definition (HD) screen with fingerprint technology, offering more value to millions of consumers.

He also told ITRealms that InnJoo Max 3 was built around an all-metal body design and the first time applied 2.5D diamond-cut glass, is a sleek and premium-looking device that would go a long way in meeting the needs and aspirations of millions of Nigerians in search of a high-powered mobile device at a cost that makes sense in line with current economic realities.

Aside offering unparalleled bigger screen to work with, InnJoo Max 3 comes fully equipped with a 4000mAh long-life battery designed in line with consideration of the power situation in the country, availing users over 2 day-long normal usage and 19 hours phone call time with a single charge.

In addition, he said, with its rapid response quad core processor, the Max 3 offers the user 0.35 seconds lightning fast unlock speed, along with the guarantee of quicker upload and download of multimedia contents. Just as selfie lovers could make it a very useful tool with its high-powered dual cameras: 13MP at the back and 8MP in front which offers auto-focus, multiple modes and anti-shake properties, delivering best in class picture quality.

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Pic: L-R: Country Manager, InnJoo Mobile, Rakesh Rocque; Co-founder, TecSync Technology Co. Ltd., makers of InnJoo Mobile,  Tim Chen; Special Guest of Honour and former CEO,  Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr.  Ernest Ndukwe; President, TecSync Technology, Jack Lee and Chairman on the occasion, Leo Stan Ekeh at the official launch of the InnJoo Max 3 at Sheraton Hotel,  Ikeja... on Monday August 1st 2016.

51 fellows successful for ICANN57

ITRealms:

The global coordinating organization for internet unique identifier, otherwise known as Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has released 51 candidates as successful fellows to India towards the 57 ICANN public meeting in earlier November this year, reports ITRealms.

The public meeting, ITRealms gathered that those selected were from 35 countries and they will be attending the public meeting in Hyderabad, India, between 3 and 9 November 2016. 

ICANN also said of those 51 selected, 17 are returning fellows from at least one previous meeting and various experience levels, 10 of whom will be coaches to the 34 attending as first time fellows.

The selected fellows, ICANN said, represent all sectors of society including civil, government, ccTLD Operations, academia, facets of the business community, technical, security and end user groups.

ITRealms further recalls that an independent selection committee assessed the 319 fellowship applications received for this meeting; 76 of those met minimum requirements for possible selection. 

ICANN in a newsletter made available to ITRealms said priority was given to applicants who not only meet minimum program requirements, but who are current residents of developing and least developed nations and who are interested in participating in ICANN and its supporting organizations, advisory committees, stakeholder and constituency groups.

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You can mock our change agenda, but we’re focused - Lai Mohammed

ITRealms:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has told those mocking the Administration's change agenda that they are focused and undaunted, reports ITRealms.

Speaking at the South-East edition of the Federal Government's Town Hall Meeting in Enugu on Monday, Alhaji Mohammed said ''To those who have been mocking our change agenda, we say let them continue to entertain themselves, but we remain undaunted because this change is irreversible.''

Also, he said Nigeria had no choice but to embrace change, adding that the country cannot continue to do things the same way and expect a different result.

He noted that even as change is a process and not an instant coffee, it has begun to manifest in many ways, touching on the war against corruption, accountability in governance and the economy, among others.

''Before now, public officials simply opened the public till, took as much money as they wanted and walked away, without consequences! That explains why funds allocated to the military to fight Boko Haram ended up in the piggy banks of many unscrupulous Nigerians. Today, all those who looted the public treasury are being made to answer for their actions, as impunity gives way to accountability.

''Prior to now, funds accruing to the government were paid into so many accounts that even the government could not keep a tab on them, or worse still did not even know the accounts existed. Today, every kobo accruing to the government is paid into a single account, called the Treasury Singles Account (TSA), to be used for the benefit of all Nigerians.

''Before now, thousand of ghosts earned salaries every month. Of course, we all know that ghosts don't work, yet they got paid in this country. Today, the ghosts are in trouble as over 30,000 of them have had their unmerited salaries stopped, saving the country millions and millions of naira. Many more ghosts are being smoked out,'' he said.

The Minister said that emphasis is fast shifting from oil as the Administration moves to diversify the economy away from the product, disclosing that in June 2016, for the very first time, about 70 per cent of the over 500 billion Naira raised from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee came from non-oil sector, while 30 per cent came from the oil sector.

Achike Onayi/GEE

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Pix: Lai Mohammed, Audu Ogbeh and Chris Ngige in Enugu Town Hall meeting

FG making genuine efforts to correct lapses – President Buhari

ITRealms:

The President, Muhammadu Buhari has assured that lapses that have characterized Nigeria as a nation would be corrected, reports ITRealms.

Receiving a team led by Dr. Seth Berkley, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi and the Global Fund in State House, Abuja, last Thursday, President Buhari said he was impressed with the patience and steadfastness of leading supporters of health care in Nigeria, despite the country’s shortcomings.

"We are making genuine efforts to correct the lapses. We are very serious about people behaving themselves, and being accountable," he said.

Buhari also commended the visiting team for deciding to re-engage with the country, despite noticeable inefficiencies.

“You decided to be here, not minding our shortcomings. There are other countries that would bring less problems. We appreciate your commitment, and we will do our best to put ourselves in the best shape to help us," President Buhari said.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina quoted Dr Berkley as noting that the three focal points of the Buhari administration; security, economic development, and anti-corruption were critical to the future of Nigeria, stressing that these points have raised issues over the way donor funds for health care were utilized in the past.

He said Gavi and the Global Fund were disappointed when forensic audit revealed systemic weaknesses and corruption in the utilization of funds given in the past, adding that there is now a "breath of fresh air" under President Buhari’s leadership and fight against corruption and they were willing to "close the books of the past, and look into future support."

Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, who was also at the event, disclosed that those indicted in the audit of the donor funds in the past, which was done between 2010 and 2015, had already been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and would be arraigned in court soon.

Nkem Nweke/GEE

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Ghana: Penplusbytes says 'No' to social media ban

ITRealms:

The Penplusbtye, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based organization situated in Accra, the capital of Ghana, has called on the Police Administration in the country not to ban social media in the forthcoming elections, reports ITRealms.

The Executive Director of Penplusbtye, Mr. Kwami  Ahiabenu II, made this call in the sidelines of a social accountability forum held in Accra, urged the Police Administration to consider setting up a social media monitoring centre, instead of total ban on social media activities on election day.

A Ghana News Agency (GNA) report available to ITRealms, Ahiabenu was quoted as declaring, “A total ban of social media  on election day would increase suspicions and create an information gap that can easily be filled with more misinformation and rumours.”

He also said social media had become a very important ICT tool with most of its contents being very useful to the society, stressing that despite its excesses, social media had contributed to entrenching democracy, especially in most African countries, through monitoring of elections as well as serving as a major source of diverse information in the world over and therefore for Ghana to ban social media on election day would not be too good.

“Many citizens and stakeholders rely on social media to monitor elections, and this give them confidence of knowing what is going on, therefore a ban of it will create problems and jeopardise elections outcome,” Mr Ahiabenu II said.

Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, Vice-Chair of the National Development Planning Commission, who chaired the function said “We shouldn’t move away from social media but we should use it to promote governance and accountability, especially in this election year.”

ITRealms noted that the Social Accountability forum, attended by various stakeholders including heads of civil society organisations, state actors on the social accountability front as well as donor organisations, created synergy and avenue for information sharing while building a concerted advocacy drive to ensure resources allocated for development are used to alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living of citizens at the grassroots.

The overall goal of the platform was to increase the contribution of civil society in promoting accountability and effective public service delivery.

The Social Accountability forum forms part of the implementation of the Penplusbytes’ two-year "Tech Driven Social Accountability for Results" project which is being funded by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa.

It seeks to equip ordinary citizens with usable information via online platforms mashed-up with social media and mobile based platforms to promote their purposeful participation in demanding accountability and responsiveness from decision makers for effective public service delivery.

Nenye Dom/GNA/GEE

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Deutsche Telekom seeks true convergence @Broadband Forum

ITRealms:

The Deutsche Telekom has called on Broadband Forum members to midwife ‘true convergence’ of mobile and fixed networks to unlock full potential of Fifth Generation (5G), ITRealms reports.

The 5GExecutive Programme Manager, Deutsche Telecom, Antje Williams made this call at the Broadband forum which held, weekend, its quarterly meeting in Berlin, Germany, saying that more collaboration is required among standards’ bodies and open source communities in order to achieve this, stressing for true convergence between fixed and mobile networks so that a seamless experience could be delivered to consumers.

On the access-agnostic networks, Williams noted, are a vital component in realizing the full potential of 5G, and in order for this to happen, more collaboration is urgently needed between different standards bodies.

“When you look at the amount of challenges and traffic that has to be transported in the future, we will not manage that with just the mobile network,” said Williams, pointing out that nowadays, a much bigger portion of whatever is transported runs through fixed line networks and at Deutsche Telecom, they strongly believe the solution for the future has to be a combination of the two, or access-agnostic networks.

“This means that when using the networks, consumers shouldn’t see a difference between mobile access and Wi-Fi access. Today, standardization of the two networks is done separately and to become one network, we need more alignment,” she added.

Williams emphasized that from a consumer perspective one of the most important topics is convenience. Therefore, it is essential that 5G delivers to its full potential.

Williams who echoed the perspectives of the Broadband Forum’s special meeting on Broadband Network Evolution, which was held in Atlanta in May, called Forum members to action by them playing their parts beginning with engagement and work on this area, in order to realize the broadband networks of the future.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Niger Delta Insecurity: Dickson tells FG dialogue remains best option

ITRealms:

The Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed that dialogue remains the best option to the amicable resolution of the security challenges bedevilling the Niger Delta region, ITRealms.

He also urged the Federal Government to embrace dialogue with the youths "because military option is not a solution" to the problems in the Niger Delta.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dickson, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said in a press statement made available to ITRealms on Saturday in Warri, Delta State, during a meeting of Ijaw leaders and elders of thought to brainstorm on the way forward for the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

The meeting was attended by Ijaw leader and First Republic Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark; Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro; former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby; and one time Minister of Aviation, Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas.

Others are former Executive Director (Finance) in Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Pastor Power Aginighan; President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Boma Obuoforibo; former chairman, Bayelsa State Flood Committee, Chief Francis Doukpola; Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, King Joseph Timiyan and Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Kingdom, King Kopul Orumini.

Dickson who applauded the efforts of Clark and other prominent leaders for championing the cause of the people, urged them to work together for peaceful co-existence of the region and the country as a whole.

The governor said he was at the meeting "to lend support to the on-going discussions for the enthronement of peace, stability and development of the Niger Delta area."

According to him, Ijaw leaders and elders have always provided leadership and support to the various state governments where the Ijaw people are domiciled towards strengthening the bond of unity and protection of the collective interests of the Ijaw nation.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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