Breaking: 3 Nigerians selected for ICANN65 NextGen fellowships - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Three Nigerians have been selected for the NextGen fellowships by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for the ICANN65 in Marrakech, Morocco, reports ITREALMS.

The trio include Sulaimon Moriam Omowunmi from University of Ilorin, Adisa Bolutife from University of Lagos and Oluwaseun Sanjo Ajani from University of Ibadan.

They emerged from the 12 fellows selected to participate at ICANN65 billed for June 24 through 27, 2019 in Morocco.

ITREALMS reports that ICANN named the individuals selected to participate in the NextGen programme at ICANN65, following exercise by independent selection committee which saw the successful candidates by reviewing their current field of studies and interest in the Internet ecosystem's ongoing work on global policy and Internet governance.

These 12 individuals, ITREALMS gathered are currently engaged in studies in African universities in the fields of computer science, law, and information technology.

In addition, three individuals who attended a previous ICANN public meeting with the NextGen programme will now serve as ambassadors for these newcomers.

The full list of the fellows comprised,

Innocent Adriko, Uganda Institute of Info and Comms Technology; Eileen Nay Kwipoya, Technical University of Kenya; Vallarie Wendy Yiega, University of Nairobi School of Law; Souad Abidi, Higher school of computer science ESI-Alg; Levy Syanseke, University of Zambia; Sulaimon Moriam Omowunmi, University of Ilorin; Nour El Houda Zouabi, Campus Universitaire, El Manar; Saffie Bobb,   American International University West Africa; Cynthia Jade Makory, Kenya School of Law; Adisa Bolutife, University of Lagos; Yashvi Paupiah, University of Mauritius; Oluwaseun Sanjo Ajani, University of Ibadan.

The candidates selected as ICANN65 ambassadors, include Melchizedek Alipio, Nertil Berdufi and Ihita Gangavarapu.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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Irona: PDP will chase criminals away from Govt. - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

… As Anwuka’s kinsmen back Ihedioha

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party-PDP in Imo State and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona has promised that the party will chase criminals out of public offices if voted into power in the forthcoming governorship election in Imo State, reports ITREALMS.

Irona stated this while receiving youth of Egbuoma community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State under the aegis of Ubokwu Youth Solidarity Forum, who paid him a solidarity visit in his Oguta residence, weekend.

He blamed the political class in Egbuoma community for the absence of government presence in the area, promising to right the wrongs. He identified youth empowerment and commercial agriculture as central to their blueprint for development.

He however mentioned some of the developmental projects he attracted to Egbuoma community while serving as House of Assembly member, Local Government Chairman and federal lawmaker to include: Electricity, Water, Political appointments, Health Center, among others. He challenged the community to mention any public office holder from the community that has done as much as he did for the community.

“I have done so much for Egbuoma community. I just counted some of them. I challenge you to prove me wrong. I also challenge you to mention one political office holder from Egbuoma that has done more than what I have done for your community. The Minister of States for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah is your son-from Egbuoma. He is a former Secretary to Imo State Government, yet you have no roads in your community. Tell me what he has done for your people, both as Minister and as SSG.”

“I am in politics to develop and not to oppress. I will do far more than I have already done, if you support the Ihedioha/Irona governorship project in Imo State and we win. You have no future in the All Progressives Congress or Action Alliance. Senator Hope Uzodimma has been our Senator for nearly eight (8) years now. Let him mention one thing he has done in Egbuoma. Let him also mention one thing he has done in Oguta Local Government Area at large in eight years as Senator. I have been in government since 1995. If I had any criminal record, they would have come after me by now. There is no 419person following us in the PDP and we will chase all criminals away when we get to power. Ensure you ask relevant questions and vote for people you will be proud of. Never again will they oppress us.”

Earlier in his address, Spokesman of the delegation, Orisha Nduba, pledged their support to the Ihedioha/Irona ticket. He informed Hon. Irona of the resolve of the entire youth of the community to work for the success of the PDP in the forthcoming general elections.

Adding his voice, President of the group and leader of the delegation, Mr. Nwabueze Mgbadiga appealed to Hon. Irona to come to the aid of the community by assisting in the grading of some of the roads, which, according to him are in very deplorable state.

Similarly, the leadership of the Oguta Local Government Motorcyclists Association has notified Hon. Irona on the resolve of all Motorcyclists in the Local Government Area to work for the success of the PDP in the forthcoming general elections.

Leading a 30-man delegation of Chairmen of the various units and members of the Local Government Executives of the association to the Oguta residence of the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate in Imo State, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, Chairman of the Association, Ogbonna Ifesinachi described the PDP as the only hope of Imo people in 2019.

“We are here to show solidarity with you and to deliver the message of the members of the Motorcyclists Union in Oguta Local Government Area. The message is simple- We have decided to support and work with you. Of all the governorship candidates in the state, it is only the PDP that has credible candidates as Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates. We know you. We have tested you and we are sure that you will always deliver. With you as Deputy Governor, government is closer to us and our needs shall be attended to. You are our hope and we are solidly behind you.”

In his response, the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona lamented over what he described as the criminal neglect of the masses and poor governance in the state, promising not to disappoint the people when voted into office.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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El-Rufai's body bags of double standard and diplomatic effects - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS:

Election in Nigeria is more of a war than a contest. The benefits of public office attract people to politics and make them desperate for power. Candidates employ devious tactics to win, as if losing is punishable by death. They dish out hate speeches and uncouth statements without considering the imminent doom such could drag Nigeria into. Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State is in the eye of the storm. He stirred the hornet’s nest when he issued a death threat to foreigners who may want to question the conduct of the general elections starting February 16. This piece assesses the effect of El-Rufai’s statement on political behavior and Nigeria’s foreign relations.

The relationship between Nigeria’s executive arm of government and the global community has been uncordial lately. The United States (US), United Kingdom (UK) and European Union (EU) are casting doubt on the credibility of the forthcoming elections based on President Muhammadu Buhari’s controversial suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen. While commenting on the foreign stance during a live television program on 5 February, 2019, El-Rufai expressed that “those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that would come and intervene, they would go back in BODY BAGS (emphasis mine), because nobody will come to Nigeria and tell us how to run our country”. A ‘body bag’ is a carrier bag used for moving corpse from a battleground, or an accident or crime scene.

Many thought the outrage that greeted the threat would make El-Rufai eat his words, but that never happened. The threat was rather defined as patriotism. El-Rufai argued in a statement issued by his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, that “affirming a country will defend itself against needless intervention is the kind of statement you expect to hear from a patriot. It is not a call to violence. Warning about the consequences of meddling in another country’s affairs is legitimate”.

The global community and Nigerians who were infuriated by El-Rufai’s idiocy were hoping the Federal Government would caution him, but that also never happened. The Presidency threw her weight behind El-Rufai, saying he “spoke strongly in defense of national interest”. This is unsurprising as El-Rufai is a chieftain of the ruling party and staunch supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari. But how can the government of a country rationalize a threat to foreigners as national interest? The Presidency should have stayed mute than commit such a pricey blunder. National interest is the interest of a country as a whole, not that of subordinate areas or groups. El-Rufai spoke in defense of the ruling cabal’s interest, not for the majority of Nigerians.

President Buhari’s consistent show of double standard makes him undeserving of integrity accolades. His government labels El-Rufai’s threat a display of patriotism while unarmed Biafra secession campaigners were declared terrorists. The President’s henchmen warning the international community not to interfere in Nigeria’s electoral process praised their interference when it favored Buhari in 2015. Former US President Barrack Obama influenced the last presidential election against ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Obama released a video urging Nigerians to open the ‘next chapter’ with their votes when an incumbent President is participating in the election.

Buhari applauded the UK, US and EU when they condemned the postponement of the 2015 elections. Buhari, then a presidential candidate, hailed the foreign interventions, even as Jonathan and his supporters stayed calm and eventually lost the election. The same foreign authorities of 2015 recently condemned the alleged politically motivated suspension of the CJN and the Buhari government is warning them not to meddle in Nigeria’s politics. Such glaring display of double standard approach demeans Buhari’s acclaimed integrity. Buhari only cries foul when he is not profiting; any action or person that does not favor him is either wrong, corrupt, unpatriotic or unwelcome.

The unintended grievous consequence of El-Rufai’s statement is the troubles Nigerians in the diaspora would face if any foreigner is injured or killed. The US, UK and Europe are Nigerians choice destinations. Those seeking greener pastures would be denied visas and those already in would be massively deported. We must not bite what we can’t chew! El-Rufai and the Nigerian government are threatening nations whose citizens visiting and living in Nigeria are law-abiding, while Nigerians are not the best-behaved persons overseas. Our nationals residing abroad illegally, disobeying laws and committing heinous crimes would suffer the foreign nation’s retaliatory measures the most. Nigeria cannot long-survive the sanctions that’ll be stamped on her if any harm befall the foreign observers. The nation imports almost everything and is heavily dependent on foreign aid and loans.

El-Rufai’s uncouth statement would affect the inflow of foreign direct investments. No sane stranger would invest huge in a country whose leaders are threatening foreigners, undermining the rule of law and interfering with the independence of the judiciary.

Many support El-Rufai’s notion that Nigeria should be left alone to run her affairs without any external interference. The degree and limitation of nations sovereignty is an age-long scholarly debate. Nigeria is a member of many foreign organizations and a signatory to many treaties. The membership of global and regional organizations such as the United Nations and African Union has limited the nation’s sovereignty. Identical to the social contract theory on state evolution, nations overtly or covertly submit part of their sovereignty when they join international organizations.

The signing of treaties and embracing the globally recommended mode of governance and development, such as upholding democracy and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, is a pointer that nations are expected to operate based on standards. Any nation that wants to be absolutely sovereign must not belong to any global body and such is virtually impossible. Nations are sovereign, but not absolutely sovereign. If nations are fully sovereign, why do international organizations set governing standards and principles and sanction erring nations? If nations are truly sovereign, why is the UN Security Council empowered to authorize military operations against nations?

Globalization has bond nations together in such a way that it is difficult for them not to meddle in each other’s affairs. Most nations have assets, investments and interests they care about in several other nations. For example, MTN is a South-African investment in Nigeria and any political-economic challenge that may affect MTN would naturally generate reactions from South Africa.

Foreign interventions are essential and commendable, but they are not always done out of good intents. The interventions are sometimes done to pave way for the exploitation of emerging nation’s resources. The unending war in Congo is a good example. The developed nations are renowned in providing dishonest economic interventions that entrench dependency. Foreign intervention has helped and harmed Nigeria’s economy. The nation lost interest in agriculture when oil multinational corporations (OMNCs) discovered and began oil exploration in the Niger-Delta.

The OMNC’s capital, skill and technology developed the oil sector, but that has largely been for their own benefit. Inhabitants of the region have lost their lands and marines to oil spills. The late Ken Saro-Wiwa’s assertion captures it rightly that they have no land to farm, no water to drink and no air to breathe. The OMNCs also refines oil abroad, instead of constructing refineries in Nigeria to create jobs and boost development. Foreign economic interventions often hinder emerging nation’s growth, but they are the lifesaving oxygen during the outbreak of epidemics such as Ebola, cholera and polio.

The politicians bragging that Nigeria does not need foreign interventions are those hoping to profit from the imperfections of our electoral system. The nation has a lot to gain from foreign electoral interventions and should embrace it, so long as the interventions does not influence election results. External intervention - especially via observations and recommendations - is a means of bettering the quality of our elections. The ruling party has no reason to move against foreign observers if the elections are going to be free, fair and credible. Observing elections help prevent fraud or manipulations, or expose such anomalies if they happen. Foreign observers are a credible means of monitoring the extremes of incumbent seeking reelection, especially in our clime where election results can easily be manipulated.

Observing the electoral process enables nations with mature democracies to recommend ways through which the electioneering process can be strengthened. It can lead to the correction of errors or weak practices, even while the election is ongoing. An observation of the electoral process by foreign persons and groups often boost the public and oppositions confidence in the results. Once the transparency of an electoral process convinces observers to release positive commentaries, the opposition parties may consider throwing in the towel and such increase the legitimacy of the government the election produce.

The US, UK and Europe’s warning is the essential stitch in time that saves nine. Issuing warnings and sanctions is the western nation’s means of avoiding the huge expenses they bare when conflict occur in developing nations. The West is the leading provider of military and humanitarian aid to troubled nations. Cautioning political actors is not inappropriate, considering the wanton destruction of lives and properties war brings.

Anarchy will only worsen Nigeria’s underdevelopment as amenities destroyed won’t not be promptly fixed due to paucity of funds. Even if available, such fund is better spent on settling striking unions and providing amenities. War is not an option for any nation that value lives. Infrastructures can be fixed, the economy can be revived, but lives lost can never be regained. Moreover, Nigeria does not have the capacity to confront the global powers if such need arises; not with the demoralized army struggling to conquer Boko-Haram.

El-Rufai and his encouragers needs to act cautiously and be wary of the consequence of their actions on Nigeria. The countries of the foreigners being threatened do not joke with their citizens’ lives. They are not like the Nigerian government that tolerates Boko-Haram and herdsmen. Issues based campaigns must be revived and the purveyors of hate speech and fake news should be appropriately sanctioned or prosecuted. President Muhammadu Buhari owes Nigeria the gratitude of ensuring the elections are free, fair and credible. The elections would pass, Nigeria shall remain.

*Omoshola Deji is a political and public affairs analyst. He wrote in via moshdeji@yahoo.com

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Oluyele Braithwaite dies @62 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Late Oluyele Folahan Braithwaite

The founder and General Overseer of the Restore Church of Christ, Mr. Oluyele Folahan Braithwaite, is dead. He died at the age of 62, reports ITREALMS.

A public statement from the family endorsed by Olumide Braithwaite, his younger brother and made available to ITREALMS, informed that the late Oluyele Folahan was the first son of late legal luminary, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite and was born on 4th July 1956 in Lagos.

He also said the deceased was a sickle cell patient and died of heart failure at a Lagos Island hospital.

He attended CMS grammar school, Mill field school England, Ahmadu Bello University and Buckingham University England where he obtained degree in Law.

Oluyele, ITREALMS gathered was married and the marriage was blessed with a girl-twin.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Tribute to 'Akanda Eniyan' Fayemi @54 - ITREALMS

Tribute@ITREALMS:

His Excellency Dr. John Olukayode Mofolorunsho Fayemi turns 54 today. Without a doubt he is an Akanda – a person who according to Yoruba mythology is unique and a possessor of a special purpose in life. A person whose destiny is linked to that of countless others, and who is imbued with special grace and qualities that help him/her in attaining greatness. One of the distinct qualities of Akandas is that from a very young age, they display rare traits of self-awareness and intelligence, and are sometimes involved in supernatural occurrences that cause the elders to take notice and pay special attention to nurturing them.

This concept has parallels in other parts of the world. In ancient Israel, about the time of Jesus’ birth, events in the heavens conspired to tell the famed wise men from the east that a King had been born, causing them to diligently follow the stars till they arrived at the birthplace of Jesus to pay homage. Furthermore, it is recorded that Jesus as a child displayed such wisdom beyond His years and a huge sense of responsibility for the things of God, that it got Him in the cross-hairs of the religious authorities of the time.

In the same tradition, Kayode Fayemi from a very young age showed exceptional intelligence and appreciation of the world around him. Born the last child of seven children into the Francis Falade Fayemi family of Isan-Ekiti during the penkelemesi years, he was reportedly introverted as a child, spending hours on end reading newspapers and other informational materials which were never in short supply in his house, as his father was at the time an information officer with the old Western Region’s government.

He was outstanding amongst his peers as a student in Christ School Ado-Ekiti. He not only excelled academically, but was tops in extracurricular activities such as debates and quiz competitions. By the time he got to the University of Lagos, he was well grounded in his sense of purpose and mission in life, spending most of his days as an undergraduate participating in student unionism – leading protests and advocacies, and supporting liberation movements all over Africa. Long before he became a regular fixture on Nigeria’s official delegation to annual editions of the United Nations General Assembly, Kayode Fayemi had horned his talents in international diplomacy in ANUNSA - a student and youth association devoted to promoting the goals of the United Nations through its activities.

Following his B.A. in History from the University of Lagos, he went on to earn an MSc. in International Relations from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, before proceeding to the United Kingdom to pursue a doctorate in War Studies from Kings College London. His time in London was defining as he got introduced to a greater theatre for participating in the causes close to his heart, becoming a leading figure in the struggle against military rule. He is credited for establishing several platforms for the opposition in exile to marshal their positions, including the famous Radio Kudirat. It was during this time as a young post-graduate student in his twenties, in the course of the pro-democracy struggle of the 1990s side-by-side much older legends such as Wole Soyinka, the late Anthony Enahoro, e.t.c., that he would build an incredible network of friendships and alliances, earning the trust and respect of highly placed individuals, governments, think tanks, and multilateral agencies all over the world.

It was therefore no surprise that when he was to transition from civil society to politics, he was bold enough to aspire to the highest office in Ekiti state. Defying conventional wisdom to start out aspiring to lower offices, he contested the gubernatorial primaries in the now defunct Action Congress, emerging the unlikely flagbearer amongst 27 other aspirants, many of who decamped from the party in protest. As an Akanda, this was to become a constant feature of his political trajectory – nothing he has attained politically so far has ever been handed to him without stiff opposition. It would take another three and a half years for his mandate to be validated through the courts, thus assuming office as Governor of Ekiti State on October 16, 2010.

As Governor, Kayode Fayemi finally had the executive powers to put to practice all he had advocated, implementing a well thought out social-welfarist blueprint known as the Eight-Point agenda, which concentrated on Governance; Infrastructural Development; Modernizing Agriculture; Education and Human Capital Development; Health Care Services; Industrial Development; Tourism; and Gender Equality and Empowerment. His administration was widely adjudged to have performed creditably which was why the outcome of his first re-election bid came as a surprise to many.

The 2014 elections in Ekiti state was historic. It was to define who we were as a people, or better still redefine who we had become when faced with a choice between Kayode Fayemi an Omoluabi who had done well beyond the limits of the resources available in the state on one hand, and the garrulous self-styled apostle of stomach infrastructure on the other.

That is how the fate of individuals – Akandas – are linked to that of peoples and nations. It was all part of Kayode Fayemi’s destiny to go down that path, and experience the seeming momentary rejection of his people. But that was not the end of the story. He was to glean valuable lessons and re-strategise to regain the mandate. In the interregnum, he was appointed Minister of Mines and Steel Development by President Muhammadu Buhari, which was another case of story before glory.

But Kayode Fayemi was not done with Ekiti state. Again, destiny beckoned, and he answered the call to run for re-election as Governor. This was not to be a stroll in the park, and those familiar with the man’s public service trajectory could see a familiar pattern of very heavy opposition before the glory that lay ahead. This time, Kayode Fayemi had to contend with 35 other aspirants within the APC to earn the party’s ticket, before going on to win the general election.

The road to triumph in the re-election bid is a lesson in several human virtues such as perseverance, forgiveness, fortitude, and courage. More so, it is the ultimate fulfilment of this Akanda’s purpose, which goes beyond him as an individual but affects all Ekiti sons and daughters. Today, his election slogan “Reclaiming the land; Restoring our Values”, has become the central philosophy of his administration – the rallying cry for Ekiti to return to the pristine values we were known for, which had been despoiled by vagabonds who exploited the naivety of the people in the previous election. Kayode Fayemi’s re-election as Governor can therefore be seen as the people’s act of repentance from the mistake of 2014, and an affirmation that never again shall our electoral choices be determined by deceptive retail politics.

Several prophesies have been fulfilled in the life of this passionate patriot who sees public service as an extension of activism. A man of faith who takes his calling to politics and governance as seriously as he took his time of service as an altar boy growing up in Church. A man of courage, yet meek in spirit and deeply respectful to all. Sadly, this is often taken advantage of by some.

Nevertheless, as Kayode Fayemi turns 54 today, as one of the leading trans -generational icons of values based leadership in Africa today, I am sure he would take time to reflect on what lies ahead, especially the urgent task he has often spoken about of actively empowering a new cadre of young leaders – a new breed that would break boundaries and bravely go beyond dallying along the borders of morality and political expediency that ethical leaders today are constrained to do in order to bring about change from within a depraved socio-political establishment.

Kayode Fayemi, my Oga – Akanda Eniyan – Ilufemiloye – loved by the masses; a detribalised nationalist with an enviable track record and an extensive network of friendships and alliances globally. Clearly, your best years are ahead. For you, it’s not just about personal ambitions, it is about God working in and through you to bring about a positive impact on a greater multitude.

Happy Birthday Sir.

·Contributed by Akin Rotimi, a media and communications professional from Lagos, Nigeria
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Public Interest Registry rejigs Advisory Council, seeks nominations - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Public Interest Registry has rejigged its Advisory Council to combine membership of the formerly separate .org and .ngo advisory councils, just as it seek nominations, reports ITREALMS.

Jon Nevett, president and CEO of Public Interest Registry in a press statement endorsed by Riley McBride Smith and made available to ITREALMS, said that this unified group will represent the voice of the .org, .ngo and .ong end user communities to Public Interest Registry.
ITREALMS gathered that the new joint Advisory Council, will serve as intermediary between end-users and Public Interest Registry on everything from technical, to policy, to social issues affecting the internet.

The Council will also provide input and recommendations for new registry strategies, policies, services and education initiatives to meet the needs of the niche communities.
ITREALMS further reports that PIR is now accepting applications, including self-nominations, for five open council seats on the newly merged Advisory Council.

New members, ITREALMS report, ideally will have experience working in the domain industry and must have demonstrated commitment to the responsible, ethical and effective use of the internet. English communications skills are preferred as the Council will convene and communicate in English.

"A united Advisory Council representing the interests of both the .org and .ngo user bases will streamline and strengthen Public Interest Registry's advocacy efforts on behalf of the internet community," he said stressing that they look forward to a new Council that represents diverse experience and fresh perspective on how Public Interest Registry can uplift registrants and the important work they are doing around the globe.

In addition, the statement indicated that the Public Interest Registry Board aims to establish a Council composition that is geographically and socially broad and balanced. Members will reflect a diversity of sectors, potentially including, but not limited to, educational, artistic, cultural, human rights, political, religious, poverty reduction, social services, internet technology/domain and scientific sectors.

"No two members of the Council will be from the same organisation, and the Board will work toward selection of an approximately equal representation of small, medium and large organisations. Potential members should display in their nomination a commitment to educating organisations and individuals on technical, policy, social and development issues affecting the internet," PIR stated.
ITREALMS equally reports that the call for Public Interest Registry Advisory Council applications which opened February 7, 2019 and will close April 12, 2019, and the board is expected to make a final decision on Council membership, whereas new members will be notified of their acceptance on April 30, 2019.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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9mobile: New board visits NCC - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The new board and management of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Nigeria Ltd (EMTS), that’s 9Mobile paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja, reports ITREALMS.

The visit led by Prince Nasir Bayero, Chairman EMTS were welcome by the Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta.

The visit, the first of its kind was to introduce the new Board and Management of 9Mobile to the Commission about the progress they have made since the takeover of 9mobile in November 2018, following the joint intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The Chairman of 9Mobile informed the Commission, that the new Board and Management of 9mobile are designing new strategies and ways to ensure that 9Mobile continues to provide excellent quality services while complying to the key performance indicators which the Telco has never failed to meet.

The Executive Vice Chairman NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta who welcomed the delegation commended them that despite the challenges they were able to increase their Subscribers Database as well as maintain High Quality of Service KPI delivery on their network.

The NCC boss also advised the New management to redesign the structure of the Company for greater productivity and better services to the Nigerian citizens who have chosen to stay on their networks all this long.

Director Consumer Affairs Bureau Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, who gave the vote of thanks assured the delegation that NCC will continue to support them and that they should continue to maintain the growth as well as Quality of Service on their network for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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FG launches nationwide campaign to support military - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government has launched a nationwide campaign to support the military, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Thursday the campaign is to rally the support of Nigerians for the military, especially in the fight against insurgency.

''The men and women in uniform who are risking all, including making the supreme sacrifice, to keep us safe deserve the support and prayers of all Nigerians, not vilification, insults and other acts that are capable of dampening their morale,'' Minister said while launching the campaign, tagged the National Campaign in Support of the Military, in Abuja.

He said it is particularly important for Nigerians to support the military at a time that it is facing a heightened challenge from global terrorists.

''As our gallant men and women in uniform clear the remnants of the home-grown insurgency called Boko Haram, they are confronting a fresh crisis, a global insurgency. A faction of Boko Haram has aligned with the global terror group, ISIS, to form ISWAP, the Islamic State's West African Province. In other words, ISIS now has a strong foothold in West Africa - with Nigeria in the forefront of the battle against them.

''Those who do not understand the fresh threat facing our nation, nor appreciate the sacrifice of our troops, have now made it their past-time to wage a campaign of disinformation against the military, especially in the social media. Doctored videos and pictures purporting to show mass military casualties are willfully circulated online. Such unpatriotic acts are discouraging and demoralizing our troops, and must stop forthwith,'' Alhaji Mohammed said.

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Pix: The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle); Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. John Agbim Hide original message (second right); Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, (second left); Director Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola (extreme left) and the Director Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Sulaiman Dahun (extreme right) at the launch of the National Campaign in Support of The Military in Abuja on Thursday.

Safer Internet Day 2019: MAPinAfrica expresses dismay over rise in online pedophiles

ITREALMS:

Media Against Pedophiles in Africa (MAPinAfrica) has expressed dismay over the rise in online pedophiles across the continent, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking through MAPinAfrica co-Admin Faculty, Mr. Remmy Nweke, at the 2019 World Safer Internet Day, organized in Lagos by the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD), urged media practitioners to help save Africa, mostly those in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector among others.

He also said that media practitioners’ buy-in is very crucial so as to avail them with the requisite knowledge-base to educate the larger population on the continent with regards to the worrisome rise in the activities of pedophiles.

Pedophiles, Nweke pointed out, target children in poor countries for online abuse, outside the socio-cultural burdens with incentives, citing for instance that as far back as 2002, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 73 million boys and 150 million girls under the age of 18 years had experienced various forms of sexual violence.

While the Center for Disease Control and the US Department of Justice study an estimated 7.9 per cent of males and 19.7 per cent of females universally faced sexual abuse before the age of 18 years, with the highest prevalence rate of Child sexual abuse (CSA) was seen in Africa at 34.4 per cent.

He pointed out that with the increase in Internet access, that this percentage has advanced, emphasising that the United Kingdom (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA) recently said that children from developing and war-torn countries are being targeted by pedophiles using live-streaming and other tech advances and have paid over 33,000 Pounds Sterling as incentives.

On ensuring safer internet or online presence for children, Nweke also urged parents to take time out to know what their children are doing online and possibly create a separate account for them with some privacy settings to avoid undue downloads pornographic photos.

Parents, MAPinAfrica faculty said, should place computers in a common area and possibly keep the screen names anonymous to keep online predators away.

MAPinAfrica campaign, he said, is advocate for policies and programmes to help meet basic needs of children and families who are victims of pedophilia across the continent and factor in changing the narrative for better Africa.

The summit, with the theme ‘Together for a better internet’, unbundled the peculiarities of Nigerian internet space, bringing to light many issues engendering the commitment of attendees to work towards a better internet.

Other highlights at the summit include:

- Digital Inclusion for African women, to enhance their productivity.

- Health risks of prolonged internet usage, particularly to the neck, the eyes, and the fingers.

- Health benefits of Internet to users going to through depression, etc.

- eWaste from smart devices, with stakeholders advocating a policy that ensures that product manufacturers bear responsibility for proper eWaste disposal in Nigeria.

- Safety of public internet infrastructure and prosecution of those who vandalize them.

- Need for government to develop the technical know-how to find out data privacy breaches and hold Google, Facebook, and the likes to account, just like they are in the western world.

- Nigeria has the largest number of Internet users in Africa, government needs to pay more attention to how tech giants like Google and Facebook use the data of Nigerians, and violate international law; because today data is wealth.

- Telcos need to do more to enlighten the public on internet Safety, because they sell the internet data and directly benefit from 'online Nigeria'.

*Nenye Dom/Editor

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Sleep: Nearly half population in short supply - ITREALMS

Study@ITREALMS:

Does this sound familiar? You stay late at the office to work on a project and decide to get a few drinks with friends before you go home. Before bed, you cozy up on the couch to squeeze in one last episode of Game of Thrones. Before you know it, the alarm rings, prompting you to get up and prepare for the gym.

If this sounds like a regular Tuesday, you're probably one of the millions of Americans who don’t get enough sleep. Why? As we’re faced with a multitude of commitments and distractions every day, we allow ourselves to de-prioritize and neglect sleep.

We got curious about how Americans snooze, so we partnered with Thrive Global and Axios to quiz respondents from our Audience panel directly using SurveyMonkey.

What are you curious about? Use SurveyMonkey Audience to use surveys to ask anyone pretty much anything.

Here’s what we’ve learned:

Nearly half of Americans aren’t sleeping well, and they know it

Only 47% of our respondents get between 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Nearly that same percentage of overall respondents say they get "the right amount" of sleep.

In spite of the fact that nearly half of our respondents knowingly skimp on sleep, the majority—86% of respondents—say they recognize the importance of a good night's rest.

So why is the amount of sleep we get lacking when we know how important it is? Blame it on work. And our phones aren’t helping either.

Choosing work over sleep

Nearly half of our respondents—49%—believe that sacrificing sleep is necessary in order to be successful in their industry.

But does sleeping less actually lead to better performance at work?

Research tells us it doesn’t, as a lack of sleep has been shown to substantially increase your chances of getting sick, impair your ability to think creatively and critically, and ultimately limit your salary growth over time.

The desire to stay connected

Notifications from colleagues, friends, and family can feel important—leading Americans to keep their phones close by, even when they’re asleep.

Over 70% of respondents sleep with their phones near their beds, with the figure at 90% among Millennials. Even more striking is that 83% of respondents who work more than 50 hours a week sleep with their phones near their bed.

It looks like technology is quite literally getting in the way of Americans’ dreams.

Take the quiz yourself to see how you score. It may be just the wake-up call you need to unplug a bit—whether it's from your job or from your devices.

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Konga Me, a payment option - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Nigeria’s leading e-commerce giants, Konga has unveiled Konga Me, a revolutionary payment option which essentially allows customers to shop desired items online @ www.konga.com and send the bill to someone else at the check-out point, reports ITREALMS.

Another first from Konga, Konga Me offers all categories of shoppers a refreshingly unique way to have their loved ones pay for their favourite items when out of funds or as a way of showing love during special moments such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or festive seasons.

Interestingly, Konga Me is anchored on a seamless, technology-driven and hassle-free process, further expanding the multiple payment options available to shoppers on the Konga platform and boosting customer experience in the e-commerce landscape.

All a prospective shopper has to do is visit www.konga.com either on Desktop, mobile device or the Konga app and add desired items to his/her shopping cart before proceeding to enter a desired delivery or pick-up address and selecting Konga Me as the preferred payment option at the check-out stage. After supplying the details of the benefactor who will pay for the selected items, the customer can thereafter proceed to place the order.

Once the benefactor picks up the bill by paying online after receiving an email notification, the order is automatically processed for delivery to the receiver or dispatched to the preferred pick-up location by Kxpress, Konga’s internal logistics arm.

Further exciting shoppers is the ease and convenience Konga Me lends by connecting a willing benefactor to a beneficiary, thereby ensuring millions of Nigerians nationwide can participate in the e-commerce fare by taking delivery of all items or purchases made on the Konga platform irrespective of their locations or even when short of funds.









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Buhari assent to Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, urges MRA - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill into Law, saying it will be a major legacy of his Presidency which will benefit millions of Nigerians for years to come, reports ITREALMS.

In a statement in Lagos, MRA said by speedily assenting to the Bill, which was transmitted to him for signature by the National Assembly on February 5, 2019, President Buhari would be confirming his administration’s support for Internet freedom for Nigerians.

Praising the National Assembly for the swift consideration and passage of the Bill by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, described the proposed Law as “a strong piece of legislation that conforms strongly to global norms and standards and will effectively protect the rights of Nigerians on the Internet and in the digital environment.”

The Bill was passed by the House of Representatives on December 19, 2017 and similarly passed by the Senate on March 13, 2018 but was transmitted to the President on February 5, 2019 owing the a clerical error in the version passed, which the National Assembly had to correct.

Calling on President Buhari to assent to the Bill without delay and thereby demonstrate his willingness to protect the rights of all Nigerians online as they are protected offline, Mr. Ojo said: “The Bill provides a comprehensive framework for the advancement, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet and in the digital environment, consistent with Nigeria’s regional and international obligations under various international human rights instruments, some of which Nigeria has led in bringing into being by co-sponsoring”.

Mr Ojo reminded the President that: “Nigeria played a leading role on the global stage in 2012 when it led in co-sponsoring the landmark Resolution on the Promotion, Protection and Enjoyment of Human Rights on the Internet at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, alongside Sweden, the United States, Brazil, Turkey and Tunisia, wherein it was affirmed that “the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, in particular freedom of expression, which is applicable regardless of frontiers and through any media of one’s choice.”

He pointed out that the resolution brought Nigeria tremendous respect and acclaim from around the world and therefore urged the President to sign the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill “in keeping with the groundbreaking direction and guidance which this Resolution provided to the global community on human rights online.”

In addition, Mr. Ojo said, the Digital Rights and Freedom Act will help boost an innovative environment for Nigerians, as well as accelerate the country’s development in the digital age by allowing all Nigerians take maximum advantage of emerging opportunities, adding that this will be beneficial to the government and its efforts to ensure the economic growth of Nigeria including though its recent Enabling Business Environment initiative.

Mr. Ojo also said that the Bill, when assented to will bring Nigeria’s domestic law, policy and practices with regards to the protection of human rights on the Internet into conformity with the international norm that were central to a nation in developing and bequeathing to the global community.

MRA also called on all other stakeholders, especially the media and civil society actors, the business community, the telecommunication sector etc. to lend their voices to the advocacy for speedy presidential assent and subsequently, ensure that they monitor its implementation and ensure that its provisions are applied in practice.

Mr. Ojo said if passed into law, this piece of legislation will impact positively the personal and professional lives of all Nigerians who are connected to the Internet as well as those who will be connected in the future. He added that it is essential for all stakeholders to contribute to this process in every way possible including through advocacy, by writing about it, facilitating discussions and debates, playing their roles in ensuring its implementation and encouraging other members of society to do so as well.”

He also applauded Paradigm Initiative which led and coordinated the multi-stakeholder efforts that led to the development and drafting of the Bill and resulted in its speedy passage by the National Assembly, saying it has once again demonstrated the power of civil society to positively affect the fortunes of Nigeria and Nigerians.

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2019 Elections: NCC temporarily suspends DND - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has suspended temporarily the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) reports ITREALMS.

Adducing reasons for this, NCC said

that after due consideration of the upcoming General Elections, has decided to temporarily suspend its Direction to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on Do-Not-Disturb (DND), in order to enable the MNOs disseminate specific information on voter education on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The NCC said that in implementing the suspension, MNOs are to be mindful of existing directives regarding the timing and regularity of such messages and the fact that the temporary suspension is only with regards to the specific messages on voters’ education.

It will be recalled that the NCC had issued a Guidance to all MNOs and Value Added Service Providers to the effect that:

- MNOs should ensure that their facilities are not used to disseminate political or religious contents which are abusive, insulting, intimidating and harassing, and/or which incite violence, hatred or discrimination against any person or group of persons.

- MNOs shall provide service to participants in the political process, only to the extent that their licence and the regulatory process permits.

- MNOs shall maintain the principle of neutrality in all their dealings regarding all the political process

- MNOs shall at all times seek and obtain the approval of the Commission at all times.

The NCC has expressed its readiness to strictly monitor the activities of the MNOs for the duration of the temporary suspension.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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Zenith Bank commences N50.00 stamp duty charge - ITREALMS

Exclusive@ITREALMS:

Zenith Bank Plc has commenced the implementation of N50.00 only stamp duty charge on eligible transactions, reports ITREALMS.

According to a public statement sent to Zenith customers and available to ITREALMS, the bank now charges N50.00 per transaction.

This, ITREALMS gathered, applies to all transfers and deposits of N1,000 and above received into eligible accounts.

The management of Zenith also says that “savings account and intra-account transfers are excluded.”

In addition, the bank said, that the aggregated amount of stamp duty charges deducted from eligible transactions weekly will be debited every Friday into the customers’ accounts and notifications sent accordingly.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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Quanta 5 to debut @Mobile World Congress'19 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The global leader in fixed broadband wireless connectivity, InfiNet Wireless, will showcase the latest breakthrough in cutting-edge wireless technology at Mobile World Congress 2019, where it will premiere its record-breaking spectral efficiency solution – Quanta 5, reports ITREALMS.

Offering significant cost savings when compared to other cable and wireless solutions available, Quanta 5 is the first product from InfiNet Wireless designed primarily for the small home and office market and small service providers. The Software-Defined Radio (SDR)-based solution can be deployed easily and quickly in a diverse range of applications, from backhauling for Wi-Fi and 4G/LTE base stations to CCTV and video-surveillance infrastructures. It can also provide Internet access to remote locations.

Designed to offer the highest spectral efficiency available in today's wireless market, Quanta 5 easily fights and mitigates from interference in noisy radio environments whilst showcasing an unprecedented performance in less radio spectrum. This provides service providers with an all-in-one solution which can meet the increasing demand for bandwidth, allowing them to increase their service offering to new and innovative Internet of Things and 5G services and applications.

“Our Quanta 5 solution is designed to address challenges such as limited spectrum availability, growing interference challenges and demands for yet more capacity as we see unprecedented growth in IoT applications and connected devices,” said KamalMokrani, Vice President at InfiNet. 

“This, combined with the move towards 5G, brings new challenges to the broadband infrastructure – and it is vital that service providers have the tools to keep pace with these technology innovations and deliver the fast and reliable connectivity required. Quanta 5 helps service providers do just that, providing a high-performance, cost-effective, easy-to-install and future-proof solution.”

Providing optimal performance in all operational scenarios, Quanta 5 can operate in sub-zero temperatures, as well as extremely hot conditions, thunderstorms and wind speeds of up to 160km per hour. It features 14 modulation-coding schemes to dynamically select the most suitable Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) to ensure delivery of all packets transmitted, even in high-interference environments.

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Leveraging agent networks for better financial, social inclusion - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Leveraging agent networks for better financial, economic and social inclusion is gaining momentum in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), reports ITREALMS.

The level of financial inclusion DRC, ITREALMS gathered, stands at 26 per cent. This presents a great opportunity for agent networks for digital financial services in the country to accelerate the access of low and middle-income populations to quality financial services.

Despite the presence of several digital financial service providers in the market, both the access and use of these services remains weak. This makes it all the more critical to improve the management of agent networks. According to the World Bank statistics, mobile money accounts have increased from 9.2% in 2014 to 16.1% in 2017 (https://bit.ly/2v04gWJ).

In the DRC, the use of informal financial services remains strongly anchored among the population. In this context, a careful selection of agents appears to be a good alternative at a lower cost to the provision of financial services. Well-trained, they will be the ideal channels for financial inclusion to become a reality.

The ELAN DRC program and the Fund for Financial Inclusion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FPM) commissioned MSC to conduct a short-term study on the internal opportunities and constraints <in managing the agent networks established and managed by digital financial service providers in the DRC. MSC conducted this six-month qualitative study from mid-May to late-November 2018. It focused on the five provinces of Kinshasa, Kongo Central, Kasai, Katanga, and Kivu, and involved 19 suppliers and 50 agents.

This study had two main objectives: (1) To understand the internal factors in the management of DRC agent networks that promote or slow the success of DRC agents, and (2) to provide guidance on how operational management of agent networks can improve. The study makes a clear case for increasing financial inclusion through agents—but for that, a long-term investment is essential.

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DBI boss wants major investments in ICT skills - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Administrator of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Dr. Ike Adinde, has called for significant investment in skills of the workforce to make them key drivers of the economy, reports ITREALMS.

Adinde made the suggestion on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of DBI Telecommunication Network Equipment Laboratory.

He said that the laboratory, worth one million US dollars, was donated by Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited.

According to him, investing in skills of the workforce of a nation is crucial, especially in an increasingly globalised world.

“There is, therefore, the urgent need for us to train and make available to the industry highly skilled human resources to serve as key drivers of the economy.

“It is in response to these challenges that the DBI has built this ultra-modern Lab to train and equip Nigerians with relevant ICT skills for the 21st century to tackle challenges presented by the 4th industrial revolution which requires tailor-made solutions that keep pace with the ever-evolving telecom industry”, he said.

Adinde said that the lab project was started in July 2018 with the donation of a complement of modern telecom equipment by Huawei Technologies to DBI.

He said that the lab was equipped with transmission equipment and ultra-modern next-Generation Core Network Switching Centre that gives a complete end-to-end telecoms scenario.

“One major benefit of the equipment is that it uses real-world industrial quality components to help students become better prepared for what they will encounter on the job.

“The lab is equally effective for technicians, engineers, field workers and anyone needing further understanding and skills in wireless telecommunications.

Mr Titi Omo-Ettu, the Chairman, Governing Board of DBI, said that the inauguration of the laboratory represented a leap in the efforts of the institute to provide qualitative hands on practical telecommunications and ICT training.

Omo-Ettu said that the development of skilled workforce across all sectors of the economy had become a national priority.

“We are keenly aware that there is a global shift from natural resources as a basis for national competitiveness to human resources underpinned by knowledge innovation.

“Interestingly, it is also increasingly evident that innovation is not about academic qualifications or certificates, the emphasis is on skills and creative abilities of the individual.

“The new DBI telecom industry has a full complement of GSM/UTMS equipment and will be fully deployed for the training and retraining of entry level and middle level engineers in industry.

“This effort is the first step in an ambitious plan by the institute to develop functional laboratories and workshops in its campuses in Kano, Lagos, Enugu and Yola.”

According to him, the DBI campuses will serve as focal ICT training centres and would in time transform to Innovation Hubs.

Mr Kevin Yangyang , Deputy Managing Director, Huawei Technologies, said that as partner to the Nigerian Communication Commission and DBI, the organisation believed in contributing significantly to the development of ICT.

He said that Huawei was doing this through leading ICT solutions and innovations.

He said that as global leader in the sector, the organisation was happy to see high-tech facilities and operations, especially in Africa.

“It is with this passion that we decided to donate this lab to DBI fully equipped with Optical Fibre Nodes, Wireless Radio Access Nodes and Next-Generation Code Switching Network. 

*Uboshe Uboshe with additional report from agency reports.

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Erelu Fayemi on roadshow, mobilises women for 2019 elections - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has urged Ekitis to vote en masse for President Mohammadu Buhari in next week’s presidential election in order to save the state from needless sufferings, reports ITREALMS.

Erelu Fayemi disclosed this in Itapa Ekiti on Wednesday while leading Ekiti women and youth on a road show in support of the Buhari/Osunbajo Presidential campaign, said the state would be subjected to all forms of ridicule before getting what is due to it in Abuja should the the opposition party triumph in the election.

She pointed out that said Ekiti State had benefited tremendously within the last three months her husband, Dr. Kayode Fayemi assumed office, through cordial working relationship with the federal government.

The road show moved through Itapa, Oye, Ilupeju, Ikole, Ode and Omuo Ekiti.

Erelu Fayemi said all the federal government projects in the state including the rail line and the ongoing federal secretariat, federal housing estate will become reality once President Buhari gets re-elected.

"Since your governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi came on board, he had established good relationship with the federal government and we have started seeing the gains.

" The APC government in the state have being paying salaries and pensions regularly since inception in October 2018. Our workers now get their salaries as and when due unlike the previous government that owed workers several months of unpaid wages..

At the various points, Erelu fayemi and her team took time to sensitise the elderly citizens on voting procedures with sample of the ballot papers.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Peter Obi: Campaign can't stop my school visits - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Mr. Peter Obi has declared that not even the electioneering campaign for the February 2019 election would stop him from his routine visit to schools, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking Wednesday during his visit to St. Patrick's Secondary School, Ugwuagba, Obosi in Anambra State, Mr. Obi encouraged students to remain focused in their academic pursuits, stressing that education remained the most essential currency for competition in the world of today.

After a question and answer session with the students, Obi assured them that the Atiku-led Government would make education a priority. 

"Atiku is education-friendly. I have had many sessions with him on how we would  tackle the problem of education in order to get it right. He is saddened by the continual strike by lecturers of higher institution and he is determined that under him, such would not, as now, become a national pastime. Of course, he has asked me those things we did to improve education in Anambra State and he is ready to apply them nationally.

Responding on behalf of the students, the Senior Prefect, Master Onyekachukwu Obasi thanked Obi for his wonderful stewardship in Anambra. He said it was under him that their school got brand new buses, computers, generators, internet connectivity, among other necessary Infrastructure.

The high point of the visit was the donation of N2 milllion to the school for continued infrastructural improvement. 

Uj. N. Dominic/Editor

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Pic: The Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Mr. Peter Obi presenting a cheque of 2million Naira to the students of St. Patrick's Secondary School, Ugwuagba, Obosi for continued infrastructure improvement.