Relationship between breast cancer and oral hygiene - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS: 

Nowadays, comedy is a multi-billion naira industry in Nigeria. A new couple could pay a comedian one million naira to perform at their wedding, but argue furiously against paying a surgeon one hundred thousand naira to perform a caesarian section to save two lives. Comedy is also the cheapest possible start-up, because the mouth is the sole physical investment of the trade. Thus a popular comedian rejoices in the name of Basket mouth. Another is called Elenu, meaning ‘mouth owner’ in the Yoruba / Anago language. But although we are not all comedians, we are all elenus – we all have mouths and our mouths are far more important for our overall health than we may realize.

October is dedicated to advocacy and creating awareness on Breast Cancer, the most common cancer in women globally (including Nigeria). Breast cancer also occurs in men, but it is 100 times more common in women. However, because most people are not aware that breast cancer can occur in men, the disease tends to be picked up much later and is often more fatal in men than in women.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), over 18 million people develop cancer yearly with 9.6 million deaths. Unfortunately, 70% of cancer deaths occur in developing countries like Nigeria, due to late detection. Latest WHO data shows that globally, there were over 2 million new cases of breast cancer and over 600,000 deaths from the disease in 2018. Every day, Nigeria records 32 deaths from breast cancer.

As we mark the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is necessary to look at an aspect of the disease of which most people are unaware – the relationship between breast cancer and oral hygiene.

The better known risk factors for breast cancer include: female gender, increasing age, family history of breast cancer, early onset of menses, late menopause, ethnicity and alcohol/tobacco use.

However, scientific research has recently demonstrated a link between breast cancer and oral health. Women with poor oral hygiene and periodontitis (inflammation of the gum), are up to three times more likely to develop breast cancer. The risk is greater in smokers.

Poor dental hygiene and gum disease has also been linked to increased risk of other cancers (including prostate cancer, throat cancer, lung cancer, gallbladder cancer, melanoma and pancreatic cancer) and of several general health conditions (such as pneumonia, stroke, heart disease, problem pregnancy and Diabetes mellitus).

The prevention and early diagnosis of periodontitis are therefore, very important not only for the patients' oral health, but also for their overall wellbeing.

Periodontitis is a serious bacterial infection of the gum that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports the teeth. In the early stages, it often presents as bleeding or swollen or painful gums (gingivitis) and sometimes as halitosis (bad breath). The main causes of periodontal disease are poor oral hygiene and tobacco use. The bacteria most often associated with periodontitis (Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis) enter the bloodstream through the gum. Later, the bacterial infections become associated with co-infection by viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus. These viruses act together with the bacteria to suppress the body’s immune response, leading to a proliferation of cancer cells in the body.

Fortunately, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of periodontitis which may predispose to cancer. The best way to achieve this is by following the 2-2-2-2-2-2-2 rule of dental hygiene, including:

1. Brush your teeth 2 times a day – last thing at night and at least one other time during the day

2. Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes each time

3. Use 2 tools for personal oral hygiene – a fluoride-containing toothpaste and medium textured tooth brush

4. Each time you brush clean between the teeth with dental floss or an interdental brush, which ensures that bacteria is removed from all areas of the mouth.

5. Go for a dental checkup at least 2 times a year

6. During your dental checkup, have your teeth professionally cleaned (scaling and polishing or S & P)

7. Your child should start brushing his own teeth and visiting the dentist from the age of 2

Observing the following Donts of Dental Care would further enhance your oral health:

• Don’t use a hard toothbrush – use a medium texture toothbrush for adults and a soft texture toothbrush for children
• Don’t use toothpick – use dental floss instead
• Don’t open bottles with your teeth
• Don’t wait until you have dental problems before you visit your dentist. Visit your dentist every six month for a dental check-up and S&P. Also, consult your dentist if you have toothache, bad breathe, cracked teeth, holes in your teeth and between gums and teeth, or if you notice any strange thing in your mouth.

In addition to predisposing you to other cancers (such as breast cancer), poor oral hygiene also predisposes to cancers that occur primarily in the mouth and throat, with tobacco, alcohol and Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections being among the leading risk factors of oral cancer. Human Papilloma virus also causes cancer in more than twelve parts of the body, including the cervix (cervical cancer).

Moreover, there are over 120 medical conditions, which can be detected in the early stage by dentists. Therefore, the dentist can be the first line of defense against gum disease and other systemic diseases including cancer.

It is for this reason that mass medical mission, a foremost champion for preventive health care and national cancer control, now has dental aspect of its free outreaches. This involves the use of the Mobile Dental Centre (nicknamed the PinkDentist), to facilitate access to preventive dental services for all.

Other life-saving initiatives of mass medical mission include:

· Mission PinkCruise (free community-based health outreaches with the PinkCruise)

· Mission PinkVISION (the eye aspect of the free community outreach using Mobile Ophthalmic unit aka PinkVISION), where “VISION” stands for Voluntary Integrated Sight Saving Initiative Of Nigeria)

· Free screening at the Lagos centre every Wednesday (Wellness Wednesday) and Friday (Family Friday)

· Vaccine Fair to promote access to the quadrivalent vaccine which can prevent the various cancers caused by HPV (this Fair holds every last Friday and Saturday of the month at the Lagos centre).

To mark the October International Cancer Awareness Month and World Sight Day, members of the general public are invited to the ongoing free cancer, eye and dental screening taking place every Wednesday and Friday at mass medical mission House, 31 Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos.

Groups could also apply to be included as hosts in the 2020 schedule of the free community-based outreaches (Mission PinkCruise), by sending an email to info@pinkcruise.org.

Dr Abia Nzelu, info@pinkcruise.org

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Isiguzo, NUJ President names FRCN's Oyetunde SSA - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The General Manager of Radio Nigeria's Bronze FM Benin, Mrs Bimbo Oyetunde has been appointed Senior Special Assistant to the President of the Nigeria Union of journalists, reports ITREALMS.

A letter pronouncing the appointment sighted by ITREALMS endorsed by the National Secretary of the Union, Shaibu Leman informed Mrs Oyetunde of the latest appointment, stressing its in recognition of her sterling qualities as a professional and her experience in the union.

He urged Mrs Oyetunde to see the appointment as an opportunity for service to the union and to justify the confidence which the NUJ President Mr Chris Isiguzo reposes in her.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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LG unveils DualCool Premium Air Conditioner in Nigeria - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The LG Electronics has unveiled its new DualCool Premium floor standing air conditioner into the Nigeria market, reports ITREALMS.

The product is first of its kind to be introduced in the Middle East and Africa region apart from the Korean market.

LG DualCool Premium is a life changer because it’s beyond just an Air Conditioner as it is packed with health benefits for our consumers and other mind-blowing features that you would desire to have in your kind of AC.

The President, LG Electronics, Middle East & Africa Region, Mr. James Lee, said in Lagos that as a global company, LG Electronics has come a long way in supporting millions of households with quality, cutting-edge technological products.

“Our philosophy to technology and innovative designs has obviously endeared us to our esteemed consumers in Nigeria and all over the world. The new product is equipped with Dual Premium Design and unique features such as LG ThinQ, Air Purification, Ice & Custom Cooling, Energy saving and many more. LG DualCool Premium Air Conditioner comes in Rose Gold and White Colour, they are truly an epitome of beauty as they add décor and novelty to your home,” he said.

Mr. Lee also said that “Dual Premium Design is an art of technology inspired by a form of round pillar that sends optimal wind to anywhere. It also has two short-haul and long distance runners inside the air conditioner to operate in the most optimal way in each section to save energy through the help of AI Dual Inverter”.

Compared to the general cooling of 10.8℃ in average, LG DualCool Premium Air Conditioner blows 6.8℃ wind in average to provide instant cooling when it is turned on. Even the electric fans adjust the wind directions. It does not make sense an air conditioner is unable to adjust the wind directions. The Air conditioner provides custom cooling of direct-indirect winds with up down left right wind control.

With LG ThinQTM, users can operate the air conditioner, change the mode or set the temperature from anywhere. LG ThinQ app can be downloaded on the smartphone from Google Play Store by Android mobile phone users or app store by iPhone users.

Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Ltd, Mr Mohammed Fouani, in his remarks, said LG has been consistent in producing quality products that meet the yearnings and aspirations of customers. “Life’s more than having the latest electronics but about the experiences technology creates. LG has been consistent in churning out products that create comfort and peace of mind and we are happy to be one of their distributors.

“I believe the new LG DualCool Premium Floor Standing Air Conditioner will address the needs of our esteemed consumers who are health conscious and want to live a healthy lifestyle. The new air conditioner is a solution provider to all worries, especially when you are worried about the quality of the air you breathe in. You can be rest assured the LG DualCool Premium AC will beautifully take care of everything.

“As the leading and sole distributor of LG Electronics products all over Nigeria, you can get the new range of ACs at any Fouani Nigeria Ltd outlet evenly spread over the country in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Asaba, Ibadan and Benin,” he submitted.




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L-R: Mr. Taieck Son, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. James Lee, Regional President, LG Electronics, Middle East & Africa Region, Ms. Toke Makinwa, Celebrity and a renowned On-Air Personality and Mr. Mohammed Fouani, Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Ltd at the launch of the LG DualCool Premium Air Conditioner today at Sheraton Hotel Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria.

MoDiTECH 2019: Danbatta to spur digital economy - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) under the watch of its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has reinstated commitment to unleash more connectivity in digital economy to drive the required industrial growth in Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking at the maiden edition of Mobile and Disruptive Technology Forum (MoDiTECH2019) organised by TechEconomy.ng in Lagos on Thursday, Danbatta, who was represented by Engineer Bako Wakil, Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, NCC, with the theme “"The Power of Digital Services."

The forum, which attracted discussants around the theme, said it was coming at a time the world is exploring opportunities in newest technologies to harness the potentials of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

According to Danbatta, NCC, through its regulatory excellence, is at the forefront of unleashing digital economy that will spur industrial growth, job creation, and Return on Investment (RoI) for investors, stressing that the internet is at the leading edge of digital revolution, which informed why NCC is supporting operators to deploy more infrastructure.

"Today, Nigeria has started a testrun of 5G, the latest technology for delivering broadband services and such other services as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI).The trial will last for three months. Nigeria hopes to join other countries which are in a rush to deploy the 5G technology because of its immense promise for digital communication," Danbatta said.

The EVC also disclosed that the Commission was "at the verge of sending the N65 billion request for supporting the already six infrastructure companies (InfraCos) licensed to roll out broadband infrastructure across the country, to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval," he said.

Meanwhile, Danbatta expressed concurrence of the Commission to the renaming of the Ministry of Communications to 'Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy'.

"The renaming of the Ministry shows a demonstration of the future of telecoms in all government sectors and the economy; the EVC, therefore, commended the Minister, Dr. Isa Pantami and members of the Federal Executive Council for the foresight and dramatic change. This, will spur a new debate and redirect the Ministry and other agencies under it as well as the private sector to a new awakening that digital economy brings," he said.

Peter Oluka, the convener and editor, TechEconomy.ng said the event was organised "to discuss, brainstorm, learn and review the overall impact of new digital technologies that are disrupting many industries."

Chuks Egbuna/DoP

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Pix: Director, Technical Standards & Network Integrity at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engineer Bako Wakil delivering EVC's speech at MoDiTECH2019.

Banks vs MNOs: ALTON ‘this is our story on USSD access fees’ - ITREALMS

ForTheRecords@ITREALMS:

The attention of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has been drawn to the public outcry against the charges for the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) access to banking services and the subsequent suspension of the implementation of the charges by the Honourable Minister of Communications.

Our members are deeply concerned about the feelings of customers who have been instrumental in the growth of the telecommunications sector. Given our members’ commitment to the ethos of accountability and transparency in engagement with consumers, we wish to provide clarity on the issues surrounding the USSD access and the associated charges.

· The USSD channel has evolved over time from a telco exclusive channel used for only telco services such as balance inquiry and recharges, to a channel being utilized for the deployment of financial, insurance, agricultural and government services, etc. The USSD channel is delivered using the Standalone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH) which is also used for call set-up, SMS set-up, and delivery.

· Similar to the other telco services such as SMS, voice and data, network resources are utilized in the provisions of USSD services and as such there are significant costs associated with deploying and maintaining the service.

· The Banks however identifying the convenience of delivering services to its customers over the USSD channel applied to the Nigerian Communications Commission for USSD codes to deliver these services. USSD Shortcodes were thereafter issued to the Banks and as is expected, they became fully responsible for the charges associated with delivering services to their customer through these shortcodes.

· Recently, the USSD channel has become a preferred service channel for the financial sector because of the cost efficiencies derived from the adoption of the channel. Today, USSD codes such as *737#, *906# have become leading brands because Banks have intensified the promotion of this channel to mostly the banked base towards the overall improvement of efficiencies with less focus on other service channels such as brick and mortar centers.

· With the increase in USSD traffic driven by financial services which currently constitutes approximately 90% of the entire USSD traffic, our members have continued to incur additional costs to provision additional SDCCH channels to mitigate against the negative impact on the quality of service. It is therefore factually incorrect when allusions are made that USSD costs incurred by our members are sunk costs which are not recoverable

· In order to accelerate the adoption of financial services on USSD, the banks partnered with our members to zero-rate the USSD access to end-users, while the banks bore the cost for the provision of service. Based on this arrangement, the banks took on the responsibility of billing customers and paid our members for use of the USSD infrastructure from the service fees deducted from the customer’s bank account. These service fees charged by the banks, were however far in excess of the costs remitted to our members by the Banks for providing the USSD platform and have since remained so.

· Following the issuance of the USSD Pricing Determination by the Nigerian Communications Commission which resulted in a price review of USSD service by our members, the banks stated that they would no longer pay for USSD service delivered to their customers and requested our members to charge customers directly for use of the USSD channel. This billing methodology where the Banks customer is directly charged USSD access fees by our members irrespective of the service charges that the bank may subsequently apply to the customers’ bank account is called “End-User Billing” which the banks specifically demanded that all our members implement. The banks, however, provided no assurances to our members that such service fees charged to customers’ bank accounts for access to bank services through the USSD channel will be discontinued post implementation of end-user billing by our members. The removal of these service fees by the banks would have meant that if bank customers were charged only the USSD costs communicated by our members per USSD session, bank customers will be paying far less than what they are currently being charged by the banks which in some instances are as high as N50. Additionally the banks and telco’s will be applauded for collaborating towards the financial inclusion objectives of the Federal Government.

· Our members were however concerned that the banks were unlikely to discontinue the USSD service fees charged by the banks when customers utilize the USSD channel thereby resulting in double and over billing, whereby our members charge consumers for the USSD access from their airtime and the Banks still proceed to charge the same consumers a service charge from their bank accounts. In the interest of the consumers, our members challenged the implementation of end-user billing until a formal request for its implementation was received from the Body of Bankers Chief Executive Officers and several banks specifically demanding that end-user billing be implemented.

· In view of the opposition to the implementation of end-user billing by customers, our members, as responsible and responsive corporate citizens are committed to safeguarding consumer interests, and in this regard, we are willing to explore mutually beneficial solutions which ensure that costs associated with the provision of USSD services as determined by the Nigerian Communications Commission are fully recovered by our members and customers are not billed twice for the same service and by different institutions which is what end-user billing advocated by the banks will entail.

· In this vein, we call on the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria to, as a matter of priority, convene a meeting of the financial and telecoms industry stakeholders to address this issue for the benefit of the consumers and other stakeholders.

For the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON)

*Contributed jointly by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Gbolahan Awonuga, the ALTON Chairman and Head, Operations respectively.

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Buhari renames Communications Ministry to Communications & Digital Economy - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, has granted the prayers of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, by renaming the ministry to Communications and Digital Economy, reports ITREALMS.

Confirming this to ITREALMS, the Deputy Director, Press & Public Relations in the ministry, Philomena Oshodin, said the ministerial prayer was answered to properly position and empower the Ministry to fulfill its digital economy objectives.

The Ministry, ITREALMS recalls supervises the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and with this renaming would further expand its mandate to capture the goals of digitalization of the Nigerian economy in line with the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP), which is one of the key agenda of the present administration.

Dr. Pantami was also quoted in a press statement available to ITREALMS as saying that the former name was not only limiting in pursuing the objectives of a digital economy, but obsolete as it did not reflect the trends as emphasized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

"ICT contributions to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at 13.85 per cent in the second quarter of 2019, he said.

Stressing that the change of nomenclature will propel the ministry to reposition its strategic objectives as laid out in the priority areas of this administration while accelerating growth and social inclusion.

Dr Pantami cited examples of global and African economies like Scotland, Thailand, Tunisia, Benin Republic and Burkina Faso among others who have adopted deliberate strategies and created Ministries of Digital Economy in line with global best practice, and especially the European Union which has a commissioner for digital economy.

In a letter containing his approval, the President noted that the request is in line with his administration priorities.

The approved name was proclaimed and adopted at the Federal Executive Council of Wednesday,, 23rd October 2019.

Chuks Egbuna/DoP

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USSD access fees: ALTON indicts banks over double charging of end-users - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has indicted Bankers Committee over the double charging of end-users through the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) access fees, reports ITREALMS.

Recall that to these banking services attracted outcry which led to the subsequent suspension of the implementation of the charges by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Dr. Isa Pantami.

"Our members are deeply concerned about the feelings of customers who have been instrumental in the growth of the telecommunications sector. Given our members’ commitment to the ethos of accountability and transparency in engagement with consumers, we wish to provide clarity on the issues surrounding the USSD access and the associated charges.

"The USSD channel has evolved over time from a telco exclusive channel used for only telco services such as balance inquiry and recharges, to a channel being utilized for the deployment of financial, insurance, agricultural and government services, etc. The USSD channel is delivered using the Standalone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH) which is also used for call set-up, SMS set-up, and delivery.

"Similar to the other telco services such as SMS, voice and data, network resources are utilized in the provisions of USSD services and as such there are significant costs associated with deploying and maintaining the service.

"The Banks however identifying the convenience of delivering services to its customers over the USSD channel applied to the Nigerian Communications Commission for USSD codes to deliver these services. USSD Shortcodes were thereafter issued to the Banks and as is expected, they became fully responsible for the charges associated with delivering services to their customer through these shortcodes.

"Recently, the USSD channel has become a preferred service channel for the financial sector because of the cost efficiencies derived from the adoption of the channel. Today, USSD codes such as *737#, *906# have become leading brands because Banks have intensified the promotion of this channel to mostly the banked base towards the overall improvement of efficiencies with less focus on other service channels such as brick and mortar centers.

"With the increase in USSD traffic driven by financial services which currently constitutes approximately 90% of the entire USSD traffic, our members have continued to incur additional costs to provision additional SDCCH channels to mitigate against the negative impact on the quality of service. It is therefore factually incorrect when allusions are made that USSD costs incurred by our members are sunk costs which are not recoverable

"In order to accelerate the adoption of financial services on USSD, the banks partnered with our members to zero-rate the USSD access to end-users, while the banks bore the cost for the provision of service. Based on this arrangement, the banks took on the responsibility of billing customers and paid our members for use of the USSD infrastructure from the service fees deducted from the customer’s bank account. These service fees charged by the banks, were however far in excess of the costs remitted to our members by the Banks for providing the USSD platform and have since remained so.

"Following the issuance of the USSD Pricing Determination by the Nigerian Communications Commission which resulted in a price review of USSD service by our members, the banks stated that they would no longer pay for USSD service delivered to their customers and requested our members to charge customers directly for use of the USSD channel. This billing methodology where the Banks customer is directly charged USSD access fees by our members irrespective of the service charges that the bank may subsequently apply to the customers’ bank account is called “End-User Billing” which the banks specifically demanded that all our members implement. The banks, however, provided no assurances to our members that such service fees charged to customers’ bank accounts for access to bank services through the USSD channel will be discontinued post implementation of end-user billing by our members. The removal of these service fees by the banks would have meant that if bank customers were charged only the USSD costs communicated by our members per USSD session, bank customers will be paying far less than what they are currently being charged by the banks which in some instances are as high as N50. Additionally the banks and telco’s will be applauded for collaborating towards the financial inclusion objectives of the Federal Government.

"Our members were however concerned that the banks were unlikely to discontinue the USSD service fees charged by the banks when customers utilize the USSD channel thereby resulting in double and over billing, whereby our members charge consumers for the USSD access from their airtime and the Banks still proceed to charge the same consumers a service charge from their bank accounts. In the interest of the consumers, our members challenged the implementation of end-user billing until a formal request for its implementation was received from the Body of Bankers Chief Executive Officers and several banks specifically demanding that end-user billing be implemented.

"In view of the opposition to the implementation of end-user billing by customers, our members, as responsible and responsive corporate citizens are committed to safeguarding consumer interests, and in this regard, we are willing to explore mutually beneficial solutions which ensure that costs associated with the provision of USSD services as determined by the Nigerian Communications Commission are fully recovered by our members and customers are not billed twice for the same service and by different institutions which is what end-user billing advocated by the banks will entail.

"In this vein, we call on the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria to, as a matter of priority, convene a meeting of the financial and telecoms industry stakeholders to address this issue for the benefit of the consumers and other stakeholders," ALTON submitted.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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Abandoned projects: Oyo people can't be fool all the time-Makinde - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde said on Monday that the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) can only fool some people all the time but that it cannot fool all the people all the time.

The Governor, who was reacting to the management of government projects during the administration of the immediate past administration in the state, said that the manner in which many government projects were abandoned especially following bogus commissioning exercises left much to be desired.

His comments were coming on the heels of criticisms by the Oyo State APC of his plans to reconstruct Iwo Road Interchange with the sum of N8 billion.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor made the statement while speaking to newsmen after inspection tour of some government installations.

The governor stated that the previous administration in the State attempted to fool the people of the State with bogus contracts and projects to the detriment of the people.

He also said that the immediate past administration moved equipment from Jericho Specialist Hospital to another centre in Olodo to stage a commissioning exercise, leaving the Jericho facility empty.

The Governor had visited Sanyo Area of Ibadan, where the State Government plans to move the Oyo Road Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA) and the Jericho Specialist Maternity Hospital, Jericho, Ibadan,

He noted that the previous administration put in lots of resources in projects and ended up abandoning the same even after some bogus commissioning exercise.

He decried the situation of the Jericho Specialist Hospital, which he said would be immediately moved to the new complex as a matter of emergency.

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Now access Sophos Cloud Optic @Amazon marketplace - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Global leader in network and endpoint security, Sophos, has declared that its cloud optic is now accessible on Amazon Web Services (AWS) marketplace, reports ITREALMS.

As a new agentless software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering, Cloud Optix automatically discovers cloud assets, detects cloud security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, and provides threat response for AWS customers.



Recognized as a channel-first, channel-best leader in providing innovative solutions like Cloud Optix, Sophos has also been named AWS Partner Network (APN) Technology Partner of the Year. It tops the list of APN partners for its dedication to helping AWS customers build, market and grow successful cloud businesses.



“Sophos research shows that cybercriminals are relentlessly trying to attack cloud servers, using automation to scan for weaknesses like open cloud buckets, and launching attacks within minutes of assets going live in the cloud,” said Dan Schiappa, chief product officer, Sophos. “Organizations are at risk of a security breach if they can’t see and properly secure what they’re putting into the cloud. Cloud Optix continuously monitors cloud assets, configurations and network traffic patterns to prevent provisioning of vulnerable infrastructure.”



More than 200,000 active AWS Marketplace customers can now easily access and set up Cloud Optix on a per-host, per-hour basis for flexible scaling, with no minimum term contract.



Automatically discovering cloud assets in minutes, Cloud Optix provides a full topology view of cloud infrastructure, leverages artificial intelligence to highlight and mitigate threat exposure, and integrates with native AWS APIs.



It provides teams with a single view of security posture across multiple cloud environments, including AWS, and enables organizations to accurately visualize and secure cloud infrastructure continuously, and confidently.





Cloud Optix is now available on AWS Marketplace. Visit Sophos.com to learn more about Sophos security for AWS. Partners can also leverage Cloud Optix on AWS Marketplace through the AWS Consulting Partner Private Offers program.



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Konga new retail stores surface nationwide - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Konga has continued to expand its territory with new retail stores surfacing in over five cities across the country, reports ITREALMS.

The foremost e-commerce giant, Konga said its growing list of retail stores nationwide, to cement leadership as Nigeria’s only omni-channel retail superstructure.

Apart from serving as a source of fast moving products, the retail stores enable Konga to offer quicker delivery and multiple fulfilment options such as Pay on Collect and Pay and Pick Up to its growing database of customers. Furthermore, the new stores will function as additional ingestion locations for the over 200,000 sellers on the Konga platform.

Konga has rolled out the new stores in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Warri,

Specifically, Konga has launched two new stores in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. The stores are located in Lekki and Victoria Island. The Lekki store sited within the vicinity of the sprawling Lamboghini structure is situated at Plot 113, Lekki Peninsular Residential Scheme, Ikate, Lekki. On the other hand, the Victoria Island store is situated at 11 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The additions take the number of Konga retail stores in Lagos to 16.

In addition, Konga has grown its physical presence in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to three with the launch of its Commerce Plaza store, located at Plot 1169 Durumi District in Area 1. Meanwhile, shoppers in Akwa Ibom State can smile as Konga recently unveiled a super store in the bustling capital of Uyo. The store which was launched in September is prominently located on the ever-busy Ikot Ekpene Road by Plaza Roundabout.

Furthermore, Delta State can boast of a Konga presence in Warri at 37 Deco Road opposite Robinson Plaza. Neighbouring state, Rivers, can also count on taking part in the Konga retail roll-out with the store located in the state capital, Port Harcourt; specifically, at Plot 146, Trans Amadi Industrial Layout, Oginigba, along Slaughter Road.

Kalu Johnson, Vice President, Konga Retail, affirmed that the store roll-out is in line with the company’s mandate to ensure that the Konga revolution gets to every nook and cranny of the country.

“A few weeks ago, we added a number of stores to the list of our stores nationwide. Konga now have over 31 physical stores in place, including the ones located at 22, University Road Abule-oja, Yaba, Lagos; SUG Resources Secretariat at Bayero University, Kano; Plot 11, Block 113, 3rd Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos; Plot 1596, C Close, 4th Avenue, Festac Town, and Commerce Plaza Area 1, Abuja, among others.

“We are working tirelessly to expand the number of physical stores on the Konga platform. The mandate of the Konga management is to ensure that each of Nigeria’s 776 local governments have at least one Konga store. This is the long term vision and we are on track to achieving this,” he disclosed.

Further increasing the appeal of Konga’s expanding retail ecosystem is the fact that, each of the physical stores serves multiple purposes.

“The Konga retail store acts as a collection point for orders placed online. Indeed, you can have your orders delivered to the nearest store where you can pick it up at your convenience,” Kalu revealed. “Also, the store serves as an ordering centre where shoppers can walk in and place orders for items that are not physically available in-store. They also function as payment points where you can pay cash while shopping or when picking up your delivered items.

“No other company offers these revolutionary ease and convenience in retail shopping in Nigeria and beyond,” he concluded.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Lagosians explore Google maps to improve road usage - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

A 2017 study listed the 150 least to most stressed out cities in the world. With Stuttgart in Germany nabbing first spot as the least stressed city to live and work in, Lagos came in at 148 (just two spots ahead of the most stressed city - Iraq) which will be no surprise to daily commuters on Lagos streets.

There were obviously factors other than traffic playing a role in defining this list but lack of space and cramped environments, including high traffic areas, featured high on the list of reasons people are stressed out in cities like Lagos.

Traffic is a challenge, no doubt about it, but there are tools available for Lagos road users to use to help smooth their journeys and make life a little easier.

Do the most with your travel time using Google Maps:

Lagos traffic may seem like an insurmountable, unavoidable, stressful part of the workday, over which it may seem you have no control. The truth is, there are several ways you can use technology to reclaim a few hours every day or make good use of your time on the road.

· First and foremost, how real is the traffic situation?: Who says you have to hit the road at 07h30 or 17h00 sharp? With just one tap, you have access to information like ETAs, live traffic updates and quickest routes to familiar places – like home, work and the gym. This will help you decide whether you should join the fray or stick around, head off to the gym or make a stop to buy the milk you know is needed at home.

· Know before you go: If gym is an alternative to traffic for you but queues aren’t, try using Google’s “Popular Times” feature. This is accessible through Search and Maps and will help you decide how to better use your time. If the gym’s too busy and filled with other traffic dodgers, for example, you can choose to see how busy things look at your local mall or the library or the supermarket.

· Share your ETA and location: Sitting in traffic on your way to work and your boss keeps asking for updates? Use the Share Trip Progress functionality in Google Maps to share your journey with them, via Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger or even email. Once they open your shared link in Maps, they’ll be able to track your progress with ease. In much the same way, you can share an actual estimated time of arrival at home with your family, keeping their minds at ease on those “extra trafficky” days.

· Driving in cars with kids: If it’s your turn to drop the kids off at school, and you have an Android device, why not use Google’s Bolo app to use their time in traffic wisely? Bolo is a speech-based reading app that helps kids learn how to read in English - your kids can read out loud with the app, which “listens” to them while offering encouragement and feedback to help improve their reading skills. Bolo operates offline so there can be no “poor coverage” excuses!

· Mixed Transit options coming soon: People, in general, are quick learners and those faced with traffic on a daily basis will often find ways to shorten or ease this process. For some, this means mixed options when it comes to transport. You could drive or cycle to a taxi/bus station, taxi/bus or rideshare from there and then walk the last few metres to work. Google has announced its Mixed Transit feature, which will be coming to your phone soon and promises to help commuters plot their mixed transit options out every day - choosing the fastest option available.

*Nenye Dom/Editor

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ALTON exonerates telcos, says banks endorsed end-user billing - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has exonerated its members from the current crisis of double billing of customers over the suspended charges on the use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), reports ITREALMS.

ALTON also expressed concern over the public outcry that graced the planned commencement of the charges for the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) access to banking services and the subsequent suspension of the implementation by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Dr. Ibrahim Isa Pantami.

Reacting to the situation, ALTON chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Head of Operations, Gbolahan Awonuga, told ITREALMS that operators followed due process. 

ITREALMS recalls that the latest USSD billing was to commence on Monday, October 21, 2019 but was truncated by public condemnations and alleged fraudulent deductions.

ALSO READ: Pantami, CBN halt MTN, mobile operators planned N4...

In its response on this billing methodology, ALTON said, which involves banks customer being directly charged USSD access fees by telcos irrespective of the service charges that the bank may subsequently apply to the customers’ bank account.

This, ALTON described as ‘End-User Billing’ which the banks specifically “demanded that all our members implement.”

Also, ALTON said, the banks, however, provided no assurances that such service fees charged to customers’ bank accounts for access to bank services through the USSD channel will be discontinued post implementation of end-user billing by ALTON members.

“The removal of these service fees by the banks would have meant that if bank customers were charged only the USSD costs communicated by our members per USSD session, bank customers will be paying far less than what they are currently being charged by the banks which in some instances are as high as N50,” ALTON argued.

Stressing that banks and telco’s ought to be applauded for collaborating effectively towards the financial inclusion objectives of the Federal Government, rather than condemnation.

ALSO READ: Minister directs NCC to address costly, illegal de...

ALTON further beckoned on the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria to, as a matter of priority, convene a meeting of the financial and telecoms industry stakeholders to address this issue for the benefit of the consumers and other stakeholders.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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FirstBank emerges Best Private Bank, Retail Bank in Nigeria - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

For commitment and leadership at providing bespoke financial services to customers, the First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been awarded the Best Private Bank and Best Retail Bank in Nigeria Awards respectively by World Finance Magazine and Global Banking and Finance Review, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking on the Bank's recognition for the Best Retail Bank in Nigeria award, Wanda Rich, Editor, Global Banking & Finance Review said “With 125 years of continuous banking operations, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is a pioneer in retail banking development in Nigeria. The bank is dedicated to providing customers with value added products and services and as well as efficient and accessible banking services. Their commitment to retail banking is reflected in their strategic vision, organizational structure and strong risk management which contributed to their outstanding performance We look forward to seeing more from them for years to come.”

In a statement from the World Finance official website, the 2019 World Finance Banking Awards is organised to identify the banks across the world that have excelled across a number of areas, including corporate governance, sustainability and innovation, and have played a key role in the industry’s growth.

Appreciating the awards on behalf of the Bank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank said “these awards are dedicated to Nigerians, especially our customers for their patronage and trust in our services over the last 125 years. Indeed, the confidence reposed in us has spurred us to continually deliver the best wealth and financial management services to strengthen everyone’s contribution to national development. We are pleased to be the financial services gateway of first choice to everyone."

*ITREALMS Correspondent/Editor

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Pix: Idowu Thompson, Group Head, Private Banking, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, receiving the Best Private Bank in Nigeria award on behalf of FirstBank from Paul Richardson of World Finance at the London Stock Exchange Studios...recently. 

WorldStage Economic Summit’19 prepares Nigeria for 4th revolution - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The 2019 edition of the WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) is focusing on the theme ‘Getting Nigeria Ready for Challenges of 4th Industrial Revolution’ reports ITREALMS.

An annual global platform for addressing economic challenges through diagnoses and application of practicable solutions to inspire new thinking in business operation, economic reform and policy formulation/implementation, this year’s event will hold on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 by 10.00AM at the prestigious Event Centre, The Nigerian Stock Exchange, Lagos, Nigeria.

WES 2019 is hosted by the World Stage Limited to address the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution through the sub themes: Relevant laws and policies requirement for Fourth Industrial Revolution; Developing infrastructure, industries and Business Models for Fourth Industrial Revolution; and Urgent reviewing of education curriculum, Developing Skills and building capacity through massive investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

According to Mr Segun Adeleye, President/CEO, World Stage Limited, WES 2019 will create opportunity for the policy makers and the private sector to identify their roles in the new scheme of things to position the country as a net producer of technology, rather than a dumping ground.

He said since the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution also known as Globalisation 4.0 was first introduced by the World Economic Forum at its Annual Meeting in 2016, the awareness on how businesses and nations can tap into the phenomenal has been spreading.

“The fear that Nigeria is about to miss out of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the advent of “cyber-physical systems” involving entirely new capabilities for people and machines, may not be entirely unfounded going by the level of awareness across every sector of the economy,” he said.

“WorldStage Economic Summit 2019 will draw attention to the areas that require urgent attentions by relevant public and private bodies regarding adoption of fourth Industrial Revolution as a major player.

“For Nigeria to be at the driver sit of technology, WES 2019 will create opportunity for the policy makers and the private sector to identify their roles in the new scheme of things for the country to be positioned as a net producer of technology, rather than a dumping ground.”




Ayo Midele/Editor
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NCC, GBB, i-naira back MoDiTech’19 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

As final touches are being put for the maiden edition of Mobile and Disruptive Technology Forum 2019 (#MoDiTECH2019) scheduled for this Thursday, October 24, 2019 in Lagos under the theme: Power of Digital Services, it has attracted backings from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Galaxy Backbone (GBB) and i-naira.com reports ITREALMS.

The #MoDiTECH2019 is being organised by TechEconomy.ng in collaboration with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, as a platform for inter-sectorial review of economic impacts of emerging technologies; giving particular attention to the disruptive potentials of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Robotics, FinTechs and mobile phone economy around retail and service provision.

MoDiTECH which holds at Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel (VCP), Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, has as the Minister of Communications, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami is the special guest of honour.

Other special invitees expected at the forum are the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta; the Director General of the National Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; the Managing Director/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Architect Yusuf Kazaure; the Managing Director of Rack Centre, Dr. Tunde Coker; the President, African ICT Foundation (AfICTF), Mr Tony Ojobo; the Chairman, Connect Technologies & Africa Chair for IEEE, Chris Uwaje (Oracle), while the Founder, CWG Plc; Entrepreneur in Residence, Ausso Leadership Academy, Austin Okere is scheduled to present the keynote address.

Other speakers include, the Managing Director of Global Accelerex Limited, Tunde Ogungbade; the Co-Founder/COO, Digital Encode, Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale; President, African ICT Foundation, Mr. Tony Ojobo; Co-founder/CTO, Digital Encode, Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde; the Chief Operating Officer, FinTech Association of Nigeria (FinTechngr), Dr. Babatunde Obrima; the President/CEO, Medallion Communications, Engineer Ikechukwu Nnamani; the Founder Rise Labs; Nigeria’s First AI powered Learning, Research & Work Readiness Centre, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji; the Chief Technology Strategist, Debbie Mishael Consulting & Board Member Global Advisory Council, EC-Council, Engr. Frank Ogochukwu; the CEO, i-naira.com, Hillary Ugo Nwaukor amongst others.

It will feature C-Level executives including CEOs/CFOs/CROs/CCO/CIO; Directors and Heads of trading, operations, research, analytics, investment, strategy, digital, compliance, risk and data analysts; and senior regulators and policymakers; drawn from the FMCGs, Financial Industry including Fintechs, Banks, Insurance Companies, etc., AgriTech, Logistics, Cyber security companies, amongst others.

Speaking on the choice of the theme, the Editor, TechEconomy.ng, Mr. Peter Oluka, said that paradigm shifts obvious panned the world to the inherent advantage facilitated by disruptions in communication (Telecoms), access to this technology is increasing income and Return on Investments (B2C & B2B), improving access to Services such as smart metering, Health (eHealth) and Transportation (Mobility), making Financial Services more convenient (FinTech/Banking), and increasing the GDP (Tax/Revenue) of entire country.

The FinTechs for instance, he said, are simplifying the user journey by leveraging technology and giving millions more people access to financial facilities.

“So what’s the next big thing? Where will the jobs be, and how can companies carve out a competitive advantage in the compelling global economy? 5G is coming. The NCC for instance, has issued spectrum for research on 5G; so that should be the thinking of player in different sectors?

He said that the event promises to make a difference as ground-breaking solutions shall be unveiled along many dimensions of the Forum.

On his part, the Deputy Editor, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, said that MoDiTECH is credible platform to showcase disruptive technologies that even the government can leverage to address societal issues and improve on the economic indexes.

He reiterated “For instance, the volume of data in the world is growing by 60% every year and for financial services in particular, the effective handling of data will be central to future business strategy especially with the unleashing of 5G technologies”.

“So, Mobile and Disruptive Technology Forum (ModiTECH’19), in this maiden edition, aims at pushing for “The Power of Digital Services” by disrupting existing technologies for the advancement of the economy at large”.

He added that the Forum has already attracted attention of senior executives and technology innovators/disruptors from across within and outside the country.

*ITREALMS Reporter/Editor

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Minister directs NCC to address costly, illegal deductions of data - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Federal Ministry of Communications has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to quickly address high cost and alleged illegal deductions of data from unsuspecting telecommunications subscribers in the country, reports ITREALMS.

Reacting to the report from UK-based price comparison website — Cable, Nigeria is not among the top 10 African countries with low average price of data, a position the Honourable Minister of Communications, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami finds worrisome.

He noted that considering the fact that the country has over 174 million internet users according to the report made public by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The Minister also finds it unacceptable that with the prevailing high cost of data in Nigeria, the citizens still do not enjoy value for money as subscribers’ battle daily with illegal deduction of data, poor Quality of Service (QoS) among others.

“It is on this backdrop that the Honourable Minister directed NCC, the telecom regulators as a matter of urgency to immediately work hand in hand with the telecom operators and ensure they are a downward review of the price of data in Nigeria, improved quality of service provided and also checkmate the illegal deduction of subscribers’ data,” Pantami’s Personal Assistant on New Media, Yusuf Abubakar disclosed in a press statement available to ITREALMS.

The Communications Minister gave this marching orders shortly after being briefed by the commission on the progress made in the implementation of the Short-Term Performance targets set for it to achieve.

He recalled that early last month, the Minister directed the commission;

I. To bring to an end the issue of sales of pre-registered, unregistered and partially-registered SIM cards; and

II. To stem the tide of illegal deduction of the data of subscribers and work towards the downward review of the cost of data; and

III. To ensure compliance with the maximum 2% Call Drop Rate directive to telecom operators.

The move, he said, was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari directives to ensure that all agencies under the supervision of a ministry are effective, efficient and accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Further, Dr Pantami reminded NCC that as a regulator, their major priority should be protecting the interest of Nigerians and urged them to uphold professionalism and diligence in the discharge of their official responsibilities.

The commission also tabled challenges of the operators which includes vandalism of telecom infrastructures, inadequate power supply, right of way, hooliganism, multiple taxations among others and used the opportunity to call for the swift intervention of the Minister to address the issues.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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Nigeria to host 'Feel Africa’ edition @AFRIMA, pledges support - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Nigeria has concluded plans to host the 2019 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) with the theme: Feel Africa, reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as the Federal Government has pledged full support for the successful hosting of the event, even as the country prepares to host the AFRIMA in Lagos, between 20 and 23 November this year.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the pledge in a statement in Lagos on Sunday.

''When you look at the All Africa Music Awards, it's one of the biggest awards for the music industry in Africa, and what government has done in the past is to provide the enabling environment for the awards to take place.

''We provided support services for AFRIMA, we gave them the backing they need and I think it's on record that the AFRIMA editions that have been held in Nigeria have been among the most successful.

''This year again, we are ready to partner AFRIMA professionally, give them the maximum support such as effective media coverage and also help them in reaching out to other critical stakeholders,'' the Minister said.

He said part of the reasons why Nigeria has successfully hosted the music awards is because the country has relaxed its visa regime, with the visa on arrival policy, thus making it easier for people to come in.

AFRIMA, which was first held in 2014, was established in collaboration with the African Union (AU) to reward and celebrate musical talents and creativity in Africa as well as to promote African Cultural Heritage.

Uj. N. Dominic/Editor

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Pantami, CBN halt MTN, mobile operators planned N4 charge per USSD – ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Honourable Minister of Communications Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has ordered a halt of the proposed MTN Nigeria’s charge of N4 per 20 seconds use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), due to commence Monday, October 21, 2019, reports ITREALMS.

Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) opposed plans by MTN to charge their subscribers for USSD, access to banking services from October 21.

USSD, ITREALMS gathered, is often referred to as ‘Quick Codes’ or ‘Feature codes’; is a communications protocol used by Global System for Mobile (GSM) cellular telephones to communicate with the mobile network operator's computers.
“Yello, as requested by your bank, from October 21, we will start charging you directly for USSD access to banking services. Please contact your bank for more info(rmation),’’ the message purportedly from MTN read.

But reacting to what has become a viral text message allegedly sent by the Mobile Network Operator MTN Nigeria and other Mobile Operators notifying subscribers of a four naira (N4:00) charge per 20 seconds on USSD access to banking services from the 21st of October 2019, Pantami said his office has been undated.

According to the Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Communications, Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), the attention of the Federal Ministry of Communications has been drawn to the text message making around, allegedly sent by the Mobile Network Operator MTN Nigeria and other Mobile Operators.

She said, the office of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Dr Pantami, is unaware of this development and has hereby directed the sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure the operator suspends such plans until the Honourable Minister is fully and properly briefed.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through its governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, also opposed plans by MTN to charge their subscribers for USSD access from October 21.

Briefing newsmen, CBN Governor said at the just-concluded World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings, in Washington on Sunday, denied the MTN decision insisting that the request negates the progress of the industry.

MTN had in a Short Messaging Service (SMS) to some subscribers, stated that the decision was on the request of the banks and would take effect from Monday, October 21, this year.

“Yello, as requested by your bank, from October 21, we will start charging you directly for USSD access to banking services. Please contact your bank for more info(rmation),’’ the message read.

For CBN governor, “About five, four months ago, I held a meeting with some telecom companies as well as the leading banks in Nigeria at Central Bank, Lagos. At that time, we came to a conclusion that the use of USSD is a sunk cost. What we mean by a sunk cost is that it is not an additional cost on the infrastructure of the telecom company.

“But the telecom companies disagreed with us, they said it is an additional investment on infrastructure and for that reason, they needed to impose it. I have told the banks that we will not allow this to happen. The banks are the people who give this business to the telecom companies and I leave the banks and the telecom companies to engage.

“I have told the banks that they have to move their business, move their traffic to a telecom company that is ready to provide it at the lowest possible, if not zero cost. And that is where we stand, and we must achieve it,’’ he said.
ITREALMS gathered that the transactions to be affected by the charges include intra and inter-bank money transfers, via the use of USSD, among a few others.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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WebTv licensing: No amount of attacks will stop us says Minister - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has declared that no amount of attacks, sponsored or otherwise will stop the implementation of the recommendations outlined for the sanitization of the national broadcasting industry, reports ITREALMS.

Part of the recommendation, he said approved includes the amendment of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act “to enable NBC license WebTv and radio stations.”

Speaking to ITREALMS on Sunday at a ministerial briefing in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed, insisted that all the recommendations as outlined for NBC Implementation Committee recently set up by the Federal Government will be executed to the letter.

“Let me be straight: No amount of attacks, sponsored or otherwise, will stop the implementation of the approved recommendations,” he asserted.

According to him, only non-patriots and anarchists will kick against measures aimed at putting an end to what he called “fake news and hate speech.”

These, he said, are rampant in the broadcast industry.

“Only those who are guilty should be afraid of the efforts to sanitize the broadcast industry,” he maintained.

Pointing out that responsible broadcasters have nothing to fear, stressing that its not a move to stifle free speech or gag anyone.

“But purveyors of fake news and hate speech should not expect to sleep easy,” he said.

Some of the highlights of the recommendations include:

i) Independence of the NBC from political interference in the exercise of its regulatory powers, particularly with respect to the issuance and withdrawal of broadcasting license.

ii) A review of the National Broadcasting Code and extant broadcasting laws to reflect the following amendments;

- Upward review of fines from N500,000 to N5,000,000 for breaches relating to hate speeches, inciting comments and indecency

- Wilful repeat of infractions on three occasions after levying fine on a station to attract suspension of license

- Upgrade of breach of political comments relating to hate speeches and divisive comments to ''Class A'' offence in the Broadcasting Code, among others.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor





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