A Case for 2020 Electoral Act - ITREALMS

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The last time an amendment was made to the laws governing elections in Nigeria was in the year 2010. That is clearly ten years ago, when the Electoral Act was amended. From that period up until now, several issues and problems arising from the conduct of elections make an amendment of the subsisting law even more imperative. 

From Imo State where the majority of the people feel that the Supreme Court imposed on them a governor they never elected, to Zamfara and Bayelsa, where candidates who were actually defeated on election day now preside as governors, there are genuine reasons for the renewed agitations and calls for the amendment of the Electoral Act to make outcomes of elections reflect more, the will of the electorate.

Killing of Pelumi Onifade: MRA demands transparent, independent inquiry - ITREALMS

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Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government to launch a transparent and independent investigation into the death of Mr. Pelumi Onifade, a reporter with Gboah TV, an online television channel, who was reportedly arrested by officers attached to the Lagos state task force while covering the #EndSARS protests, and later found dead at a mortuary in Ikorodu Lagos, where his body was deposited, reports ITREALMS.

The 20-year old Mr. Onifade was covering the scene of a mob raid on a government facility in the Oko Oba area of Agege Local Government Area for Gboah TV, where he was serving as an intern, when operatives of the task force stormed the scene and engaged hoodlums who attempted to loot palliatives at the Ministry of Agriculture store in the Abattoir area of the state.

U.S. Mission proudly supports virtual Nigeria Tech summit - ITREALMS

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The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is pleased to announce its partnership with the Nigeria Tech Summit. The Embassy will continue its commitment to Nigerian entrepreneurs to empower and lead during a time of crisis with resilient entrepreneurship and technology.

As part of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria’s on-going efforts to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth, the Embassy welcomes representation from creators and innovators from throughout Nigeria to participate in this virtual program.

ETSI, TelecomTV collaborate on research innovation webinar - ITREALMS

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The European Telecommunication Standard Institute (ETSI) in collaboration with TelecomTv would be staging a two-day webinar with a focus on the research innovation standards ecosystem and opportunities in standards, reports ITREALMS.

This, organisers informed ITREALMS would x-ray how to boost the impact of research and innovation through standardisation.

Ghana gets boost from ITU, Norway on digital transformation - ITREALMS

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West African nation, Ghana, has gotten a boost from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Norwegian Government's partnership to support Digital Transformation Centres Initiative in the country, reports ITREALMS. 

This new partnership, ITREALMS gathered will boost digital skills training for underserved communities in Ghana.

Coding: AfDB, Rwanda seal deal - ITREALMS

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The African Development Bank and the government of Rwanda have sealed deal to support coding academy in the country, reports ITREALMS.

This, ITREALMS gathered was consumated between AfDB and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation in Rwanda to support the Rwanda Coding Academy, via a grant set up to develop top technology talent to drive a booming, innovation-driven digital economy in the East African nation.

Leaders across board must commit to ethical leadership - ITREALMS

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Leaders at all levels are expected to exhibit ethical behavior not only to those they lead within public organizations and institutions but everyone in the society, says the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Garba Danbatta, reports ITREALMS.

Africa’s startups more investible than ever - ITREALMS

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Africa’s entrepreneurs are resilient, quickly digitizing and maturing as digital technology trends further mainstreamed in 2020, hence startups within the region has been described as more investible than ever before, reports ITREALMS.

Reports have it that there is a growing number of professional ‘super angels’ involved in record-breaking deals, and private equity investments have doubled since last year. 

ITREALMS gathered that the aforementioned and more were discussed at the 7th, and fully virtual, Africa Early Stage Investor Summit #AESIS2020 held on 3-4 November with more than 500 early-stage investors in attendance.

Mele Kyari, Bode, Roberts, Ihemaguba for Realnews 8th lecture - ITREALMS

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The group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Chris Bode, chief medical director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital have confirmed that they will attend the Realnews Eighth Anniversary Lecture.

Along with Kyari, Dr. Alero Roberts of the Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba and Dr. Michael Ihemaguba, a New York, United States-based medical doctor, who have also confirmed their participation, are discussants at the lecture.

Trust Rankings: Nokia phones lead - ITREALMS

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The home of Nokia phones, HMD Global has been ranked high in trust based on the four pillars of software, security updates, build quality, and devices recommended for enterprises, reports ITREALMS.

Counterpoint Research, ITREALMS gathered from its White Paper that “Nokia Phones Lead the Trust Rankings based on Software, Security Updates and Build Quality.”

These pillars comprise various weighted criteria with a comparative analysis done for the leading Android smartphone brands. The findings are a part of Counterpoint Research’s latest whitepaper titled “Nokia Phones Lead the Trust Rankings based on Software, Security Updates and Build Quality.”

Is AfDB financing climate-friendly policies? - ITREALMS

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With the climate crisis threatening over half of the global GDP, there can be no business-as-usual when the world begins to plan for a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we have a unique opportunity to change our relationship with nature by shifting our development pathway to one that is equitable and sustainable. 

Development Finance Institutions may be the “visible hand” that can guide and finance the future we want - but Africa will remain under the proverbial thumb of skyrocketing debt and climate catastrophe if the new vision of development financing remains all talk and no action at the upcoming Finance in Common (FiC) Summit (www.FinanceinCommon.org).

Finalists emerge @2020 AWIEF awards - ITREALMS

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The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), a leading pan-African entrepreneurship and innovation non-profit, has announced the top finalists for the 2020 edition of its AWIEF Awards, reports ITREALMS.

The annual AWIEF Awards, through a nomination process, identifies and celebrates the best female entrepreneurs across multiple industries in Africa.

Konga Yakata 2020 set to break records, commits to best pricing - ITREALMS

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Despite the upheavals experienced in what has been a topsy-turvy year on the political scene, Konga Yakata, as the Black Friday sales of Nigeria’s e-commerce giant is known, may break all existing sales records for the annual sales extravaganza this year as Konga commits to beat any prices for genuine products this shopping season.

The 2020 edition of Konga Yakata kicks off on November 11 and runs till December 12, 2020.

Broadband 2025: Danbatta harps on importance of stakeholder engagements, implementation – ITREALMS

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The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has said that government is putting greater emphasis on continuous engagement of different stakeholders to secure their buy-in towards achieving the targets of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025, reports ITREALMS.

Danbatta stated this at the first stakeholder consultation with telecommunication industry players on the implementation of the new national broadband plan held at the NCC’s Communications & Digital Economy Complex in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Falana to NUJ: Don’t defranchise over 3,000 journalists @Lagos council poll - ITREALMS

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Reasons are beginning to emerge on why a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Femi Falana, warned the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) to refrain from imposing illegal processes on the union to conduct elections into the elective seats at the Lagos State Council, reports ITREALMS.

According to the renown lawyer who vowed to sue NUJ in a petition dated November 3, 2020 and addressed to the National President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo “if the council poll slated for Thursday, November 5 2020 is conducted with the exclusion of about 3000 journalists on the basis of illegal verification carried out by the national officers of the of the body and the electoral committee.”

ITU honours winners @ 2020 Innovation Challenges - ITREALMS

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The 2020 edition of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Global Innovation Forum, held from 26 to 30 October, highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship-driven innovation in the context of a global pandemic and it honoured the winners of the 2020 ITU Innovation Challenges, reports ITREALMS.

"Supporting entrepreneurship-driven innovation has never been more important," noted ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "Simply put, innovation pushes the boundaries of what is possible. It creates jobs, economic growth, and new ways to tackle the world's most pressing challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. ICT innovators need access to the resources to take their ideas to market and access to a well-developed broadband infrastructure."

Oyo Govt re-awards abandoned 7.2km Idi Ape-Basorun-Akobo road - ITREALMS

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The Government of Oyo State has re-awarded the contract for the completion of the 7.2 kilometre Idi Ape-Basorun-Akobo-
Odogbo Barracks road through the Alternative Project Funding Approach, reports ITREALMS.

The contract, according to the state's Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, was awarded to Messrs Fax Consults at the cost of N3,280,568,572.34 only [Three Billion, Two Hundred and Eighty Million, Five Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-Two naira and Thirty-Four Kobo only].

Eze: Wike won 2015, 2019 elections on IPOB 'strength' - ITREALMS

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has lambasted the Rivers State, Gov Nyesom Wike over his recent ban of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), alleging he won his two governorship elections on the strength of the group, reports ITREALMS.

As said by Eze, nothing has exposed most public officers in Nigeria than the #EndSARS protests and attendant riots.

He alleged that IPOB fellows were part of Wike's 2015 and 2019 election rigging mercenaries. 

5000 job vacancies: APC advises Wike not to discriminate - ITREALMS

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The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) has advised Governor Nyeson Wike's administration against limiting available employment opportunities in Government establishments to persons within the age bracket of 25 to 35 years, reports ITREALMS.

The part also said, such limited smacks of discrimination.

The spokesman for the APC, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke said in reaction to a government plan to recruit 5000 workers that the template adopted by Government is unfair and unjust.

Enugu: No burnt worship centre says Youth Coalition - ITREALMS

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The youth in Enugu State, has refuted some media reports making round that some worship centres, or any mosque was burnt last weekend and warned political gladiators to leave Enugu peacefully, reports ITREALMS.

The National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Edwin Obune made this rebuttal while reacting to the news making round, and described same as fake news which claimed that some mosques belonging to Muslim worshippers in the state were set ablaze.

NNPC reports explosion in OML 40 facility, no fatality - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), an upstream subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, has reported an explosion at a production facility in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 40, reports ITREALMS.

This, ITREALMS gathered involved its partners Elcrest Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited while carrying out production evacuation at Gbetiokun Early Production facility.

RGERA denies Tinubu's interest - ITREALMS

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The Royal Gardens Estate Residents’ Association (RGERA) in Ajah, Lagos State has denied any investment interest of former governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reports ITREALMS.

Residents, in a public disclaimer of recent reports that RGERA belonged to Tinubu, said there is no evidence in such a claim, describing it as "misconception by some members of the public."

#EndSARS protest aftermath: Residents debunk Wike’s claim, lament hounding of Igbo youths - ITREALMS

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Some residents of Port Harcourt and Obigbo have debunked Governor Nyeson Wike’s claims that recent lootings and killings of security personnel were perpetrated by members of the Igbo community let alone members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), reports ITREALMS.

Gov. Wike had on the aftermath of #EndSARS protest in some parts of the state prescribed IPOB on the allegation of masterminding destruction of lives and properties in Obigbo, mostly populated by Igbo speaking community. 

But some Port Harcourt and Obigbo residents who spoke on this on condition of anonymity said the governor’s claims were largely unfounded, while blaming Police, Army and state government for partisanship.

Insecurity: Fayemi urges FG to sharpen intelligence collection, address poverty, unemployment - ITREALMS

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The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has called on the Federal Government to sharpen its intelligence collection and tackle the root causes of insecurity in the country including poverty, unemployment, under-employment and lack of adequate education, reports ITREALMS.

Royal fathers, others applaud NCC EVC, Danbatta for nation building - ITREALMS

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The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has been commended for his role in community and national development through his Danbatta Charity Foundation (DCF), a non-profit organisation, reports ITREALMS.

The Sarki Bai of Bichi and District Head of Danbatta,  Alhaji Isyaku Wada Waziri and other beneficiaries of the DCF gave the commendation during the Quranic Graduation Ceremony of 21 students of Garkuwa Usman Community Primary School Islamiya, Danbatta Local Government Area, Kano State, at the weekend.

Upgrade to 4G, get Glo free data - ITREALMS

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Its now official that acclaimed digital transformation leader, Globacom, has rolled out data gifts, including a one-off 10GB free data, for its subscribers on 3G SIMs to encourage them to upgrade to 4G SIMs to experience its faster 4G LTE network, reports ITREALMS.

A press statements, Globacom noted that in addition to the one-off 10 GB data that customers will get upon upgrading their 3G SIM to 4G SIM, they will also get 25 percent extra data on subsequent data purchases ranging between N500 and N5000 for the next 6 months.

The company said the 10 GB free data will be valid for 7 days, while the validity of the 25 percent extra data will be determined by the data bundle purchased by the customer.

Globacom subscribers who desire to swap their 3G SIMs for 4G SIMs will be able to do so at any Gloworld, Glozone or SIM Swap outlet across the country.

The telecom company also explained that the upgrade will not affect whatever tariff plan the customer has opted for. They will enjoy the benefits of their preferred tariff profile in addition to the benefits accruing to the 4G SIM upgrade.

Globacom launched its 4G LTE network nationwide in October 2016 and has since consolidated the reach, taking the network to more smaller cities and towns across the country.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

NGE condemns attacks on media, looting nationwide over #EndSARS protest - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) rose from a three-day Standing Committee Meeting (SCM) in Port Harcourt to condemn the several attacks on media and practitioners nationwide wide in recent weeks as aftermath of the #EndSARS protest which was hijacked by hoodlums, reports ITREALMS.

NGE communique endorsed by NGE President, Mr. Mustapha Isah and General Secretary, Mrs Mary Atolagbe, and made available to ITREALMS, the Committee discussed the state of the Nigerian nation and the media and therefore, resolved as follow:

e-SIM trial: MTN, 9Mobile get NCC approval - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for two mobile network operators (MNOs), MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile, to carry out a trial on the workability of embedded Subscriber Identification Modules (e-SIM) Service in Nigeria.

The trial, approved to run for a period of one year, will involve testing 5,000 e-SIMs by the two networks, subject to compliance with a number of regulatory conditions.

Electroneum marks third year with robust growth - ITREALMS

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Electroneum has marked itss third year anniversary with robust user growth and other significant achievements.

This past year, Electroneum received an important crypto award, onboarded top crypto experts and influencers, enabled mobile airtime and data top-ups in 140 countries, and electricity in four, and saw the adoption of ETN grow.

MPAC condemns burning of worship centres, hate speeches, Catholic Church calls for calm - ITREALMS

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The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has condemned the alleged burning of worship centres including mosques in Nsukka in Enugu State on Sunday, following a disagreement over transport fare between a tricycle operator and a female passenger identified as Aisha, reports ITREALMS.

The tricycle operator, ITREALMS gathered was identified as Kelechi.

This is coming as the Catholic diocese of Nsukka, has appealed to “all the sides in this agitated situation to remain calm but vigilant.”

MPAC in a press statement available to ITREALMS and endorsed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, said they offered prayers and supports to the Muslim community in Nsukka and stands in solidarity with theme in the South-East and South-South parts of Nigeria.

Rape in Abia, force in Rivers: HURIWA petitions Buratai over violations by soldiers - ITREALMS

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Prominent civil rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has petitioned the office of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai over serious allegations of sexual molestation of girls in Aba, Abia State and the alleged use of brute force on civilians just as the Rights Advocacy group reminded the Army Chief of his solemn pledge to respect the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental freedoms of the citizens, reports ITREALMS.

A copy of the petition available to ITREALMS, quoted HURIWA as saying that the Army Chief of staff should act swiftly to investigate these allegations because these atrocious criminal acts of some of the operatives on internal security operations are tarnishing his hard earned good image as a no- nonsense officer who wields the big stick to deal with acts of professional misconduct and indiscipline since the last five years. 

MRA to FG: Establish mechanism to combat impunity against journalists - ITREALMS

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Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government to facilitate the establishment of mechanisms to combat impunity for attacks and violence against media workers in order to ensure accountability for such acts and discourage future attacks, reports ITREALMS.

MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, told ITREALMS that implementing strategies for combatting impunity for attacks and violence against journalists and other media workers was one of the most effective ways of responding to the high incidence of crimes against journalists in the country and preventing future attacks.

What Fayemi told Arewa people @50 - ITREALMS

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Text of the address by His Excellency, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum on the 50th Anniversary of the Centre for Historical Documentation and Research (Arewa House), Kaduna, Nigeria | Saturday, October 31, 2020.

1.  Introduction:
I will like to start by thanking the leadership of Arewa House for the great honour of inviting me to speak at the golden jubilee of this great institution. I also want to congratulate you, both for this historic moment, and for the wonderful work you have done in the last fifty years; mobilising and interpreting our history to explain the present and illuminate the path to our future.

Cybersecurity readiness, resilience a journey not destination says Digital Encode - ITREALMS

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The Co-Founder and the Chief Operating Officer of Digital Encode Limited, Dr. Peter Adewale Obadare has said no company is totally immune against cyber attacks, reports ITREALMS.

The Information Technology expert noted that the high dependency on the internet and adoption of digital transformation has led to the increase in cybercriminal activities.

Obey court order on scraping regulations of EFCC, ICPC powers says HEDA - ITREALMS

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The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Mallam, has been asked to obey subsisting Court Order that scrapped the Asset Tracing and Management Regulations put in place by the Minister, reports ITREALMS.

The regulation was put in place in 2019 to checkmate anti-graft agencies in the management of recovered assets and proceeds of crime. However, few months ago, a Federal High Court declared the regulation null and void.

When bank puts SMEs first - ITREALMS

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Last week will go down as one of the most challenging weeks, if not the most challenging, Nigeria has faced in 2020. What started out weeks before as very well-organised peaceful protests by young Nigerians campaigning to #EndSARS, was supplanted by hoodlums engaging in wanton looting, arson and destruction of public and private properties across many states at an unprecedented scale. 

By the end of the week, many lives had been lost, many properties and businesses completely destroyed and Nigeria has been left reeling from a shock that dwarfs any the country felt even at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak.

WorldStage Summit 2020: Amaechi, Onu, Danbatta to discuss economic diversification - ITREALMS

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As the world continue to battle the coronavirus pandemic coupled with eye-opening protests by frustrated youths in Nigeria, the 2020 edition of the WorldStage Economic Summit is set to hold virtually on November 10, this year, reports ITREALMS.

The event,  ITREALMS has been slated for 10.30AM (West Africa time) to discuss how economic diversification can help meet the yearnings of the youths and other stakeholders in the country.

WorldStage in a press statement available to ITREALMS, keynote speakers at the summit will include Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation, Nigeria; Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, Nigeria; and Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

How Airtel Touching Lives emerged @Marketing Edge CSR leadership award - ITREALMS

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It was glitz, glamour and elegance at the Marketing Edge Awards Night as distinguished Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and media practitioners recently converged at D’Podium International Event Centre on the highbrow Aromire Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. 

As expected, the Marketing Edge night of excellence saw brands, corporates and personalities in the IMC industry cart away awards for performing creditably in various categories. Airtel Nigeria couldn’t have been left out because the main competitive advantage of being a purpose-driven brand is the gradual transformation of a firm into a catalyst for system-level change.

NGMN Alliance launches Green Future Networks Project

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The Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance has aligned its green targets to address climate action demands across the telecoms ecosystem, reports ITREALMS.

Working towards improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of recyclable materials, the project known as Green Future Networks strives to address the industry’s social responsibility in regard to the impact of the mobile ecosystem on the environment.

Fayemi: Devolve power, make Nigeria work for youth - ITREALMS

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The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has advocated a restructuring that will cement the unity of Nigeria and engender a perfect union among its peoples irrespective of their ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic differences, reports ITREALMS.

He also suggested an equitable revenue allocation formula that will speak to the federalism Nigeria has adopted and give more resources to states and local governments which carry more responsibilities.