Fr. Ebido says 'Self-righteousness, real temptation' - ITREALMS

Lenten Sermon@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Saturday, Third Week of Lent B (March 13 /2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May the Lord grant you a humble and contrite spirit. Amen.

Read Hosea 5:15-6:6; Luke 18:9-14; pray Psalm 51[50].

NARRATION: The parable of the Pharisee and the tax-collector in today’s Gospel is one we are familiar with. It contrasts self-righteousness with humility. 

The real temptation for most of us is to think we are the humble tax collector! Who wouldn’t want to feel commended for all the efforts we make to be good and kind people! But that is where the problem is. 

N42bn indebtedness: Telcos to shut down USSD options - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Bearing all unresolved over N42 billion indebtedness by the Nigerian banks, under the Financial Service Providers (FSPs), the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have concluded plans to shutdown the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) options with effect from Monday, March 15, 2021, reports ITREALMS.

USSD is a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol that is used to send text messages and make digital financial transactions similar to the Short Messaging Service (SMS), thereby using codes made up of the characters that are available on a mobile phone.

Driving Pervasive Broadband Penetration to Deepen Digital Financial Inclusion for Nigeria’s Socio-economic Transformation

ForTheRecords@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Driving Pervasive Broadband Penetration to Deepen Digital Financial Inclusion for Nigeria’s Socio-economic Transformation Being a Lecture Delivered, as a Guest Lecturer By Engr. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, FAEng. FNSE, FRAES, FNIEEE

Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission at the 5th Annual The Bullion Lecture organised by the Centre for Financial Journalism on Thursday, March 11, 2021 @The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Protocols:

I thank the Board and Management of the Centre for Financial Journalism for considering me worthy as the Guest Lecturer for this year’s edition of its annual ‘The Bullion Lecture 2021’, holding here at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

CallingTech Startups: 11th POESAM underway - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Penultimate Tuesday 9 March 2021 marked the opening for submissions to the 11th Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East also known as POESAM, reports ITREALMS.

Until 4 June 2021, entrants will be able to submit their projects on the website.

AWE: US Consulate celebrates 120 graduates - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

As part of the second cohort of the Lagos edition of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme, the United States (US) Consulate General hosted a virtual event to mark the completion which saw to graduation of 120 candidates, reports ITREALMS.

Working with local partner, Ascend Studios Foundation, founded by Inya Lawal, an alumna of the Fortune-U.S. Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership program, the Consulate General on March 8, which marked the International Women’s Day (IWD 2021), supported the training of 120 women entrepreneurs selected from a pool of over 10,000 applicants representing a diverse age range, sector, location, and business level.

FIFA: Federal court reprimands extraordinary prosecutor Stefan Keller for going beyond limit

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Swiss Federal Criminal Court (FCC) has ruled that extraordinary Federal Prosecutor Stefan Keller acted illegally by extending his investigation beyond its remit.

Mr Keller was appointed to look into certain meetings that the former Swiss Attorney General, Michael Lauber, had with the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino. 

However, instead of doing this, Mr Keller, who has yet to even interview the FIFA President after nine months, started looking into things that have nothing to do with his appointed mandate.

WCRD2021: Danbatta to address consumer protection - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advanced plans to host a special world press conference to mark this year’s World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) in line with its consumer centric regulatory approach, reports ITREALMS.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, will address the world press conference virtually on March 15, 2021 from the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Another prescription, yet God heals our disloyalty says Fr Ebido - ITREALMS

Lenten Sermon@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Friday, Third Week of Lent B (March 12 /2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God's Mercy find you any day you are in trouble. Amen.

Read Hosea 14:2-10; Mark 12:28-34; pray Psalm 80[81].

NARRATION: As a priest, I have had the privilege of being close to different categories of people. But what never ceases to amaze me is that everyone has a good side.

Someone in whom others see only evil and wickedness, may be seen as an angel by someone else. Yes, the same ‘wicked’ person has a very beautiful side. Why is that?

FamilyLifers.com debuts, promises scintillating social platform – ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

A family-driven social media platform, the FamilyLifers.com has made its debut in Lagos- Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as the publisher of City People, Mr. Oluseye Kehinde has endorsed the FamilyLifers platform, urging Nigerians, especially the youth to explore due to its numerous advantage towards building a better society which begins from families.

BAT Foundation lifts Lagos NUJ with new bus - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Foundation has donated a 18-passenger Hummer Bus to the Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), reports ITREALMS.

Council Chairman, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi took delivery of the bus in company of his Executive Committee members alongside the immediate past chairman of the chapter, Dr. Qasim Akinrete, among others.

Broadband’s massive role to play in accelerating financial inclusion - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

To achieve an accelerated financial inclusion target desirable in Nigeria, broadband has massive role to play, reports ITREALMS.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta made this assertion at the 2021 The Bullion Lecture held in Lagos, on the theme: Pervasive Broadband Drive and Digital Financial Inclusion.

On/off field: Abigail Kawonza paves way for successful women - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Just in time for International Women’s month, Abigail Kawonza continues to push boundaries and take Rugby Africa to new heights, reminding us that even if one-woman scores, we all win

The inclusion and integration of women in sports has been a contentious topic over the years. As the industry continues to open space for women all around the world, International Women’s month is a good time to not only commemorate pioneers such as Abigail Kawonza, who have pushed boundaries and opened doors for other women – but to also celebrate the work done to date.

Still on 3 prescriptions for you this season by Fr Ebido - ITREALMS

Lenten Sermon@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Thursday, Third Week of Lent B (March 11 /2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God hear you speedily from mount Zion! Amen.

Read Jer 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23; pray psalm 95[94]. 

NARRATION: In the first reading, we God pleading through Jeremiah, “listen to my voice;” but instead, “they did not obey, nor did they pay heed. They walked in the hardness of their own evil hearts; and turned their backs, not their faces, to me.” 

ICT4D: Nigeria seeks more regional collabo in WATRA - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Nigerian government has called for increased regional collaboration for the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem in West Africa as a potential digital hub on the global ICT map.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta made the call at the two-day 18th Annual General Meeting of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), which commenced in Abuja on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

NLNG shines as NGA’s Gas Company of The Year - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

It was applause time as the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) won the Gas Company of The Year Award, reports ITREALMS.

The award presented at the recently concluded 12th Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) Biennial International Conference and Awards was in recognition of NLNG for outstanding contributions to the gas industry in Nigeria. 

Paradigm Initiative condemns Internet disruptions @Senegal - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Paradigm Initiative has condemned the Internet disruptions in Senegal, reports ITREALMS.

Senegal, ITREALMS gathered, recorded disruptions to the internet and social networks on Friday March 5, 2020 as evidenced in a report by NetBlocks.org. 

Rescued Monkeys arrive home - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

After months of coordinated international effort, the Jeunes Animaux Confisqués au Katanga (J.A.C.K.) sanctuary, has welcomed 20 monkeys to their new home, reports ITREALMS.

The monkeys, ITREALMS gathered, all native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, were confiscated in September 2020, disrupting a wildlife trafficking operation running between the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R. Congo) and South Africa. 

3 prescriptions for you this season by Fr Ebido - ITREALMS

Lenten Sermon@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Wednesday, Third Week of Lent B (March 10 /2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God grant you the grace of faithfulness and holiness. Amen!

Read Deut 4:1-9; Matt 5:17-19; pray psalm 95[94]. 

NARRATION: The Old law says, ‘Thou shall NOT kill…” but the law of the new covenant says, “love one another as I have loved you…” If the people of Israel failed to keep the ‘negative’ law Moses gave to them, how easy is it for us to keep the ‘positive’ law of love? 

Rotary partners vote $6m to reduce malaria burden - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

In order to help end a leading cause of illness and death in the southern African country of Zambia, a Rotary club-led initiative aims to save and improve lives by empowering community health workers to test, diagnose and treat malaria, reports ITREALMS.

Malaria, a preventable disease caused by a parasite spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, disproportionately affects children under the age of five and pregnant women in rural populations.

Owerri: Here comes Konga again with exciting deals - ITREALMS

Sponsored@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The capital city of Imo State, Owerri is now having exciting deals, courtesy of Konga which comes again to the environ this Saturday with a number of mouthwatering deals, reports ITREALMS. 

Konga, ITREALMS gathered is set to extend the deals and other exciting offers marking the launch of the new Owerri store until Saturday, March 13, 2021. 

This move, the management of the e-Commerce giant has underlined, is to enable more potential shoppers take advantage of the special discounts and incentives put together to herald the launch of the new store.

EVC to deliver The Bullion Lecture 2021 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, is the distinguished personality to deliver the 2021 edition of The Bullion Lecture.

Danbatta will speak on the theme: ‘Telecoms, Digital Banking and Nigeria’s Economic Development’ at the annual Lecture scheduled to hold by 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at The Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Africa DFI to disburse $1.3m grants for inclusion - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The African Development Bank has approved two grants for research that will increase African women’s access to a range of Digital Financial Inclusion services comprising loans and micro-insurance, reports ITREALMS.

The grants, for $1 million and $300,000 respectively, will be disbursed through the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility, a blended finance vehicle supported by the Bank, to two financial technology firms, Pula Advisors Kenya Ltd., and M-KOPA Kenya Ltd.

Life, time of Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, CFR - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Hon. Mr. Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta was born in 1951 in Amofia-Ukawu, Onicha Local government Ebonyi State. His lordship had his basic education in the Eastern part of Nigeria and got his LLB in University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University). lle-ife in 1970s and BL at the Nigerian law school in 1978.

My lord, Hon. Mr. Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, is an hard working and dedicated public servant, who was a primary school teacher, far back as 1966, he became a clerical officer (Account Ministry of Education in (Divisional School Board, Afikpo) August 1971). He was deployed as the state counsel in charge, Ministry of justice, Oturkpo, Benue State, during his National Youth Service Programme in August 1978-october 1979. 

$25m pledge: Google.org reinforces commitment to African women, girls - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Google.org’s open call on International Women’s Day, for applications for grant funding from its new global Impact Challenge (GIC) for Women and Girls, reinforces the organisation’s commitment to the empowerment of women and girls on the African continent, reports ITREALMS.

The GIC for Women and Girls, which will provide $25 million in overall cash grants to nonprofits and social enterprises creating pathways to prosperity for women and girls, follows initiatives like the 2019 Africa launch of Women Will, Google’s initiative to create opportunities for women, and Google’s #IamRemarkable workshop series, which works to counteract conditioning that women shouldn’t celebrate their achievements.

2nd Millionaire: Polaris Bank to unveil winners, others in its 'Save & Win' promo - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Polaris Bank is set to unveil the second set of winners in its ongoing Save & Win Millionaire promo, reports ITREALMS.

At the maiden draw which took place on February 9, 2021 Mr. Lucky Okunzuwa, a customer with the Bank’s Akpakpava branch, Benin City in Edo State, emerged as the first millionaire of the promo.

Turbulent times: Ogunsanya identifies strategies for quality leadership - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

To succeed and achieve results during turbulent times, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, has prescribed for business leaders to cultivate qualities such as empathy, integrity, good communication skills and a strong sense of purpose, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking virtually during the recently concluded Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Business Roundtable, Mr. Ogunsanya offered practical tips leaders could adopt in the event of a major crisis such as the Covid-19 global pandemic.

Our real 'breakthrough' depends on self says Fr Ebido - ITREALMS

Lenten Sermon@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Tuesday, Third Week of Lent B (March 9/2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God's grace breakthrough your selfishness. Amen!

Read Dan 3:25-43; Matt 18:21-35; pray Psalm 25[24].

NARRATION: Any day I come to the decision that I must reach out in love and forgiveness to anyone that I have any reason to believe we have frosty relationship is a blessed day. Why? Because grace has won! 

Our entire life here below is a school of virtue. We pass or fail each passing day. If we keep failing day after day, it is only a matter of time before one drops out of school. 

Pantami, Danbatta lead delegates to WATRA 2021 AGM - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, would be leading delegates to this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), reports ITREALMS.

While Pantami would deliver the opening address at the AGM scheduled to take place from March 10-11, 2021 in Abuja, Danbatta will give the keynote at the conference.

Northern youths: Afenifere must call their children to order - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Chairman of the Coalition of Northern Youths, Alhaji Mai Turere Abubakar, has advised Afenifere and others to call their children to order, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement personally endorsed by Alhaji Turere and made available to ITREALMS, read in part:

N51bn Libel: Nasiru may drag Sahara Reporters to court - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Following Sahara Reporters’ Friday 5th of March 2021 fake report that the Nigerian Customs Head, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) collaborated with a Nigerian Businessman, Alhaji Nasiru Danu, to steal N51Bn from the Nigerian Customs Service, as Danu is currently set to initiate legal action against the online newspaper for defamation of character, reports ITREALMS.

According to a media aide to Danu, Mr. Albert Peter, "Interesting as the story may sound, no facts were presented. All were the work of fiction. As has now been revealed, the contents of the story were fabricated."

Justice Ngwuta: An eminent, erudite Jurist says Tinubu - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The former Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described Supreme Court Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta who died yesterday as an eminent and erudite jurist whose knowledge of the law and its application was peerless, reports ITREALMS.

"Where others may have lost their way, Justice Ngwuta remained steadfast and calm in his analysis, producing a number of classical judgments, which will continue to be referred to in classrooms and courtrooms across the country long after his death and into the future," Tinubu said.

Eze praises Buhari, others for bringing lifesaving water - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The determination of the Buhari-led APC federal government in ensuring the success of the implementation of the UN Environment report on Ogoni has continued to attract resounding applauses and commendations from analysts and critical stakeholders in the fields of politics and the environment.

The $1billion (USD) implementation which is hinged on a 2011 detailed report from the environmental assessment of sites polluted by oil exploration activities in Ogoni land since the discovery of oil in the 1950s, conducted and released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was launched in June 2016 by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of President Mohammadu Buhari, after several years of neglect by the previous administration steered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and allies.

Kyari says 'Clear fiscal framework will enhance gas development – ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has called for a legislative framework with clear fiscal terms in order to tap the full potential of the gas resources in the nation’s deepwater acreages.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, made the call at a one-day public hearing on “Inclusion of Gas Terms in Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs)” organized by the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Gas Resources, Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream).

Finally, Nigeria kills Justice Ngwuta - ITREALMS

Tribute@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

According to a statement by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, The Honourable Justice Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta died at about 2.30am, on Sunday, March 7, 2021. He died at the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital, Abuja, after a week of ill-health.

I disagree with the statement.

Ngwuta, a proud son of the South-east, one of the few that got to the peak of the Judiciary from the zone, died since 2015. Ngwuta had, gradually, died four times before his final death this March 7.

Fayemi greets Vice President Osinbajo @64 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has felicitated with the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN; who turns 64 years old on Monday, March 8th, reports ITREALMS.

Dr Fayemi in a goodwill message in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, described Prof Osinbajo as a distinguished Nigerian, a pragmatic leader and man of honour with proven integrity, who deserves all the accolades befitting a national hero.

FirstBank promotes diaspora remittances with extra N5 per USD - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider is rewarding customers with N5 for every dollar received through foreign remittances. 

This N5 for a dollar incentive is paid to FirstBank’s customers regardless of their preference to collect the USD as cash across the counter in any of the Bank’s over 750 branches nationwide or as transfer into the customers domiciliary accounts.

Enhanced safe road culture at 33 by FRSC - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Thirty three years ago, precisely on 18 February 1988, the Federal Government of Nigeria established the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as the nation's lead agency saddled with the responsibilities of identifying the causes of road traffic crashes and proffering appropriate solutions to the menace that had placed the country in the position of the second most hazardous nations in Africa to drive motor vehicles in.

With its lead agency status, FRSC was set as an institution to make effective use of instruments of education, science and technology to resolve the intractable challenges of motorisation in the country which was heightened by people's fatalistic beliefs towards road traffic crashes.

Youth deaths: Go for annual medical checks says priest - ITREALMS

Lenten Sermon@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Monday, Third Week of Lent B (March 8/2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God grant you and make you complete healing of mind, body, and spirit. Amen.

Read: II Kgs 5:1-15; Lk 4:24-30; pray Ps 41[40].

NARRATION: At home last December, I was troubled at the death of young people (relations, townsfolks) for unclear sicknesses. In my funeral homily I warned the youths to make extra effort to go for annual medical checkups in any hospital. It will save us many untimely deaths, for “heaven helps those who help themselves.” 

CS-SUNN celebrates Nigerian women - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) on Monday join the world in celebration of 2021 International Women’s Day which is marked each year on 8 March, reports ITREALMS.

The International Women’s Day gives the opportunity to celebrate women and their many achievements.

Insecurity: Gani Adams applauds OPC, Ibarapa joint security team over arrest of kidnap kingpin Wakilu, three others - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams on Sunday applauded the joint efforts of all the security operatives in Ibarapa on the arrest of most dreaded and notorious kidnap kingpin, Abdullah Wakilu in a joint operation at the weekend, reports ITREALMS.

The joint team of Ibarapa security operatives, including OPC, Vigilante and other groups had arrested Wakilu and three others after several attempts culminating in a gun battle.

CBN commences Naira4Dollar scheme - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced what it described as “Naira 4 Dollar Scheme” effective from today, March 8, 2021, reports ITREALMS.

CBN through its Trade and Exchange Department in a circular available to ITREALMS and sent to all Deposit Money Banks, International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) and general public, noted what it tagged "Introduction of the CBN's “Naira 4 Dollar Scheme" is for diaspora remittances.

Cleansing the temple according to Fr. Ebido - ITREALMS

Sunday Sermon@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Sunday, Third Week of Lent B (March 7/2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God purify you and make you completely clean and holy. Amen.

Read Ex 20:1-17; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25; pray psalm 18.

NARRATION: Recently we saw a viral video of a priest in the United States raving mad about  President Biden’s pathetic moral standing on abortion as a Catholic that now occupies the White House. He even indicted the bishops for their silence and indifference regarding those who claim to be Catholics but hardly follow any of her teachings. He then warned his parishioners who support abortion not to contribute a dime in the 10M dollars fundraising to build a new Church in his parish. After listening to him, you will understand what is called righteous anger and the real meaning of “cleansing the temple” (see the Gospel).