First VP, Alex Ekwueme dies @85

ITREALMS:

The first-ever elected Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme is dead, aged 85, reports ITRealms.

He died on Sunday, November 19, 2017 by 10pm at The London Clinic.

Confirming this to ITRealms, his younger brother and Igwe of Oko in Anambra State, His Royal Highness, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, noted that the family regrets to announce the peaceful passing away of their patriarch, the former Vice President.

The sad event, he said occurred at The London Clinic on Sunday.

Part of the statement read “Ekwueme family regrets to announce the peaceful passing away of their patriarch, the former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme GCON.

“The sad event occurred at the London Clinic at 10:00 pm on Sunday 19th November 2017.”

ITRealms recalls that Ekwueme had fell in his Enugu residence, and was subsequently rushed to the Memfys Neurosurgery Hospital Enugu, where he eventually relapsed into coma.

But as soon as he was stabilised in the hospital he was flown to London in an air ambulance last week.

Born on 21 October 1932, late Dr. Ekwueme was the first elected Vice-President of Nigeria, in office from 1979 to 1983 under the Alhaji Shehu Shagari presidency.

Also known as the Ide of the Oko kingdom in Anambra State, where his younger brother Prof Lazarus Ekwueme, reigns as the traditional ruler. He was also honoured by the council of Traditional Rulers in the old Aguata as the Ide of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State comprising forty-four (44) towns.

He started primary school at the St John's Anglican Central School, at Ekwulobia, then he proceeded to King's College, Lagos. As an awardee of the Fulbright Scholarship in the United States of America; being one of the first Nigerians to gain the award.

Dr. Ekwueme attended the University of Washington where he earned bachelor's degree in Architecture and city planning, following his master's degree in urban planning.

Equally, Dr Ekwueme earned degrees in sociology, history, philosophy and law from the University of London, before proceeded to obtain a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Strathclyde, before gaining the BL (honours) degree from the Nigerian Law School.

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e-Nigeria 2016: NITDA sets up LOC

ITRealms:

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has set up the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 9th eNigeria Conference and Expo, the flagship ICT event under the auspice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria organised by the agency, reports ITRealms.

The acting Director General of the NITDA, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said  the event has gone full circle to become the clearinghouse for adopting relevant ideas and innovation for defining and accelerating national economic growth.

“It is in this line that this year’s theme is ‘Leveraging on IT Innovation for Economic Diversification’ to identify with the current goals of the Nigerian government to diversify the economy; cope with the rapid dwindling revenues from the oil sector; and create a new vista of revenue directly through ICT or by using ICT to aid other non-oil sectors,” said Dr Olatunji who was represented by the deputy director of Corporate Strategy and Research, Mr. Mohammad Idris Yelwa.

Head, Corporate Affairs, NITDA, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, in a press statement available to ITRealms, said that the eNigeria 2016 is scheduled for 22nd -24th November, 2016 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja. It is expected to attract key players of the Nigerian innovation ecosystem and foreign stakeholders together to share experiences, identify challenges and propose strategies for using ICT-enabled innovation and entrepreneurship to diversify the economy and create jobs.

She also highlighted one of the eNigeria 2016 is the section on Startups and Innovation to underscore NITDA’s new work-thrust to promote Nigeria’s startup innovation ecosystem across all the country’s zones and also attract potential investors into this vital growth segment of the global ICT economy.

“We are inviting innovation efforts from within Africa to come peer with local innovation efforts and also inviting global stakeholders, particularly angel investors and promoters of innovator hubs to be part of the 2016 eNigeria as we in NITDA firm up to promote the national agenda on economic diversification,” Dr. Olatunji was quoted as saying while tasking LOC members to ensure a successful event.

eNigeria, Olatunji said, has become a flagship conference and expo and this year, the NITDA plans to have global and local players with strong startup-pull such as Uber, Facebook, Jumia, Konga and the likes to join the league of participants at the event.

NITDA will also be leveraging on its local and international collaborations such as its partnership with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) organizers of Gitex Technology Week to thicken the quality of participation at eNigeria, said Olatunji.

The LOC has sub-committees that include Paper presentation, exhibition and fundraising, media and publicity, and startups, among others to help effective preparation for the event. The membership of the LOC is drawn from various bodies, including the Nigeria Computer Society, representatives of relevant government ministries, departments and agencies, the media, interest groups and other stakeholders.

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Frivolous Petitions Bill 2015: NGE says Senate undermines Nigerian Constitution

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has demanded unconditionally, the suspension by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria all proceedings with respect to a proposed Bill, "Frivolous Petitions (Prohibitions etc) Bill 2015," reports ITRealms.

President, NGE, Garba Deen Muhammad, told ITRealms, that broad objective of this curiously accelerated Bill is to outlaw the freedom of expression of all Nigerian citizens and freedom of speech of all media organizations operating in print, electronic and on-line platforms in Nigeria and beyond.

“Appallingly, the Bill has also included as its target very personal and private means of communication such as SMS or text messages and WhatsApp, among others,” NGE lamented.

NGE President also stressed that the freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed in section 22 and 39(1) of the 1999 Nigerian constitution respectively. Stressing that to enact any kind of law under any guise that will contradict these fundamental provisions is to deliberately seek to undermine the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We are, therefore, concerned that a group of persons elected by Nigerians to ensure that their rights, privileges and interests are protected, should gleefully misuse the mandate given to them to the detriment of the same people that elected them,” Guild President said.

He pointed out that there are already existing laws in our Constitution that can accommodate all the concerns, real or imagined, that the proposed Bill is expected to address. These laws include the Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, the Libel law etc.

According to press statement personally endorsed by NGE president, its n view of this and the glaring danger posed by the proposed Bill, the NGE is strongly advising the Senate to drop all proceedings on the proposed Bill and turn its attention instead to critical areas in need of urgent intervention.

NGE believes the Senate has a right both individually and collectively to express their concerns about the abuse of the cyberspace by unscrupulous people and organizations, they should consolidate or strengthen the existing laws and enforce implementation.

“We call on all Nigerians that are justifiably peeved by the very consideration of enacting such obnoxious law to remain calm and express their opposition through lawful means,” he said, maintaining that NGE frowns at on-line fraudsters who take advantage of the vulnerable cyber space to carry out cyber bullying, stealing, stalking and all manner of cybercrimes.

 

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Pix: Senate president, Abubakar Saraki

Buhari promises sustainable initiatives, inaugurates NEC

ITRealms:

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC) in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, just as he reiterated his administration resolve to enthrone sustainable initiatives, reports ITRealms.

According to the Third Schedule, Part I, Section 153: Sub section (18 & 19) of the Constitution, ITRealms reports that NEC, act as one of the Federal Executive bodies, mandated to advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the co-ordination of the economic planning and programmes of the various Governments of the Federation.

Buhari also named his Vice President, Prof. Yomi Osibanjo as the chairman of NEC, adding that NEC meetings have remained the official economic platform for dialogue among the 36 State Governors, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and other co-opted members.

He also noted that NEC chaired by the Vice President deals on issues and challenges facing the development of the country, at national and sub-national levels, and discussed with a view to develop and harmonize common strategies for addressing them.

Buhari pointed out that during his inaugural speech, on May 29, 2015 he stated that the primary objective of this Administration is to tackle insecurity; youth unemployment, through the revival of agriculture, solid minerals mining, as well as small and medium size businesses.

“I also highlighted pervasive corruption; fuel and power shortages; public service reforms; and the need to allow every tier of Government to exercise its constitutional responsibilities, among others. We are fully committed to embarking on sustainable visionary initiatives and programmes that will restructure and transform our national economy.”

His administration, Buhari said is also committed to ensuring collaboration and facilitation of the international efforts to combat threats of cross-border terrorism, sea piracy, refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), financial crimes, cybercrimes, climate change; the spread of communicable diseases and other challenges of the 21st century.

Equally, he urged Nigerians to ensure that the nation surmounts these enormous challenges facing the country by working to support economic policies, which the government will soon unveil to grow the economy and finance external promises.

Consequently, he said, leadership must kick-start this process by cultivating a culture of prudent management of resources at all levels of government. This will entail looking inwards to secure sustainable ways of increasing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); and harnessing growth potentials of each State to supplement the Federation Account allocation to States. 

“The States are also encouraged to embark on projects that will meet immediate needs of the people taking account of available resources. I therefore urge Council members to consider, as a matter of urgency, exploring efficient means of gradually liquidating all unpaid salaries of staff, which have brought untold hardship to thousands of families,” he said.

All revenue generating agencies such as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) amongst others shall comply with stipulated Financial Regulations and Administrative Instructions in their remittances into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

 
Chuks Egbuna/GEE
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Jonathan pencil down for honour @ICTMedia Centenary Awards

... As Adenuga, Ovia, Belo-Osagie vie for ICT Centenary awards

ITRealms:

The President and Commander-In-Chief Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been pencilled for honour as the “Grand Commander of ICT Promoters in Nigeria” during the ICT Media Centenary conference and awards slated for Wednesday, 8^th October 2014 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, reports ITRealms.

The event being hosted by the ICTMedia Initiative would have the trio of Hakeem Belo-Osagie, Jim Ovia and Mike Adenuga.

ITRealms recalls that Belo-Osagie is the chairman of Etisalat Nigeria; while Jim Ovia is the Chairman, Visafone Nigeria Limited and Otunba Mike Adenuga, is the chairman, Globacom.

The trio have been shortlisted to vie for the “Grand Investor in ICT 4 Development” in the special recognition awards category.

The chairman of ICTMedia Initiatives, Mr Aaron Ukodie in a statement issued in Lagos by the organisation’s Director of Communications, Mr. Olubayo Abiodun and made available to ITRealms said that other deserving stakeholders in the ICT sector would be honoured at the one day event, which includes a conference and award night during which the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Dr. Hamadoun Touré has accepted to give the keynote address.

According to Mr. Ukodie, in the other award categories, investors, companies, innovators, pioneer efforts, products and services, regulatory milestones that have stood out within the last century of Nigeria as a nation would be considered for awards.

Some of the award categories include: Most Outstanding Governor in usage of ICT 4 Development (North East, North west, North Central, South South, South East and South West), Premier ICT Officer of The Federation, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Agriculture and Rural Development, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for financial services, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Legal Administration, Outstanding Achievements in Software Development, Outstanding Achievements in Hardware Vendors, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Aviation Services, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Commerce, and the Most Outstanding Woman in ICT.

Others include: Most Outstanding CEO in ICT, Most Innovative ICT Company, Most Outstanding Bank in ICT usage, Most Outstanding Regulator in ICT, Most Outstanding Public Sector CIO, Most Outstanding Software Solution, Most Customer Friendly ICT Company, Most Outstanding e-Commerce Company, Most Outstanding Insurer in ICT usage, Outstanding achievement in Advocacy, Outstanding Achievement in Infrastructure Deployment, Outstanding Achievement in ICT for Public Services, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Broadcasting, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Identity Management, Outstanding Achievements in ICT for Education Development, and the Most Visionary  ICT Entrepreneur of the Century.

The chairman of ICT Media Initiative stressed that individuals, corporates and institutions that have contributed in no small measures to the evolvement of the ICT sector as the biggest contributor to Nigeria’s global recognition are the focus of these awards in order to motivate them for greater contributions to the growth of the nation.

He assured that winners in the different categories would emerge from a painstaking process being undertaken by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the non-government organisation.

Pointing out that the BoT came up with names in the shortlisted categories for those who have invested money, time, energy and ideas to make the ICT sector stand out as the most strategic and iconic achievement by Nigeria in the last hundred years of its nationhood.

Apart from President Jonathan who through pro-active policy initiatives on the national broadband plan, the cybersecurity national strategy and plan, as well as micro and macro-economic policies that have sustained the growth in the telecoms sector, and increased FDIs inflow, other Nigerians have also invested creatively in the sector to compliment the efforts of the Nigerian government.

Mr. Ukodie stated that the ICT sector has made significant impact on the lives of the urban and rural dwellers as well as the industries and the farming population. Specifically, he said that efficiency matrix in Nigeria had recorded positive strides because of the contributions of the ICT to the lives of the individuals, government machineries and the processes and procedures in the private sector.

The event had already drawn on substantial goodwill and supports from the private and public sectors. The Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Omobola Johnson, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Peter Jack, acting Managing Director, Nigerian Satellite Communications Limited, Mrs. Abimbola Alele, Director General National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Emeka Mba and the Director General National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Barrister Chris ‘E. Onyemenam have declared their supports for the event. Others who have also endorsed the event include the immediate past EVC of NCC and Chairman of OpenMedia, Dr Ernest Ndukwe and Managing Director of CWG, Mr. Austin Okere, chairman of Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh and Mr John Tani Obaro, MD of SystemsSpecs.

Mr. Ukodie said that the main theme of the conference is: ICT in the Nigerian Centenary: Matching towards a Connected Nigeria. “We have also slated other sub-themes for discussion. One of the sub-themes is: Broadband, for a connected Nigeria and prosperity. The conference is intended to sustain the current growth and momentum of discourses and actions that would culminate in the cost-effective deployment of broadband. This fittingly complements the efforts of the Federal Government as exemplified by the inauguration of the National Broadband Initiative,” he said.

He said that ICT Media Initiative is a synergy across three entrepreneurial media groups namely the ICT Publishers Alliance (ICTPA) – comprising leading ICT publications; Business and TechnologyNews Publishers Foundation (BTPF) - made up of foremost business and technology publishers, editors and very senior news managers across Nigeria; and Nigeria ICT Broadcast Network (NIBN).

Nenye Dom

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:Pix: Adenuga, Ovia and Belo-Osagie