Edun tasks new AMCON board on improved debt recoveries - ITREALMS

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The Finance Minister and coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, has tasked the new board of directors of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to speed up debt recoveries, reports ITREALMS.

The minister gave the charge on Wednesday in Abuja during the Inauguration of the New Board of AMCON. The new board is chaired by Dr Bala Mohammed Bello. The Non-Executive Directors are Yusuf Tegina, Adeyemo Adeoye, Charles Odion Iyiore, Yahaya Ibrahim, and Emily Chidinma Osuji.

Oil tankers: Urgent need for improved safety standards by Elvis Eromosele - ITREALMS

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In Nigeria, tankers carrying petroleum products are a common sight on the nation’s highways. These massive vehicles, often loaded with flammable and hazardous liquids, are an integral part of the country’s transportation system, facilitating the movement of crucial fuel supplies across the nation. However, the increasing number of tanker accidents, many resulting in devastating fires and environmental disasters, has raised serious concerns about road safety.

One of the primary factors contributing to the frequency of tanker accidents in Nigeria is the state of the country’s roads. While urban areas like Lagos and Abuja have relatively better road networks, the majority of Nigeria’s highways, especially those in rural and semi-urban areas, are poorly maintained. Potholes, lack of proper drainage, and uneven surfaces create hazardous conditions for all vehicles on the road, but for tankers carrying volatile materials, the risk is exponentially higher.

Shell's Bonga oil production improved in 2023 - ITREALMS

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The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) improved oil production at the Bonga oil field last year than the previous one, reports ITREALMS.

Nigeria’s first deep-water development produced some 138,000 barrels of oil per day (boepd) in 2023 compared to around 101,000 in 2022.

PHC: Oba Badiru optimistic on improved Lagos primary health care delivery - ITREALMS

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The Oba of Langbasa in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos, HRM Alhaji Hafiz Olakunle Badiru, has expressed optimism in the state's health care delivery that ensures improved healthiness of the grassroots people, reports ITREALMS.

The monarch also known as Elejigbo of Langbasa gave this optimism, while receiving a delegation of the Lagos State Advocacy Team (SAT) led by the ATM State Coordinator, Mrs Bunmi Tejumola, in his palace recently.

PHC: Lagos SAT seeks stakeholders' partnership for better healthcare delivery - ITREALMS

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The Lagos State Advocacy Team (SAT) under the Global Fund Project has met with some community leaders of Mosan Okunola, seeking collaboration of residents with government to provide basic amenities at the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in the area, for the betterment of the people, reports ITREALMS.

As outlined by ACMIN, State Coordinator and Team Lead for SAT, Mrs Bunmi Tejumola, during a recent visit to Aregbesola Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) Egbeda in Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Alimosho Local Government Area.

SAT calls for improved handling of HIV-AIDS, TB, malaria @Lagos facilities - ITREALMS

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The Lagos State Advocacy Team (SAT) of coalition of civil societies in the health sector has called for improved health system especially at the community levels in handling ailments related to AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM), reports ITREALMS.

The ATM coalition includes the Association of Civil Societies on Malaria, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), TB Network, Network of Persons With HIV-AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN). 

Speaking at the advocacy visits on Tuesday, the Team Lead, Lagos State Advocacy Team (SAT) Mrs. Bunmi Tejumola, said improving quality of lives in communities across the state of excellence in particular after the COVID-19 effect has become necessary.

Childrens Day'22: Ndukwe Kalu Foundation urges improved online protection - ITREALMS

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The Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF), a non-for-profit organization aimed at promoting knowledge in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and proper use of internet among the youth, has called for improved and equal physical and online protection of children.

The Foundation, speaking on the occasion of Children’s Day 2022, observed that the exponential growth of technology has created tremendous opportunities for children and young people globally; as it enables them to learn, share and communicate expressing themselves freely without inhibition or borders.

WCRD 2022: NCC assures of robust digital infrastructure for improved financial services - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate deployment of robust broadband infrastructure accessible to all Nigerians. This is to enhance their access to the required resources to carry out seamless digital financial services, irrespective of their locations and circumstances.

The Commission gave the assurance at a programme organised to commemorate Year 2022 World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD). At the programme which took place at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, and implemented in the context of the global theme: ‘Fair Digital Finance’, the Management of NCC announced the establishment of a dedicate desk, tagged: “TELCARE” to be operated across the country to enhance telecoms consumer protection.

BREAKING: Chike Onwuegbuchi emerges NITRA chairman, promises welfarism, improved advocacy - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Deputy Editor-in-chief of the Nigerian CommunicationsWeek, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi has emerged the new chairman of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), reports ITREALMS.

Sanwo-Olu's wife to mobilise retired medical personnel to improved healthcare - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has said retired medical practitioners would be engaged to achieve efficient healthcare delivery in the state, if her husband is elected, reports ITREALMS.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who is a medical practitioner, said improved healthcare would be a major programme her husband would be bringing, saying the experience of the retirees would be harnessed to solve the challenges facing healthcare delivery system in the state.

She spoke while receiving various women support groups at the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Office in Ikoyi.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who was joined by the wife of her husband’s running mate, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, appreciated the women for engaging in door-to-door campaign on behalf of their husbands, while re-assuring them that the support would be reciprocated with good governance.

She said: “Tackling poverty at the grassroots is one of the things Sanwo-Olu is coming to tackle. The one that concerns women the most is the issue of healthcare. While the healthcare delivery has improved, there are many challenges to be solved. We are going to engage retirees who have decades of experience in health management, as they do in Germany. These people can help solve most of the challenges we face.”

Mrs Sanwo-Olu revealed that her husband always became emotional for the “overwhelming support” he enjoyed from various groups across the divides, saying the support would not be taken for granted.

Women in Entertainment, led by Mrs. Wunmi Obe, said Sanwo-Olu’s zeal to address challenges facing the entertainment industry led to his endorsement by the group.

Members of Conference 57 for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) said they were convinced Sanwo-Olu’s programmes were designed to tackle poverty at the grassroots.

WAPA’s supervisor, Mrs. Pat Tekoboh, said the group was ready to mobilise voters for the election of the APC candidate at the polls. She, however, urged Sanwo-Olu to appoint women in key areas if elected.

Other groups that visited the campaign office included Network Men and Women Group, Sanwo-Olu Babes in Surulere, and Female Councilors’ Forum, among others.

Ayo Midele/HO

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Pix: Wife of the APC Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu with the Wife of the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, during their meeting with the different women Group, at the BOS Media Centre, Ikoyi Lagos……yesterday 21-01-2019

Improved security, upgraded infrastructure to boost Nigeria's tourism - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the present administration's efforts at improving security and upgrading infrastructure is a deliberate policy to promote tourism in Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

The Minister, who stated this when he received the Secretary-General of the D-8, Mr. Dato’ Ku Jafafar Ku Shaari, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that without the provision of security and critical infrastructure, tourism development will remain a mirage.

“Without peace and security, the best tourist attractions will be inaccessible to anybody. As a matter of fact, without peace and security and stability, travel advisories will actually discourage or even prohibit tourists from coming into those areas and the people don’t invest really in the areas where there is instability or insecurity. That is why the government has made it a cardinal principle to address the issue of insecurity in the country,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said in spite of the recent setbacks in the fight against insurgency in the country, the government has succeeded in banishing Boko Haram to the fringes of Lake Chad, from where they carry out cowardly attacks.

He said before the advent of the Buhari Administration, a large chunk of Nigeria’s territory, including 20 out of the 27 Local Government Areas in Borno State, was under the effective control of Boko Haram.

The Minister also said before the Administration assumed office, Boko Haram could stroll into the Federal Capital Territory to carry out deadly attacks, but that the reverse is the case now.

“Today after three years, we have had no single incident of any insurgency in Abuja or its environs,'' he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said President Buhari has succeeded in mobilizing regional support to ensure the comprehensive defeat of Boko Haram in the Sahel Region.

On the provision of infrastructure, he said the Administration has invested N2.7 trillion in infrastructure within two years.

“Your Excellency, you cannot have tourism without infrastructure. There must be roads, airports, power. Without these things, you can’t even access the tourist attractions and it’s on record that this government has in the last two years - 2016-2017 - invested massively in infrastructure,” he said.

The Minister assured that Nigeria is poised to take advantage of its membership of the D-8 to advance its tourism sector.

In his remarks, the Secretary-General of D-8 said he and his team were in the ministry to secure the input of the government towards the development of a strategic vision on how member countries can share experiences and knowledge on tourism.

“The purpose of our visit today to the ministry is to learn from the government and the ministry in all the activities in respect of culture and tourism and where we can connect as an organisation,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian government for its efforts towards the development of tourism, especially the provision of security and critical infrastructure as well as the introduction of Visa On Arrival for tourists. 

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Vodacom wants network operators to collaborate on improved QoS - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Commercial Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Solomon Ogufere has highlighted the need for businesses to begin to focus on new collaborative strategies to help deliver more efficient services for users, reports ITREALMS.

In his keynote presentation at the NigeriaCom 2018 Conference and Exhibition organised by Informa Telecoms Group, which took place at the Grand Ball Room of the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, he said, paramount issue of late is collaboration in order to achieve optimum quality of service for the end user.

The event broadly themed, “Leading Economic Resurgence through ICT Innovation", provided an excellent opportunity for various stakeholders within the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) space to deliberate on pertinent issues facing the sector today.

“With the increase in internet penetration around the world, the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) and new enabling technologies permeating every facet of business and life, there is an urgent need for swift development within the ICT industry and this can only be achieved through a paradigm shift.”

He said: “The shift must begin first from our approach towards collaboration, moving from opportunistic pseudo collaboration to symbiotic collaboration that leads to efficiency in service delivery, improved quality and a better all-round experience for the customer.”

As the rest of the world enters into the fourth industrial revolution, Africa as a Continent still lags behind in digitization efforts when compared to Europe, the United States and even Asia, showing that there is yet more ground to cover as it pertains to technological development and this cannot be achieved unilaterally.

Ogufere also noted: “The secret to solving the collaboration conundrum is to create a culture of collaboration which requires constant interaction. Industry leaders must move away from ownership mentality by creating avenues for collaboration at every point within the ecosystem and encouraging new entrants with specific expertise into the market.”

In conclusion, he said: “Collaboration is fundamental for sustained development across industries. As such, collaboration can be said to be the ultimate key ingredient for the development of the economy across all industries. Therefore, being the driving force of all development across the world, this collaboration must begin with technology.”

Nenye Dom/GEE

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Pix: L-R: Managing Director Telecom Advisory Services, Ambrose Nwadike; Chairman NCC, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye and Commercial Director Vodacom Business Nigeria, Solomon Ogufere at the Nigeriacom conference and exhibition in Lagos.

Experts advocate improved media coverage of digital rights - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Digital Rights experts have called on media practitioners across Africa to focus media attention on digital rights violations on the continent, reports ITREALMS.

They made this call while speaking at the induction ceremony for the 2018 Digital Rights and Inclusion Fellows in Lagos at the headquarters of Paradigm Initiative.

The Communications Officer, Paradigm Initiative, Sodiq Alabi, noted that undoubtedly, there has been an increase in media coverage of digital rights, both in the legacy media and in the new media.

“But there is still room for significant improvement in terms of quality of content and the depth of the reporting. It would be great if major media houses can assign journalists exclusively to digital rights and inclusion issues so that we could have an improvement both in quantity of reports and the quality,” he said.

In his address, the Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative, ‘Gbenga Sesan reiterated the need for media houses to focus more attention on the issues affecting digital rights, stressing that these include the absence of data privacy laws, persecution of bloggers and online journalists, mass surveillance, internet shutdown and the new taxes on over-the-top services like social media.

Paradigm Initiative is a social enterprise dedicated to deepening digital rights and inclusion in Africa. The group created the media fellowship to strengthen the capacity of African journalists interested in covering digital rights and inclusion.

ITREALMS recalls that the pioneer fellows are Victor Ekwealor, a Nigerian and the editor of TechPoint, and Emmanuel Agbenonwossi, the Togolese editor of AfroTribune.

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YWCA condemns killings in Plateau, tasks FG on improved security - ITREALMS Online

ITREALMS:

The Young Women’s Christian Association of Nigeria (YWCA) has expressed concerns and agony over the recent senseless attacks and bloodbath that occurred in Plateau State at the weekend, describing it as sad and terrifying, reports ITRealms.

National President, YWCA, Lady Chikwue Ochiagha in her reaction, said that the worrisome situation now is that no day passes without news report of some killings by gunmen and destruction of communities in the country.

“It is also worrisome that there appear not to be known evidences of provocation for the unleashing of these attacks and killings. We are quick to also state herein that even if there be provocation of any sort, the offended should use legal means of obtaining justice within the ambit of the law of the land,” she said.

The group also noted that recent attacks in Plateau State resulted in the death of about 200 persons. This is one attack, too many.

As an NGO with peace building as one of our thematic issues she said, they unequivocally condemn these attacks, killings and all forms of violence in whatever name “whether religion and /or commerce.”

She insisted that it is absolutely unacceptable to Nigerians.

“As it were, a lot of women and young girls who we work for their empowerment and all round development are directly and indirectly affected. Some have become widows, suffering food crises, rendered homeless with education of the girls disrupted.

They called on the Federal Government to review the country’s security architecture in order to effectively secure the lives and property of Nigerians.

”This call is urgent more than ever before. There is need to strengthen and overhaul the security machinery of the nation to function proactively. The most vulnerable spots of these attacks and the states are known to make our security be on alert at such spots and prevent the attacks before they are unleashed. It is becoming hard to believe that the Federal Government agrees with the constitutional provision that security and welfare of citizens is the primary purpose of government. The press assurances by government of being on top of the situation must translate into visible practical actions,” YCWA said.

Uj. N. Dominic/ED, Ops

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Pix: National President, YWCA, Lady Chikwue Ochiagha

Ikeja Electric promises Ikorodu customers improved supply

ITREALMS:

The Ikeja Electric Plc (IE) has promised residents and customers of Ikorodu area of Lagos State an improved customer experience and supply, reports ITRealms.

IE, ITRealms gathered, is one of the nation’s electricity distribution company has assured Ikorodu residents of a boost in electricity supply, with its plans to ensure maximum utilization of the newly commissioned 2 X 60MVA transmission substation in Odogunyan, Lagos.

As a result of this new facility, the DisCo will be able to wheel more power to its customers at Odogunyan, Agbede, Odonla, Ogijo, Igbosoro, Ita-Oluwo, Poboyejo, Agodo, Cantonment, Fakale, Ita-Elewa, Odo-Kekere, Agbede, Ogijo, and environs.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held yesterday, the acting Managing Director/CEO of Ikeja Electric, Dr. Anthony Youdeowei, who was represented by the Chief Technical Coordinator, Engr. Sunday Oyewole, reiterated that the completion of Odogunyan Transmission Station by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) further provides the impetus to meet the demands of industrial, commercial and residential customers in Ikorodu.

“Ikeja Electric has commenced plans for maximum utilization of the new transmission capacity available at Odogunyan Transmission Station immediately after the commissioning exercise. Six 33 KV feeders will be radiated from the new two 60 MVA transformers immediately’, he said.

He noted that the Odogunyan substation will relieve the workload on the existing Sabo Transmission Station at Ikorodu, thereby reducing the pressure on the network for stable and quality power to customers.

According to him, in line with its commitment to excellent service delivery, the company has also embarked on network expansion and rehabilitation in order to fully utilize the new capacity in a bid to effectively deliver power to customer for sustainable socio-economic development.

“We have embarked on rehabilitation and network expansion on the aging infrastructures for excellent service delivery to customers. The development has witnessed the replacement of Power Transformer at Mangoro and Adekunle Fajuyi Injection Substations. Rehabilitated and commissioned Maryland, Ogudu and Iju Injection Substations, while Power Transformers were also reconditioned at Oke-Afa, Itire, Alausa, Adaranijo and Ekoro Injection Substations” he said.

Youdeowei further revealed that rehabilitation works are currently ongoing at Ilupeju and Alaja Injection Substations where all the 11KV panels are currently being replaced with new ones to boost more and reliable power to the areas.

The Disco boss further called on customers in its network to ensure that they settle their bills promptly to enable the company meet its financial obligations to the sector and also carry out adequate maintenance of its infrastructure.

Dignitaries who attended the commissioning ceremony include the Hon. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN; HRM, Oba Kabiru Adewale Sotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu; MD/CEO, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed and the Honourable member of the House of Representative, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Jimi Benson, among others.

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Improved comforts await Nigerian passengers @Turkish Airlines

ITRealms:

Improved comforts await Nigerian passengers at the Turkish Airlines, reports ITRealms.

Also, Turkish Airlines disclosed that it has intensified efforts to further improve the travel experience of its passengers in Nigeria and across the world.

In addition to its ever-expanding route network, Kharhiv (Ukraine), Conakry (Guinea), Phuket (Thailand), Voronezh and Samara (Russia) being the latest additions of this year, the airline that flies to 296 destinations in 120 countries excels in products and services designed to take the passenger experience to an even higher level.

According to a Turkish Airlines statement, one of the main advantages Nigeria travelers, who choose to fly Turkish Airlines stand to enjoy, is the exclusive Arrival Lounge at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, a place of rest and relaxation for those who seek comfort and refreshment immediately after they land.

Offering travelers a warm Turkish welcome, the airline said that the Arrival Lounge is located on a 250-squaremeter area, the lounge can accommodate 38 people and is open from 5.00 am until 1.00 am.

“With all its practicality and convenience, the place is designed for comfort, allowing travelers access to all kinds of tools for managing their business, as well as abundant gastronomic options including world-famous Turkish cuisine.

“A library, latest editions of local and international magazines, newspapers and Wi-Fi access, are among other facilities. The visitors will also find relaxation areas, equipped with showers, dressing rooms and an ironing room with staff to attend their needs.

“This is a lounge with exclusive access for Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers arriving in Istanbul and Elite Plus members traveling in Economy Class,” the airline said.

Turkish Airlines Lounges now feature new wireless charging stations that let passengers charge their compatible mobile devices through power outlets located on the tables in the Lounge Istanbul while enjoying high-class services.

The airline statement also that said passengers will also be able to use these stations in Turkish Airlines’ Taksim Sales Office.

“Other services recently implemented by the airline to make overall journey easier for Nigerian travelers include the shuttle available between San Diego and Los Angeles (which passengers can book directly with the ticket number and their contact details.

The shuttle operates between San Diego and Los Angeles between set pick-up and drop-off points.

“For passengers departing out of Los Angeles: Passenger will be picked up at San Diego Zion Market parking lot (Address: 7655 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92111). Drop-off location is LAX Airport Tom Bradley Terminal Departure level.

“For passengers arriving in Los Angeles: Passenger will be picked up at LAX Airport Tom Bradley Terminal Arrival level under the Turkish Airlines sign. Drop-off location is San Diego Zion Market parking lot (Address: 7655 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92111),” the airline added.

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Buhari, Trump phone chat: Security, improved relationship top agenda

ITRealms:

NIGERIAN President, Muhammadu Buhari, Monday, afternoon from London spoke to President Donald Trump on telephone at the instance of the American President, with top on the agenda being security, and improved relationship, reports ITRealms.

The conversation, according to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, was cordial and President Buhari congratulated Trump on his election as President of the United States, and on his cabinet.

He also revealed that the two leaders discussed ways to improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism through provision of necessary equipment.

President Trump, he said encouraged President Buhari to keep up the good work he is doing, and also commended him for the efforts made in rescuing 24 of the Chibok Girls and the strides being taken by the Nigerian military.

Trump further assured the Nigerian President of US readiness to cut a new deal in helping Nigeria in terms of military weapons to combat terrorism.


President Trump also invited President Buhari to Washington at a mutually convenient date.

NCC tasks operators on improved services @Yuletide

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has charged telecoms operators in the country to strengthen the Quality of Service (QoS) on their various networks as festive activities build up this Yuletide season, reports ITRealms.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Dambatta, made the call at the weekend at the grand finale of the NCC-Sponsored Telecoms Cup Tennis Tournament in Lagos, stressing that the yuletide was not like any other period of the year in terms of service usage.

Dambatta, who was represented by a Deputy Director at the Commission Secretariat, Mr. Jerry Ugwu, charged operators to be prepared to fully cater for subscribers’ reliance on voice, data and short messaging service (SMS) in the period, adding that festive period would always witness increased traffic on telecoms networks.

“NCC’s message on a good Quality of Service (QoS) is always consistence to serve the interest of all- operators, subscribers and stakeholders, despite that the players are believed to know the dynamics of the market and understand the demand flow as well,” he said.

Pointing out that this is a period that traffic is higher, hence, operators, he said, “must be prepared to meet the demand because it brings business to them, and they too would not be happy should bad quality of service lead subscribers to deserting their (operators’) networks.”

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