Diesel Feud - How NCC, ONSA intervention averts national telecom blackout by Remmy Nweke - Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS

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A commercial war over alleged diesel theft and debt between IHS Towers and NOGASA threatened to silence over 16,000 base stations. REMMY NWEKE reports in this TelecomsClinic@ITREALMS how swift intervention by the NCC and ONSA averted a catastrophic national network blackout, exposing the fragility of Nigeria's digital backbone.

Anatomy of Near-Total Digital Collapse:
The severe Quality of Service (QoS) degradation and persistent network outages that recently plagued Abuja subscribers were not mere technical malfunctions; they were the consequence of a perilous, high-stakes commercial conflict over the most critical resource sustaining Nigeria’s digital economy: diesel fuel.

Surgery Appeal fund: Journalist Kolawale awaits intervention from Sanwo-Olu, banks, Dangote, NNPC, BUA, others - ITREALMS

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The fund raising exercise organised by some concerned citizens including media and corporate affairs practitioners to raise $35,000 (USD) about N57 million for Kolawole Kuforiji, a Nigerian journalist to undergo a Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in Turkey has reached the first milestone of over N1 million donation.

The total contribution so far coming from small donors with the smallest of N1,000 and the highest single donation of N200,000 is now N1,178,292.00, while the promoters are still waiting for the interventions of major foundations who have received letters requesting for assistance.

N40bn Intervention: AIMAN applauds Keyamo, says fund to aid AIS automation - ITREALMS

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The national body of information management systems professionals in the aviation industry, under the aegies of Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN) has applauded the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, for facilitating the approval of a N40 billion intervention fund for Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) operations, reports ITREALMS.

The president of AIMAN, Sir Williams Ngerem, gave this applause on behalf of the group while speaking at the 2024 World Aeronautical Information System (AIS) day celebration, at the Lagos Travel Inn, Ikeja, with the theme, “Efficient Data Management in an Automated Environment” saying that intervention fund for NAMA would go a long way in completion of AIS automation.

SAT solicits more government intervention in health facilities - ITREALMS

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The Lagos State Advocacy Team has solicited for more government intervention in the primary health care facility to ease people's welfare, reports ITREALMS.

The State Coordinator on Tuberculosis Network, Mrs Ifelunwa Aipoh made this call during the advocacy visits to Supervisory councillor of health in Alimosho LGA, Honourable Abolade AbdulRasheed.

Niger: Coup leaders, Nigeria's intervention team agree to pursue dialogue - ITREALMS

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The Nigeria's Intervention Team comprising prominent Islamic scholars in the country at the weekend met with the coup leaders in Niger where both parties agreed to intensify the option of dialogue in resolving the political crisis in that country.

The Islamic Ulammas led by Sheik Bala Lau met with General Abdourahmane Tchiani for several hours in Niger's capital Niamey during which they deliberated on all the issues including the demand by ECOWAS leaders that former President Bazoum be reinstated.

N120 Billion USSD Controversy: Time for High-Level Intervention by Elvis Eromosele

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One of my earliest memories of a money fight was one between an alajo (thrift collector) and a borrower. The debtor was screaming at the top of his voice, 'na money I borrow I no kill person.' Then he added a clincher, 'after all Nigeria self dey owe.' 

It took the intervention of the Baba Oloja at that time to resolve the issue. The Baba Oloja's intervention saved the day, prevented a fracas and led to the resolution.

HP Nigeria, TTSWG urge intervention in education - ITREALMS

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The Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), has called on business owners, particularly tech companies to intervene in the education sector, reports ITREALMS.

TTSWG, ITREALMS gathered, is a coalition of organisations working together to promote sustainability within the telecommunication and technology sector.

IPI intervention: NBC opens new window for 53 broadcast stations - ITREALMS

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Following the intervention of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has suspended the revocation of the operating licenses of 52 broadcast stations owing various sums in licensing fees.

The NBC has now given the affected stations up to 6PM on Tuesday, August 23, to pay up their debts.

South-East: Urgent intervention required, Ekeh tells FG

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The Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh has called on the Federal Government to partner credible businessmen and entrepreneurs from the South East to save the region from the looming effects of mass unemployment currently plaguing the zone, reports ITRealms.

Ekeh, who is serial digital entrepreneur made this call at a two-day convention organized by the Owerri People’s Assembly, an apex socio-cultural organization held in Owerri, the Imo State capital on April 2^nd and 3^rd 2018.

In attendance were a host of dignitaries from the state including renowned politician and businessman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere; First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu; former Min. of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji and Senator Chris Anyanwu, among several others.

Ekeh, who was the Chairman on the occasion, disclosed that the unemployment situation in the region is a ticking time bomb, describing it as a social problem of immense ramifications which may see all-inclusive peace elude the nation, if not urgently addressed.

“The problem of massive unemployment facing the South East region is one that requires concerted efforts from the Federal Government and other stakeholders. A situation in which thousands of qualified graduates, most of them with upper class degrees, are still looking for their first jobs 10 or 12 years after leaving school, is highly worrisome. It is a suicidal situation; one that will potentially explode in disastrous consequences, if not immediately addressed.

“If you rely on statistics, there are over a million of such unemployed graduates in the South East. Having such a huge number of active yet unengaged youths concentrated in the region is a serious cause for concern and the Federal Government has a role to play in nipping this situation in the bud.”

While disclosing that a lot is being done by private individuals and entrepreneurs from the region to ameliorate the situation, Ekeh noted that this was grossly insufficient and urged the Federal Government to partner with such well-meaning Nigerians to achieve more.

“What is required is a joint effort to save our youths. In reality, the State Governments cannot do it alone. Also, a number of entrepreneurs, businessmen and other well-meaning Nigerians from the region are equally doing their best but it is hardly enough. Personally, I have been quietly supporting the Imo State Government for many years in creating employment opportunities for youths in various communities in the state. These investments often exceed the sum of N1bn annually but it is like a drop of water in an ocean.

“The Federal Government must come to the aid of these youths by partnering with other well-meaning individuals from the state in creating platforms that will generate employment opportunities for the unemployed and equip them with the right mindset and confidence to take their place in today’s knowledge economy,” he advised.

While commending the members of the Owerri People’s Assembly (OPA) for their commitment in improving the lot of the people, Ekeh called for a united front in achieving the political ambitions of the zone.

“I am not a politician and not remotely interested in contesting any elective position. However, I identify with the wishes and aspirations of people of Owerri zone to have one of their own emerge the next Governor. For this to be possible, however, the zone must forge a common front and put forward their best candidates for each elective position. I recently engaged the Governor, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha on this matter and he has also declared his willingness to help actualize this dream, provided the zone provides a credible candidate. Only a fool will agree to hand over to an incompetent successor or someone who will come and destroy the legacies he has put in years of hard work to build,” he said.

Counselling the youths on the need to embrace humility as one of the core virtues to success, the Zinox Chairman, whose tech conglomerate recently concluded the acquisition of e-commerce giant Konga, reiterated his determination to create more capacity-building avenues to support the youths through the creation of a finishing school and digital skills acquisition centre in the zone, pledging to use the facilities as a proof of concept for the 27 local governments in the state.

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NMEC canvasses NCC intervention to promote mass literacy

ITRealms:

The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non formal Education (NMEC) has canvassed the intervention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to spread mass literacy and non-formal adult education in the country, reports ITRealms.

Executive Secretary of the NMEC, Prof Abba Abubakar Haladu dropped this hint during a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta recently. They were received by Engr. Ubale Maska, Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) at NCC on behalf of the EVC.

For Prof Haladu, “literacy education is the bedrock of development because it assists in the improvement of the lives of the people through the provision of relevant skills, competences and knowledge which enable beneficiaries to take appropriate decision about their lives and families”.

He said that if quality education is provided to the citizenry, the impact will be obvious and society would benefit, it will fuel modernity, knowledge based economy and development.

He listed dangers of illiteracy to include but not limited to ill-health, population explosion, rural-urban drift, gang influence, ignorance, poverty and the culture of silence over sensitive matters among others.

He acknowledged however, that progress has been made in literacy education in the country but there is more to be done.

Prof. Haladu gave figures of mass literacy with a disturbing accuracy. “there are estimated over 60million adult and youth illiterates and 11.5million out of school children and this is a major challenge to the country”.

In this connection, Prof. Haladu enlisted the collaboration of NCC to correct the imbalance. Some of the areas the NCC could assist include:

·         Strengthening of NMEC Headquarters (HQ) with the necessary ICT facilities such as unlimited internet access, Desktop Computers, Inverter, Solar panels and batteries for uninterrupted power supply for the ICT facilities.

·         Equip 13 community learning centres constructed by NMEC with Solar panels, inverter, unlimited internet access, Desktop Computers, including tables and chairs.  The community learning centres are located in the following states: Edo, Rivers, Plateau, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Taraba, Imo, Anambra, Oyo, Ekiti, Kwara and FCT.

·         Equip Kano Training and Documentation Centre and the Minna Resource Centre with Desktop Computers, unlimited internet access, Solar Panels, inverters, batteries and tables/chairs.  This gesture will facilitate the effective take off of the ICT units in the centres.

·         Provision of internet and ICT facilities for the smooth take off of NFE Education Management Information units in the 36 states and FCT Agencies for Adult and Non-Formal Education.

·         Capacity building of relevant staff on ICTs at the NMEC headquarters, zonal offices, states agencies and at the community learning centres established by the Commission.

·         Support the airing of jingles and Literacy campaigns through Radio Programme in select radio and television stations as means of sensitization, mobilization and advocacy in favour of mass literacy and non-formal education.

·         Any other area of support not listed above that would assist NMEC in the task of eradicating illiteracy and the enhancement of lifelong learning amongst Nigerians.

In his response, Mr. Maska who stood in for Prof. Danbatta said “it is heart-warming to note that your organisation and NCC share a common education growth objective”.

The NCC, he explained, is involved in promoting a knowledge-based economy through its intervention in both Secondary and Tertiary Institutions across the country.

Maska listed NCC’s intervention to include the Advanced Digital Awareness for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI) and Digital Awareness Program (DAP) among others.

He said himself and the EVC come from the academic background and so will be prone to the suggestions of the NMEC boss, “even though it is a big basket of demands, we will pass the information to the EVC and get back to you”, Maska added.

NCC’s Directors present at the reception for the NMEC delegation included: Mr. Tony Ojobo (Public Affairs), Mrs. Iyabo Sholanke (Research & Development), Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu (Universal Service Provision Fund) and Mr. Kehinde Oladipo (Administration).

ministration and General Services, Dr. Musa Gusau, Director of Literacy & Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria King, Director Monitoring and Evaluation, and Dr. Matthew Onu (Director of Planning, Research and Statistics) among others.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

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