The Analog foundation: One network, three regulators by Remmy Nweke - Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS

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The proposed Digital Economy Bill is under heavy fire from industry experts who warn it risks regulatory collapse. In his Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS, REMMY NWEKE posited that the draft law's failure to merge Nigeria's three regulators (NCC, NBC, NITDA) guarantees destructive inter-agency "turf wars" instead of economic growth. Nweke argues this approach is akin to building a "$1 Trillion House on an analog foundation."

Preamble:
The Nigerian government has an undeniably ambitious goal: to construct a $1 trillion digital economy, positioning it as the indispensable pillar of the nation’s future prosperity and diversification. This ambition is indeed laudable and necessary in the global digital age.

However, recent legislative maneuvers, particularly the highly controversial National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025 and its direct predecessor, the NITDA amendment bill, 2022; threaten not only to undermine this grand vision but to actively sabotage the entire enterprise before it can even gain momentum. The impending chaos is not a matter of poor execution, but of poor foundational design.

Three Scores and Many Trophies: Mele Kolo Kyari @60 by Nnanke Harry Willie - ITREALMS

As the golden rays of his 60th birthday dawned, Mele Kolo Kyari is standing tall on a constellation of stellar achievements. He hit the Biblical three scores on a bull’s eye with news of long dead, abiku refineries becoming ‘born again’.

Kyari’s story is a testament to the power of humble beginnings, relentless ambition, and a vision larger than life. Dubbed the “architect of modern Nigerian oil and gas,” Kyari has etched his name into history with achievements that not many in his shoes have been able to rival, transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas industry with an unrivaled blend of savvy, grit, and visionary leadership.

 

The Roots of Resilience

Born into modest circumstances in the dusty streets of Maiduguri, Borno State, Kyari’s story mirrors and encapsulates the true Nigerian spirit: an upbringing defined by resilience, a thirst for education, and an unyielding determination to chart a better course. A graduate of Geology from the University of Maiduguri, Kyari quickly proved himself as a rising star in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, bringing a sturdy confidence and an unassuming brilliance to the table.

 

Climbing the Petroleum Pyramid

Kyari’s ascent in the petroleum industry was meteoric. Joining the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1991, he demonstrated an uncanny ability to navigate complex systems while fostering innovation and derring-do. His tenure as Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, saw him spearhead Nigeria’s transparency initiatives in the global oil market, earning respect on both local and international fronts.

By 2019, his relentless dedication earned him the mantle of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the rebranded NNPC Limited - a historic transformation he personally championed. It was a role that demanded not just technical acumen but also political dexterity, strategic foresight, and the ability to unite disparate interests under a common vision.

Staying Power in the Eye of the Storm

Few leaders have weathered the storms that Mele Kyari has faced. From navigating volatile global oil markets and surviving two presidencies to shepherding NNPC through an era of unprecedented reforms, Kyari has shown a resilience that defies conventional leadership paradigms. His staying power is rooted in a deep understanding of the sector, a commitment to accountability, and an unwavering focus on national interest. Clearly, here is a man whose Chi whispered ‘yea’ but he decided to bellow the ‘yea’ many decibels higher.

Breathing Life into Nigeria’s Refineries

Undoubtedly, Kyari’s crowning achievement has been the revival of Nigeria’s decade’s long moribund refineries. Under his leadership, long-stalled production activities at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries have roared back to life… with the Kaduna Refinery beckoning. This audacious manouvre has put a lie on the long-held belief that the refineries would never come back to life. This move would surely engender energy security and ensure that Nigeria’s refining capacity could finally begin to meet domestic demand with much more for exports sooner rather than later.

 

Championing competition through Private Refining

Recognizing that public refineries alone cannot meet the nation’s needs, Kyari forged groundbreaking collaborations with private refineries. The crown jewel of this effort was the integration of the Dangote Refinery - a strategic partnership (This started with a direct investment in Dangote Refinery) that not only expanded Nigeria’s refining capabilities but also introduced healthy competition into a previously monopolized industry. 

Kyari’s forward-thinking approach has set the stage for a more dynamic and self-reliant energy sector.

A Legacy of Success

Recognising the shark-infested terrain of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Kyari’s leadership has phenomenal and is a study in transformational savvy. While some may wish to attribute some of NNPC’s challenges and failures to him, the discerning would rather give him his flowers for his ability to achieve results despite the tortuous and oppressive terrain.

 

From overseeing the commercialization of NNPC to fostering partnerships that would ultimately bring renewed investor confidence, he has consistently delivered results. His commitment to opening up NNPC Limited for more transparency, epitomized by Nigeria’s compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), has set a new benchmark for governance in the oil and gas sector.

The Road Ahead

As he celebrates his 60th birthday, Kyari must remain focused on the future. With plans to expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure and deepen the shift towards a cleaner energy mix, his vision aligns seamlessly with global energy transition goals. His leadership in the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) reflects his commitment to reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint while providing affordable energy alternatives for the populace.

 

Epilogue: The Man, the Vision, the Legacy

Mele Kyari’s journey is far from over. At 60, Kyari stands not just as a titan of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry but as a symbol of what is possible when ambition meets opportunity. His story is a clarion call to dreamers, a beacon of hope to reformers, and an enduring legacy for a nation poised on the brink of transformation. Indeed, Kyari has achieved three scores and many trophies…and the best, it seems, is yet to come.

Happy Birthday,  Mele Kolo Kyari!

Nnanke Harry Willie is a Brand Consultant, Publisher of BRANDECONOMY and a member of Guild of Corporate online Publishers (GOCOP)

Ochefu, Bala-Usman, Chukwu line up for GOCOP 2023 confab - ITREALMS

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Three panelists have been selected to speak at the 2023 annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) holding on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Abuja Continental Hotel (Old Sheraton Hotel) Abuja, reports ITREALMS.

These panelists, according to the chairman of the GOCOP 7th Conference Planning Committee and deputy president, Mr Danlami Nmodu, mni, include the Secretary-General, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu; Special Adviser to the President (Policy Coordination) Hajia Hadiza Bala-Usman, and Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Assets Management Ltd, Mr. Johnson Chukwu.

Nigeria Prize for Literature: Akubuiro, Gomba, Ojomu make 2023 shortlist of Three - ITREALMS

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The Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature has announced the finalists for the 2023 edition of the Prize, reports ITREALMS.

This year, the shortlisted plays in alphabetical order of their titles are "Grit by Obari Gomba; The Ojuelegba Crossroads by Abideen Abolaji Ojomu; and Yamtarawala - The Warrior King by Henry Akubuiro.

Three imprisoned Iranian women journalists awarded 2023 UNESCO-Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize - ITREALMS

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The trio of Niloofar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi and Narges Mohammadi have been named the laureates of the 2023 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, reports ITREALMS.

This followed the recommendation of an International Jury of Media Professionals (IJMP).

Vodacom Business Nigeria scoops three accolades @Beacon of ICT Awards'18

ITREALMS:

The 2018 Beacon of ICT (BoICT) Awards, ended weekend with Vodacom Business Nigeria scooping three accolades at the event, reports ITRealms.

These awards, ITRealms gathered, included Vodacom coming top as the Enterprise Solutions Provider of the Year, an award conferred on the company consistently since 2013; Internet of Things (IoT) Focused Company, owing to its pioneering and visionary endeavors in this area in the past two years, whereas the third award was for Enterprise Broadband Services Provider of the year.

ITRealms also reports that BoICT awards is a merit based celebration organised by Nigeria’s leading technology publication, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, which aims to recognise outstanding contributions to the growth and development of ICT in Nigeria. 

This year, ITRealms reports that estimated two million readers of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek voted in different categories and Vodacom emerging as the clear winners in the three categories; Enterprise Solutions Provider of the Year, Internet of Things Focused Company and Enterprise Broadband Services Provider of the Year, a new category introduced this year.

Speaking at the Beacon of ICT Award Ceremony, which took place in Lagos at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island recently, Managing Director for Vodacom Business Nigeria, Lanre Kolade said winning these three awards elicits two very distinct emotions, namely pride and humility. 

"Pride in the achievements of our dynamic and tenacious team over the years, and humility because we would be nowhere without our customers who continue to trust us to meet their total communications needs and keep them connected 24/7,” Kolade said.

In addition, he said, these awards were an affirmation of Vodacom's diligence and commitment to delivering the highest quality enterprise-grade total communications solutions in the industry. 

"We assure our customers that we will not relent in our pursuit of innovative technological solutions that accelerate business growth and profitability, with unwavering determination to turn their challenges into solutions,” Kolade maintained.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Pix: L-R: Oluseyi Olanrewaju, Finance Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria; Solomon Ogufere, Commercial Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria; Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman, Open Media; Kolawole Fayemi, Executive Head - Legal, Regulatory & Compliance, Vodacom Business Nigeria

EFCC docks three varsity students for Internet fraud

ITREALMS:

The Economic and Financial CrimesCommission (EFCC), has docked three university students for Internet fraud in Onitsha, Anambra State, reports ITRealms.

The arraignment, which ITRealms gathered took place on January 16, 2018 involved the trio of Precious Onyemaeme , Peter Avwaruroro and Nzekwe Chibuzo Colins before Justice Ike Agu of the State High Court, Onitsha on a cumulative 13- count charge of conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N841,000 (Eight Hundred and Forty One Naira).

ITRealms also gathered that the offence contravenes Section 342 of Criminal Code Law of Anambra State and punishable under Section 343 (i) of the same law.

The defendants, (one of whom was a staff of Moonwalker Connect Ltd, a franchise outlet of MTN, were final year students of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State) connived with others at large on April 18, 2017 in Onitsha by using some software originating from some Google sites to send phishing mails with the aim of scamming unsuspecting victims who innocently fill forms purportedly from their banks which they use in activating a transfer code on the scammer’s phone.

According to the petitioner whose names were withheld, reported to MTN about his phone which was tossed and they assured him it was to be rectified. He further alleged that it was later restored only for him to be called consistently by a private number who told him to put off his phone that he was being trailed and that it was during the course of this persistent call that he started receiving debit alert on his phone.

In addition, investigation revealed that Peter Avwaruroro, had used his knowledge of telecommunications to effect a “Welcomed Back Package” of the petitioner (victim) who was at Onitsha even while he was at Ugheli and used same to obtain the necessary information required to carry out the crime, just as the trio pleaded not guilty to the charge.

O.J Anagoba, I. Igbinigie and Azubuike Anazor representing first, second and third defendants respectively prayed the court to admit their clients to bail, which was not opposed by I. I Mbachie, the prosecuting counsel, who rather, urged the court to verify whomsoever would stand surety for the defendants.

The judge, thereafter, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N1million (One Million Naira) each with one surety in like sum who must also be a relative to the defendants and a resident within the jurisdiction of the court.

He further ordered the defendants to submit three years tax clearance of their tax certificate and both the defendants and their sureties must deposit two recent passports to the court.

The judge directed prosecution team to verify the home address of the defendants and surties before they are allowed to leave the custody of the Commission.

The case has been adjourned to April 26 for hearing.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Communication Minister's aide, three others escape death in Abuja

ITRealms:

The Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Communications, Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare and three others, on Monday, narrowly escaped death in a motor accident at Yangoji, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, reports ITRealms.

Confirming this to ITRealms, Mr. Oluwadamilare said the accident occurred around Yangoji along Lokoja-Abuja highway, a village in suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that it is true he was involved with injuries but is recovering.

“The crash involved a trailer loaded with cement which was headed towards Abuja and a Toyota Hilux van which conveyed the minister's aide and three others who were returning to Abuja from Lagos on an official assignment,” he said.

"It is true but I thank God I am recuperating from the injuries I sustained. The driver was operated upon because he sustained multiple injuries. He had an internal injury but thank God it was successful. He is now recuperating at the National Hospital, Abuja, while others have been discharged from the hospital. Thank you so much for your concern," he appreciated.

The Toyota Hilux, an eye-witness noted was on motion when the trailer took-off from its park without any light indication showing that a vehicle was going in the front. 

He said that the Minster’s aide and other occupants sustained severe injuries, adding that no live was however lost in the terrible accident.

The eyewitness maintained that he was among the people who rescued the victims before the arrival of the men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who evacuated them from the scene of the incident to Kwali General Hospital. 

"I was at the bus stop around 7:30 pm when I heard a loud unusual bang. There was a trailer loaded with cement which took off from that area and headed towards Abuja without light to indicate a vehicle was going. 

"The Toyota Hilux was on motion when the driver realised that a vehicle had took-off from that spot and before he notice the trailer, it was closer to the trailer and that was what led to the accident," the source told ITRealms.

Doris Minimah/GEE

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Pic: Mr. Oluwadamilare

ICANN releases October new gTLD auction result

ITRealms:

The Global Domains Division of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN's) has released the result of the auction conducted by its accredited Power Auctions LLC to resolve string contention sets for three new generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) strings namely Salon, Spot and Realty, ITRealms reports.

President of ICANN's Global Domains Division, Mr. Akram Atallah affirmed this to ITRealms in official statement, noting that string contention occurs when ICANN receives more than one application for the same or a confusingly similar gTLD.

According to Atallah, the applicants for these strings were unable to resolve the contention sets among themselves, and thus proceeded to an auction, which is the method of last resort to resolve string contention sets as prescribed in Module 4 of the Applicant Guidebook.

ITRealms gathered that this model is subject to payment of the winning price and meeting all other criteria for eligibility, the winner will begin the contracting process to sign a Registry Agreement to operate the respective gTLD.

"We continue to see contentions being resolved at a steady pace. Since last month, we have seen 20 contention sets resolved, 3 via ICANN auctions, 1 via Community Priority Evaluation and 16 through self-resolution between applicants," he said.

Four applicants for ‘Salon’ participated in the Auction. Outer Orchard, LLC prevailed in the Auction with the winning price of $5,100,575.

Three applicants for ‘Spot’ participated in the Auction. Amazon EU S.à r.l. prevailed in the Auction with the winning price of $2,200,000.

Two applicants for ‘Realty’ participated in the Auction. Fegistry, LLC prevailed in the Auction with the winning price of $5,588,888.

All proceeds from the Auction are being segregated from use until the board determines a plan for the appropriate use of the funds through consultation with the community.

ITRealms gathered that a detailed summary of the Auction proceeds and costs through the September 2014 Auction is available here.

+Remmy Nweke +Remmy Nweke (ITRealms) +ICANNnews +Joseph de Jesus  +gTLDsystems LLC  Akram Atallah (@AkramAtallah)
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Pix: President of ICANN's Global Domains Division, Mr. Akram Atallah