Mahama, Muhtar, others arrive Lagos for Realnews Lecture - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Former Ghanaian President John Mahama and Dr Mansur Muhtar, Vice President, Country Operations, Islamic Development Bank and former Nigerian finance Minister among others have arrived in Lagos from Accra Ghana and Jedda, Saudi Arabia, for the 7th Anniversary Lecture of Realnews Magazine slated for Tuesday, November 19, at Sheraton Hotels, Lagos. Mahama arrived Lagos on Monday and will deliver the lecture.

“Beyond Politics: An Economic Narrative for West Africa” is the main topic of the Lecture with “The End of Oil: Wither the Nigeria Economy” as the sub-theme.

Maureen Chigbo, publisher of Realnews online Magazine, said: “Our choice of the 2019 topic and sub-theme was informed by the need to escalate and broaden the conversation on the economic challenges facing the region with Nigeria as its economic powerhouse, and Africa in general, with a view to teasing out lasting solutions and against the background of the recently endorsed Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).

Mahama’s impressive antecedent and vast experience in governance and leadership in policy formation and implementation across disciplines, including agriculture, communications, environment and politics, puts him in a good stead to do justice to the topic, especially at this critical juncture of West Africa’s struggles on the path to regional development and integration.

With Muhtar, Vice President, Country Operations, Islamic Development Bank and former Nigerian finance Minister as Chairman, this year’s annual lecture will bring together policy and decision makers from the private and public sectors, academia and civil society, including the media. Muhtar will also speak on "The End of Oil: Wither the Nigeria Economy".

Like in previous occasions, it will also feature a stimulating Panel Discussion by experts with guaranteed audience participation. The panelists are Mr. Alex Ayoola Okoh, director general, Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, and Mrs. Margaret Olele, chief executive officer of American Business Council.

Born in Damongo in the Damango-Daboya Constituency of Northern region of Ghana, into a political leadership tradition, Mahama is the first President of Ghana to be born after the country’s independence.

A former Minister of State and Member of Parliament, he studied history and communications in Ghana with a major in social psychology in his postgraduate education in Moscow, the former Soviet Union.

Realnews past anniversary lecturers include Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria INEC, (2018); Dr (Mrs) Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and Vice President, World Bank (2017), Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head, United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (2016); Professor Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, (2015), and Professor Maurice Iwu, former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, (2014).

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UI Founder’s Day 2019: Oyo Govt to collaborate varsity - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has maintained that the State Government would continue to collaborate with the University of Ibadan for the development of the state.

The Governor, stated this while speaking at the 71st Founder’s Day and Convocation ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan on Monday.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor also declared the readiness of his government to readily employ data and research produced by the University to develop the State.

He added that State will continue to partner with other stakeholders in advancing University of Ibadan further, noting that the cooperation between the Government and the University was already obvious, as many of the University’s staff were collaborating with the State officially and in private capacities to restore Oyo State’s glory.

The Governor maintained that the Government and People of the State had always been proud to be associated with the University, noting that its existence in Ibadan remained a great testament to the pace-setter status of the State.

“It is indeed a pleasure for me to give a goodwill message at this year’s Foundation Day ceremony of the premier University in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan.

“As the Governor of Oyo State and head of the State Government, I commit the State to partnering with you in advancing University of Ibadan further. The cooperation between our Government and the University is already obvious, as many of your staff are collaborating with us both officially and in private capacities to restore Oyo State to the past glory as the founding fathers had hoped.

“At a stage, this University shot the city of Ibadan to the pinnacle of being the Intellectual capital of the African continent. As the landlord of the University, The Government of Oyo State and its people are indeed proud and happy to be associated with UI,” he said.

Governor Makinde maintained that his administration’s resolve to continue to collaborate with the University stemmed from its belief that an educated population is an asset, noting that in line with that belief, it had begun a process of revolutionizing education through sound and well-thought-out policies.

He also pointed out that the free and qualitative education policy of the Government, which is aimed at building a sound foundation for the future products of the University of Ibadan and other higher institutions, was on course, noting that a university system could only work with the materials they were presented with in terms of students.

He said: “As part of the policy of ensuring a foundational quality for education, our Government has distributed textbooks and exercise books to students. We have also produced a compendium of past questions and answers to assist our Senior Secondary School students.”

The Governor added that the goal of his Government is to see to it that the education budget of the State reached the 15 to 20 per cent recommended target set by UNESCO, noting that the goal had been well-received by the people of the State, who expressed approval and acceptance for the Government’s educational policies during the stakeholders’ meetings on inclusive budget initiative held across the three senatorial districts in preparation for the 2020 budget of the state.

Governor Makinde congratulated those receiving their Ph.D. awards as well as eminent Nigerians being honoured with honorary doctorates, including legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola; General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, among others.

He said: “I wish to congratulate all those ladies and gentlemen who have just bagged their doctorate degrees. It is a no mean achievement. This is the reward for your hard work, perseverance and diligence. I do not need to remind you the efforts you had all put in to get the degrees. I, however, take the liberty to admonish you to justify being found worthy in character and learning to earn the degrees in all ramifications and at all times. One good way to do this is by staying back in Nigeria so together we can build a great country. In Oyo State for instance, I assure you that the foundation we are laying will lead to the emergence of a virile economy, which will demand inputs from your various skills.

“I also wish to congratulate all the eminent Nigerians that have received honourary doctorate degrees and Fellowship of the University of Ibadan today. There is no doubt that you have all merited this great honour. May you continue to use your God-given endowments for advancement of mankind.

“To the University of Ibadan community and stakeholders, I join you in appreciating the founding fathers of this University. The little you can do is to sustain the legacy of excellence which the University of Ibadan label is known for.”

Earlier, the pro-chancellor of the University and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, stated that it was important for the University to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Founder’s Day with joy as much as reflections.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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LIMAA 2019: Oyakhilome doles out $250,000, Nigerian artiste, Sinach tops prize winners - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The President of the Loveworld Incorporated, aka Christ Embassy, Rev. Dr Chris Oyakhilome, has doled out $250,000.00 about N90,375,000.00 on the 2019 Loveworld International Music and Arts Awards (LIMAA), reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as a Nigerian artiste, Sinach went home with $100,000.00 about N36,150,000.00 as the 2019 best song of the year with her track “Overflow.”

RitaSoul cart home the 2019 song writer of the year with a prize of $25,000.00 and Testimony Jaga became the 2019 artiste of the year accompanied with $25,000.

The United Kingdom (UK)-based band went home with two prizes namely the 2019 Song writer of the year in the ‘All stars category’ and 2019 worship song of the year worth $50,000 respectively.

ITREALMS also reports that there were over 10 other awards including the ‘Theme song for the year’ won by Pastor Saki; Music producer of the year won by Frank Fytt; Music video of the year by Samsong with his ‘e dey work’ and Music collaboration of the year, jointly won by CSO & Jeannine.

Others were the ‘Music band of the year’ won by The UK band; Best new act by Password with his ‘Amaghimo’ while Eben emerged the ‘Best male vocalist of the year’, Pastor Ruthney became the Best female vocalist of the year.

Even as the ‘Hitsong of the year’ went to Testimony Jaga with his Gone for life; the all stars’ category ‘Hitsong of the year’ went to Joe Praize with Joy over flows, Song Writer Of The Year (protostars) – Rita Soul, Beat Rendition By An Artist — Onos (Overflow)

Addressing participants earlier at the fourth edition of LIMAA, Pastor Chris as he is popularly called, commended the efforts of gospel musicians in extending the coast for the word of God through their works, promising that though this year’s theme was “Hotter than fire’ that 2020 will definitely be something splendid.

LIMA, he noted, was created to recognise and reward music ministers produced by the church.
The Director Loveworld Music and Arts Ministry, (LMAM), Evangelist Kathy Woghiren, welcomed participants to the full concert meant to recognise and appreciate various arts and music ministers and reward those that have done distinguished themselves in the use of their artistic mastery to propagate the gospel.

Some of the artistes who performed live during the 2019 musical awards comprised UK Rap Nation, SamSong, Tru South and Password, Sparkles, Rita Soul, Chookar, Soul Tune, Dappsy, Hayavaya from Zimbabwe, Razey, PeeJay, Xano, Sinach, Jahdiel, Ur Flames and Testimony Jaga, Loveworld choir, Twin Nation, Pop Nation, The Chosen, The American choir, to name a few.

Remmy Nweke/Editor

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Photos: 

1. Sinach receiving her prize from Pastor Chris

2. CSO and Jeanine

3. JoePraize and wife 

ALTON’s eight-point demands to Pantami - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has made an eight-point demand from the Miniser of Communications & Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, if he really wants to reposition the sector for digital economy, reports ITREALMS.

Delivering his speech during a recent working visit to the Minister, chairman of ALTON, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, said the demands have become imperative if the country and the ministry precisely must deliver on its mandates.

First on ALTON demands, ITREALMS exclusively gathered was that the Minister should develop a Digital Economy Strategy in consultation with the National Economic Council and pledged ALTON’s willingliness to partner with the Minister in this regard.

The number two item proposed by ALTON was the efficacy of critical national information infrastructure, urging the Minister to facilitate the issuance of an Executive Order (EO) to designate telecom network infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure in the national interest.

On the frameworks recently developed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), ALTON demanded that Pantami directs NITDA to withdraw the framework in the overall interest of the industry and consequently direct the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to develop a framework for Public Internet Access which would promote the use of data services in public places.

An instance, ALTON revealed during the visit was the Registration of Data Centre Facilities by NITDA, requesting Minister to direct NITDA to exempt licensed telecommunications operators from the registration requirement for Data Centres.

Also on the ALTON eight-point demands was the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019, which the group beckoned on the Minister to direct NITDA to collaborate with NCC to issue additional guidelines on securing consent for the telecommunications industry.

They pointed out that given the volume of subscribers in the telecommunications industry and the highlighted challenge with procuring consent, “we request for a compliance transition period of 1 year before full enforcement.”

In addition, the group called Pantami’s attention to the refusal of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to grant build permit foriInfrastructure roll-out in FCT, requesting the Minister to have discussion with the management of FCDA on how to expand the infrastructure build in the FCT for better quality of service.

On the Amended Taxes & Levies Order of 2015, ALTON demanded respectfully from Minister Pantami to engage his counterpart in Finance towards a review of the Amended Taxes and Levies Order 2015, which is not business friendly and negates the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda.

While comparing Over-The-Top (OTT) and Mobile Network Operations, ALTON said that the introduction of data price floor to ensure that telcos price data profitably irrespective of activities carried out by data subscribers.

He advised that OTT players to enter into agreement with telcos for revenue-sharing formula or payment of a kind of interconnect fee to telcos.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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New Horizons offers scholarships @eBusiness Life Career Fair’19 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The outcome of the maiden edition of ICT Career Fair by eBusiness Life Communication Limited in Lagos, has seen the award of three scholarships to students by the premier IT training institute, New Horizons Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

Founder and CEO of New Horizons, Mr. Tim Akano disclosed this in his speech at the event, noting that the best gift the adults can give youths of nowadays is an opportunity to get empowered in technology, as that is the global future.

Akano, who encouraged participants to be inquisitive and develop the knack to search out answers using technology tools, also charged them to seek to create and add value to humanity.

According to him, the teenage age is the most creative age because it is the age where concentration is not divided, but have adequate time to create and think out solutions. “You are living in a technology kingdom. The technology of the future will merge everything in a world of the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence.”

The New Horizons boss, who during the presentation, asked the students varied questions, used the opportunity to award scholarships to students. The beneficiaries of the scholarship are Femi Odunubi, an SS3 Student from Kuramo College, a public school in Lagos; Opeoluwa Ogunfeitimi, SS2 Student from Peaklane International College; and Timehin Atsagbede, SS1 student from The Lagoon School.

The students are allowed to choose a course of training at any of the New Horizons study centes.

Mr. Akano also offered all the participating school that are interested in entering into a partnership with New Horizons, a special arrangement that will ensure that their students are trained to give them an edge above their peers to prepare them for a future that is technology-driven. While pointing out that the new world is a world of a shared economy, he to the students to prepare to compete with other countries like China and Japan that have advanced in technological feats.

According to him: “You are going to live in a multi-cultural world where the only thing that matters is what you can create with your mind.”

Also speaking at the event, the convener and CEO of eBusiness Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro encouraged the students to consider a career in ICT due to the global nature of the profession, creating opportunities in every facet of the economy and in every part of the world.

Pointing out further needs for the young students to expand their knowledge and skill in ICT, Mrs, Emuophedaro explained: “Even beyond careers, it is increasingly critical to encourage young people today to take STEM programmes and develop the kind of business, entrepreneurial and complex problem-solving skills that are required in today’s world. By becoming fluent in Information and Communication Technology, young people will learn to use the essential tools of the 21st century for whatever career they choose as science and technology are pervasive across occupations and critical to Nigeria’s growth, innovation and the knowledge-based economy.”

The Career Fair is one of eBusiness Life’s avenues of sensitizing and educating Nigerian youths on the need for self-development, which will lead to a greater need to contribute their quota in developing the country and impacting the world using ICT as a bargaining chip for global competitiveness. This year’s event was themed, “ICT Career: Laying The Blocks For The Future”.

e-Business Life Communication Limited is the publisher of e-Business Life Magazine, a monthly Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Magazine.

The company also run an online news portal for faster and wider-reaching dissemination of information and product/services advisory medium. It further organizes annual youth-centred events such as the International Girls in ICT Day and the International Girls Day events. In addition, the media organization is poised to encourage and help the Nigerian youths, especially the girl child, to have a better understanding and get interested in modern technologies, so that they could easily deploy these technologies to develop their communities and subsequently the society at large.

New Horizons Computer Learning Centre has grown to become the largest independent IT training company worldwide Since 1982, offering more courses, at more times and in more locations than any other computer and business training organization. Businesses and individuals can choose from hundreds of course offerings, delivered by experts, and offered in hundreds of convenient locations around the world. New Horizons Nigeria is an affiliate of New Horizons USA.

Uj. N. Dominic/Editor

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Agbalanze Onitsha Cultural Association: Origin & Developments - ITREALMS

BookReview@ITREALMS: 

Agbalanze! Ogbuevi Ogbuevi nu o!

Onye na nk’ie, Onye na nk’ie o!

Nke onye chi, nya ze kw’oo!


[PROTOCOLS]

Title: Agbalanze Onitsha Cultural Association: Origin and

Developments

Published: 2019

Publishers: Agbalanze Onitsha Cultural Association

Consultant/Author: Chinyelugo Osita Anionwu

Research Assistant: Ugokwe Tobechukwu Etukokwu

Editors: Zelugo Joe Bel-Molokwu & Nnabuenyi Chiedu Ofodile

Contents: 211 pages; 17 chapters



This seminal work is at once many things rolled into one – an educative narrative, a historical record, an academically authoritative output, an essential routine reading material, and a cultural vade mecum for every Onitsha person, and for all who have interest in the essence of Onitsha, this enigmatic city on the eastern bank of the Niger. It is also eloquent testimony to the intellectual potency and cultural depth of Agbalanze Onitsha, a unique component of Onitsha society, and its membership. Agbalanze Onitsha has drawn its membership over time from the crème de la crème of Onitsha. From Zik to Professor Chike Obi. From Justice Louis Mbanefo to Chief Modebe. From Engr. Willie Achukwu to P. N. C. Molokwu, MBE. From Justice Emmanuel Araka to Justice Omenye Nwokedi. From R. M. C. Chukwurah to Ajie Ukpabi Asika. From the lowest to the highest.



Conceived, planned, researched, written, edited, proof read and produced by components of Agbalanze Onitsha, this book is one to be proud of. That it took time in coming is well justified by its presentation to the world today. It answers virtually all questions there are about the mystique of Agbalanze Onitsha as a revered institution, misunderstood by many, viewed with suspicion by some, reviled by others – but respected by ALL.



Prior to this book, there have been numerous works that touched – albeit tangentially - on Agbalanze Onitsha and what is stands for. Indeed, there is hardly any work that has ever been written about Onitsha that does not talk about Agbalanze Onitsha and Ichi Ozo Onitsha. But none has dwelt on the institution as its sole theme; none has been as well researched as this; none has traced the history of Agbalanze Onitsha in as much painstaking depth; and, above all, none has had the imprimatur of Agbalanze Onitsha Cultural Association. This feat is to the credit of the leadership of Nnabuenyi Uchenna Mbanefo, under whose presidency this initiative was actualized. It is also to the credit of Chinyelugo Dr. Osita Anionwu that he was able to put so much time and energy into bringing forth this legacy of a book.



Prior to this, there was the production of a video documentary under the presidency of Nwakibie Dr. Henry Molokwu, a project directed by Akunnia Col. George Molokwu. There have also been individual efforts here and there to unravel the innards of Agbalanze Onitsha, so to say.



The positioning of the book under review today is elevated with the inspiring Foreword by none other than the Obi of Onitsha himself, His Majesty Alfred N. Achebe, mni, cfr, whose voice captured the all-importance of a book of this seriousness and breadth. This is in line with his vision of the emergence of a neo-modern society out of the rich traditional setting of Onitsha. The Agbalanze President, Nnabuenyi Mbanefo, also highlights the critical purpose of this work in his Preface, with the words: “…that the values and integrity of Ozo and Agbalanze in Onitsha will continue to rise to greater levels.”



Agbalanze Onitsha Cultural Association: Origin and Developments is a blend of quite a rich repertoire. It is well written and is complete with referencing, making it as useful for scholarly work, as it is for casual or inquiring reading. It seamlessly migrates from its deep effort to locate the origin of Ozo title taking in Onitsha, to identification of landmarks in Ozo title taking, to detailed description of sequences, paraphernalia, processes, songs and chants, protocols, ceremonies, regalia and the structure of the association.



Works of scholars like anthropologist Dr. Richard Henderson, who did and continues to research into Onitsha and its people since 1961, his wife and fellow researcher Helen, Ojinnaka R. I. Chukwurah, Jerry Orakwue, Dr. Chudi Okwechime, Onuora Nzekwu are among the sources of back-grounding.



This work traces the growth of Agbalanze Onitsha from its roots that date to the 16th Century exodus from the Benin Kingdom (or maybe even earlier) when it had no specific name beyond the description of “ichi Ozo”, through to the beginning of the 20th Century wherein it is captured from research that there were “about 200” members, on to modern times. Indeed, today, Agbalanze, now well structured as a registered trustee association, has between 800 and 900 members in all parts of the world. From the primordial ichi Ozo within small family units, there are today 37 Agbalanze Ozo kindred units, and the number most likely could have exceeded that, but for initiatives to minimize further splintering of Ozo units.



In 211 pages broken into 17 chapters, the book does a jolly good job in marshaling out the significance of Ozo and its spirituality, as it does with its treatment of the meaning of Agbalanze, Ozo titles and names, rites of passage, administration of the association through a seven-man Executive Council, the processes leading to the development of a Constitution, interviews, and the opening of a befitting headquarters. The book is also well illustrated with photographs, which apparently took great effort to assemble. It also has a chapter on suggestions!



One high point of the book is the rich essay on Ugo, the Eagle, the regal bird, around which Ozo title taking revolves. The eagle’s feather is a sine qua non in the entire process and significance of Agbalanze Onitsha. There is a nostalgic reference to the early days when the Ugo (the feather) was daintily stuck into a specially grown tuft of hair on an initiate’s head. This with time gave way to sticking the Ugo in gold or silver wire thread embroidered caps that we know today.



In all, this work has done justice to the concept of Ichi Ozo Onitsha, something that has continued to confound non-members and non-Onitsha indigenes at large.



Is Agbalanze Onitsha a cult? Is it a cabal? Is it a religious sect? Is it a coven (okwu alusi)? Is it an exclusive club for millionaires? Is it a segregated society? Is it a political pressure group? Is it a power bloc?



Or, is Agbalanze Onitsha a sacred institution founded and operating on lofty principles of honour, dignity, pride and incorruptibility? Is it a deep-rooted ancestral institution that promotes high values and moral principles? Is it an organization that dwells on the elevation of moral standards, social ethics and clean living?



Will the “outside” find answers to these posers in this rich book?



My answer is:



Icho ima ife di n’Ozo, bia chi e l’anyi Ozo!







Dr. Joe Bel-Molokwu

Zelugo

November 16, 2019





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APC, architect of hate speech in Nigeria says Vatsa – ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

A former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Niger State, Comrade Jonathan Vatsa, has described the All Progressive Congress (APC) as architect of hate speech in Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

Also, he condemned the 9th National Assembly for the proposed bill seeking death penalty for convicts of hate speech, urging them to equally propose bill for cemetery to accommodate those their latest hate speech will affect, alleging that there are more to it than meets the eye.

Vatsa, a former Publicity Secretary of APC in the state made this known while addressing selected journalists in Minna, and described the move as not only laughable but a direct invitation for anarchy.
The APC chieftain advised the 9th Assembly to also propose a bill that will apply for lands in the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as did for Ruga to be used as cemetery for hate speech offenders that will be killed.
“I call on Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi to also propose a bill that will ensure we have separate cemetery for offenders so that we can have it as tourist’s sites with inscriptions ‘Hate Speech’ cemetery because the offenders may also include those of us who have benefitted from hate speech.
“What a shame.”
Vatsa wondered why the APC-controlled Senate should ever contemplate such a “draconian and unpopular law,” saying “We rode to power in 2015 through hate speech.
“We (APC) brought hate speech to Nigeria politics and I am one of them.
“As a Publicity Secretary of the APC, I know how we used hate speech to mobilize Nigerians against the then ruling party.
“And it paid off because Nigerians eventually hated the Peoples Democratic Party. Before 2015, Nigerians did not know anything like hate speech.
“In fact, since the return of democracy in 1999, we are just hearing about hate speech. APC as a political party brought hate to politics in form of propaganda.
“The truth must be told: we’re the architect of hate speech and nobody complained about it. We enjoyed it and it worked for us.
“If we think we have failed Nigerians in our change promises, we should be bold enough to tell Nigerians that we are sorry, we couldn’t deliver, but to try to cage them by trying to introduce or recycle Decree 4 of 1984 in the name of hate speech is unacceptable,” he said.



Vatsa further blamed the Senate Deputy Whip, who is from Niger North Senatorial District, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, over the proposed bill for death penalty for hate speech, warning it “might consume all of us.”
He said rather than proposing death penalty for hate speech offenders, it should be death penalty for corrupt leaders in this country because “corruption and injustice gave birth to what is now being called hate speech. If there is justice, equity, fairness and respect for rule of law, there will be no hate speech.
“But when people are being marginalized and denied their right, surely there will be hate speech,” he said, insisting that “You cannot stop people from expressing their freedom of speech.”
“If the Senate is proposing death penalty for hate speech, then what will they do to Boko Haram, armed bandits, kidnappers, oil bunkers and treasury looters both politicians and civil servants?
“All these things are worse than hate speech. There are more pressing issues to Nigerians that the Senate should look into and address instead of wasting their energy on an unpopular bill like this one that will not see the light of the day,” Vatsa said.
He believes that there are more to the proposed hate speech bill, alleging that “If the rumor of President Muhammadu Buhari nursing the ambition of third term is correct, then they need death penalty for hate speech to silence everybody who will want to oppose him.
“But the Senate should know that he who lives in a glass house should not throw stone because they cannot be there forever.
“When they leave the Senate, the law can catch up with them.
“Again, if the money meant for constituency projects are utilized for the purpose it was meant for and the people begin to see dividends of democracy, there will be no need for hate speech.
“If the millions of Nigerian youths can have something to do to earn a living, they will not have time for hate speech.
“If people are allowed to elect their leaders in a free and fair election there will be no hate speech.
“So, something gave birth to hate speech and that is what the Senate should address.”

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Catholic priest, Edmund Nwagbara, dies in fire outbreak @Nnewi – ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

A Catholic priest in charge of the St Peter Clavar Parish, Nnewichi, Nnewi, Rev Fr Edmund Nwagbara is dead, reports ITREALMS.

Fr. Edmund, ITREALMS gathered died during an early morning fire outbreak in his room which cut up with him on Saturday.

Confirming this, the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi through the Director of Communications, Fr Martin Onwudiwe told ITREALMS that Fr. Edmund died in the early morning fire in his apartment.

“Rev Fr Edmund Nwagbara was the parish priest of St Peter Clavar Parish, Nnewichi, Nnewi,” he said.

Fr. Onwudiwe also urged faithfuls to continue to pray for Fr. Edmund among the departed.

“May we continue to pray for his repose,” he concluded.

Nweke Ozo Nweke/Editor

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Pix: Remains of Fr Edmund's room @Nnewi after the fire.

ALTON to Pantami: Only NCC can regulate telecoms - ITREALMS

ForTheRecords@ITREALMS:

The speech delivered by the chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo during a visit to the Hon. Minister of Communications, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami on Monday, October 14, 2019.

Excerpts:

Protocols

· ALTON commends the Minister on his recent appointment as Hon. Minister which is an endorsement of his performance in NITDA by President.

· We commend the Minister for proactively defining short to long terms targets for the communications sector and for championing the cause of the sector home and abroad.

· The Association Extend hand of partnership to the Hon. Minister, restating our commitment to working with government at all levels to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria and to foster inclusive economic growth.

A. National Digital Strategy

· There is no doubt that the world is experiencing rapid technology revolution. Digital technologies are reshaping traditional human activities and disrupting business models. Broadband networks are being used to transform the way people communicate, socialize, shop, travel and work, and are creating entirely new business models and markets. The reality of the world being a global village is now more evident.

· The leading global businesses such as Facebook, Apple, Google, Amazon, and Alibaba are all enabled by broadband networks. This speaks to the power of technologies in global economies. Thus, any country that overlooks the ongoing digital revolution and fails to act strategically to exploit the benefits of the digital ecosystem will lose in the long run. 

· For Nigeria, we are well-positioned to benefit from the digital revolution given our human capital potential which is our greatest asset and our burgeoning high youth population. However, what is missing is a holistic strategy that would enable Nigeria to exploit the benefits of the global digital ecosystem.

· It is, therefore, our view that Nigeria needs a holistic digital strategy that would deliver economic prosperity to its citizenry. We advocate that the strategy should address critical issues such as Broadband Infrastructural development, Digital services, finance, capacity building, and the regulatory environment.

REQUEST:

· Develop a Digital Economy Strategy in consultation with the National Economic Council. ALTON is willing to partner with the Minister to develop the Strategy.

B. Critical National Information Infrastructure

· Telecommunications infrastructure is globally acknowledged as an enabler for economic and social growth in the digital economy. The impact of telecommunications in enabling new industries and introducing significant efficiencies in education delivery, financial services delivery, health care provision, energy management, agriculture and ensuring public safety cannot be overemphasized.

· Given the role of telecommunications as a social capital overhead, damage to telecoms infrastructure or interference with same would have devastating impact on the economy and security or public safety.

· There has been an increase in vandalism of telecoms equipment by unscrupulous persons and shut down of telecom infrastructure by government agents and communities as a means of compelling operators to comply with their demands for spurious taxes or levies.

· The CyberCrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 empowers the President on the advice of the National Security Adviser to designate certain networks (physical & virtual) as Critical National Information Infrastructure to protect and preserve same.

REQUEST:

· We therefore urge the Hon. Minister to facilitate the issuance of an Executive Order (EO) to designate telecom network infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure in the national interest. We have a draft EO for the Hon. Minister’s adoption.

C. NITDA Frameworks

· We commend the Hon. Minister for the innovative ideas and policies introduced during his tenure as Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) which are currently yielding positive benefits to the society.

· Our members are concerned about the impact of some of the recent frameworks introduced by NITDA on their operations and licence.

1. Framework and Guidelines for Public Internet Access (PIA) 2019:

Background

· The Framework sets out rules for the provision of Public Internet Access

· It permits NITDA to license a Public Internet Access Provider (PIAP) which technically is a provider of data services and prescribes minimum quality of service for such providers.

Our members' concerns are as follows:

o This framework will result in multiple regulation as two regulators (NCC/NITDA) will be overseeing the data market.

o Allowing PIAP to offer free data services is in conflict with the pricing principles for data services in the communications market as developed by the NCC and could potentially lessen competition in the data market.

REQUEST:

Direct NITDA to withdraw the framework in the overall interest of the industry

Direct NCC to develop a framework for Public Internet Access which would promote the use of data services in public places.

2. Registration of Data Centre Facilities:

Background:

NITDA wrote to some of our members in July 2019 requesting for the registration of Data Centre facilities owned by our members. According to NITDA, the registration is in furtherance of Presidential Executive Orders 003 and 005 on local content development.

Our members’ primary concern is that the directive from NITDA will result in multiple regulation of the industry as the data centers owned by our members are part of telecommunications networks that are already being regulated by the NCC.

REQUEST:

Direct NITDA to exempt licensed telecommunications operators from the registration requirement for Data Centres.

3. Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019:

The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 defines the rules governing the processing of data. It contains far-reaching provisions on personal data which includes communications identifiers such as IP address, IMEI number, IMSI number, SIM and Personal Identifiable Information, etc., as well as the procedure for procuring consent from customers and the transfer of data outside of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Data Protection Regulations is an innovative piece of subsidiary legislation which has placed Nigeria on the global map of nations with national data privacy and data protection legislations.

Concern:

· Complying with the provision which deals with obtaining consent from customers prior to the use of their data for our operations is an area of challenge for the industry. For example, majority of our customers are pre-paid and communication with most of the customers is via text messages. Thus, securing consent in the manner described in the Regulations (i.e. intelligible and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language) will prove difficult for the industry. It is also highly probable that some customers may not respond to the request for consent.

REQUEST:

Direct to the NITDA to collaborate with NCC to issue additional guidelines on securing consent for the telecommunications industry.

Given the volume of subscribers in the telecommunications industry and the highlighted challenge with procuring consent, we request for a compliance transition period of 1 year before full enforcement.

D. Refusal of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to Grant Build Permit for Infrastructure Roll-Out

· The provision of first class telecoms service in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has been hampered by the refusal of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to grant permits to our members to build infrastructure. Despite concerted engagement, FCDA has maintained that due to the need to maintain the Abuja Master Plan, it will not grant approval to our members to build new sites in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

· Honourable Minister, ALTON respectfully states that without adequate infrastructure, the provision of qualitative telecommunications services cannot be guaranteed. We therefore respectfully invite you to use your good office to liaise with the FCDA to identify suitable locations for new sites build by our members to ensure the provision of qualitative telecoms service in FCT and environs.

REQUEST:

To have discussion with the management of FCDA on how to expand the infrastructure build in the FCT for better quality of service.

E. The Amended Taxes & Levies Order of 2015:

· The Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act (Amendment) Order 2015 further engendered the institution of multiplicity of taxes across different tiers of Government which has been perennial challenge for industry. The Taxes and Levies Order of 2015 introduced additional tax items and permitted States to apply their discretion in the fixing of tax rates resulting in the imposition of arbitrary levies and charges at the State Government levels. Specifically, item 3 (b) of the Amended Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act introduced new levies and taxes under items 12 – 25. Most of these taxes and levies were hitherto contested by our members on the ground that they were not applicable to telecommunications operations.

· Further, pursuant to Taxes and Levies Order of 2015, States and Local Government Councils have been enacting Internally Generated Revenue based legislations targeted at our members. We find that most of these legislations are at variance with fundamental tax principles such as neutrality and certainty. Some examples of the taxes being imposed include:

• Ecology Tax for gaseous emission.
• Sewage, Sanitation and public convenience levy for base stations
• Fumigation Levies: Some States demand for the payment of fumigation charges of Base Station.
• Sanitation and refuse effluent tax for base stations
• Business premises tax for base stations
• Tenements rates charged per base station in some states is far higher than rates per square metre charged by the same State for residential and commercial buildings when the infrastructure occupies the same land?

REQUEST:

ALTON respectfully requests the Honourable Minister to engage the Honourable Minister of Finance towards a review of the Amended Taxes and Levies Order 2015, which is not business friendly and negates the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda.

F. Over The Top (OTT) Services in Nigeria

Increasing usage of OTT services by customers is adversely impacting on traditional telecoms platforms. According to Ovum, the independent analyst and consultancy: The growing adoption of OTT services by customers instead of traditional telecoms services will occasion global revenue loss of $386bn over a period of six years (2012 – 2018) for the traditional telecom operators, thus endangering network development.

· OTT Services in Nigeria and the Displacement Effect:

1. Data shows that voice minutes have been declining due to impact of OTT.

2. Voice Minutes has been declining while VoIP has been increasing

3. OTT Data flux has been increasing as shown with the 2016 data.

4. Telcos are losing money due to this trend.

5. Urgent action is required to save Telcos further loss due to activities of OTT players who do not invest in infrastructure.

· Comparing OTT and Mobile Network Operations

OTT Operators: offer the same services as the operators (voice, SMS, content, etc.), but are neither subject to licensing under the NCA nor have any contractual obligation with telecommunication operators in terms of interconnection.

Mobile Network Operators

Strong presence in the country, attracted over USD38bn FDI in the past 16 years. The industry is a Catalyst for telecoms infrastructural development in the country, and also a major employer of labour having created over 30,000 direct job opportunities andover 500,000 indirect job opportunities.

Telcos have paid over NGN300bn to the coffers of the Government in taxes and levies annually.

REQUEST:

Introduction of data price floor to ensure that Telcos price data profitably irrespective of activities carried out by data customers.

We recommend that OTT players to enter into agreement with Telcos for revenue share or payment of a kind of interconnect fee to Telcos.

In Conclusion:

We wish to inform and invite the Hon. Minister to the 20th Anniversary of ALTON scheduled to hold on Friday 29th November, 2019 at the MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos.

ALTON is committed to the continued growth and development of the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry and respectfully requests that in order to save the legacy telecoms operators, measures must be put in place which will avoid distortion in the digital space in order to ensure unimpeded development of telecommunications infrastructure in the country.

*Engr. Gbenga Adebayo

October 14, 2019

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Buhari leads FG delegation to eNigeria’19 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

President Muhammadu Buhari has been confirmed to lead the Federal Government (FG) delegations to the 2019 e-Nigeria annual conference as the special guest of honour, reports ITREALMS.

Confirming this to ITREALMS, spokesperson to the Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman said, Buhari accepted and approved the invitation of the Minister, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) to serve as Special Guest of Honour, through a letter.

The confab scheduled to hold from Thursday, 28th to Saturday, 30th of November 2019 with the theme centred around: Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria, she said, would be declared open by the President, with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy as the Chief Host and Chief Convener, Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashif Inuwa Abdullahi.

They are expected to be joined by all the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of agencies under the Ministry’s purview will serve as co-hosts. 

These, she said, include the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Managing Director Galaxy Backbone PLC, Mr. Yusuf Kazaure; Managing Director Nigeria Communications Satelite (NIGCOMSAT), Dr Abimbola Alale; Acting Executive Secretary Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) Mr Ayuba Shuaibu; and the Post-Master General, Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST) Barrister Adebisi Adegbuyi.

Also, she said the highlight of this year’s event, would be the formal public presentation for review, in line with the President’s directives, the draft document on the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, in accordance the Ministry’s mandate.

The Minister has also constituted Central Working Committee (CWC), for e-Nigeria chaired by him, with NITDA as its secretariat and coordinator, while the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Parastatals under the Ministry’s supervision serve as members.

Recall that the e-Nigeria Conference is the nation’s flagship IT Conference organized by the Federal Government and coordinated by NITDA, the Federal Government’s Information Technology (IT) develop arm, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor
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