NCC endorses Visafone share transfer to MTN, not licence

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCSS) has endorsed the transfer of 100 per cent shareholding in Visafone Communications Limited to MTN Communications Nigeria Limited, exclusive of “licence,” reports ITRealms.

NCC also said that decision on the possibility of Visafone license transfer to MTN is yet to be taken.  “What has been approved in the transaction is 100% shareholding not licence,” according the Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo.

He said this decision was taken by virtue of Section 38 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, explaining that Section 38 of the Act states inter alia “the grant of a licence shall be personal to the licencee and the licence shall not be operated by assigned, sub-licenced or transferred to any other party unless the prior written approval of the Commission has been granted.”

He said this is contrary to the speculation in a section of the media that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) the regulatory agency for telecommunication had foreclosed the release of the spectrum held by Visafone to MTN.

Pointing out that this clarification has become necessary in order to allay the fears in some quarters that the frequency had been withheld by the Commission.

“The Commission is yet to meet to take a decision on the application by Visafone to transfer its licence to MTN.  The NCC has only approved the shareholding structure by 100% and not transfer of licence,” Ojobo declared.

He further explained that Visafone Communications Limited with a Universal Access Service Licence (UASL) – deploying Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology applied to the NCC for an approval to effect a change in its shareholding structure by transferring 100% of its shares to MTN Nigeria.

According to him, having met all the preliminary requirements for grant of approval for change in shareholding structure, the NCC in line with its established procedure granted an Approval-In-Principle to Visafone Communications Limited, subject to fulfilment of conditions to transfer 100 per cent of its shares to MTN Nigeria.

“Having fulfilled the conditions stipulated in the “Approval-In-Principle”, the NCC, in line with its procedure granted a “Final-Approval” to Visafone for the change in its shareholding structure,” he said.

Pointing out that although Visafone applied for approval to transfer its licence to MTN, the Commission has written to Visafone, clearly stating that a decision was yet to be taken on the transfer of Visafone licence to MTN.

Chuks Egbune/GEE
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NGO honours Comrade Maduagwuna with human rights award

ITRealms:

The chairman of the Anambra State chapter of Road Transporters Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEA), Comrade Kingsley Maduaguwna has been honored with prestigious African award on security, peace and unity by the Centre for Defence of Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CDHRDA), reports ITRealms.

The secretary general, CDHRDA, Prof. Maurice Fangnon in his speech at the recently held event at Jumac Hotel Awka, Anambra State, commended Comrade Maduagwuna also known as Baron, saying that the award is a reflection of his efforts at fighting and protecting human rights and impacts in the area of leadership.

Fangnon also enjoined Nigerians to emulate Comrade Maduagwuna’s disposition to peace and unity of his immediate environs in Anambra State and Nigeria in general.

Also speaking, the Special Advisers (SA) to Anambra State Governor on Political Matters, Ozo John Okoye applauded Comrade Maduagwuna on his award and the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for creating the enabling environment for peace to thrive in Anambra State.

He noted that the enabling environment also paved the way for growth witnessed in security and agriculture.

Okoye also said that Anambra State is proud of Comrade Maduagwuna for bringing the CDHRDA glorious prize to the state.

Equally speaking, the Royal father of the day, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Igwe C.E Nnaegbuna (JP), the  Ige II of Ebenebe, extoled the award organizers and the awardee, Comrade Maduagwuna,  for his outstanding and exemplary human rights qualities by bringing this to bear in his leadership of RTEA in Anambra State, especially now most countries of the world are facing security and leadership challenges.

Responding after receiving his award, Comrade Kingsley Maduagwuna dedicated the prize to the people of Anambra State.

In addition, he expressed appreciation to God Almighty for making the day possible and the award organizers, CDHRDA as well as those who honoured him with their presence at the ceremony.

He equally used the opportunity to enjoined the Anambra State Government to partner with Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in the state in continuous sensitization of peaceful co-existence in all the motor parks whilst fighting crime among others in the transport sector of the state.

Ozo Nweke Ozo/GEE
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Pix: Comrade Kingsley Maduagwuna being decorated at the occasion.

MTN group names Sekha, ED regulatory affairs

ITRealms:

The South Africa-based mobile telecommunications operator, MTN Group, has appointed Felleng Sekha as its new regulatory affairs chief, reports ITRealms.

This is coming as the fine recently by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reportedly affected MTN to the extent the group witnessed its first-ever half-yearly loss.

MTN spokesman, Mr. Chris Maroleng in a public statement available to ITRealms, said the MTN has appointed Felleng Sekha, a South African, as its new executive for regulatory affairs and public policy effective from October 10.

ITRealms also reports that Sekha has extensive regulatory experience and previously worked at MTN in various roles, including having a five-year stint in Nigeria as executive director for corporate services, prior to the complaints that led to the $1bn fine.

"Felleng will... shape public policy and regulatory outcomes which are key to MTN achieving its business objectives," Maroleng said. 

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Samsung stops production of ‘flaming’ Galaxy Note 7

ITRealms:

The South Korean Information and Communication Technology (ICT) giant, Samsung Electronics, has finally put a stop on the production of its high-end Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, following incidences of devices catching fire, reports ITRealms.

Initially, ITRealms gathered that Samsung had stopped selling Galaxy Note 7 since the flaming of its battery, across the globe.

But on Monday, Samsung Electronics announced its stopping the production of Galaxy Note 7 permanently, probably to manage the damage caused by the fire-catching device.

ITRealms recalls that mid-September, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) had issued a seven-day ultimatum to Samsung Electronics West Africa Limited with headquarters in Lagos, to recall its Galaxy Note 7 from the Nigerian market.

CPC also had warned Nigerians to stop using the particular Galaxy Note 7.

The Council also directed that Samsung Electronics West Africa Limited should furnish it with other measures the company had taken to safeguard the safety and interest of Nigerian consumers.

The Director-General of CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, said in line with international best practices, the company should immediately issue a recall notice giving Nigerian consumers adequate information on the procedure for recall and the appropriate compensation being offered.

“While awaiting the response of Samsung Electronics West Africa Limited in order to determine the number of affected consumers in Nigeria, there is an urgent need to avert whatever dangers that may be associated with the use of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in Nigeria,” she said.

Atoki had explained that Samsung announced in the United States that consumers with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 could check whether or not their phones are affected and eligible for recall by entering the IMEI or serial number of their phone in a space provided on Samsung website, www.samsung.com/us/note/recall/ insisting that Nigerian consumers could avail themselves of that facility.

She further advised Nigerian consumers who might have purchased the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 to stop using the phone forthwith as an interim measure to guide against the effect of explosion.

Stressing that the company should ensure that affected consumers either get a free replacement from Samsung, or a refund of their money, where necessary.

The Council, in a letter to the company dated September 14, 2016, signed by its Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, said in part “The attention of the Council has been drawn to media reports indicating that the lithium-ion batteries for Samsung Galaxy Note 7 are prone to catching fire.

“The said faulty batteries have reportedly caused the phone to explode in 35 separate incidents, sometimes bursting into flames, damaging property and leaking dangerous chemicals” CPC warned.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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NomCom Working Party volunteers get ICANN nod

ITRealms:

The 2016 Nominating Committee (NomCom) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has selected 11 volunteers to serve as members of the NomCom2 Review Working Party, reports ITRealms.

These include Nadira Alaraj, Satish Babu, Thomas Barrett, Hago Dafalla, Brenden Kuerbis, Cheryl Langdon-Orr, Yrjo Lansipuro, Vanda Scartezini, Eulalie Scobie-Robinson, Manmeet Singh and Bruce Tonkin.

ICANN sources told ITRealms that this selection follows the NomCom's 13 September call for volunteers.

The members of the NomCom2 Review Working Party, ITRealms gathered would work on the 2017 NomCom2 Review.

While the 2016 NomCom Chair, Stephane Van Gelder, will serve as interim Chair of the NomCom2 Review Working Party until the working party meets and selects a Chair.

Chuks Dom/GEE 

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Crucifix in mosque: Police takes over Assakio Central Mosque

ITRealms:

The recent emergence of crucifix around a mosque in Nasarawa State, which is currently attracting crowd has made the Nigeria Police Force to deploy contingent to the area to maintain peace and order, reports ITRealms.

Reports reaching ITRealms news desk, the police said it deployed to maintain peace and urged people to go about their normal business and live in harmony.

The Police also urged residents and visitors to the mosque not to allow the presence of the crucifix cause controversy following the discovery of the image of cross in the mosque premises.

The emergence, ITRealms gathered has left religious observers considering the symbol of Christianity was illuminated on the ground close to the mosque and affirmation of superiority of a given religion, particularly the Christianity.

Hajara Hussaini was quoted as confirming that she was the first to see the light in the shape of a cross on Wednesday, September 28 when her mother sent her on errand. 

Also, her mother, Matan Liman equally affirmed the strange appearance, saying her daughter was gripped in fear when she returned.

Commenting on the appearance of crucifix in a mosque, Commissioner of Police in Nassarawa, Mr. Abubakar Bello, who visited the scene said the deployment of security officials was to maintain peace and order.

Speaking after visiting the paramount ruler of the town, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Osula Inarigu, the Commissioner, Mr. Bello also advised the people to endeavour to live in peace with each other as that would bring development.

He pointed out that the crucifix appearance should not lead to controversy in the area which was why security had been beefed-up.

HRM Inarigu also advised the people to live in harmony irrespective of their religious differences, stressing that some Nigerians have interpreted the reports of the mysterious sighting to mean the supremacy of one religion above the other.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE with addition reports from Naija.com 

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Pupils begins 30-year anniversary, clean-up Oja-Oba market in Lagos

ITRealms:

The pupils of MD School number over 200 on Saturday cleaned up the Oja-Oba market in Abule Egba, Lagos, reports ITRealms.

The exercise, ITRealms gathered was part of the activities lined up for the school's 30 years anniversary celebrations, began at 8am with parents and teachers guiding the students.

Excited Executive Director of the school, Omolara Adedugbe, said the exercise was part of their corporate social responsibility to the community where the school is situated.

“We chose to be here because the market is a filthy place and this goes to show that we are conscious about our environment and its people. As you can see, the marketers are very happy about the exercise.  We were well received and have promised not make it a one-off thing. We hereby enjoin other corporate organizations in the state and the country at large to adopt the exercise.

“We want people to come out and should not feel too big to identify with these people,” she said.

The Secretary of Oja Oba Market, Alhaji Adeshina Akanni Jimoh, on behalf of the market executives and the traders expressed appreciation to the school's management, students and parents for carrying out the exercise.

“Though, we carry out the exercise weekly in collaboration with LAWMA, but today's exercise is commendable and we are saying a very big thank you to the school's management for this strategic move,” he said.

Commending the school further, he said, this is first of its kind, just as the exercise was supported by Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and the Highway Managers.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

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Business HiLights online goes live

ITRealms:

A new online news channel, Business HiLights (BH), has been unveiled in Lagos, according to the founder and pioneer Editor of Nigeria Business HiLights, Prince Stan Okenwa, reports ITRealms.

He also revealed to ITRealms that the channel is a product of Business HiLight Limited, the news gateway floated by a group of veteran business journalists who have reported key sector of the economy over the years to redefine online business reportage for the interest of the economy.

“Business Hilights is an online news channel conceptualized and structured to report and track on a daily basis; latest developments in critical business sectors to serve as a one stop news gateway for governments, foreign and indigenous investors,” he said.

Okenwa, formally a senior editorial staff of Daily Champion Newspapers who doubles as the current Vice President of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) and foundation Exco member of Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), prides himself with over 15 years of journalism.

Okenwa said he has reported other major sectors of the economy including Capital/ Money Market, Property, Transportation, Industry among others.

“The value added site has seven categories made of key sectors of the economy and are updated regularly to serve the Nigerian business communities in making key decisions and taking strategic business steps” he said.

Just as the site tracks daily business headline news in critical categories including ICT, SMEs, Energy, Banking/Investments, Transportation, Industry and Business Interview/Opinion.

He encouraged visitors to the site to subscribe for daily update, saying “Business HiLights is ready to do business with every corporate organization both home and abroad.”

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Ngige to unveil YUBOSS @ Yudala Zero Gravity

ITRealms:

The Hon. Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige has confirmed to officially unveil YUBOSS, at the forthcoming Yudala Zero Gravity slated for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, reports ITRealms.

YUBOSS, ITRealms gathered is an entrepreneurship and wealth creation scheme set up by Yudala in partnership with foremost financial institution, Access Bank Plc, and telecommunications giants, Airtel Nigeria.

The unveiling, ITRealms also gathered forms part of the activities at the Yudala Zero Gravity concert holding at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja on Friday October 21^st from 4pm.

ITRealms recalls that YUBOSS is Yudala’s initiative to build a league of emerging entrepreneurs and generate creative employment for millions of Nigerians.

In addition, ITRealms reports that YUBOSS members are entitled to attractive commissions and a wide range of benefits including business mentorship sessions and capacity-building workshops and seeks to generate creative employment for thousands of Nigerians by offering them a chance to earn mouth-watering commissions through sales of Yudala’s wide range of products. 

ITRealms further gathered that the scheme is structured to see members rise through the ranks and ultimately become the part-owner of a Yudala franchise store when they achieve platinum status.

The management of Yudala says that interested individuals could access the YUBOSS page on the Yudala website to sign up for the scheme by filling the registration form on the page.

“Apart from being able to sign up on the Yudala website, intending members who have existing accounts with Yudala can migrate it to the YUBOSS by signing up after logging in,” part of an official statement made available to ITRealms.

For the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yudala Nigeria, Mr. Dave Ibelegbu, said that what is instructive, is that YUBOSS is targeted at smart Nigerians, namely undergraduates, post-graduate students, unemployed and under-employed individuals, housewives to name a few, who have the drive and ambition to earn money and be their own bosses.

Ibelegbu, assured on the massive impact YUBOSS will have in improving the lives of participants.

“I enjoin Nigerians to visit the Yudala website to sign up to YUBOSS. This is a scheme that will definitely change the lives of millions of Nigerians. There is no investment on the part of members. Exceptional performers will enjoy commissions and swift movement through the scheme to become eventual business partners of Yudala.”

On his part, Executive Director, Personal Banking at Access Bank, Mr. Victor Etiokwu who represented the Group MD, Mr. Herbert Wigwe disclosed that YUBOSS is a game-changer which is set to unlock prosperity for millions of Nigerians, while taking the nation’s economy to greater heights at this critical period of our national life.

“When the discussions on YUBOSS commenced between both organizations, I was excited because this is an initiative that will empower millions of Nigerian youths and by extension, contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. I am not in doubt that this scheme will be a huge success, especially considering Yudala’s nationwide network of stores, the calibre of renowned entrepreneurs driving the company and the drive and expertise exhibited by the entire team.”

Also, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya emphasizes the strategic nature of Airtel’s partnership with Yudala, which according to him, will undoubtedly raise the profile of the YUBOSS scheme by offering members a sound telecoms network and high speed data access on 3G network. He noted that contemporary society is increasingly reliant on information as a gateway to wealth creation – a requirement Airtel sufficiently fulfills with its broadband wireless services and high speed internet access which will go a long way in empowering YUBOSS members to achieve the ultimate target of creating wealth for themselves and being their own bosses.

Yudala Zero Gravity – a multi-city mega entertainment concert –  kicked off with a Contemporary Music Concert on Sunday October 2nd at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos and featured thrilling performances from a host of superstar artistes including Olamide, Naeto C, Sound Sultan, Humblesmith, Zoro and an eye-catching performance from fast-rising act, David Grey. In addition to a keenly contested dance competition, ace comedian Ali Baba was also hand to treat the audience to a repertoire of rib-cracking jokes from his collection.

The well-attended event had a number of dignitaries including bank CEOs, Chief Executives and captains of industries in attendance as well as a number of corporate organizations represented including Hewlett Packard, Airtel, Access Bank, Stanbic Bank, Hennessy, Kia Motors, Uber. The event was also covered extensively by major media establishments such as MTV Base, Trace TV, among many others.

The Yudala Zero Gravity fever is set to grip the city of Abuja with a Contemporary Music Concert on October 21st and a Rock Gospel Concert on October 22nd at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja while Enugu will rock with a Contemporary Music and Rock Gospel Concert on November 5^th and 6th respectively at Michael Okpara Square.

The grand finale of Yudala Zero Gravity 2016 will feature a Rock Gospel Concert in Lagos at the Federal Palace Hotel on November 20th featuring a strong field of A-list gospel artistes.

Remmy Nweke/ED, Ops

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NBA says DSS action unconstitutional, demands release of arrested judges now

ITRealms:

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) may be spoiling for war over the arrest of some three judges across the country at the weekend, describing it as unconstitutional since the country is not under military rule, reports ITRealms.

NBA also warned it will do everything possible to maintain sanctity of judiciary and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Department of State Security (DSS) to order and for them to immediately release the judges arrest in a few in the early hours of Saturday.

The NBA President, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, ITRealms gathered made this calls while addressing the media, on Saturday, noting that even within the judiciary, there are processes of handling such issues as corruption and indiscipline and not the duty of DSS.

Mahmoud, who was accompanied by some senior members of the bar at the press conference, included past presidents of NBA, and comprised Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, Olisa Agbakoba SAN, JB Daudu SAN, Others are former Secretary, Dele Adesina SAN, Kemi Pinheirro SAN, Kanyinsola Ajayi SAN, Yusuf Ali SAN, Monday Ubani, and others.

Mahmoud confirmed that several judges including justices of the Supreme Court Okoro and Nkwocha were arrested by men of DSS between Friday and Saturday.

He said that the information reaching his office, the raid still continued and that those arrested have been moved to Abuja.

NBA insisted that President caution the security agencies by directing them aright with the release of those judges without further delays or strings attached.

The NBA, he said, will go to any length to protect the sanctity of the judiciary.

"There will be grave consequences if the judges are not released immediately,” he said.

Nenye Dom/GEE

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