TD shuts Computer Village for Praise Flame

Sponsored@ITRealms:

Otigba Street in the heart of Computer Village, Ikeja – Nigeria’s ICT and accessories hub – was transformed on Thursday June 1^st as Technology Distributions Ltd., Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest ICT distributors, unleashed a heavyweight cast of Gospel artistes including Chioma Jesus, Joe Praise, Monique, Enkay, Chika 100%, Sammie Okposo and Big Bolaji, for a morning dose of divine worship, praise and outpouring of God’s blessings at the second edition of a market place evangelical initiative tagged Praise Flame.

For many traders, patrons, representatives of Original Equipment Manufacturers and other members of the Computer Village ICT eco-system, the day will remain indelible in the memory.

The usual Thursday market-place environmental sanitation did not in any way deter from the spirit and attendance levels for the concert. Traders were already gathered round early in the morning to sanitize their spirituality. To them, the concert was more important than anything else.

By 8am, the stage set was already vibrating to the sound check from various upcoming artistes – a signal to the few who were still engaged in the clean-up exercise to hasten and round up the exercise.

Monique was the first from the line-up of artistes to perform. Her appearance on stage brought the crowd closer to the stage barrier, setting the tone for what was to follow. Her performance was followed by Chika 100% who delivered with so much energy that charged the atmosphere. Next up was fast rising UK-based Nigerian Urban Contemporary Gospel artiste, Enkay who came on board with a soul-lifting rendition of her major works.

Joe Praise was already rearing to go backstage before he was called upon to perform. Seemingly amazed at the huge ovation coming his way, the talented singer delivered a memorable performance after which he described Praise Flame as the best street concert he has ever featured in. Then came the performance of Sammie Okposo whose energetic approach, silky steps and repertoire of praise song kept the crowd agog, of course with the usual white handkerchief in tow. The ‘Wellu-Well’ crooner also took the opportunity to dedicate a birthday song with some words of prayers for Tim Tehila, CEO of Tehila Records and initiator of Praise Flame.

Ibadan-based artiste, Big Bolaji also thrilled the crowd with powerful gospel messages and some comic relief. His songs warmly ushered in Chioma Jesus who has been highly anticipated. As usual, Chioma Jesus put-up an electric performance that took the crowd into a highly-spiritual level. 

The stage barriers were almost collapsed but the security guards were able to manage the pressure from the crowd. Chioma sang and prayed prophetically. She also made a special prayer for Joe Praise whose wedding is coming up in a few weeks.

Speaking at the event, Tim Tehila expressed delight at the wonderful performances by the various artistes despite time constraints. He expressed his gratitude to the Management of Technology Distributions Ltd. for supporting the event, while also disclosing plans to take Praise Flame to other locations such as Alaba International Market and Trade Fair. 

He also expressed his optimistic that more testimonies would be recorded from this year’s concert.

This second edition of Praise Flame was sponsored by Technology Distributions, with the Tehila Records crew on ground to support some of the artistes in what looked like a non-stop gospel performance. Other organizers are Adeniyi Olasoji, Chairman of Computer Village, Ikeja; Godfrey Nwosu, President of Phone Allied Products Dealers Association and Boniface Ania, President of Computer Allied Products Dealers Association.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Why we sacked 145 workers -TVC mgt

ITRealms:

The management of board of Continental Broadcasting Services Ltd (CBS), and the owners of Television Continental (TVC) as well as Radio Continental, has adduced some reasons on why the restructuring of the group companies led to the sacking of 145 workers, reports ITRealms.

A press statement by its public relations agency, Brooks & Blake, made available to ITRealms, attributed the sack to repositioning of the business for better and greater delivery of its services to audiences and advertisers alike.

As contained in the statement, “in line with the changes, 145 workers will be affected by the reconfiguring the workforce as part of the rationale to achieve the new objectives.

“We wish to make clear that our core channels consisting of TVC News Nigeria, TVC Entertainment and Radio Continental will now become the main focus of our business going forward where we will deliver high quality news and entertainment programmes to our audiences and advertisers across Nigeria and beyond. The winding down of TVC News Africa will allow us concentrate on these key areas of our business.

In addition, “The CBS Board of Directors has also approved substantial new investment in our staff across the group of companies which will enable us substantially enhance our news and current affairs output on TVC News, entertainment programming on the market leading TVC general entertainment channel and our key radio asset Radio Continental.

“For those staff members affected by today’s announcement, the Board of CBS Ltd has approved a generous severance package in addition to a programme of assistance to enable them seek new employment,” the company stated.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Dogara, Northern Reps reject bill to establish South-East Development Commission

ITRealms:

A bill seeking for the establishment of South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has suffered a setback, Thursday, with the rejection of majority of Northern members of the House of Representatives led by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, reports ITRealms.

The House rejection came at the second reading of the bill after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the House, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, but reacting to the situation, Hon. Chukwuka Onyema representing Anambra-PDP, and who is the lead-sponsors decried the rejection, alleging a plot against the South-Eastern states.

Onyema said that the bill which sought to tackle the menace of poverty and ecological problems confronting the South East part of the country, stressing that it would receive and manage fund from allocation of the federation account for the development, restructuring and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructure in the region.

For the House Minority Leader, Rep. Leo Ogor (Delta-PDP), said the bill would address most of the issues affecting the region, asserting that this country cannot continue with the situation where everyone come to Abuja every month to share money.

“I think every zone deserves such commission because it will make everybody look inward. This nation needs to be restructured, we cannot continue the way we are going,” Ogor said.

Equally speaking, Rep. Sani Abdul (Bauchi-APC) said that the agitation to create the commission was as a result of government’s inability to address the socio-economic challenges in the country.

“We should look at it holistically in order not to have problems. We are worried, however, because the timing of the bill with the agitation for Biafra is suspicious,” Abdul said.

However, some lawmakers while opposing the bill, said the timing was not appropriate.

Rep. Sunday Karimi (Kogi-PDP) said that some of the South-East states were already captured in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and “the creation of a South East Commission will be too much.”

Rep. Sani Zorro (Jigawa-APC) said not much consultation was done to ensure the success of the bill.

“I won’t be comfortable that at the end of the day we leave here with acrimony. In view of the debate we have had so far, I am of the view that the sponsors and supporters of this bill should make further consultations,” Zoro said

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Biafra Republic near - Kanu

Commentary@ITRealms:

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has said realisation of a Biafra republic is near.

He spoke against the backdrop of the sit-at-home on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 in the South East and some parts of the South South.

Also, Kanu and founder of Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike have also commended Ndigbo for the success of the sit-at-home.

Kanu also commended Biafrans, friends of Biafra World over for the success and total compliance of sit-at-home order declared to honour fallen heroes who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970. Speaking through IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, Kanu said he was encouraged by the compliance and vowed that he would stop at nothing in ensuring that the South East is liberated from the stranglehold of their oppressors.

He thanked “friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom all over the world for their tenacious efforts that made our heroes day sit-at-home order a resounding success.

“I will not fail to thank road transport workers, teachers, civil servants, market leaders, artisans, clergymen, businessmen, traders, Okada/tricycle drivers, school children, parents, transport owners, women organisations, community leaders, youth leaders in every community, wheel barrow/truck pushers, politicians and all Biafraland, who defied every odd and pressure from Aso Rock to make our sit-at-home order a memorable and resounding historical event.

“In line with this remarkable sit-at-home held on Tuesday, I will not hesitate to congratulate the people of Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Rivers states including the good people of Igbanke in Edo State, Igala clan in Kogi State and Idoma/Igede/Agatu in Benue State for sending a clear and unmistakable message to the world that this Biafra self-determination effort driven by IPOB is uncompromising. The fact that our people obeyed the order to sit at home is confirmation that IPOB, which I lead has the mandate of all Biafrans to spearhead the ongoing Biafra restoration effort. Special thanks goes to my deputy, Mazi Uche Mefor, our Directorate of State, led by Mazi Chika Edoziem and the indescribably incredible IPOB family all over the world.

“I thank those in the Diaspora who poured themselves into the streets in distant and foreign lands in more than 98 countries of the world to honour and remember our fallen heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price during the genocidal war against our people between 1967 and 1970. I appreciate your enormous work because IPOB has made it possible in less than four years for every president and head of state around the world to know about Biafra.

“Biafra restoration is a priority to all and sundry and I promise never to let Biafra down even upon the pain of death because you never let me down. I also wish to acknowledge and appreciate the presence of international observers and foreign journalists who were on ground to monitor this epic historical event. It demonstrates that the unique formula adopted by IPOB to restore Biafra is working. By the grace of Almighty God, (Chukwu Okike Abiama), IPOB, under our divine leadership, will restore Biafra in no distant future.”

On his part, Uwazuruike said the major aim is the independent state of Biafra and freedom for the entire people of former eastern region. He said this in Owerri, capital of Imo State, yesterday, when he briefed newsmen in his residence, where he disclosed that the first sit -at – home ordered by the pro-Biafra group was in 2004.

“There is nothing else that we are agitating for, except for Biafra independence and until that is achieved, we will not chicken out of the struggle for Biafra freedom.”

He revealed that his “major aim of starting MASSOB is not to become the president” and urged all pro-Biafra groups to “focus on the main objective which is the actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra.”

IPOB leader dares court on bail conditions
For the second time in three days, Kanu has violated the conditions of the bail granted to him.
Part of his bail conditions was that he would not grant media interviews and to avoid being seen in a crowd of more than 10 people.

But, last Saturday, Kanu addressed a crowd of supporters, numbering more than 10, at his father’s palace in Abia State.

Kanu’s father is the traditional ruler of Isiama Afara, a community in Umuahia, capital of Abia. Three days after addressing his supporters, Al Jazeera published an interview where Kanu was quoted as saying the bail conditions were too stringent. Asked if the interview could get him into trouble, he was quoted to have said: “I don’t care.”

He also lamented the effect of the restrictions imposed on him.

“It’s like asking me not to breathe. I can’t go outside to call for a press conference. I can’t go on Biafra Radio to broadcast. I can’t allow large groups of people to basically congregate outside to see me.”

Meanwhile, the South East Peoples Assembly (SEPA) has called on the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to revoke the bail granted to leader of IPOB, Kanu. Justice Binta Nyako had, on April 25, 2017 admitted Kanu to bail on health grounds.

In her ruling, Justice Nyako said Kanu must not hold rallies, grant interviews or be in a crowd of more than 10 people.

The judge, however, refused bail to the three other defendants standing trial for treasonable felony and other sundry offences with Kanu, namely Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

However, in a May 31, 2017 letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, signed by SEPA president, Prince Chukwuemeka Okorie, the group said “Kanu has continued to conduct himself in a manner we consider totally at variance with the terms and conditions of the bail.”

In a related development, Anglican Bishop, Diocese of Okigwe South, Rt. Rev. David Onuoha has called on the Federal Government to dialogue with pro – Biafra groups, saying it will enable government to understand why after 47 years of the end of the civil war, the idea and glamour for the state of Biafra seems to be gaining fresh momentum. The prelate stated this yesterday while delivering his address at the Third Session of the Eighth Synod of the Diocese held at St. Stephens Church, Umuduruegwelle, Ehime Mbano Local Council of Imo State, recently.

He said dialogue would be a better approach to addressing the obvious injustice, marginalisation, suffering and hardship the South East geo-political zone.

Courtesy: The Sun
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Shittu sets up 20-man Implementation Committee on ICT University

ITRealms:

The Minister of Communications, Hon. Adebayo Shittu, has inaugurated a 20-man Implementation Committee on the proposed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University of Nigeria, reports ITRealms.

Performing this assignment at the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Conference Room, Federal Secretariat Complex, Thursday in Abuja, Shittu expressed delight on the composition, saying the proposal calls for an auspicious occasion.

“I am particularly happy that a new history is today being written in the annals of ICT development in Nigeria,” he declared, stressing that on assumption of office he hosted a stakeholder retreat and that this plan to set up ICT University of Nigeria was one of the fallout of the retreat was the fact that there were several unfilled vacancies in the Nigeria ICT industry because many job seeking Nigerian graduates do not possess the requisite skills to take up such opportunities.

“Expatriates have had a field day. This contrasts sharply with the fact that we have a large pool of unemployed youths in the country

He also disclosed that members of the committee on the ICT University would be led by Prof. Julius Okojie, Dr. Amina Sambi-Magaji, Prof. Ibikunle Tijani, Wole Oyeniran, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, Eng. Kazeem Raji, Dr. Joshua Atah, Abdulhakeem Ajijola, Liz Donaholu, Hakeem Adeniji Adele, Dr. Suleiman Mohammed,Olaniyan Mathew, Ayoola Oke, Chris Uwaje, Prof. Olusegun Okunnu, Prof. Aderounmu Adesaola, Kabir Usman, Tajudeen Kareem, Dr. Suleiman Garba, Prof. Patience Akpan-Obong.

“Expatriates have had a field day. This contrasts sharply with the fact that we have a large pool of unemployed youths in the country,” he said.

Shittu equally said that in order to ensure that Nigeria keeps pace with the rapidly changing technological development in the global ICT industry, deliberate policy strategies must therefore be put in place within a nationally and globally defined agenda for sustainable ICT development.  

He explained that as the Nigeria ICT sector continues to evolve at a frenetic pace, and with technology increasingly converging into all sectors of the economy, the demand for technical talent and specialists across a range of sectors would continue to grow, as we strive to meet the growing demand in the emerging digital economy.

“Tis also brings to the fore, the need to have a logical plan for manpower development and long-term workforce planning as well as Research & Development (R&D) in this critical sector,” he said.

The potentials of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) are enormous and the benefits to the country unquantifiable.

“The Institute, when transformed into the ICT University, will provide fit-for-purpose curricular to cater for University graduates with specialization in various ICT fields and expertise,” he said, emphasizing that this will create employment opportunities for Nigerians both locally, within the West-African sub-region and even at the international level, aside from several opportunities that would be created for self-employment.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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JAMB candidates faint in Lagos over rush to change courses

ITRealms:

At least, two prospective candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on Thursday reportedly fainted at the Lagos regional office in Ikoyi, during the surge by some of candidates seeking to change their courses or correct data for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), reports ITRealms.

This, ITRealms gathered, led to the invitation of the Lagos State Emergency Services to the venue, which later took the affected candidates away for medical treatment, but as at press time, the names of those candidates were not obtained.

Eye-witness account told ITRealms that some students fainted at JAMB office in Ikoyi-Lagos, Thursday, due to overcrowding of the environment, leading to chants that JAMB registrar, Prof. Oloyede must go.

The candidates, who were later dispersed by some security operatives on the instruction of the JAMB headquarters in Abuja, where asked to pay attention to news updates, lamented their predicaments, insisting that JAMB registrar must go.

Although ITRealms reliably gathered, that JAMB has issued a directive to this effect a few hours ago, that it has not started the exercise of changing courses or correction of data for the 2017 UTME.

ITRealms also gathered that the protest and demand for change in courses and alleged correction of data arose from the anticipated poor performances of candidates due to the use of Computer Based Test (CBT) and inadequate number Personal Computers (PCs) for that purpose on May 13, this year.

However, JAMB in its official response said the examination body has not commenced the correction and change of course session due to they are still handling late applications and will take up massive public enlightenment campaign to ensure Nigerians are well informed on the procedure and processes.

JAMB through its spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, told ITRealms, the Lagos protest by candidates was uncalled for development which created "unnecessary anxiety and chaos where there should be none."

Benjamin explained that the reforms by JAMB were meant to make its services accessible to all conveniently. 

“When we open the window, we shall also collaborate with credible stakeholders like the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology and JKK all in Lagos, in an attempt to decentralize the services and others in other states. This will ease the pressure in on our various offices and ensure a hitch-free process" he assured.

Uj. N. Dom & Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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NIRA lifts suspension on DomainKing

ITRealms:

The Executive Board of Director (EBOD) of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has listed the suspension of one of its numerous accredited registrars, Domain King, reports ITRealms.

NIRA is the managers of the .ng, the Nigeria country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD).

A press statement made available to ITRealms quoted the EBOD as saying that Hannu Pvt otherwise trading as DomainKing.ng has met all requirements set by NIRA to reclaim its registrar status.

“The Executive Board of Directors resolved to fully lift the suspension on Hannu Pvt aka Domainking.ng effective 31st May 2017,” part of the official statement read.

ITRealms gathered that DomainKing.ng is owned by Hannu Pvt, an internet service provider based in India with a huge client base in Nigeria.

The company, ITRealms recalled was suspended from operating as .ng registrar sometime last year owning to security floors emanating from their operation.

During the company suspension by NiRA, they were not allowed to register new domain for clients.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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UTME 2017: JAMB warns protesting candidates, ‘we've not commenced change of course’

ITRealms:

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on Thursday said it has not commenced the `Change of Course or Correction of Data’ for candidates who sat for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), reports ITRealms.

The organization, ITRealms reports, was reacting to reports reaching its Headquarters in Abuja that a large crowd of candidates who wished to effect such changes had on Wednesday and Thursday besieged its Lagos office in Ikoyi.

JAMB spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in a press statement issued in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and made available to ITRealms, said the development has therefore "created unnecessary anxiety and chaos where there should be none."

"This announcement became necessary following the crowd in our offices demanding for such services. The request for correction of data is usually from candidates who provided wrong information while filling their application document online.

"The change of institutions is basically for those who are considering other preferences other than their initial choices and were misled to believe that the board has started such services and will soon closed.

"We want to make it clear that when we open the window for correction of data and change of course, we will do an elaborate sensitization on it and we shall continue with the services until the commencement of admission process.

“Let us again assure all candidates desirous of carrying out the correction of data or change of institution that the board will ensure that enough time is given for them to do so.

"Again, it will be good to also let these candidates and other stakeholders know that the board has not finished the conduct of the 2017 UTME. The Board is still conducting examinations for those who had registered late and those who could not be verified during examination and as such it will be unfair to them to open window for such correction and changes at the same time.

"Our reforms are meant to make our services accessible to all conveniently. When we open the window, we shall also collaborate with credible stakeholders like the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology and JKK all in Lagos, in an attempt to decentralize the services and others in other states. This will ease the pressure in on our various offices and ensure a hitch-free process."

JAMB, ITRealms recalled, conducted examination for over 1.7 million candidates who registered for the UTME which commenced on May 13.

"Results of most of the candidates had already been released, while some others were yet to be released, as they were undergoing scrutiny by the board for any examination malpractice", Benjamin said.

Uj. N. Dom/GEE 

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