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WRC-23: Nigeria Joins Rest of World to Sign Updated Radio Regulations to Deepen Global Connectivity

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At the conclusion of the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) 2023, Nigeria joined the rest of the World to sign unto the Final Act WRC-23, which constitutes a record of the decisions taken at the conference.

The Final Act comprises both the new and revised provisions of the Radio Regulations, an international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented Nigeria and was joined by the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida and the Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat Ltd), Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen.

The WRC-2023 is a global, inter-governmental treaty conference which is held every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations-affiliated international organization for telecommunications.

At the end of each conference, countries signed unto an updated Final Act, the outcome of agreements on agendas put forward by country administrations.

According to a statement by the ITU, “the agreement to the updated Radio Regulations identifies new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land.”

Among the decisions reached, the Conference also identified spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), which will be crucial for expanding broadband connectivity and developing IMT mobile services, also known as 4G, 5G and, in the future, 6G.

The conference also identified new frequencies for non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) that would provide high-speed broadband onboard aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles. These satellite services are also critical following disasters where local communication infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

Provisions were also included to protect ship and aircraft mobile service stations located in international airspace and waters from other stations within national territories.

Nigeria’s delegation at the conference comprised seasoned engineers and experts in telecommunications and satellite regulations and governance from the Ministry, NCC, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), NigComSat Ltd, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), telecom operators and other practitioners from the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Tijani, who led the Nigerian delegation at the WRC-23, thanked the delegation for their sacrifices which, he noted, were made for the collective benefit of the future of Nigeria.

He also enjoined the Nigerian delegation to commence preparation for future conferences to ensure the preservation of the country’s interest by developing capacity through investments in extensive research and inter-agency collaboration.

Also, during an engagement with the Nigerian delegation at the conference, Maida commended the delegation for collaborating towards Nigeria’s best interest. He emphasised the conference’s significant importance for Nigeria.

According to him, “the agreements reached at this year’s conference will provide valuable spectrum resources that will benefit the Commission’s stakeholders, especially ordinary Nigerians by enhancing service quality and bridging the digital gap in rural areas.

“Additionally, the establishment of international standards for radiocommunications and the decisions made at the conference will impact the development and implementation of new technologies.

 

“These outcomes align with Nigeria’s overall objectives and the Honorable Minister’s Strategic Plan for the Ministry particularly on expanding broadband connectivity, in harmony with the global transition to 5G and future 6G technologies, as well as improving quality of experience and providing equitable access to all Nigerians.”

 

 

AU, ALPA screens, treats 3,000 persons in Nasarawa 

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Sangarin Shabu, Mahmood Bwallah (middle) flanked by officials of African Union, Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC) and experts from Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH)

African Union, Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC) in partnership with African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) has screened more than 3000 persons for hepatitis in Nasarawa state.

Dr Ibrahim Adamu, Director Public Health, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health disclosed this on Saturday while paying a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler, Sangarin Shabu, Mahmood Bwallah II.

Adamu who went in the company of AUSTRC officials and experts from Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH) also announced the successful completion of the intervention.

He told the community leader that more than 3000 persons were successfully screened.

He said those found to be Negative have also been treated and pleaded for continued support of the partners in ensuring that hepatitis is eradicated from Nigeria.

“We thought the prevalence of the burden of hepatitis is 10 percent but after the screening of over 3000 persons, the results are evident.

“The results show that hepatitis b is over 30 percent, while hepatitis c is about 11 percent.

“We would continue from where the partners have stopped and ensure we take the free treatment to other places in Nasarawa,’’ he said.

The director also added that persons tested to be negative have started receiving free vaccination.

The traditional ruler expressed gratitude to the Ministry of health and the partners, AU and ALPA for organizing the free hepatitis care and treatment.

He urged the AU and ALPA to continue in their bid to see a world free of Hepatitis and urged other agencies to emulate them.

The highlight of the visit was the conferment of traditional titles on the leaders of AUSTRC and ALPA team by the revered community leader in appreciation of their support.

Sangarin shabu also recognized and awarded all team members for their collective support in carrying out the hepatitis outreach.

Prof. Ahmed Farahat, the hepatitis project Coordinator from ELRIAH on behalf of his team expressed gratitude to the people of Shabu.

He said his team was encouraged by the people of Shabu for prioritizing their health and taking advantage of the opportunity for testing and treatment, given the dangerous nature of untreated hepatitis.

Dr. Ahmed hamdy, the executive director of AUSTRC and ASRIC stated that based on the success achieved in shabu, the project would continue.

Hamdy, ably represented by Mr. Philbert Bayeka, an official of AUSTRC said an outreach of this nature had been successfully carried out in Egypt and a pilot phase was successfully replicated in Shabu.

“This outreach was carried out in Egypt where it was very successful and we have implanted the pilot phase successfully.

“It is a pilot project in Nigeria and it was very successful, that shows we did something right,’’ he said.

NBTI promotes entrepreneurship, jobs creation

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Dr Ado Ahmed, NBTI’s Director of procurement (middle) flanked by officials of NAFDAC and participant displaying their certificate of participation at the end of the one day training in Abuja

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) said it is committed to achieving its mandate through capacity building, promotion of entrepreneurship and creating jobs.

Dr Uchenna Chukwu, Director-General (D-G) NBTI, stated on Thursday in Abuja at a capacity building training to support its staff and incubatees in food and pharmaceutical products registration.

Dr John Oni, NBTI’S Director post incubation and extensive services, who represented the DG said the basis for training was to create awareness, support entrepreneurs and promote economic advancement.

“ This is our way of educating our staff and entrepreneurs, it is our way of supporting them.

“ The benefits of the training are numerous, the training will enhance productivity, create jobs and eliminate poverty,” he said.

He said there was a need for awareness on the registration requirements of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)for food and pharmaceutical products.

Oni also added that the training would enhance the federal government’s industrialisation initiatives and economic promotion.

Dr Ado Ahmed, NBTI’s Director of procurement said the training was an economic tool for development.

“NBTI’s technology incubation centres are tools for economic development so regular training would enhance their effectiveness.

“ The training will address teething problems of the entrepreneurs in the area of funding, branding and packaging,” he said.

One of the trainers, Mrs Aisha Giree, an official of NAFDAC said the training of NBTI staff and entrepreneurs would ensure the people in the society are consuming quality products.

“ It is our responsibility in NAFDAC to ensure the consumption of quality products in the society.

“ Training like this will help ensure that our message is passed to the public.

She called for continuous training of NBTI incubatees as it will enhance their efficiency.

“ With the nature of NBTI’s services, it is important to train staff so as to acquire new knowledge which will guarantee production of quality service, ” she said.

Giree highlighted the importance and process of acquiring a NAFDAC registration.

She said, ` NAFDAC plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and other related products in Nigeria.

“ Its functions are aimed at protecting the health of the Nigerian public and promoting the growth of the Nigerian economy through the promotion of safe and effective products.”

Participants were tutored on topics like product development and packaging for food and pharmaceutical related products, NAFDAC registration process and related issues.

Stakeholders hail AU, ALPA free hepatitis intervention

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Dr. Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa state commissioner for health (L) and Dr. Ibrahim Adamu, Director, Public health, Nasarawa state ministry of health(R) during their assessment of the free hepatitis treatment organised by AUSTRC in partnership with ALPA ongoing in Shabu community, Lafia for indigenes of Nasarawa state

 

Nasarawa State Health sector stakeholders have commended the AU Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC) and African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) for the free hepatitis intervention.

The intervention includes free counseling, free testing, free treatment, free drugs and free vaccination in Shabu community in Nasarawa State.

Dr Ibrahim Adamu, Director, Public Health, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health praised AU and ALPA for adopting an approach that brings hepatitis treatment and care closer to the communities.

Adamu, in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Shabu, Lafia said that eliminating viral hepatitis was a task that must be accomplished and Nasarawa State was prepared and open to partnerships.

He said the high cost of treating hepatitis had deterred some of those diagnosed with the disease, especially those in the rural areas from seeking medical solutions.

Adamu added that an awareness of hepatitis could lead to early detection which is life saving.

“ As a state, we are addressing these challenges through our elimination strategy which is guided by four principles — plan wisely, test smart, cure-all, and prevent new cases.

“It is a pilot project in Nigeria, which included sensitization sessions and trainers were trained so that the work continues, the aim of the intervention is not for the work to stop,’’ he said.

Adamu added that the elimination plan focuses on the optimal deployment of resources for case finding, ensuring treatment for identified patients, and rollout of prevention strategies in areas with higher transmission rates.

On his part Dr Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health commended all stakeholders including international partners like AU, ALPA for strategizing towards combating hepatitis.

“We know that the government alone cannot tackle the burden of viral hepatitis” he said.

He complimented the partners for ensuring that persons confirmed to be positive were undergoing free treatment and giving free vaccination to negative cases.

According to him, “Sensitization on preventive measures and creating access to care and treatment was a crucial part of the programme,’’ he said.

The Executive Director Nasarawa State HIV/AIDS Control Agency, Dr. Ruth Bello, called for awareness on hepatitis adding that “Hepatitis C remains curable.

She commended the free testing and treatment given to everyone who came to the venue of the intervention in Shabu.

“ Everyone that was here got tested and treated and sensitized on how to stop the spread.

“ There have also been collective efforts with the partners and the State to ensure that hepatitis diagnostics and curative treatments are readily available,’’ she said.

NCC EVC, Maida announces date to unveil New Strategic Plan for Telecom Sector

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L-R: Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Adeleke Adewolu; Secretary, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), Abuja Chapter, Emmanuel Elebeke; Chairman, NITRA, Abuja Chapter, Blessing Olaifa; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Ubale Maska and Vice Chairman NITRA, Abuja Chapter, Atinuke Tokura-Nukay, during a courtesy visit of the media association to the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, says he will unveil a Strategic Plan for the Commission and the telecommunication sector by the end of January 2024.

Maida disclosed this when the executives of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association, Abuja Chapter, paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday.

He assured Nigerians of improved quality of service by telcos and solutions to the Right of Way, RoW challenge for operators.

He explained that the Subscribers Identification Modules linkage to the National Identity Number Policy will improve and secure digital services in the country’s telecoms industry.

He called for collaboration with the media on seamless development of the sector.

“Regarding our direction, I want to thank Mr. President and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy for considering me to fill these big shoes.

“The strategy the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy put forward was very clear regarding policy direction, and we have to try to achieve it. We also need to ensure we are telling the story fairly and simply, whether to the man on the street or internationally; I see you being very critical in telling that story.

“Be assured that our guiding principle is the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Strategic Roadmap set out by the Minister, and of course, there are some aspects that are specific to us that we will add to that.

“At the end of January, we will be releasing our Strategic Plan for the NCC and, by and large, for the industry in line with the RHA.

“But there are also areas we have started work”, he said.

“We need to change the narrative about the RoW, moving away from saying it is about the charge to opening up and allowing infrastructure to be there and see what can happen, like in Edo, Kaduna, etc.

“Again, we are trying to push forward the work started by our predecessors to link NIN to SIM. Although we are being pragmatic in dealing with the challenges, the job must be completed because the benefits far outweigh the pains.

“Today, if we can tie everybody to an identity, other sectors have similar identities, like banks, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Federal Road Safety Corp, FRSC. Bringing it all together to NIN gives us a foundation whereby a lot of digital services can be built, and there is a security aspect as well because we know our challenges.

“I think we need to focus on the fact that we need to do this as a nation; we are not doing it to cause pain; we are doing it so that the economy can grow; there is so much in our Plan.

“And, of course, quality of experience matters; in my engagement with the CEOs of telcos, I had to let them know that we need to make sure people everybody gets value for their money; there are challenges everywhere, whether it is FX, diesel, security but because of the criticality of the telecoms infrastructure. Let people complain and cry, but if we sit down, everything stops because telecom is critical.

“We will be driving very hard on that, as one of the areas that we should be held responsible; we will make sure it is transparent. I want it to be transparent so that we can drive the industry”, he said.

On his part, NITRA Abuja Chapter President Blessing Olaifa commended the EVC for kicking the ground running upon the assumption of office.

“With your appointment, we are confident you have the capacity and competence to drive this institution to greater heights.

“The telecom institution is growing very fast, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.

“We believe you will build on the performance of your predecessor”, he said.

NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Engagement, Barr Adeleke Adewolu, The Commissioner, Consumer Affairs, Engr Ubale Maska and the Director of Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka, took turns commending media’s contribution to the telecoms sector development.

Beneficiaries seek extension of AU, ALPA hepatitis intervention in Nasarawa

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Some beneficiaries of the African Union (AU) and African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) sponsored free hepatitis intervention have called for the extension of the free outreach.

Some of them, who spoke to the Newsmen on Wednesday, pleaded for more days of the free treatment in order for more people to benefit.

Usman Dauda, a native of Lafia noted that as the days of the free hepatitis intervention drew closer, the numbers of beneficiaries kept increasing exponentially.

“We have never seen any organisation bring care nearer to the communities as such that is why you see the numbers kept increasing anyhow.

“ We are pleading for additional days so that everyone can benefit,’’ he said.

According to Shekwogazu Peter, a trader,“ Earlier this year when I tested positive for hepatitis in the specialist hospital in Lafia, I was worried because I could not afford the treatment.

He said, “Thanks to the AU and ALPA for providing free hepatitis services, I pray they extend the free drugs and testing for another 6 months.’’

Peter Audu, a Lafia Local Government official suggested that the government should make the work of partners easier by screening their indigenes and keeping the correct data for onward free treatment.

 

“To make the work of partners easier, the state should make the work of partners easier by at least screening their indigenes and keeping the correct data for onward free treatment as such.

“ The burden of screening by international or local partners who are seeking to eradicate hepatitis or even any viral disease should be removed.

“ The focus will now be on treatments, vaccinations etc and days will be effectively utilized,’’ he said.

Rahinna Maina, who came all the way from Keff, pleaded that the free hepatitis treatment be extended to those in the custodial centres..

” Let it also be extended to those in prison, please, I believe it is also affecting them there because the issue runs in my family and I have a brother in prison, ” she said.

Shehu Gaza a trader prayed to God to bless the organizers, saying, “ I want to commend the partners who brought this to us, we are grateful.’’

A bank Accountant, Oluwatoyin Moses, urged that the free hepatitis outreach should be turned into a long-term project instead of a few days intervention.

“Just like the HIV/AIDS projects handled and funded by donors and partners, hepatitis should be looked into.

“ Hepatitis has become an endemic which cannot be addressed by just a few days, sensitisation should be prioritized in order to avoid it spreading,’’ she said.

Nasarawa Govt commits to eradicating hepatitis

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Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state (2nd left) with Dr. Mohammed Kyari (3rd right), a senior official of AUSTRC and experts from the Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH)

 

Govenor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to eradicate hepatitis in the state in response to a spike in the number of its cases in the state.

African Union, Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC) has partnered with African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) for hepatitis intervention in Nasarawa state.

Gov. Sule made this statement while receiving a team of AUSTRC officials and experts from Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH) on Wednesday in Government house, Lafia, Nasarawa state.

The intervention includes free counseling, free testing, free treatment, free drugs and free vaccination.

The free hepatitis care and treatment is taking place in Model comprehensive health care, Shabu, Lafia, Nasarawa state from Dec. 6- Dec. 16.

Sule said, ” Nasarawa State wellbeing is my primary concern, and I will leave no one behind in the battle to end viral hepatitis C by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030.”

He said the state was currently prioritizing the hepatitis co-infected population which it considers in its elimination efforts.

Sule said, “ Nasarawa is faced with high cases of viral hepatitis.

“ And in response to these challenges, the Nasarawa State Government officially committed to the elimination of Hepatitis in 2020 and announced a five-year strategy by 2025.

“ We are leveraging partnerships and support from partners like the AU and ALPA which addresses screening and treating of our people.

“ With the support of such partnerships, I know Hepatitis will be eradicated in Nasarawa state.’’

NDPB issues code of conduct to data protection firms

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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, has issued a Code of Conduct for Data Protection Compliance Organizations, DPCOs, in the country.

This is ahead of its enforcement drive in 2024 and in a bid to ensure professionalism among firms that are licensed to carry out compliance as a service,

Whilst addressing the meeting of the Commission with the DPCOs, the National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, urged DPCOs to see their role in the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 as a public trust which must be guarded with the utmost sense of responsibility.

Olatunji noted the opportunities presented by the Act, particularly the lawful use of data and job creation in the data processing value chain.

Recall that NDPA 2023, under section 33, vests the Commission with the power to license persons with a requisite level of expertise in data protection and the Act to monitor, audit and report on compliance by data controllers and data processors.

This is a unique public-private partnership model designed to promote trust and confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy, which thrives on data processing like other economies around the world.

In line with the Code of Conduct, the compliance services that may be offered by DPCOs include but are not limited to the following: Awareness and capacity building?, Registration of the data controller or a data processor with the Commission, Development of compliance schedules;

d)Implementation of compliance schedules, NDPA Compliance Audit and filing of Compliance Audit Returns with the Commission; Data Privacy Impact Assessment; and Facilitating and Vetting Data Privacy Agreement.

The Commission noted that for a firm to operate as a DPCO and carry out compliance services, it must, among others, be duly licensed by the Commission and have a verifiably certified Data Protection Officer.

As of November 2023, 163 DPCOs have been licensed by the Commission.

Customs announces plan to construct 5,009 housing units for officers nationwide

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The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, says the service is partnering with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank and real estate firms to construct 5,009 housing units for its officers nationwide.

Adeniyi disclosed this in a statement on Monday after brokering deals with real estate firms and a mortgage bank.

According to him, the housing scheme will feature diverse residences, including two-bedroom terrace bungalows and three-bedroom terrace duplexes, strategically located in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Asaba, Masaka, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.

“The Service is providing temporary relief through staff quarters, but concerns persist regarding retirement and subsequent vacation from these quarters.”

“A strategic partnership has been formed with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB) to establish a sustainable housing solution. This collaboration aims to construct 5,009 Housing Units nationwide, providing a stable foundation for Officers and empowering them to invest in their families and futures, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in serving the nation”, he stated

Biafra Govt issues travel advice to Igbos in Diaspora ahead of Yuletide

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Ekpa and brgie

Ahead of this year’s festive period, the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa, has issued security travelling advice to all Biafrans in Diaspora.

The Finland-based lawyer and separatist, Ekpa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He warned Biafrans in the Diaspora to remain in whatever countries they are to celebrate this year’s Yuletide for security reasons.

According to him, kidnappers are looking for Biafra returnees to kidnap in exchange for ransom in Nigeria.

He added that Biafrans abroad should send their families money this festive period instead of returning to the southeast.

“Those telling you to come back for Christmas are kidnappers; they are out of cash, and their only hope is to kidnap you for ransom during Christmas.

“The Biafra government has warned all Biafrans in Diaspora to remain where they are during this Christmas for security reasons. Send your ticket money to your families back home; they need the money more than you risk your life going to Nigeria for Christmas.

“Terrorists will begin hunting for Biafra returnees.

“All the Nigeria terrorist forces will be hunting for Biafrans that will return home and possibly kill some of them;

“The Nigeria IPOB criminals will be ready to kidnap you since that has been their business.

“Staying In the Diaspora will help the Biafra Liberation Army and other Biafra forces tackle security challenges better as they will be less distracted”, he said.

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