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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.

Supreme Court refuses to grant Nnamdi Kanu freedom

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The Supreme Court on Friday turned down an appeal to release of the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.

The Apex Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim but written by Justice Garba Lawal, voided and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which in October last year ordered the release of Kanu and also quashed the terrorism charges against him.

Supreme Court held that although the Nigerian Government was reckless and unlawfully rendered Kanu from Kenya, such an unlawful act has not divested any Court from proceeding with trial.

Justice Lawal said that no Nigerian law was cited in the suit seeking Kanu’s release on mere unlawful abduction from Kenya, adding that at the moment, the remedy for such action is for Kanu to file a Civil matter against such act instead of removing the powers of courts to continue with his trial for alleged criminal charges.

The Apex Court subsequently ordered Kanu to go and defend himself in the remaining seven counts of terrorism charges against him.

Newssphere recalls that the Biafra Republic Government in Exile had declared a week long sit-at-home to press for the release of Kanu and sought Biafra referedum.

In June 2021, Kanu was rearrested by the Department of State Security; since then, several courts including the Court of appeal, had ordered his release.

Traditional ruler, indigenes of Nasarawa hail AU, ALPA free hepatitis intervention

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The Sangarin Shabu, Mahmood Bwallah and indigenes of Nasarawa state have commended African Union (AU) and African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) for the free hepatitis care and treatment ongoing in Shabu community, Lafia.

The 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) is offering free hepatitis treatment to Nasarawa state indigenes.

The free hepatitis test and treatment is a pilot phase project holding from December 6 till 16 and targeted at over 3000 beneficiaries.

The royal father gave his support and blessings while receiving a team of AUSTRC officials and experts from Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH) in his palace on Thursday in Shabu, Lafia.

In his address, the monarch poured encomiums on the team for the timely hepatitis intervention geared towards bringing development to the community.

“ I want to commend the AU and ALPA for bringing such a laudable project to my community, this is a great initiative.

“Thank you for prioritizing the health of my people, I also appreciate the efforts and support of the state government for this community.

“You have my support and that of my people; we will cooperate with you to achieve your aim,’’ he said.

Some beneficiaries, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews, stated that an hepatitis intervention of such magnitude was the first of its kind in Nasarawa state.

A resident of Shabu and a beneficiary of the hepatitis free testing and treatment, Audu Muhammad, thanked the partners, AU and ALPA for the free hepatitis treatment and sensitization.

“ For the past interventions I have witnessed, it is usually not more than a day but this is the very first time we as a community and state are benefitting from a 10 day intervention.

“ From day 1 till now, everything is free, we are very grateful for this kind of intervention because we could never have been able to afford the cost of hepatitis treatment,’’ he said.

Another beneficiary, Rukayya Audu, stated that she has lived in Nasarawa for 48 years and never has she witnessed nor benefitted from such a huge project.

Audu who travelled from Akwanga to Shabu for the test noted that as an indigene of Nasarawa state, this was first of its kind in the community.

“ I heard from a friend that there is a free hepatitis test and treatment so I travelled down and decided to partake of it.

“ The past hepatitis interventions are usually for just a day but this is lasting for 10 whole days with everything free, this is huge.

“ I am extremely grateful, May God bless everyone who made this possible,’’ she said.

Amos Bage, a banker in Lafia town said all of the beneficiaries could never afford hepatitis treatments if it was not for the sponsorship which made the treatment totally free.

Bage who said he saw the information on his family whatsApp group added that he was grateful for the free hepatitis treatments.

A couple, Mr and Mrs Ado Musa, who came from Nasarawa Toto, both said they heard the information about the free testing and treatment on radio.

“I and my wife heard about the hepatitis outreach on radio one day while I was driving to work,’’ Mr Musa said.

“I thought it was a scam until a friend confirmed it to me. I have benefitted from the free test and free drugs.

“We have called some of my friends suffering from hepatitis and some family members from keffi, jos and even our in-laws from Kaduna to come and benefit,’’ they said.

AU, ALPA targets 3000 beneficiaries for hepatitis treatment in Nasarawa

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AU, ALPHA

The African Union, Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC) have partnered with the African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) to offer free hepatitis treatment to Nasarawa State indigenes.

The Senior Scientific Officer of AU-STRC, Dr Mohammed Kyari, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Model Comprehensive Health Centre, Shabu, Lafia.

Kyari said that the project targeted 3000 persons to benefit from the free hepatitis care, tests and treatment in Lafia, Nasarawa state.

He said the project followed a sensitization and education of communities at all levels, including testing, which was targeted at the age group 12-80 years old.

Kyari added that the project was a build-up from the research conducted by the AU- STRC and ASRIC from 2018 to date with a priority area on “prevention and control of diseases”.

“ The hepatitis testing uses the serological rapid diagnostic tests with results in 15 minutes, and treatment will commence immediately for positive cases,” he said.

According to him, vaccination will be administered to those who are negative; then further testing will be administered on those tested positive through a viral load confirmation.

Kyari also said that the treatment would focus more on eliminating mother-to-child transmission and the timely administration of birth dose vaccines for newborns and raising awareness.

He added that the project was a pilot phase on implementing the ASRIC Flagship Project on a Village free of Hepatitis in Nasarawa State, which will be held from the 6th -20th December 2023.

“ The project is also in line with the implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2024) pillar on building technical and professional competencies,” Kyari said.

Nigerian Newssphere monitored events at the Model Comprehensive Health Centre, Shabu, which is the location of the hepatitis-free village in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and the theme is “ Hepatitis Free Village”.

Recall that seven Egyptian doctors are on site attending to the residents of the Shabu community. About 2500 people have since received free treatment through free drugs and vaccinations.

Among the medical personnel from the Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH) working on hepatitis eradication in Lafia are Dr. Ahmed Salem, Dr. Ayman Abdelfattah and Prof. Ahmed Farahat

AU, ALPA engage 50 Nasarawa state health workers on hepatitis eradication

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AU, ALPHA

African Union, Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC) are partnering with the African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) to train 50 health workers in Nasarawa State on Hepatitis eradication.

Dr Ahmed Hamdy, the Executive Director of AU-STRC and AU-ASRIC, specialized institutions of the AU, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Hamdy said that AU-STRC and AU-ASRIC, in partnership with ALPA, are organizing practical hands-on training on implementing the ASRIC Flagship Project in a village free of hepatitis in Nasarawa State.

He said that the training followed the implementation of the African Union Science, Technology and Innovation Framework on Africa Free of Viral Hepatitis.

Hamdy said, “The training is aimed at strengthening and building the capacity of the Nasarawa State’s 50 health practitioners with the requisite knowledge, competencies and skills to eradicate viral hepatitis.

“This hands-on capacity-building training workshop is the first of its kind and is the pilot phase of addressing the challenges posed by viral hepatitis.

“The training is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the AU Member States and the Nasarawa State’s health practitioners (Local Implementation Committee) numbering about 50.

“It is a train-the-trainer training to ensure they are practically equipped with the requisite knowledge, competencies and skill to eradicate viral hepatitis in their villages and Member States.”

He said the training was made possible due to the tripartite partnership between AU-STRC, AU-ASRIC and ALPA, a continental organization aimed at treating hepatitis carriers.

Hamdy added, “AU-STRC is a specialized institution of the African Union (AU) that deals with Science, Technology and Innovation.

“AU-ASRIC, equally a specialized institution of the (AU) is the highest advisory body to the AU on science, technology and innovation with the mandate of building and mobilizing research excellence and technical competencies.

“The African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) is a continental organization whose aim is improving care and treatment for people who have hepatitis through the cooperation of its members and the global stakeholders.’

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