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NCC moves to strengthen Colocation, Infrastructure Sharing Market Segment

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…Engages PwC to conduct study on competition level

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the process of conducting a study to assess the current level of competition in the colocation and infrastructure sharing (CIS) segment of the Nigerian telecommunications sector. Seventy-eight licensees are currently operating in that market segment.

The study is to enable the Commission to have insightful and evidenced-based facts to glean the dynamics at play and ensure the continuous growth of the CIS segment of the telecom market. The NCC takes this issue as priority in view of the critical role played by the colocation and infrastructure sharing segment of the telecom ecosystem in ensuring robust services.

Already, the Commission has engaged the services of Messrs. Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC), one of the world’s reputable consulting firms, to conduct the study on its behalf, in exercise of NCC’s regulatory functions as provided in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003. The study is expected to be concluded between April and July, 2022.

Speaking at the NCC’s stakeholders’ forum recently organised in Lagos on the commencement of the study, the Director, Policy, Competition and Economy Analysis (PCEA) at NCC, Yetunde Akinloye, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the forum was hosted to intimate operators in the CIS segment of the telecom market on the study and to secure their buy-in and cooperation with the consultants undertaking the study.

Akinloye reasoned that, in line with its mandate of creating an enabling environment for competition among operators in the industry as well as ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services, the NCC periodically conducts studies to assess the level of competition in the industry.

“Having successfully conducted competition assessment studies in 2005, 2010 and 2013, the Commission had issued determinations based on the findings of the studies while outcome of such studies has also enabled the Commission to come up with various regulatory interventions and initiatives to continuously provide a level-playing field for the interplay of market forces. These procedures are emplaced by the Commission to ensure fair, efficient and sustainable competition in the Nigerian telecom industry,” Akinloye said.

Despite the measurable progress made by the Commission, Akinloye stated that, since the successful completion of the 2013 study, there had been significant development and activities in some market segments of the industry that had necessitated the conduct of another competition study.

For instance, at the time the 2013 study was conducted, the CIS market segment was still at embryonic stage and as such, much emphasis was not placed on it. However, “The CIS segment has recorded significant  growth and transformation over the years having about 80 licensees, operating in the segment while its performance and activities continue to impact significantly on other segments of the Nigerian industry. The Director PCEA also informed that activities in the CIS market has also  attained the targets set out in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025)”.

Akinloye further declared that the overarching objective of the study is to provide current insights into the level of competition in the CIS market segment and articulate strategies to enhance opportunities in the market, as well as ensure the deepening of competition which will ultimately support the provision of innovative services for the benefits of both market players and the consumers at large.

“Therefore, in line with NCC’s participatory approach to regulation, this initial stakeholders forum has been convened to formally introduce the project and the appointed consultants to the industry”. Akinloye informed participants and asserted that the forum provides opportunities for stakeholders to gain an understanding into the objective, scope and methodology of the study, as well as to ensure that questionnaire or Request for Information (RFI) developed by the consultants to access the level of competition in the market are well understood.

Thus, Akinloye rallied the stakeholders to see the forum as an opportunity “to seek and receive clarification based on presentation delivered by the consultant and to make comments on issues relating to the study. She urged all participants to “commit to the objectives of the study, by providing complete, timely feedback to questionnaires.”

Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity at NCC, Bako Wakil, also joined Akinloye in seeking the full cooperation of licensees in the CIS segment of the telecom market whenever they are approached by the consultants for relevant information either through the instrumentality of the RFI or through one-on-one sessions with consultants in the course of the implementation of the study.

According to Wakil, the study is in the interest of the CIS licensees, other players and the consumers. It will also provide the Commission with useful and evidenced-based insights necessary to ensure healthy competition and a level-playing ground in the CIS segment and ensure sustainability in the growth of the telecommunication industry.

“Also, rest assured of the confidentiality of any information provided to the Commission in the course of this study, no matter how sensitive,” Bako said to the enthusiastic audience.

Earlier in her presentation to telecom stakeholders at the event, Partner at PwC, Mary Iwelumo, amplified the voice of the Commission on the objectives of the study and urged them to cooperate with the firm in providing accurate, timely and adequate responses to the RFI or the questionnaire that would be administered. This will ensure that appropriate information are to obtained to address the challenges in the sector.

Iwelumo stated that the study is to analyse the structure and operations of the collocation and infrastructure sharing segment of the telecoms market, draw out insights and advise the Commission on necessary regulatory interventions required.

Iwelumo further listed three major tasks of PwC in the execution of the study to include: gathering data, reviewing and analysing information that would be sourced from the Commission, the operators, other jurisdictions for benchmarking; engaging identified stakeholders to get feedback and suggestions after the completion of market assessment; and finally to make recommendations and prepare the study report.

“Operators are very critical to the success of the study. Therefore, they would be involved in this critical assignment, as important sources of information, as provider of technical inputs, and finally, help to validate the findings of the study,” Iwelumo said to underscore the role of operators in the study.

2023: Outrage as Nwajiuba, Education minister of state, joins presidential race despite lingering ASUU strike

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Project Nigeria group, has reportedly procured the expression of Interest and nomination forms costing N100m for the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajuiba, to contest for the presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

The group, according to Abubakar Usman, special assistant on new media to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, paid and picked the form on behalf of the minister at the APC Secretariat on Wednesday.

Mr Usman disclosed this in a tweet on his verified Twitter handle; @MrAbusidiq.

The purchase of the form for the minister has been generating negative reactions on social media because of the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Many condemned the purchase of the form for the minister as well as his presidential ambition despite the fact that students of Nigerian universities have been at home since February 14 when the strike commenced.

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, whose ministry is statutorily charged to manage labour relations, has also declared interest to jostle for the APC ticket.

Alao Abiodun tweeted “Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, Chris Ngige are both contesting for 2023 Presidency. They are not intentional with their approach(es) to end the lingering ASUU, NASU, SSANU strike but it seems they are rather interested in politicking. Very pathetic. #ASUUstrike.”

This development is coming less than 24hours that Orji Uzor Kalu pulled out of the race because of the failure of the ruling party to zone the ticket to the South-east where he hails from.

 

2023: NDLEA recommends drug test for Osinbajo, Tinubu, Atiku, Amaechi, others presidential aspirants

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In an unspectected announcement by the Natinal Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) yesterday, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Former Lagos State Governor and National leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and other leading presidential aspirants for the 2023 general elections may undergo Drug test as one of their many huddles to cross before the election.

This indication was raised by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen (rtd) Buba Marwa which had earlier urged political parties across Nigeria to make drug integrity tests part of the screening requirements for aspirants seeking to contest various political offices in the 2023 elections on their platforms.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Agency made the proposition while responding to questions from reporters yesterday at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja during its 2022 First Quarter Best Performing Commands Awards ceremony.

Experts, who spoke with Nigerian Newssphere, were of the belief that the proposal, if accepted and well implemented, would further strengthen Nigeria’s campaign against drug trafficking.

In his speech on the matter, Marwa said, “For politicians, we have long advocated and I take the opportunity again to repeat the advocacy that when they run for public office, it demands a lot of responsibility from the person and we need to be certain if he’s a person that is already a drug addict/user who will spend all the money he’s given for public service to consume cocaine and his head will not be in a stable condition to handle the affairs he has been entrusted with,

“For this reason, we have advocated and will continue to advocate that drug test be conducted for politicians; some state governments like Kano State is already doing this.

“Not just politicians, but government appointees, and I’ve just sent a letter this morning to the National Chairman of APC, who will be the first of the national working committee I wish to pay an advocacy visit on this issue.

“I recommended that drug tests be incorporated in the screening process for all those interested in running for public office; we’ll do the same to the PDP and other important parties.”

According to Marwa, the ceremony has become part and parcel of NDLEA’s corporate culture while recognising and rewarding hard work and excellence has always been a pragmatic way of stimulating productivity and enhancing the attainment of organisational goals.

He also highlighted some of the feats the agency has recorded in the last three months, including the arrest of over 3,500 suspects.
“Statistics from the first quarter (Q1) report indicates that our performance level has not dropped off,” said the NDLEA Chief.

“Indeed, achieving 3,539 arrests, 677 convictions, and seizures of 65,916 kg of drugs in three months is no mean feat.

“Little wonder our performance continually earns the agency deserved accolades from the right quarters within the country as well as from abroad, especially from international partners and peers.

“While we have not yet achieved the utopia of a drug-free society, the results show that we are getting it right.”

Proposal will strengthen fight against drug trafficking, sanitise political scene — Security experts

Reacting to the development in a chat with Nigerian Newssphere on Wednesday, a security expert and Chief Executive Officer, Beacon Security Consult, Dr. Kabiru Adamu said the move will help strengthen Nigeria’s credential in the global campaign against drug trafficking.

He said, “I see this proposal by NDLEA as a positive development. Nigeria is fast becoming an illicit drugs transit hub. This means drug cartels across the world will attempt to secure influence including among political leaders. Therefore ensuring that these leaders are not drug addicted will help ensure these cartels don’t succeed.

“I also think this move will help establish Nigeria’s credentials in the global campaign against drug trafficking,” he stated.

Similarly, a Security and Public Safety Expert, Mr Patrick Agbambu urged Nigerians to support the proposal as it will bring about sanity to Governance.

In his words, “The proposal to test Presidential Aspirants on drugs is a welcome development.”
He said it would “help Nigeria’s system. Not stopping at doing drug tests for Political office aspirants, the Government should do the same for higher institutions and public services.

There is a need to replicate this drug test to bring about some level of sanity. Every Nigerian should support this development,” he said.

Liverpool secure important 2-0 first leg win against Villarreal

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Liverpool have secured important 2-0 first leg win against Spanish side Villareal in their UEFA Champions League semi final encounter on Wednesday.

Sagio Mane and own-goal by Villareal’s side gave the English team a comfortable second leg advantage.

Details later!

May, Yul Edochie’s first wife says ‘God Judge You Both’, reacting to husband second wife announcement

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May Edochie, the first wife of actor cum politician, Yul Edochie, has reacted to the news of his second marriage and another son.

Yul Edochie caused a stir on social media when he announced his second marriage to fellow actor, Judy Austin, on Wednesday.

In his announcement, Yul also revealed that he has welcomed a son with Judy.

Yul’s first wife of 17 years, May Edochie, reacted to the news of her husband’s second marriage in the comment section of his post.

She said under her Husband’s post, “May God judge you both.”

Beginning of Judy, Yul relationship

Meanwhile, Judy the announced second wife of Yul whose real name is Muoghalu Uchechukwu Judith is from Umuoji in Idemilli North, Anambra state.

Judy had decided to produce her own movie for the first time and it was called Native Girl, perhaps the genesis of their relationship.

Edochie happened to be the director of the movie and the actress obviously placed him highly, going by how she spoke about him in interviews.

She had informed Edochie of her plan to produce a movie and he encouraged her to get a good story for them to work on. In an interview with The Sun, Judy had described the actor as ‘one in a million’.

In the same interview, Judy had described working with him on Native Girl as her most memorable moment as an actress because it was a challenging one.

 

2023: Sen Amosun joins Presidential race to weaken Osinbajo likely emergence as APC candidate

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To weaken Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo’s emergence as All Progressives Party Presidential Candidate, former governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has joined the 2023 presidential race under the same platform.

Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, made this known during plenary in the red chambers on Wednesday, April 27 as seen on the Senate’s live feed on Twitter.

Dr. Lawan read a letter of notification from the senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, announcing his intention to contest for the office of the president.

He said the formal declaration is scheduled to hold on Thursday, May 5 by 11:00 am at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. Amosun’s presidential declaration gives 2023 presidency an interesting dimension Legit.ng checks indicate that Amosun’s entrance into the presidential race indicates that there are two indigenes of Ogun state contesting for the position. Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN who had since declared his interest is also from the southwest state.

Amosun 64, is very close to President Buhari as the duo have been political associates since their days in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party.

 

Security Alert: Terrorists plan bomb attack on worship, relaxation centres, critical infrastructures — DSS

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…Advises owners, managers of public places to take extra-precautions

…DSS should arrest, prosecute those planning attacks — Adamu

…Nigerians must avoid crowded areas for safety — Agbambu

The Department of State Services (DSS) has that some criminal elements are planning to launch attacks on critical infrastructures, worship centres as well relaxation centres.

It further advised the owners, patrons and managers of these centres to take extra precautions in beefing security in and around their domains.

The Department said the criminal elements hoped to return the country to the pre-2015 era reminiscent of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on soft and hard targets in parts of the country.

This warning was made known by the Public Relations Officer of the security agency, Dr Peter Afunanya yesterday in Abuja.

He stated that while the DSS has received reports on cases of such incidents in certain areas, it has uncovered a plot by suspected criminal gangs to forge an alliance.

Their objective, Afunanya explained, was to launch further attacks on critical infrastructure and other public places frequently visited, such as worship and relaxation centres, especially during and after the holidays and festive celebrations.

He added that the groups intend to achieve some self-serving interests and cause fear among the people, and warned managers and owners of such centres to be cautious and implement basic security measures to deter the threats.

The DSS said it would continue to disrupt the trend and pattern of violent attacks and asked the people to go about their lawful businesses.

The statement partly read, “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby draws public attention to plans by criminal elements to return the country to the pre-2015 era reminiscent of IED attacks on soft and hard targets in parts of the country.

“Though there are already reported cases of such incidents in some areas, the Service has uncovered a ploy by suspected criminal gangs to forge an alliance among themselves with a view to launching further attacks on critical infrastructure and other frequented public places like worship and relaxation centres, especially during and after the holidays and festive celebrations.

“The objective is to achieve some self-serving interests as well as cause fear among the citizenry. The Service, however, recalls its earlier warning that some groups and individuals were plotting to stoke violence in the country.

“Following these, patrons, owners, and managers of the aforementioned public places are advised to be wary of this development and implement basic security measures to deter the threats.

“While the Service is committed to the disruption of this trend and pattern of violent attacks, it will continue to partner with other security agencies to ensure that necessary drills are emplaced in order that public peace and order are not jeopardised.

“To this end, residents are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and share, with security and law enforcement agencies, useful information on the activities of criminals.
“Meanwhile, the DGSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, fwc, wishes all and sundry a hitch-free Workers’ Day and Sallah celebrations.”

DSS should take step further to arrest, prosecute those planning attacks — Adamu

Reacting to the development in a chat with Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper on Tuesday, a security expert and Chief Executive Officer, Beacon Security Consult, Dr. Kabiru Adamu, urged Nigerians to take heed in mitigating against risk of terrorists’ bomb explosion.

In his words, “We are thankful to the SSS for the warning and urge all the locations it listed to herd the alert and take necessary precautions in the form of anti terrorism measures to mitigate the risk of bomb explosions.

“In addition we urge the SSS to go a step further to arrest and prosecute those it says are planning the terror attacks. This will give Nigerians the assurance behind these warnings.

“We also urge it to work with government  agencies to advise Nigerians on what to do to identify IEDs and who call if they suspect an item is a bomb.”

Nigerians must avoid crowded areas for safety — Agbambu

Similarly, a Security and Public Safety Expert, Mr Patrick Agbambu said Nigerians should take DSS’s alert seriously and avoid crowded places when necessary.

According to him, “I think that the advice is part of the threat alert system and it is welcome. Yes, there is a possibility of this attack knowing the period we are in now.

“We are on the verge of ending Ramadan fast with so many gatherings and celebrations, so this warning is valid. I also know that terrorists will try to make some statement this period, targeting soft targets.

“Again you know that electioneering activities have begun, this will heighten the insecurity situation. There are still some ungoverned spaces in the Country which serve as a point of attraction for the criminals to perpetuate their criminalities.

“My advice for the Government is on continuous sensitisation of citizens on security consciousness.
“If possible for people to avoid crowded areas, also the mobilisation of security forces in strategic areas,” he stated.

Man Manchester City slightly outperformed Real Madrid with 4-3 first leg scoreline

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…Second leg at Bernabeu to decide both teams fate

Manchester City will take a slight 4-3 advantage to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid after the two sides played out a breathtaking seven-goal thriller at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

This is coming as expectation has been shifted to their second leg encounter at the Bernabeu which will be the sole decider.

Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t have looked more different on the sidelines on the night, with the Catalan as animated as ever while the Italian looked as cool as ever all while the game descended into beautiful chaos in front of them.

City came out flying from the start and Kevin De Bruyne had them in front inside two minutes, heading home from close range. That lead was doubled by Gabriel Jesus with just 10 minutes played and Real Madrid were at risk of collapsing and letting the tie slip.

The hosts had chances to make it 3-0, but failed to take them and were punished by Karim Benzema. With what was barely even a half-chance, the Frenchman turned in a gorgeously glanced volley from the edge of Ederson’s area with half an hour played.

Phil Foden restored City’s two-goal advantage shortly after half time after he himself had missed a big chance. But Real Madrid don’t know when they’re beaten, and Vinicius Junior scored a stunning goal to halve that deficit again, with a run and finish similar to that of Gareth Bale against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final at Mestalla.

Bernardo Silva smashed a fourth for City into the top corner when Los Blancos appeared to have stopped, expecting a freekick.

Benzema’s night wasn’t finished though, and he dispatched an audacious panenka penalty into the roof of Ederson’s net with eight minutes of the 90 left to play.

Liverpool FC will be slugging it out with another Spanish side Villarreal tomorrow, Wednesday 27th 2022.

 

Gov Ortom seeks FG intervention for victims of herdsmen attacks

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Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to offer more interventions to victims of herdsmen attacks in the State as it is being done to other States across the country.

Governor Ortom stated this on Tuesday, April 26th 2022 during the flagoff of the Victims Support Fund intervention programme in the State initiated by the TY Danjuma Foundation.

He expressed appreciation to General Theophilus Danjuma for his humanitarian works, saying through the Victims Support Fund, he has been able to assist the State to offer succour to victims of terrorism any time the State called on him.

Inaugurating the programme at the Ortese IDP camp, Guma local government area, leader of the Victim Support Fund team, Mrs Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji said the intervention was to support victims of attacks in six local governments in the State including Guma, Logo, Konshisha, Gwer West, Ado and Oju, pointing out that the intervention would involve monthly distribution of various food items to the victims for six months.

She explained that as captured in the programme, the VSF would offer interventions to the IDPs in the areas of health and medical facilities, rehabilitate the Naka Water Works, provide economic empowerment support as well as set up comfortable shelters for them.

Mrs Akerele-Ogunsiji further stated that the Victims Support Fund would also roll out a psycho-social and wellness programme for the victims to take care of their mental health, saying educational support would also be offered through registering the students for WAEC as well as JAMB examinations.

She bemoaned the level of destruction that has been caused to Benue communities by the herdsmen attacks over the years and enjoined other local and international organisations to assist in alleviating the plight of the victims.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Professor Magdalyn Dura and Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Emmanuel Shior in separate remarks, commended the Victim Support Fund for the intervention and appealed for expansion of the programme to cover more local government areas in the State.

Buhari, other northern Elites dividing south to retain power in 2023 – Adebanjo

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Leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has alleged that the political bigwigs in the North including President Muhammadu Buhari are dividing the South as part of their game plan to retain power in 2023.

Adebanjo spoke on Mondday in Abuja, during a Greater Nigeria Conference (GNC) organised and well-attended by political bigwigs in the South East consisting of serving governors, former governors, senators and others.

The theme of the conference was ‘Quest for presidency of South East extraction #togetherwecan#

Adebanjo said the Northern political gladiators have been emphasising zoning but now preach merit and competence to manoeuvre their way for the North to retain power after President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said if it were by merit and competence and not the principle of zoning, some former presidents of Northern extractions wouldn’t have been president.

He said, “Let’s tell Nigerians where it should be and stop deceiving ourselves. We are now at a crossroads. My position is to say it as it is.
“The North does not want to yield power and the only thing they know is to divide the South so that they can have power in 2023. They want to divide the South West first. Now that is the turn of the South East, they (North) are now talking of competence, merit.”

Chief Adebanjo also asked former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Nyesom Wike and other aspirants from the South South to shelve their presidential ambition and allow the South East to produce President Buhari’s successor.

He said, “I’m appealing to Wike and other aspirants from the South South, they are not helping matters. People like Jonathan are not helping matters. President Goodluck Jonathan allowed himself to be disgraced.”
Meanwhile, the President of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Middle Belt Forum have backed South East for the 2023 presidency.

Speaking at the event, President of the PANDEF, Edwin Clark said, “The people of the South East deserve the presidency of this country and they have my support. Let us do what is right. Let everybody support a president of the South East extraction. Let us give them a chance.”

Similarly, the President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Pogu Bitrus, said, “The South East will produce a president that will be sworn in on May 29, 2023. All of us are here for that singular reason. If we are not in support of this, we wouldn’t have been here.”

No apologies rejecting zoning – Northern elders

Reacting, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) said the forum will continue to argue that every Nigerian should have a fair chance to compete for every office available in the country.

The NEF on Monday in a reply to Chief Adebanjo said it has no apologies for insisting that zoning which is recognized only by the Peoples’ Democratic Party limits the scope for leadership selection, harms the country in terms of the quality of leadership that emerges and should not represent a source of conflict in the country.

The NEF, through its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Dr Hakeem Baba- Ahmed said NEF will not trade insults with Chief Adebanjo because the forum has realized that doing so will be a waste of time.

 

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