NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Science & Tech

NLNG, LCCI partner on Nigeria Prize for Science

183 total views today

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

 

The Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG) says it has partnered with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on presentation of the joint-winners of the 2022 Nigeria Prize for Science to industry players.

According to NLNG in a statement on Thursday, the 2022 Nigeria Prize for Science is  an effort to push agricultural innovations that can  positively impact food security in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos reports that the panel of judges for the Nigeria Prize for Science received 107 entries from scientists worldwide for the 2022 edition.

The panel of judges, led by Prof. Christian Agbo, from the Department of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, reached the decision on the winning entries.

Other members on the panel included Ms Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, and Prof. Mohammed Magaji, from the Department of Agronomy, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

The outstanding works were on: ”Gains in Grain Yield of Released Maize (Zea Mays L.) Cultivars under Drought and Well-Watered Conditions”, by Muhydideen Oyekunle and Shehu Ado; and the second “Development of Process Plant for Plantain Flour”, by Sesan Ayodeji and Emmanuel Olatomilola.

The two groups will split the 100,000 dollar grand prize.

The General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Mr Andy Odeh, said the Prize’s focus on Food Security in 2022 was in alignment with Goal Two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seeks sustainable solutions to end hunger by 2030 and to achieve food security.

He said that NLNG was interested in the impact the innovations would have on food security and socio-economic well-being of Nigerians.

He added that the company was aware that it was not enough to have innovations without them impacting the society.

“Being a company committed to building a better Nigeria, NLNG is seeking ways to ensure that these improvements bring about positive developmental change in its home country,” he said.

The Chairman of the Prize’s Advisory Board, Prof. Barth Nnaji, said: “ It is our strategic view that the Nigeria Prize for Science would bring to the fore investment networks and harmonisation efforts to support agriculture in Nigeria.”

Nnaji said that the Nigeria Prize for Science was  sponsored by NLNG to promote innovations in science and technology that would solve age-long problems and drive development in Nigeria.

Also, the President of LCCI, Mr Michael Olawale-Cole, said that there was no better time to gather over a topic on food security as the threat of destructive flooding and droughts faces the country due to climate change.

He added that this was also coming at a time when Nigeria was grappling with a surging food inflation at 23.75 per cent which had been the main driver of Nigeria’s high headline inflation at 21.34 per cent.

He said the country needed scientific exploits in the field of agriculture to beat the emerging effects of climate change.

“The awardees we celebrate today have distinguished themselves with a show of unrivaled intellectual capacity that has led to innovative discoveries in agriculture and food security.

“In the face of threatening weather conditions, we need new methods, tools, and infrastructure to cope with emerging challenges in agriculture.

“We celebrate the winners of the NLNG 2022 Nigeria Prize for Science, and we say congratulations to the awardees,” he said.

Olawale-Cole said that the chamber had consistently collaborated with reputable institutions like the NLNG to promote programmes that enhance the business environment, citizens’ welfare and stability in the economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Angela Okisor/Folasade Adeniran

Science & Tech

Nigeria attains 100% broadband penetration

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By Ikenna Uwadileke/Cecilia Ijuo

President Muhammadu Buhari says that the Federal Government has achieved 100 per cent broadband penetration across Nigeria.

The president said this in Abuja on Tuesday at a Digital Economy Conference tagged: “Promoting a Vibrant Digital Economy, A Catalyst for Economic Growth in Nigeria”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Represented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isah Patami, the President said the figure was contrary to reports that the country had achieved 43 per cent penetration only.

According to him, reports on 43 per cent penetration is obsolete.

“One of the richest persons in the world announced that Nigeria out of the 54 African countries has outstanding broadband.

“As I speak to you today the  broadband penetration in Nigeria is 100 per cent,” Buhari said.

He said that the Federal Government performed excellently in terms of achieving wider broadband for Nigerians.

According to him, from 23 per cent coverage in 2019, this administration increased the broadband by 77 per cent in 2022 and 100 per cent in 2023.

“As at today, the broadband can be accessed everywhere in the country whether in the urban area, rural area or desert.

“We are the first African country to attain this and the only one so far,” the President said.

Buhari further said the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy had been rated very high by an independent assessment.

He said, “70 per cent is distinction and the digital sector has surpassed it.

“We delivered excellently in all the eight priority areas in the sector.

“For instance on pillar number one, which is broadband penetration, we achieved 134 per cent,  pillar number two, which is 4G penetration, we achieved 127 per cent.

“Furthermore,  we delivered 99 per cent on the third pillar, the fourth pillar, which  has to do with national identity, we achieved 94 per cent.

“On the fifth pillar which is quarterly revenue generation, we moved from generating N51 billion in three months to N408 billion in three months”.

The President further said, “on the sixth pillar we achieved 103 per cent result, seventh pillar we achieved 111 per cent and the eight pillar we achieved 137 per cent.”

On call by the President of NACCIMA for inclusion of the organised private sector in the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the president said the provision had been made.

He asked NACCIMA to forward the names of their representatives for consideration.

Mr Ide Udeagbala, National President of NACCIMA, said the conference was to among other things promote the technology ecosystem in Nigeria and establish potentials of the digital economy for job creation.

He also said the conference was being organised to identify the opportunities that existed in the technology industry and grow them by attracting local and foreign investments to Nigeria.

Udeagbala further said the conference would help identify  challenges impeding development of the technology industry and encourage government to enunciate policies that would build on existing laws among others.

He said part of the discussions at the conference would also centre around establishing digital hubs in the six geo-political zones.

This according to him will give opportunities to the rural areas, promote start-ups and encourage innovations in the industry while discovering technology savvy experts.

“The top five biggest technology companies in the world are managed and run by Indians.

“Microsoft Chief Executive Officer(CEO) is Satya Nadella, an Indian; Google CEO is Sundar Pichai, an Indian; Twitter CEO is Parag Agrawal, an Indian.

“Also, IBM CEO is Arvind Krishna, an Indian; and then Adobe CEO is Shantanu Narayen, also an Indian.

“This is besides the fact that Indian technology sector works with over 75 per cent of the fortune of 500 companies, with most of them having their Headquarters in the US.

“The question begging for answers is what stops Nigerian youths who distinguish themselves academically in every  institution of the world from attaining this, “he said.

Udeagbala said it was time to move away from the narrative where some Nigerian youths were using technology for fraudulent activities commonly called ‘yahoo-yahoo’.

He called for the inclusion of the organised private sector in the  National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The Minister of Industry, Trade  and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo commended NACCIMA for organising the conference.

The minister, who was represented by the Director of  Trade in the ministry, Mr Sulaiman Audu, said the ministry would collaborate with NACCIMA to explore the potential of digital economy.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Pauline Tallen said there was a need to improve women and people living with disabilities in the digital economy.

She said the ministry would be willing to collaborate with actors in the digital world to mainstream women and other challenged persons in the society.

NAN reports that the event was attended by foreign nationals,  captains of industry and other stakeholders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Science & Tech

NITDA partners Uniccon group to achieve FG’s 2030 digital literacy goals

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By Jessica Dogo

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to partner with Uniccon Group on the Federal Government’s Digital Literacy Goals of attaining 95 per cent digital literacy in the country by 2030.

The Company’s innovation; Omeife humanoid robot has software features known as Omeife as a Service (OaaS) that strongly impacts and aids the attainment of the set goals.

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa said this during a tour of the group’s facilities on Monday in Abuja.

Inuwa said NITDA was interested in how Omeife could help in the actualisation of the goal as it looked forward to integrating it into the agency’s Learning Management System (LMS), to facilitate a robust learning experience.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be prepared to this effect, adding that the agency is ready to partner with Uniccon in advancing digital economy transformation in Nigeria.

Inuwa said that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, had directed NITDA to work with Uniccon toward the commercialisation of Omeife,

He said this collaboration would help to meet the government’s digital literacy target by 2030.

The D-G commended the group’s team on the progress made with Omeife and other innovative projects.

The Chairman of the company, Mr Chuks Ekwueme, alongside other members of the team, took Inuwa and his entourage comprising officials of the agency and its subsidiaries on a tour of the company’s facilities.

Ekwueme highlighted advancements in the robot’s capabilities, including enhancements in her ability to aid knowledge acquisition and language learning through her proficiency in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin English, and other African languages.

He expressed gratitude to NITDA for the agency’s support of the recent launch of Uniconn’s invention, Omeife, the first African humanoid robot.

Ekwueme lauded the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, NITDA, other agencies and institutions for their support of indigenous innovations.

“The company seeks to improve the African economy through innovative technologies.

“This tour and engagement promise mutually beneficial collaboration between NITDA and the the group for the advancement of Nigeria’s digital culture. The MoU will kick off the partnership process. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe

Science & Tech

NGO trains 5,000 people on data privacy

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By Stellamaris Ashinze

 

Data Knowledge  Information  Privacy  Protection  Initiative (DKIPPI), a Non -Government  Organisation (NGO), has trained no fewer than 5,000 people on Data  Privacy.

The Chief Executive Officer  (CEO) of DKIPP,  Mr Tokunbo  Smith, said this at a news conference held on Saturday in Lagos to commemorate Data Privacy  Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Data Privacy Day is an international effort to highlight importance  of data privacy  and ensure its compliance.

Smith said that the training of the training was on capacity  building to promote data processing practices that safeguard the security of personal data and privacy of data subjects.

He said that the  NGO had contributed and was presently contributing to the development of Data Privacy and Protection in Nigeria.

Smith said there had been capacity building in digital literacy to the public to improve the level of data, knowledge and information privacy and protection.

According to him, it is through appropriate use of information technologies.

“Our desires to create awareness on Data privacy and educate the public on the importance of data privacy is already yielding positive results,” he said.

Smith, however  said  that the Federal Government  through  the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) had been very supportive  in promoting  digital  privacy.

He said that the Federal Government had provided cash, materials for learning and other incentives.

Also, speaking  at the event,  Mr Doyin Talabi,  a Data Consultant, said that data would be the new “oil”, and if not well protected would lead to damage.

He said that it was very  important  to create awareness  of data privacy to ensure privacy and security.

“It is because all of us, both in the private and public sector,  individuals, have personal information  that must be kept private,” he said.

Talabi said that such awareness of the need for data privacy  would preserve lives, physical and mental  health.

Also, Mr Kunle Adesida, an Engineer and Co-Founder of Cranium  Integrated Solutions Limited, while relating to the health sector, said that data privacy was the bedrock to seamless and effective health care delivery.

He said that health care delivery  would become perfect  if the patient had emotional  satisfaction that their psyche was being  worked on to enable delivery of adequate information to their physicians.

Adesida said that most patients did not give  enough  information  when it comes to health  care delivery.

According to him, that is why data privacy  is something  that everyone  needs  to come out and celebrate.

He, however,  urged  the government  to give enough  financial  strength and put in place policies to ensure that all sectors across the nation focus on data privacy.

“I believe it will take us a long way,” Adesida said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Vivian ihechu

Science & Tech

Minister tasks NIGCOMSAT Board, mgt on better performance, revenue generation

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By Sunkanmi Onifade

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, on Friday tasked Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited Board and Management on better performance and revenue generation.

Pantami gave the charge at a one day ministerial retreat for Board and Management of NIGCOMSAT on Friday in Abuja.

The theme of the retreat was ‘Re-engineering NIGCOMSAT management for 4th Industrial revolution and exponential growth’ .

He said the retreat was not to teach the NIGCOMSAT management and Board members anything new but rather to think on how to revive the organisation and to be more effective.

The minister recalled the Oronsanye report of 2012 which submitted to the Federal Government with many recommendations, including scrapping or merging of agencies or companies based on performance.

“If we can turn things around and make Institutions more productive and effective, there is no way, government will think of scrapping or merging.

” NIGCOMSAT and Galaxy Backbone are Federal Government companies with the mandate to generate revenue and that is why the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT was strategically selected from the private sector,” Pantami said.

He said the private sector was not business as usual, saying the NIGCOMSAT were not core civil servant but rather with the aim generating revenue.

The minister however earned the Union of organisations should be careful about supporting those that are unproductive rather they should lobby for what is good for the system and not intimidate government in anyway.

He also warned NIGCOMSAT not exploit customers in their bid to increase revenue as it will kill the goal of customer centric.

“Customer centricity demands that the customer is the focal point of all decisions related to delivering products, services and experiences to create customer satisfaction, loyalty and Advocacy,” Pantami said.

The Chairman Governing Board of NIGCOMSAT, Mr Yusuf Kazure, said there was a need to embrace the fourth industrial revolution.

“This is the 4th industrial revolution which builds on the foundations of the first three revolutions, namely the steam engine, the age of science and mass production and the rise of digital technology .

“While most of the developing world like Africa is still grappling with the 3rd revolution, the rest of the world has moved on to the 4th revolution that has brought the need for new skills in both
management and leadership.

“We cannot wait until there are massive dislocations in our society to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.

The Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Mr Tukur Lawal, said the theme for this retreat was apt, saying that it would provide the context for deliberations which would sharpen perspectives to grips with the issues around the organisation.

” Furthermore, I see the outcome of this retreat as a primary requirement for me as I roll out my plan for the organisation.

” When l arrived at NIGCOMSAT Ltd as the new Managing Director, l met a willing team, professionals in their different endeavors willing and waiting to be led,” he said.

Lawal said like other organisations, NIGCOMSAT had its teething problems but the problems are not insurmountable.

He said with encouragement of this nature, was on a sure path to chat a better direction for the company.

” As a private sector manager of human and material resources, my desire is to nudge NIGCOMSAT Ltd unto the path of profitability.

” With your support, Honourable Minister, the team l met on ground is poised for a new NIGCOMSAT Ltd, “Lawal said.

He said with less than four years to deorbit the present satellite (NigComSat 1R), the need to fast track and ensure additional satellite to the country’s space industry cannot be overemphasized.

” The satellite market in Africa and Nigeria in particular is large enough and NIGCOMSAT cannot be left out.

” The launch of NigComSat 2 will further boost our confidence and strength the market, “Lawal said. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Science & Tech

LASG lauds MAFAB for 5G network in Lagos

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By Stellamaris Ashinze and Okuawan Offiong

Lagos State  Government  (LASG) says the unveiling of 5G network by MAFAB Communications Limited will  bring Lagos closer to achieving its Smart City dream.

The state Governor,  Mr Babajide  Sanwo-Olu,  said this at the unveiling of the network on Thursday in Lagos.

The governor said the inauguration was a  milestone in the  nation’s technology and telecommunications journey.

Sanwo-Olu  was represented at the event by the Commissioner for  Science and Technology,  Mr  Hakeem  Fahm.

The News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN) reports that MAFAB earlier in the week launched the 5G network  and its logo in Abuja.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the state government sincerely commends the Chairman of Althani Group of which MAFAB is a subsidiary, and the organisers of the event for the epoch making event  which ushers in a new age of technology.

‘’Though 5G network is relatively new in the telecommunications industry, MAFAB Communications Limited has recorded a milestone achievement in the tech space through the launch of the 5G Network.

‘’I want to commend the management of MAFAB Communications for working hard to deliver this next level technology that out guns the 4G network by a very wide margin,’’ he said.

According to him, It is a fact that the contribution of the telecommunications industry has been a significant economic driver for Lagos State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

The governor  said that the telecommunications  industry  had contributed more than $70 billion to the economy and helped to create over half a million jobs.

He said that the prospects of what could be  accomplished with the 5G network, which is next level technology, filled him with high hopes.

‘’As we unveil your new logo, I want to wish you success in your operations and assure you of our firm commitment to the entrenchment of technology in every facet of our economy,’’ he said.

In his welcome address,  Chairman and  Founder, MAFAB  Communications Limited,  Dr Musbahu  Bashir said  that    on Tuesday the company made history with the launch of its 5G Network in the Federal Capital Territory.

Bashir said that it was logical  that the next stop should be Lagos.

He said that Lagos was not just the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, but also a prime destination for tourism, sports, entertainment and culture.

According to him, the future is now even brighter with more exciting prospects and possibilities with the digital play of Mcom 5G Network.

He said that Mcom 5G launch marked the beginning of immense opportunities for the country to achieve infinite possibilities with a purpose of enabling connectivity for a digital future.

MAFAB  chairman  said that as the second operator to launch 5G in Nigeria, Mcom expected more coverage for Nigerians and acceleration of broadband services.

The Executive Vice Chairman,  Nigeria  Communication Commission,  Prof. Umar Danbatta,  said that Nigeria had articulated policy objectives for nationwide deployment of new generation 5G network and services.

The EVC was represented  by Mr Adeleke Adeolu,  Executive  Commissioner,  Stakeholders  Management.

Danbatta said that the objectives were based on the realisation that pervasive access to fifth generation technologies would enhance connectivity for individuals and for businesses.

According to him,  It will help to improve healthcare services, support inclusive education, foster the development of smart cities, boost agriculture, and generally catalyse overall economic efficiency of our generation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Joe Idika

Science & Tech

No plans to strip NCC of its powers – Pantami

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By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government has no plans to strip the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) of its powers,  the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, has said.

Pantami said this on Thursday in his presentation at the 19th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Scorecard for 2015 to 2023 in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Information, Arts and Culture.

Pantami said there was no iota of truth in insinuations that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), was designed to take over the powers of NCC.

He said that both the NCC Act 2003 and NITDA Act 2007 were obsolete and long overdue for review due to imperatives of new technologies.

According to him, old Acts did not address the fourth industrial revolution and emerging technologies.

Pantami said: “We are talking about Fouth Generation (4G) Technology and Fifth Generation (5G) Technology today as well as digital economy.

“The NITDA Act was specifically on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, while the NCC Act dwell more on telecommunications.

“I had a meeting with the Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC and the Director-General of NITDA  and I directed them to work together.

“And there was an agreement that both Acts needed to be amended”.

The minister said that NITDA had over 30 stakeholders’ engagements were held, saying, “I am sure NCC was involved.

“It is unfair that someone will say because I was once a Director-General of NITDA and therefore tilted towards it”.

Pantami also said that he stood his ground for NIPOST over stamp duty issues and was threatened by the late Boko Haram leader.

He said that the threats came, when the government insisted on the implementation of Subscribers Identity Modules (SIM) with the National Identity Numbers (NIN) linkage.

“I protected NCC recently when an Agency took 42 billion belonging to it.  The higher authority asked the Agency to return the money to the NCC,” Pantami said.

He said that what was being done regarding the amendments of the NITDA and NCC Acts were in the best interest of the country.

Pantami said based on assessment of independent consultants engaged by the Federal Government, the Ministry scorecard stood at “A” in all the eight priority areas assigned to it by Buhari.

According to him, broadband penetration as of November 2022 stood at 46. 2 per cent, as well as  quarterly revenue generation from the ICT sector at N408 billion.

“Employment generation  in the digital economy sector alone covered 2.2 million Nigerians within the last three years.

“The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), was able to capture NIN of over 95 million citizens on its database within two years.

This, he said, increased compared to a figure of 39 million Nigerians captured by the same agency for 13 years.

Pantami further said that through the implementation of the e-governance policy of the present administration,  over N47 billion had been saved for the government.

He also said that he inherited only one National Policy, but as at today, 19 national policies had been implemented by the ministry.

Pantami said 18 Nigerian universities were being provided free unlimited broadband access and  20 Nigerian markets were also benefitting from such gestures free of charge.

He said all the policies being implemented by this administration would be concluded before May 29 this year as President Buhari would also inaugurate the 12 billion naira National Centre for Digital Innovation in Abuja.

He said challenges in the telecommunications industry were as a result of deficit in infrastructure and vandalisation of fibre optic cables.

He said that in one particular year about 13,000 cases of vandalisation of fibre optic cables were recorded in different locations across the country.

Pantami said the president should be commended by Nigerians for the far reaching policies implemented by his administration to change the narratives of the digital economy space and improve the living standards of the people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NITDA bill is currently before the National Assembly for review. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Science & Tech

FG foils 66 attempts to hack FEC virtual meetings – Pantami

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By Rotimi Ijikanmi
The Federal Government said it  foiled  66 attempts by hackers from Europe to compromise the virtual meetings of the Federal Executive Councils (FEC).
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami gave the revelation in Abuja at the 19th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) Administration Scorecard Series (2015-2023).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scorecard series was organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture to showcase the achievements of the Buhari’s administration.
Presenting the scorecards of his ministry, Pantami said since the unveiling of the National Policy on Virtual Engagements for Federal Public Institutions in October, 2020, not less than, 108 virtual FEC meetings had been held.
He said from the 108 virtual FEC meetings held, 66 attacks to compromise the meetings were made from Europe but all were failed.
The minister said all the cases were reported to the appropriate authorities for the record and actions.
He recalled that the the National Policy on Virtual Engagements was launched to formalise government online meetings such as FEC and Council of State meetings.
The minister said that with the policy developed with the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, government’s virtual meetings could be held effectively and legally.
He said the implementation of the virtual meetings had saved the country over N47 billion which could have been used if they were held physically.
The minister also disclosed that in line with Buhari’s vision to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, not less than 2.2 million jobs had been created in the digital sector in the past three years.
He said the feat was achieved in the sector by the implementation of the Executive Orders signed by the President to priotise indigenous content as well as indigenous professional in the execution of national projects.
Pantami said in the execution of jobs, planning and design of projects as well as appointments of key officials in the digital sector of the country priorities were given  to indigenous professionals.
 He said his ministry also priotised the execution of programmes and projects that could generate direct and indirect jobs. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Science & Tech

FG moves to protect children in digital environment

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By Chijioke Okoronkwo

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday in Abuja approved the National Child Online Protection Policy and Strategy.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Malam Isah Pantami, told newsmen at the end of Wednesday’s cabinet meeting that the strategy aimed at protecting children from the harmful side of the digital environment.

The meeting was presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Pantami said the policy was in line with the International Telecommunication Union’s policy document for all its member countries.

“There are many benefits of going online; the world population reached 10 billion on Nov. 15, 2022.

“Today, we have around 6.3 billion people online and by implication, among this number, you will discover many children.

“They will not be able to differentiate what is beneficial and what is harmful.

“According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union, more than one billion children were online during COVID-19 lockdowns for their studies because schools were shut.

“Today, without any solicitation, you will discover that many things are coming into your device on-line and unsolicited,’’ the minister said.

According to him, children will not able to avoid such unsolicited items online which will definitely affect their innocence; affect them morally and otherwise.

“The document has been titled: `keeping children safe in the digital environment’.

“All member countries have been urged to ensure they come up with a policy where children will be protected.

“It is because of this that we organised stakeholder engagement, where we invited around 37 institutions of government since it is multi-sector issue.

“The Ministry of Information and Culture, the National Broadcasting Commission and the National Orientation Agency, among others, have roles to play.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies have roles to play; the Ministry of Justice has a role to play to differentiate what is legal and what is illegal,’’ Pantami added

He said the cabinet also approved the Nigeria Data Protection Bill to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of data being submitted to government and to other institutions.

The minister said FEC also approved the National Duct One Policy aimed at institutionalising the provision of ducts during construction at federal, state a local government levels.

“This is the global best practice today.

“Before construction and even during the conceptualisation and design, there should be provision for ducts for road construction, bridges, rail lines, sea ports, and any important building,’’ Pantami said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Science & Tech

Firm inaugurates 5G network, unveils logo in Abuja

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By Jessica Dogo

The Mafab Telecommunication Company on Tuesday inaugurated the Fifth Generation (5G) network and unveiled its logo in Abuja.

The Chairman of Mafab, Dr Mushabu Bashir,  said the launch had added another chapter in its journey towards a brighter and stronger future filled with hope and prospects.

Bashir said with the 5G, business outfits would expand their frontiers with operational ease and speed, especially in the fields of education.

Other fields are medical sciences, engineering, security, businesses like the banking sector, SMEs and smart cities, among others.

He said 5G would not just benefit the urban areas but also meet long-term goals of ensuring that rural areas and villages enjoyed benefits of this amazing technology.

“The rollout of Mafab 5G network is the beginning of immense opportunities for the country as it represents Nigeria’s capabilities and infinite possibilities.

“The prospect of increased job opportunities as a consequence of the value-chain benefits the technology will generate and offer is the dream we have all gathered here to launch today,” he said.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, said that on Jan. 25, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the National 5G Policy for Nigeria’s digital economy.

Pantami said as the Chairman of the National Frequency Management Council, he handed over the frequency spectrum to NCC and it conducted a transparent auctioning where two operators emerged as the winners, MAFAB and MTN.

“MTN commenced the roll out and now MAFAB has joined the queue, I congratulate the Chairman of MAFAB for his commitment to the success of MAFAB.

“It is absolutely difficult to have a new player who joined the sector within a small period of time and also to be competing with some of the active players in the sector”, he said.

Pantamis said 5G had enormous benefits for security institutions, “because there are technologies in security that leverage on it which allows security institutions to properly manage security situations.

“5G allows real time communications, and this has so many benefits to our security institutions to manage challenges effectively, like robots.

“There are so many technologies and artificial intelligence to help our security institutions.

“All of them leverage effectively on 5G, so this is in addition to economic benefits”, he said.

The minister said there were many benefits of 5G, most importantly towards economic development.

According to him, a research conducted by Boston Consulting limited in the USA in February 2021 had indicated that the rollout of 5G in the US would increase their gross domestic product.

Pantami said: “This will increase within 10 years by a minimum of 1.4 trillion USD to 1.9 trillion USD.

“So, the benefits of 5G deployment is beyond just quality of service.”

The minister said there were so many benefits because new technologies come along with new benefits like low latency, very high quality broadband and faster network.

Pantami added: “It allows real time communication or almost near real time communication.

“Today using 5G virtual surgery is being conducted globally. They did in the US and also in China.

“The recently conducted a virtual surgery where the distance between the surgeon and the patient is over 3000 kilometers but the surgery was conducted successfully treatment of Parkinson’s in China, they did it also recently.”

In his presentation, Mafab’s Communications spokesperson, Mr Adebayo Onigbanjo, while unveiling the company’s new logo, said, “as an operator born in the data age, Mafab will aim to serve customers.”

Onigbanjo said that it would also serve the country by maximising the value of the digital technology.

“While 5G brings a lot of excitement about fast downloads, low latency and high speeds, our promise is ubiquitous data for Nigerians.

“Broadband is now an essential requirement and our data native network aims to deliver this to Nigerians,” Onigbanjo said.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that MTN Nigeria and MAFAB Communications won the 5G licenses of the 3.5GHz spectrum auction conducted on December 13, 2021.

 

They paid $547.2 million licence fee each to the Federal Government by Feb. 24, 2022.

 

The company also used the opportunity of the launch of its 5G services to unveil a brand-new logo, which it said heralded the dawn of a new era of infinite possibilities which the technology offered. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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