In a bid to improve telecommunications infrastructure and enhance service reliability, the government has introduced measures to significantly reduce fiber cuts caused by road construction. This development is expected to minimize network outages, lower unnecessary repair costs, and reduce the need for telecom operators to establish redundant routes to mitigate service disruptions.

Fiber cuts have long been a major challenge for the telecommunications industry, leading to frequent service interruptions that affect millions of Nigerians. These disruptions not only inconvenience consumers but also place a heavy financial burden on telecom operators, who must continually repair damaged fiber lines and invest in alternative routes to maintain service continuity.

Dr. Maida, a leading figure in the industry, highlighted the broader impact of this initiative, stating, “This initiative is not just for the benefit of the telecommunications industry but for all Nigerians. Every time a fiber cut occurs, consumers experience service disruptions. The industry is forced to invest in costly redundancy measures, but if we can prevent these avoidable disruptions, operators can redirect resources towards network expansion and infrastructure improvement.”

By addressing the root cause of fiber cuts, the initiative will enable telecom operators to focus on expanding their network coverage, improving broadband access, and deploying advanced technologies to enhance overall connectivity. Additionally, businesses and individuals reliant on seamless internet and communication services will benefit from greater network stability and reduced downtime.

Industry experts have welcomed the move, emphasizing that a proactive approach to infrastructure protection will not only boost the efficiency of telecommunications services but also contribute to the country’s digital transformation goals. With improved coordination between government agencies and telecom providers, the initiative is expected to foster a more resilient and future-ready digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s democratic history, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commended former President General Ibrahim Babangida for openly acknowledging that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. Speaking at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project in Abuja, President Tinubu described the admission as an act of courage and patriotism.

For the first time in 32 years, Babangida publicly confirmed that the results of the historic election had declared Abiola the winner, marking a crucial step in setting the records straight. The annulment of the election remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history, leading to a national crisis and the eventual transition from military to civilian rule.

President Tinubu praised Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, stating:
“I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you. I am here to pay homage and to thank you for your contributions to the history and development of this great country.”

Babangida, who served as Nigeria’s leader from 1985 to 1993, admitted that annulling the election was the most difficult decision of his administration, adding that if given another chance, he would have handled it differently.
“Undoubtedly, credible, free, and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system could not complete the process. That accident of history is most regrettable, and I take full responsibility,” he said.

He further acknowledged that his administration had acted in what it believed was the “supreme national interest” at the time, but expressed relief that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously recognized Abiola’s victory and conferred on him Nigeria’s highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

Tinubu Calls for National Renewal

During his remarks, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to making tough economic decisions to reposition the country. He urged Nigerians to refocus their energies on nation-building, warning that recent shifts in global migration laws serve as a reminder of the need to create opportunities at home.

“I am glad about what is happening in America and Europe—the contradictions we see. It tells us to wake up and make Africa a better place, particularly Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.

He also credited Babangida’s economic reforms, particularly the deregulation of the banking sector, for shaping Nigeria’s private sector. “Without you, people like me wouldn’t be in politics. You encouraged young, brilliant minds to participate in governance. Today, many of us are here because of the visionary Babangida.”

Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was a gathering of Nigeria’s political and business elites, including former Presidents of Ghana and Sierra Leone. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo chaired the event, while Ghana’s former President, Nana Akufo-Addo, delivered the keynote address. Also in attendance were former Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.

In his review of Babangida’s book, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo highlighted the former leader’s admission that Abiola met all constitutional requirements to be declared winner of the 1993 elections.

The event underscored the lasting impact of June 12 on Nigeria’s democratic evolution, while Babangida’s revelations added new dimensions to the historical narrative.

In a significant step toward enhancing data protection and privacy in Benue State, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement marks a new era of collaboration aimed at fostering compliance, raising awareness, and creating job opportunities in the state’s digital space.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, described the event as a milestone in Nigeria’s data protection landscape. He commended BDIC’s commitment to prioritizing data privacy, emphasizing the crucial role of digital technologies in national development. Dr. Olatunji also highlighted the importance of safeguarding digital identities using global best practices, stressing that the MoU would serve as a catalyst for embedding data protection into Benue State’s digital framework.

Benue State’s Commissioner for Communications and Digital Economy, Hon. Amande Kwaghbah, expressed appreciation for NDPC’s swift response to the state’s request for collaboration. He revealed that the government is committed to training 40,000 personnel, including local government staff, as part of its digital transformation agenda. He further noted that the state looks forward to hosting the NDPC training team to drive the initiative forward.

As part of the agreement, a dedicated working team has been established between NDPC and BDIC to oversee the implementation of the MoU, ensuring its objectives are effectively realized.

This partnership underscores the growing commitment to strengthening data protection regulations in Nigeria and positioning Benue State as a leader in digital compliance and security.

 

In line with its objective of safeguarding the data privacy rights of Nigerians, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has secured the support of the National Judicial Institute (NJI). It will be recalled that the NJI is responsible for the training of judicial officers in Nigeria from magistrate courts to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

During a courtesy visit of the Commission, to NJI, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji lauded the management of NJI under the leadership of Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, (Rtd) for the milestones the Institute has achieved in human capital development particularly in relation to judicial officers and fellows of the institute.

While commenting on the importance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act in the face of disruptive technologies, Dr. Olatunji reiterated the need to collaborate with NJI in keeping judicial officers abbrest of privacy Jurisprudence. He noted that decisions on enjoyment of data privacy rights in relation to one citizen have fundamental implications on all citizens.

“It is the digital age, and the protection of the privacy of all citizens worldwide is paramount. It is now the right of all citizens to have their privacy protected. This is why countries across the globe are putting adequate measures in place to ensure enforceable data protection rights, as well as establishing data protection authorities to enforce data protection laws,” Dr Olatunji stated.

In his response, Hon Justice Abdullahi commended the NDPC, under Dr Olatunji’s leadership, for its significant achievements since its establishment. He pledged to collaborate with the NDPC to raise awareness on data protection and privacy within the judiciary and accepted the NDPC’s proposal anchored on capacity building for judges, NJI fellows, and employees.

According to the eminent jurist “The issue of data protection is very important. It is new, and judges need to be trained. The first step we should take is to review the Act (NDP Act) that established the Commission. Additionally, there is a need for us to train our fellows on data protection.”

NJI and NPC have put in place a technical working group that will draw up a work plan and coordinate the initiatives for capacity building. The working group is expected to report back within days in order to commence implementation.

 

The largest open drug market in Africa, Ọgbọ Ọgwụ, alongside adjoining markets, has come under renewed scrutiny as federal agencies intensify efforts to combat the sale of counterfeit and controlled drugs. A recent intervention at the market revealed alarming discoveries, prompting regulatory authorities to take decisive action.

During a visit to the market, it was observed that other neighboring markets, including the Plumbing Materials Market, had also been shut down. Contrary to political speculations, the leadership of the Plumbing Materials Market confirmed that regulators uncovered disturbing quantities of counterfeit and banned drugs within several shops in their market. These findings raised serious concerns about the infiltration of prohibited pharmaceuticals into the country.

The presence of globally banned drugs in local markets raises critical questions about the supply chain and regulatory oversight. Despite international and local prohibitions, these counterfeit medicines are still being manufactured in India, making their way through Nigerian ports and ultimately reaching consumers. Authorities are now under pressure to tighten import regulations and strengthen surveillance at entry points.

In response to the crisis, the state government has ordered an expedited investigation, aiming to complete the search within ten days. Efforts are also being made to ensure that law-abiding traders at the Plumbing Materials Market can resume operations promptly.

As part of broader reforms, the Anambra State Government is advancing the construction of a coordinated wholesale drug center in Oba, Idemili South LGA. This facility is expected to accommodate the new and standardized Ọgbọ Ọgwụ market, replacing the current unregulated structure where counterfeit drugs proliferate.

Onitsha remains the largest trading hub in Africa, and efforts are underway to elevate its status through regulatory compliance and market modernization. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a safer commercial environment, ensuring that only genuine and approved pharmaceuticals are available in the market.

May Anambra continue to progress in its fight against counterfeit drugs and trade malpractices.

 

 

The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has handed over a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project to Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, Ogun State.

 

The project named: Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC), sited on the Institute’s campus, is aimed at enhancing learning experience of students while providing a platform for digital innovation, research, and development (R&D) for the overall economic growth of Nigeria.

 

The highlight of the inauguration and handover ceremony on Thursday was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ensuring effective utilisation and sustainability of the ICT project in the Institute.

 

The ETC is one of the access projects of the USPF and a significant milestone towards the government’s policy direction to bridge digital divide and promote digital inclusion across Nigeria.

 

The Centre is equipped with 100 desktop computers, emerging technology applications, bandwidth, and connectivity tools, to provide students and faculty members with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.

 

Speaking at the official handover ceremony, the USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, said the Centre represents more than just bricks and mortar. According to him, it embodies a vision, a commitment, and an investment in the future of Ogun State, and by extension, the future of our nation, Nigeria.

 

“Under the strategic direction of the Hon Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and strategic focus of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the USPF is vested with the mandate of providing ICT access to the unserved and underserved communities across the country,” he said.

 

Through strategic implementation, Arowosafe said the USPF has implemented various access and connectivity projects across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, which has continued positively impact ICT utilisation and deepen connectivity across the country.

 

“With a student population of 9,300, OGITECH is one of the leading institutions of technology in Nigeria, and we are proud to partner with them to bring this project to fruition. The ETC will not only enhance the learning experience of students but also provide a platform for innovation, research, and development.

 

“We expect this project to have a significant impact on the institution and the wider community. It will provide opportunities for students to develop skills in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. It will also enable faculty members to integrate technology into their teaching and research and to collaborate with other institutions and industry partners,” he said.

 

The USPF Secretary also stated that the ETC will serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for start-ups and small businesses to incubate and grow.

 

“We believe that this project will contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, and we are proud to be a part of it and we look forward to seeing the impact of this project on the institution and the wider community,” he said.

 

Arowosafe stated that the MoU signing has been designed as part of sustainability strategy for future projects of USPF, where the beneficiary organisations, group and communities can take ownership of such project and be committed to taking necessary initiatives to ensure it continually serves them without being abandoned after handover by the USPF.

 

In his remarks during the handover ceremony, the Rector of OGITECH, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, applauded the NCC and the USPF team for siting the project in the Institute, promising that the project will be put into effective utilisation to benefit not only the Institute abut its entire community.

 

He also expressed commitment towards ensuring the sustainability of the project, as has been articulated in the joint MoU between the OGITECH and the USPF. “We will ensure the sustainability of the project and work towards putting it into effective use for the benefits of the entire community,” he said.

 

The USPF was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service to ICTs in rural, un-served and under-served areas in Nigeria. The Fund is being managed to facilitate the widest possible access to affordable telecommunications services for greater social equity and inclusion for the people of Nigeria.

 

 

…As Society Celebrates 64 Years of Existence

A research Director of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Dr. Samuel Olugbenga O. Olusunle has been conferred with the prestigious Fellow of Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), one of the oldest professional bodies in the history of Nigeria.

The Nigeria’s late sage, Pan Africanist and President during the First Nigerian Republic Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first patron of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society.

The Society yesterday in Abuja concluded its 60th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), and it was time for the body to honour and recognize its members who had contributed tremendously not only to the growth and development of the Mining and Geosciences profession in the country, but the accomplishments of the honourees having direct bearing on the general socio-economic development of the country.

The event which was held between 16th to 19th February 2025 at the Chida International Hotel Abuja, came to a climax with Awards Night and recognition. Dr. Olusunle and 42 other members were honoured with the prestigious fellow category, which is the highest election attainable in society.

This conferment has added new appellation to Engr.Dr. Olusunle’s name as FNMGS.  In 1977, the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) succeeded the Nigerian Mining Geological and Metallurgical Society (NMGMS) which was founded on 15th January 1961 and officially inaugurated on 17th December, 1962.

The society is an international professional organization. Its Objectives include: Advancement and practice of Mining, Earth sciences and Metallurgy, Acquisition, preservation and dissemination of mining geoscientific and metallurgical knowledge, publication of an interdisciplinary learned journal of Mining and Geology (JMG), the CRUST, periodicals and specialized books including annual books of abstracts and programmes of the society’s conferences and activities and upholding the ethics and safeguarding the interests of the professionals covered by the society.

The society also has statutory representation in the council of the Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) established by the Federal republic of Nigeria Decree No. 40 of 1990. The categories of membership are Fellow, Corporate, Graduate, Students, Affiliate, Institutional and Honorary fellow, the highest of all is the Fellow category.

When asked to speak on the significance of the society’s recognition to him and NASENI where he serves as Director Research, a highly elated Olusunle had this to say: “I give God the glory and I am really humbled to be elected FELLOW of NMGS. It should be noted that the mandate of NASENI and the core concerns of NMGS are knittingly related. NASENI has one of its institutes operating within the purview of solid minerals exploitation (SOMMEDI).

NASENI also under wonderful leadership of the EVC/CEO, Khalil S. Halilu, is actively involved in the CNG project of the Federal Government. These and other notable activities/intervention of NASENI are collaborative windows between the agency and NMGS”.

Before he became research director, Dr. Olusunle was former Managing Director, Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI) Akure, one of NASENI Development Institutes. Also, he is a FELLOW of the Nigeria Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), the Materials Science and Technology Society of Nigeria (MSN), the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), The Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), The Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS)and many others.

Cellulant Corporation (Cellulant.com) – the pan-African technology company – has empowered Africa’s agriculture sector with the hosting of its inaugural partners’ summit in Lagos, Nigeria and the assurance to leverage on technology to help block inefficiency and wastages in Africa’s Agric value chain courtesy of its improved payment and marketplace solutions, Tingg and Agrikore.

 

 

Tingg, is a payment solution accessible to everyone, while Agrikore, is an innovative platform built on blockchain technology and connects are simplified and connected platforms for all players in the agriculture sector in over 120 African countries.

 

The summit themed, ‘Technology for Transformation: Connecting Everyone to Nigeria’s $50bn Agribusiness Opportunity & Creating Jobs for Africa’s Youth was attended by development partners including the African Development Bank, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facility (SANEF), Flutterwave and Deposit Money Banks and many food processing companies.

 

In a presentation entitled ‘Payments Laying Down the Foundation for Connecting Africa’, Ken Njoroge, Cellulant’s Co-Chief Executive Officer, said Africa has a comparative advantage in agriculture but needs efficiency in its value chain to achieve the desired impact on food security, job creation and economic development.

 

“If you bring efficiency into the Agric value-chain, ensure that crops don’t rot on farms, trucks operate regularly, there are no youth unemployed in rural areas, and no factory producing below capacity; if we can connect these dots, we can bring efficiency that can power the transformation of Nigeria and Africa all across the board,” he said.

 

We are not just a technology fintech company; we have the technology and operations via Agrikore

Njoroge added that Agrikore and Tingg have been tested and affirmed to be connecting everyone in the agric farm place while boosting transparency.

 

“The marketplace and payment platforms are connecting everyone. The payment platform ensures that everyone gets paid in real-time as transactions happen. We know it’s working, we are working with 120 banks on the continent; large businesses are our customers. This is a collaboration that continues to benefit all parties,” he said.

 

Bolaji Akinboro, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Cellulant, added that Tingg and Agrikore 2.0 provide access to the marketplace, increase transparency and simplifies the whole agric value chain.

 

“Our payment platform allows the farmer, aggregator, supplier, everyone to see how money is flowing in the system. It is for people who want to be part of an ecosystem that is profitable for them and which also provides jobs for hundreds of people,” he said.

 

Akinboro in his presentation titled, ‘From Farm to Fork: Transforming the Agribusiness in Nigeria Through Technology-What does the Future Hold’, emphasised the need to strengthen the Nigeria’s agric value chain so as to derive maximum benefits in the entire sector.

 

Highlighting Cellulant’s strides in improving Africa’s Agric value chain, Akinboro said: “We are not just a technology fintech company; we have the technology and operations via Agrikore. When you combine technology and operations, you can change the world. We are providing technology that makes life better for everyone; Nigerians and Africans.

 

“Technology is a critical enabler to solve many of the challenges experienced in the agric sector. In the last 15 years, Cellulant has actively contributed to connecting all key stakeholders in the value chain, who in the past never interacted with each other. Today, the business has built a marketplace and payments platform that provides access to markets, digital financial services, and opens opportunities for all stakeholders to collaborate better and capture the $50b market opportunity.”

IT News Africa (www.ITNewsAfrica.com) is proud to announce the IT Leaders Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4i6nrTX) 2025, a premier gathering of top technology and information industry experts. The event is set to take place on March 12, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel in Sandton.

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By Greg Talbot, CEO, Tal-Tec

Branding livestock has been an essential practice in South Africa and the world for over 6,000 years. Serving as a means of identifying and tracking livestock. In South Africa, where livestock theft is a persistent challenge, branding remains a key tool in protecting farmers from significant financial losses. With the rise in stock theft, the debate around animal identification methods continues, balancing security, traceability, and animal welfare concerns.

The importance of branding in livestock security

Livestock theft in South Africa is a growing concern, costing farmers an estimated R1.4 billion each year. This criminal activity threatens the livelihoods of farmers, particularly in provinces like the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the North West. In response, the South African government implemented the Animal Identification Act in 2002, requiring livestock owners to register identification marks for their animals. This process includes branding, freeze branding, tattooing, and tagging.

The National Stock Theft Prevention Forum acknowledges that investigating stock theft cases is difficult due to a lack of evidence and limited SAPS capacity. Chairman Louis Wessels stresses that farmers who do not brand or tattoo their animals exacerbate the problem. Provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Free State are implementing additional measures such as district-specific branding marks and private security partnerships to combat the rising cases of livestock theft.

Understanding branding: hot iron vs. freeze branding

Branding has evolved significantly over the years. Traditionally, farmers would heat their branding irons in open fires before marking their cattle, which can lead to uneven brands. Today, controlled ovens provide a consistent temperature, ensuring a clear, even marks that minimise damage to the hide.

Hot iron branding, the most commonly used method in South Africa, is a quick process taking only four to five seconds. It is highly effective, providing a permanent mark that makes stolen livestock easy to identify. Despite concerns over animal welfare, studies indicate that cattle do not exhibit prolonged distress from branding. The most traumatic aspect for the animal is being restrained rather than the branding itself. Cattle have thick hides, unlike humans or pigs, and once branded, they typically move on without discomfort.

Freeze branding, on the other hand, uses extreme cold to kill the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles, resulting in a white mark once the hair regrows. This method is particularly popular among stud and dairy farmers, as it is aesthetically pleasing against darker hides. While considered more humane, freeze branding requires shaving the animal’s skin before application and is generally more expensive and more time-consuming than hot branding, especially when using liquid nitrogen instead of dry ice.

Alternative animal identification methods

Alternative identification methods such as radio-frequency ear tags (RFID) are gaining traction globally. These tags store critical data about the animal, including lineage, health records, and farm of origin. In the US, the Department of Agriculture is working towards making RFID the standard identification method. Similarly, South Africa’s LITS-SA (Livestock Identification and Traceability System) was introduced in 2017 to enhance traceability and compliance with international trade standards. However, adoption by commercial farmers has been slow due to cost concerns and limited trust in government implementation.

A practical and ethical approach to livestock identification

While branding remains a topic of debate, its role in livestock security cannot be ignored. In South Africa, where cattle rustlers can drive herds 10-20 km overnight, a lack of identification makes stolen livestock almost impossible to recover. Farmers rely on branding, databases, and community watch initiatives to mitigate these risks. Additionally, law enforcement, though under-resourced, has a forensic unit dedicated to identifying and returning stolen livestock.

Tagging, particularly RFID, offers significant benefits in traceability. These tags not only help manage livestock but also ensure food safety and quality control, especially for premium markets requiring organic certification. Ear tags provide detailed animal histories, from birth to slaughter, reinforcing the integrity of the supply chain.

Conclusion

Given the magnitude of livestock theft in South Africa, animal identification is essential. While technological advancements provide new solutions, branding – both hot and freeze – remains a practical, effective, and widely used method. As debates continue, it is crucial to find a balance between security, traceability, and animal welfare. Branding, when done correctly and responsibly, plays an indispensable role in ensuring the protection of farmers and their livelihoods.