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IFEANYI OKOWA REAFFIRMS HIS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

IFEANYI OKOWA REAFFIRMS HIS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa reaffirmed that his administration would sustain the social and economic empowerment of women and the girls across Delta State.

Governor Okowa gave the assurance at the opening of a 3-day Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (GEST) for 450 young women, which took place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

“As first Cohort of Project GEST, I expect you all to take full advantage of this opportunity by diligently applying yourselves to the training as we invest in your future,” Governor Okowa said.

OSINBAJO, SANWO-OLU COMMISSION EKO MSME FASHION FACILITY

OSINBAJO, SANWO-OLU COMMISSION EKO MSME FASHION FACILITY

Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu have commissioned the Eko Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Fashion Hub-1, located at 5, Ogunsiji Street, off Alade Market, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

The MSME Fashion Hub-1, which is a shared facility in Lagos State under the National MSME Clinic Scheme, is expected to serve 380 Small and Medium Enterprises daily.

Speaking during the virtual commissioning of the facility from Abuja, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo stated that the government at the centre will continue to look for new and creative ways to support the MSMEs, being the engine room of the economy, while urging other States to emulate such a partnership between the Federal and Lagos State government.

He reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of MSMEs during and post-COVID-19 era, promising to provide two additional MSME Fashion hubs to serve Lagos Central and Lagos East Senatorial districts as requested by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Osinbajo envisaged that the Lagos fashion industry will become one of Nigeria’s greatest sources of revenue, bigger than the oil sector in the nearest future, saying “MSMEs are the engine for Nigeria’s economy because when they thrive, the country thrives and when they struggle, the country struggles. This is why the Federal Government is committed to creating a conducive environment for MSME to do exceedingly well”.

In his address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was physically present at the commissioning of the project, said Lagos State MSMEs are critical to the economy, hence, the need to create facilities that would ensure a lasting wealth, noting that MSMEs have indispensable roles to play in the growth and sustainability of the Lagos State economy.

Sanwo-Olu thanked the Federal Government for the gesture as the place would become a major fashion hub in Africa since the success of SMEs is germane to the economy, assuring that his administration will monitor and nurture the project.

While noting that many businesses have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor, however, acknowledged the contributions of the Organised Private Sector, especially Access Bank, led by Mr. Herbert Wigwe, who partnered with both the offices of the Vice President and Lagos State, as well as other Federal Government agencies to make the National MSMEs clinic a success.

The Governor averred that the fashion hub is a step in the right direction to alleviating poverty not only in the State but in the country in general and appealed to the Vice President to work with his administration to replicate the Shared Facility Scheme in other senatorial districts of the State.

Speaking on the virtual platform about the project, the Minister of State for Industry Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum, said the shared facility would provide a conducive environment for the SME space.

Katagum, who said that the initiative was one of the key takeaways of the MSME clinic chaired by the Vice President, averred that shared facilities are effective tools that could address infrastructure challenges hindering the growth of SMEs in the country.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Lola Akande said the Eko MSME Fashion Hub-1, which is the first phase of the shared MSME Fashion facility, is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery such as industrial button-hole machines for suits and shirts, tinko machines, straight sewing industrial machines and industrial embroidery machines amongst others.

The Commissioner expressed her appreciation to the Federal Government, the Office of the Vice President, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the private partners involved in ensuring that the project became a reality in Lagos State.

The Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, who acknowledged the outstanding growth of the Nigerian fashion industry, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to growing the nation’s fashion industry, saying that “We will continue to partner with the fashion industry because we believe it would boost local growth of SMEs”.

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos

LASG PLEDGES MORE SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE OF NURSING

LASG PLEDGES MORE SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE OF NURSING

The Lagos Government has pledged more support to grow the Lagos State College of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health, Igando.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave the pledge during the visit of the Resource Verification Team from Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCM), Abuja, to the College.

He said that the State Government will do everything to ensure the School of Nursing ranks among the best in the country in terms of infrastructure, physical and material resources as well as structured academic programmes that conform to international best practices.

The Special Adviser emphasised that there is a need to increase the admission of students into the College, being the only State-owned Nursing Institution which serves as feeder to all public hospitals in Lagos, saying the low ratio of nurses to patients does not conform to World Health Organisation standard.

Wahab also gave an assurance that the State Government will soon put in place upgraded facilities and hire more tutors to make learning more conducive for all staff and students so as to attract new intakes of the College.

In his words: “The State Government intends to ensure that the College of Nursing is of a high standard by constructing more facilities and employing more lecturers for the School. There are also plans towards instituting a Governing Council for the College to ensure proper management”.

Earlier, the Provost of the College. Mrs. Oyefunso Orenuga, explained that the Resource Verification team led by Mrs. Leo Grace Musa, came to check the level of preparedness of the College, ensure that necessary measures are in place to guarantee the approval for the increase in the number of the students’ intake by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and ascertain that the College is ready to commence other related courses.

In her remarks, the team leader commended the State for giving nursing education priority, noting that the current administration has once again set an enviable standard with the facilities on ground and urging the government to ensure that the College becomes first amongst equals in the country.

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos

List of some of the taxes, Levies and Fees paid by Telecos in Nigeria.

List of some of the taxes, Levies and Fees paid by Telecos in Nigeria.

  1. Aviation Height Clearance Certification Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Fee
  2. Environment Impact Assessment Fees payable to the Federal Ministry of Environment
  3. Business Premises Fee payable at the State level
  4. Planning Permit fees payable to the Physical Authorities at the State Level for site build
  5. Sanitation Fees
  6. Tenement Rate
  7. Signage and Advert fees
  8. Fire Service Fee paid to Fire Service Commission
  9. Parking Fees payable to LGAs
  10. Effluent Discharge Fee – paid in South South Region
  11. Social Services Levy – Kogi State Government
  12. PAYE (on employees)
  13. Right of Way to either Federal Ministry of Transport, Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority or State governments depending on ownership of the road.
  14. Withholding Tax – FIRS
  15. AREA BOYS!!!

Emeka Opara

ASECNA, in conjunction with NIGCOMSAT and Thales Alenia Space, provides the first African early SBAS open service

ASECNA, in conjunction with NIGCOMSAT and Thales Alenia Space, provides the first African early SBAS open service

ASECNA, in conjunction with NIGCOMSAT and Thales Alenia Space, provides the first African early SBAS open service, opening a new era of satellite navigation performance augmentation in the Africa & Indian Ocean region

ASECNA, NIGCOMSAT Ltd and Thales Alenia Space take a crucial step towards the provision of satellite navigation services in the Africa & Indian Ocean region

The Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar, ASECNA (https://ASECNAonline.asecna.aero), has started to broadcast a SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation System) signal over Africa & Indian Ocean (AFI) region, providing the first SBAS open service in this part of the world via NIGCOMSAT-1R Satellite managed and operated by Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd under Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria.

This early open service is provided as part of the « SBAS for Africa & Indian Ocean » programme which pursues the autonomous provision over the continent of SBAS services, to augment the performances of the satellite navigation constellations GPS and Galileo. With improved accuracy to within a meter, and boosted integrity, availability and continuity of safety-related applications, these SBAS services will improve flight safety and efficiency in Africa, and also benefit to the economy in many areas as land, sea and rail transport, as well as mass market applications, supporting user safety, cost-effectiveness and sustainable development.

The launched open service essentially aims to carry-out technical trials, and to undertake with partner airlines field demonstrations for aircraft and rotorcraft, to demonstrate the benefits of the future operational safety-of-life SBAS services, expected from 2024. It will also include early Precise Point Positioning (PPP) and emergency warning service to populations, which performance will be proven through other demonstrations.

The signal-in-space is generated by a dedicated system testbed, developed as part of the “SBAS for Africa and Indian Ocean” preliminary design phase, financed by the European Union and awarded to Thales Alenia Space, Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%). The “SBAS for Africa and Indian Ocean” is based on the European EGNOS​ [1]​ developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) acting under delegation of the European Commission and operated by the European GNSS Agency GSA.

The system prototype uses as reference stations network the SAGAIE network deployed by CNES and ASECNA with the support of Thales Alenia Space.

The signal is broadcasted via the SBAS payload on NigComSat 1R GEO satellite of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd and an uplink station deployed in Abuja (Nigeria). It is compliant to the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the Minimum Operational Performance Standard developed by the RTCA (Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics) organisation. It will be visible in the whole Africa and Indian Ocean, up to the West Australian coast, and also in Europe.

“We are proud to be part of this ambitious program to provide satellite navigation services in the Africa and Indian Ocean region. The use of our geostationary communication satellite NIGCOMSAT-1R navigation payload to broadcast the first signal will be Africa’s premier contribution to SBAS as a regional satellite-based augmentation system for the continent” declared Dr. Abimbola Alale, MD/CEO of NIGCOMSAT Ltd.

“Our longstanding expertise acquired with the development of EGNOS1 SBAS in Europe and KASS SBAS in Korea combined with our new leading-edge satellite positioning technologies makes Thales Alenia Space the ideal partner to best support countries to implement their own SBAS efficiently. The equatorial region represents also a key engineering challenge for such a system due to difficult ionosphere conditions, for which Thales Alenia Space has developed a proven solution”, declared Benoit Broudy, Vice President​ of the​ Navigation business at Thales Alenia Space​ in France.

“The provision of the first African SBAS early service is a crucial major step forward in the development of satellite navigation in the AFI Region, and in the deployment of the “SBAS for Africa and Indian Ocean” system, the navigation solution for Africa by Africa. It demonstrates the ambition and commitment of ASECNA to enhance air navigation safety for the benefit of the whole continent, in line with my vision for the unification of the African Sky”, stated Mohamed Moussa, Director General of ASECNA.

TECNO Never Disappoints As They Unveil The Latest CAMON 16

TECNO Never Disappoints As They Unveil The Latest CAMON 16

As smartphones are becoming increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, it is essential to choose one that fits your lifestyles and your needs. Every mobile phone brand is trying to stand out from the rest by upgrading their technology and introducing new functions; however, the best way to measure their value is through their performance side by side. Today, we have selected three android phones for comparison: the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier, Huawei Y9 (2019), and Samsung A41.

Mobile phone screen design

While the three phones consider the different needs of users, they differ quite a lot when it comes to design. TECNO focused on the user’s convenience and has shifted its fingerprint scanner to the side so that it will be easier to gain access to the phone. This was a good move on TECNO’s part as it was a concern when we tested Huawei’s Y9 (2019) that was rear-mounted. This stopped me from unlocking the phone accidentally every time my fingers brushed the scanner. The CAMON 16 Premier also opens faster and is extremely convenient to do so, so much so that it felt intuitive after a while. The unlocking time of CAMON 16 Premier is less than a second, and this is a marked improvement from even their own CAMON 15. This allows users to save time over minute actions, making the Samsung A41 and Huawei Y9 (2019) appear inferior. It seems that TECNO has done a lot of user research on this aspect, and the attention to detail made us feel very good about the CAMON 16 Premier.

In terms of screen size, which is a crucial consideration for users today, the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier takes the lead with its display with over 6.85” of high-resolution screen while 6.53FHD hole screen on Samsung A41 and 6.59”FHD notch on Huawei Y9 (2019). This is the real estate for users to watch their favorite TV shows or make video calls, users can enjoy greater visual details. The bigger screen is more comfortable to watch for extended periods, allowing users more considerable viewing time before getting tired. The CAMON 16 truly shines when users watch their favorite high-resolution videos. The widescreen works in perfect sync with the 90Hz ultra-clear resolution, so users do not have to strain their eyes to enjoy a high quality viewing experience.

Camera function – front and rear cameras

The camera qualities of a phone have become a clear determining factor for users when it comes to buying a phone. After much consideration, the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier once again stands out with their ultra-clear visuals that reflect what you see with your eyes. It boasts a 64MP ultra quad-camera while the Huawei Y9 (2019) only has a rear camera of 13MP. The Samsung A41 comes a little closer with a 48MP triple rear camera and a panorama function but still shy of the quality that CAMON 16 Premier can produce.

TECNO’s CAMON series has always been notable for its superior camera and photography capabilities. They put the user’s needs first and develop technology around that, bringing the user an unprecedented clear photography experience. Each camera lens has its mission and an outstanding feature, genuinely living up to their expectations that each picture could be a masterpiece. Based on the MTK flagship-level G90T core chip, the CAMON 16 Premier supports 64MP full-size output. As we understand, this is an industry-first, and not many phones can compete with this configuration. With five rear flashes, the user can get clear and bright photos regardless of the darkness of their environment.

Camera function – anti-shake function

Clear photos will always be a priority when shooting. TECNO CAMON 16 Premier uses the Super Hybrid Video Anti-Shake (Super HIS) to stabilize and has produced fantastic photography results. Another advantage is that it supports 960 frames of super slow-motion shooting, thus expanding the potential of video shooting exponentially. The CAMON 16 Premier’s 8Gb of RAM aslo helps tremendously in accelerating the video processing time.

It seems to us that the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier is not merely a phone but a professional camera integrated with many other easy-to-use phone functions. These functions ensure the users get the best photo quality everywhere, every time. It is impressive that TECNO managed to fit something of this quality into a mobile phone.

Battery life

Battery life is a significant feature that determines how long your phone can last while you complete your tasks. The TECNO CAMON 16 Premier has a 4500mAh battery and a quick charge of up to 70% in just 30 minutes. This is an upgrade compared to the smaller 4000mAh and 3500mAh capacity of Huawei Y9 (2019) and Samsung A41. Furthermore, the user’s safety is TECNO’s priority as CAMON 16 Premier comes with its newest safety features. TECNO has engineered the CAMON 16 to reduce overheating during fast-charge and lowered the surface temperature by two degrees. It does this while simultaneously offering two types of charging options as CAMON 16 Premier has managed to even add a Type-C fast charging capability inside its lithe frame.

This is complemented with another safety function that automatically shuts the phone down when the battery is fully charged. This is a breakthrough in the industry, TECNO has integrated into the CAMON 16 Premier to better protect the mobile phone and the user.

The promising future of AR

One critical measure of a good smartphone is how they approach new technology. In this aspect, TECNO’s CAMON 16 Premier is already off to a strong start with its unique AR Graffiti function that Huawei Y9 (2019) and Samsung A41 do not have. This new function gives users the ability to unleash their creativity digitally and re-imagine their surroundings. The AR Graffiti function has countless brushes and unlimited colors that you can use to customize your photos. This took us by surprise because it is something refreshing on the market, and also we had a lot of fun playing around with this technology.

To make it even better, TECNO CAMON 16 Premier also has other complimentary AR features. AR Sticker and AR Emoji, for example, allows users to interact in many creative ways. The features will enable you to capture any expression you want with over 200 facial features available. This technology also includes light beautification and localization features to make sure you look your best, even in AR. We know AR in smartphones is still an experimental technology, but if this is the direction that it is going to be in the future, then we think the CAMON 16 Premier will become popular very fast.

After reviewing so many functions, the clear winner amongst these three phones is clearly TECNO’s CAMON 16 Premier. TECNO has not only continually integrated advanced technologies into their products, but also makes sure they are an economical product. The CAMON 16 Premier offers outstanding value for money, which is only one of the many other benefits that this phone offers.

CAS RESTATES COMMITMENT TO HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT, COMMISSIONS NEW STUDENTS’ HOSTELS AS AFIT GRADUATES 435 PERSONNEL FROM SUNDRY COURSES

CAS RESTATES COMMITMENT TO HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT, COMMISSIONS NEW STUDENTS’ HOSTELS AS AFIT GRADUATES 435 PERSONNEL FROM SUNDRY COURSES

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has restated the commitment of the current Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Administration to human capacity development for enhanced professional performance. This, he said, was to ensure that NAF personnel possess the requisite knowledge and skill sets to effectively support NAF operations. The CAS made this known today, 21 September 2020, at the graduation ceremony of 435 personnel of Initial Officers’ and Basic Airmen/Airwomen Sundry Military Courses, comprising 75 officers and 360 airmen/airwomen, at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna. Today’s occasion also featured the commissioning of 2 blocks of female hostels constructed by the NAF Investment Limited (NAFIL) for students of AFIT.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that for over 40 years AFIT had consistently trained officers and airmen/airwomen who are performing creditably in supporting NAF operations as specialists in aircraft and armament engineering, works and services, supply management as well as Information and Communication Technology. The CAS expressed his satisfaction that AFIT was able to successfully complete the training of 760 personnel during the year, including the 435 graduating students, despite the COVID-19 Pandemic. He added that the technical and logistics management courses conducted by AFIT have helped tremendously to reduce dependence on expatriates and thus save foreign exchange for the Nation. “The execution of air operations in theatres across Nigeria, using solely Nigerian crews, engineers, technicians and controllers, is a testament of the success story of our capacity building initiatives,” the CAS said.

The CAS further noted that in the area of pilots’ training, 2 officers, including the first female fighter pilot, were about to conclude their tactical training on the Alpha Jet aircraft, while 29 officers of Student Pilots’ Course 46 (SP 46) recently completed their ab-initio pilot training. Air Marshal Abubakar equally disclosed that, on 18 September 2020, 24 Special Forces (SF) personnel qualified as rappelling instructors, while another 219 Regiment personnel commenced training at the Regiment Training Centre Annex in Bauchi to become NAF SF personnel. He observed that the courses would undoubtedly have positive impact on the NAF’s operations, thus further positioning the Service into a highly professional and disciplined force.

While congratulating the graduands for their steadfastness, tenacity of purpose and grit to complete their course work, Air Marshal Abubakar reminded them that the initial and basic courses were just the beginning of their journey as professionals in the NAF. According to him, tough as the training might have been, it was to ensure that they all had the necessary skills to function effectively in their areas of specialization. He charged them to be good and worthy ambassadors of AFIT as they join a long line of outstanding graduates of the prestigious citadel of learning who, through excellence and commitment, have contributed to the success of the NAF.

The CAS expressed his sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his continuous support to the NAF. He said the invaluable support the NAF had enjoyed over the years has placed the Service in a position to tackle the challenges of insurgency and other forms of insecurity across the Nation. While commending the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Abdulganiyu Olabisi, as well as the instructors, the CAS enjoined them not to rest on their oars as they seek ways and means to further improve on their already sterling performance. He assured them of the NAF’s commitment to continually upgrade facilities and support training efforts in AFIT within the limits of available resources.

In his welcome address, the Commandant AFIT, while appreciating the relentless support of Headquarters NAF, stated that the basic courses were aimed at introducing the officers and men to their various trades in preparation for deployment to the field. According to him, the skills acquired at the training would enable them carry out their responsibilities at the basic level while they ready themselves for more specialized functions as they progress in their careers. The initial training in aircraft maintenance, he said, serves as their first engagement which would inculcate safety practices and quality assurance procedures in line with international standards and best practices. The Commandant stated further that the Logistics and Procurement courses exposed the students to warehouse management, storage, transport procedures as well as the procurement process. “In achieving the training objectives, resources both human and financial, were judiciously applied to ensure adequate coverage of theoretical and practical aspects of the various courses”, he noted.

The Managing Director (MD) NAFIL, Air Commodore Uchechi Nwagwu, while making his remarks during the commissioning of the female students’ hostels, stated that the Company embarked on the project in response to the accommodation challenge faced by AFIT. He noted that NAFIL had earlier built an Arena comprising a cafeteria, students’ common room and 31 shops located within the male students’ hostel of the Institute. “The hostels have been built to meet highly acceptable standards of a tertiary students’ hostel as the rooms are not only all ensuite, but equally fitted with individual kitchenettes for added convenience of their occupants”. The MD disclosed that due to judicious management of approved funds to construct the hostels, some savings were made, which were used to procure beds and mattresses for all the anticipated occupants, thereby adding additional value to the project. He added that NAFIL had also extended its easy-ride services to AFIT with the provision of 4 six-seater passenger tricycles to convey students from the hostels to other facilities around the Institute.

The Initial and Basic Courses, which commenced about a year ago, included the Engineering Officers’ Initial Course, Initial Officers’ Armament Maintenance Course, Initial Logistics and Procurement Management Officers’ Course and Initial Electrical/Electronics/Radar/Information Technology Officers’ Course. Other courses were the Basic Airmen Aircraft Maintenance Course – Air Frame and Power Plant Option, Basic Airmen Maintenance Course – Avionics Option as well as the Basic Airmen Logistics and Procurement Course.

Highlights of the colourful graduation ceremony, which had the Chairman House Committee on Ports and Harbours, Honourable Garba Mohammed, as well as other dignitaries and senior military officers in attendance, included the presentation of certificates to the graduating students as well as presentation of awards to those who distinguished themselves during the various courses. Among the award winners were Flying Officer Godwin Oluyomi and Aircraftwoman Deborah Umoru who emerged as the Best-All-Round Officer and Airwoman with CGPAs of 4.89 and 4.75 respectively. The event also featured an exhibition of some of the Research and Development projects executed by the graduating students.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

NCC Moves to Review International Termination Rate for Voice Services

NCC Moves to Review International Termination Rate for Voice Services

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has embarked on a cost-based study to set the new pricing regime for mobile international termination rate (ITR) for inbound international voice calls in the country.

The ITR is the rate paid to local operators by international operators to terminate calls in Nigeria.

As part of the process for the rate determination, the Commission has organised a virtual stakeholder engagement forum with relevant industry stakeholders to intimate them with the ongoing cost-based study and the need to cooperate with Messrs Payday Advance and Support Services Limited, the consultants engaged to carry out the study.

Addressing the stakeholders in Abuja recently, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said the study has become imperative following the various implementation constraints arising from contending industry and market dynamics that met previous efforts at finding an optimum price for the termination of international voice services in Nigeria.

Danbatta, who was represented at the forum by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Adeleke Adewolu, said through the new ITR pricing, the Commission will be able to balance the competing objectives of economic efficiency and allowing operators the latitude to generate reasonable revenue.

The EVC, however, explained that in 2013, the Commission issued a determination stating that mobile termination rate (MTR) rates were the same irrespective of where the call originated, a clause he said was largely misconstrued by operators at that time to mean that ITR should be the same rate as the MTR.

He said this led to operators ignoring the international cost portion, where ITRs were agreed at MTR level without a positive residual to cover the costs of the international leg for local operators.

“As a result of this, the ITRs continued to decline, in line with the MTR glide path and as the ITR was set in Naira, it suffered a further downward slide in dollar terms following the currency devaluation. Ironically, the Nigerian operators paid the international operators in dollars to deliver international calls which created an imbalance of payments as the ITR in Nigeria declined,” he said.

As a result, Danbatta said Nigerian operators’ profitability and commercial results were negatively affected putting Nigeria’s ITR below that of most countries with which it makes and receives the most calls, thereby making Nigerian operators perpetual net payers.

“This has, therefore, led to undue pressure on the nation’s foreign reserves, which continue to get depleted by associated net transfers to foreign operators on account of this lop-sidedness, hence the need for Nigeria, with volatile currencies, to regulate the ITR to prevent or mitigate the imbalance of payments with international operators,” the EVC said.

According to Danbatta, where ITR is not properly regulated, it tends to have a negative effect on a market like Nigeria with major supply-side challenges and associated socio-economic implications.

“So, setting a rate substantially above the MTR has resulted in a number of repercussions. One of such is the consumer shift to online channels as calls are increasingly made through Internet Protocol (IP)-based technologies such as Skype and WhatsApp because of high international call prices. To this end, an economically-efficient ITR that is cost-based will maximise economic benefits to all stakeholders,” Danbatta told the stakeholders.

Earlier in her remarks, Director, Policy, Competition & Economic Analysis, Yetunde Akinloye, said the forum is aimed at formally engaging with and sharing the perspectives and insights of industry stakeholders and ultimately enlisting their collective support in relation to the inputs and requirements towards the determination of a mutually- realistic ITR in Nigeria.

She noted that the project commenced on March 10, 2020 with a kick-off meeting but was stalled by the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating the need to explore emerging channels of engagement to move forward and ensure the completion of the project.

Akinloye reiterated the Commission’s commitment to continuously provide a conducive environment and level-playing field for the effective interplay of factors that would sustain market development and growth, while ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications regulatory services for the benefit of country

OHANEZE NDI IGBO BRINGS “IRI JI” FESTIVAL TO ABESAN ESTATE LAGOS

OHANEZE NDI IGBO BRINGS “IRI JI” FESTIVAL TO ABESAN ESTATE LAGOS

The apex and foremost sociocultural association of the igbo people known as Ohaneze ndi igbi, Abesan Chapter under Mosan Okunola LCDA which is under Alomosho LGA would be having their inuagural New Yam Festival, in line with covid-19 social distancing this coming Sunday, which is 27th September 2020 at Amen Centre, Abesan Estate, Near Gowon Estate , Ipaja Lagos.

Speaking on the importance of the celebration, the chairman of Ohaneze, Abesan Chapter, Moses Amobichukwu Nwokoro said that ” we want to use this festival to showcase the igbo culture and let the world know that though we are still in modern times and in Diaspora, we are in tune with our culture and it will also avail our children born outside igbo land to have a feel of what a New yam festival is. For the sake of cultural continuity and posterity. “

The Chapter Chairman added that ” I thank all the members for the support they have given me during this short term and also special thanks to Solomon Ogbonna , the Lagos State Ohaneze Ndi Igbo President General , we appreciate the impact that he has made in the lives of ndi igbo and how he has intervened when called upon.”Moses Amobichukwu Nwokoro said.

“Also special thanks to the Alimosho Local Government Chairman person Hon. Priness Olabisi Adebajo. Also let’s not Chikadiba Jumbo Eze Igbo na Mosan Okunla local government.Mr Chris Ohaneze Mosan Okunla LCDA. Their support and understanding have been wonderful”,The Chapter Chairman opined.

The New Yam Festival of the Igbo people is an annual cultural festival by the Igbo people held at the end of the rainy season. Though originally igbo culture, other neighboring tribes have adopted this noble culture to suit their peculiarities.

Historically according to citations on wikipedia, the New Yam Festival is therefore a celebration depicting the prominence of yam in the social-cultural life of Igbo people. The evening prior to the day of the festival, all old yams (from the previous year’s crop) are consumed or discarded. The next day, only dishes of yam are served at the feast, as the festival is symbolic of the abundance of the produce.

The chairman of Ohaneze ( Abesan ) reiterated that the new yam festival is designed to showcase the beautiful culture of the igbo ethnic group. He invited igbos living in Egbeda, Ipaja and Gowon environs to grace the occasion in their native traditional attires. The day is symbolic of enjoyment after the cultivation season, and the plenty is shared with friends and well-wishers.

Ohaneze ndi igbo ,Abesan Chapter has engaged in a lot of interventionist programs, helping members, assisting people to scale their business and in line with the principle of Onye Aha Na Nwanne ya and that of Nwanne Di Na Mba, the association under the youthful chairman has evolved and is working in tandem with the position of the Secretariat at Enugu.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an apex Igbo socio-cultural group in Nigeria. The group represents all Igbo communities within and outside Nigeria. Igbos by census, represent one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

ABA UNVIELS WORLD CLASS FURNITURE FACTORY

ABA UNVIELS WORLD CLASS FURNITURE FACTORY

Aba the ever busy city of Abia state the home of Enyimba FC who has won African cup back to back isn’t all about football, the Elephant city is also famous, very famous for fabrication especially leather works. Adding value to leather such as shoes, bags etc are what the city is known for but furniture is a different kettle of fish. Cities like Benin are known for furniture business but as it stands today , Aba is leapfrogging

With the establishment of an ultra modern factory that can rival the Italians, Hallowed Hands Furniture Company Limited at KM4 Aba/Enugu Express Way, Umuimo, Osisioma LGA, Aba, Abia State is minting out world class furniture.

Sam Hart, the director general of the Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency said that “One of the objectives of the #MadeInAbia Campaign was to get manufacturing industries to come to Aba to set up their factories.”

He added that “We tagged it #MakeInAbia Campaign. It is yielding fruit. Brethren, I present to you, Hallowed Hands Furniture Company Limited, Aba, Abia State.’

The company has installed State-of-the-art equipment and machinery operated by highly skilled craftsmen. With the modern furniture making machineries and competent craftsmen with world class finishing, stakeholders have opined that this would save Nigeria foreign exchange used in importation of furnitures from Italy and China.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu