Women of Destiny, powerful group of women associations in the Faith Cathedral International Ministries Egbeda recently held their first Women Convention after COVID 19, in line with the church annual dictates, the Women thanked God in various ways and preached via drama, acting and songs

Focused on reaching out to the people, the Women of Destiny had a two days event, from Saturday 9th of October to 10th of October….with seminar on Saturday, they focused on Christian family, they focused on effects of social media in the family and how not to fall for the things of the world.

The Women of Destiny Convention 2021 was a huge success because they reached out to the people in light of the God. The dramatic performance focused on issues that is affecting today’s Christian such as false prophecy, nonchalant attitude of members to things of the church and members.

“We have always wanted to dramatize the goodness of God and what it meant to have faith and trust in God. This Convention is a demonstration of goodness of God and the ability of Women to showcase that they can deliver and bring the fullness of God in person. I am particularly impressed and. elated by the women”, Winnifred Obetoh.

Speaking on the event, Mrs. Ezeoka,the First Vice President said that ” We are happy that this Convention was a huge success because this is the first time after COVID 19 and we could reach out to people telling them the goodness of God and the things God can do in their lives if they believe. We thank God for this event.”

” All I have to say is just Thank you Lord for a successful convention and I am happy that after months of dramatic rehearsals and all what not, I feel happy that we came to this point, a point of success, I am happy and appreciative of this. Thank you, lord, “, Stepon Nwosu, one of the executives.

Women of Destiny is the apex women group in Faith Cathedral International Ministries Egbeda, they have over the years shown commitment to things of God and that of church. They have been able to reach out members positively in need and giving support to those bereaved. They (Women of Destiny) alway have their convention once in every year apart from 2020 due to COVID 19 pandemic.

1st Peter 3 chapter 1 – 5 the Bible was clear on the role of women in the Christian home especially the wives. In this chapter, the Bible made it clear on the duties of the wife not today’s social media women that post everything on social media. The Bible is clear on how a wife would behave unlike today where many Christian women are losing it via social media and societal pressures. A Christian wife has a standard and that is what it is.

There is a different between a Wife and a Woman, a wife is a homebuilder. You see some Christian women looking so artificial, fixing all sorts of crazies on their body such as eyelashes etc. That is crazy and we must understand that the social media woman is different from the wife at home! You don’t hang around social media to impress folks. a Woman of substance is a woman with Godly character. what are these characters- patience, love and peace?

The earlier we know that not every woman will make a good wife! It is harsh but the truth is that some women are incorrigible and unamenable. There is a gift of wife and men must know that. A woman of substance can be described as a woman of virtue. A wife should respect the husband and any woman that respects the husband more than the husband is a terrible and wicked woman! So, women we must know this and know that family first.

A woman of substance isn’t a lazy woman but a very hardworking woman, but she must also know that husband is the head of the family not gender equality which the folks of this modern age are pushing! A wife is a gift and know that there must be balance in all we do as a woman.

There must be Godly attributes in a woman of substance, just like Esther in the bible demonstrated virtue unlike what some women wear to churches which is not good and decent, Queen Esther dressed well. A decent woman must always look decent at all times. The way you dress is the way you are addressed… Abigail and Deborah are other women of substance in the Bible.

Proverbs 31 Vs 30 was on point here, it is not all about being pretty or having great shape but do you fear God as a woman. If you don’t fear God as a woman, you have the tendency to misbehave…and majority of women don’t have this spirit of modesty. They always post their pictures and show off in social media…. this is to show that you have arrived. This isn’t modesty!

A woman of substance must be submissive, they must know that they need peace for home to be great. There should be a level of submission to the men, Men love their ego to be massaged so give it to your husband. A woman must know that it is not everything that you talk.

Don’t be like Jezebel and don’t allow social media to influence you or as a woman you start comparing your marriage with others …. contentment is the key. Women must keep their homes because devil is seeking to destroy homes and marriages. A Godly is trustworthy and self-control, not giving to gossips.

There must be Godly attributes in a woman of substance, just like Esther in the bible demonstrated virtue unlike what some women wear to churches which is not good and decent, Queen Esther dressed well. A decent woman must always look decent at all times.

– Minister, ONSA, Lawmakers, others commend initiative
– Project will strengthen telecoms infrastructure protection– Danbatta

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated an incidence response facility aimed at addressing incidences of cybercrimes, protecting telecoms infrastructure and encouraging increased participation in nation’s digital economy.

The NCC Center for Computer Security Incident Response  is the Commission’s industry-specific intervention, whose objectives are aligned to the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) published by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The NCPS requires each sector to establish a computer incident response team provides requisite services to the stakeholders and players within each sector.

The overall mandate of the NCC-CSIRT is to ensure continuous improvement of processes and communication frameworks to guarantee secure and collaborative exchange of timely information while responding to cyber threats within the sector.

Speaking during the commissioning of the project in Abuja at the weekend, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, described the Center as a strategic step in boosting cybersecurity in Nigeria and commended the Board of NCC and Danbatta-led Management of the Commission for ensuring successful implementation of the project.

Pantami noted that the commissioning of the Facility marks an important milestone in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, and described it as a significant measure in the support of national efforts at protecting the information and communication technology infrastructure in the country.

“The creation of the Center is in line with the provisions of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) document published by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which was recently updated and launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2021. In keeping with the principles enshrined in the policy, each sector is expected to establish a sectoral Computer Incident Response Team (CSIRT) that provides requisite services to the constituents within that sector,” the Minister said.

In his address at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta stated that, considering the increasing growth in Internet usage, especially as a consequence of the outbreak of the pandemic, the Commission observed a rise in cyber incidents and criminal activities.

“Thus, the Commission recognises that with the borderless nature and pervasiveness of these incidences, relentless and concerted attention is required to protect Internet users as well as the Critical National Information Infrastructure and ensure they are resilient”, Danbatta said.

The EVC emphasised that the NCC-CSIRT has been structured to operate within the framework of the NCPS and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) to assist the Nigerian communications sector with the management and coordination of cyber security incidents and threats. He noted that the CSIRT is established as a proactive step towards building trust, and safety needed for growing the digital economy.

“The CSIRT’s services will commence with four main thrusts, namely: monitoring, incident management, communication, and alert and warning. The devices for handling these four areas will be scaled up and expanded as the Centre’s operations grow in order to enhance the digital economy  and ensure it yields great dividends to the Nigerian citizens,” Danbatta said.

Danbatta explained that the key mandates of the CSIRT, which will be achieved through collaborative effort with relevant stakeholders, organisations and agencies, include assisting the sector in the defence and response to major cyber threats and attacks targeted at the members within the sector, providing information, technical as well as policy advisories to the constituency to strengthen the defensive and response capabilities to cyber threats. The Centre is also to liaise with other sectoral CSIRTs as well as local and international security frameworks to protect the communications sector and  the general wellbeing of the Nigerian people.

Other mandates of the NCC-CSIRT, highlighted by Danbatta, are to provide guidance and direction for the constituents in dealing with issues relating to the security of critical infrastructure in their possession; and to periodically assess, review and collate the threat landscape, risks, and opportunities affecting the communications sector and provide advice to relevant stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Retd), who was represented at the event by Brigadier General, Samad Akesode, has also acknowledged the establishment of NCC CSIRT as a clear demonstration of the Commission’s resolve to join hands with the Federal Government in mitigating any risk that will emanate as the country embraces advanced technology to facilitate digital transformation in the country.

According to Monguno, by establishing the CSIRT, the NCC has taken a step that could only be described as impeccable and timely, and in conformity with the highest standards and international best practise which aligns with the requirement of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015.”

Leadership of the National Assembly, including the Chairman, Senate Committee on Communications, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Chairman, Committee on Telecommunications in the House of Representatives, Akeem Adeyemi also profoundly applauded the Danbatta-led NCC for taking a leading position for sectoral implementation of the NCPS and improving security of cyber space for all.

Others, who delivered goodwill messages, commended the Commission, and spoke about the significance of the CSIRT project to national economy and national security, include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Minustry of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Bitrus Nabasu as well as other heads of agencies in the Ministry.


PICTURE:
Honourable Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, Chairman House Committee on Telecommunications; Prof. I.G Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Communications; Brigadier General, Samad Akesode, Representative of the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd); Kashifu Abdullahi Inuwa, Director General, National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Dr. Abinbola Alale, Director General, NICOMSAT.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would like to draw the attention of the public to a publication in a section of the media, purporting that the Commission is developing a regulation to disqualify Nigerians below 18 years of age from getting Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).

For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to categorically state that the said report is not only misleading and inaccurate; but a misinformation and mischaracterisation of the proceedings of the Public Inquiry on the Reviewed/Draft Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, which took place on Tuesday, October 6, 2021.

The Commission considers it necessary to set the record straight for the purpose of serving existing and potential telecom subscribers , investors and other stakeholders in the industry accurate information for making informed decisions.

In accordance with sections 70 and 71 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003 and the Commission’s consultative engagement process, which define its rule-making process, the public inquiry was held for all relevant stakeholders to provide input on the draft regulatory instrument.

The age of 18 years for SIM acquisition proposed in the draft regulation is contingent on the constitutional provision, which makes 18 years the age of consent in Nigeria. Also, SIM acquisition is a contract between service providers and their subscribers, which requires the subscriber to have proper legal status, be of matured mind and rational enough to bear certain responsibilities, obligations and liabilities imposed by a contract.

The proposal is, therefore, to protect minors. Parents and guardians can acquire SIMs in their names on behalf of their children and wards in which case they assume whatever responsibilities or liabilities that arise from the usage of such SIMs, a measure expected to also strengthen national security.

While the Commission is progressively pursuing digital inclusion for all, the draft proposal is intended to guarantee increased monitoring of children and shield the minors from undue liabilities in line with NCC’s Child Online Protection drive.

However, the consultative engagement process is still ongoing, as the Commission is reviewing all input from relevant stakeholders in this regard and will consider and deliberate on all comments before issuing a final regulatory instrument.

We appeal to our media stakeholders to always fact-check their stories pertaining to telecoms regulatory issues and seek necessary clarifications for informed and accurate reporting as the Commission runs an open-house system.

In an event organized by the African Brands Media Limited held recently at Four Points by Sheraton, Hoop Telecoms was honored with the awards of being ‘Africa’s Most Innovative Telecommunications & Connectivity Solutions Provider for year 2021.’
Hoop Telecoms Limited is a fully licensed Telecommunication Service provider. They are 100% Nigerian Telecom Infrastructure and IP content company that specializes in the delivery of Fixed wireless and Fiber Optic based transmission connectivity.

Since its establishment, Hoop Telecoms has grown rapidly and has emerged one of the best telecommunication service providers offering reliable business solutions to SMEs & Enterprise Organizations, Estates, Churches, Schools, Hotels, Government Institutions and individuals alike. It’s acquisition of Direct on Data (Formerly Known as Direct On PC) has broadened their coverage areas and technical expertise.

Speaking with the Public Relations Executive for Hoop Telecoms Limited, Maureen Okafor, she expressed her gratitude to the African Brands for honoring Hoop Telecoms with the well-deserved awards. According to her, the award is coming at the right time when the company has just recently concluded a massive project it had been working on since last year.

The African Brands congress 2021 was created to celebrate leadership, innovation & creativity in Africa. The event showcased the brilliant brands that were delivering positive changes and shaping Africa’s future. The event was aimed at honoring brands that have excelled and demonstrated uncommon initiative, drive and leadership in Africa’s Economy.

Nigeria recently celebrated her independence marking the 61st year since the colonial masters left the country. Recently, the country has been bedevilled with a lot of security challenges ranging from banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping in the Northern Region, while the Southern part is agitating for separate country, with a lot of secessionists popping up from those of Biafra to that of Oduduwa republic. In face of all these chaos and mayhem, Apostle Edith Grace held a national women prayer conference where many women are called to pray for the nation not to disintegrate.

Knowing that women and children are the group of people that suffer most during the case of restiveness, the theme of the prayer conference is “The Spirit of Lord is Upon Nigeria” speaking about the conference, Apostle Grace said that “ it is pointless travelling out of the country, she said that it is upon us to make the country great. I advise all our youths to be prayerful and ensure that the country is great again.”

The national Prayer conference is what the country needs in these perilous times. Former wife of Imo State Governor Mrs Nkechi Rochas Okorocha said that “ each and everyone of us have role to play in this country and that there is a need to have a positive outlook to the country. “

“Prayer is one of the prescriptions that will help us, prayer is a major panacea to the country and the need to pray without ceasing is imperative at this particular time in our nation, said Pastor Kenneth Nwagod.
The National Prayer Conference was held at Tropical Glalleria beside the Grand Square, Central Business District in Abuja. With emphasis on taking the plight of the Nation to God, it is an annual event that has seen important clergies and dignitaries such as Dr. Kerry Joel, Mrs Rochas Okorocha and others. One of the critical points in this year’s event is basically to engage the youths and engage them, they appealed that they should have trust, believe and hope that Nigeria will heal and be great again. The speakers at the event urged Nigerians to pray every time and have hope that God will make Nigeria great

EMMA CLEMS

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (Host), Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, their Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Abia State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, National Assembly members from the South East geo-political zone, former Governors, former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), leaders of the religious and traditional institutions from the zone including leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, others, commence security meeting behind closed doors, at the Government House, Enugu, while more South East leaders are expected to join the deliberations.

Higher education holds the key to improving South Africans’ economic prospects

By Shai Reshef, President of University of the People

Unemployment is the greatest struggle South Africa’s youth face today. Youth unemployment (15-34 years) hit a record high this year on the back of the pandemic and resulting economic slump, reaching a staggering 46.3% in Q1 2021, according to Stats SA. With nearly half of young people unemployed and looking for work, change is clearly needed. And education holds the key.

Employment prospects

Stats SA’s data shows that of the 7.2 million unemployed persons in the first quarter of 2021, more than half (52.4%) had education levels below matric, followed by those with matric at 37.7%. Only 2.1% of unemployed persons were graduates, while 7.5% had other tertiary qualifications as their highest level of education.

The difference between the employment prospects of graduates and non-graduates is so stark that tertiary education can be described as an economic imperative. Recent decades have shown that higher education is, if not a cure, at least a protection against unemployment.

According to a World Bank report in 2019 “the importance of acquiring skills to enable South Africa’s youth to find jobs and earn higher wages thereby alleviating poverty, income inequality and joblessness, makes the policy to enrol more students in tertiary institutions a must.”

And the importance of higher education will only increase. A 2017 Harvard Business School study showed that job listings requiring degrees are increasing – even in jobs that didn’t previously demand it. For example, in 2015, 67% of production supervisor job listings asked for a college degree, while only 16% of employed production supervisors had one, according to the study.

Wage gap

Of course, a certificate or degree cannot guarantee a job. But it significantly increases an applicant’s chances for success in today’s hyper-competitive job marketplace. It also significantly increases a person’s earning potential. Another Stats SA data set, released in 2017, showed that there is a clear increase in monthly salary the more educated someone is. According to the study, a person who has earned their matric can expect almost double the salary of a high school drop-out. A tertiary certificate results in a 67% jump in potential earnings and a bachelor’s degree a massive 330% increase in salary.

These findings not only apply in South Africa but are echoed worldwide. A Pew Research Centre study in 2014 showed that the value of a college degree is greater than it has been in nearly half a century – the earnings gap between those with bachelor’s degrees versus high school graduates is wider than it was for previous generations. Paul Taylor, then-executive vice president of the Centre, said: “The driver of the widening gap is not so much that today’s college graduates are doing better than yesterday’s college graduates; it’s that today’s high school-only graduates are doing worse than yesterday’s high school-only graduates. The real story is the collapse in economic opportunity for people who do not continue their education beyond high school.”

And with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ranking South Africa’s education system as amongst the lowest in the world in 2015, those opportunities are bleaker than ever – especially on an international stage. There is no quick fix for the economic difficulties the country currently faces.

But imagine, for a second, how different these statistics would look if more youth had the opportunity to pursue tertiary education after high school. Institutions such as University of the People, where I serve as President, provides such opportunities.

University of the People is a tuition-free American online university, which with its low fees and internationally recognised accreditation, makes higher education affordable and accessible to everyone with matric.

As Madiba famously said: “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”

The Enugu State government has withdrawn the Certificate of Recognition of Igwe Anthony Ogbodo Okorie as the Traditional Ruler of Amechi Awkunanaw Autonomous Community in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state, over the unfortunate breakdown of law and order in the community.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Dr. Charles O. C. Egumgbe, the state government condemned the persistent crisis pervading Amechi Awkunanaw Community, and expressed dismay that “attempts at bringing peace to the community have been stone-walled”.

Dr. Egumgbe told suspended Igwe Okorie that law and order have indisputably broken down in his community leading to injuries to persons and property, stressing that “the situation if not checked may exacerbate the present security challenges in our land”.

The Commissioner pointed out that the actions and inactions of Okorie in the crisis were inconsistent with section 15 (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i) and (j) of the Traditional Rulers Law Cap 141, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004.

“In consequence therefore, and pursuant to section 10 (a) and (b) of the Traditional Rulers Laws, Cap 141, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, the Government of Enugu State has suspended your recognition as the Igwe and Traditional Ruler of Amechi Awkunanaw Autonomous Community, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State this Tuesday, October 5, 2021”, Dr. Egumgbe said, adding: “Take notice that your suspension shall subsist pending the conclusion of investigations and aftermath”.
]