…Seeks monument’s rightful place in world history

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State, on Saturday, inaugurated the Unity Park, Enugu, which was newly developed by his administration for public use as a tourist attraction and a place for relaxation.

The development was in line with Gov. Ugwuanyi administration’s urban renewal drive.
Inaugurating the park amid jubilation by residents, Nollywood stars and tourists, Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the project offers “the good people of Enugu State an opportunity to relive the past when the City urbanization had not obliterated our Recreation Areas”.

The governor said that his administration through the development of the Unity Park located adjacent to the popular Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, responded to a yawning gap in the lifestyle of the Coal City.

He disclosed that the park has a reinforced concrete pedestrian walkway measuring about 1.9 kilometers, monumental concrete roaring lion sculpture measuring 42 feet high, 72 feet long and 24 feet wide aired-conditioned spacious interior that seats about fifty (50) persons, and a large water pond deep enough to offer the hydrodynamics for boat riding, among other interesting features.

Noting that it was widely believed that the sculpture of a giant roaring lion at the park currently interrogates existing world records on lion sculpture, Gov. Ugwuanyi revealed that his administration has applied to World Records Organizations “to review this and allocate to us our rightly place in world history”.

He pointed out that “the serene ambience of the Unity Park is like no other and conduces to relaxation, deep reflection and critical thinking” while “the background tranquilizing songs of birds that visit the water pond to quench their thirst will lift your mood”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi therefore assured the public that his administration will ensure that measures are emplaced to guarantee adequate maintenance and cleanliness of the park as well as security of the visitors to the tourist attraction.

“The Enugu City Urbanization trajectory transcended population concentration, changes in behavioral patterns, replacement of natural environment with artificial structures and increasing complexity in the functions of the area.

“This challenged ecosystem and biodiversity of this emerging urban centre. The early colliery activities, growth in population and other commercial activities put pressure on land and housing in the city.

“The Coal City further grew rapidly due to its strategic role as regional and state capital as well as its status as a preferred location for peaceful living, business and investment.

“The efforts by successive administrations to increase the housing stock in the city led to the de-zoning of most of the residual Open Spaces/Green Spaces and Recreation Areas. The tourism potential of the Coal City was sub-optimized, its ambience challenged, and the residents yearned for a new paradigm.

“Our administration responded to this yawning gap in the Coal City lifestyle by approving the development of the Unity Park, Enugu, in October 2019 at this location”, Gov. Ugwuanyi said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ugonna Ibe, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the landmark feat in enhancing Enugu State’s status in local and international tourism.

According to him, “after the demise of the Zoological Garden and Polo Park, the state lacked a recreational park to satisfy the ever unquenching relaxational needs of both local and international tourists that visit Enugu City in large number”.

Hon. Ibe maintained that the newly developed park will assist the state government in attracting tourists, diversifying her economic base and creating job for the teeming youth.
One of the major climaxes of the event was a special prayer session by school children for God’s blessings and protection upon the governor, Enugu State and the people of the state.

 …As Guinea Bissau visits NCC on benchmarking tour

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has shared his experiences on some of the regulatory models, approaches and best practices being implemented by the Commission in promoting a stable telecoms sector and accelerating digital inclusion in Nigeria.

Danbatta shared these experiences while receiving a delegation from Autoridade Reguladora Nacional (ARN), the Telecom National Regulatory Authority of Guinea-Bissau who were on a on a week-long benchmarking visit to the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. 

The delegation was in the Commission to gain insights into NCC’s regulatory template as part of the exchange to build stronger bilateral relations with the Commission in the area of telecommunications regulation.

According to Danbatta, who is also the Chairman of the West African Telecommunication Regulatory Assembly (WATRA), the Nigerian Communications Commission has been recognised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as Africa’s foremost regulatory organisation and has over the years received regulators from across Africa and beyond whose mission is to understudy the Commission.

He recalled the strong support to Nigeria by Guinea Bissau during the recently concluded election for the position of Executive Secretary of WATRA and the Chairmanship of the regional body, noting that the benchmarking visit underscores the cordial relationship, mutual cooperation and collaboration between both countries.

“The 16 members of the regional organization share a common vision in ensuring that the citizens are not digitally excluded and are cooperating to ensure that access to information and communication technology services are not only ubiquitous, but that they are available and affordable through effective national and regional policies”, Danbatta said.

 The EVC pointed out that the NCC has through the implementation of various policy initiatives, particularly the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) improved access to broadband for over 80 million Nigerians and targets the provision of Point of Broadband Access (PoA) in all the 774 local government areas (LGAs) of the country within the plan period. Dnabatta stated that challenges remain in the process, but observed that NCC is committed to addressing such challenges as Right of Way (RoW) issue, multiple taxation, vandalism of telecom infrastructure, among others, confronting the licensees as they roll out services.

To further drive digital inclusion, Danbatta said the Commission carried out a study to determine areas where there are access gaps in the country. “We identified 217 *clusters of access gaps* and today, we have ensured more Nigerians are digitally-included by reducing the number of access gaps to 114 currently, while more measures are being taken to further reduce the access gaps, thereby deepening digital inclusion.

Through NCC’s various regulatory efforts, Danbatta said “Nigeria’s telecoms sector had reached an all-time-high, basic internet subscription of 154 million; over 87 million broadband subscriptions, representing 45.93 per cent broadband penetration; over 207 million voice subscriptions with teledensity standing at 108.94 per cent as at October, 2020.”

Meanwhile, Danbatta, as WATRA Chairman, has assured of ongoing plans for the Executive Secretary of WATRA, Aliu Aboki, to visit the 16 member countries of the Assembly for the purposes of interacting and engaging with the member countries in order to build a common front to galvanise the development of the telecommunications ecosystem in the West African sub-region.

“So, we hope this level of collaboration at the level of WATRA, will be strengthened, so that together, we can act in a manner that other parts of Africa can be able to copy from us. It is an excellent regulatory model that we are working together and I solicit your support and that of other member countries in making the visit of the 16 member countries by the Executive Secretary a huge success,” Danbatta urged the delegation.

While expressing the desire to reciprocate the visit, the EVC particularly appreciated the Guinea Bissau’s delegation for the visit and expressed the hope that their expectations for the benchmarking programme have been met as they take away some key ideas and integrate same into the regulation of their country’s communications industry.PIX Caption:

L-R: Mr. Ibrahim Galadima, Head, International Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Mr. Teofilo Lopes, Head of Delegation from Guinea-Bissau; Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC;  Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, NCC during a benchmarking courtesy visit  to the Commission in Abuja recently.

The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma today paid a visit to the Imo State Polytechnic Omuma which is undergoing massive construction in order to set the institution running with the state of the art building and equipments.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma who was conducted round the premises by the site engineers took time to inspect the architectural master piece and encourage the contractor to ensure that the best materials that will stand the test of time are used.

He reiterated his firm commitment in ensuring that the Imo State Polytechnic becomes not just the pride of the state but the entire nation through the institutions structures and well partnered academic activities that will remain matchless in the country.

He added that when the polytechnic is completed, it will attract young school leavers from and outside the state, encourage polytechnic education and further bridge the admission gap in the country.

Gov. Uzodimma declared that academic activities will resume in September, 2021 and enjoined all those involved in the construction works to put in more efforts as the state government is unrelenting in making sure that the first set of students are admitted this year.

As the world celebrates the year 2021 Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has called for more concerted efforts in increasing public awareness about proper hygiene during menstruation among the female gender.

Speaking at the maiden celebration of the Menstrual Hygiene Day in Lagos with the theme “Menstrual Hygiene Management Among Women And Adolescents: It’s Time for Action”, the wife of the State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said that the celebration serves as an advocacy platform that echoes the voices of all relevant stakeholders in female gender issues.

The First Lady, who was represented at the event by Mrs. Funmi Omotoso, wife of the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, identified the need to remove unnecessary barriers and age-long taboos associated with the female monthly cycle, urging women within the menstrual cycle age to always anticipate their monthly flow with pride and dignity.

According to her, there is a need to educate women, girls and the female gender as a whole, while carrying the men along on the use of sanitary pads, its proper disposal after use and the expected level of hygiene during menstruation.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu said, “This initiative will certainly help to break the culture of silence and the taboo that surrounds the monthly cycle among females. It will also build awareness on the fundamental roles that good menstrual hygiene management plays in the general well-being of our girls and women”.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, said the fact that menstruation from time immemorial sets the pace for reproduction between ages 12 – 52 years, makes it necessary to direct necessary attention and advocacy on the acceptable ways and level of hygiene needed during menstruation.


According to her, in low-income countries like Nigeria, the choice of menstrual hygiene materials are often limited by costs, availability, social and traditional norms.

She maintained that creating interactive avenues, where women can discuss issues relating to good menstrual hygiene management, will add value to curbing the use of unsafe materials that subsequently trigger gynaecological ailments to the female reproductive system.

The Commissioner stressed that poor hygiene can introduce bacteria to the urinary tract and even damage the kidneys if left untreated.

While also emphasising that feminine gynaecological issues have always been paramount in the Ministry’s agenda, Dada recalled that the ‘Women Assembly’ forum held by the Ministry, featured cervical tests for 3,337 women, alongside other general medical screening, to determine the health status of participants.

She added that such forum identifies and controls gynaecological issues often induced by lack of knowledge on proper menstrual management by women, imploring them to scale up on their hygiene when they observe unusual flow during their menstruation, which could also be an indication to seek further medical help.

Her words: “We are of the view to abolish unhygienic practices that are disposed to making women infertile. Menstruation is not a subject of taboo, it is not shameful and, therefore, our men and boys can also learn about periods. Let’s be part of the movement, menstruation is a sign of good health. Let’s talk Periods”.

Following improved water supply across the Lagos metropolis as a result of the increase in water production capacity at the Iju Waterworks, the Lagos Water Corporation Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Muminu Adekunle Badmus has appealed to all residents to make judicious use of water in a bid to help sustain the continuous flow of potable water in the State.

Engr. Badmus made the appeal during a recent interactive session and meeting with customers in Lagos to seek their support and cooperation on the need to ensure that all hands are on deck towards ensuring improved water production and supply across the State.

He said, “We want to use this medium to ask you to reciprocate Government’s efforts by supporting its programmes, as the Corporation is improving in its Service delivery. Kindly ensure conservation and judicious use of water being supplied and pay your water rate as and when due for improving production and supply”.

While maintaining that the improvement in service delivery currently being experienced is a result of the increase in production capacity at the Iju plant, Badmus added that efforts are ongoing to find a solution to the problems facing the Adiyan Waterworks to complement the supply at the Iju plant and other mini-waterworks spread across the State.

Warren Myers, CEO, AURA, South Africa’s leading security and medical response platform, reflects on the security environment in South Africa, why safety should be viewed as a right instead of a privilege, and the company’s successful partnership with Uber since 2018.

Since it was first established in 2017, AURA’s vision has been to create an environment that recognises safety is so much more than a basic need – a right rather than a privilege. Emerging markets are stalling, in part, because far too many people lack access to basic resources. The reality is innovation cannot thrive if people are worried about their next meal. The issue of safety applies in much the same way as creativity and human flourishing disappears if people are living in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety.

Clearly more needs to be done to ensure that people are safe, and feel safe, from the scourge of crime. If this doesn’t happen, a downward spiral is inevitable; the consequences of which are enormous and impact every single corner of society.

Crime stats are wholly unacceptable and have been for some time now. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and its devastating social and economic impact, there has been a marked increase in both professional syndicate crimes, and opportunistic crimes of desperation.

Equally unacceptable is that current private security and medical models exclude most individuals, particularly those in lower income brackets who cannot afford the escalating costs and therefore the luxury of private security and medical. The sad irony of this situation is that those who are the most vulnerable and affected by crime are also those who can least afford the safety and security they so urgently need.

It is staggering that only 2% percent of South Africans have access to private security and 7000 private response vehicles only service two percent of the population. Clearly there is an obvious inequality here that requires serious attention. What is less obvious at first glance, is that security companies, and by extension their clients, are paying for these resources to be deployed 100 percent of the time when they are only needed and utilised less than 10 percent of the time.

Uber has always been committed to improving and introducing new and relevant technologies through their app. Response times for safety related matters was a key challenge, which led to Uber seeking out private location-specific emergency and medical service partners that could be dispatched to partners quicker than ever before, which is where the partnership with AURA developed.

The AURA platform addresses issues of access and affordability using IoT and AI to ensure that not only are resources being used as efficiently as possible, but that everyone, irrespective of income or social status, can feel safe and secure thanks to having on-demand emergency services at their fingertips. This is why AURA has grown to become a necessary part of the wider safety and security ecosystem.

Universal accessibility, affordability, and a deep commitment to the safety of everyone who uses the AURA platform is why we are especially proud of our partnership with Uber. A shared vision and dedication to continuously improving the safety of everyone who uses our services is why Uber added an in-app emergency button, powered by AURA, to both the rider and driver Uber apps. When a rider or driver uses the in-app emergency button to call third-party emergency services, the car’s make and model, license plate, and GPS location are made available to these private emergency services and security responders. Riders and drivers can access the safety toolkit by tapping the shield icon on their app’s map screen while on a trip. This functionality is available in both South Africa and Kenya Uber provides the same door-to-door safety standards on all their options, so no matter if you are taking Uber Go, their best priced mobility option, or UberX, the in-app emergency button and all other safety features is available on any trip.

AURA allows for millions of people to access private security and medical response. Technology is a powerful tool not only to unlock access to affordable mobility but in crime prevention by empowering everyone with the means to get assistance in the event of an emergency or in a situation where they feel threatened or unsafe. The unwavering belief that safety should be democratised and need not be the sole preserve of the wealthy is what continues to underpin and inspire the AURA journey.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has saved multi-million naira worth of commercial buildings and property from being consumed by Fire at Ladipo Market in the Mushin axis of the State.

Speaking to journalists on the early morning fire incident, the Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, disclosed that the Agency received a distress call at about 0731hrs on Sunday morning from 5, Rowland Street, Olateju, Ladipo Market, Mushin Lagos, that a building was on fire.

“This necessitated the immediate deployment of fire trucks and response teams from the Bolade and Ilupeju Fire Stations to the scene to curtail the spread of the inferno from causing more damage. The prompt intervention of the response teams led to the prevention of more buildings from being razed by the fire”, she said.

Mrs. Adeseye, however, stated that before the arrival of the firefighters at the scene, the fire had already gutted a one-storey circular building with several shops used for the sale of vehicle spare parts.

Her words, “The Lagos State Fire Service was supported by the Federal Fire Service and the Nigerian Police in curbing the spread of the inferno and reducing its destruction. The operation was effectively concluded at 1350hrs for stocktaking and identification of the cause of the fire. Investigations are ongoing”.

She said that there was no death or injury recorded in the incident, urging residents to always be careful and vigilant to avert fire outbreaks in their environment.

Faith Cathedral International Ministry (FCIM) a Christian organization that is focused in bringing souls to God recently celebrated the birthday of its founder Pastor Fred.O. Obetoh. In line with the Covid 19 protocols, the church rolled out carpet to give to whom honor is due.

Just as the bible commanded Christians to do, in the Proverbs 9:11 “For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”

Pastor Fred as he is fondly called ecstatic and happy with the members of the church. In his word, he said “I am very pleased that the Lord has made me to see this day. It is neither by my power of might that I am seeing this day, I give all the glory for preserving me to this day. The goodness of God can’t be underestimated in my life and that of every other person here. I am very grateful to God for this and I will keep praising him.  

In line with Jeremiah 29:11, the verse said “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” The church used the opportunity to thank the Lord for using the Senior Pastor as a vessel in the Lord.

FAITH CATHEDRAL INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY, is a Christian organization (Church) hinged on deliverance and core Christian principles as stipulated in the Bible. Established over 20yrs ago, the church has grown in leaps and bounds from a humble beginning in Ajayi Farm in Ikeja (1990s) to the present location in Egbeda.

With many locations, Faith Cathedral International Ministry has established branches in various places outside Lagos such as Uromi, Edo State, the European branches in Germany has flourished. By the goodness of God, Faith Cathedral International Ministry has a branch in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Over these years, the church under the guidance of Pastor Fred O. Obetoh and a host of other pastors have brought the gospel of the Lord to many. For more than two decades, the church has built a reputation of a family-oriented church where members can get delivered from the shackles of the enemy. With strong faith in God, the church has recorded successes which have been manifested in form of testimonies – all to the Glory of God. Under the guidance of many senior pastors and elders, members are encouraged to always seek for the truth. Faith Cathedral International Ministry’s doors are always open to all who wish to follow our Lord Jesus Christ on a critical and life changing journey of truth and salvation.

In the midst of today’s chaotic world, Faith Cathedral International Ministry is positioned to direct, guide and encourage Christians and even non-christians to worship God in truth, Love and Honesty.





MYKMARY FASHION SHOW & AWARDS SET BOOST STARTUPS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

Fashion industry globally is a highly competitive industry, this industry takes no prisoners and this has made start-ups and new entrants to find it hard to survive due to the low awareness of their brand. The need to project indigenous fashion brands is vital, having this in mind, Mykmary Fashion Show & Awards is poised to ensure that the new entrants and start-up get the desired leverage and platform to succeed and survive in such an industry.


Set to Hold this August 2021, the award has opened the entry for those that are desirous to succeed in the fashion industry via their online and offline platforms. Holding at the at Bespoke Event Centre, 4th roundabout, Chisco Bus stop, Lekki, Lagos. The event is meant to bring the Nigerian indigenous fashion to the forefront by showcasing, fashion parade, exhibition and mentorship.


Participants in the event would have the opportunity to meet and network with established high end Fashion retailers, fashion enthusiasts, influencers, fashion designers and entrepreneurs. In addition to making your experience worthwhile, high end Fashion retailers, fashion enthusiasts, influencers, fashion designers and entrepreneurs will grace the event.


Entries are to be submitted to www.Mykmary.com/mykmary-fashion-show-awards-august Get ready to showcase at Mykmary Fashion Show & Awards 2021. They can also register online via www.mykmary.com/register
Media Partners for the event are Eventnews Africa, Bellanaija, BellaNaija, OSG, Sun Newspapers, Guardian Newspapers, Genevieve Magazine, Mitv , Hip tv, Naijahiplay, Galaxy TV, TVC, Spice TV, STV, NTA, Channels, RaveTV, Galaxy TV, Gistcorner, Punch, Vanguard, Daily Times, The Nation, Telegraph, The SUN, News Times Africa, City People Magazine, Champion Newspaper, Independent, Tribune Newspaper, Leadership, Paparazzi Star TV, Connect Nigeria among others.

In today’s ever-changing world, the concept of “outsourcing” is a new cliché in the work environment. A concept that has made most organizations to manage their core activities while letting external organizations manage some services. Information Communication Technology (ICT) is one area that is highly specialized and the need for non-ICT firms to consult competent IT firms to handle their critical ICT infrastructure is the new narrative and way to go for any organization to be productive, they must outsource.

Netcom Africa, one of the foremost Information Technology firm in Nigeria, with tremendous strides in communication and cyber security has come to the aid of many local firms that are confused on whom to handle their critical IT infrastructure. Netcom Africa is poised to change the way businesses are done as they assist them in digitization, consultancy and business agility. The position of IT is very critical in day to day running of any organisation, and for any organisation to be on the path of productivity and profitability, the need to look at outsourcing is imperative. This void is what Netcom Africa is bridging with their world-class solutions.

Sean Hsu, the Chief Executive Officer of NETCOM Africa said, “As of today every company embraces change because we are trying to predict the future of business’, which is business intelligence, analytical intelligence. It’s not just about cost anymore, the question decision makers should ask is how much can I increase my productivity which equates to revenues by making this investment?  These are questioning that NETCOM AFRICA would be answering for Chief Information Officers and Chief Executive Officers.”

Netcom Africa (Lagos, Nigeria) - Contact Phone, Address - 5 Reviews

In line with the position of the Chief Executive, Yen Choi, the Group Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer of Netcom Africa added that “Outsourcing has been practiced for a long time for most companies, but the onset of the Internet has allowed it to bloom and become bigger as the years go by. If you want to have the advantage when it comes to your business, we recommend finding the right outsourcing company who can provide you with extra help tailored for you. When you work with an independent outsourcing firm that understands your business, you do not need to hire an individual expert as your staff, instead, you can outsource those functions and business objectives and have access to a larger team with much more experience than a single person.  Our clients are from many different non-IT industries and have realized that they want to leave the IT management to a competent firm such as Netcom and focus on their core competencies.”

According to Vice President, Corporate Development & Marketing of NETCOM Africa, Charles Harrington, “NETCOM Africa’s managed services are basically designed to reduce organizations’ costs, increase their productivity and also mitigate their business risks. We partner with organizations as their IT department in the areas of advice and consultancy thereby allowing firms to focus on running their business and not bothered about technology upgrades and security.”

Netcom Africa's Unified Communication Solutions brings respite to  businesses - ITEdgeNews.ng

NETCOM Africa IT outsourcing is an array of IT services all rolled into one, such as On-Site Support, Project Management, IT/Network consultation, IT Transformation, application development and data centre services. These services give organizations access to experienced professionals and to reduce the risks as well as minimizing downtime and the negative impacts on businesses.

With bouquet of services and solutions like Managed IT Solutions, Managed Cloud Services, Smart Buildings, IT Security and a host of others, Netcom Africa has been Nigeria’s leading Internet Service Provider since 2004, staying ahead of the competition with cutting edge platforms in VSAT, WIMAX, Radio, and Fibre technology.  As of today, the company is a leading pioneer in Business Transformation Solutions, empowering organizations to lead their market space by keeping pace with the rapid changes in IT innovations, ensuring relevance to specific business initiatives required to maximize revenue generation. This is done by leveraging the latest Silicon Valley, cloud, big data, and datacentres technologies.

Anthony Nwosu