Federal Government Okays 5G Policy For Nigeria

September 8, 2021

The Federal Government has approved the National Policy on Fifth Generation (5G) Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy.

The 5G Policy was approved today, September 8, at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, at the presidential villa, Abuja following the presentation by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami).

A statement by the spokesman of the ministry of Communications, Dr Femi Adeluyi said that the implementation of the National Policy is with immediate effect.

The statement said that the National Policy has been developed over a period of two years, due to the need for extensive stakeholder engagement and the need to ensure adequate public awareness and sensitization.

It said the stakeholder engagement was thorough and multi-sectoral in nature, adding it also took into account the report of the 3-month 5G trials that commenced on the 25th of November 2019. The report critically reviewed and studied the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria.

“Leading international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), an organ of the United Nations, have confirmed that the deployment of 5G networks leave no adverse health effect and are safe.

“5G networks offer significant advantages over the current technologies. Some of its advantages include much lower latency, higher bandwidth, greater device density, longer battery life for nodes and greater network flexibility. Several countries have already commenced the deployment of 5G and are enjoying its benefits.

“These countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, South Africa and Lesotho, to mention but a few.

“The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), chaired by Minister Pantami, will soon release spectrum to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that meet all the required conditions.

“The NCC, as the regulator of the telecommunications sector, will continue engaging stakeholders with a view to developing the regulatory instruments required for the successful deployment of the technology in Nigeria.”

Nigerian Communications Commission Launches 5-Year Strategic Vision, Book

Greenbarge Reporters

September 8, 2021

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a new Strategic Vision (SVP Implementation) Plan (2021-2025) which will define the country’s telecommunications industry.
The commission also unveiled a book written by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Professor Garba Umar Danbatta, entitled catalyzing: Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Transformation through Broadband Infrastructure, as well as the launch of NCC Global Connect Podcast.
The new strategic vision was officially unveiled by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who also launched the two other projects as the Special Guest of Honour in Abuja.
According to NCC, the new strategic vision underscores the centrality of broadband in the nations journey to a modern digital economy,
Danbatta, in his remarks said the new SVP, no doubt, embodies several innovative elements deliberately designed to re-invent and transform the telecom ecosystem within the context of regulation.
The New SVP is anchored on five items namely; Organizational Renewal for Operational Efficiency and Regulatory Excellence; Facilitating the Provision of Infrastructure for Digital Economy which fosters National Development; Promoting Fair Competition, Inclusive Growth, Increased Investment and Innovative Services; Improve Quality of Service(QoS) for Enhanced Consumer Quality of Excellence (QoE) and Facilitating Strategic Collaboration and Partnership.
The New Strategic Vision Plan is a successor to the SVP (2015-2020) aligned to the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020-2025), the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS2020-2030), the Strategic Management Plan(SMP 2020-2024), the International Telecommunications Union(ITU) and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan(ERGP) of the Federal Government.
Speaking on the book, which is an official compendium that represents a collection of his various speeches and presentations, Dambatta, noted that it will give readers the historical background and authoritative context to the growth in the ICT sector, adding that establishing the Podcast channel was to boost its corporate image and visibility via the adoption of innovative channel of communication.
In his remarks, by Prof. Pantami commended the NCC and its board, stressing that the ICT sector has made tremendous contributions of 17.92 per cent to the GDP in Q2 of 2021, even as he emphasized the importance of the private sector in the industry.
“Our main function is to provide enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, our aim is to come up with policies that will make the sector more profitable, more secured to support development and not jeopardize it.
If you look at our national aggregate demand in Nigeria, you will discover that the entire budget in Nigeria is less than 9% of our national aggregate demand while the private sector controls more than 91 per cent.
“So, we have to support the private sector and make it more effective for our country to be successful economically and otherwise because the private sector controls the economy.”
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include; Majority Leader of the Senate Dr. Abdullahi Yahaya; Chairman of Senate Committee on ICT, Yakubu Hussaini, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Prince Hakeem Adeyemi; Chairman of the NCC Board, Prof. Adeolu Akande; and heads of parastatals and agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

Nobody, Not Even EFCC Can Stop Me From Being President In 2023, Gov Yahaya Bello Vows

Greenbarge Reporters

September 8, 2021

“Whoever wants to probably attack my towering name and integrity, because of 2023 is making a mistake. Because fighting corruption should ordinarily have nothing to do with political affiliation or political interest. So I wouldn’t want to say that because of 2023 I am being targeted. If you are targeting me because of 2023, it is a big mistake. You will not be able to get me.”
These are the response of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to a question by newsmen at the Presidential villa, Abuja, as to the possible damage to his acclaimed presidential ambition for the 2023 election, by recent freezing of state government account by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over issue of alleged financial mishaps.
The governor said: “for 2023, I still say it is in the hands of God Almighty. Nigerians: millions, men, women, youth are all yearning that I should contest for 2023. There are still time to give an appropriate answer when the time comes. And I believe that when the time comes, we are going to give a very wonderful response that will satisfy Nigerians.”
Responding to a question on his present opinion about the EFCC chairman, Bawa, who he had earlier congratulated when he was appointed by President Buhari, Yahaya Bello said that it is too early now to say that he is disappointed in him (Bawa).
He said the EFCC’s claim of N20 billion bail-out in deposit account in the state is an allegation which the state government had responded to.
We are waiting for their own reaction to our response so far.
“But I want to believe that those who may have orchestrated that phantom lie should be brought to justice as soon as possible, so that the good name that EFCC has earned will continue to tower high. “So, I will continue to urge him, that is Bawa, to continue to do very wonderful job he has started. He shouldn’t allow anybody to use him, for whatever reason, and I don’t think he will allow anybody to use him for political vendetta.
“He is a young man and has a very long way to go.”

Air Peace Gives N20 Million To Super Eagles For Defeating Cape Verde 2-1

Editorial staff

September 7, 2021

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated Cape Verde 2-1 in the second Group C game of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.

With this result today, September 7, the players have N20 million ($48,733) promised them by their official partners, Air Peace. Prior to the match, the Chairman of the airlines, Allen Oyema, had pledged N20 millionm if they defeat Cape Verde.

“If you win this match, I am going to give the team 20 million naira on arrival. I’ll bring the cash and hand it over. Go there and die for the country,” he added.

But the Eagles who are ranked 34 in the world by FIFA conceded the first goal as Dylan Tavares found the back of the net in the 20th minute.

In the 30th minute, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen levelled the score to seal the game 1-1 in the first half.

The game changed in favour of the national team after pressure forced Kenny Santos to put the ball at the back of his net.

The Super Eagles are 6 points top of Group C.

Armed Robbers Storm Hotel In Abuja, Cart Away Valuables

Editorial staff

September 7, 2021

Armed robbers stormed a hotel in Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the wee-hours of today, September 7, carting away valuable items of occupants in the hotel, including an online newspaper organization.

An eye witness said that the criminals broke into the premises, which also houses Sundiatapost online newspaper from the backside of the building, covered with bushes and carted away various items, including phones, laptops, communication gadgets, internet routers and other valuables.

The hotel is located at Abacha Estate in Wuse Zone 4.

The Divisional Police Officer of Wuse Police Division, Adamu Muazu confirmed the incidence, saying:,“Yes, the Command is very much aware of the incident because the hint of the robbery taking place came from the Command Control itself.

“That suggest that the Newspaper firm and the Hotel have never known the GSM Line of the Division.

“Thought to notify you further a vehicle that was almost taken has to be abandoned by the miscreants on the arrival of the Patrol teams from Wuse Division.”

There has been a growing concern of insecurity in the FCT as issues of burglary, car theft, one-chance and kidnapping to mention but a few are gradually taking a toll on residents.

Over the weekend, bandits invaded a clergyman’s residence in Peggi community, Kuje Area Council where his wife and two daughters were abducted.

The captors reached out to the family demanding N50 million ransom to free the victims.

Source: Whistler.

EFCC Lied, Kogi Has No N20 Billion In Bail-Out Account – Gov. Yahaya Bello

Editorial staff

September 7, 2021

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has swore that there is nothing like N20 Billion bail-out fund which officials of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) said it froze recently.

Answering reporters’ questions today, September 7 shortly after an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari, the governor said: “no Kogi state governments salary account is frozen. None whatsoever. None of our accounts is frozen or embargo placed on any of our account by EFCC at all.

“I think it’s just a misrepresentation of facts or is a joke taken too far. My Information Commissioner and all those that are concerned with that lies peddled by the EFCC, I think they have responded appropriately.

“And I will urge each and every Nigerian to please go to Kogi state website and all the facts are there. The Banks have denied that we don’t have such an account. And besides that, the bailout fund that we obtained, we appropriated in line with the agreement and understanding between Kogi state government and the workers.

“And all of these were done, we finished all of these, you know, in the year 2019. “So first, there’s no N20 billion account, or N19 billion era, no fixed deposit account. So I don’t know where the lie is coming from.

“I think in the days ahead, you will hear exactly where the matter shall be resolved. That’s why I said that it is a joke taken too far. And I want to believe that the officials of the EFCC may have misled the commission. Remember that we will not just allow this to lie low because Mr. President pride on fighting corruption. And EFCC is one of the agencies that is being used to fight corruption.

“EFCC should not be seen to be going on a voyage of no discovery, in order that the reputation of the commission and integrity of this particular government remains intact.

“As a person, I came into this office with my integrity high. And I will leave this office of Government with a higher integrity and all of my name that are ringing bell everywhere across the world today will know that actually I earned this beautiful names, not because of stealing. I will never touch one kobo of Kogi state, I will never and I will never allow any of my officials to do so.

“Today, Kogi state is among the first that has published all of our accounts online. “And all of these spendings have been put out there for the whole world to see from bank account, to statements of account, to payroll, all of the documents are all out there.

“That is transparency. I think I challenge Nigerians to challenge all of those governors to publish that same particular bailout form utilisation. And then you’ll be able to join me whichever way.”

Igboho Cries Out: My Lawyers Abandoned Me After Collecting N5 Million Each From Me

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2021

Embattled Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has accused his 10 lawyers in Cotonou, Benin Republic of collecting N5 million each from him but failed to seek his release after about 50 days in detention.

The detained ethnic defender, who spoke in a leaked audio, complained bitterly that all his Benin Republic-based lawyers, led by Ibrahim Salami, have not achieved any tangible result on his case.

“I have been here for about two months and the lawyers didn’t come to check on me.

“It was God who apprehended me Himself not any security official in Benin Republic. The God who arrested me will definitely release me. That is my faith. Even if all the lawyers say they are no more interested in my case, God will free me. I am no more afraid of anything.

“Those ones are not lawyers. They called themselves lawyers yet they couldn’t stop the judge from remanding me in a prison. Lawyers that couldn’t prevail on the prison warders to remove handcuff from my hands for seven days. And they were all heavily paid.”

Igboho also complained over his alleged maltreatment and abandonment in prison by Salami and the other lawyers even as he boasted that he’s not afraid of being extradited to Nigeria “after all Kanu is in Nigeria and we are agitating for the same secession.”

Igboho, who was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic on July 19, has since been remanded in prison even as he now seeks asylum in Benin Republic. He is facing allegations bordering on trafficking in arms, inciting violence and causing disunity in Nigeria.

Some of the other offences said to have been committed by the Igboho bordered on entering the Benin Republic illegally and alleged planned intent to cause social unrest in the Republic of Benin.

While he is in detention, the court granted him access to medical care as his lawyers are battling for his release and stoppage of his extradition to Nigeria.

Source: The Punch.

Evils Of Tampering With Islam In Saudi Arabia, By Prof. Yasir Ajola Quadri

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2021

In 2016, Muhammad Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia launched a new vision for the Kingdom tagged Vision 2030 which aims at revamping the nation’s economy through diversification of its resources including promotion of tourism and entertainment industry. He noted that the vision would not be attained except by creating a conducive environment for investors and customers.

He identified the grip of the Sharia on the socio – economic life of the Muslims and as long as the Sharia law is not modified, there would not be any success.

This explains why series of reforms have been introduced, and more will be added. This also explains why Bin Salman has opted for “moderate” Islam to remove the strong influence of the Sharia on the Muslims. He curtailed the power of Religious Police which had been enforcing strict adherence to Sharia.

Major legal reforms will soon take place to weaken the Sharia.

Hadith, the second source of law in Islam is currently being attacked and reviewed to the whims and caprices of Muhammad Bin Salman. Eventually he will end up editing the Qur’an, which has remained sacred and unedited since its revelation about 1454 years ago.

Recently, the use of loudspeaker for _Adhān_ (Call to Prayer) and _Iqāmah_ (commencement of prayer) came under criticism. It must be noted that the use of loudspeaker has been in existence for a long time. Why is its use being attacked now?

The Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs said that the decision was taken in response to complaints from the public, especially from parents who said the loudspeakers were disturbing their children’s sleep. The law now is that the volume of loudspeakers must not be higher than one third of their capacity.

A time will come when the use of loudspeaker will be banned totally for disturbance. The pertinent question to ask is that when did the Saudi parents discover that their children could no longer sleep because of loudspeaker? Are the children foreigners who are just arriving Saudi Arabia? Were they not born in the country ? Is it not part of their culture to hear _Adhān_ being called? Shouldn’t the parents allow their children be used to the _Adhān_ and adjust their subconsciousness to it?

Rasūlullāh_ , _saaws_ , had instructed that we should order our children, at age seven to start praying _Salāt_ , while they should be disciplined at 10, if they are reluctant to do so. It is also a tradition that _Adhān_ and _Iqāmah_ should be called into a newly born Muslim babe’s ears to intimate them of their duty to worship Allah, including the performance of _Salāt_ .

The new law also states that loudspeaker should not be used during _Iqāmah_ on the basis that the Muslims who heard the _Adhān_ when it was called should not wait to be reminded that the prayer has commenced, as he is supposed to have been in the mosque at that time.

Another aspect of the new law is that Muslims do not need to close their place of business during the time of _Salāt_ on the basis that reference is made to _Salātu’l-Jumu’ah_ only in the Q62:9, and not all _Salawāt.

This law is nothing but antithetical to Islamic interest. Muslims have developed consciousness for _Salāt_ to be performed at its appropriate time. Even non-muslims in such environment are also aware that Muslims will close shops for prayer. Muslim authorities are now telling the Muslim populace to pray at any time that is convenient for them, and not necessarily at its prime time. The implication of that is that Muslims may not be performing _Salāt_ at the best time. Some of them may even delay the performance of _Salāt_ till they close or when they reach home at night. It must be emphasised that each _Salāt_ has its fixed time (Q4:103).

Muhammad Bin Salman wants Muslims to concentrate on their merchandise, business, buying and selling when they are supposed to be preoccupied with _Dhikrullāh_ , remembrance of Allah, which is greater than any other thing (Q24:37 & 29:45).

We recall that as part of Muhammad Bin Salman’s attempt to make Saudi Arabia more liberal and lessen the role Islam plays in public life, a very big musical festival was organised in the Kingdom, which was on for hours, from noon till day break without any break for _Salāt_ . The youths in their thousands were there watching, dancing and intermingling with the opposite sex, without any regard for _Salāt_ . The Saudi religious authorities came under severe criticism. This new rule appears to be a ploy to justify his recklessness.

Inadvertently, the new law in Saudi Arabia may affect the religious freedom being currently enjoyed by Muslims in some countries whereby they request for time off for the purpose of performing _Salāt_ during office hours. Employers may now decline to give approval on the basis that in Saudi Arabia, the ” home” of Islam, Muslims do not break for _Salāt_ during office hours.

Some other Muslims outside Saudi Arabia who are used to delaying _Salāt_ till they close for the day will now feel justified.

Care must be taken by every reasonable Muslim not to follow Saudi Arabia in this direction because they are heading towards destruction. See Q19:59. The next verse, that is Q19:60 should be our guide.

“We should continue to perform our _Salāt_ at their fixed times and allow _Salāt_ to impact positively on our character and our dealings with the society.”

Cholera Killed 2,141 Nigerians In 23 States – NCDC

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2021

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has announced a total 65,145 suspected cases of cholera, including 2,141 deaths, representing a Case Fatality Rate of 3.3 percent reported from 23 states and the FCT, as of September 2, 2021.
The NCDC disclosed this on its Cholera Situation weekly epidemiological report pasted on its official website.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was a 62 percent decrease in the number of new suspected cases in week 33 (2,127) when compared with the 3,098 cases in week 32.
According to the report, Bauchi with 855 cases, Katsina with 396 cases and Kano’s 306 cases accounted for 73.2% of 2,127 suspected cases reported in week 34,
Others are Yobe (162), Zamfara (80), Niger (78), Borno (67), Sokoto (45), Kaduna (41), Gombe (21), FCT (18), Kebbi (17), Adamawa (15), Taraba (13), Nasarawa (10), Plateau (2) and Jigawa (1),”
It noted that the suspected cases were since the beginning of 2021, with children aged 5 – 14 years as the most affected age group for both male and female.
All the suspected cases, comprised 51 percent males and 49 percent females.
“23 states and the FCT have reported suspected cholera cases in 2021. These included: Benue, Delta, Zamfara, Gombe, Bayelsa, Kogi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Kebbi, Cross River, Nasarawa, Niger, Jigawa, Yobe, Kwara, Adamawa, Enugu, Katsina, Borno, Taraba and the FCT.
“In the reporting week, 16 states plus the FCT reported 2,127 suspected cases – the NCDC said.
Out of the suspected cases, there were 32 Rapid Diagnoses Test (RDT), confirmed cases from Adamawa (11), Katsina (8), Kaduna (7), Borno (4), Taraba (1) and Yobe (1). There were 32 culture-confirmed cases from Yobe, (12), Adamawa (11), Katsina (8) and Borno (1).
The public health agency added that of the cases reported, there were 48 deaths from Bauchi (10), Kano (7), Katsina (6), Taraba (5), Zamfara (4), Sokoto (4), Borno (4), Niger (3), Nasarawa (2), Kebbi (1), Yobe (1) and Kaduna (1) states with a CFR of 2.3 percent.
“No new state reported cases in epi week 34. The national multi-sectoral EOC activated at level 02 continues to coordinate the national response Epi-Summary”, it stated.
It, however, said that the national multi-sectoral EOC activated at level 2 continues to coordinate the national response.
NAN reports that Cholera is a waterborne disease and the risk of transmission is higher where there was poor sanitation and disruption of clean water supply.
The wrong disposal of refuse and practices, such as open defecation, endanger the safety of water used for drinking and for personal use.
These lead to the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera and without proper WASH, Nigeria remains at risk of cholera cases and deaths.
The long-term solution for cholera control lies in access to safe drinking water, maintenance of proper sanitation and hygiene.
Cholera is also preventable and treatable; however, it can be deadly when people who are infected do not access care immediately.

Legal Battle Over Tax Collection: FIRS Sure Of Defeating Rivers State At Supreme Court

Editorial staff

September 6, 2021

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has asked taxpayers not to panic over the recent court ruling by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt which dismissed its motion for stay of execution of the judgment that Rivers State can collect Value Added Taxes from its resident, assuring that “until the Court of Appeal, or even the Supreme Court, determines the matter, tax payers are required to continue to comply with their Value Added Tax (VAT) obligations within the status quo framework.”

In a statement today, September 6, the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the FIRS on Media and Communications, Johannes Wojuola said that the FIRS had already lodged in the Court of Appeal, both an appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court sitting in Rivers State in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/149/2020, Attorney General of Rivers State Vs Federal Inland Revenue Service and an injunction pending appeal of the said judgement.

“The Federal High Court ruling should not breed any confusion as to the obligations of taxpayers. Taxpayers must continue to comply with the Value Added Tax Act pending the final determination of appeal.

“Taxpayers must continue to honour their tax obligations under the VAT Act. Failure to do this would put them on collision course with the law”, the statement said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, records of appeal have been transmitted to the appellate court. The Service is confident that, given the extant laws, the arguments and case put forward, it will earn a favoured judgment at the appellate court.”

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