Telecom
Encomiums as Okodu Bows out of NCC
Durojaiye Anthony Okodu is an unusually calm, friendly, stylish and very considerate staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). A man without negative airs, yet he carries himself with the avuncular grace.
His physical persona is marked by an exceptional gait that matches his physique. A man of naturally tall framing devoid of excessive fat that makes him able to move swiftly and magisterially. Importantly, Okodu’s humility and affable disposition easily endear him to everyone.
So, expectedly, last Friday, April 8, 2022, staff of NCC gathered at the imposing auditorium of the Commission’s Head Office Annex at Mbora District, Abuja, to honour Okodu, also known as “Baba Naira”, as he bowed out of NCC having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years and after 28 years of meritorious service.
Okudu began his career at the Commission in July 1994, as a cashier on transfer from the erstwhile Ministry of Communications, where he was headhunted by a former director of the Commission, Felicia Onwuegbuchulam. From then on, he had risen through the ranks, before eventually retiring as a Principal Manager, Projects, at NCC.
At the well-attended valedictory session, staff, friends, and well-wishers of Okudu, paid glowing tributes in torrents to the man who can aptly be described as man of the people. Many were nostalgic and poignant while others were joyous, optimistic and tellingly introspective that Okodu would thrive in the next phase of his life.
In her remark, the NCC’s Director, Projects, Iyabode Solanke, who is Okodu’s last supervisor before his retirement, and who was Okodu’s head of Department while they both worked at the Commission’s Department of Financial Services, extolled the retiree for his dedication, as well as his dressing code and excellent work ethics, which she said are worthy of emulation. Sholanke was represented by a Deputy Director in the department, Philip Eretan, who also attended the valedictory session in his own capacity as a friend of Okodu.
In the same vein, NCC’s Director, Zonal Operations, Amina Shehu, in her goodwill message, stated that in every interaction she had with Okodu, she had observed his stellar qualities, such as empathy, kindness, and gentleness. She added that he was also consistent in everything he did.
For Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, who also attended the valedictory party, anyone would be easily impressed by Okodu’s level of dedication to duty, which has become a mark of Okodu’s outings and career at the Commission. Adinde said that Okodu was not merely ever-present whenever he was needed most, he also, every so often, displays emotional intelligence, and never lost his temper no matter the level of provocation. “I am also impressed by Okodu’s social networking skills which had enabled him to remain connected with every staff,” Adinde emphasised.
The Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, at the Commission, Ephraim Nwokonneya, profoundly recalled the attributes exhibited by Okodu that are so quite distinctive when he had the opportunity of working with Okodu in the Financial Services Department of the Commission.
Nwokonneya said when he was assigned to the Department of Financial Services of the Commission as a Principal Manager, he had worked closely with Okodu, who characteristically was full of zeal and energy. He said Okodu was very efficient and easily endeared himself to everyone. Nwokonneya encouraged him to look at retirement as a time of rejuvenation, reflection and prosperity.
A longtime companion and friend of Okodu, who was so evidently elated at Okodu’s befitting retirement, Olatokunbo Oyeleye, a Deputy Director at the New Media and Information Security Department of the Commission, said Okodu made her beginnings at the Commission a wonderful experience.
“To Oyeleye, Okodu is more than a colleague, “he is a brother,” she said and proceeded to recall with gratitude when she joined the Commission as a fresh graduate, “Okodu and his wife accommodated me, taking me under their wings”.
This humane side of Okudu was underscored by Hafsat Lawal, Head, Consumer Policy Development and Monitoring, who asserted that Okudu was a mentor and a friend in need.
“He is reliable and dependable, exuding high level of understanding in all matters and he would go out of his way to ensure everyone was comfortable,” Lawal said.
Former staff of the Commission were also not left out of the celebration. Among them, who attended and poured encomiums on Okodu, are Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, who retired from NCC as Director Consumer Affairs two years ago, and Abubakar Yakubu, a former Director at the Commission who voluntarily retired in 2019.
Onwuegbuchulam, a noted friend and confidant of Okodu who influenced Okodu to join the Commission 28 years ago, said she had no regrets in recommending Okudu to the Management of the Commission at the time.
She said she was gratified that Okodu did not only had a chequered career at the Commission, he also excelled remarkably.
Yakubu, in a goodwill message he sent to the valedictory programme which was read on his behalf, praised Okodu for his dedication to the Commission.
He declared that Okodu was one of the few staff who would work long hours, and would even work at home. He added that Okodu’s commitment and relentlessness to delivering on his assigned duties were total and spectacular.
Okudu, who spoke at the end of the speeches, thanked the audience and all those who had honoured him with their presence and kind words. Reflecting on the occasion with philosophical calmness and thanksgiving to God, Okodu said there had to be an end to every beginning but he thanked God for the privilege to witness his retirement day alive. While expressing delight over all the goodwill messages received, he enjoined the younger staff who would be taking over the baton, to be hardworking. He also advised that Commission can only thrive if staff remain hardworking in a consistent manner, and are dedicated and loyal to the Commission.
Other contributors at the event included Ajoke Atte, Head, Procurement; Solomon Igbayue, Assistant Director, Policy Competition and Economic Analysis; Emeka Nnama, Senior Manager, Zonal Operations; and Anthony Bassey, Senior Manager, Administration, all staff of the Commission who extolled Okodu’s distinctive virtues and dedication to the aspirations of the Commission. They all wished Okodu a life of grace and bliss in retirement.
Nigerians lost about N12.5 billion to telecom-related financial crimes from 2019 to January 2023, underscoring the scale and persistence of this threat to the telecommunications industry, PwC Nigeria has said, citing data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
PwC, in its latest report, ‘AI’s Dual Role in Telecom Fraud: Why Artificial Intelligence is Both a Threat and a Shield for Telcos’, said the growing adoption of AI by fraudsters is amplifying the frequency and impact of fraud.
The report said fraud has long been a persistent challenge in the telecoms landscape, leading to substantial financial losses for customers and reputational damages for telecommunication companies (telcos).
PwC’s latest report, ‘AI’s dual role in telecom fraud’, highlights global trends in how AI is reshaping both the threats and defences in telecommunications.
The publication examined what these shifts mean for operators in the local market and how they can stay ahead by adopting proactive, AI driven fraud management strategies.
It offered insights into how AI is enabling more sophisticated fraud schemes, from deepfake social engineering to automated attacks; the emerging role of AI powered detection and monitoring tools in strengthening fraud prevention frameworks.
The report also gave practical steps for telecom operators to balance innovation, resilience, and customer trust in an AI driven fraud ecosystem.
PwC noted that the impact of fraud on telecommunications companies is far-reaching, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and compliance issues.
The report said for instance, that in 2023, global telecom fraud was estimated at $38.95 billion.
It, however, stated that in Nigeria, where telecom acts as a key gateway to financial services through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) and some are moving into fintech, these evolving risks place added pressure on operators.
The report stated that while operators have developed systems and controls to manage these risks, the sector’s expansion into adjacent domains (such as mobile money and payment service banking) is blurring the traditional boundaries of telecom fraud.
“The result is a more complex and interconnected risk environment, where both the frequency and impact of fraud are escalating. Adding to this complexity is the rapid pace of technological advancement.
For instance, Russian cybersecurity firm F6 reported a rise in SIM swapping incidents, particularly related to the shift to eSIM technology. These fraudsters are hijacking phone numbers and bypassing security measures to access bank accounts,” the report said.
The report, authored by Udochi Muogilim, Partner and Technology, Media and Telecommunications Leader, PwC Nigeria, and Adeola Adekunle, associate director, Forensic Services, however, said as AI continues to mature, it is reshaping the fraud landscape—introducing heightened threats and powerful new tools.
“On one hand, AI can be exploited to scale and automate fraud schemes with unprecedented sophistication. On the other, it equips telcos with advanced capabilities for fraud detection, prevention, and response.
“This dual role—AI as both a tool and a target—underscores the urgent need for Nigerian telecom players to adopt AI thoughtfully and strategically.
“Navigating this evolving landscape requires more than just investment in technology; it demands a deep understanding of what’s happening today in the world of technological disruption, and what’s to come,” the experts stated.
The report reiterated that telecom fraud affects a wide range of stakeholders, from individual consumers facing unauthorised charges to large corporations suffering reputation damage.
“The combination of AI and various fraud types significantly increases the success rate of these schemes.
“Furthermore, the global nature of telecommunications networks allows fraud to swiftly cross borders, complicating efforts to investigate and prosecute offenders, thus presenting a pressing concern for telecom companies and their regulators,” PwC said.
The firm, however, emphasised that AI has the potential to revolutionise how telecom companies and regulators combat fraud while enhancing the quality of service, ultimately fostering greater trust among consumers.
To fully harness this potential, PwC said it is crucial for industry players to stay informed about evolving technology trends and anticipate future challenges.
This awareness, it added, will empower them to leverage AI’s capabilities for more effective fraud prevention and the proactive management of emerging fraud types, all while adhering to responsible AI principles.
“A well-coordinated combination of the right resources and strategic alliances will enable the industry to make a significant impact in the fight against telecom fraud and build a safer, more efficient telecommunications ecosystem,” PwC affirmed.
The firm even went a notch higher by offering to help industry players and stakeholders turn fraud-related friction into forward movement, powered by the right technology.
“We bring trust and transparency to the heart of your decision-making, helping you use AI, data and tech to reduce the risk of fraud, respond swiftly to breaches, and emerge stronger—so you can prepare your business for what’s next,” PwC offered.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a coordinated and inclusive digital ecosystem in Nigeria, further strengthening its role as an ecosystem orchestrator.
NITDA
This was disclosed during a working visit centred on Nigeria’s startup ecosystem framework, where the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, was represented by the Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo.
Speaking during the visit, the DG said NITDA was established to drive coordinated and sustainable information technology development in Nigeria, leveraging both its regulatory and developmental mandates, serving as an ecosystem orchestrator that fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth across the digital economy.
He stated that these reforms are aligned with the Federal Government’s Eight-Point Agenda and reflected in NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which is built around eight strategic pillars designed to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to him, a key objective of the roadmap is to position Nigeria as a technologically driven nation that promotes inclusive economic development through innovation. He highlighted digital literacy as a major priority, with NITDA targeting 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 under the National Digital Literacy Framework, with a long-term goal of achieving 95 percent by 2030.
Other priority areas, he said, include ecosystem development, IT talent advancement, expansion of digital infrastructure, policy implementation, and research-driven innovation.
The visiting delegation from Angola’s National Institute of Support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (INAPEM), led by Chairman of the Board of Directors (PCA) and Chief Executive Officer, Bráulio Augusto, commended Nigeria’s progress in implementing the Nigeria Startup Act and described the country as a valuable model for shaping Angola’s own startup legislation.
Augusto disclosed that Angola’s Startup Law has received initial parliamentary approval and is now entering the implementation stage. He expressed interest in understanding how Nigeria transitioned from legal adoption to practical execution, particularly in areas such as startup labelling, incentive management, ecosystem mapping, investor registration, and the operation of the Nigeria Startup Portal.
According to him, Angola is currently developing the Startup Angola Programme under its Digital Entrepreneurship Support Programme, aimed at building a structured and integrated startup ecosystem rather than isolated interventions.
The programme will focus on institutional strengthening, startup funding, support for business development service providers, expansion of innovation hubs, and partnerships with international accelerators.
He added that Nigeria’s experience is especially relevant as Angola seeks solutions to challenges including informality, limited access to finance, youth unemployment, digital inclusion gaps, and restricted market access for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The INAPEM chief also requested further technical insights into Nigeria’s National Startup Council, its member selection process, and the governance structure of the Nigeria Startup Portal.
The visit highlights growing collaboration among African nations in digital policy development and further reinforces Nigeria’s position as a reference point in shaping startup ecosystem frameworks across the continent.
Kashifu Inuwa, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and strengthen policy alignment across the sector.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, taking the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, on a tour of the newly commissioned Innovation Space during the Permanent Secretary’s working visit to the Agency’s corporate headquarters.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovationand Digital Economy, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, to NITDA headquarters, Inuwa described the engagement as a significant demonstration of the Ministry’s support and leadership, noting that sustained collaboration between both institutions is essential to delivering Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
The NITDA Director General recalled previous engagements with the Ministry, including a familiarisation visit during which the Agency shared its strategic roadmap and ongoing initiatives, noting that continuous dialogue has strengthened alignment between both institutions.
He highlighted key policy areas requiring continued collaboration, including the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework.
“We are awaiting the Ministry’s guidance on how to move forward, particularly on the national cloud and cybersecurity policies,” he said, while emphasising the importance of clear institutional boundaries and mutual respect in enhancing operational effectiveness and inter-agency cooperation.
Inuwa also revealed that NITDA has been at the forefront of implementing the Performance Management System (PMS), having introduced the framework internally several years before its adoption across the Federal Civil Service.
“We started PMS about four years ago. What we have now at the national level actually originated from our internal reforms,” he disclosed, adding that initiatives such as Project NEXT have strengthened accountability, role clarity, and measurable outcomes across the Agency.
“If you perform well, you are rewarded. If not, there are consequences. Even promotions are tied to performance,” he added.
The Director General further highlighted NITDA’s transformation from a traditional regulatory institution into a dynamic ecosystem enabler focused on innovation, inclusion, and national development.
“We are building a high-velocity organisation—one that is agile, inclusive, and driven by innovation,” he said, explaining that the Agency is embracing a more flexible and entrepreneurial culture that empowers staff to contribute ideas and drive institutional growth.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the FMCIDE, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with its agencies, describing partnership as fundamental to achieving sustainable progress in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
“If there is no partnership, there is nothing that can be achieved. But with partnership and collaboration, a lot can be accomplished, and that is exactly what we are seeing now,” he stated.
Gagare explained that the visit forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing engagement with agencies under its supervision to strengthen policy coordination, assess progress, and address operational challenges requiring higher-level intervention.
He commended the management and staff of NITDA for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem, acknowledging the Agency’s contributions to digital literacy, innovation, cybersecurity awareness, and the creation of opportunities for startups and young innovators.
“NITDA has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the promotion of information technology development, digital literacy, innovation, and regulatory standards,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also stressed the importance of policy coherence among institutions within the Ministry, noting that agency mandates are interconnected and must be implemented seamlessly.
“Your mandates are inputs into one another. That is why we need tight collaboration so implementation can go smoothly,” he said, while assuring NITDA of the Ministry’s continued guidance and institutional support.
He further highlighted ongoing Federal Civil Service reforms, particularly the adoption of the Performance Management System, which promotes accountability, clear target-setting, and measurable performance outcomes.
“When everything needed for performance is made available and targets are not met, consequence management follows. Where targets are exceeded, there is reward. This is how we drive performance in the service,” he noted.
The visit showcases the shared commitment of both FMCIDE and NITDA to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through stronger collaboration, innovation, and effective governance, with the strengthened partnership expected to play a critical role in delivering inclusive growth, improved service delivery, and sustainable national development.
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