Telecom
NCC Boss, Danbatta, Receives Award on Impactful Leadership
The trove of garlands for the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, swelled again as he received “Leadership Excellence and Economic Impact Award”.
Judge Carlos Moore, the President of the National Bar Association, USA presenting the Leadership Excellence and Economic Impact Award to Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This time, the honour came from the African Leadership Organisation (ALO), publishers of The African Leadership Magazine.
The conferment of the award occurred recently at the ALO’s annual Africa Legislative, Legal and Good Governance Conference which took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja, where ALO rallied stakeholders to its conference focused on “Policy, Justice and Global Cooperation for Building Back Better”. The ALO organised the event in collaboration with the National Bar Association (NBA) of the United States of America.
Africa Leadership Organisation was unequivocal that Danbatta was deserving of the award because of his outstanding achievements as the Chief Telecom Regulator in Nigeria, especially over the past five years, during which the country’s telecom sector has shown spectacular landmarks.
These concrete, measurable signposts, according to ALO include the successful auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum band marked for the deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) networks, and the uncommon regulatory strides of his in continually creating a level-playing field for investors especially to reflate telecom-induced growth of the economy in the post-pandemic era.
Presenting the award to Danbatta, the Chairman, ALO, Dr. Ken Giami, emphasised that in keeping with the ALO’s tradition of celebrating African excellence and achievement, it has continued to showcase the bright sides of the continent’s success stories by giving recognition to deserving individuals. Giami was emphatic that one of the individuals, whose efforts have been instrumental to the growth of the Nigerian economy is Prof. Danbatta.
“Danbatta’s visionary contribution to the society is making our communities better place for all and his contribution continues to shape Africa’s socio-economic growth and development.
“Danbatta has exemplified resilience, determination, and commitment in business and policy landscapes despite the diverse challenges on the continent. This is why we are recognising him today as an icon of leadership,” Giami said leaving no one in doubt on the significance of the Award.
Reiterating the objective of ALO, Giami asserted that, at the heart of ALO’s founding philosophy is the passion for the progress of the continent, all Africans and people of African descent. He stated that the Organisation’s philosophy explains its tireless showcasing of opportunities in Africa and African excellence to the global community.
Receiving the award on behalf of Danbatta, a Deputy Director at the Legal and Regulatory Services Department of NCC, Chizwa Whyte, appreciated ALO for the award and stated that the NCC considers it another encouraging milestone to do more in regulating the nation’s telecommunications sector. Whyte equally commended ALO for the recognition of the excellent leadership offered by the NCC Boss in taking the telecoms industry in Nigeria to a higher level of significance and relevance.
“This recognition is a clarion call to us to do more for the industry by ensuring good policies and regulatory initiatives are emplaced to ensure the Federal Government’s policy direction on digital economy is achieved,” Whyte said.
The African Leadership Organisation has committed the last 14 years to promoting good governance and impactful leadership on the Continent, and promoting African opportunities and African dignity globally.
The objective of ALO is being achieved through the promotion of Afrocentric and reputation-boosting contents, the facilitation of African trade and market entry solutions across communities and business networking platforms, as well as through public sector training and consulting.
Vivo, Chinese smartphone maker has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Credit Direct, Nigerian consumer finance company to launch a device financing programme in the country.
L-R: Toni Liu, CEO, vivo Nigeria, and Chukwuma Nwanze, MD/CEO, Credit Direct, at the MoU signing in Lagos
This initiative aims to remove barriers to smartphone ownership while supporting Vivo’s expansion strategy in Nigeria.
Under the terms of the agreement, customers can purchase a Vivo smartphone by paying 20% upfront and spreading the remaining balance over six months.
Credit Direct will provide the financing.
Both companies target sales of more than 200,000 devices in the first year.
“People who need smartphones but cannot pay upfront can now do so through a payment plan that does not strain their monthly income. Our mission has always been to make financial solutions a universal opportunity, and this is exactly what this represents in practice. I am truly excited about what we can achieve together,” said Chukwuma Nwanze, chief executive officer of Credit Direct.
This initiative comes as smartphone financing programs gain momentum across Africa, where device affordability remains a key barrier to mobile internet adoption.
According to the GSMA, the median cost of an entry-level smartphone in Nigeria fell from $84 in 2018 to $18 in 2024, reducing its share of average monthly income to 26%.
However, currency depreciation and rising living costs have offset much of this progress.
For the poorest 40% of Nigerians, an entry-level smartphone still represents 56% of monthly income, while it accounts for 73% for the poorest 20%, highlighting persistent affordability constraints among vulnerable households.
Despite these challenges, smartphone ownership reached only 27% in Nigeria in 2024, according to the GSMA, leaving significant room for growth.
Data from StatCounter shows that Vivo held a 1.18% market share at the end of March 2026.
The company remains far behind market leader Tecno with 18.72%, followed by Infinix at 16.28%, Samsung at 15.4%, Apple at 14.15%, and Xiaomi at 8.17%.
Other players such as Oppo, Itel, and Huawei also operate in the market.
Nigeria’s foremost payments and financial inclusion dialogue platform, Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 3.0), will hold this Friday, April 24, 2026, at the prestigious Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, bringing together regulators, fintech leaders, banks, policymakers, agent networks, cybersecurity experts, innovators, and ecosystem stakeholders to shape the future of digital payments in Nigeria.
Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 3.0
With the theme: “Fair Digital Payments as a Catalyst for Deepening Financial Inclusion in Nigeria,” PAFON 3.0 comes at a defining moment for the country’s digital economy as stakeholders seek practical pathways to close the inclusion gap, strengthen trust in payment systems, and accelerate access for underserved populations.
Why PAFON 3.0 is Different
“Unlike routine conferences, PAFON is a solutions-driven forum designed to bridge policy conversations with market realities.
“The event uniquely convenes fintech operators, agent banking networks, cooperatives, payment innovators, cybersecurity professionals, and thought leaders under one roof to tackle real challenges affecting Nigerians at the grassroots”, said Peter Oluka, co-convener of Payments Forum Nigeria.
“From digital trust and cybersecurity to agency banking, embedded finance, stablecoins, eNaira, SME growth, and healthcare financing, PAFON 3.0 is positioned as one of the most strategic gatherings in Nigeria’s payments ecosystem this year”, Oluka added.
High-Profile Keynote Speakers Confirmed
This year’s edition will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and industry leaders, including Prof. Adewale Peter Obadare, chief visionary officer, Digital Encode, and Dr. Jameelah Sherrief-Ayedu, vice president, FintechNGR & CEO, Credit Registry
Other confirmed speakers include, Dennis Ajalie, managing director, TeamApt Ltd.; Mr. Chika Nwosu, managing director, PalmPay Nigeria; Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF Limited): Special Guest of Honour; Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association of Nigeria (NITRA); Mojeed Abayomi Agboola, national president, Financial Inclusion Agents Multipurpose Cooperative Society (FIAMCS); Ibirogba Oluwagunwa, chairman Lagos Chapter, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN); Sarafadeen Atanda Fasasi, and president, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFIAN).
Fireside Chat on Africa’s Next Innovators
Another standout session will explore the future of digital currencies and regional interoperability: Stablecoins vs. eNaira: Orchestrating a Unified Digital Payment Rail for West Africa
This special fireside chat, hosted in collaboration with Lagos Blockchain Week, promises fresh perspectives on the next phase of Africa’s payment innovation journey.
Chuwuemeka Enoch Mbaebie, Lead convener of LBW will host the session alongside Senator Ihenyen, Lead Partner of Infusion Lawyers and Founding Trustee of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Association (VASPA); Victoria Oluebube Igboanugo, marketing lead, Lagos Blockchain Week; Chidubem Emelumadu, ecosystem lead (Africa), Lisk, and Harrison Obiefule, Nigerian lead for Superteam.
More Activities Lined Up
Attendees will also experience product demo of Myitura Healthcare Financing Solution;
Townhall Meeting on The State of Agency Banking in Nigeria led by AMMBAN; Goodwill messages from leading institutions and industry associations, and strategic networking with decision-makers across banking, fintech, regulation, media, and innovation ecosystems
PAFON 3.0 is expected to attract C-suite executives, startup founders, regulators, investors, digital payment operators, development institutions, policymakers, and professionals seeking to understand where Nigeria’s payment future is heading.
Participation
Participation is free.
The application deadline for the fifth edition of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) has been extended to April 25, 2026, organisers have announced.
MTN Nigeria Media Innovation Programme
The extension offers additional time for qualified media professionals and digital content creators across Nigeria to apply for the fully funded programme aimed at advancing storytelling and media innovation.
The initiative is sponsored by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU).
Organisers said the 2026 cohort would admit 25 fellows, an increase from the previous 20, in line with MTN Nigeria’s 25th anniversary and its continued commitment to strengthening the country’s media ecosystem.
Launched in 2022, the six-month certificate programme provides participants with training in media innovation, leadership and digital transformation.
It features academic sessions at PAU, industry engagements and an international study visit, including sessions at the University of Johannesburg.
According to the organisers, the programme has produced a growing network of alumni contributing to Nigeria’s media landscape through leadership roles, new media ventures and impactful storytelling.
The programme is open to practitioners across print, broadcast, digital and social media, with applicants expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and professional development.
Interested applicants can submit their entries through the School of Media and Communication website.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous selection process, with successful applicants expected to commence the programme in May 2026.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that the initiative is part of broader efforts to equip media professionals with the skills needed to adapt to the evolving digital economy.
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