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Airtel, Other Telecoms Stakeholders Fete NCC Boss, Danbatta

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(L-r), Segun Ogunsanya, managing director and chief executive officer, Airtel Nigeria; Olusola Teniola, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), and Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman (EVC)/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), during the special reception organised for the NCC EVC by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), held at the weekend in Lagos.
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Airtel Nigeria at the weekend joined other members of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in hosting a special reception in honour of Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman (EVC)/chief executive officer of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The event which held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, provided an opportunity for players in the industry to spotlight some of the challenges confronting telecoms services and its providers in Nigeria.

Speaking at the reception, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, Airtel’s CEO urged the Federal Government to grant Nigeria Telecoms industry more access to foreign exchange as the subsector contributes over 10% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the nation’s economy.

He told Danbatta that, as the head of telecoms apex regulator, “you are sitting on the industry that contribute 10% GDP. Use it as bargaining chip with government for more foreign exchange access for telecoms.”

He argued that every equipment that powers the industry is imported and to import operators require hard currency.

Ogunsanya added that the subsector that is a major driver of the economy is plagued with scarcity of foreign currency.

Ogunsanya challenged NCC Chief to use his position to influence the authorities to grant telecoms service providers more foreign currency.

Speaking at the event well attended by crème de crème of stakeholders in the industry, Mr. Olusola Teniola, president of ATCON, disclosed that the strategic reasons to specifically welcome Danbatta to the industry focused on, “offering Professor Umar Danbatta, EVC, NCC, the opportunity to share his plan for the industry with the relevant stakeholders; to give the industry the opportunity to meet with him and share some of the challenges that are impacting negatively on the telecom industry in Nigeria, and to formally to introduce the EVC to captains of the industry.

Teniola said that the Association and its esteemed members are aware that the EVC’s appointment was based on his pedigree as a thorough-bred professional with sterling leadership quality.

“We are confident that you are equal to the task ahead. Our Association, which is the umbrella body for all telecoms company operating in Nigeria is glad to welcome you and wish you a very successful tenure. We pledge our commitment to work with you and the Commission to sustain the growth and development of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria”.

“ATCON,” Teniola said, “is interested in the continuous development of the sector, but there are some issues that have constituted a threat to investment friendly and enabling environment for our members such as: national broadband plan-implementation; approval of draft national ICT policy; foreign exchange impact viz-a-viz network roll-out; proposed 9% communications tax Bill; local content within ICT sector, and dumping of counterfeit phone. We need anti-counterfeiting measures”.

He said that the sixth point, dumping of counterfeit phone, is a new growing problem for the industry hence ATCON pleads with the ‎Government to put in place anti-counterfeiting measures such as the facilitation of integrated Web portal based IMEI-IMSI collection to stem the menace of substandard or unregistered mobile phones circulating in Nigeria with obvious consequences of poor quality of service, loss of revenue to the government, loss of business by OEMs‎ and loss of jobs as well as in revenue to the Nigeria mobile market.

“For instance, we have more than twenty mobile phone brands that do not have NCC type approved certificate to operate in Nigeria. These unregistered/unapproved brands have over one hundred and fifty mobile phone models circulating in Nigeria

Responding on the honour done on him, Professor Umar Danbatta thanked the industry stakeholders led by ATCON for making out time to honour him and NCC for their efforts to address quantum of challenges in the sector.

He said that one year after he assumed office, NCC has vigorously followed critical measures to achieve its mandate tied to the eight-point agenda the Commission unveiled earlier in the year.

He said that the Commission has put in place various strategies that will enable it become a responsive, world-class communications regulatory organization that promotes a market driven communications industry that fosters universal access to Information and Communications Technology for all Nigerians.

He said that on whole, the essence of the 8-point agenda is to promote innovation, investment, competition, and consumer empowerment in and on top of the communications platforms of today and the future – maximizing the power of information and communications technology to grow our economy, create jobs and enhance national competitiveness through the deployment of broadband infrastructure to facilitate rollout of broadband services that will hold out opportunities and higher network quality of service for all Nigerians.

He pledged NCC’s commitment to aiding industry growth my engaging critical stakeholders at Federal, States and Local Governments levels to foster cordial relationship for the protection of critical telecom assets and provisioning of better business climate.

The Senate in November 2015 confirmed Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta as Executive Vice Chairman (EVC and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

 

 


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Enugu to Host The Gathering on 100 as MTN-Backed Youth Movement Expands Across Nigeria

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Nigeria’s fast-rising youth culture and innovation community, The Gathering on 100, is heading to Enugu, with registration now open for gamers, performers, DJs, creatives, and culture enthusiasts.

Enugu to Host The Gathering on 100 as MTN-Backed Youth Movement Expands Across Nigeria

MTN

The Enugu edition will take place on June 19, 2026, at ICC Hall, Okpara Square, and will bring together a new audience for the platform’s signature blend of music, gaming, live performance, community engagement, and youth-driven entertainment.

The Gathering on 100 first gained national attention in Lagos, where it transformed the National Stadium, Surulere, into a continuous 100-hour ecosystem of activity from April 22–26, 2026.

The event combined culture, commerce, entrepreneurship, gaming, fashion, and live entertainment, attracting thousands of young participants and creating opportunities for emerging talent and businesses.

The movement most recently arrived in Aba, where thousands of young people gathered for a weekend of culture, commerce and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the platform’s growing appeal across different communities and audiences.

The move to Enugu is being framed by organisers as a deliberate expansion into one of Nigeria’s largest student and youth populations. Home to major institutions including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Godfrey Okoye University and Coal City University, Enugu attracts thousands of young people from across the country each year, creating a vibrant community shaped by education, creativity, entertainment and entrepreneurship.

This concentration of young talent has helped fuel a growing ecosystem of creators, performers, gamers, digital entrepreneurs and small business owners.

In recent years, the city has hosted an increasing number of technology, entertainment and youth-focused events, reflecting the growing demand for platforms that bring together creativity, opportunity and community.

These dynamics make Enugu a natural next stop for The Gathering on 100, a platform built around showcasing talent, fostering connections and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.

Registration for the Enugu edition is now open through The Gathering’s official website, with participation available across multiple categories including gaming, rap battles, DJ competitions, dance, live performances and entrepreneurship.

A key highlight of the event will be the Pitchathon, where emerging founders and business owners will have the opportunity to present their ideas before a panel of judges for a chance to secure grant funding and support for business growth.

The gaming segment will feature competitive tournaments and interactive experiences designed for both casual and serious players, while rap battles and DJ showdowns will spotlight rising talent from Enugu and neighbouring states.

Attendees can also expect a large scale rave experience, live entertainment and community driven activities designed to bring together different corners of the region’s youth culture under one roof.

Beyond the entertainment, organisers say The Gathering on 100 is designed to create real opportunities for young people to connect, collaborate and gain visibility for their talents, ideas and businesses.

As the movement continues its expansion across Nigeria, the Enugu edition is expected to showcase the city’s unique blend of creativity, ambition and cultural influence while providing a platform for the next generation of innovators, performers and entrepreneurs.


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Prof. Dzidonu Urges Universities to Produce Deep Thinkers for AI Age

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Professor Clement K. Dzidonu, President of Accra Institute of Technology (AIT), has said that the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation demands graduates who are capable of independent thinking, continuous learning, innovation, and responsible leadership.

Prof. Dzidonu Urges Universities to Produce Deep Thinkers for AI Age

Professor Clement K. Dzidonu, President of Accra Institute of Technology (AIT).

Professor Dzidonu noted that universities exist not merely to award degrees but to develop capable human beings who can think critically, solve problems creatively, adapt to changing circumstances, and contribute meaningfully to society.

He reiterated AIT’s commitment to producing graduates who are technically competent, ethically grounded, intellectually curious, and globally competitive.

The Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) has officially welcomed newly admitted students into its academic community at a colourful matriculation ceremony held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the university’s Knowledge City Campus-Kokomlemle in Accra.

Speaking on the theme, “Preparing the Sovereign Learner for a World of Opportunity, Possibility and Difference,” the President encouraged students to adopt the Opportunity–Possibility–Difference (OPD) Perspective by recognizing opportunities, exploring possibilities, and creating meaningful differences in their lives and communities. He urged them to see beyond examinations and certificates and focus on building capability, character, and courage.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of the new students as they formally became members of the AIT scholarly community, joining a university renowned for excellence in technology-driven education, innovation, research, and professional development.

The matriculating class comprises students pursuing programmes in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Occupational Health and Safety Management, Project Management, and doctoral studies.

Addressing the matriculating class, the President of AIT, Professor Clement K. Dzidonu, congratulated the students on their admission and challenged them to embrace what he termed “The Age of the Sovereign Learner.” He emphasized that the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation demands graduates who are capable of independent thinking, continuous learning, innovation, and responsible leadership.

Professor Dzidonu further challenged the students to make the most of the opportunities available to them at AIT by attending lectures consistently, acting ethically, managing their time wisely, and committing themselves to lifelong learning.

He reminded them that success at the university would depend not only on the resources and support systems provided by AIT but also on their personal commitment to excellence and self-development.

On behalf of the newly admitted students, Mr. Samuel Peace Kamara delivered the matriculants’ acceptance speech, expressing gratitude to the university’s leadership, faculty, and staff for the warm reception extended to the new students.

He pledged, on behalf of his colleagues, that they would uphold the values of the university, work diligently in their studies, and strive to become responsible professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

The ceremony concluded with a formal declaration admitting the students into membership of the university community and a call on them to embrace the opportunities before them, pursue excellence, and contribute positively to national and global development.


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FG Debunks Claims of Plans to Introduce Telecoms, Fuel Taxes

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Federal government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, describing the claims as false and misleading.

FG Clears the Air on New Fuel and Telecom Tax Reports

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by Mrs Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

According to the ministry, reports linking the alleged taxes to recommendations contained in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation on Nigeria do not reflect the position of the government.

It explained that recommendations contained in IMF consultation reports are advisory in nature and do not constitute policy decisions or binding obligations on the Federal Government.

“The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” the statement said.

The ministry also clarified that existing tax arrangements relating to petroleum products remain unchanged.

It stated that the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel remains in force and has not been removed.

According to the statement, any fuel surcharge can only be introduced through a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, noting that no such action is currently under consideration.

The ministry added that the current policy framework has helped cushion the impact of fluctuations in global fuel prices on households and businesses across the country.

On telecommunications services, the government said the excise duty introduced before 2023 had already been repealed under the country’s new tax laws.

It stressed that the duty is no longer in effect.

The ministry urged Nigerians, businesses and media organisations to disregard reports suggesting that new taxes would be imposed on telecommunications services and petroleum products.

It reiterated that Nigeria’s tax reform agenda remains focused on improving revenue administration, promoting economic growth and attracting investments rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.

The ministry further assured that any future tax policy changes would be communicated through official channels and implemented in accordance with due process and existing legal provisions.

It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and responsible economic management aimed at supporting sustainable growth and protecting the welfare of Nigerians.


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