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Active GSM Subscribers Hit 199.3m – Danbatta

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Active GSM subscribers in the country have increased from 184 million in December 2019 to 199.3 million in May 2020, according to Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Active GSM Subscribers Hit 199.3m – Danbatta

Prof Umar Danbatta, EVC, NCC

Danbatta said this at the virtual launch/award ceremony of the COVID-19 Research Grant presented to three startups by the NCC on Tuesday in Abuja.

He further explained that internet subscription in the same period increased from 126 million to 147.1 million, while broadband subscription also increased from 72 million to 80.2 million, achieving a 42.02 per cent penetration in the country.

Danbatta explained that the startups participated in a 3-month virtual hackathon with the theme Virtual Hackathon: “Adaptable Digital Solutions for Addressing the Present and Future Impact of Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases from Technology Hubs, Startups and Innovation Digital SMEs in Nigeria”.

“These may have given impetus to the possibility of holding virtual meetings and conferences on video technologies that are now providing social distancing solutions.

“So, in whichever way we look at it, telecommunication has much more greater role to play than many other sectors of economy and the society.

“Therefore, the challenge is for us to find a way to accentuate our local content solution, which is a blessing to us. We are pleased with the responses that we received on this initiative,” he said.

Danbatta said that the NCC, has in the past two years managed similar ICT-based innovations and research competitions among tertiary institutions in the country, with potentials of improving local content solutions in the industry.

“We should be bold enough as a country in adopting indigenous solutions. We must adopt and consume them. There should be less attention on imported goods.

“It is evident that the entire globe is challenged about how best to tackle this pandemic. Telecommunications and ICTs have taken the centre stage in the provision or advancement of solutions.

“We will all witness what digital solutions that today’s winners are going to bring to the table. Each of the Startups, or tech-hubs with promising innovative digital solutions against the pandemic will receive a grant of N3 million.

“We have encouraged ICT innovations among the Nigerian youths whom we have regularly sponsored to various competitions organised by the International Telecommunications Union,” Danbatta said.

Dr. Isa Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who presented a N9m COVID-19 research grants to the three promising startups, stressed that there was the need to adopt indigenous solutions to challenges in the country.

Pantami also encouraged individuals to consume what the country produced and pay less attention to imported goods.

“We need to produce what we need and consume what we produce, any country that remains a consumer nation will find it difficult to succeed,” he said.

Dr Henry Nkemadu, NCC director of Research and Development, said that there was the need to harness the potentials of technologies in order to address societal challenges and meet up to standard.

Nkemadu explained that the Hackathon was designed to engage the startups to compete in a healthy manner to improve innovations.

He noted that 298 submissions were received from startups of, which 56 qualified for the final stage of the evaluation process based on the selection criteria and later came up with three winners.

“It is a national aspiration to spice some of these technologies with local content as a way of improving availability of local manpower and advancing ICT skills.

“Technology has provided solutions to the challenge of weak public systems by providing solutions to the most challenges in education, health, financial and agricultural sectors,” he said.

Newsmen report that each of the Startups, or tech-hubs with promising innovative digital solutions against the pandemic will receive a grant of N3 million

The three winners included-Messers Primed E-Health, Messers Cyberfleet Intergrated Limited and Messers Elizade University.


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TECNO and Tiwa Savage Unveil ‘Water and Garri’ in Style

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The recent premiere of the highly anticipated film Water and Garri was nothing short of a star-studded affair. Its compelling storyline and stellar performances captured audiences. Held at the Livesport Event Center, the event drew A-list celebrities, industry insiders, and eager fans, all eager to witness the cinematic spectacle unfold.

One of the most memorable aspects of the evening was the irresistible allure of the TECNO booth, where celebrities couldn’t get enough of the state-of-the-art devices on display. From snapping selfies with the latest TECNO smartphones to exploring the myriad features and functionalities, it was clear that TECNO had struck a chord with its audience.

But it wasn’t just the TECNO booth that had everyone buzzing – the movie itself was the talk of the town. ‘Water and Garri,’ inspired by the real-life journey of singer/actress Tiwa Savage, resonated deeply with audiences, offering a poignant portrayal of love, loss, and redemption. As the lights dimmed and the opening credits rolled, guests were not just spectators but participants in Tiwa’s world, swept away by the raw emotion and heartfelt storytelling.

Celebrities couldn’t get enough of the film throughout the evening, lauding its authenticity and powerful performances. From the lead actors to the supporting cast, each portrayal was met with applause and admiration, underscoring the talent and dedication of all involved. As the credits rolled and the cheering subsided, guests lingered, eager to share their thoughts and reflections on the film’s profound impact.

As the night ended, it was clear that “Water and Garri” had left an indelible mark on all who attended. From its captivating storyline to its unforgettable performances, the movie has captivated hearts and minds, earning its rightful place among the year’s most anticipated releases. With the support of innovative partners like TECNO, the film’s reach and impact are sure to extend far beyond the premiere, inspiring audiences for years to come.


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Nigeria DigitalSENSE forum @15, gets June date

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The date for the 2024 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) has been unwrapped for Thursday, June 27, by organisers, ITREALMS Media group.

Disclosing this, the Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media, Mr. Remmy Nweke, said that this year’s edition marks the 15th edition of Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on IG4D series and comes with the theme “IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy & Safer Civic Space in Nigeria” at the prestigious Welcome Center Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos.

Nweke recalled that in 2009, the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series on Internet Governance for Development made a debut and ever since has been steadfast in rallying stakeholders to take discourse on Internet access, openness, affordability, connectivity and ICT infrastructure among others.

This year, he also said, as NDSF marks 15th years of impacting various Nigeria’s economic sector with yet another series on the theme: IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy and Safer Civic Space in Nigeria.

“It will also be a time for recognition of corporates and individuals for their contributions in deepening Internet penetration, improving access and affordability as well as technological adaptation that begets digital sense in our society,” Nweke said.

NDSF series on IG4D, powered by ITREALMS Media group is hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa, an At-Large Structure (ALS) certified by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including Internet Society (ISOC), Nigeria chapter, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) among others.


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Exposing the Malicious Sabotage of MoMo PSB Project in Enugu Ezike

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By Cyprian Nwodo

The recent activities of some individuals with one Davids Iyida attempting to sabotage the MoMo Payment Service Bank project intended to benefit, especially Enugu Ezike people, have raised significant concern and outrage within the community.

Market Vendor accessing the MTN MoMo Loans and Savings on her phone — Enugu Ezike traders deserve the same

Such actions aimed at undermining a project with immense potential to uplift and empower the people of Enugu Ezike can only be described as malicious.

The MoMo PSB project is designed to bring financial services closer to the people of Enugu Ezike, facilitating easier access to banking and financial transactions.

This project is expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. In a region where such opportunities are rare, the MoMo PSB project represents a beacon of hope for many residents.

It is particularly baffling and disheartening to witness a member of the community collaborate with outsiders to hinder the progress of their own people.

The reasons behind such alliances remain unclear, but the impact of these actions is evident and deeply troubling. Working to obstruct the project is not only delaying progress but also actively working against the welfare and advancement of Enugu Ezike.

The efforts to destroy Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu’s good intention, despite all the positive contributions he has made, are nothing short of wickedness.

Adonu, a visionary entrepreneur and the leading MTN Partner in the South East, has dedicated significant resources and efforts to bring the MoMo Payment Service Bank project to fruition.

His vision for the community includes economic growth, financial inclusion, and overall development. Attacking his vision is an attack on the progress and future of Enugu Ezike.

The question that lingers in the minds of many is: Why sabotaging our own benefits? In a time when unity and collective effort are paramount for the community’s advancement, such actions of sabotage are counterproductive and harmful. The community needs all hands on deck to drive development and improve the quality of life for its residents. Internal conflicts and malicious actions only serve to set back these efforts.

Davids Iyida

Despite the challenges and the malicious attempts to derail the project, it is important to reaffirm that S Mobile Group vision for establishing a MoMo Payment Service Bank in Enugu Ezike will prevail.

The community stands behind this vision, recognizing the immense benefits it promises to bring. Efforts to hinder progress will ultimately fail in the face of collective determination and support.

The actions of these ungrateful individuals, aimed at sabotaging the MoMo PSB project, are grave disservice to the community of Enugu Ezike.

In a time when progress and development are desperately needed, such malicious activities are deeply regrettable.

However, the vision and determination of Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu and the community’s support ensure that the project will succeed, bringing much-needed growth and prosperity to Enugu Ezike.

Let it be known that no amount of sabotage can dim the light of progress and unity.

_Nwodo, a public commentator writes from Enugu State


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