Telecom
Anambra Wins BoICT ‘eGovt Solutions Implementation’ of the Year Award

Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB) has won the Beacon of ICT (BoICT) ‘eGovernment Solutions Implementation’ award 2021.

L-R: Barrister Chukwunweike Francis Maduekwe, executive chairman of ANSPPB receiving the award plaque presented by Bimbo Abioye, VP of ISPON
The plaque was presented to the Barrister Chukwunweike Francis Maduekwe, executive chairman of ANSPPB at the 12th edition of the Beacon of Information and Communication Technology Lecture and Awards event held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on July 24, 2021.
Speaking after receiving the award, Barrister Maduekwe who is also the Special Adviser to Governor Obiano on Digital Economy, said:
“The board polled the highest number of votes in the category during the voting stage because of digital solutions it adopted in the State that reduced building approval processes/time from three months to one week or less”.
He noted that the process which was open to industry stakeholders and enthusiasts months before the awards was transparent.
He commended Governor Obiano for all his policies and programmes aimed at improving access to broadband Internet service in the state which according to him have huge positive impact on the people and economy.
Barr. Maduekwe
Barrister Maduekwe informed that Anambra was among the first States in Nigeria to completely waive the Right-of-Way (RoW) charges for fiber optic cables and convened the first broadband stakeholders’ forum which was attended albeit virtually by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Pantami; Governor of Kaduna State, Nasri Elrufai; Governor Willie Obiano; UK representative, Facebook Team and other ICT and Telecom stakeholders.
Chike F. Maduekwe is the principal partner in the law firm of Custodes Juris Solicitors. He was called to the bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in August 1985.
ANSPPRB bags BoICT Award
Before gaining admission in 1980 to study law at the University of Nigeria, Mr. Maduekwe had had a three-year stint as a news reporter with the Anambra Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Enugu in 1977.
In August 2000, Mr. Maduekwe earned a Certificate in Financing Oil and Gas Assets from the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) at the University of Dundee, Scotland. Prior to establishing the law firm of Custodes Juris Solicitors in 1987, he had served as Legal Counsel with Texaco (Nigeria) from 1985 to 1989. His broad and multi-faceted professional credentials include offering consultancy and advisory services to numerous reputable national and international companies.
Mr. Maduekwe’s has an equally distinguished profile in the public service sector. In 2018, His Excellency Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State appointed him as Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB). In June 2021, Governor Obiano appointed Mr. Maduekwe to additional responsibilities as Special Adviser on Digital Economy to the Governor.
Since Mr. Maduekwe’s appointment as ANSPPB’s Executive Chairman, the agency has increased the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) it contributes to the Anambra State Government from N250 million in 2018 to over N1 billion in the 2020 fiscal year.
In 2020, the board launched its robust digital portal (www.ansppb.an.gov), phenomenally improving the ease of doing business in the State. In particular, the agency has streamlined and modernized the process through which prospective developers from any part of the world secure building approvals in the State.
L-r: Uchenna Emembolu, CEO, Crestsage Limited and Barr. Maduekwe
It is a credit to Governor Obiano’s vision and Mr. Maduekwe’s leadership as Executive Chairman of ANSPPB that the Anambra State Government in March 2021organised the 1st Anambra State Stakeholders/Investors’ Conference on broadband infrastructure for accelerated socio-economic development of the state.
The theme of the conference, “Facilitating Broadband Access Through a Favourable Right of Way Regime,” was a response to the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) and the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).
Anambra State Government thus became the first State in Nigeria to rally stakeholders for a forum designed solely to address obstacles to broadband deployment and expansion.
Curated by Mr. Maduekwe, the conference attracted an array of stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the Government of the United Kingdom, Kaduna State Government, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Facebook and several other key global stakeholders who joined the conference virtually.
L-r: Barr Maduekwe with Mohammed Rudman, president of NiRA
A particularly impactful policy move under Chike Maduekwe’s leadership at ANSPPB was the decision by the Anambra State Government to completely waive the Right of Way (RoW) charges for fibre-optic cable deployment in the State. Even though the national ceiling is N145 per linear meter, Anambra State Government took the visionary step of setting the fee at zero naira.
Mr. Maduekwe’s record of excellent service is also demonstrated by his longstanding commitment to the progress of his hometown, Umudioka, located in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State. He is, in turn, highly revered by his community.
In 2019, the community honored him with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Ide Isinmili na Dioka Ichi.
Mr. Maduekwe is happily married and blessed with children.
Telecom
NCC Speaks of Plans to Secure Telecom Infrastructure Nationwide

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure across the country, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order, which criminalises the vandalism, theft or obstruction of critical national infrastructure.
The Commission noted that the enforcement drive is aimed at curbing the growing incidence of sabotage at telecom sites, which continues to degrade the quality of network services nationwide.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, head of Public Affairs at the NCC, reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to act.
She stated, “President Tinubu signed the Executive Order on 24th June 2024, declaring telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). The NCC is now mandated to implement this order fully, and anyone found tampering with these facilities will face the full weight of the law.”
Mrs Ukoha, who represented Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, added that the NCC has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to sensitise the public about the significance of protecting critical national infrastructure, including telecom, energy and transport facilities.
Expressing concern over rampant damage, she said, “The destruction of fibre cables, theft of generators and fuel, and removal of key components from telecom base stations have become all too common. These acts directly affect the quality of service that millions of Nigerians depend on.”
She identified three major challenges undermining telecom service delivery:
Vandalism and Theft: “We are witnessing frequent attacks on telecom sites. These lead to service outages and cost operators billions in repairs.”
Restricted Site Access: “Operators face obstruction from local communities, touts and even some government officials who demand levies, making it difficult to access sites for maintenance and refuelling.”
Road Construction Damage: “Ongoing road projects often result in accidental damage to underground fibre cables, further compounding the situation.”
Responding to public complaints about fast-depleting data, Mrs Ukoha clarified that “mobile network operators do not steal users’ data. What many people experience is due to automatic app updates, background processes, and hotspots being shared unknowingly.”
She advised users to be proactive: “We encourage consumers to review their phone settings, limit background data, turn off auto-play videos, and regularly change hotspot passwords.”
Commending the media, she added, “Journalists play a vital role in educating the public. We appreciate your efforts and urge continued partnership in disseminating accurate, impactful information.”
She also revealed the Commission’s drive to improve digital inclusion: “The NCC is committed to supporting underserved communities with affordable internet access and has commenced specialised training for journalists, particularly senior editors in Lagos and Abuja.”
Mrs Ukoha emphasised collaboration with government agencies to reduce infrastructure damage: “As construction projects expand nationwide, we must work together to prevent unnecessary damage to telecom assets.”
Also speaking, Mallam Yakubu Musa, head, Corporate Communications, NCC, reinforced the importance of the media in the telecom ecosystem.
He said, “Our partnership with the press is key to promoting transparency, building consumer trust, and supporting regulatory compliance.”
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike, chairman, NUJ FCT, commended the NCC’s regulatory efforts and expressed interest in deeper collaboration.
She stated, “We look forward to partnering with the NCC on media training, expanding internet access for journalists, and enhancing public awareness. We also seek your support for our forthcoming Press Week and capacity-building programmes.”
She continued, “The NUJ recognises the importance of digital tools in journalism. Equipping media professionals with access and knowledge will strengthen democratic engagement and promote good governance.”
The NUJ delegation, comprising key executives and media team members, reiterated its commitment to working closely with the NCC to promote national development.
This enforcement initiative—anchored on President Tinubu’s July 2024 Executive Order—provides a solid legal framework for protecting vital telecom infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted communication services.
Telecom
Africa’s Lawmakers Commit to Strengthening AI, Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing Frameworks

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the African Population Health Research Center (APHRC), in collaboration with the GSMA, have concluded the first Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit focused on building legislative capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI), data protection, digital health and smart manufacturing, in a bid to promote evidence-based policy-making for Africa’s digital future.
The three-day Summit, held from 9-11 July in Lusaka, convened over 20 Members of Parliament from the Pan-African Parliament Committees on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology, and Health, Labour and Social Affairs and was opened by the Zambian Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable Felix Mutati. Strategic partners in attendance included AUDA-NEPAD, Africa CDC, ECOSOCC, and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
This concluded with the publication of the Lusaka Declaration outlining shared priorities and next steps for ensuring Africa’s digital transformation is inclusive, responsible and grounded in evidence-based policy.
The Lusaka Declaration recognised the vital role of Members of Parliament in shaping laws and policies that drive the continent’s development. The Digital Parliamentary Summit offered a timely platform to enhance the knowledge and capacity of Parliamentarians on critical aspects of digital transformation.
A key highlight of the Summit was the consideration and discussion with Parliamentarians on the draft Africa Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing reports developed by APHRC and the GSMA.
Both reports will be submitted to the Plenary of the PAP when Parliamentarians of the 55 member states of the African Union meet in Midrand later this month on the occasion of the 5th Ordinary Session of the 6th Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament.
Honourable Behdja Mokrani, Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology said “Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainties and the accelerating pace of technological disruption, this Summit has highlighted the critical need to equip African legislators with the foresight and capabilities required to navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The capacity-building component of the Summit, along with the presentation of the Africa Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing Reports by APHRC and GSMA, reinforced the importance of African policymakers acquiring the relevant skills to address policy issues related to digital transformation – particularly in the areas of Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing – in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Anthony Mveyange, Director of Programs, Synergy, African Population Health Research Center adds “At APHRC, we firmly believe that digital health is a transformative force, holding immense potential for Africa to ‘leapfrog’ traditional development pathways.
This Summit powerfully demonstrates how, by leveraging AI alongside advancements in digital health and smart manufacturing, we can accelerate socio-economic progress and foster deeper continental integration, directly aligning with the ambitious goals of the African Union’s Agenda.”
Key themes explored during the Summit included:
- The potential of AI-driven digital health to accelerate universal health coverage through better data integration and cross-border information exchange
- The role of smart manufacturing in enhancing industrial resilience and job creation through automation and IoT
- The need for harmonised, Africa-led data governance frameworks to ensure responsible AI development and protect privacy and human rights
“AI, digital health, and smart manufacturing have the potential to transform Africa’s economies and improve lives – but unlocking that potential requires the right policy environment.
“This Summit is an important step in equipping lawmakers with the tools to shape secure, inclusive and future-ready digital economies” said Kenechi Okeleke, Senior Director, Regional, Social and Policy Research, GSMA.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing digital transformation through coordinated reforms, including:
- Strengthening STEM education and digital literacy among policymakers
- Embedding ICT training in public service development
- Establishing cross-sector collaboration between the health, trade and ICT sectors
- Creating enabling conditions for investment in advanced connectivity infrastructure
Draft findings presented during the Summit estimate that Africa’s digital health market could reach $6.5 billion by 2030 under an optimistic scenario, highlighting the urgent need for policy alignment to maximise impact and drive inclusive growth.
The Summit also set out a roadmap for ongoing engagement between the Pan-African Parliament, APHRC and the GSMA, including the establishment of ‘Evidence-to-Policy’ resource units, sustained capacity-building efforts, and regional forums to harmonise legislation on AI, digital health, and data governance across Africa.
Telecom
MTN Foundation Hosts Stakeholders to Tackle Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth

MTN Foundation hosted its annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Conference on July 9, 2025, at the MTN Rooftop in Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together stakeholders from government, healthcare, education, security, civil society, and the private sector to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.

L-R: Tobe Okigbo, Chef Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria; Archieabia Ibinabo, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, representative of Brig. Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, (representative of His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu); RT. Honourable Princess Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State Assembly; Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, and Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health (representative of Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State) during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Lagos Conference held in commemoration of World Drug Day at the MTN Rooftop, Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman of MTN Foundation; Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government; and Dr. Tolu Ajomale of the Lagos Ministry of Health, among others. Also present were representatives of NDLEA, UNODC, academia, psychologists, recovery advocates, and youth leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Salu-Hundeyin reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to safeguarding its youth and fostering a future free from substance abuse. Dr. Olusoga emphasized that drug addiction extends beyond health, touching families, communities, and national well-being, calling for proactive, united action.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobe Okigbo, stressed the company’s long-standing dedication to youth development through initiatives like ASAP. NDLEA’s Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Archieabia Ibinabo, representing Brigadier General Buba Marwa, commended MTN Foundation as a vital ally in drug prevention efforts.
The conference featured personal stories of recovery in a session titled “Journeys Through the Fire,” followed by a panel discussion on multi-sectoral solutions to substance abuse. It concluded with a dramatic performance, “Just One Breath,” by LASU’s WADA Club, illustrating the personal and societal toll of drug use.
Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, closed the event with a powerful call to action, urging media, communities, and policymakers to drive sustained investment in youth empowerment and early intervention.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience among young Nigerians and catalyzing cross-sector partnerships for a drug-free future.
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