Telecom
Etisalat Sponsored Hear Word! Concludes Int’l Tour
Residents in and around the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, were treated to an evening of classy and entertaining stage performances by the crew and cast of Etisalat-sponsored Hear Word!, the internationally acclaimed episodic stage play that speaks to issues that hold Nigerian women back from reaching their full potentials.
The performance in Abuja was the climax of a thrilling three-continent tour which kicked off in April at the renowned Harvard University in Cambridge Massachusetts and made a stop at Torp Theater – Central Connecticut State University, New Britain Connecticut, both in the USA before moving to the Frascati Theatre in Amsterdam.
Hear Word!, which was premiering in the nation’s political capital, attracted dignitaries from various circles including politics, government, banking, entertainment, etc led by Mrs. Dolapo Osibanjo, wife of the Vice President, swarmed the 1000 capacity Congress Hall of the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The Etisalat-sponsored stage drama featured a collection of 10 stories of real life accounts of inequality, discrimination, abuse and violence, and other social, cultural, traditional, economic and political manifestations and practices of the society which limit the Nigerian woman from reaching her full potentials and becoming a meaningful contributor to the development of the society.
It is an advocacy piece of performance that uses artistry, social commentary and humour to tell real life stories of issues affecting the lives of women across Nigeria and also examines factors that limit their potential for independence, leadership and meaningful contribution.
Speaking in Abuja, Elvis Ogiemwanye, Etisalat Nigeria’s Director, Brands and Experience, said the Hear Word! captures in part the company’s vision of creating and supporting platforms that empower people to discover themselves and reach their full potentials.
“We are an innovative and expressive company and are delighted to have pulled this through with the Hear Word! team. We share in the everyday experiences of our customers, and also seek for appropriate channels to create desirable experiences for them. We believe in providing people the opportunities to express themselves, be it in innovation, music, sports, literature, photography, theatre arts, education, entrepreneurship and any other way we can contribute to the development of the society,” he said.
Other distinguished personalities at the event include the Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria, Hakeem Belo-Osagie and his wife, Myma Belo-Osagie; Patron, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Dele Olojede; wife of the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Mrs. Gimbiya Yakubu Dogara; Former Vice President of World Bank, Africa and Social Advocate, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili; President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Omobolanle Olonisakin; National President, NOWA, Mrs. Theresa Ibass; National President, NAFOWA, Mrs. Sadique Abubakar and National President, POWA, Mrs. Agharase Arase among others.
Hear Word is directed and produced by Ifeoma Fafunwa and features the theatrical ensemble of home grown actresses including star veteran actresses Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Joke Silva. Others include Bimbo Akintola, Omonor, Elvina Ibru, Ufuoma McDermott, Zara Udofia, Rita Edward, Debbie Ohiri and Odenike.
Technology Company, Globacom, has announced significant reductions in its International Direct Dialing (IDD) rates, making international calls more affordable for its existing and new customers across Nigeria.
Effective August 10, the new rates began applying to over 15 popular international destinations, including United States which will has moved to ₦30 per minute, down from ₦35, United Kingdom is now N350 from ₦400, while India also moved down to ₦40 from N45.
The rates for China, Saudi Arabia and Cameroon however recorded major reduction moving to N75, N300 and ₦700 respectively.
The reduction was also extended to African countries including Benin Republic which goes for ₦650 per minute, Niger Republic ₦750, Ghana ₦500, and Togo ₦650. United Arab Emirates also moved from ₦450 to ₦325, Germany to ₦550, Côte d’Ivoire ₦700, Libya ₦700, while calls to Malawi is now N1,100 from ₦1,200.
Glo aims to provide more value for its customers through these revised rates, encouraging them to make Glo their preferred network for international calls. New IDD bundles will also be introduced, offering frequent international callers even more attractive deals.
Globacom, which remained optimistic that frequent international callers will benefit immensely from the reductions in IDD bundles, enjoined customers to take advantage of the new rates to stay connected with friends and business associates across the globe.
President Bola Tinubu has appointment members into the boards of the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Universal Service Provision Fund, both under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Idris Olorunnimbe was named Chairman of the NCC board, while Dr Aminu Wada will continue as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he was appointed to in October 2023 and confirmed by the Senate the following month.
Onanuga said Olorunnimbe previously served on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Board, where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committee.
Other NCC board members are Abraham Oshidami (Executive Commissioner, Technical Services), Rimini Makama (Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management), Hajia Maryam Bayi, Col Abdulwahab Lawal (retd.), Senator Lekan Mustafa, Chris Okorie, Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, and the board secretary.
The President also approved the board of the USPF, chaired by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, with Olorunnimbe as Vice Chairman.
Other members are Oshidami, Makama, Aliyu Edogi Aliyu (representative of FMCIDE), Joseph B. Faluyi (representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance), Auwal Mohammed (representative of FMBNP), Uzoma Dozie, Peter Bankole, Abayomi Anthony Okanlawon, Gafar Oluwasegun Quadri, and the USPF secretary.
See the statement below:
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS BOARD MEMBERS FOR NCC AND USPF
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted the boards of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), both agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Idris Olorunnimbe was appointed Chairman of NCC, while Dr Aminu Waida remains its Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.
President Tinubu appointed Wada to the position in October 2023, and the Senate confirmed the appointment in November 2023.
Advertisement
Mr. Olorunnimbe previously served on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Board, where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committee and drove impactful youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes.
Other members of the board are:
1. Abraham Oshidami – Executive Commissioner, Technical Services
2. Rimini Makama – Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management
3. Hajia Maryam Bayi- Former Director, Human Capital & Administration
4. Col Abdulwahab Lawal (Rtd)
5. Senator Lekan Mustafa
6. Chris Okorie
7. Princess Oforitsenere Emiko
8. Secretary of the Board.
The President also approved the Board of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), with Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as Chairman.
Other members are :
1. Idris Olorunimbe – Vice Chairman
2. Abraham Oshidami
3. Rimini Makama
4. Aliyu Edogi Aliyu – (Rep FMCIDE)
5. Joseph B Faluyi – (Rep. of Federal Ministry of Finance)
6. Auwal Mohammed – (Rep. of FMBNP)
7. Uzoma Dozie
8. Peter Bankole
9. Abayomi Anthony Okanlawon
10. Gafar Oluwasegun Quadri and the
11. USPF Secretary
The Federal Government established the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and service to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in rural, unserved and underserved areas in Nigeria.
Anambra State ICT Agency has restated its commitment to creating a digitally inclusive environment where Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can access and benefit from government services without barriers.
Speaking when the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ADRC), in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, paid an advocacy visit to his office, the Managing Director/CEO of the ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, underscored the Soludo administration’s determination to make governance work for all, including PWDs.
Mr. Agbata noted that intentional inclusion is a key part of the Governor’s technology-driven vision for the state which is why the commission recently received a wide range of digital tools to enhance their productivity.
“Technology is only truly impactful when it works for everyone, regardless of physical ability.
We are committed to removing digital barriers and making our platforms accessible to all residents of Anambra State,” he said.
CFA also disclosed that the Agency will take immediate steps to appoint a Disability Desk Officer, work with the commission to ensure that all government ICT platforms are designed to meet accessibility standards, and as well as incorporate PWD-friendly features into ongoing upgrades of the SolutionLens feedback platform.
The visit also featured presentations from ADRC’s Head of ICT, Mr. Bonaventure Umeokwonna, who outlined the Commission’s priorities, and RoLAC representatives, who pledged continued support for building capacity and strengthening the policy framework for inclusion.
Mr. Valentine Nwachukwu, Head of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Commission, gave the vote of thanks, commending the ICT Agency’s openness to collaboration.
The Anambra State ICT Agency continues to work closely with ministries, departments, and agencies to deepen digital transformation in the state, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.
AfDB Adopts AI to Fast-track Africa’s Development Blueprint
SEC Partners Chainalysis to Tackle Rising Crypto Scams
Glo Reduces International Call Rates
Tinubu Strengthens Telecom Governance with NCC, USPF Board Appointments
Anambra ICT Agency Champions Inclusive Tech-Driven Governance
Telecom2 days agoMTN Nigeria Rolls Out Network-as-a-Service and Signs First MVNO to Drive Industry Efficiency
E-Financial2 days agoNBS Reports ₦6.72 Trillion VAT Haul as Tax Reforms Pay Off
News2 days agoNo More Leaks: FIRS Slaps ₦5m Fine on Info Disclosure
Telecom2 days agoAirtel Money Africa Partners pawaPay for Seamless International Remittances Across Africa
E-Financial2 days agoFIRS Unveils e-Invoicing, Electronic Fiscal System for Large Taxpayers
Telecom2 days agoRubrik Joins Forces with Sophos to Reinvent M365 Recovery
General News2 days agoNIMC Sets 48-hour Deadline for Diaspora Partners to Activate New Licences
- Telecom1 day ago
Airtel, Vodacom sign Network Infrastructure Agreement to Drive Digital Inclusion