Telecom
Integrating Challenged Group in Universal Access Effort
One section of the Nigeria society that seems not to have been carried along in both services and programmes such as promos by telecommunications operators is the Challenged Group.
Challenged group comprises people with one form of disability or the other which incapacitated them from competing effectively with physically fit in the society.
In recognition of this ugly trend, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) sometime last year held an interactive session with the group and found that they are left out and exposed to compete with physically fit in the society in the use of services provided by telecom operators when their disability did not allow them.
It was in view of this that the commission held a consultative forum with operators in the telecommunications industry in July last year on how to assist this group and old people through a special service and tariff.
Ms. Lola Emekporia, director, Consumer Affairs, NCC, said the commission also discovered from the commission’s interaction with the group that they constitute 25 per cent of the society. She stressed the need for urgent attention as to the way services are provided in order that they are carted for.
It was also noticed she added, that billing platform that support checking of account balance through short message service does not accommodate this group as those of them that are visual impaired can not know their account balance. Deactivation of audio/voice prompt facility used by visual impaired people by GSM operators. It added that the operators that have not deactivated the service charge between N20 to N25 for using that service. It was observed that promotions run by operators exclude challenged group by the way it is structured.
The neglect being suffered by the challenged group and old people in the country by telecommunications service providers is not specific to Nigeria, they are as well faced with similar neglect in some others countries that informed the focus of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on Mainstreaming ICT Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities, held in Bangkok, Thailand from 25 to 27 August 2009. The forum shared a range of critical policy and regulatory measures to promote accessible information and communication technologies (ICT) for persons with disabilities.
The Forum was hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) of Thailand, and marked the first coordinated effort to promote implementation of the ICT provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). The Convention puts rights to ICT accessibility on a par with well-recognized rights to accessibility to transportation and the physical environment, such as ramps to buildings for those in wheelchairs.
The Forum was opened on behalf of Ranongruk Suwanchawee, Minister of Information & Communication Technology for Thailand, who in her message to delegates called the UN CRPD "a significant step for all of humanity, since its main purpose is to protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity."
It is expected that the UN Convention will make assistive ICT technologies as common as wheelchair ramps and audible signals for traffic lights, which have already become standard in many parts of the world. Assistive technologies include screen readers (which read content from websites out loud for the visually impaired), captioning or sign language on television for the deaf, cell phones that include features such as special volume control, large character touch pads and predictive text features, as well as the adoption of accessible website design by both the public and private sectors.
As of last month, 142 countries have signed the UN CRPD. "The 64 nations that have already ratified the convention represent over two-thirds of the world’s population. Gaining the right to ICT access for the 650 million persons living with disabilities around the world has made the legislative, policy and regulatory activities related to digital accessibility a major priority among ITU Member States," said Sami Al-Basheer, director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau.
The number of persons with disabilities is increasing worldwide, due to aging populations in some countries, as well as war and civil conflict, natural disasters, malnutrition and other causes.
ITU organized the Forum together with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The event welcomed some 140 participants from 21 countries, including policy makers, regulators, operators, industry representatives, NGOs and disabled persons organizations, as well as experts and ICT professionals including disabled persons from across the region and beyond.
It was supported by the National Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NTC), Australia’s Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE), and the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec).
Dr Eun-Ju Kim, head of the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, said the Forum demonstrated that the Asia-Pacific region is leading the ICT accessibility agenda of the UN CRPD through multi-stakeholder partnership. "There is significant momentum in the region and a great level of awareness of the need to promote ICT accessibility. This Forum enabled countries in the region to not only provide a platform to all stakeholders but also share their innovative practices," she said.
The Government of Thailand, which has ratified the UN CRPD, is working on implementation by establishing learning centres nationwide that include assistive technologies such as Braille printers and digital talking books for use by the visually impaired. There are also plans to use closed captioning for television programming to promote use by hearing impaired users.
ITU and its partner, the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict), recently teamed up to develop an online Toolkit for Policy Makers on e-Accessibility & Service Needs for Persons with Disabilities, to assist national regulators, policy makers and legislators to implement measures and foster national programmes supporting the digital accessibility agenda of the CRPD. At the same time, ITU is a major champion of the role of agreed international standards for ICT accessibility development. ICT accessibility standards applied to different technologies will help manufacturers gain access to global markets and leverage economies of scale in production and distribution. Users benefit through lower costs and the assurance that equipment will integrate and work efficiently with other ICT systems.
At the consultative forum NCC held with telecom operators, service providers pledged their willingness to support the challenged group through implementation of policies geared towards the benefit of members of the group.
Olajide Aremu, technical manager, Globacom, said that there should be clear policy on what is expected of operators to implement to assist the challenge group.
Operators were urged to look at designing a programme or service for the challenged group as part of their over all marketing strategy and not as if they doing the group a farvour, as such effort forms part of universal access which ensures that nobody is left behind in the provision of telecommunications services.
Deolu Ogunbanjo, president, National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers of Nigeria (Natcomms) said that his association had made representation to NCC at the commission’s consumer outreach programme held in Ile-Ife, in which they are seeking implementation of certain service and policies in favour of the challenged group.
He noted that the use of voice prompt to check account balance is yet to be implemented by GSM operators except GloMobile that charge for the service. He said if other operators in the GSM space which accounts for greater percentage of subscribers as well as coverage, provide the voice prompt platform for checking of account balance it would have taken care of agitation of blind people in the society.
Ogunbanjo, added that Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) service providers have both platforms on their network and are not charging for it.
He also emphasized on the need for operators to provide a system that allows deaf people to lodge complain and solve problems associated with service provision through data on their phone, which presently is not available. He explained that the argument by operators that such people could use internet and send email to their customer care department, did not provide access to greater percentage of deaf people as most of them don’t have access to the internet especially those living in rural areas.
Challenged group are as important as physically feet in the society and therefore should be carried along especially in the provision of telecommunications services by address their unique challenge through the provision peculiar services. NCC as the regulator of the industry need to monitor effectively the implementation of recommended challenged group and old people oriented services by telecommunications operators, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
ntel, has officially moved away from its traditional voice and data business, unveiling a major transformation that will see it focus on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and technology-driven services.
As part of the consolidation process, ntel unveiled The Next Frontier, a transformation agenda planned to see the firm transform into an integrated digital infrastructure, connectivity and real estate enterprise.
Its new focus is a now BET Agenda – anchored on three growth pillars, Beam, Eden, and Titan and the drivers said that the strategy reflected ntel’s commitment to creating new opportunities through technology innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic asset optimisation.
The launch comes as ntel continues its journey towards regaining spectrum assets, while actively leveraging strategic partnerships to redefine innovation in the telecommunications industry and unlock new pathways for growth.
Built on the company’s BET Agenda – anchored on three growth pillars, Beam, Eden, and Titan – the strategy reflected ntel’s commitment to creating new opportunities through technology innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic asset optimisation.
The launch comes as ntel continues its journey towards regaining spectrum assets, while actively leveraging strategic partnerships to redefine innovation in the telecommunications industry and unlock new pathways for growth.
The company also showcased a portfolio of initiatives designed to strengthen its position as a future-focused infrastructure platform.
Under Beam, ntel announced the launch of WakaGo, a global e-SIM solution that delivers seamless connectivity for international travellers, alongside AirFibre, a high-speed fixed wireless broadband service designed to provide reliable internet access for businesses.
Under Titan, the company highlighted its growing infrastructure business focused on tower development, fibre connectivity, duct infrastructure, colocation services, and infrastructure sharing solutions that enable operators, enterprises, and technology providers to expand efficiently and sustainably.
A major highlight of the launch was Eden, ntel’s real estate development platform, which is transforming NatCom’s extensive property portfolio into high-value commercial and residential developments.
To further push its transformation, the company unveiled three flagship projects. They are Eden Place, a premium multi-storey commercial development in Lagos’ prime business district.
There is also Nova Place, a modern commercial development strategically located within Port Harcourt’s growing technology and business hub.
Terenna Court, a premium multi-storey residential apartment development in Abuja.
Together, these projects demonstrate ntel’s ambition to unlock the full potential of its real estate assets through strategic partnerships, innovative design, and long-term value creation.
Speaking at the unveiling of The Next Frontier, Soji Maurice-Diya, managing director/chief executive officer, NatCom Development and Investment Limited (trading as ntel), described the initiative as far more than a business transformation strategy.
According to him, it represents the company’s commitment to building an integrated ecosystem that connects people, empowers businesses, drives digital inclusion, and creates sustainable economic value for Nigeria.
Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Nigeria’s future workforce with a high-impact virtual masterclass designed to equip young people with the practical skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The Initiative, held to commemorate World Youth Skills Day 2026, themed “Skills for a Shared Future – The NextGen Advantage,” presented a platform on which experienced Airtel professionals provided mentorship and coaching to undergraduates, interns, and recent graduates for the current realities of formal work environments.
Organised on the auspices of the Airtel Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP), by which staff donate their time and expertise towards social programmes, the 90-minute virtual masterclass, which was attended by over 400 undergraduates and young professionals, extended the reach of the Foundation’s education and youth development programmes.
Speaking on the initiative, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said investing in young people remains one of the most impactful ways to build Nigeria’s future economy.
He said, “The future of work is changing faster than ever before, and success will increasingly belong to those who are equipped with the right skills, the right mindset, and the confidence to adapt. As an organisation, we believe that empowering young people with practical digital and professional capabilities is an investment in Nigeria’s future competitiveness.
Through our Employee Volunteer Programme, our people are sharing not just knowledge, but real industry experience to help shape careers, unlock opportunities, and prepare the next generation to lead in a digital world.”
Unlike traditional career seminars, the masterclass adopted an interactive learning model that offered participants the option to select specialised breakout sessions aligned with personal interests and career aspirations.
In his keynote remarks titled The Next Gen Advantage, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, noted that the future will be shaped by the skills to transform great ideas into impactful solutions.
He summed up the pathway to a future-ready career into five actions, namely learning continuously, solving problems, building a digital reputation, embracing Artificial Intelligence, and developing human skills.
“Technical knowledge remains important, but employers today are equally looking for adaptability, collaboration, communication, digital confidence, and the ability to learn continuously,” he said.
In the first general session titled Your Network is Your Net Worth, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, Director, Human Resources and Administration, Airtel Nigeria, charged attendees to build character. The second general session themed Your Money, Your Future, delivered tips on budgeting and financial discipline was facilitated by Olakunbi Osigbesan, Head, Treasure, Smartcash PSB.
Following the general sessions were five breakout rooms, in which attendees were offered curated guides designed to develop contemporary workplace competencies.
The first session, Digital Transformation and Growth, led by Oyebowale Akideinde, General Manager, Digital and Innovation, Airtel Nigeria, presented a mechanism to leverage digital platforms for visibility and opportunity creation.
The CV Clinic and Interview Masterclass, which was led by Chidera Okoye, HR Outsourcing Lead, Airtel Nigeria, discussed practical recruitment strategies, including applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly CVs, and the STAR interview framework.
A third session on Communication and Personal Branding, delivered by Sam Adeoye, Head, Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, focused on value presentation, executive communication, and earned visibility, built on “V.I.R.A.L.”, a mnemonic device created for the attendees by the facilitator.
The programme also featured a dedicated session titled AI as Your Superpower, presented by Ezenwa Agbanusi, IT Governance Executive at Airtel Nigeria, in which participants discussed prompt engineering and AI-powered tools for enhanced learning, creativity, and workplace performance.
Corporate Social Responsibility Lead at Airtel Nigeria, Victoria Ndu, led the fifth breakout room on Emotional Intelligence, with a guide on building a high emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) for improved workplace and business performance.
By connecting future professionals directly with industry experts, the company continues to support the development of a workforce equipped to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy and contribute to shared prosperity.
Meta has announced new safety measures that will notify parents when teenagers using its artificial intelligence assistant show possible signs of suicide or self-harm during conversations.
The company said the initiative is aimed at ensuring age-appropriate AI experiences while helping parents provide timely support to children who may be in emotional distress.
Under the new feature, parents using Instagram’s parental supervision tools will receive alerts if Meta AI detects that a teen’s conversation indicates a potential risk of suicide or self-harm.
Meta said the alerts would be based on signals developed in collaboration with mental health experts and would include resources to help parents respond appropriately.
According to the company, all conversations flagged by its AI system will undergo manual review before any notification is sent to parents to minimise false alerts.
Meta said that where a teen’s intentions remain unclear, it would err on the side of caution by informing supervising parents.
The company also announced plans to introduce a system that would enable it to alert emergency responders when conversations with Meta AI suggest that a user—whether a teenager or an adult—may be at imminent risk of taking their own life.
It said the initiative builds on its existing suicide prevention efforts across Facebook and Instagram, where the company already notifies emergency services about credible suicide threats.
Meta disclosed that it made more than 19,000 referrals to emergency responders worldwide in the past year, leading to welfare checks on individuals considered to be at risk.
To improve the quality of its responses, the technology company said it consulted more than 75 clinicians specialising in adolescent mental health to review how Meta AI responds to prompts relating to suicide and self-harm.
The experts evaluated hundreds of AI interactions and provided recommendations on making responses more empathetic while directing teenagers to professional support and trusted adults.
Meta said it had incorporated the recommendations into its AI system to ensure more supportive and age-appropriate conversations.
The company also announced that its stricter Limited Content setting for Instagram Teen Accounts would now apply to Meta AI conversations.
According to Meta, the setting further limits the types of conversations teenagers can have with the AI assistant by declining to respond to a broader range of sensitive prompts.
The parental alert feature is already available to supervising parents in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, while global rollout is expected before the end of the year.
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