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NCC Insists on Sale & Handover of 9mobile by Dec 31

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated that the December 31 deadline for the handover of 9mobile to the preferred bidder is sacrosanct.

 

Globacom Limited, Bharti Airtel, Smile Telecoms Holdings, Helios Investment Partners LLP and Teleology Holdings Limited have all been shortlisted as the five bidders still in the running to buy 9mobile, the Nigeria’s fourth largest telecommunications provider, which ran into financial problem with some banks in July.

 

The companies were selected through a process conducted by Barclays Bank, the financial adviser to the creditor banks, on December 4.

Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC speaking to journalists on the sideline of the 82th edition of Telecoms Consumers Parliament in Abuja on Thursday, said the five shortlisted companies had been allowed to conduct due diligence on 9mobile.

 

Prof Danbatta said the next stage of the sale process after due diligence would be for the firms evidence of strong financial commitment to buy 9mobile.

 

He said Nigerian authorities would not just handover 9mobile to any company, but to a very “technically and financially capable company.”

 

He assured that there would be seamless takeover of the company, and that whoever buys it would improve the fortune of the company.

 

He said: “As you are aware five bidders have emerged as I am talking to you and they have been allowed to access the data room of the 9mobile in order for them to get access to the financial situation of the company and subsequently make bid for the takeover of the company.

 

“But we will ensure that the takeover is done in a regulated manner, not a forceful manner.

 

“That is why the CBN and the NCC are supervising what is going on through the interim board that was jointly set up by the NCC and other partners.”

 

He said the telecom consumer is the paymaster of the operators hence he should be treated as a king.

 

9mobile which was formerly Etisalat rebranded after its major owners in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, pulled out and a new board was inaugurated to run its affairs.

 

This was after failed negotiation with its lenders over a missed payment of the $1.2billion loan taken from a consortium of 13 Nigerian banks in 2013.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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NASENI Trains Procurement Officers, Others on Global Best Practices

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National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is organizing a 3-day procurement in-house training for all procurement and other relevant officers in NASENI system -wide to acquaint them with best procurement operations and in line with global practices.

The training will take place at the NASENI Headquarters, beginning from Tuesday 8th  to 10th October, 2024, targeted at building the capacity of procurement officers, and other select staff from Accounts, Audit, legal, Media, Planning and other officers involved in procurement activities in NASENI System-wide.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu will deliver the keynote address while Olusegun Omotola, Ag. Director General/CEO, Bureau of Public Procurement will declare the in-house training officially open.

The training amongst other things aims at ensuring that NASENI is doing the right thing and adhering to 2007 Procurement Act, Manual and other vital information that will enable the Agency to continue on the right track and to utilize the right information at every given time, as far as procurement matters are concerned.

Speaking on the upcoming training, the Director of Procurement, Dr. Mohammed A. Mohammed said that the training is based on NASENI needs and to enable officers meet up with changes in technology and practices which are global phenomenon, especially against the backdrop of on-going transformation in the NASENI system.

He said, “Things are changing, and you need to change with time, technology is changing globally, you need to build your capacity. This training is based on NASENI Needs on procurement which is slightly different from other sectors.

“Almost 75-80 per cent of NASENI activities is based on science and engineering, our method of procurement, is a little different, from the ministry of works, raw materials, etc.  Again, you must build your capacity to be able to cope, which is why we are having this training, to build capacity in line with NASENI needs and mandate.”

According to him, building capacity is a continuous exercise and procurement is all about law end to end, adding that the officers working in procurement must be trained from time to time to equip them with new trends.

He also noted that with the Standard Operation Procedure globally and the World Bank new version on procurement, NASENI cannot work differently, it must key into global practices. He stated that 95 per cent of the resource persons for this training are from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) as NASENI has an agreement with it, to assist in building the capacity of procurement and relevant officers in NASENI system-wide.

Also speaking on the upcoming in-house procurement training, Mr. Adekoya Olatunji, BPP consultant, said, that “the In-house training that is coming up in NASENI is very good, it will enable the officers to adhere strictly to procurement Act. What NASENI is doing is very good, so that the officers will do what they need to do very well”.

Highlights on some of the topics of the training with the theme: “Building the Best Procurement Operations in NASENI System-Wide” includes, Effective Procurement Practices & PPA, 2007, Procurement Planning, Procurement Record Keeping Procedures, Contract Agreement and Implications amongst others.


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Tecno AI Integrated Smartphone Series Unveiled in Nigeria

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It was a night of glitz and glamour as Tecno, a global Innovative technology brand launched its groundbreaking series of Al Powered smartphones into the Nigerian Market.

The event held on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel VI Lagos, showcased an impressive lineup of TECNO’s latest mobile devices, including Phantom V Fold2 5G, Phantom V Filp2 5G, Camon 30s and Spark 30 Pro.

Speaking at the launch, Jack Chong, Brand Manager Tecno, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, stating that the AI integrated range of smartphones was designed to bring efficiency to business professionals and creatives.

He also highlighted Tecno’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance, sleek designs through cutting-edge technology.

Here are the phones and their features

Phantom V Fold2 5G

Freshly equipped with Tecno’s brand-new Tecno AI suite of AI functions, including the upgraded Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant, AI Artboard, AI Wallpaper and more.

It also features advanced hardware, with 6.42” outer and 7.85” main 120Hz LTPO screens with 30-120° hovering capability, a powerful 5750mAh Aircell battery, 70W charging, and an Ultra-Clear Five Camera Imaging System, while it also supports the new Phantom V Pen stylus.

Phantom V Filp2 5G

Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G is for those looking for a stylish flip 5G smartphone with a larger 6.9-inch display when unfolded. When folded, it’s just 8.88 millimeters and can fit in a much smaller space than a regular smartphone can fit in.

It’s also more stylish and convenient to carry. Both the cover display (AMOLED) and the main (LTPO AMOLED) displays have very eye-pleasing colors and suitable brightness. The back camera is nice with an ultrawide lens and 4K video recording. The 32 MP front camera is also pretty good with up to 2K video recording.

The performance is smooth with a 6 nm MediaTek Dimensity 8050 (6 nm)chipset. There is a 45W charger included in the box that can charge the 4000 mAh battery from 0% to 50% in just about 15 minutes.

Tecno Camon 30S

This phone features a cosmic design that combines humanity’s fascination with the cosmos and artistic aesthetics, creating a unique blend of vast space and futuristic elegance.

The camera offers notifications during photography, video recording, and charging. It boasts a 50MP AF front dual flash and a 50MP 1/1.56 OIS+2MP Depth+light sensor rear dual flash. It’s powered by a 5000mAh battery with 45W Super Charge using a Type-C Cable, and also it includes a 20W wireless charging, making it the brand’s first.

TECNO Spark 30 Pro

This phone equipped with a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display that boasts 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Also, it comes with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res certified stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio-visual experience.

Powered by MediaTek Helio G100 processor, Spark 30 Pro supports 4.5G Lighting Network for faster connectivity. Additionally, the phone features super WiFi technology, enabling it to connect to networks 616% faster than other devices.

The launch was graced by the presence of prominent figures in the Nigerian Tech space, notable among them were Tecno brand ambassadors and A-list influencers.

At the event Tecno gifted participants with two smartphones and three smart watches via lucky dip game.

The launch concluded with a networking session that provided an excellent platform for industry leaders and tech enthusiasts to connect and discuss the future of mobile technology in Nigeria.

Guests departed with not only a deeper understanding of Tecno AI product line but also with swag bags filled with gifts, solidifying a memorable experience.


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Kellyrae Emerges Big Brother Naija Season 9 Winner

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Kellyrae has emerged as the winner of the Big Brother Naija season 9 ‘No Loose Guard’ edition.

Kellyrae edged Wanni who came in second and Onyeka third to emerge winner of the night.

As the winner, Kellyrae goes home with a cash prize of N60million and a brand new car worth N40m bringing the total prize worth to N100m.

Recall that 14 pairs of dynamic duos – 28 housemates, including two sets of twins, a married couple, besties, gym bros, and even a niece and aunt were introduced into Biggie’s house at the beginning of the reality show on Sunday, July 28.

However, on Sunday, September 1, after the live eviction, the duos were separated in the No Loose Guard season. The new twist left the housemates speechless as Biggie dropped the bombshell.

The game became officially became a solo competition, and they understood that only one housemate will emerge as the winner of this season.

This twist sure tested the housemates’ loyalty, resilience and ability to strategise independently.


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