Telecom
Spectrum Auction Will Democratize Broadband for Nigerians – Danbatta
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the ongoing process to auction two additional lots in the 3.5GHz spectrum for Fifth Generation (5G) is part of efforts that will further democratise access to high-speed mobile broadband for all Nigerians.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, stated this in Lagos over the weekend while speaking at the 10th Annual Brands and Marketing Conference of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) where the NCC was conferred with the “Regulator of the Decade” Award.
Represented by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Adeleke Adewolu, the EVC noted that the ongoing process, for which arrangements are in top gear, followed the successful auctioning of two bands of the 3.5GHz spectrum in December of 2021.
Danbatta disclosed that the Commission is currently reviewing the licences and frameworks for fixed broadband to update them in line with current challenges and make them more effective as part of the pivotal initiatives deployed by NCC that are already bearing fruits.
The EVC was emphatic that the Commission, in pursuit of its mandate, has been relentless in creating the conducive atmosphere for the rollout and adoption of new technologies, and government has taken the firm position that the country must leverage digital technologies to grow the economy.
As such, he said the development of policies such as the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030 and the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, which the NCC and other agencies and partners are assiduously implementing.
Danbatta informed the participants at the conference that content creation and consumption have grown around the telecommunications infrastructure provided by technology, which Nigerian entertainers have leveraged to become global brands.
“Due to heavy leverage on digital platforms, the Nigerian entertainment industry has gone global. Nollywood is one of the biggest movie industries in the world. In fact, more movies are produced by Nollywood yearly in comparison to Hollywood.
“Nigerian music stars are in hot demand worldwide because of their popularity and brand recognition on social media. We should add that many of these global superstars emerging from Nigeria launched into stardom by leveraging Caller Tunes and other mobile content platforms to grow their brands and huge followers online,” the EVC stated.
Increasing the intensity of his submission, Danbatta declared that “Digital platforms are fostering different types of systemic change, creating new brands, eroding the value of some brands, whilst at the same time increasing the value of other brands. The innovation-transformation-disruption cycle have come to stay and will be exacerbated as technology continues to evolve.”
The EVC left the impressive audience with reasons to be hopeful when he said, “Let me assure you that the NCC will continue to aggressively drive the roll out and seamless operation of infrastructure to drive new digital technologies for the benefit of all sectors of our economy. It is our hope that Nigerian brands will continue to leverage on robust infrastructure to grow their value and ensure that our country derives maximum benefit from unfolding digital transformation efforts.”
Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has launched an exciting new lottery service — Glo Play Up — designed to blend fun, anticipation, and the prospect of life-changing rewards for its subscribers.
Glo Play Up offers Nigerians a simple yet thrilling opportunity to turn small predictions into multi-million-naira wins. The game invites subscribers to pick a lucky number between 1 and 9 for a chance to strike gold.
To participate, Glo customers simply dial *400# or send their chosen number via SMS to 400. Each entry costs just ₦100, and players can either subscribe daily or play on demand — whenever inspiration strikes.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom described the initiative as more than just a game of chance, but a celebration of hope and possibility.
“We understand the optimism and adventurous spirit of Nigerians,” the company explained. “People love to dream, play, and believe in the power of that one big win. Glo Play Up makes that dream more attainable — it’s easy to play, affordable, and truly rewarding.”
Every Friday at 4 p.m., a weekly draw will take place at Glo’s Head Office, where ten lucky subscribers will each receive ₦1 million. In addition, a grand prize winner will be announced monthly, walking away with an impressive ₦10 million. Winners will be hosted at their nearest Glo Regional Office, and all cash prizes will be credited directly into their MoneyMaster Wallet accounts.
With Glo Play Up, entertainment meets empowerment — reinforcing Globacom’s commitment to innovation, connection, and customer delight. The service not only promises excitement but also the possibility of transforming lives through rewarding experiences.
For more information, visit https://www.gloworld.com/ng/glo-play-up-lottery
In an era where organisations are redefining leadership and equity, MTN Nigeria continues to set the pace with its growing cadre of women in senior leadership positions. The company’s consistent recognition of female excellence, both within and beyond its walls, reflects a deep, deliberate culture of inclusion and empowerment.
L-R: Katuka Halilu, Regional General Manager, MTN Nigeria; Ajibola Opeoluwa-Calebs, Senior Manager, Reward, MTN Nigeria; Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria, and ThankGod Otorkpa, General Manager, Regional Operations (Northwest), MTN Nigeria at the Award Ceremony and Gala Night of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Most recently, Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at MTN Nigeria, was conferred with the Fellowship Award of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) at the CIPM Gala Night and Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025.“This recognition is truly fulfilling, it represents the culmination of years of passion and perseverance. To be honoured by the leading institute for HR professionals in Nigeria is a remarkable achievement. I look forward to applying my experience and insight to continue strengthening MTN’s people strategy and driving excellence in human resource management,” Akinnukawe said following the honour.
Her recognition adds to a growing list of milestones achieved by MTN Nigeria’s female leaders in recent years. In July 2025, Uto Ukpanah, the company’s Company Secretary, made history as the 30th President and Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), becoming only the second woman to hold the role in nearly six decades. According to the company’s 2024 Annual Report, women now represent 41.4% of the total workforce, 34.7% of management, and 21.4% of the board. These figures reflect a steady rise in gender representation across all levels, supported by a range of internal programmes focused on inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development.
In the first half of 2025, MTN Nigeria’s strong financial and operational performance further reinforced the strength of its diverse leadership. The company recorded a 54.6% increase in service revenue to ₦2.4 trillion and an impressive EBITDA growth of 119.5%, reflecting its resilience, innovation, and effective people strategy.
This performance culture, anchored on inclusion and excellence, is reflected across the company’s leadership team. Beyond Ukpanah and Akinnukawe, several women occupy influential positions shaping the company’s vision and social impact. They include Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation and recipient of the 2024 CSI Personality of the Year Award at the Nigeria Tech Innovation & Telecoms Awards; A’isha Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer; Oby Ugboma, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer; Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer; and Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer.
Her journey, from teaching and consulting to leading human capital strategy for Africa’s leading TechCo brand, exemplifies MTN’s belief that empowered women empower organisations.
MTN’s ongoing success story, both in its financial results and in people development, demonstrates that diversity is not just a metric, it’s a growth strategy. As the company continues to invest in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and social impact programmes, its commitment to elevating women into positions of influence remains resolute.
Senate has confirmed the appointment of Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), following a successful screening by its Committee on Communications.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, the Senate adopted the Committee’s report and also confirmed the appointments of Maryam Bayi (North East), Senator Ramoni Olalekan Mustafa (South West), and Ikechukwu Ugwuegede (South East) as Commissioners on the NCC Board.
Other members confirmed include Princess Oforitsenere Emiko and Christopher Sandy Okorie, both representing the South South region.
The newly confirmed Chairman and Commissioners will join previously confirmed members of the Board, including Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida (North West); Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Engineer Abraham Oshadami (North Central); and Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini H. Makama (North Central).
The confirmation marks a significant step in strengthening the leadership of the NCC, Nigeria’s apex telecommunications regulatory body.
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