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UFRU Asks ISPs, Others to Replace Old Masts

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Mr. Joe Igbokwe, head, UFRU
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Lagos State Urban Furniture Regulatory Unit (UFRU) on Friday asked banks, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), insurance companies and other firms to immediately replace old hollow pipe telecoms masts in the state and replace them with galvanised steel masts.

This followed the incessant collapse of the old masts in the state at the slightest wind storm, leading to deaths and destruction of properties.

Mr. Joe Igbokwe, head, UFRU, said, “Our deadline for the evacuation of old hollow pipe masts still stands at December 31as we directed few months back.”

Igbokwe also expressed worries that since the directive was first given two months ago, none of the operators had complied,  though the state government had since showed good leadership role by evacuating all old hollow pipe masts it was hitherto using.

Commenting on the development, Sunday Folayan, president, Internet Service Providers Association of Nigeria (iSPAN), admitted that there is need as stakeholders to guarantee safety of lives and property of the people.

“We cannot continue to erect masts that are not in accordance to standards. Secondly, when government is making certain policies or giving directives, they should consider the economic impact on the stakeholders involved. Any programme that does not carry stakeholders along, obviously will affect them adversely

“As law abiding citizens we will adhere to the directives. But the need for all parties to be involved in a matter like this is very important,” the ISPAN president said.

Nodding in agreement,  Mr. Sam Adeleke’s, immediate past president, ISPAN, who constructed such masts in 1999 in the tone of N800,000, said that for the operators to implement the new rules it will cost nothing less than N2.5 million to replace each mast or tower.

He said: “Well, the directive is timely and we support it, although the masts were constructed when issues like climate change, building collapse and more were not rampant. As we are witnessing it today, redeveloping the masts and towers with solid material will be of help to the society.
 
On his part, Engineer Anthony Nwosu, vice president, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said that the directive should not be limited to Lagos State.

According to him, government should expedite action on the regulation of the sector to avoid loss of lives and property in the near future, as majority of the infrastructure are in deplorable conditions.

“The past incidences of collapsed masts and towers especially during heavy rain storms and severe winds as well as the attendant consequences of such collapses might have necessitated the action by Lagos State government to regulate the way and manner these masts are erected. While I see the need to ensure public good and safety by regulating the construction of telecoms masts and towers, there is a bigger issue of who should regulate these telecoms infrastructures between the NCC and the Lagos State UFRU.


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MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

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MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo PSB

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.

MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.

The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.

Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.


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MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

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MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

MTN Nigeria

Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.

“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.

“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.

The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.

New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.

The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.

Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.


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Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

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The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.

Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”

Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.

Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.

Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.

The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.

 


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