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5G Deployment: NCC Conducts Mock Auction of 3.5 GHz Spectrum

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has successfully carried out a mock session for the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum auction for the deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) network in the country.

The simulated auction, which took place on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was in preparatory to the main auction scheduled to take place on Monday, December 13, 2021 at same venue.

The conduct of the simulation exercise was in line with the requirements stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) for 3.5 GHz spectrum auction. The IM is a document that defines the process for the licensing of the 3.5 GHz spectrum band, earlier published on the Commission’s website at the inception of the auction process.

Using the Ascending Clock Auction System for the mock session, the three qualified bidders for the 3.5 GHz spectrum, namely MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications Ltd, and Airtel Networks Ltd, participated in the software-based simulated auction exercise.

The mock auction was witnessed by Prof. Adeolu Akande, chairman, Board of Commissioners, NCC; Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission; Ubale Maska, executive commissioner, Technical Services, and Adeleke Adewolu, executive commissioner, Stakeholder Management.

Others, who witnessed the mock auction include representatives from the bidding companies, senior management staff from relevant departments of the Commission, technical consultants, software consultants, legal consultants and other external observers.

Following the successful mock auction, the stage is set for the Commission to license two slots in the 3.5 GHz spectrum band, expected to be picked by successful bidders at the end of the Main Auction on Monday, December 13, 2021.

The auction on Monday will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s determination to harness the benefits of 5G for the nation’s socio-economic growth, as concrete roll-out of 5G commences in 2022.

In a brief remark at the Mock Auction, Danbatta said the Commission had taken all necessary steps to ensure due diligence on the credibility of the consultants and to safeguard the integrity of the software solution being used to carry out the implementation of this historic national assignment.

“This is consistent with the open, credible transparent and fair manner by which the Commission is known to have conducted previous auction processes, which have been locally and globally applauded,” Danbatta said.

In order to ensure a fail-proof process, the Commission also carried out a simulation of the manual process of the auction, aside the electronic mock. This is to ensure that bidders are also familiar with the manual auction in case of any circumstances on the Main Auction Day that may warrant a need to switch to the Manual Auction. It is pertinent to note that the two forms – electronic and manual – are clearly stated in the IM and they follow the same process.

Representatives of the bidding companies, the Commission, the consultants and other observers at the Mock Auction expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the simulation exercise, which also provided opportunity for the Commission to perfect the auction process ahead of the Main Auction.

The Commission had commenced the process for the auction of the 5G spectrum in the last quarter of the 2021 and had, since then, carried out a number of activities ahead of the Main Auction.

October 7, 2021, the Commission had published the Draft Information Memorandum (IM) on the auction of the 5G spectrum on its website (www.ncc.gov.ng) and issued a public notice in major channels, including print, electronic, and new digital media. Comments on the draft IM were received by the Commission up until October 28, 2021.

On November 3, 2021, the Commission held a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Lagos at which comments received from a broad segment of stakeholders, including the major operators, were exhaustively discussed and considered.

On November 10, 2021, the Commission published the Final IM, and Stakeholders’ comments thereon on its website and the national dailies, and set the deadline for the submission of bids on Wednesday, November 24, 2021.

As a responsive regulator, the Commission also proceeded to accommodate concerns raised by some stakeholders, due to social disruptions, and extended the date for submission of the bidding applications to Wednesday, November 24, 2021 to Monday, November 29, 2021.

On December 1, 2021, the NCC announced the three companies – MTN Nigeria Limited, Mafab Communications Ltd, and Airtel Networks Ltd – as having successfully submitted their bids in line with the requirements of the IM.

The Commission therefore wishes to thank all stakeholders for all the support, collaboration and partnership they have offered to get to this stage, and implores all stakeholders not to rest on their oars until the bidding processes are concluded successfully. Thereafter, the Commission, as it has now become its culture, will rally stakeholders into the next phase of the implementation of the 5G policy.


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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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Airtel Nigeria Reinforces Commitment to Youth Empowerment Hosts UNICEF GenU 9JA Steering Committee Meeting

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Airtel Nigeria hosted the 2024 UNICEF Generation Unlimited (GenU) Steering Committee meeting at the Airtel Nigeria headquarters in Banana Island, Lagos, yesterday.

The breakfast meeting served as a collaborative forum, bringing together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society to review GenU 9JA’s progress in providing Nigerian youth with digital learning, upskilling, and pathways to meaningful employment.

In his opening remarks, Chief Executive Officer at Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz expressed Airtel’s dedication to supporting the youth. “It is a privilege for Airtel to host this significant meeting and reaffirm our commitment to an initiative that holds the power to transform the lives of millions of young Nigerians.

“By equipping our youth with essential skills and resources, we not only support their individual success but also contribute to Nigeria’s social and economic growth,” he said.

Mr. Cruz further highlighted Airtel’s leadership in providing connectivity for digital learning, noting, “With the support of our UNICEF partners, we have connected 1,260 schools across Nigeria to digital learning, enabling 600 children to access educational platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport and Yoma Africa.

“This connectivity is not just about internet access; it is about creating an equal playing field for young people, giving them access to quality education and skills essential for their future.”

The event saw participation from a host of other GenU 9JA partners, including IHS Towers, ATC, Unilever, Jobberman, Microsoft, Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, GIZ, World Bank, ILO, UNDP, UNFPA, the EU Delegation, and the Government of the Netherlands.

While delivering a report on GenU 9JA digital learning, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, reiterated Airtel’s dedication to driving digital inclusion and youth empowerment in support of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

“For us at Airtel, we are actively involved in connecting schools and advancing digital learning for young Nigerians. Looking back at the debut of our partnership with UNICEF in 2023, we have exceeded our initial expectations in school connectivity, which highlighted the significant gaps in Nigeria’s educational system.

This year, we have made even greater strides and our involvement in initiatives like the Nigeria Learning Passport reflects our commitment to bridging this gap by expanding digital access, fostering learning, and building essential skills nationwide to support young Nigerians,” he said.

“Also, it would interest everyone to know that Airtel Nigeria’s new Home Broadband thematic campaign, ‘Live Limitless’, resonates strongly with the GenU 9JA ‘We No Get Limit’ motto, which underscores our dedication to empowering young Nigerians to unlock their full potential without barriers.

This commitment drives us to continue creating and promoting opportunities that equip the youth for a brighter future” he added. The GenU Steering Committee meeting served as a valuable platform for Airtel and other partners to deepen their commitment to the GenU 9JA mission.

By fostering collaboration and driving impactful initiatives, Airtel demonstrates its corporate social responsibility by actively contributing to programs that uplift Nigerian youth and promote sustainable development across the nation.

 


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Zarttalent Foundation’s Summit Prepares Nigerian Youth for Global Tech Careers

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Zarttalent, a foundation dedicated to advancing digital literacy and tech education in Nigeria, hosted the How to Win With Tech Summit on October 17, 2024.

The event brought together students, educators, tech enthusiasts, and influential leaders for a day focused on the power of technology in shaping the future.

Notable guests included Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor Entrepreneurship Youth Employment & Healthcare, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos, and Elizabeth Owei-Oladepo, Youth Advisor at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos.

Their presence, along with teachers, principals, media representatives, and Zarttalent partners, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in driving tech innovation and education.

Opening the summit, Nelson Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer of Zarttalent, delivered a keynote address titled “The Power of Technology in Today’s World.”

He highlighted the role of technology in generating employment opportunities and creating global pathways for Nigerian talent. In addressing Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate, Nelson emphasized Zarttalent Foundation’s commitment to equipping young people with in-demand tech skills that align with global industry needs.

“The goal of education is to prepare students with skills for a meaningful livelihood. Yet, the challenge in Nigeria is a misalignment between university training and the skills required by today’s economy, contributing to the high unemployment rate.

By introducing relevant, in-demand tech skills, Zarttalent empowers young Nigerians to go beyond the standard curriculum and gain expertise that sets them apart in a rapidly digitizing world,” he stated.

Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor Entrepreneurship Youth Employment & Healthcare, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos, delivered a compelling address titled “Leveraging Technology for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.”

She outlined the potential of tech-based skills to empower Nigerian youth to not only secure employment but also become problem-solvers in their communities. Fajusigbe encouraged the attendees to look beyond traditional jobs and consider digital entrepreneurship as a means to tackle local challenges and boost economic growth.

Fajusigbe’s keynote on technology as a tool for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship offered practical strategies for harnessing technology to create meaningful change. Her session encouraged students to see themselves as future innovators who can leverage tech to build a better society.

This landmark event is part of the foundation’s ongoing effort to empower the Nigerian youth and address its high youth unemployment rate by creating access to digital skills and mentorship.

The foundation aims to empower over 5,000 students over the next five years, equipping them with competitive tech skills that will translate into job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and solutions to real-life issues.

With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at record levels, the event focused on building sustainable career pathways and preparing a generation ready to thrive in a tech-driven economy, where digital skills are increasingly essential.


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MTN Foundation Celebrates 20 Years with Exclusive Anniversary Dinner in Lagos

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As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, MTN Foundation will host an appreciation dinner for key stakeholders and partners on November 14, 2024, at the Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. This dinner is designed to celebrate the Foundation’s two-decade journey of social impact and express gratitude for the invaluable support of its stakeholders and partners.

Following a series of impactful panel discussions at the anniversary conference in Abuja, the Lagos gathering will be a blend of sophisticated dining with an array of entertainment. The evening will bring together notable guests, including MTN Foundation directors and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Guests will also enjoy live performances by MTN MUSON scholars; talented young musicians whose training is fully funded by MTN Foundation. The event will also feature a performance by the Vintage Band, bringing a unique fusion of Afro-culture and pop music that promises to set an engaging tone for the evening.

The dinner will provide the opportunity for MTN Foundation to introduce its newly unveiled logo, vision, and mission to the Lagos audience. This refreshed focus underpins the Foundation’s dedication to ‘Inspiring Impact Where it Matters’ as it embarks on its next decade of social investment, prioritising youth empowerment, healthcare, and community development across Nigeria.

“We are deeply grateful to all our stakeholders and partners who have joined us on this 20-year journey. This dinner is a celebration of what we’ve achieved together and a look forward to the future of impactful investments in our communities,” remarked Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation.

The dinner promises all guests a memorable evening that celebrates past achievements and looks forward to a future of possibilities.


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