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New Book Reveals How Atiku, Joda, Ndukwe Saved 2001 GSM License Auction

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Expectations were high on January 19, 2001, the day scheduled for the GSM auction technically referred to as the Digital Mobile License auction.  NCC officials, observers, and accredited journalists were already seated in a secured room at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The bidders, five of them, MTN, Econet ( now Airtel), Communications Investment Limited ( CIL) now Globacom, United Network Consortium, and MSI International,  were in a palpable frenzy and set to outbid each other.

The lead auctioneer, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe wasted no time in kick-starting the auction process that was billed to showcase the regulatory resolve of the Commission and put Nigeria on the map of countries providing mobile phone services.

Unknown to many at the Transcorp room, Nigerians who were watching and international community,  certain officials in the president Olusegun Obasanjo’s government had laid siege to the process, in a last-ditch effort to scuttle it.

At some point in the bid process, they acted causing a  temporary halt to proceedings.

Not many knew what was amiss. Some thought it was a temporary technical hitch or some other operational challenge. The matter was far from the two reasons.

A 472-page new book titled: Nigeria Drivers of Digital Prosperity: written by Aaron Ukodie, Nigeria’s pioneer ICT journalist, billed for launch on July 7, 2022, at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, has narrated the high-wired intrigue that played out at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, the venue of the auction.

The content of the book made available to reporters narrated the personalities that were involved in the many bids to scuttle the process, who eventual tried their schemes on the day of the auction to scuttle it. The book reveals what Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, at the time Vice President and Head of the Economy, late Ahmed Joda, then chairman of the NCC and Ndukwe did to outsmart those who were bent on putting spanners on the process and put the country and the NCC to ridicule.

The book presented in five sections dealing with various aspects of the Nigerian digital revolution process and also narrated in more refreshing detail the manifold battles fought by the NCC, and some stakeholders to overcome the landmines put in the way of the regulatory process in the early years to achieve the model is to Africa.

Oftentimes, when people record history, the role of the media is relegated, even though they have played and continue to play an equally remarkable role in energising and stirring processes that worked and stakeholders to perform optimally, but the Digital Prosperity book is remarkably different.

“The ICT media in Nigeria deserve a place in a book such as this one dealing with the trajectory of the Nigeria digital evolution, because of the unique and remarkable role the IT media has played and continues to play in the sector, Aaron Ukodie, author of the book noted.

The ICT Media has been even involved in ICT advocacy spanning a period of more than 20 years and has organised numerous conferences, workshops, and exhibitions in magnitude and variety no other sector of the Nigerian media has done, Ukodie said.

The launch edition of the book comes in hard paperback printed in glossy colours and splashed with illustrating pictures.

Ndukwe will chair the event which will also be preceded by a lead talk on 4G, 5G, Broadband Connectivity and the Economy to be presented by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta.


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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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Afrobeats and Amapiano Lead Africa’s Musical Revolution

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Africa’s music scene is no longer just a regional sensation, it has become the pulse of global pop culture.

As African music continues to enchant global audiences, Spotify Wrapped 2024 unveils the diverse range of genres that people now enjoy all over the world. While Afrobeats and Amapiano often dominate headlines, this year’s Wrapped data sheds light on other emerging sounds that define Africa’s music.

Reimagined histories

Hiplife and Highlife from Ghana, rooted in the country’s rich cultural history, remain highly exported due to their fusion of traditional Highlife melodies with contemporary beats that keep them globally relevant.

Artists like King Paluta, Fameye, and KiDi are leading the way in blending traditional Highlife melodies with modern sounds. Fameye’s Very Soon and King Paluta’s Aseda—a heartfelt song of gratitude—are examples of how the genre is evolving. Their fresh take on Highlife has helped drive a 54% increase in global streams, a sign of the genre’s appeal to both local and international audiences.

In Kenya, Arbantone, mainly characterized by beats from samples of Kenyan old school hits. This sound combines elements of Gengetone and old Jamaican riddims, led by a wave of young rappers who bring the raw lyricism of Gengetone. Captivating young audiences, Arbantone is quickly rising on local music charts.

Arbantone grew significantly in 2024, partially thanks to viral dance challenges on social media. Artists like Dyana Cods’ “Set It”, harnessed the genre’s infectious beats and catchy lyrics to connect with her fans. The song became one of the most popular Arbantone tracks in Kenya, securing the number 3 most streamed Arbantone track in Kenya as revealed by the 2024 Spotify Wrapped data.

Embracing experimental sounds

Nigeria’s Alté is becoming more popular abroad where it’s now the country’s fourth-most exported genre in 2024. Pronounced “uhl-teh”, a shorthand for alternative, you may have heard the experimental mix of Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop, with electronic influences on tracks like Soh-Soh by Odeal or Amaarae’s Wanted. The likes of Amaarae, Lady Donli and Odunsi (The Engine) paved the way for a new generation of artists like DEELA, DETO BLACK and brazy to tap into Alté’s rebellious, bold and unconventional brand of self-expression. The global success of Alté-influenced musicians like Tems, Rema and Odeal symbolises how the genre is taking its place in mainstream music culture. Countries like Ghana have embraced the sound with over 60 billion Spotify streams, and Alté now has 41% more global plays than it did a year ago.

South Africa’s Afro House, known for its deep rhythms and soulful vocals, has become a favourite in electronic music circles around the world. DESIREE and DJ Shimza have been instrumental in influencing the growth of Afro House. DESIREE sets blend African rhythms with modern electronic sounds, while DJ Shimza’s electrifying global performances have propelled the genre to new heights. As more artists from around the world incorporate African sounds into their music, the genre has influenced global dance floors.

Household names

Afrobeats continues to lead Africa’s music revolution, evolving rapidly and driving the movement forward. In 2024, the genre saw a significant 28% increase in global streaming. Tracks like Santa by Ayra Starr, Rauw Alejandro, and Rvssian highlight the genre’s versatility, while Calm Down by Rema and Selena Gomez underscore its widespread international appeal. Collaborations like Skillibeng and Tyla’s Jump, Gunna showcase Afrobeats’ adaptability and its growing dominance on global charts.

Amapiano, meanwhile, has emerged as Africa’s fastest-growing genre, with a phenomenal 59% increase in global streaming in 2024.

Another sign that the future of global music will undoubtedly feature even more beats, grooves, and melodies from the continent.


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NERC Discloses $5.7 Million Debt Owed by International Customers for Q3 2024 Electricity Supply

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Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that international customers owe $5.7 million for electricity supplied in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

The debtors include Paras-SBEE and Transcorp-SBEE from the Benin Republic, Mainstream-NIGELEC from Niger, and Odukpani-CEET from Togo.

Under an international treaty, Nigeria exports electricity to neighbouring countries like Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger.

In its latest quarterly report, NERC stated that market operators (MO) issued invoices totaling $12.19 million to six international firms for services rendered in Q3, out of which $6.49 million was paid.

“In 2024/Q3, the six (6) international bilateral customers purchasing power from the grid-connected GenCos made a cumulative payment of $6.49 million against the $12.19 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3,” the report said.

“Similarly, the domestic bilateral customers made a cumulative payment of ₦1,566.51 million against the ₦2,100.79 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3.”

NERC highlighted that some bilateral customers—both domestic and international—made payments in Q3 2024 to settle outstanding invoices from previous quarters. “Odukpani-CEET made a payment of $1.33 million towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters,” the report revealed.

“Similarly, the MO received ₦31.51 million from the domestic bilateral customers (North-South/Star Pipe; ₦9.50 million and Trans-Amadi (OAU/FMPI); ₦22.01 million) towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters.”

However, NERC noted that its special customer, Ajaokuta Steel Co. Ltd, along with the host community, failed to make any payments towards the ₦1.26 billion (NBET) and ₦0.11 billion (MO) invoices received in Q3 2024.

“This continues a longstanding trend of non-payment by this customer, and the Commission has communicated the need for intervention on this issue to the relevant FGN authorities,” the commission said, warning that continued non-payment could lead to total disconnection from the national grid.

In September, Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Messrs Tyazhpromexport (TPE) for the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).

By December, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, announced plans to commence the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company plants in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.


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QNET Collaborates with Lagos Food Bank to Aid Vulnerable Children

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QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has partnered with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to nutrition and hunger relief, to provide nutritious food and gifts to 1,000 vulnerable children in Makoko, Lagos.

This initiative is part of QNET’s end-of-year social impact activities.

Supported by QNET’s legal partner, Transblue Limited, the project is part of LFBI’s Education Enhancement Intervention for Food Insecure Students (EDUFOOD) program that addresses malnutrition and food insecurity among underserved students by providing healthy meals and essential educational resources.

A report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) highlights that Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally, with a national prevalence rate of 32% among children under five.

Furthermore, an estimated 2 million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Guided by our principle – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind (RYTHM), we believe that education and good health for children are the cornerstones of a thriving society.

Partnering with LFBI allows us to make a tangible impact on vulnerable children’s lives, reflecting our mission to empower youths and improve communities.”

Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, shared his thoughts: “This collaboration not only addresses food insecurity but also brings joy to young hearts, allowing them to truly experience the spirit of Christmas. Together, we are fostering hope, joy, and a brighter future fo r all.”

Michael Sunbola, Executive Director of LFBI, expressed gratitude for the partnership:“QNET’s support empowers us to reach even more children during this season of celebration, improving their health and unlocking their potential. Together, we are building a foundation for a brighter future.”

The partnership underscores QNET’s commitment to sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Quality Education (SDG 4).


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