Telecom
MTN Foundation Rallies NDLEA, UNODC to Combat Substance Abuse @ Multi-Stakeholder Conference
In a collaborative effort to combat substance abuse through prevention, MTN Foundation, NDLEA, and UNODC came together for a multi-stakeholder conference in Abuja. The event saw key government officials and experts unite to discuss some evidence-based strategies against drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
L-R: Secretary, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Shadrach Usman Haruna; Teacher, PTA/NADP International College, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Jonah Basil-Eneh; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya; Students, PTA/NADP International College, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Abdul Isa Salihu, Peace Monday and Augusta Opane Okyuwa; National Programme Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Folusho Ajayi Adelekan and Associate Professor, Theatre Arts, University of Abuja at the ASAP quiz competition grand finale where PTA/NADP International College, Lafia emerged winners in Abuja on June 23, 2023.
This conference follows the recent Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) stakeholder conference hosted by MTN Foundation in Lagos. So far, the initiative has successfully engaged 86,400 students and 1,440 teachers from 144 public secondary schools across 12 states, along with advocacy walks in Abuja, Lagos, and Rivers state. Additionally, a 24/7 toll-free psycho-social support helpline for affected youth was launched in partnership with the NDLEA. These efforts highlight the growing awareness and commitment to fighting substance abuse among youths in the country.
Senator George Akume, representing the Federal Government, emphasised the administration’s support for these collaborative efforts. He highlighted that the fight against drug abuse requires a unified approach and praised the ongoing initiatives for their impact.
Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi, Chairman of MTN Foundation, reinforced the foundation’s commitment to the cause. “Our mission is to reduce the rate of first-time substance abuse among young Nigerians. The power of collective action cannot be overstated,” he remarked.
Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of NDLEA, called for substantial investments in preventive measures and early detection, stating, “The Drug Integrity Test initiative aims to establish an anti-drug culture in Nigeria. It targets students, workers, and prospective couples to prevent drug use and enable early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation.”
Dr. Oliver Stolpe, outgoing UNODC Country Representative, emphasised the importance of evidence-based prevention programs and community involvement in tackling the drug abuse problem.
The event, held at the State House in Abuja, also highlighted the importance of grassroot initiatives and tailored interventions to meet specific community needs. It also highlighted how fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility within local communities can yield more impactful and sustainable outcomes.
MTN Foundation remains committed to continuing this fight against substance abuse, aligning with the strategies and support outlined by key stakeholders at the conference. The foundation is dedicated to reducing drug abuse among Nigerian youth, and it will continue to support collaborative efforts to create a healthier, drug-free future for the country.
Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd has signed an agreement to provide internet service on the NigComSat-1R network platform to Dimension Data for one year initially, using the Ku dedicated band.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Aisha Bantam, assistant general manager of Corporate Affairs, NIGCOMSAT, this agreement aligns with the efforts of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to revitalize the nation’s economy through the provision of satellite technology.
The partnership was sealed by Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, chief executive officer NIGCOMSAT Ltd, and Mr. Olugbenga Olabiyi, country director, Dimension Data.
Mrs. Egerton-Idehen, expressed optimism about the partnership and affirmed that NIGCOMSAT will provide excellent services to its clients, having upgraded its facilities to cutting-edge technology.
She said NIGCOMSAT is now competing well in the global satellite market with the view of taking its rightful position: “Though we are in the market now, we are not late, and I can assure you that we are here for business.”
Mrs. Egerton-Idehen further stated, “We just finished a pilot scheme with this client and signed a Master Service Agreement. We are glad that the Country Director, Gbenga Olabiyi, and his team were happy with the results of our pilot. We shared all the work we are doing to reposition Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd, ensuring that our service delivery is excellent, our infrastructure reliable, and our technology continuous.”
Additionally, Mr. Olabiyi, of Dimension Data, noted that he is focused on creating unique and bespoke IT solutions for his customers while delivering services that are value-driven.
“Through customer engagement and outstanding technology infrastructure that advance productivity and business growth,” the Country Director stated.
According to NIGCOMSAT, with this continued drive and focus, the new NIGCOMSAT is gradually meeting the objectives of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy under the leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijani, who is spearheading a series of initiatives to expand connectivity and promote digital inclusion in the nation’s economy.
Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has said that his ministry and the Ministry of Interior have entered into an agreement to streamline emergency response services in Nigeria.
Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy
Tijani shared on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), that the effort was to enhance government service delivery through technology.
According to the minister, the agreement involves the Ministry of Interior taking a lead role in coordinating all parties to merge current emergency numbers into the unified efficient 112 emergency number, with support from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The minister added that the collaboration involves key agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Fire Service, all of which have a mandate to enhance internal security, emergency response, and other ancillary services.
Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has paid glowing tributes to the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr. for his outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria and the economy in general.
Speaking in his office in Ado Ekiti when he received the Public Sector team from Globacom on Monday, the governor also commended him for Globacom’s positive impact in the telecommunication industry, describing the company as the leader in the telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
“Globacom is our own and a good ambassador of this country as far as telecommunications services are concerned”, said Governor Oyebanji who also added that the Ekiti State Government would be delighted to do business with the company.
He promised that the state would be ready to partner with Globacom, especially in the areas of building a digital economy, fibre connectivity services to take the state to greater heights and in youth empowerments.
Speaking at the event, the leader of the Glo team, Mr. Adeniyi Odejobi, said that Glo pioneered revolutionary changes in the telecommunications industry for the benefit and empowerment of Nigerians in the last two decades.
He explained that the company was the largest integrated telecommunications service provider in Nigeria, servicing enterprises, large corporates, public sector organizations, SMEs and millions of individuals all over Nigeria as well as a total digital solutions provider.
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