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47 African Countries Agree on Frequency Coordination for Digital Switchover

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Emeka Mba, DG, NBC
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Frequency coordination negotiations have succeeded in setting up the mechanism to deploy digital television in 47 Sub-Saharan African countries. 

 

The consolidation of national plans to implement the digital switchover in the African region is in conformity with the deadlines of June 2015 (for UHF) and June 2020 (for VHF in 33 countries) set in 2006 by ITU’s Regional Radio communication Conference (RRC-06), which adopted the GE06 TV Plan.

 

This landmark also makes Africa the first region to be in a position in 2015 to allocate bandwidth freed up by the transition to digital television – the so-called ‘digital dividend’ – to the mobile service for both the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. 

 

Decisions of the World Radio communication Conference 2012 (WRC-12) to facilitate availability of the digital dividend to the mobile service will be effective with some technical refinements immediately after the next World Radio communication Conference in 2015 (WRC-15).

 

Hamadoun I. Touré, ITU secretary-general expressed his appreciation to the high level of cooperation extended to the process by African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and Mr Abdoulkarim Soumail, its secretary-general.

 

Mr François Rancy, director of ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau, announced that sub-Saharan African countries have begun submitting official modifications to the GE06 Plan following the final frequency coordination meeting held in Nairobi, 17-19 July 2013 and the deadline of 31 August set for notifications.

 

“The objective was to enable African countries to allocate the digital dividend to mobile services in the band 694-862 MHz, as a regionally harmonized implementation of the decisions taken at the World Radio communication Conference in 2012,” Rancy said. 

 

“This objective was reached by re-planning the spectrum requirements of television broadcasting in the 470-694 MHz frequency band.”

 

The meeting in Nairobi organized jointly by ITU and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and hosted by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), attracted 124 participants from 35 Member States. 

 

It was the third and last overall coordination meeting of African countries, after similar meetings in Bamako (March 2011) and Kampala (April 2011) and a number of other bilateral and multilateral meetings held in 2011 and 2012.

 

 


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KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”, First in Africa

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For the first time in Africa, radio is no longer just about listening to music and advertisements; it’s added shopping.

KongaFM -103.7 Launches "Shop On Radio”, First in Africa

KongaFM -103.7, Nigeria’s pioneering Hit Music & Commerce radio station, is set to change the way Nigerians buy and sell with the official launch of “Shop On Radio” on Monday, February 24, 2025.

This is a game changer at a time when the NCC approved an increase in data costs by 50%.

This groundbreaking initiative, powered by an innovative partnership between KongaFM and Konga.com, turns live radio broadcasts into an interactive shopping experience, allowing listeners to place orders seamlessly, even without expending much cash on data.

Nigerian shoppers now have more options with Konga.com, and most importantly, they can enjoy unbeatable prices on all items announced live on radio.

Plus, customers in Lagos can benefit from same-day delivery for orders placed before 12 noon.

Shoppers are encouraged to open a wallet with Kongapay.com as stock may be limited and orders shall be treated on a first-come, first-served basis upon payment.

According to Mayowa Oladeji, Communications Lead at KongaFM, this marks a major shift in the e-commerce landscape.

“For the first time in Africa, radio is becoming an interactive shopping destination, bringing together millions of listeners and turning them into instant shoppers.

We urge manufacturers and business owners to seize this opportunity by reaching out via WhatsApp, email, or Konga.com to showcase their products to a ready market.

Thanks to our innovative partnership, customers in Lagos who order during the show will enjoy guaranteed best prices and same-day delivery, while we conclude logistics for same-day delivery in other major cities of Nigeria before the month of June this year, making shopping faster and more convenient than ever.

This is a component of the future of commerce in Africa powered by KongaFM -103.7, streaming globally on kongafm.com 24 hours every day”

How It Works

Listeners can tune in to “Shop On Radio” every morning from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and again in the evening from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Products will be announced live on air, often with exclusive discounts, and customers can place orders instantly via WhatsApp or Konga.com.

A KongaFM representative confirms the order, and for Lagos-based shoppers, delivery is completed the same day; a service made possible by Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet of 140 trucks, buses, and over 120 motorbikes.

Beyond Lagos, Nigerians across the country, and even in the diaspora, can participate by streaming live at kongafm.com, ensuring that no one is left out of this retail revolution.

A Win-Win for Shoppers and Businesses

With high internet costs, trust issues, and logistical inefficiencies still posing challenges to e-commerce in Nigeria, Shop On Radio offers a data-free, fast, and trusted alternative for both buyers and sellers.

For shoppers, this means exclusive deals, quick and easy WhatsApp ordering, and guaranteed same-day delivery in Lagos. For businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and SMEs, this is a golden opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience instantly and boost sales in real time.

Shoppers and merchants beyond Lagos can also seamlessly place orders or advertise their businesses, with Konga Logistics ensuring timely and efficient nationwide delivery.

To further enhance the experience, Konga.com has upgraded its call center to handle increased order volumes, ensuring smooth transactions and customer support.

More Than Just Shopping—A 24/7 Experience

KongaFM is more than a marketplace; it’s a dynamic platform designed to cater to diverse audiences.

The station kicks off each day from 5 – 7 am with Morning Inspiration, featuring the best global gospel music with uplifting words to start your day blessed, captioned -Start your Day with God, and the same All Sundays. It is inspiring for entrepreneurs, students, the unemployed, the employed, and those who are retired. It is unbelievable these contents are domiciled in a Nigerian radio station powered by AI, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience beyond commerce.

KongaFM 103.7, in support of a new economy, is also extending free advertisement to both big, medium, and small businesses to showcase their products.  Interested companies are advised to call 07080635705 or email [email protected]

The future of shopping is here. Don’t just listen. Shop, sell, and save; all on KongaFM -103.7!


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FG Kickstarts Construction of Emerging Technologies Institute in Kano

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Federal Government of Nigeria has marked a significant milestone on Friday, 14th February 2025, by breaking ground for the construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI).

This institute, under the aegis of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), aims to ensure the socio-economic wellbeing of future generations. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus.

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chaiman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, during the Ground-breaking ceremony held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus said the new institute sits on 30 hectares of the BUK land to be built, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs devoted to Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, complemented by reliable power supply. “NASENI will fully build and equip and support the new Institute” said the EVC/CEO.

The future of socio-economic development for nations rests on human creativity, innovation and cooperation, Artificial intelligence, robotics amongst others.

Halilu said that the establishment of SETI in Nigeria is to rapidly respond to the waves of young people globally revolutionizing world economies with unprecedented emergence of socio-economic frontiers as by-products of innovations and ingenuities of these young minds.

“We in NASENI are firm believers in the potential of young Nigerians to be the prime catalysts of the type of transformation that Nigeria requires. And we will do everything within our powers to support them to fulfil this important responsibility”

“We are gathered here today to kickstart a project that will transform the lives and careers of future generations of young Nigerians. The Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI), located at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) by NASENI. This is very much in line with our operating principles; what we call our 3Cs: Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization. These 3Cs are the principles that passionately drive us and guide the work that we do to ensure the industrialization of Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

SETI will produce innovators, technologists, entrepreneurs who will make their mark not just in Nigeria but around the world. “I’m eagerly looking forward to the day, not too long from now, when the Institute’s first set of beneficiaries will astonish the world with what they’re capable of accomplishing. These stories will put not just BUK on the global innovation map, but also Kano State and the entire Nigeria” said Halilu.

While carrying out the symbolic foundation laying ceremony of the institute as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, described the project as not only laudable but NASENI’s another way of fast-tracking the placing of Nigeria on the global map of innovation and industrialization. The minister called the project an “ace project” and a pointer to secure a veritable socio-economic development for the nation.

In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas described the new institute as a vehicle for bringing together the three critical tripods for economic and sustainable development for nations, that is, the government, academia and industry. He described the ground-breaking event as the beginning of Nigeria’s journey in pursuit of sustainable development, massive job creation opportunities for the youths, and that the BUK was delighted to be host to such laudable initiative and momentum.

There is also, in addition to SETI, a second NASENI project for BUK is an Agri-preneurship Training Hub, that will be equipped with modern greenhouses, and facilities for Soil-less Farming, and Tissue Culture; occupying 10 hectares of land at the Old Campus. These projects collectively represent what NASENI stands for, that is, building capacity, advancing industrialization, supporting economic growth and prosperity.

NASENI appreciates the Government and people of Kano State, and the Vice Chancellor, management and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK), for all the support. Special gratitude goes to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Special Guest of Honour.

NASENI thanked members of the National Assembly for their support, especially the NASENI oversight Committees in both chambers. And of course, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has given NASENI the opportunity to serve Nigeria through his unwavering demonstration of commitment to the success of the Agency.


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Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach

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The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.

The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.

The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.

The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.

“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society.

“He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.

Honouring his passion for education

The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.

Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor

At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.

Reaching out to orphaned children

The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children. The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy

Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.

“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.


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