Telecom
AfICTF Calls for Technology Interventions in Healthcare
The African ICT Foundation, (AfICTf) has advocated for more information technology intervention to tackle the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic even as most part of Africa continues to ease several lockdown protocols instituted by African governments.
It also tasks start-ups on the need to define strategies that are adaptable to current realities and at the same time establish guidelines for the post COVID-19 period.
In a webinar hosted by the foundation on ‘Post COVID-19 Recovery Map for Africa’s MSMES’, Mr. Oludare Akinbo, member of the Board of Trustee (BOT), while speaking on the “Impact of COVID-19 on the African Health Sector and the way Forward”, stressed the need to encourage investors and other private donors to invest in health infrastructures in Africa.
According to him, the COVID-19 has created impact on the African health sector affecting health workers, the average Africans, infrastructure and finance as well as the patients.
Akinbo noted that there are already increased cost of care and heightened risk in the health sectors across countries in the continent noting that the sector needs infrastructure and financing.
While expressing concern about the heavy toll on healthcare providers as well as the increased cost of care and risk to health, Akinbo called for improved and collaborative healthcare financing including increased Investment on infrastructure and basic healthcare.
He disclosed that the pandemic has exposed the need for Pro Active Healthcare System and the need for good PHC in Africa.
Also speaking at the webinar, Racheal Orumor, second Vice President, African ICT Foundation, in a presentation, ‘Beyond COVID-19: African Startups Persistence Strategy’, urged startups to note that cessation of activities has been worrisome for most promoters, and they are unwilling to keep up with investment.
According to her, startups are facing many difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the crisis period is widening with its duration still indefinite.
To survive this period, she suggested for startups, a collaborative work and social interaction as key elements for the development of innovative ideas.
Orumor observed that the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced team efficiency for start-ups, and that the crisis has made in-presence collaborative work to be suppressed or reduced while most non-tech startups are now faced with the decision of choosing the adequate and cost efficient soft tool.
She further noted that for start-ups, customer engagement is dropping, particularly in Africa were most of them depend on in-presence engagement with their potential customers and clients.
While describing the drop in customer engagement as a setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, she also noted that for start-ups business, digital identity is still a challenge in Africa since trustworthiness is mostly established via physical contact.
Orumor who is also the Startup Innovation Consultant at the International Francophone Organisation and Chief Executive Officer of Soft Digital, Republic of Benin, disclosed that the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is creating new needs and forcing consumers to favour certain types of services over others.
She suggested that a start-up wishing to offer its services in this period of crisis must therefore adapt to doorstep delivery which has its own complexities that varies from one customer to the other.
According to her, these start-up guidelines and strategy for the post COVID-19 Covid-19 period are critical noting that “start-ups should consider offering more attractive terms for potential promoters such as angels investors or venture capitalists who have the capital to invest in the current environment.”
On how to find financial support during this crisis period, Orumor urged start-ups to look in the direction of institutions offering special COVID-19 loans and grants to help businesses in different countries.
She however said that criteria for getting funding approval may vary from country to country and that start-ups should contact designated institutions in their country for more information.
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the recent increase in tariffs by telecommunications companies in Nigeria, threatening to embark on a nationwide protest to compel a reversal.
In a statement jointly signed on Thursday in Abuja by Comrade Anzaku Shedrack Ovye, national secretary-general, NANS and Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, the student body gave the Federal Government and telecommunications companies a 72-hour ultimatum to reverse the tariff increase.
The students warned that upon the expiration of the ultimatum, students across the country would be mobilized for a series of street protests nationwide to ensure a reversal.
They argued that the arbitrary action of telecommunications companies has further exacerbated the financial burden on millions of Nigerians, particularly students and youths, who are among the dominant end-users of their services.
The statement read in part:
“This decision, which has led to a significant rise in the cost of calls, data, and other communication services, is both unjustifiable and insensitive, given the prevailing economic challenges faced by the populace.
“NANS views this development as a blatant disregard for the welfare of Nigerian citizens and an affront to the principles of affordability and accessibility that should govern the telecommunications sector.
“This administration is committed to promoting the welfare of Nigerian students; hence, it will vehemently oppose any tendency that does not align with this vision.
“NANS is deeply concerned about the adverse impact this tariff hike will have on students, many of whom rely heavily on affordable telecommunications services for academic research, virtual learning, and staying connected with their families.
“Therefore, it is worrisome to comprehend the justifications for these increments, as NANS considers this action a direct threat to the security of Nigerian students and an attempt to further impede their ability to navigate their academic endeavors, maintain familial connections, and secure legitimate personal incomes, particularly for independent students responsible for their upkeep.
“We hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to telecommunications companies, the Honourable Minister for Innovation, Digital and Blue Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission to reverse this tariff increase and provide a clear roadmap for ensuring affordable telecommunications services for all Nigerians.
“Failure to comply with this ultimatum will leave NANS with no choice but to mobilize students across the nation for a series of peaceful protests to demand justice, accountability, and a comprehensive audit of activities in the telecommunications sector,” NANS stated.
The leadership of NANS maintained that as student representatives, they would not stand idly by while the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, which they have vowed to protect, are trampled upon by greed, “corporate capitalism,” and regulatory complicity.
NANS also called on the Federal Government to intervene promptly and decisively to address this issue.
Additionally, they urged telecommunications companies to prioritize the interests of their customers over profit margins and to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to find sustainable solutions rather than inflict further hardship on Nigerians who are already struggling economically.
“As the voice of Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to advocating for policies and actions that promote equity, fairness, and the overall well-being of all Nigerians.
“We will continue to hold all parties and duty-bearers accountable to ensure that the rights of students and citizens are protected,” the statement added.
QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness direct-selling company, has been recognized with three Silver Stevie® Awards, highlighting its impact in environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and product innovation.
The accolades, presented at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, honor the QNET Green Legacy Programme, its fight against plastic pollution through the VeryNile partnership, and Bernhard H. Mayer’s OMNI Watch, a luxury timepiece crafted with sustainable materials.
The Stevie Awards are among the most prestigious business awards worldwide, recognizing outstanding corporate achievements.
This latest recognition cements QNET’s commitment to empowering communities, driving environmental change, and pioneering sustainable business practices.
“These awards are a testament to QNET’s ongoing efforts to create meaningful impact,” said Trevor Kuna, Chief Marketing Officer at QNET.
“From equipping young people with financial literacy through FinGreen, to tackling plastic pollution in the Nile, and redefining sustainable luxury with the OMNI Watch, we are dedicated to making a difference.
“This recognition reaffirms our commitment to responsible business practices that benefit both people and the planet.”
QNET Green Legacy Programme: A Commitment to a Greener Future
The QNET Green Legacy Programme, which received a Silver Stevie® Award, is an environmental sustainability initiative focused on reforestation and carbon footprint reduction. As part of this programme, QNET has pledged to plant a tree for every OMNI Watch sold—an initiative that has already led to over 16,000 trees being planted worldwide.
The Green Legacy Programme reflects QNET’s long-term vision for a healthier planet through proactive green initiatives.
Tackling Plastic Pollution with VeryNile
QNET’s partnership with VeryNile was recognized for its environmental impact, having removed over 5,000 kilograms of plastic waste from the River Nile.
The initiative not only cleans one of the world’s most polluted waterways but also supports local fishermen and artisans, who repurpose collected plastic into usable products—creating both economic opportunities and a circular economy around waste management.
Sustainable Luxury: Bernhard H. Mayer’s OMNI Watch
The OMNI Watch, a timepiece from Bernhard H. Mayer, integrates sustainability into high-end watchmaking. Made with recycled stainless steel, RCS-certified thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) straps, and eco-friendly packaging, the OMNI Watch aligns with the growing demand for ethical luxury.
As part of its Green Legacy programme, QNET has pledged to plant a tree for every OMNI Watch sold—an initiative that has already led to over 16,000 trees being planted worldwide.
QNET’s triple Stevie® win reflects its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and financial empowerment.
As the company continues integrating responsible business practices, it aims to drive lasting impact in industries and communities across the globe. For more information about the QNET, visit www.qnet.net
Osa Director, Lagos-based lawyer and veteran journalist, has asked a federal high court to dissolve the board of MTN Nigeria, accusing the telecom giant of industry capture, undue dominance and influence peddling.
Osa Director, Lagos-based lawyer and veteran journalist,
In suit No. FHC/L/CS/1413/24 filed at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, Osa, via an originating summons, is seeking the court to dissolve the board of MTN.
He is accusing the telecommunications company of industry capture, undue dominance and influence peddling with the way and manner it cleverly filled its board with men and women with regulatory agency experience and reach.
“The board of MTN being occupied by individuals who have a history of regulatory oversight, taxation authority and pensions will undermine the integrity of our various institutions and create room for influence peddling and regulatory capture, he averred in his affidavit.
According to the pro democracy activist and author of Suicide Journalism, he is compelled to file the suit as a corporate governance expert and for his commitment to ensuring fair play and equal opportunities for all the players in the telecommunications sector.
In the process filed at the court, Osa is seeking the court to dissolve the board of MTN because it deliberately populated it with persons that have industry regulatory experience in the telecommunications and auxiliary sector.
For example, he argued that Engineer Ernest Ndukwe, who is the current chairman of the MTN board, was the pioneer Executive Vice Chairman of the National Communication Commission (NCC) which was a licensor and chief regulator of MTN.
Also, Mrs Ifueko Omogui Okauro, another director on the board of MTN, was the pioneer Chief Executive of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) between 2004 and 2012.
During the said period, MTN was found guilty of engaging in tax evasion to the tune of $ 72.5 million.
Mrs Omobola Johnson, pioneer minister of Communication Technology, is a board member of MTN.
The ministry is responsible for performing oversight functions over MTN.
Similarly, Alhaji Mohammad K. Ahmad, pioneer Director General and Chief Executive of National Pension Commission (Pencom), completes the circle of persons with regulatory agency experience who are on the board of MTN.
Such a constituted board gives undue dominance and advantage to MTN. Indeed, it amounts to influence peddling and industry capture.
Therefore, the relief sought by the Plaintiff is a declaration that the appointments of the affected officers to the board of MTN contravenes universally acceptable corporate governance practices.
Therefore, the court should grant an order nullifying their appointments. A perpetual injunction restraining the affected persons, their servants, agents and or privies from either further appointing or accepting any such appointment.
The Plaintiff is also requesting the court to mandate the affected persons to refund benefits, monetary or otherwise, already received by them by their appointments.
A cost of Fifty Million Naira is demanded to be awarded against the defendants.
The matter came for hearing on Tuesday, 11th March 2025 and has elicited the interest and attention of many Nigerians interested in corporate governance.
The Plaintiff’s lead counsel is a pro democracy activist, Prince Ademola Adewale, while MTN is represented by Fabian Ajogwu, SAN. The matter is before Justice Dipeolu.
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