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Community Radios: Small Stations with Big Benefits
The potential of radio as a tool of social development is being utilized throughout the globe, be it developing or developed world.
In Nigeria, with the rampant illiteracy, unemployment, ignorance and multiple social and ethnic issues, the usage of radio as an agent to bring about social change is the demand of time.
That is why we welcome the move by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to license community radio stations to ensure maximum community participation in the development processes.
NBC recognises as a key agent of democratization for social, cultural and economic development.
According to the commission it is a non-profit, grassroots public broadcast service medium through which community members are able to contribute and foster civic responsibility and integration.
Community radio stations are usually set up ‘by the community, for the community’.
They differ from national or international radio broadcasters because they feature local news and issues and often include local people in the programmes. They are also able to broadcast in the local language.
Though, it appears the influence of the good old radio is on the decline, overshadowed by the other media and new communication technologies, radio is still a strong force, especially community radios.
Through community radio stations, listeners in remote rural areas can hear news, practical information and the views of their neighbours.
Community radio is very powerful because of the notion of “quality of place” strengthening along the line; “cultural health” of the community; empowering citizens by providing a forum for a diversity of viewpoints and ideas.
It also promotes awareness of community-based organizations and services, supports local artists, musicians, and cultural activities, and offers an effective instrument for community development while complimenting state and local educational efforts.
Importantly, community radio helps to solve health problems by spreading awareness concerning it, disseminates information faster, eradicates ignorance and gives ordinary people the chance to air their views.
Community radio, if used correctly can bring peace and stability to a nation, and contribute to successful governance because of its capacity for public enlightenment, education, mobilization and social reconstruction.
We commend the rare foresight of the management of the NBC is seeing the huge benefits accruable from community based radios.
We also trust that the NBC will extend the same world best practice in the regulation of the community radios to avoid it being used by mischief makers.
The commission must make sure that the community radio stations are independent of governments, donors, advertisers or other institutions.
This does not mean that they will not have official relations with these institutions or that it cannot receive funding from them, but the nature of their relations must be governed by clear and transparent agreements that guarantee their non-partisan operation in community-service, while operating within the boundaries defined by the law and by the constitution/guiding principles of the station.
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Cloud Energy Solar Shines Bright with 200 Watts Street Lighting Bulb
Nigeria’s foremost indigenous Renewable Energy Company, decorated by industry partners as the most Outstanding Energy Provider, Cloud Energy Solar, living true to its appellations, is focusing its renewable energy competencies beyond the home and office.
Cloud Energy has increased its impact in street lighting with the design and production of the 200 Watts street lighting bulb.
The 200 Watts bulb consolidates the reputation of brightness and long lasting for the Cloud Energy range of energy saving bulbs, in the homes and offices.
Spurred by the abundance of the sun, the Cloud Energy Solar Company seems challenged to never let the sun set. The Managing Director of Cloud Energy, Mr. Theophilus Nweke, launching the 200 Watts bulb observed that the times are dangerous in terms of security.
Therefore, the brilliance of the street lighting will eliminate all lurking shadows from the streets and security posts. It is an answer to a call to duty for all patriots to deploy their competencies to enhance national security.
The renewable energy boss said that citizens must be prepared to make sacrifice to give Nigeria its deserved place as the giant of Africa. These sacrifices can come from the kind of opportunities that OEMs give to Nigerians. For example, Cloud Energy, a leading solar practitioner is currently offering rooftop solar panels with a flexible payment plan up to two years or more.
Property owners can now design their buildings with solar panels on the roof and keep paying long after they have completed and moved into the houses.
This flexible payment consideration, the Cloud Energy Boss explains, extends to the entire range of Cloud Energy Solar products – Energy storage products, Inverters, Batteries; Lifestyle products, Fridges, Freezers, Fans Television sets, and solar accessories.
These offers are conveyed in a campaign entitled Bridge the Energy Gap, a clear departure from the traditional way of presenting offers in the market.
The bridge has been used as a symbol to convey a sense of professional support, assistance, and partnership.
The bridge beyond meaning a make-up for a shortfall also provides a thorough fare to the energy transition, without bottlenecks. It deletes all doubts and gives a sense of certainty for a transition.to Solar.
The bridge is the fact that Cloud Energy in partnership with its finance partners offers different kinds of payment plan to ensure a done deal, in electricity, without tears.
Cloud Energy, founded in 2015 has earned respect by installing Solar and Inverter systems for discerning clients, mainly academic, research institutions and multi-nationals across the nation.
In less than a decade Cloud Energy has foot prints in the Banking and Finance sector with ATM installations; Homes and Public buildings with Solar Systems; and is a viable partner to governments through the Rural Electrification Project.
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Airtel HR Director, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias Honoured as HR Leader of the Year
The Director of Human Resources and Administration at Airtel Nigeria, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, has been awarded as HR Leader of the Year at the 2024 HR People Magazine Awards, organized by Mapelwood Global Resource.
The award ceremony, held recently at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, celebrated the achievements of outstanding HR professionals across Nigeria who have contributed significantly to organizational success and workplace culture.
Speaking on the recognition, Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, expressed immense pride in Ayo-Elias’s achievement, describing it as a milestone not only for her but also for the company.
“Adebimpe’s impact, dedication, and leadership extend well beyond Airtel, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her influence in the HR field. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to her continued contributions to the industry,” he said.
Receiving the award, Adebimpe expressed gratitude for the honour, reiterating her commitment to advancing world-class HR practices within her organisation.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of those we serve within and beyond the organization. Airtel Nigeria creates an environment that nurtures growth, encourages innovation, and prioritizes the well-being of every employee and as such, this award motivates me to continue championing these values,” she said.
This award reaffirms Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to developing and empowering talent, further establishing the company as a leading force in creating an impactful, forward-thinking workplace.
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Canada Orders TikTok to Shut Down Operations Amid National Security Concerns
Canadian government has ordered TikTok to shut down its operations within Canada, directing the social media platform to close its offices in Toronto and Vancouver.
Despite the office closures, Canadian users will continue to have access to the app itself.
The decision was announced following a national security review led by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that TikTok’s activities posed a threat to national security, though he declined to provide specific details.
“We came to the conclusion that these activities… would be injurious to national security,” Champagne told CBC News, underscoring the seriousness of the government’s actions.
TikTok has voiced strong opposition to the order, vowing to challenge it in court. A spokesperson for TikTok argued that the closure will lead to significant job losses and stated, “Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest.”
The move follows Canada’s previous restrictions on TikTok, including a ban from government-issued devices in 2023 due to privacy and security concerns.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has faced similar scrutiny from the U.S. government, which has also considered further restrictions over national security concerns.
TikTok maintains that it will continue to serve Canadian users on its platform, allowing creators to connect and businesses to operate.
However, the dispute between TikTok and Canadian authorities signals ongoing tensions between governments and the app’s China-based parent company.
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