Telecom
Danbatta Says NCC Plans to Develop Local Content Policy to Reduce Youth Unemployment
Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said that the commission is ready to fully develop local content policy in the country, to reduce youth unemployment.
Local Content Policy is an Act which defines a Nigerian Company to mean a Company registered in Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of the CAMA.
With not less than 51 per cent equity shares owned by Nigerians mandates investors in the sector to consider Nigerian content is an important element in project development.
Danbatta, represented by Mrs Felicia Onwegbuchulam, Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC stated this on Tuesday in Abuja when members of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry visited the commission.
He said that NCC was happy about the entrepreneurial training programme that the chamber had in place for youths.
“We just came back from a retreat and one of the high points is that we hope to have local content fully developed in the country.
“If you notice, most of the things we used in the Telecom industry are imported and we believe that the industry has developed to a point that we should begin to produce those things.
“One of the ways we can achieve that is by harnessing the potential in our youths.
“It is quite interesting that your organisation has put something in place as a number of youths graduated from the training recently, “ he said.
Danbatta said that training of youths was one area the commission would partner with the chamber, as one of the things the commission was looking forward to in ensuring drastic reduction in unemployment rate.
He said that NCC goal was to empower the youths by making them employers of labour rather that allowing them to stroll the streets in search of jobs not available.
“ We have creative minds, as most people go out of the country and excel with enabling environment they can also do well here. ‘’
Danbatta said that NCC would continue to partner with the chamber, adding that strategic partnership was one of the strong pillars of the commission.
“We partner with people that add value to what we do and organisations that support our endeavour to ensure we deliver on our mandate as a commission and your chamber is one of them.
Earlier, Alhaji Abubakar AI-Mujtaba, first Deputy President, Abuja, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the chamber had been in existence for 31 years with about 3,000 members.
“Our coming here is not only on a courtesy visit, but also to consolidate on the relationship we have built over the years between NCC and the chamber.
“The more of people like you we have, the stronger we become.
“We are also inviting the EVC to become an honourary council member, he had accepted and we are happy with that, ‘’ he said.
Mrs Tonia Shoyele, Director –General of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the chamber had four centres: Abuja Trade Centre, Dispute Resolution Centre, Policy and Advocacy Centre and Business Entrepreneurial Skills and technology Centre.
Shoyele said that the chamber trained people on vocational skills, adding that a month ago, it graduated about 240 youths in photography, website design, drawing and other things.
She said the chamber had an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Incubator hub where it could partner with NCC as part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities(CSR).
“We assist in the training of youths for phone repairs and get things right in the telecommunication sector.
“We ask for more support to ensure the success of our upcoming trade fair later in the year, “he said.
Telecom
Airtel Nigeria Leads Telecom Market Surge
In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.
According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.
In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.
Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.
This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.
Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Telecom
Airtel Boosts NIPR Public Relations Week with Onsite Unlimited Data Connection
Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.
The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.
“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”
According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.
Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.
With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.
Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.
Telecom
World Earth Day: Kuda Partners with Wecyclers to Clean up Communities in Lagos
In a landmark partnership aimed at promoting sustainable waste management practices, Kuda Microfinance Bank and Wecyclers collaborated to commemorate World Earth Day on April 22, 2024. The collaboration featured a series of impactful activities designed to raise awareness and foster environmental stewardship.
The activities on the day included a webinar session facilitated by renowned expert in environmental management and head of ESG at Wecyclers, Omobolanle Olowu, during which she shared startling data on plastic pollution in Nigeria. She also discussed the importance of proper waste management and its significance in preserving the planet for future generations, providing valuable insights and practical tips on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.
In a published study on plastic pollution in Nigeria, the country ranked ninth globally for plastic pollution with an estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic waste generated annually and less than 12% of those waste materials recycled.
Also on the day, Kuda staff volunteered for an environmental cleanup exercise, during which they took to parts of Apapa Road, Ebute Metta to empty gutters and collect plastics and other recyclable materials for recycling.
In addition, volunteers from Kuda gained firsthand knowledge of innovative waste management solutions during a guided tour of Wecyclers’ facility in Ebute Metta. The tour showcased Wecyclers’ pioneering efforts in recycling and waste upcycling, demonstrating how technology can be leveraged to address environmental challenges effectively.
Speaking about the collaboration, Emmanuel Femi-Adejobi, Senior Brand Manager at Kuda, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential to drive positive change. “We [Kuda] are committed to promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. We also believe that our responsibility is not only to our customers and other stakeholders but also the environment that we all share. Partnering with Wecyclers allows us to inspire communities to adopt eco-friendly practices,” he said.
“Our initiatives towards achieving a sustainable environment and achieving a green earth goes beyond just recycling. We aim to inspire a broader commitment to waste minimization, reusing materials and proper sustainable waste management. As we commemorate World Earth Day, we encourage our staff, customers and general public as a whole to embrace actions that promote a green, safe earth for all,” he added.
Likewise, Esther Chibueyin Fagbo, Head, Human Resources and Partnerships at Wecyclers, emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental issues. “It is very important for organisations to collaborate on initiatives that help save the environment. We are excited about this partnership because such partnerships are crucial to creating awareness and educating people about the impact of plastic waste on the planet and how they can contribute to a change that we all deserve.”
Kuda’s collaboration with Wecyclers emphasises its commitment to sustainability and championing proactive efforts through education, engagement and action to create an environmentally conscious population and a sustainable tomorrow.
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