Federal government has filed a six-count charge against nine defendants over allegations bordering on disseminating false information on the recent rumour about the impeachment of Godswil Akpabio, senate president.

Godswil Akpabio, senate president

The charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/555/2024, was filed at a Federal High Court in Abuja on October 21 by A. A. Yusuf, deputy director of Public Prosecution of the Federation.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the defendants were alleged to have published the false information on October 16 that the Department of State Services laid siege to the National Assembly with a view to effecting Akpabio’s impeachment.

The Federal Government sued the Incorporated Trustee of Order Paper (on whose online platform the false information was allegedly published), Oke Epia (Founder/Publisher and Executive Director of Order Paper), and Tony Okeke Ofodile (Head of Operations) as first to third defendants.

Also joined as fourth and fifth defendants were Edna Bill Ulaeto (Admin/Finance Executive) and Elizabeth Atime (National Assembly lead reporter, author of report).

Others were Regina Udo (Coordinator of Programmes), Leah Twaki (Social Media Executive), Idongesit Joseph Ekoh (Admin Support) and Edoesomi Sharon Omonegho (National Assembly correspondent) as sixth to 9th defendants respectively.

In count one, the prosecution accused the Order Paper (Incorporated Trustee), of Suit C12, Halima Plaza, Plot 1496, Balanga Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, through its agents; Oke Epia, Tony Okeke Ofordile, Edna Bill Ulacto, and Elizabeth Atime, and others at large, of publishing a false information via its online platform.

They were said to have on or about October 16 alleged that “the DSS laid siege to the National Assembly over plans to impeach the Senate President, which you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 24(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under the same section.”

The defendants and others at large, in count two, were alleged to have intentionally published defamatory statements regarding the DSS and Akpabio on their online platforms.

The case is yet to be assigned to a judge as of the time of filing the report.

The organizers of AfriTECH 4.0 are thrilled to announce the official sponsors of this year’s event, showcasing a lineup of renowned organizations committed to advancing Africa’s digital transformation, with QNET emerging as Gold Sponsors.

Set to take place at Oriential Hotels, Lekki Road, Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday November-07-2024, AfriTECH 4.0 is Africa’s premier technology and innovation conference, uniting industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts from across the continent.

The theme for AfriTECH 4.0, “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy,” reflects the urgent need to harness technology for sustainable development across the region.

This year’s sponsors include major players in ecommerce (Direct Selling), telecommunications, artificial intelligence/blockchain technology, finance/digital assets, and cybersecurity, each recognized for their contributions to shaping Africa’s digital economy.

Official Sponsors of AfriTECH 4.0:

QNET – GOLD SPONSOR

QNET is a prominent lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct selling business model to offer a wide selection of exclusive products that enable individuals to embrace a healthier, more balanced life.

Since 1998, QNET’s innovative products and e-commerce-driven business model have helped build a global community of satisfied customers and microentrepreneurs, who are driven by the mission of RYTHM – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. Popular product brands offered by QNET include the Bernhard H. Mayer range of luxury watches and jewellery, HomePure range of home care products, the Amezcua wellness range, Physio Radiance personal care range, and QVI branded holiday packages.

QNET proudly holds memberships in the Direct Selling Association in several countries, the Hong Kong Health Food Association, the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, and more.

QNET is also active in several global sports sponsorships including in its role as the official direct selling partner of the Manchester City Football Club and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underscoring its commitment to excellence and global reach.  Discover a world of new possibilities with QNET by visiting www.qnet.net.

Galaxy Backbone

Galaxy Backbone was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to operate a nationwide IP-based network that will provide a common platform for connectivity and other infrastructure services for all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Galaxy Backbone currently owns and operates a 1482Km optical fibre backbone from Abuja across 13 states of the federation, with 19 more states coming. They also own and operate a 375km metro optical fibre network covering Abuja and other parts of the FCT.

As one of the telecommunications services provider in Africa, Galaxy Backbone’s sponsorship underlines the importance of robust connectivity infrastructure in driving digital transformation. GBB will showcase its innovative services and network solutions designed to empower businesses and individuals across Africa.

Digital Realty (Nigeria)

Digital Realty Nigeria is a data center operator that offers colocation, interconnection, and data center solutions. As part of Digital Realty, a global data center provider with over 300 facilities in more than 25 countries, Digital Realty Nigeria offers secure and scalable infrastructure, access to undersea cables, and carriers to connect to Europe and the Mediterranean.

Digital Realty Nigeria has a data center in Lagos, Nigeria, called LOS1, located at 8A Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island. Digital Realty Nigeria also has a data center in the Lekki area of Lagos, and plans for a fourth campus in the Ikeja area.

Hyperspace Technologies

Hyperspace Technologies is a Lagos-based web3 startup that offers web solutions, including websites, web applications, branding, marketing, and hosting. The company also has a focus on security, with a patented product called cipherKEY tap2sign MFA that uses blockchain, public/private key cryptography, and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to protect against identity theft, phishing, and social engineering.

Open Access Data Centres (OADC)

With the development of Africa’s digital economy a significant driving force for the continent’s economic growth, the launch of Open Access Data Centres (OADC) represents a major milestone for Africa: a US$500 million-plus, multi-year investment programme that will strengthen key elements of the continent’s digital infrastructure.

OADC has made a significant impact on the market in terms of its rapid speed in building a network of data centres and flexible client solutions. Learn more about OADC at AfriTECh 4.0.

Honourable Mentions: Several other sponsors, including leading tech startups and industry associations, are contributing to the success of AfriTECH 4.0, ensuring the event delivers on its promise to be a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration, and thought leadership.

They include, Digital Encode Limited, Tecom, Northsnow, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited, Cyberchain, Lagos Blockchain Week, InnovationBed Africa, amongst others.

AfriTECH 4.0 will feature keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions, focusing on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. This year’s sponsors will take center stage to share their insights and offer practical solutions to the challenges facing Africa’s digital economy.

Speaking on the sponsorships, Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener, and AfriTECH 4.0 Organizing Committee Chairman, said:

“We are excited to have such a strong group of sponsors onboard for AfriTECH 4.0. These organizations are not only leaders in their respective fields but also catalysts for change in Africa’s digital ecosystem. Their support underscores the importance of collaboration in shaping Africa’s digital future.”

AfriTECH 4.0 is expected to draw hundreds of attendees, including government representatives, business executives, technology experts, and innovators from across the continent and beyond. With the support of its sponsors, AfriTECH 4.0 is set to be a landmark event, driving conversations and initiatives that will propel Africa’s digital economy to new heights.

For more information about AfriTECH 4.0, including sponsorship opportunities, visit the website: https://africatechallianceforum.africa/.

Participation is free, but you are required to register via the link here: https://bit.ly/3ZPdi88.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has got this appointment spot on.

He has just appointed Sunday Akin Dare, as special adviser on Public Communications and Orientation.

Sunday Dare

Dare is a square peg in a square hole and a great public writer with poise and balance, who conveys confidence and provide a firm base from which to project his voice.

He is a Nigerian journalist, who served as minister of Youth and Sports from 2019 to 2023.

Dare previously held the position of executive commissioner, Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), having been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2016.

With mastery of public writing and speaking, Dare, has an impeccable professional and public record.

Born May 29, 1966, he is arguably the most strategic, intelligent, passion driven, goal oriented, role fulfilling and competent best youth and sports minister in the history of Nigeria.

Committed, determined, hardworking and team spirited; Dare has requisite education which has equipped him for duties assigned to him.

Until his appointment at NCC, he was the convener of the Social Media Clinic (SMC), a Media/Information Technology (New Media) initiative, committed to educating private citizens on IT development and also in the use of telecommunication as an information tool and creating awareness on how to responsibly use the platform provided by advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

At NCC, he has brought a wonderful combination of incisiveness and approachability, and completely demystified public office with his open door policy.

He was assigned to oversee aspects of the operations of the NCC and brief the minister on issues, challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s emerging telecommunications market

A great motivator, he has always left indelible marks wherever he been called upon to serve.

He was chief of staff /special adviser (Media) to Ahmed Bola Tinubu, former Lagos State Governor, as well as senior special assistant (Media) / chief of staff to the Minister of Information and Communications in 2009.

A graduate of International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Dare has decades of multimedia journalism experience spanning about 25 years (1991 and 2016).

He was the chief, Hausa Service, African Division, Voice of America (VOA) in Washington, DC from 2001 to 2009, and was a founding member of the Nigerian weekly magazines The News and Tempo in the heady days of the military, where he served as editor, Tempo magazine and pioneer online editor/general.

Dare is a recipient of many awards and has been recognized internationally, including being identified as one of the 50 Leading Nigerians in North America 2010 in commemoration of Nigeria’s 50th Anniversary.

He also won the Voice of America Meritorious Honour Award 2009 in recognition of his skillful leadership and outstanding performance; and he also bagged a Committee to Protect Journalists Citation in 2000 by the New York based organization in acknowledgement of his courage as a journalist.

A right peg in every place he has served, Dare, is a member and associate of several professional bodies including the US based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) the Investigative Workshop, American University and a former Knight Fellow, International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), Washington DC.

Dare, will be a valuable asset to President Tinubu’s government as he brings his uncommon candour to nation building.

His critical thinking and strategic planning skills will come handy for the administration. He is good pick.