Telecom
FG Inaugurates More Emergency Communication Centres Nationwide
Dr Isa Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has said that 23 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) were inaugurated in some states of the federation, with 13 others underway.
Dr Isa Ibrahim Pantami
He said that the projects would be achieved by 2022, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Pantami made the disclosure on Monday at the Batch 10 Launching of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) projects in Abuja.
The launching of the projects, which held virtually, was in line with the Digital Economy agenda 2020 to 2030 and President Muhammadu Buhari’s target to fight corruption, transform the economy and ensure security.
The projects launched were the National Policy on Virtual Engagements in the Federal Public Institutions, ECC Akure, Ondo State, and Digital Economy Centre (DEC), Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State.
Others were DEC, Delta State University, Abraka and DEC, Government Secondary School, Rigasa (Main), Kaduna State.
Pantami explained that the National Policy on Virtual Engagements, which was institutionalised in collaboration with Office of the Head of Service, was to ensure the legality of virtual meetings in public service.
He said the ECC was designed to be present in every state of the federation for emergencies while the DECs, coordinated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), were to facilitate learning in tertiary institutions.
“In less than two years, we have commissioned around 23 emergency communications centres all over the country and we have around 13 underway.
“It is our plan to have at least one ECC in every state of the federation by 2022.
“These centres are very important; it is a toll free number and if you make a call nothing will be deducted from your mobile account.
“This is to make it easier for all citizens to patronise; and which will go a long way to support citizens in emergency cases, security situations,” he said.
Pantami added that the virtual engagements had saved cost for the FG, hence the money deployed to other areas of governance.
According to him, the DECs are being equipped with computers for both students and staff members, internet facilities, solar system, and in some cases backup generator for power.
“The DEC will serve as a capacity Building Centre to enable the promotion of knowledge-based economic growth, an avenue for creating jobs and providing access to information, knowledge and government enabled digital services for rural communities.
“The centre is an avenue for stimulating economic growth by creating new products, increasing productivity and promoting new commercial and administrative methods.
“The ECC project was set up to promote and enhance public safety through the use of the 112 number, designated as the Universal Safety and Emergency Assistance Number, for telephone services generally.
“It will encourage and facilitate the prompt deployment of a seamless, ubiquitous and reliable end-to-end infrastructure for emergency communications needs,” he said.
Similarly, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, minister for States, Mines and Steel Development, noted that the ICT sector had contributed greatly to the development of the country, hence the need to create a backup policy on virtual engagements.
Also, Mr Yakubu Oseni, Senate Committee chairman on ICT, assured that the legislative arm of government would sustain support to the ministry to ensure digital economy initiatives were achieved.
In the true spirit of the festive season, Globacom has introduced “Glo Take a Guess,” a new value-added service designed to entertain, engage, and reward subscribers across Nigeria.
The interactive trivia game lets customers test their knowledge of everyday topics and lifestyle trends for a chance to win airtime, data, and exciting cash prizes.
According to Globacom, subscribers can join the fun by dialing 209992# and choosing from daily, weekly, or monthly plans. Once subscribed, they’ll receive an SMS confirmation with a link to play.
“Participants stand a chance to win fantastic rewards, including airtime, data, and cash prizes, when they answer trivia questions correctly,” the company explained. “It’s a fun and rewarding experience for everyone.”
Subscription costs ₦100 per day, ₦300 per week, or ₦500 per month — with corresponding rewards of ₦10,000 daily, ₦100,000 weekly, and up to ₦1 million monthly. The more subscribers play, the greater their chances of winning.
Globacom added that “Glo Take a Guess” is more than just a game — it’s a lighthearted way to stay entertained and earn rewards while easing the pressures of rising living costs.
Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has launched an exciting new lottery service — Glo Play Up — designed to blend fun, anticipation, and the prospect of life-changing rewards for its subscribers.
Glo Play Up offers Nigerians a simple yet thrilling opportunity to turn small predictions into multi-million-naira wins. The game invites subscribers to pick a lucky number between 1 and 9 for a chance to strike gold.
To participate, Glo customers simply dial *400# or send their chosen number via SMS to 400. Each entry costs just ₦100, and players can either subscribe daily or play on demand — whenever inspiration strikes.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom described the initiative as more than just a game of chance, but a celebration of hope and possibility.
“We understand the optimism and adventurous spirit of Nigerians,” the company explained. “People love to dream, play, and believe in the power of that one big win. Glo Play Up makes that dream more attainable — it’s easy to play, affordable, and truly rewarding.”
Every Friday at 4 p.m., a weekly draw will take place at Glo’s Head Office, where ten lucky subscribers will each receive ₦1 million. In addition, a grand prize winner will be announced monthly, walking away with an impressive ₦10 million. Winners will be hosted at their nearest Glo Regional Office, and all cash prizes will be credited directly into their MoneyMaster Wallet accounts.
With Glo Play Up, entertainment meets empowerment — reinforcing Globacom’s commitment to innovation, connection, and customer delight. The service not only promises excitement but also the possibility of transforming lives through rewarding experiences.
For more information, visit https://www.gloworld.com/ng/glo-play-up-lottery
In an era where organisations are redefining leadership and equity, MTN Nigeria continues to set the pace with its growing cadre of women in senior leadership positions. The company’s consistent recognition of female excellence, both within and beyond its walls, reflects a deep, deliberate culture of inclusion and empowerment.
L-R: Katuka Halilu, Regional General Manager, MTN Nigeria; Ajibola Opeoluwa-Calebs, Senior Manager, Reward, MTN Nigeria; Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria, and ThankGod Otorkpa, General Manager, Regional Operations (Northwest), MTN Nigeria at the Award Ceremony and Gala Night of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Most recently, Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at MTN Nigeria, was conferred with the Fellowship Award of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) at the CIPM Gala Night and Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025.“This recognition is truly fulfilling, it represents the culmination of years of passion and perseverance. To be honoured by the leading institute for HR professionals in Nigeria is a remarkable achievement. I look forward to applying my experience and insight to continue strengthening MTN’s people strategy and driving excellence in human resource management,” Akinnukawe said following the honour.
Her recognition adds to a growing list of milestones achieved by MTN Nigeria’s female leaders in recent years. In July 2025, Uto Ukpanah, the company’s Company Secretary, made history as the 30th President and Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), becoming only the second woman to hold the role in nearly six decades. According to the company’s 2024 Annual Report, women now represent 41.4% of the total workforce, 34.7% of management, and 21.4% of the board. These figures reflect a steady rise in gender representation across all levels, supported by a range of internal programmes focused on inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development.
In the first half of 2025, MTN Nigeria’s strong financial and operational performance further reinforced the strength of its diverse leadership. The company recorded a 54.6% increase in service revenue to ₦2.4 trillion and an impressive EBITDA growth of 119.5%, reflecting its resilience, innovation, and effective people strategy.
This performance culture, anchored on inclusion and excellence, is reflected across the company’s leadership team. Beyond Ukpanah and Akinnukawe, several women occupy influential positions shaping the company’s vision and social impact. They include Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation and recipient of the 2024 CSI Personality of the Year Award at the Nigeria Tech Innovation & Telecoms Awards; A’isha Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer; Oby Ugboma, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer; Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer; and Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer.
Her journey, from teaching and consulting to leading human capital strategy for Africa’s leading TechCo brand, exemplifies MTN’s belief that empowered women empower organisations.
MTN’s ongoing success story, both in its financial results and in people development, demonstrates that diversity is not just a metric, it’s a growth strategy. As the company continues to invest in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and social impact programmes, its commitment to elevating women into positions of influence remains resolute.
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