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Galaxy Backbone Hosts Governor Mutfwang in a Move to Advance Plateau State’s Digital Future

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Galaxy Backbone Limited, Nigeria’s premier Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service provider, had the distinct honor of hosting the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at its corporate headquarters in Abuja. The visit highlighted Plateau State’s growing commitment to harnessing digital infrastructure to enhance governance and accelerate economic development.

Governor Mutfwang, accompanied by a distinguished delegation, toured Galaxy Backbone’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its Tier III data center, its Security Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre. The visit provided a platform for robust discussions on leveraging ICT for improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.

Welcoming the Governor, the Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, commended his visionary leadership and dedication to digital transformation.

“Your visit is a testament to Plateau State’s commitment to embracing innovation as a catalyst for development,” Professor Adeyanju stated. He further emphasized Galaxy Backbone’s unwavering dedication to providing the digital infrastructure and expertise required to turn this vision into reality.

During the meeting, the Galaxy Backbone team outlined the immense opportunities that Plateau State could unlock through its partnership with the ICT giant.

These included access to Uptime-certified data centers for secure and uninterrupted operations, robust digital security measures through the Security Operations and Network Operations Centers, and cost-effective solutions designed to localize data sovereignty while optimizing payment structures. Additionally, the discussion explored how managed cloud services, tailored to Plateau State’s unique needs, could scale e-governance initiatives and drive efficiencies.

The visit also focused on empowering the state’s workforce through capacity-building initiatives. Galaxy Backbone is committed to designing training programs that would not only enhance digital literacy but also foster an ecosystem of innovation to create job opportunities for the youth.

The potential of the 1Government Cloud platform was also discussed, highlighting its ability to streamline and automate government services while promoting transparency and accountability. Furthermore, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were positioned as tools for informed decision-making, offering solutions in areas such as land registration and resource management.

Governor Mutfwang expressed his administration’s dedication to transforming Plateau State into a leading digital hub, noting the state’s unique positioning as a vibrant ICT community outside Lagos. He underscored the importance of empowering the youth to participate in the global digital economy while residing in Plateau. “This is the future, and Galaxy Backbone is pivotal to making this vision a reality,” he remarked.

He also referenced complementary projects, such as the ongoing upgrade of the Yakubu Gowon Airport into a cargo hub and the African Development Bank’s selection of Plateau State as a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, as initiatives poised to boost the state’s economic potential.

Barr. Mutfwang also described GBB as a national asset with immense potential to foster good governance and stimulate economic growth. He commended the company for its role in promoting digital inclusivity and emphasized his administration’s determination to spearhead a digital revolution in Plateau State.

The visit earlier commenced with an extensive tour of Galaxy Backbone’s cutting-edge facilities, reinforcing the company’s readiness to support Plateau State’s aspirations. Professor Adeyanju reiterated the company’s commitment to translating the interactive deliberations into actionable solutions, stating, “This engagement marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine governance and foster innovation.

“We are honored to host Your Excellency and look forward to working closely with your administration to achieve a digitally inclusive and economically prosperous Plateau State.”

The collaboration between Galaxy Backbone and Plateau State signals a bold step toward a groundbreaking digital transformation, setting a precedent for ICT-driven development not only in the state but across Nigeria.


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FCCPC Warns Air Peace against Obstructing Ongoing Inquiry

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Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Air Peace against obstructing the ongoing inquiry into alleged exploitative ticket pricing and other potential violations of consumers’ rights.

FCCPC Warns Air Peace against Obstructing Ongoing Inquiry

This is according to a statement on Sunday by Ondaje Ijagwu, Commission’s director, Corporate Affairs.

The FCCPC’s inquiry into the airline was prompted by a surge of complaints from passengers about unfair pricing, flight cancellations, and other practices potentially harmful to consumers.

The commission conducted a meeting with Air Peace on December 3, 2024, to address the concerns raised in numerous petitions.

The FCCPC said the session, which was held in camera, was intended to protect the confidentiality of the investigation.

However, the commission noted that “shortly after the meeting, leaks surfaced in the media, misrepresenting the proceedings and making unfounded claims.”

Recall that the FCCPC had clarified the situation on December 5, reiterating that its investigation into Air Peace was ongoing.

In the statement, the commission said, “The inquiry is still ongoing, and the public should be wary of manufactured news. The report claiming that Air Peace was not under investigation was not disseminated through our official communication platforms.”

Ijagwu said the leaks quoted Air Peace’s Chairman, Mr Allen Onyema, making various statements, including a boast that he could “shut down the airline” as a favour to the nation, but conveniently omitted other comments that raised concerns.

The FCCPC noted that Onyema’s remarks appeared to be intended to undermine the investigation and distract from the core issues.

The airline had earlier, in a press conference on Friday, asserted that only the aviation regulatory agency had the authority to investigate its affairs, an argument that the FCCPC dismissed as a misunderstanding of both the legal and moral framework surrounding consumer rights.

“The rights of passengers are inalienable and guaranteed under the FCCPA,” the FCCPC countered, emphasising that the Commission has the legal mandate to investigate pricing practices and other consumer-related issues in all sectors, including aviation.

The Commission pointed to Section 17(e) of the FCCPA 2018, which gives it the authority to conduct inquiries when necessary or desirable in connection with any matter falling under its purview.

Further reinforcing its mandate, the FCCPC cited Section 127(1)(a) of the FCCPA, which empowers it to ensure that pricing practices across all sectors, including aviation, are fair and non-exploitative.

One of the major issues under investigation is Air Peace’s pricing practices.

The FCCPC said the airline had recently proposed fare hikes ranging from N500,000 to N700,000 for a one-hour domestic flight, citing high fuel costs.

However, several consumer complaints contest these figures, claiming that Air Peace’s fuel cost is inflated.

“At the proposed N500,000 fare, a Boeing 737-500 would be fetching a whopping N60 million per one-hour service,” the FCCPC stated.

It contrasted Air Peace’s pricing with a competitor airline that recently reduced its fares to as low as N80,000 for similar domestic routes, demonstrating that affordability and sustainability can coexist in the aviation industry.

Ijagwu said in addition to concerns about pricing, several passengers have complained about arbitrary flight cancellations and poor compensation practices.

FCCPC noted that for instance, on November 29, a group of irate passengers at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport staged a protest after experiencing a four-hour delay on the Abuja-Lagos route. The protest led to a security intervention to restore order at the airport.

It added that passengers have also reported that after experiencing flight cancellations or delays, they were forced to pay a 50 per cent surcharge to rebook their tickets on another day.

The FCCPC said despite these efforts to deflect attention from the ongoing inquiry, it remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights.

“No amount of blackmail or cowboy tactics can stop the Commission from the ongoing thorough investigation of the allegations against Air Peace,” the Commission warned.

Reaffirming its role, the FCCPC underscored its responsibility to ensure that all sectors, including aviation, operate in a fair and competitive environment.

“The Commission is committed to safeguarding consumer rights, promoting market fairness, and fostering a competitive and transparent marketplace across all sectors, including aviation,” Ijagwu said.

 

 


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Engr. Aziz, Former NIMC DG Celebrates Prof. Iya Abubakar at 90

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The immediate past Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Aziz, has paid glowing tributes to a former Minister of Defence, Prof. Iya Abubakar, as he clocks 90 years on December 13.

In a statement he entitled “Celebrating a Visionary at 90,” Engr. Aziz said that it was “with immense pride and gratitude that I join the celebration of an extraordinary milestone in the life of an exceptional leader and trailblazer – Senator Prof. Iya Abubakar.”

According to Engr. Aziz, himself an ID4Africa Emeritus Ambassador, at 90, Prof. Abubakar’s legacy stands tall “as a symbol of intellectual brilliance, visionary leadership, and boundless dedication to the advancement of education, technology, and nation-building.”

Recalling his encounter with Prof. Abubakar, Engr. Aziz stated: “I am particularly privileged to be one of the greatest beneficiaries of the Iya Abubakar Computer Center – an incredible institution that was far ahead of its time. It is astonishing to recall how he procured and established what was then the largest computer in Africa, a CDC Cyber 72 series with a remarkable 64 kilobytes of memory.

“This technological marvel was accompanied by a line printer capable of printing 1,200 lines per minute, a digital plotter, and a suite of high-level programming languages such as FORTRAN, COBOL, PASCAL, BASIC, and APL, among others. His foresight and determination revolutionized computational capacity in the region and inspired countless minds, including mine.”

Engr. Aziz stated further that “Senator Prof. Iya Abubakar’s contributions extend far beyond technology. As a scholar, statesman, and leader, his influence has shaped policies and institutions that continue to benefit generations.

His dedication to education, research, and national development serves as a beacon for all of us striving to make a difference in our various fields.”

Therefore, “On this momentous occasion of his 90th birthday, I salute his monumental achievements and enduring legacy. May he continue to inspire us all with his wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” Engr. Aziz further stated.

Born on December 13, 1934 in Belel in the Maiha Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State, Nigeria, besides serving as Minister of Defence (24 October 1979 – January 1981), Prof. Abubakar had previously served as Minister of Internal Affairs (1981–1982).

As an academic, Prof. Abubakar was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1975, a position he held until 1978 when he was forced to resign by the then military authorities following the ‘Ali Must Go’ student protests of 1978. Prof. Iya Abubakar had previously become the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, ABU, Zaria, at 32.

Prof. Abubakar’s academic trajectory is sprinkled with sparkles of excellence. He achieved a first class honors degree in Mathematics at the University College, Ibadan (now University of Ibadan), before he went to England for postgraduate studies at Cambridge University in 1958.

In 1960, he conducted research at the Pasadena Seismological Laboratory in the United States for a year. And, one year later, he was awarded a Ph.D. in applied mathematics and theoretical physics from Cambridge University, becoming the first person from the Northern region of Nigeria to receive this degree.

He worked as a visiting professor at the University of Michigan from 1965–66, before being appointed as professor of mathematics at Ahmadu Bello University at the age of 28, in 1967. He held this position until 1975, as well as a visiting professorship at the City University of New York from 1971 to 1972.

As a consummate politician, Prof. Abubakar was elected Senator in 1999 for the Adamawa North senatorial district in Adamawa State covering the local government areas of Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North, and Mubi South. He was re-elected in 2003 and served in the Nigerian upper chamber of the National Assembly till 2007. As a serving senator, he was notably Chairman of the Senator Committee on Science and Technology, among other roles.


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Firm Sues NIMC, Others On Digital Rights Breach Allegations

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A digital rights advocacy organisation, Paradigm Initiative has taken legal action against the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other government agencies, alleging systemic violations of citizens’ digital rights, including failures in data protection and inclusivity.

This is even as it revealed the scale of an alleged data breach affecting 43 million Nigerians.

Gbenga Sesan, executive director, Paradigm Initiative, at the end of year media briefing, on Wednesday, in Lagos, said Paradigm Initiative is taking this step, following allegations that surfaced in April 2024 about hackers gaining unauthorised access to national databases, claiming that personal data—including National Identity Numbers (NINs), home addresses, phone numbers, and passport details—was illegally accessed and sold.

According to Sesan, this breach potentially affects up to 43 million Nigerians. “When the data of ordinary Nigerians is breached, nobody does anything. To draw attention to the issue, Paradigm Initiative purchased the personal data of senior government officials, including the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and used it as evidence to push for legal action,” he stated.

“To this end, Paradigm Initiative has filed a lawsuit against NIMC and several other agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, accusing them of failing to protect citizens’ data.

“The case, filed in the Abuja Judicial Division in October 2024, aims to establish three key objectives: Prove that a data leak occurred; Invoke the powers of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and ensure accountability and sanctions for responsible parties. January 2025 has been scheduled for hearing,” Sesan revealed.

Sesan highlighted the government’s alleged negligence, particularly NIMC’s repeated denial of any breach.

“They called me a liar on national TV,” Sesan remarked. “But if data wasn’t leaked, why did the Minister call for an investigation? Why did the Data Protection Commission acknowledge a fine? These contradictions need answers.”

He also criticized the lack of independence and funding for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). “In 2024, the NDPC operated with a budget of zero Naira,” Sesan revealed, underscoring systemic issues in the enforcement of data protection laws.

The data breach has broader implications for national security, as it raises questions about the reliability of government systems meant to protect sensitive information. Sesan expressed concern about the use of third-party vendors in managing national data, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight.

“The government forced Nigerians to stand in queues during the COVID-19 pandemic to register for NINs, promising that it would enhance security,” Sesan said. “Now, the same data meant to protect us is being mishandled and sold. This negligence is unacceptable.”

The lawsuit seeks to address these issues comprehensively, calling for greater accountability from agencies entrusted with citizens’ data, said Sesan, challenging the government to clarify discrepancies in its handling of the breach and ensure that ordinary Nigerians are not left vulnerable to exploitation.

“The court proceedings could set a landmark precedent for data protection in Nigeria, I urge citizens to demand greater transparency and accountability from those in power. This fight isn’t just about senior officials. It’s about protecting every Nigeria’s fundamental right to privacy,” he added.

In her opening remarks, the chief operating officer, Paradigm Initiative, Nnena Paul-Ugochukwu, said: “Africa is at the forefront of a global digital revolution, bringing unprecedented opportunities in education, health, business, and governance.

However, Ugochukwu highlighted significant challenges, including the widening digital gap, data privacy violations, censorship, and poor digital governance. While technology has enhanced our lives, these challenges hinder economic growth, social progress, and the fundamental rights of citizens,”

The COO also pointed to the disturbing trends of internet shutdowns, digital surveillance, and algorithmic biases, which threaten freedom of expression and disproportionately affect underserved communities.

To tackle these issues, she said, Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African nonprofit, has been at the forefront of promoting internet freedom and digital inclusion for over 15 years. “With a presence in six African countries and programs spanning 27 nations, Paradigm Initiative has directly impacted more than 150,350 underserved African youth, providing digital opportunities and protecting online rights,” she added.


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