Telecom
ITU, WATRA Join Forces to Enhance ICT Infrastructure Mapping in West Africa
In a landmark initiative, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) have announced a joint declaration aimed at strengthening collaboration on ICT infrastructure mapping across West Africa. This partnership is set to drive significant improvements in connectivity and socio-economic development throughout the region.
Both organizations emphasized the importance of comprehensive ICT infrastructure data and mapping in shaping effective infrastructure strategies. These data and maps are essential for connecting unserved and underserved communities, with Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) playing a crucial role in planning investments and making informed decisions.
Through this collaboration, ITU and WATRA aim to leverage their respective initiatives and projects, avoiding duplication of efforts and reducing costs. By harmonizing procedures for high-quality infrastructure mapping, the partnership will accelerate efforts to connect communities to the digital economy.
The joint declaration outlines several areas of cooperation, including joint advocacy, capacity building, and implementing ITU recommendations on geospatial information. Specific activities will include technical assistance, enhanced network planning, data analytics for decision-making, regional integration, and advocacy for transparency.
The collaboration aims to achieve multiple outcomes, including improved data consistency, informed infrastructure investment decisions, streamlined decision-making processes, increased regional integration, and enhanced transparency through web-based information access.
Aliyu Aboki, Executive Secretary of WATRA, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “WATRA is excited to partner with ITU on this vital initiative. Our collective efforts will not only enhance the quality of infrastructure mapping but also support our member states in making evidence-based decisions that will bridge the connectivity gap and foster economic growth.”
The joint advocacy efforts will focus on promoting the importance of gathering and managing infrastructure data for decision-making. Capacity-building initiatives will include sharing resources and conducting joint training sessions for member states to improve their infrastructure and broadband mapping capabilities.
Technical assistance will be provided to review and update infrastructure data, while capacity development efforts will enhance network planning insights, impacting infrastructure investment decisions across the region.
The partnership will also facilitate regional integration by sharing insights into network interconnection gaps and opportunities, promoting new infrastructure investments and partnerships. Additionally, it will advocate for improved transparency and stakeholder engagement through accessible web-based information on infrastructure.
The ITU-WATRA joint declaration marks a significant milestone in enhancing ICT infrastructure mapping in West Africa. By working together, ITU and WATRA aim to drive connectivity improvements and socio-economic development, ensuring that communities across the region are better integrated into the digital economy.
Telecom
Galaxy Backbone Bags Multiple ISO Certifications, Commits to Empowering Businesses to Thrive in the Digital Era
Nigeria’s digital infrastructure solutions and services organization, Galaxy Backbone (GBB) has recently attained the global MSECB certifications in Management systems; the ISO 9001: 2015 standard – Quality Management Systems (QMS) and the ISO 22301:2019 standard – Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS).
These certifications re-affirm the organization’s commitment to delivering exceptional and excellent services that enhance the sustainability and reliability of solutions provided to organizations by GBB.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, organizations need trusted partners driven by its commitment to provide world class services, like GBB to navigate the complexities of modern times.
With these latest certifications, GBB has further positioned itself as a reputable organization, that public and private sector organizations can rely on in their digital transformation and business sustainability journey.
According to, Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, GBB’s Managing Director/CEO ‘these certifications re-affirm the commitment we have consistently made to our customers.
In his words; ‘we are excited about these certifications, we have earned, coming at a time when customers, stakeholders and the government are searching for organizations like ours to rebuild the confidence in the system. I am proud of everyone at GBB who worked hard to ensure we attained this height and who continuously work tirelessly to provide excellent services daily’.
The ISO 9001:2015 certification, highlights Galaxy Backbone’s dedication to providing high-quality services that consistently meet and exceed customer expectations. It also underscores the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction across all aspects of its operations.
On the other hand, the ISO 22301:2019 certification showcases GBB as that organisation committed to institutionalizing business continuity management system processes to enhance business sustainability and resilience.
This certification demonstrates GBB’s commitment to maintaining uninterrupted business operations, even during unexpected disruptions like natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or other emergencies.
Galaxy Backbone is the digital Infrastructure platform at the forefront of providing cutting-edge Cloud, Colocation, Connectivity and Cybersecurity solutions and services to organisations. The company is dedicated to fostering reliable partnerships with key stakeholders and service providers in expanding fibre connectivity across cities and local communities.
Telecom
Twisco Awards N1m to Winners of Spelling Geniuses Competition
Twisco, known for “nourishing big dreams”, has successfully sponsored the third edition of the Spelling Genius competition.
The competition held recently at the SUBEB Multipurpose Hall, Maryland, Lagos, brought together over 1500 students and instructors from primary and secondary schools (state and private).
The contestants vied to showcase their spelling skills at the competition aimed to enhance vocabulary and spelling skills for successful learning.
Twisco awarded a total of ₦750,000 in prizes to the top three winners: ₦150,000 for the third place winner, ₦250,000 for the second place winner, and a grand prize of ₦350,000 for the first place winner.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Lillian Omorenuwa, the Brand Manager, Beverage Category at Promasidor Nigeria, said they are not only helping the children develop spelling skills and reading comprehension, but also bolstering their confidence and communication skills as well.
“At the heart of Twisco is empowering young minds; one word at a time. Yes. We have been doing this because the children are dear to us and we stand for their well-being”, Lillian added.
Telecom
MTN Foundation’s Odunayo Sanya Urges Private Sector to Join Forces for Better Healthcare in Nigeria
Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, has urged stakeholders in the healthcare industry to come together to address the skills gap and improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria. Speaking at the CLI College graduation ceremony on May 25th, 2024, where she delivered the keynote speech, Sanya emphasised the need for collective action to bridge the skills gap in the healthcare industry.
“The private sector, including individuals and institutions, must collaborate to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We need to create an environment that fosters innovation, skills development and access to quality healthcare,” Sanya said.
She commended CLI College for its commitment to equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, saying, “I applaud CLI College for its dedication to addressing the critical need for qualified healthcare professionals in Nigeria. We need more institutions like this to accelerate progress in our healthcare sector.”
Sanya also highlighted the importance of strong institutions and policy consistency in driving economic development, saying, “Clear policies and good institution building are essential for growth and progress. We need to replicate this success in other sectors, including healthcare.”
Other stakeholders at the event also emphasised the need for collaboration and collective action to improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
CLI Founder, Angela Chizea, Head of Health School, CLI College acknowledged the graduates’ dedication and emphasised the importance of education in shaping their futures. She also expressed gratitude to the college staff and supportive families who played a role in the graduates’ journeys.
“We acknowledge the critical role played by our college staff, whose tireless efforts and unwavering support have helped shape your journey. And to the families and loved ones who have supported our graduates every step of the way, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.” Mrs. Angela said.
MTN Foundation has invested in several critical intervention areas in Nigeria over the past 19 years, including national priorities like women empowerment, education and healthcare.
CLI College is a leading private career college in Nigeria offering diploma and certificate programs designed to prepare students for success in healthcare, business, technology and creative. Their focus on practical skills and flexible learning options empowers individuals to launch new careers or advance in their current fields.
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