Telecom
NCC Explains Delay in 5G Deployment

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said that the country is exploring the potential benefits as well as health implications of deploying the Fifth Generation (5G), network.
He stated this in his keynote address at the 2020 Virtual Nigeria Innovation Summit held in Abuja.
The EVC was represented at the event by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, director, Public Affairs, NCC, who delivered the keynote address.
He added that “The socio-economic benefits of the expansion in telecommunications infrastructure embarked upon by the Commission would be of immense benefit to the country, especially with the roll out of the 5G technology which is currently being tested in about forty (40) countries.
“This will be a significant upgrade for networks and will be the backbone for the future ICT industry post-pandemic recovery.
The event had the theme, ‘Innovating in Critical Times” which the EVC said he found very relevant in view of the numerous challenges that the pandemic has thrown at national Governments, the ICT community and the health sector in particular.
He emphasized that nations that plan to succeed must have well-articulated policies in place to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
The EVC, however, acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the frailties of even the most advanced nations.
“Together with our stakeholders from the banking sector, the NCC is actively involved in the application of various electronic portals that continue to drive transactions off the banking floor and onto handheld devices or personal computers.
“The NCC, through its interventions, has continued to lift the Nigerian economy and create momentum and hope for financial inclusion based on the seamless implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Vision Plan.
“It is pertinent, at this juncture, to note that NCC’s Emergency Communication Centers (ECC) have been crucial in the Federal Government’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 1,209 COVID-19-related calls made between March and June 2020 from the nineteen (19) ECCs across the country. The establishment of the ECCs by the Commission across the nation was borne out of the need to safeguard all Nigerians irrespective of their geographical locations.
“The Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, has been putting measures in place to ensure the Coronavirus disease is controlled and quickly contained.
“Nigeria’s multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) activated its national Emergency Operations Centre and swiftly swung into action with State governments to contain the spread of the outbreak around the country.
“There are lessons to be learnt from the current pandemic, the most important of which is the need to continue to invest in infrastructure development in critical sectors of the economy, particularly the ICT sector, which has become the bastion of modern economies.
“We hope to reap the rewards of the Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) in the coming years and provide Nigerians the comfort of new innovations and new ways of living.
“This would imply that broadband penetration would be improved significantly through deliberate facilitation of investment in fibre infrastructure, QoS will be assured, available spectrum would be optimized with full benefits, there would be more investment opportunities in the industry, there will be access to strategic collaboration and partnerships, consumers would be fully protected and empowered, there will be fair competition and inclusive growth.”
Telecom
MTN, Lynk Global Make Africa’s First Satellite-to-Mobile Call

MTN South Africa, in partnership with Lynk Global, has successfully conducted Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call touted as a groundbreaking development.
This historic trial, conducted in Vryburg, North West province, marks a major step toward bridging connectivity gaps in underserved and rural regions across the continent.
The test involved making a voice call using a standard smartphone connected via a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional network infrastructure, providing a viable solution for remote areas with limited or no mobile coverage.
According to Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, this initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to extend network coverage to hard-to-reach areas.
“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure connectivity for all, regardless of location,” Molapisi stated.
The trial also assessed SMS capabilities over the LEO satellite connection, proving the technology’s potential for widespread application.
With successful implementation, satellite-to-mobile communication could revolutionise telecommunications in Africa, enabling digital inclusion and economic opportunities in regions previously disconnected from mainstream networks.
This milestone underscores the growing role of satellite technology in Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
By integrating satellite solutions with existing mobile networks, MTN and Lynk Global aim to provide seamless connectivity that overcomes traditional infrastructure challenges.
Telecom
Smart Treasure Investment Team’s Initiatives Eradicate Poverty, Says Aminu

Samson Aminu, also known as Smile, has described the Smart Treasure Investment Team (ST Team) as a transformative force that has empowered its members and significantly contributed to poverty eradication.

Samson Aminu
Aminu, a VIP 9 member of the team, shared his experiences on Friday during the official car presentation ceremony held at the regional office in Lagos. Having recently received a Lexus RX350 and an international vacation from the team, Aminu recounted how the organization has positively changed his life.
“The Smart Treasure Investment Team has really imparted my life positively and changed my status from zero to hero,” he said.
He revealed that his first earnings through the team allowed him to relocate to a new apartment and acquire gadgets. “I’ve purchased various items for myself and my family, and established an operational center in Ilorin,” he added.
The ST Team, according to Aminu, aligns its activities with the United Nations’ 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include youth empowerment, poverty eradication, support for education in rural areas, and community service.
“The ST Team has come to eradicate poverty in Africa and across the globe. We are teaching people how to catch fish by themselves and making them financially stable,” Aminu explained.
He highlighted the organization’s initiatives such as providing allowances to civil servants, feeding the elderly, orphans, and widows, and investing in agriculture to sustain local communities.
“If the ST Team lasts long for another three years, the government would be grateful to this project as it would bring peace and comfort to the society,” Aminu said.
He applauded the leaders of the organization, Dr. Harold and Mentor Tina, for their sincerity, honesty, and dedication to humanity. “I urge the government to support this project, which has brought significant change to Nigeria in just two years,” he said.
Aminu, who has over 15 years of experience in multilevel marketing, commended the team for its exceptional standards and sustainability.
Telecom
15-Year-Old Autistic Artist, Kanye, to Unveil World’s Largest Art Canvas on Autism Awareness Day

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, affectionately known as Kanye, has become a beacon of inspiration for Nigeria’s youth. The 15-year-old autistic artist is set to unveil what is expected to be the world’s largest art canvas by an individual on April 2, 2025, World Autism Awareness Day, at Eagles Square in Abuja.
Kanye’s journey began at the tender age of two when he first showed a proclivity towards art. Despite facing challenges associated with autism, Kanye has flourished as an artist, earning accolades and the nickname “Young Picasso” for his exceptional abstract paintings.
The young prodigy’s attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record started in November. 2024, as part of the Zeebah Foundation’s ‘Impossibility Is A Myth’ project. This initiative not only showcases Kanye’s extraordinary talent but also aims to raise funds for a state-of-the-art autism resource center in Abuja, highlighting the need for greater support and inclusion for individuals with autism.
Kanye’s story aligns with MTN Nigeria’s recent “Go Make A Difference” (Go M.A.D) campaign, which encourages Nigerians to take bold steps and create positive impacts in their communities. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasised how Kanye embodies the Go M.A.D philosophy: “MTN’s mission is to connect people all over the world. Kanye is connecting art lovers, and people all over the world as well. He is a true icon, breaking barriers and proving that nothing is impossible”.
The unveiling event will be attended by key dignitaries, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. This high-profile support underscores the significance of Kanye’s achievement and its potential to inspire change.
Kanye’s father, Tagbo Okeke, stressed that this record attempt goes beyond personal achievement. “We started this awareness campaign to tell parents that no child should be left behind, that they are Fabulous, Autistic and Talented,” he said. The family’s efforts, including opening a gallery in Abuja where art therapy workshops are conducted, demonstrate their commitment to supporting others on the autism spectrum.
As Nigeria’s youth witness Kanye’s remarkable journey, many are inspired to make their own difference, regardless of the challenges they face. Kanye’s story proves that with determination, support, and the right tools – such as those provided by initiatives like MTN’s Go M.A.D campaign – young Nigerians can achieve extraordinary feats and create meaningful change in their communities.
Kanye’s upcoming unveiling of his monumental artwork is not just a personal triumph; it’s a powerful statement about inclusion, perseverance, and the limitless potential of Nigeria’s youth to make a difference.
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