Telecom
NITDA Commences ICT Training for South West Women

In pursuit of renewed thrust for leveraging the Digital Economy for National Economic Development, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commenced the South West Zonal Women ICT Training and Empowerment at the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti.

DG NITDA’s representative and Director eGovernment Development and Regulation Department,Dr Vincent Olatunji (2nd r) and other dignitaries at the event
The capacity building programme is aimed at closing the Gender Digital Divide, promoting job creation, financial inclusion and providing women with the necessary skills and tools to participate in the digital economy.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stated this at the 5 day capacity training and empowerment of south west women in Ado-Ekiti.
Abdullahi who was represented by Dr Vincent Olatunji, director, eGovernment Development and Regulation Department, said that “the programme is part of the Agency’s continuous efforts aimed at implementing the administration’s key priorities of economic diversification, job creation, investing in the Nigerian people and achieving gender balance in economic opportunities.
“It is also part of NITDA’s strategy towards the realization of Mr President’s promise to take 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years”.
He said, “Unequivocally, women clearly have unequal access to economic opportunities in comparison to men, NITDA believed that technology can bridge the gap.
“The 100 women being trained are projected to create 300 direct jobs and over 1000 indirect jobs.
According to him, “It may be recalled that the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) has three broad objectives – restoring growth, investing in the Nigerian people, and building a globally competitive economy.
“It is clear from these that for any meaningful growth to take place, consideration must be given to the citizens – the nation’s priceless assets – through increased social inclusion, creating jobs and improving the human capital base of the economy.” he added.
It is obvious that women have unequal access to economic opportunities compared to men, thus NITDA’s continued push for technology to bridge the gap. The program is aimed at 100 women from the South West Geo-Political Zone, creating 300 hundred direct jobs and over 1000 indirect jobs.
Key objectives of the program include boosting digital literacy, creating digital jobs, bridging the digital divide, promoting digital inclusion, and using technology to address gender imbalance in economic opportunities.
“Statistics have shown that women’s participation in ICT is less than 24% and we in NITDA are determined to bridge the gap through special training program for women in addition to the usual ICT capacity development activities of which both men and women are given equal opportunities,” he stated.
Mrs Bisi Fayemi, first lady of Ekiti State, said the “administration of Dr.Kayode Fayemi had been passionate about gender promotion, particularly women empowerment and promulgation of laws that can tackle socio-cultural and economic impediments against women.Up to 2015, Nigeria did not meet any of the goals set for MDGs.
“We began the SDG in 2015 and with the speed at which we are going, Nigeria stands the risk of not achieving those things that are contained in the SDGs, if proper things are not done.
“Technology has a lot of benefit and women in the developing nations have a large proportion of illiteracy in the digital world.
“This programme can make women active in the world of ICT and enable equal access to innovative ICT concepts, ” she said.
Engr Bamidele Faparusi, Commissioner for Public Utilities in Ekiti State, said the government was finalising a memorandum of understanding with private firms, for the laying of fibreoptic wireless cable across the towns and villages in the state for internet connectivity.
The week-longprogramme which commenced on the 8thDecember, 2019, focuses on key ICT skill areas including entrepreneurship development, business management, ICT, communication and graphics design.
In line with Mr. President’s commitment to sustainable human capital development, the program is fully funded and participants will be provided with accommodation, feeding and healthcare services for the duration of the training. In addition, each participant will also receive laptop computer system, dongle, stipend and other tools to aid their future pursuits.
Telecom
NCC Speaks of Plans to Secure Telecom Infrastructure Nationwide

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure across the country, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order, which criminalises the vandalism, theft or obstruction of critical national infrastructure.
The Commission noted that the enforcement drive is aimed at curbing the growing incidence of sabotage at telecom sites, which continues to degrade the quality of network services nationwide.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, head of Public Affairs at the NCC, reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to act.
She stated, “President Tinubu signed the Executive Order on 24th June 2024, declaring telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). The NCC is now mandated to implement this order fully, and anyone found tampering with these facilities will face the full weight of the law.”
Mrs Ukoha, who represented Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, added that the NCC has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to sensitise the public about the significance of protecting critical national infrastructure, including telecom, energy and transport facilities.
Expressing concern over rampant damage, she said, “The destruction of fibre cables, theft of generators and fuel, and removal of key components from telecom base stations have become all too common. These acts directly affect the quality of service that millions of Nigerians depend on.”
She identified three major challenges undermining telecom service delivery:
Vandalism and Theft: “We are witnessing frequent attacks on telecom sites. These lead to service outages and cost operators billions in repairs.”
Restricted Site Access: “Operators face obstruction from local communities, touts and even some government officials who demand levies, making it difficult to access sites for maintenance and refuelling.”
Road Construction Damage: “Ongoing road projects often result in accidental damage to underground fibre cables, further compounding the situation.”
Responding to public complaints about fast-depleting data, Mrs Ukoha clarified that “mobile network operators do not steal users’ data. What many people experience is due to automatic app updates, background processes, and hotspots being shared unknowingly.”
She advised users to be proactive: “We encourage consumers to review their phone settings, limit background data, turn off auto-play videos, and regularly change hotspot passwords.”
Commending the media, she added, “Journalists play a vital role in educating the public. We appreciate your efforts and urge continued partnership in disseminating accurate, impactful information.”
She also revealed the Commission’s drive to improve digital inclusion: “The NCC is committed to supporting underserved communities with affordable internet access and has commenced specialised training for journalists, particularly senior editors in Lagos and Abuja.”
Mrs Ukoha emphasised collaboration with government agencies to reduce infrastructure damage: “As construction projects expand nationwide, we must work together to prevent unnecessary damage to telecom assets.”
Also speaking, Mallam Yakubu Musa, head, Corporate Communications, NCC, reinforced the importance of the media in the telecom ecosystem.
He said, “Our partnership with the press is key to promoting transparency, building consumer trust, and supporting regulatory compliance.”
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike, chairman, NUJ FCT, commended the NCC’s regulatory efforts and expressed interest in deeper collaboration.
She stated, “We look forward to partnering with the NCC on media training, expanding internet access for journalists, and enhancing public awareness. We also seek your support for our forthcoming Press Week and capacity-building programmes.”
She continued, “The NUJ recognises the importance of digital tools in journalism. Equipping media professionals with access and knowledge will strengthen democratic engagement and promote good governance.”
The NUJ delegation, comprising key executives and media team members, reiterated its commitment to working closely with the NCC to promote national development.
This enforcement initiative—anchored on President Tinubu’s July 2024 Executive Order—provides a solid legal framework for protecting vital telecom infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted communication services.
Telecom
Africa’s Lawmakers Commit to Strengthening AI, Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing Frameworks

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the African Population Health Research Center (APHRC), in collaboration with the GSMA, have concluded the first Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit focused on building legislative capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI), data protection, digital health and smart manufacturing, in a bid to promote evidence-based policy-making for Africa’s digital future.
The three-day Summit, held from 9-11 July in Lusaka, convened over 20 Members of Parliament from the Pan-African Parliament Committees on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology, and Health, Labour and Social Affairs and was opened by the Zambian Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable Felix Mutati. Strategic partners in attendance included AUDA-NEPAD, Africa CDC, ECOSOCC, and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
This concluded with the publication of the Lusaka Declaration outlining shared priorities and next steps for ensuring Africa’s digital transformation is inclusive, responsible and grounded in evidence-based policy.
The Lusaka Declaration recognised the vital role of Members of Parliament in shaping laws and policies that drive the continent’s development. The Digital Parliamentary Summit offered a timely platform to enhance the knowledge and capacity of Parliamentarians on critical aspects of digital transformation.
A key highlight of the Summit was the consideration and discussion with Parliamentarians on the draft Africa Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing reports developed by APHRC and the GSMA.
Both reports will be submitted to the Plenary of the PAP when Parliamentarians of the 55 member states of the African Union meet in Midrand later this month on the occasion of the 5th Ordinary Session of the 6th Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament.
Honourable Behdja Mokrani, Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology said “Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainties and the accelerating pace of technological disruption, this Summit has highlighted the critical need to equip African legislators with the foresight and capabilities required to navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The capacity-building component of the Summit, along with the presentation of the Africa Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing Reports by APHRC and GSMA, reinforced the importance of African policymakers acquiring the relevant skills to address policy issues related to digital transformation – particularly in the areas of Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing – in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Anthony Mveyange, Director of Programs, Synergy, African Population Health Research Center adds “At APHRC, we firmly believe that digital health is a transformative force, holding immense potential for Africa to ‘leapfrog’ traditional development pathways.
This Summit powerfully demonstrates how, by leveraging AI alongside advancements in digital health and smart manufacturing, we can accelerate socio-economic progress and foster deeper continental integration, directly aligning with the ambitious goals of the African Union’s Agenda.”
Key themes explored during the Summit included:
- The potential of AI-driven digital health to accelerate universal health coverage through better data integration and cross-border information exchange
- The role of smart manufacturing in enhancing industrial resilience and job creation through automation and IoT
- The need for harmonised, Africa-led data governance frameworks to ensure responsible AI development and protect privacy and human rights
“AI, digital health, and smart manufacturing have the potential to transform Africa’s economies and improve lives – but unlocking that potential requires the right policy environment.
“This Summit is an important step in equipping lawmakers with the tools to shape secure, inclusive and future-ready digital economies” said Kenechi Okeleke, Senior Director, Regional, Social and Policy Research, GSMA.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing digital transformation through coordinated reforms, including:
- Strengthening STEM education and digital literacy among policymakers
- Embedding ICT training in public service development
- Establishing cross-sector collaboration between the health, trade and ICT sectors
- Creating enabling conditions for investment in advanced connectivity infrastructure
Draft findings presented during the Summit estimate that Africa’s digital health market could reach $6.5 billion by 2030 under an optimistic scenario, highlighting the urgent need for policy alignment to maximise impact and drive inclusive growth.
The Summit also set out a roadmap for ongoing engagement between the Pan-African Parliament, APHRC and the GSMA, including the establishment of ‘Evidence-to-Policy’ resource units, sustained capacity-building efforts, and regional forums to harmonise legislation on AI, digital health, and data governance across Africa.
Telecom
MTN Foundation Hosts Stakeholders to Tackle Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth

MTN Foundation hosted its annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Conference on July 9, 2025, at the MTN Rooftop in Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together stakeholders from government, healthcare, education, security, civil society, and the private sector to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.

L-R: Tobe Okigbo, Chef Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria; Archieabia Ibinabo, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, representative of Brig. Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, (representative of His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu); RT. Honourable Princess Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State Assembly; Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, and Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health (representative of Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State) during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Lagos Conference held in commemoration of World Drug Day at the MTN Rooftop, Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman of MTN Foundation; Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government; and Dr. Tolu Ajomale of the Lagos Ministry of Health, among others. Also present were representatives of NDLEA, UNODC, academia, psychologists, recovery advocates, and youth leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Salu-Hundeyin reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to safeguarding its youth and fostering a future free from substance abuse. Dr. Olusoga emphasized that drug addiction extends beyond health, touching families, communities, and national well-being, calling for proactive, united action.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobe Okigbo, stressed the company’s long-standing dedication to youth development through initiatives like ASAP. NDLEA’s Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Archieabia Ibinabo, representing Brigadier General Buba Marwa, commended MTN Foundation as a vital ally in drug prevention efforts.
The conference featured personal stories of recovery in a session titled “Journeys Through the Fire,” followed by a panel discussion on multi-sectoral solutions to substance abuse. It concluded with a dramatic performance, “Just One Breath,” by LASU’s WADA Club, illustrating the personal and societal toll of drug use.
Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, closed the event with a powerful call to action, urging media, communities, and policymakers to drive sustained investment in youth empowerment and early intervention.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience among young Nigerians and catalyzing cross-sector partnerships for a drug-free future.
- News1 day ago
Check Point Report Finds Africa as Top Target for Cyber-attacks
- E-Financial2 days ago
GOEs’ Remit Over ₦2tn to FG in 2024
- Telecom2 days ago
Save & Win: FCMB Promo Makes 12 Millionaires, Over 3,000 Winners
- Telecom2 days ago
MTN’s Karl Toriola and Business Leaders Champion Corporate Climate Reform
- General News2 days ago
Senate Orders Full Probe into N1.3 Trillion CBEX Ponzi Scandal
- E-Business2 days ago
NITDA Reaffirms Commitment to 95% Digital Literacy by 2030, as UBEC Pledges Collaboration
- News1 day ago
JAMB Accuses Student of Securing Admission through Identity Fraud
- General News2 days ago
UpSkill Universe Launches ‘Skills for Business’ to Empower 10,000 African SMEs, in Collaboration with HP and Google