Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us

Broadcasting

Pan-Atlantic University @20: Okonedo Extols Institution’s Developmental strides

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Professor Enase Okonedo, Vice-Chancellor- Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) recently eulogised the remarkable developments PAU has witnessed within the last 20 years of its existence.

L-R: Dean of The School of Management and Social Sciences, Dr Sola Oni; Director of The Enterprise Development Center, Dr Peter Bamkole; PAU VC, Prof. Enase Okonedo; Dean of The School of Science and Technology, Dr Darlington Agholor and the Acting Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Dr Ngozi Okpara at the media parley to mark 20 years anniversary of the institution

She stated this during a hybrid media parley held to commemorate twenty years of PAU existence.

The event was an avenue for some key officers of Pan-Atlantic University to share information on how far the university has come and where it is heading in the next couple of years.

The Vice-Chancellor further discussed how the university evolved into an institution with just one school but now has six Main Units and a museum.

She described the School of Science and Technology as the latest kid on the block, as the school is the newest unit in the university.

“PAU has a strong Christian identity. The truths Pan-Atlantic University shares as an institution are not only common to Christianity but other religions.

“The university has a strong pluralism and aims to approach the education for students in freedom and with freedom.”

Professor Chris Ogbechie, the Dean of Lagos Business School (LBS), described LBS as the child that gave birth to its mother. LBS was founded thirty years ago, Ten years before PAU.

“From the onset, Lagos Business School has and continues to be a world-class school that develops responsible leaders in management. Because of this, LBS places lots of emphasis on two areas which are Business Ethics and Sustainability.

“These two key areas are included in all programmes at LBS to ensure that the core values of integrity, professionalism, a spirit of service, mutual respect and community are upheld and lived out. The LBS MBA is rated number one in Africa”.

Dr Peter Bamkole, Director of The Enterprise Development Center (EDC), explained how the journey for programme attendees at EDC is unique.

According to him, ethics is a course taught across all EDC programmes and instilled into the minds of business owners.

Dr Darlington Agholor, Dean of the School of Science and Technology (SST), discussed the development of SST and how the mission of PAU- to build competent professionals, ties in with the aim of SST. All undergraduate degrees offered by SST ensure the practical application of student learnings.

In response to questions from journalists, Dr Sola Oni, the Dean of the School of Management and Social Sciences, discussed the impact of the mentoring that students receive in the course of their studies at the university and once they leave.

Dr Ngozi Okpara, Acting Dean of the School of Media and Communication, touched upon the ethics and value of freedom in building competent professionals and ensuring students get a platform to showcase what they do.

In addition, Dr Peter Bamkole mentioned plans for opening an innovation hub on campus. “This will be a space where businesses or individuals can bring real-life business ideas and issues for students and researchers to work on and solve.”

In Summary, PAU has accomplishments over the years in the community endeavours to continue to do more by investing in the local community, contributing to the success of individuals and businesses, and building competent professionals.

The panel, moderated by Ehidamen Emiantor and Onyinyechi Ekumankama, included the Vice-Chancellor- Enase Okonedo, Dean of The School of Management and Social Sciences- Dr Sola Oni, Director of The Enterprise Development Center- Dr Peter Bamkole, Dean of The School of Science and Technology- Dr Darlington Agholor and the Acting Dean of the School of Media and Communication- Dr Ngozi Okpara. The Dean of Lagos Business School- Professor Chris Ogbechie, joined the media parley as an online panellist. Each panellist spoke about the development of their unit over the past few years.

L-R: Dean of The School of Management and Social Sciences, Dr Sola Oni; Director of The Enterprise Development Center, Dr Peter Bamkole; PAU VC, Prof. Enase Okonedo; Dean of The School of Science and Technology, Dr Darlington Agholor and the Acting Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Dr Ngozi Okpara at the media parley to mark 20 years anniversary of the institution


Kindly share this post

Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Broadcasting

FCCPC to Arraign Ugbe, MultiChoice Nigeria CEO for Obstructing Investigation

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is set to arraign John Ugbe, chief executive officer, MultiChoice Nigeria Limited  and other executives of the firm for impeding its investigation and failing to comply with lawful summons.

FCCPC to Arraign Ugbe, MultiChoice Nigeria CEO for Obstructing Investigation

This is according to a charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/197/2025, filed by the FCCPC legal team led by Barrister Nsitem Chizenum.

This follows a May 8, 2025 ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja which dismissed MultiChoice Nigeria Limited’s suit seeking to uphold its DStv and GOtv price increases in Nigeria.

In the charge sheet, where John Ugbe, Gozie Onumonu, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, and five others were named as defendants, MultiChoice Nigeria Limited was accused of failing without sufficient cause to appear before the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on 6th March, 2025, in compliance with summons dated 25th February, 2025.

The Commission described the development as an offence against the FCCPC Act.

The Commission alleged that Adewunmi Ogunsanya, John Ugbe, and others, “being Directors of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited on or about the 6th day of March, 2025, at 23 Jimmy Carter Street, Asokoro, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Court, caused the aforesaid MultiChoice Nigeria Limited to fail to produce documents which the Company was required to produce, in compliance with a lawful summons issued and dated 25 February, 2025, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3 of the FCCPC Act 2018″.

The CEO and the Pay TV directors were further alleged to have caused MultiChoice Nigeria Limited to impede the investigation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission by refusing to produce documents.

When the court resumed sitting on Tuesday, the FCCPC lawyer informed Justice James Omotosho that aside from MultiChoice, the defendants are yet to be personally served with the charge.

In view of that, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to October 7, 2025 for arraignment.

Recall that Justice Omotoso had dismissed a suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria against the FCCPC.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Broadcasting

DStv Slashes Decoder Prices, Offers Free Upgrades in New Promo Blitz

Published

on

Kindly share this post

DStv subscribers across Nigeria are set to benefit from a new campaign that promises more value and greater access to entertainment. MultiChoice Nigeria has launched the “We’ve Got You” promo, running from June 16 to July 31, 2025, which offers customers a free upgrade to the next DStv package tier when they pay their current subscription in full.

This comes just as DStv recently announced a reduction in the price of DStv decoders, which will now go for N10,000 instead of the previous N19,999.

The initiative comes as DStv responds to the noticeable economic impact to the everyday lives of Nigerians. By repositioning itself as a platform for daily value, DStv aims to encourage content discovery across a wider array of genres, including movies, drama, kids’ programming, and news.

The “We’ve Got You” offer is designed to reward loyal customers and attract new ones by making premium content more accessible. According to official statements, the upgrade is automatic for all active and returning subscribers who renew their subscriptions during the promo period. This means more channels, more shows, and more reasons to tune in every day.

MultiChoice Nigeria’s CEO, John Ugbe, emphasised the company’s commitment to rewarding customer loyalty and providing enhanced value:

“We want to ensure our customers feel appreciated and have access to the best entertainment every day. The ‘We Got You’ campaign is about making premium content more accessible and showing that DStv offers something for everyone, not just football fans.”

The campaign is expected to drive renewed interest in DStv’s offerings, retain existing subscribers, and attract new users seeking affordable access to a broad range of entertainment options.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Broadcasting

Curbing Insecurity, Investing in Rural Infrastructure are Key to Nigeria’s Agri-Potential

Published

on

Kindly share this post

By Diana Tenebe, Chief Operating Officer, Foodstuff Store

Nigeria, often dubbed the “Giant of Africa,” possesses immense agricultural potential. With vast arable land and a predominantly agrarian population, the nation could easily achieve food security and become a major player in global food markets. However, this promising future remains largely untapped, held hostage by two formidable challenges: pervasive insecurity and a severe deficit in rural infrastructure. Addressing these twin issues is not merely an economic imperative but a matter of national survival and prosperity.

The escalating insecurity across many parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt, has dealt a crippling blow to agricultural productivity. Benue State, famously known as the “Food Basket of the Nation” due to its rich soil and significant contributions to Nigeria’s food production, provides a stark and tragic illustration of this crisis. Recent events in Benue underscore the devastating impact of unchecked violence on farming communities.

In June 2025, horrifying attacks in Yelewata in Benue State claimed the lives of dozens, with reports suggesting the death toll could be over a hundred. Families have been displaced, their homes razed, and their farmlands abandoned. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported over 500,000 registered Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State as of 2024, a number that continues to rise.

The economic ramifications of this violence are profound. Farmers, fearing for their lives and livelihoods, are unable to cultivate their lands during critical planting seasons. Crops are destroyed, storage facilities are razed, and market access is severely hampered. A recent study revealed that a one percent increase in insecurity leads to a 0.211% and 0.311% decrease in crop and livestock output respectively in Benue State. The state, which accounts for over 51% of Nigeria’s yam production and is a leading producer of cassava, rice, and soybeans, is witnessing a drastic reduction in its agricultural output. This directly fuels food inflation, pushing millions deeper into hunger and poverty. The once vibrant agricultural landscape of Benue is now characterised by fear, abandonment, and immense losses.

Beyond the immediate human and economic toll, insecurity erodes trust in government and institutions, making it difficult to implement any meaningful agricultural development programs. Farmers are reluctant to invest in their farms due to the uncertainties attributed to insecurities. This cycle of violence and despair starves the nation of its most fundamental resource: food.

However, even if insecurity were to magically disappear, Nigeria’s agricultural sector would still face an uphill battle without significant investment in rural infrastructure. Rural areas, where the vast majority of agricultural activities take place, are largely underserved by basic amenities. Poor road networks make it incredibly difficult and expensive for farmers to transport their produce to markets, leading to significant post-harvest losses. Lack of access to reliable electricity hinders processing and storage, further diminishing the value of agricultural products. Limited access to irrigation facilities means farmers remain heavily dependent on erratic rainfall, making them vulnerable to climate change.

The symbiotic relationship between curbing insecurity and investing in rural infrastructure cannot be overstated. A secured environment provides the foundation for infrastructure development, allowing construction projects to proceed without fear of attack or sabotage. Improved infrastructure, such as good roads, can facilitate quicker deployment of security forces to troubled areas, enhancing response times and potentially deterring attacks.

Investment in rural infrastructure is a catalyst for agricultural transformation. It reduces transportation costs, increases market access for farmers, and encourages value addition through processing. Cold storage facilities, for instance, can drastically reduce post-harvest losses, while improved irrigation systems can boost yields and enable year-round farming. Rural electrification can power small and medium-scale agro-allied industries, creating employment opportunities and diversifying rural economies. Access to information and communication technology, even in remote areas, can connect farmers to market information, modern farming techniques, and financial services.

To unlock Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, a comprehensive and integrated approach is essential. This begins with establishing a robust security architecture to protect farming communities. The government must prioritize this through increased deployment of security personnel, fostering community-led intelligence gathering, implementing effective conflict resolution mechanisms, and ensuring swift justice for perpetrators of violence. It’s also crucial to address the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts, such as land disputes and resource scarcity, by promoting equitable land governance and establishing designated grazing reserves.

At the same time, massive investment in rural infrastructure is imperative. A national strategy focusing on rural development should prioritize constructing and rehabilitating feeder roads to connect farms directly to markets. This also includes providing reliable electricity through both grid expansion and sustainable renewable energy solutions, developing modern irrigation schemes, and establishing efficient storage and processing facilities. To bridge the significant funding gap in these areas, public-private partnerships should be actively encouraged.

Immediate support for displaced farmers is also critical. For communities, particularly those in states like Benue who have been displaced by violence, urgent assistance is needed to help them return to their ancestral lands and resume their farming activities. This support should encompass providing essential resources such as seedlings, fertilizers, and financial aid, alongside much-needed psychosocial support.

A successful transformation hinges on policy coherence and implementation. There must be a strong political will to effectively implement existing agricultural policies and to create new ones that are responsive to current challenges. This includes vital areas such as land reforms, ensuring easier access to credit for smallholder farmers, and strengthening agricultural extension services.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector is a sleeping giant, capable of feeding the nation and driving economic growth. However, until the twin scourges of insecurity and infrastructural deficit are decisively tackled, its immense potential will remain largely unrealized. The tragic narrative in Benue State serves as a poignant reminder that the path to agricultural prosperity in Nigeria begins with peace and the foundational investments that empower those who feed the nation.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending