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Business Mogul, Felix Aganbi, lauds Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111

Business Mogul, Felix Aganbi, on Tuesday commended the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 for demonstrating exemplary leadership, living above board and serving as a source of strength and inspiration for many within and outside Warri Kingdom.

“His Royal Majesty, Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, is an intelligent, straight forward, courageous, selfless, amiable and committed patriot”

He also praised the Warri monarch for playing significant roles in the promotion of harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living and peaceful co-existence among diverse people.

“The current peace, progress and prosperity in the Warri Kingdom can be attributed to his wise and benevolent leadership”

Aganbi in a statement in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, praised Ogiame Atuwatse 111 for serving the kingdom with unerring grace, dignity and decency.

Aganbi, Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Water and Ajimele Oil, lauded the monarch for stimulating harmony and development in Delta State, keeping Itsekiri firmly on the road to development and uplifting the fortune of Warri Kingdom.

Particularly, he lauded His Royal Majesty for utilizing his boundless energy, robust intellect, uncommon courage and tenacity of purpose to motivate members of the traditional council and prominent leaders in Nigeria and abroad for the highest ideals of governance, unity and development in Warri Kingdom.

“Ogiame Atuwatse 111, CFR, is a man of impeccable character, dignity, wisdom and compassion”

The statement highlighted the Monarch’s visionary leadership and selfless service to humanity.

” May the Good Lord, who has blessed the Warri Kingdom, grant you good health, wisdom and strength”

Ending the statement, Aganbi said” please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and warmest congratulations on the occasion of your birthday”

Family Announces Burial Arrangements of Ex-Reps Member, Cairo Ojougboh

Maryam Aminu

The family of the former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, has announced his burial arrangements.

The late Ojougboh, who died on February 7, 2024, aged 64, will be buried on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Ojougboh Family Compound in Agbor, Delta State.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by his family on March 28, 2024 in Abuja

According to the statement, the Internment will take place immediately after a Funeral Mass, scheduled to start by 10:00a.m. at the St. John The Baptist Catholic Church along Old Lagos/Asaba Road, Agbor in Delta State.

They noted that reception will take place the same day at the Open Ground, Opposite Central Hospital, Agbor.

“The late Ojougboh was an illustrious son of Delta State. He was a grassroot politician who has contributed immensely to the development of Delta State and the nation at large. He was a prominent, fearless and outspoken politician without prejudice to tribe or tongue.” They disclosed

“Ojougboh was conscientious, amiable, accessible and generous to all who came across him and was committed to serving the public interest and improving the lives of citizens.” They said

They reeled out lined-up burial activities that will precede the interment

Requiem Mass on Thursday, April 16, 2024 by 4:00p.m. at the Church for The Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja and Vigil Mass on Thursday, April 18, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State.

The family noted that Christian Wake will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024 between 6:00p.m. and 10:00p.m. at the Ojougboh Family Compound, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State.

The burial activities shall be capped with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday April 21, 2024 at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State by 9:00a.m.

“Late Cairo Ojougboh represented Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.”

He was also a former Executive Director Project of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“We extend our sincere gratitude to everybody for their show of love and support at this trying time.” They expressed

Youth Minister Mourns Elder Kisira

Maryam Aminu

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim has expressed sadness over the death of Peter Kisira, a former deputy governor of Kwara State.

This was contained in a statement personally signed by the Minister and made available to journalists on Sunday 31/03/24 in Abuja.

According to the statement Elder Peter Kisira’s contributions to the development and progress of Kwara State are indelible.

“His exemplary leadership and commitment to service have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.”

Bio-Ibrahim added that during his tenure as Deputy Governor, Elder Kisira demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges facing young people and worked to create opportunities for their growth and development.

“His passion for youth empowerment and advocacy for their inclusion in decision-making will be remembered with gratitude.”

“In this time of grief, let it be acknowledged that Elder Peter Kisira lived a remarkable life and profoundly impacted society.

She prayed that his soul rest in eternal peace and God strengthen the family that he left behind.

“As the nation mourns his passing, let us also honour his memory by continuing the work he started, striving for a society where every young person can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the development of our” she urged

CSOs crys out over Collapse of National Grid and Misappropriation of Public Funds in TCN

By Emmanuel Daudu

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Minister of Power and other Relevant Authorities for immediate probing and suspension of TCN Boss Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz over corruption allegations and epileptic supply in the Country

In a Press briefing held in Abuja today 30th March, 2024 the Executive Director of NCSCN Comr. Blessing Akinlosotu while addressing the Press, described the TCN boss’ actions as insensitive towards what Nigerians were facing in the Country’s Power Sector.

In the words of the ED
“The state of Electricity across the Country has become a matter of national emergency with repeated collapse of the National Grid and inability to even fully transmit and distribute the very minimal capacity being generated. Yet in the mist of these frustrating and devastating situations, we hear of a very unbelievable scandal against the Managing Director / CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz.

Over 20 petitions have been brought before the Civil Society Council against the MD/CEO of TCN and a few other directed at the Leadership of the Distribution Companies (DISCOs). However, the most alarming is the recent reports across media outlets concerning bribery allegations against the Managing Director of TCN, Engr. Sule A. Abdulaziz, that he purchased an SUV Car to induce the Honourable Minister of Power to influence his retention.

The MD has reportedly bought a 2023 Lexus SUV LX 600 model procured at the cost of N298, 444,187.50k for the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu. Reliable Sources has it that the MD of TCN bought the vehicle from the internally generated revenue of the company to bribe the Minister to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR does not remove him from office.

Available documents on the transaction show that the vehicle with Chassis No. JTJPBACX6P4026917 was procured from Kaura Motors Nigeria Limited through a contract agreement dated January 17, 2024, under the heading “Procurement Of Vehicles For Management Staff (Lot 1 & 2)”. A payment document with the heading “Payment Advice” shows that the money was paid to Kaura Motors Nigeria Limited account domicile with Fidelity Bank from TCN account through the Central Bank of Nigeria on February 20, 2024, at exactly 09:05 am and with Ref No: 997617729. The Batch Number is 15161, and the detailed description reads, “Payment for the supply and delivery of 1No Lexus LX 600 2023 Model for management staff lot 1 and 2.”
The most painful aspect of this ugly development to the Civil Society Community is that while the nation is languishing in darkness and epileptic power supply, about 226 containers of power equipment and transformers owned by the TCN are at the various ports in Nigeria.

Aside the corruption component in this offensive action, the gross insensitivity and irresponsibility therein is clearly showcased in the fact that this same MD of TCN has been unable to raise and pay up a paltry sum of One Billion Naira to take delivery of about 226 longstanding containers of power equipment and transformers that are trapped in various ports as a result of inability of the MD/CEO of TCN to raise paltry sum of money required to clear and take final deliveries.

The Civil Society Council is in custody of a letter dated November 7, 2023 with reference TCN/MD/CEO/01/E,001/VOL 7/227/2023 signed by the MD/CEO of TCN himself to the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service appealing for Intervention to cancel the huge demurrage and duties that had accumulated up to about N5b (five billion naira), of which the Comptroller General graciously oblige, cutting down to only 20% about N1b (One Billion only) in order to help improve electricity supply in Nigeria, yet, despite the goodwill and kind gesture of the Comptroller General of Customs, the MD of TCN is still unable to pay and take deliveries till date. We can all imagine the positive impact of 226 container load of power equipment and transformers to the national grid and electricity supply across the country, instead the MD of TCN can raise over one quarter of the same amount to buy car for a Minister.

NCSCN considers this failure to clear and take delivery of the containers of power equipment, purchase of car for the Minister of Power, and other violation of Procurement Act, as the height of irresponsibility and insensitivity to the plight of the masses, that calls for stiff punitive measures against the MD/CEO of TCN.

It is in the light of the foregoing that the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) strongly demands the immediate suspension of Engr. Sule A. Abdulaziz by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and investigation into these allegations by the EFCC, also that the Honourable Minister Power urgently addresses the Nigerian public on these very important matters.

The Council hereby issues a 7-day ultimatum starting from today of this Press Conference to relevant authorities [President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Minister of Power, Inspector General of Police, and General Public] to take actions on the above demands, failure to which we shall be left with no other option than to mobilize a mass protests nationwide to drive home our demands. Nigerians can no longer tolerate the excesses of the MD of TCN, and we demand remedies now or never.

Easter Celebration: Nigerian Car Maker, Prince Mustapha Audu Felicitates with Christians, preaches renew hope, love for others

Chief Executive Officer · Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC) of Nigeria Prince Mustapha Audu has sent his greetings to Christians on this year’s Easter celebrations and called for renewed hope, unity, tolerance, and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

In his message, he wishes Christians all over the world, and Nigeria in particular a joyous Easter celebration, adding that love should be allowed to lead during and after this celebration.

He urged Christians to embrace love and spread joy amongst one another noting that the source of the Easter celebration was triggered by divine love

The Chief Executive Officer encouraged the public and youths in particular to shun acts that would abuse the motive of the festivity during the celebration and beyond

Prince Mustapha advised Nigerians not to get weary in the face of the unprecedented economic situation and other challenges confronting the nation, stressing that the Government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu would shortly fix the economy and the crises would be addressed.

The Kogi-born entrepreneur and Politician finally appealed to Nigerians to be religiously tolerant to encourage the growth and development of our country.

Troops denied oil theft estimated at 1.5 billion Naira in 2 weeks-DHQ

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General
Edward Buba has disclosed that troops during the week under review neutralised 212 and arrested 252 persons stating further that Troops also arrested 29 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 244 kidnapped hostages.
“In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of One Billion Fifty Million Seven and Fifteen Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty Naira (N1,050,715,260.00) only.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 223 assorted weapons and 2,756 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 3 M56 rifles, 115 AK47 rifles, 3 PKT gun, 24 locally fabricated gun, 36 dane guns, 7 locally fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver pistol, 3 locally made single barrel guns, 2 hand grenades and one locally made explosive.

“Others are: 1,716 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 494 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, 290 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 81 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 live cartridges, 16 magazines, 3 M56 rifles magazines, one HH radio, 5 vehicles, 14 motorcycles, 15 mobile phones and the sum of N857,960.00 amongst other items.”

Major General Edward Buba made this known during a press conference on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the federation as at 28 March, 2024, held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

While speaking further, “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 102 dugout pits, 41 boats, 36 storage tanks and 8 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 39 cooking ovens, 6 pumping machines and 61 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 944,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 171,060 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK.

“The foregoing indicates that troops are weathering the storm through offensive posture and improved understanding of modus operandi of the adversary. Accordingly, we are doing our best to rescue other hostages in terrorist captivity.

“Troops would also continue to elimination threats posed by these terrorist and their cohorts. However, citizens should remember that they are our first line of intelligence. Therefore, as citizens, we have a collective responsibility of doing right.

“The armed force is bent on sustaining the winning ways of our operational engagements as demonstrated with the recent rescue of 16 and 137 hostages in Sokoto and Kaduna States, respectively. The rescue of these hostages is indicative of a better understanding of the dynamics of what we are dealing with ,and to address the issue in a much safer manner.

“The rescue operations was based on collaboration between the military working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated approach. The success demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the armed forces to secure and protect the citizens against harm and acts of terror.

“The pressure of military operations created a significant level of distress both for the terrorist and the children. Given the situation, troops line of interest was the children. The level of distressed created by the children was sufficient enough for troops to exploit in their rescue. Additionally, cursory operations in the general areas by troops culminated in the neutralization of several terrorist leaders and commanders in OP HADARIN DAJI theatre of operation.

“On the flip side, we must never allow the incident that occurred in Delta State that led to the killing of 17 soldiers that were buried on 27 March 2024 to ever happen again. The armed forces is a force for stability that employs both kinetic and non knowledge netic measures to achieve the desired end state.

“Prior to the ugly incident, the military had constructed several civic projects in Delta State as a sign of good will. For instance, the construction of Multipurpose Hall and Borehole Projects in Patani LGA and Medical Outreach at Aladja Community in Udu LGA all in Delta State, among several others. Needless to mention, the elders and community leaders have an obligation to expose these wanted persons.

“Nevertheless, troops would continue with their efforts until the culprits are found ,arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law. The banner of eight wanted persons involved with the killing including a woman is hereby released. Accordingly, it is necessary to state that citizens are our first line of intelligence and must rise to the occasion in honour of their nation.”

Discourage Deforestation today

Emmanuel Daudu

Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal or clearing of forests or trees from an area. This process is often driven by human activities such as logging, agriculture, and urban expansion.

The consequences of deforestation are numerous and severe. The most immediate impact is the loss of habitat for countless plant and animal species, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Forests are home to approximately 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, so their destruction can result in the extinction of species.

Deforestation also contributes to climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, and release oxygen. When trees are cut down or burned, this process is disrupted, leading to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and the exacerbation of climate change.

Furthermore, deforestation leads to soil erosion, as the trees and their roots help to anchor the soil in place. Without tree cover, soil is more susceptible to erosion from wind and water, resulting in the loss of fertile soil and the degradation of land.

Deforestation also has social and economic impacts. Many indigenous communities and rural populations depend on forests for their livelihoods, including for food, shelter, and income from sustainable activities like logging or non-timber forest products. The destruction of forests can therefore lead to the displacement and impoverishment of these communities.

Efforts to address deforestation include establishing protected areas, implementing sustainable land-use practices, and promoting reforestation and afforestation programs. International agreements such as the United Nations’ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiative aim to provide financial incentives for forest conservation and sustainable management.

Overall, deforestation is a critical environmental issue that requires concerted global efforts to mitigate its impacts and protect the world’s forests for future generations.

END

Project sponsored by Zenith Global Media Services & Consultancy

Stop Environmental degradation, it is harmful to our environment

By Emmanuel Daudu

The world is blessed with natural and mineral resources, but exploitation of these resources has led to extreme pollution of the environment. Population growth and urbanization due to developments have also contributed immensely to the current pollution globally. Traffic emissions, transported dust and open burning are all significant contributors to air pollution around the world. The Sahara desert is a major source of transported dust, especially during the harmattan season in West Africa. Mercury emissions are very high in South Africa due to coal combustion and gold mining. Air pollutants may contaminate water and soil through atmospheric deposition. However, the major pollution sources for surface waters are the urban and industrial discharges of untreated effluents into the water. A few African countries have standards for effluent discharge into surface waters, but it is unknown whether these standards are being enforced. Though groundwater sources in wells and boreholes are the major sources of drinking water for the African populace, the biological water quality of these groundwater sources is mostly low in the region due to close proximity to sanitary facilities. Identified sources of soil pollution in Africa include agricultural activities, mining, roadside emissions, auto-mechanic workshops, refuse dumps and e-waste.

Oil spills are a major problem in oil-rich African countries such as Nigeria and Angola. Agricultural activities are the lowest impacting the soil in Africa

The role of citizens on environmental degradation can vary greatly depending on their actions and choices. Here are some ways in which citizens can contribute to environmental degradation:

Over consumption: Citizens play a significant role in environmental degradation through overconsumption of natural resources. The demand for products and services can lead to excessive extraction of resources, deforestation, and habitat destruction.

Waste generation: Citizens contribute to environmental degradation by generating large amounts of waste. Improper disposal of waste, such as littering or illegal dumping, can pollute land, waterways, and air.

Energy consumption: Citizens are responsible for energy consumption in households, transportation, and industrial activities. Overreliance on fossil fuels and inefficient energy use contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Pollution: Individual actions, such as using harmful chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers, can contaminate water bodies and soil, leading to pollution. Additionally, personal choices related to transportation, such as using private vehicles instead of public transportation, can increase air pollution.

Lack of awareness and education: Citizens who are uninformed or unaware of the environmental consequences of their actions may inadvertently contribute to environmental degradation. Lack of knowledge about sustainable practices and alternatives can hinder positive environmental behavior.

However, citizens also have the power to mitigate environmental degradation:

Sustainable practices: Citizens can adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing energy and water consumption, recycling and reducing waste, and choosing environmentally-friendly products. These actions help reduce the pressure on natural resources, conserve energy, and minimize pollution.

Advocacy and activism: Citizens can play a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for environmentally-friendly policies and practices. This can involve engaging in protests, petitions, or lobbying efforts to promote sustainability and hold governments and corporations accountable.

Community involvement: Citizens can actively participate in community-based initiatives, such as tree planting, clean-up drives, or conservation projects. Collaborating with local organizations and engaging in environmental volunteering activities helps protect ecosystems and enhance local sustainability.

Education and awareness: Citizens can educate themselves and others about environmental issues, encouraging sustainable behavior. By staying informed about climate change, pollution, and conservation, citizens can make informed decisions that contribute to environmental protection.

Responsible consumer choices: Citizens can vote with their wallets by supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices. This can influence businesses to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact.

Overall, citizens have the ability to either contribute to environmental degradation or play an active role in its mitigation and prevention. With the right choices and actions, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.

How to curb the menace

Increase awareness and education: Educate individuals and communities about the importance of the environment and the consequences of environmental degradation. This can be done through schools, media campaigns, and community events.

Promote sustainable practices: Encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt sustainable practices. This includes reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and promoting renewable energy sources.

Regulate and enforce environmental laws: Implement and enforce strict regulations to prevent pollution and promote the sustainable use of resources. This includes enforcing laws against illegal logging, pollution, and wildlife trafficking.

Support reforestation and habitat restoration: Invest in programs that restore damaged ecosystems and protect biodiversity. This includes planting trees, restoring wetlands and coral reefs, and protecting endangered species.

Encourage responsible consumption and production: Promote responsible consumption by reducing waste and promoting recycling and reuse. Encourage sustainable production practices that minimize the use of resources and reduce pollution.

Support renewable energy: Invest in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Encourage international cooperation: Collaborate with other countries and international organizations to address global environmental challenges. This includes sharing best practices, promoting sustainable development, and supporting international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.

Foster community involvement: Engage local communities in environmental conservation efforts. This can be done through volunteer programs, community gardens, and local environmental projects.

Support sustainable agriculture: Promote sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the use of chemicals, conserve water, and protect soil health. This includes promoting organic farming, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture.

Invest in research and innovation: Support research and development of new technologies and practices that promote environmental sustainability. This includes investing in green technologies, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Overall, ending environmental degradation requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, regulation, community involvement, and international cooperation. It requires a shift towards sustainable practices and a collective effort to protect and restore the environment for future generations.

END

Project sponsored by Zenith Global Media Services & Consultancy

NiMet Unveils New Website

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has unveiled its new website which the agency’s Director General, Chief Executive Officer, and the permanent representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Professor Charles Anosike says is; “More functional, interactive, dynamic and compares with websites of Met Offices in other parts of the world. The new website which can be accessed through our nimet.gov.ng domain has been meticulously designed by our internal ICT staff from the ground up, with a primary focus of establishing a sustainable and scalable portal for the agency”.

Continuing, Prof Anosike said that the unveiling of the new NiMet website, “is part of ongoing efforts by the new management of the agency to reposition the agency for improved and effective service delivery. This is in addition to other initiatives which are in line with the Aviation sector roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development “.

Cyprian Okpalaku, Special Adviser on Information Communication Technology (ICT) to DG/CEO of NiMet, said that with the new website; “members of the public can effortlessly request data and monitor the progress of their requests directly through the portal. Also, the weather forecast widget has been revamped to enable partner agencies or organizations to easily integrate it into their own websites”.

Okpalaku listed other features of the website to include; per section view homepage design making it easy for visitors to concentrate on one content section at a time thus enhancing user experience, improved responsiveness ensuring optimal viewing and functionality across all devices,
secured back-office security matrix, highlighted enhanced features such as former Directors General sections, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) display, archive and documents section, NiMet Chat Box – an intelligent chat box which acts as a NiMet agent, responding to client inquiries with precision, weather alert section, activity sub-domains for agency departments, and an integrated news section.

Concluding, Okpalaku said that the new NiMet website; “serves as a cornerstone for the modern portal structure, contributing to NiMet SmartNet, a system facilitating back-office and smart office operations management across the agency and its branches nationwide”.

Nigeria Seeks Joint West Africa Regional Protection of Undersea Cables

Maryam Aminu

Following recent undersea cable cuts that challenged connectivity in many countries in the West African region, Nigeria has called for a coordinated and multilateral approach by the region to protect shared telecommunications infrastructure, and diversify connectivity to ensure uninterruptible connections.

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, made the submission at the 21st West Africa Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly (WATRA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, between March 19th and 22nd 2024.

Dr. Maida, whose message was represented at the forum by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Commission, Nnenna Ukoha, stated that the recent submarine cable cuts that resulted in nationwide outages on multiple networks in 12 African countries has raised the urgent need for the sub-region to establish a mechanism to protect itself from damage to submarine infrastructure and its attendant impact on the sub-region.

Maida in a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka on Sunday, disclosed that the recent submarine cable cuts that resulted in nationwide outages on multiple networks in 12 African countries raised the urgent need for the subregion to establish a mechanism to protect itself from damage to submarine infrastructure and its attendant impact on the subregion

The Executive Vice Chairman referred to a report by Cloudflare, an IT service management firm, which indicates that about six countries, including four West African countries, still suffers outages caused by the submarine cable cuts.

“Securing telecom infrastructure is paramount for fostering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and enhancing investor confidence in the West African sub-region.The reliability and resilience of telecommunications networks are crucial factors that investors consider when evaluating regional opportunities.” He added

“By ensuring the security of these vital assets, we can attract more investment, spur economic growth, and enhance our competitiveness on the global stage

He noted that a secured telecom infrastructure not only facilitates efficient communication and connectivity but also signals a commitment to safeguarding critical assets essential for business operations

The EVC recommended that the WATRA Working Group on infrastructure should expand it’s mandate to superhead the development of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the subregion’s telecommunications networks and associated infrastructure thereby proactively bolstering resilience through improved disaster response protocols to better insulate ourselves from future disruptions