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By Emmanuel Daudu

At the conclusion of the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) 2023, Nigeria joined the rest of the World to sign unto the Final Act WRC-23, which constitutes a record of the decisions taken at the conference.

According to Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs, in a press release signed on the 23rd of December, 2023, the Final Act comprises both the new and revised provisions of the Radio Regulations, an international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented Nigeria and was joined by the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida and the Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat Ltd), Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen.

The WRC-2023 is a global, inter-governmental treaty conference which is held every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations-affiliated international organization for telecommunications.

At the end of each conference, countries signed unto an updated Final Act, the outcome of agreements on agendas put forward by country administrations.

According to a statement by the ITU, “the agreement to the updated Radio Regulations identifies new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land.”

Among the decisions reached, the Conference also identified spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), which will be crucial for expanding broadband connectivity and developing IMT mobile services, also known as 4G, 5G and, in the future, 6G.

The conference also identified new frequencies for non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) that would provide high-speed broadband onboard aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles. These satellite services are also critical following disasters where local communication infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

Provisions were also included to protect ship and aircraft mobile service stations located in international airspace and waters from other stations within national territories.

Nigeria’s delegation at the conference comprised seasoned engineers and experts in telecommunications and satellite regulations and governance from the Ministry, NCC, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), NigComSat Ltd, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), telecom operators and other practitioners from the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Tijani, who led the Nigerian delegation at the WRC-23, thanked the delegation for their sacrifices which, he noted, were made for the collective benefit of the future of Nigeria.

He also enjoined the Nigerian delegation to commence preparation for future conferences to ensure the preservation of the country’s interest by developing capacity through investments in extensive research and inter-agency collaboration.

Also, during an engagement with the Nigerian delegation at the conference, Maida commended the delegation for collaborating towards Nigeria’s best interest. He emphasised the conference’s significant importance for Nigeria.

According to him, “the agreements reached at this year’s conference will provide valuable spectrum resources that will benefit the Commission’s stakeholders, especially ordinary Nigerians by enhancing service quality and bridging the digital gap in rural areas.

“Additionally, the establishment of international standards for radiocommunications and the decisions made at the conference will impact the development and implementation of new technologies.

“These outcomes align with Nigeria’s overall objectives and the Honorable Minister’s Strategic Plan for the Ministry particularly on expanding broadband connectivity, in harmony with the global transition to 5G and future 6G technologies, as well as improving quality of experience and providing equitable access to all Nigerians.”

In the spirit of the Christmas season celebration, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has intervened in the December salary delay to our gallant soldiers who are out there protecting Nigerians.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director ( Information & PR), in a press release stated that the Minister’s intervention came at the heat of non payment of December salary to our Nigerian Soldiers at this festive season.
Recognizing the critical nature of this matter, Dr Matawalle  engaged in collaborative efforts with the Accountant General of the Federation and the AGF partnered effectively with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to expedite the resolution of the salary payment delay.
Contrary to some reports , we can confirm that  payments have commenced.

Dr. Bello who personally made all necessary contacts with the authorities in charge of payment of salary said that the Military officers can now celebrate with their loved ones as their salaries have started dropping to their accounts.

While thanking the concerned authorities for the prompt payment of December salary after his intervention, he commended the Military for their dedication and commitment to their duties despite the initial challenge in the payment of their December salary saying : ” I hope the payment will boost your morale to carry on your constitutional duty of protecting the nation.”

The Minister further said that he would continually use his good office to promote the well being of the Nigerian Military.

“As the Minister of State for Defence, I am aware of the sacrifices made daily by our brave men and women of the Armed Forces in ensuring the safety and security of our nation. Your dedication, resilience and commitment to duty serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all,” he said.

He charged all Nigerians irrespective of their religion to pray for the Military officers who are out there protecting us and the territorial integrity of our nation.

“Happy Christmas celebration and a prosperous new year to our gallant soldiers,” he wished them.

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni has charged all Nigerians to live in peace and love as exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ.

According to Henshaw Ogubike minpr, Director (Information &  PR) in a press release disclosed  that Dr. Kana stated this while praying for all Christians during this year’s Christmas celebration.

The Permanent Secretary who sent his warmest and heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians as Nigeria and the world at large celebrate Christmas season said that Christmas is a season of peace, love and sharing.

Accordingly, he called on all Christians and Nigerians to show that love of Christ towards one another and most especially our Nigerian Military “Let us all remember the Military in the front lines fighting insecurity in the country,” he charged.

To the Military he said their efforts in the fight against insecurity was not unnoticed: “We acknowledge your sacrifices and we thank you for your perseverance in discharging your professional duties,” he commended them.

Dr. Kana said that as Christmas season is a period for reflection, gratitude and unity, Nigerians should imbibe the culture of love, peace and goodwill towards one another.

Furthermore on his greeting message, he sent words of encouragement to all Nigerians saying: ” Let us remember in the midst of our diversity the essence of this season and strive to forster unity, understanding and harmony in our communities and
nation.

He prayed that this year Christmas celebration bring us together as one family and align us with Christ’s teaching of peace, love and harmony.  

On insecurity facing the nation, He opined that with love and unity, the nation can defeat our common enemies of terrorism and other criminalities.

He charged all Nigerians irrespective of religion to pray for our Military officers who are out there protecting us.

The Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, extends his heartfelt congratulations to the distinguished officers recently promoted across the Nigeria Armed Forces. Recognizing their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to national security, Dr. Matawalle commends the exemplary service they have rendered to the nation.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr,
Director (Information)
Ministry of Defence in a press release on Sunday disclosed that the statement was in congratulatory message. Dr. Matawalle stated, “The promotion of these officers is a testament to their unwavering dedication and meritorious service to our beloved nation. Their achievements reflect the values of discipline, bravery, and professionalism that define the Nigeria Armed Forces.”

Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the critical role the newly promoted officers play in addressing the prevailing challenges of insecurity. He remarked, “As you ascend to higher ranks, the nation places an even greater trust in your capabilities. I charge each of you to redouble your efforts and collaborate across services to decisively tackle the security challenges facing our country.”

Matawalle continued with a passionate charge, “The Nigerian people look up to you, our newly promoted Generals, to bring an end to the insecurity that has plagued certain regions. Your leadership, strategic vision, and dedication will be pivotal in restoring peace, unity, and prosperity to our nation.”

Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commitment to equipping the Armed Forces with the necessary resources and support. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the newly promoted officers to lead with integrity, courage, and excellence.

The Honorable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has felicitated with Nigerians on Christmas as they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Prince Audu in a statement made available by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji on Sunday in Abuja urged Nigerians to reflect on the essence of Christmas, and make positive impacts that would be sustained beyond the festive period.

Audu also urged Nigerians to extend love to one another beyond every form of divide, remembering the less privileged, displaced persons, vulnerable groups, and those in humanitarian crisis.

He also admonished the Christian fold to use the opportunity of Christmas to pray for the peace, unity and development of Nigeria, the President and those at the helm of leadership.

“Christmas is a time of the year to reflect on the essence of the celebration which is the birth of Jesus Christ; to show love, and affection to one another. It is also a time to rededicate our commitments to Nigeria, humanity and nation building.

“It is equally important that we live and show acts of kindness that would make long lasting positive impacts even beyond the Christmas season.

“It is a season of Renewed Hope for Nigerians which can be seen in the various policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, just within a few months of assuming office as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. This certainly means, better days ahead for Nigerians.

“However, the President can not do it alone, and that is why it is very important that we commit ourselves to the vision of the Renewed Hope agenda so that together, we can achieve a better Nigeria.

“I wish us all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance”, Prince Audu stated.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honorable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has engaged over 200 youths on Adhoc duties in industries, plants and agencies under the Federal Ministry of Steel Development across the country.

According to a press release signed on Sunday by SA Media to the Honorable Minister of Steel Development
Lizzy Okoji, disclosed that this initiative Shuaibu says is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR of creating direct and indirect jobs, especially for the youths in the country.

Prince Audu said that the engaged youths would assist in various capacities in some of the steel plants as plans to revive the industry is underway with productions of iron rods in Ajaokuta Steel Plant to kickstart in full force as soon as possible.

“We have a lot of Human Resources in the country with great potentials and technical know how, and now is the time to engage as we are fully set to rolling out our steel plants again.

“I have had several engagements with prospective investors who have shown interest in reviving the various components of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel plant, Delta Steel Plant in Aladja, amongst other steel plants in the country.

“Reviving these plants means more hands on deck to help with the job. This again is in line with the vision of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR of creating job opportunities, increasing local productions to boost Nigeria’s export capacities and industrializing Nigeria through the Steel Sector.

“Hopefully, when the window of employment opens, these young energetic Nigerians among others would be duly employed in line with the provisions and guidelines of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has lauded the First Lady, Distinguished Senator Remi Tinubu for the generous inclusion of Senior Citizens in her Renewed Hope Initiative in the country.

According to a press release signed by Omini Oden, Head, Corporate, Media and Communications, In an official statement, NSCC Director General, Dr Emem Omokaro says the gesture by the First Lady confirms the favorable disposition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to older persons in Nigeria.

The statement signed by NSCC’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications, Omini Oden, says the act by Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu has accorded Senior Citizens a welcomed sense of inclusion and addressed their right to non-discrimination.

NSCC Director General, assures that the National Senior Citizens Centre has created sector wide partnerships to mainstream older persons into the Social Investment programs, Health and Social Care and other laudable initiatives including the realization of One Community, One Senior Centre Project.

While renewing her appeal to State Governments to expedite action towards domestication of the National Senior Citizens Centre Act 2017 and National Policy on Ageing, Dr Omokaro noted that the decentralized and inclusive template of the Renewed Hope Initiative template should encourage and boost State and Local Governments efforts to ensure equity and age-specific responses during planning, budgeting and implementation of health and social services to meet the needs of different population categories without leaving older persons behind.

The Director General commended the National Stakeholders Consultative Forums on Ageing; a mechanism of the National Senior citizens Centre for reaching and involving participation of older persons even in hard-to-reach places, who have approached offices of the First Ladies in their respective States and successfully secured slots for older persons from the 250 allocated.

The National Senior Citizens Centre will continue to create awareness of its robust and sustainable Older-Persons-Centered and community-oriented programs and services towards achieving a dignified, healthy, happy and secured geriatric population and welcomes states, local governments and private sector partnerships in their adoption and replication across the country.

The Director General/ CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, today played host to the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Chief Obiora Okonkwo who was on a courtesy visit to NiMet headquarters in Abuja. Chief Obiora Okonkwo who was accompanied by his Director of Administration, Mr. Linus Awute oon, mni,  said he was in NiMet to pay courtesy visit and congratulate a blossom.

“I am very delighted and happy that such a person of this calibre is given opportunity to prove himself. I have no doubt that he would bring the necessary leadership that will reposition NiMet”.

Speaking further, Chief Okonkwo who isa user of NiMet services, a major stakeholder and operator of one of the leading private airlines in Nigeria, disclosed that as an operator in the aviation industry, he has always looked for a moment where there would be a closer collaboration between the NiMet and the airline operators. Chief Okonkwo who underscored the critical role weather plays in our lives, urged NiMet to bring this to the frontline to attract the necessary attention of the public.

“I really think that for us in the aviation sector, we have to find a way the professional information or forecasts that we have about weather is out at our doorstep one week ahead. My plea to you is that this information about weather that you get should not be kept to yourself, it must be made known to the public, as it affects them. Therefore as an operator from the aviation industry, it is high time we looked for a very good collaboration to support NiMet to make sure it’s weather situation is made to the public”, he explained.

Chief Okonkwo noted that often when they had to tell travellers about flight delays or cancellations due to weather, this should not lead to travellers vilifying or assaulting operators as sometimes these delays are not caused by the operators. He raised concerns about the government always talking on the sides of the travellers and the travelling public, but that operators also have their rights. He however said with improved infrastructural provisions and investment in some of these airports, no matter how low visibility is you can still land in that airport.

He therefore called on the DG NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike to liaise with all the sister agencies in aviation to come up with a very compulsory demand that  operating airports must meet certain infrastructural requirements for aircrafts to be landing there.

Concluding his remarks, Chief Okonkwo disclosed that it was his first time visiting NiMet and described it as timely while he exppressed hope that ” with this new leadership you have, you will reach out and work with all that are concerned to see how we can make this happen for the aviation industry”, he said.

In his response, the Director General NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike thanked him for the visit while assuring him that all he said have been noted and that in the course of the collaboration  more insight will be given to him with regard to the assets and infrastructure NiMet has at the airports.
“We will give you more insight so that you know the strength and what we need to strengthen in this industry. So I thank you for this visit and we are looking forward to this collaboration. We will address all these issues and improve the way we work with the airlines because it is a regulated environment. Am sure you know that we have been instrumental in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit score we received”, he said.
In commemoration of the visit, both parties exchanged gifts/souvenirs.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed the Director, Department of Development Control to ensure that Nuwalege community, along the Airport Road gives way for the presidential fleet plot. Over 200 Houses to be demolished.

The directive follows the request from the Nigerian Air Force.

Speaking through the Director, Tpl Mukhtar Galadima during a community and citizen engagement on Tuesday in Abuja, the minister hinted that, it becomes imperative that the community give way for development
According to him, “About a month ago, the authority of the Nigerian Air Force wrote to the honourable minister on their needs and desire to remove this village, because it is part of the presidential fleet plots.

“So, the minister in his wisdom requested them to allow the FCT administration to handle it, because it’s the responsibility of FCT administration. The Nigerian Air Force approached the Department of Development Control on their desire.

“So, as part of our responsibility, we have to do what you call a community and citizens engagement which is why we are here today to discuss with the community and to tell them of our intention, because it will be unfair to just bring the machine here and start removing their houses.

“So, we visited the chiefs at his palace to meet him and we told him our reason for coming to this place today”.