GSM commiserates with Okowa over father's death - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Governor 'Seyi Makinde (GSM) of Oyo State, on Thursday, commiserated with his counterpart in Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, over the death of his father, Sir Arthur Okowa, reports ITREALMS.

Makinde, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, condoled with Okowa, urging him to take heart and take solace in God and the good legacy left behind by his late dad.

Wike applauds Makinde on proactive projects in Oyo - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has applauded his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, for his courageous leadership in the state, stressing that despite being the only PDP governor in the South-West, Makinde has performed appreciably well, reports ITREALMS.

Wike, who lauded the Oyo State governor on Thursday, for embarking on "priority, proactive signature projects," said from the ongoing projects he inspected, it was clear that Makinde "means well for the people of Oyo State."

Liquid Telecom acquires QBS Group - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Leading pan-African telecoms group, Liquid Telecom, has strategically acquired the Middle East & African operations of Quattro Business Solutions (QBS), reports ITREALMS.

QBS, ITREALMS gathered is a leader in the fast-growing ecosystem of Microsoft Dynamics partners. The acquisition will allow Liquid Telecom to innovate and enhance its digital services offerings.

Airtel Nigeria gets 10-year licence renewal - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with presence in some 14 countries across Africa, including Nigeria and has received renewal approval for the spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), reports ITREALMS.

This approval, ITREALMS gathered, affords its Nigerian subsidiary, the Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Nigeria), the requisite spectrum licenses for the next 10 years.

NCC steps up consumer protection to curb data depletion, wrong deductions - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is stepping up consumer protection to curb data depletion, and wrong deductions, in the country, reports ITREALMS.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta made this known in Abuja while receiving the Man of the Year 2020 Award from MoneyReport magazine, recently in Abuja.

NNPC records 92% sales rise of petroleum products in October - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has recorded a total of ₦158.04 billion from the sales of white products in the month of October 2020 representing 92 per cent increase over the ₦80.15 billion sales in September 2020, reports ITREALMS.

A press release by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that the figure is contained in the October 2020 edition of the NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Reports (MFOR).

Economic stimulus: Makinde inaugurates committee - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!


Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday, inaugurated the state Steering Committee on COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme (CARES), reports ITREALMS.

CARES, is the state initiative targeted at mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state.

Things to know before betting online - ITREALMS

Sponsored@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Online sports betting is on the increase and it has an added advantage of having your money at your fingertips instead of going to a betting shop.

But before you jump in, take a few minutes to learn what to do and what to avoid:

Osinbajo leads guests @The Guardian Book launch - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has been confirmed to lead the list of special guests at the forthcoming launch of a The Guardian Book, reports ITREALMS.

The event, ITREALMS gathered has been slated to hold in Lagos on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, just as it will be attended by many top media icons, politicians across the political divide, captains of industry and other high profile Nigerians.

David Ogbanga emerges hero @CITN, Rivers State Secondary Schools Tax Quiz - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Master David Ogbanga of Archdeacon Brown Education Center, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has emerged the winner of the first Rivers State All Secondary School Tax Quiz Competition organized by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in collaboration with EggHeads Management Consultants, reports ITREALMS.

He was crowned the Tax Hero after beating the nine finalists that scaled the keenly contested quiz competition, which attracted secondary school students from across the state.

What Makinde told Buhari on Oyo security situation - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Wednesday, met with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss the security situation in the state, declaring that his administration remains resolute about fighting bandits, hoodlums, armed robbers and kidnappers.

Makinde, who addressed State House Correspondents in Abuja said that the real enemies of the state are the criminal elements.

CCNA unveils Africa’s first ‘Frontiers of Innovation’ Series - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

This ground-breaking multi-sector initiative, first launched in the Middle East five years ago, unites industry and sector professionals to provide an effective online platform to drive innovation, share ideas, gain insights & experiences, and generate actionable solutions to existing challenges.

The African Frontiers of Innovation Series will run as a monthly online broadcast that explores the impact of the pandemic on individuals, sectors and economies.

Tizeti rolls out high-speed 4G LTE in Edo - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

As part of its commitment to ensuring access to affordable broadband connectivity in Africa’s underserved populations, Tizeti, West Africa’s pioneer solar-based internet service provider is rolling out its 4G LTE network in Edo State, with monthly fixed broadband costs pegged at four thousand Naira ($8), reports ITREALMS.

With this move, millions of people in Edo State previously outside the broadband envelope can now take advantage of high-speed broadband internet from Tizeti.

Motorola Solution launches new smart radio - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Motorola Solutions has launched a next generation business-ready smart radio with voice, broadband data and multimedia capabilities to connect teams, inform operations and keep businesses running smoothly, reports ITREALMS.

The MOTOTRBO Ion smart radio brings real-time intelligent data to existing business workflows. Its fully open Android application ecosystem allows for seamless integration of the mobile data applications that commercial industries depend on, such as those used for enterprise-grade barcode scanning, as well as team communication platforms used for messaging, meetings and shared content.

2023: Trumpet for Igbo presidency - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Swallow an axe:

The Fulani have many intriguing proverbs. 'If a man says he will swallow an axe, hold the handle for him.' That is one of the proverbs. 

If you want to understand the full import, then listen very well to Alhaji Buba Galadima who professes to be Buhari's enemy. He was in the news a few days ago responding to the call for an Igbo president for Nigeria in 2023.

How Danbatta emerged MoneyReport’s Man of the Year 2020 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The choice of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, as the “Man of the Year 2020” by the publishers of MoneyReport Magazine, has emerged, reports ITREALMS.

Danbatta, ITREALMS recalls was on Tuesday at the corporate headquarters of NCC in Abuja presented the prestigious “Man of the Year 2020” award from the Publishers of MoneyReport Magazine.

EndSARS: Oyo judicial panel begins public hearing, mentions 10 cases - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up by Governor Seyi Makinde to look into cases of victimisation and brutality by the Police, on Tuesday, began a public hearing on the petitions filed by victims of alleged Police brutality in the state, reports ITREALMS.

While speaking at the first sitting, which was held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, the chairman of the panel, retired Honourable Justice Badejoko Adeniji, assured members of the public that justice will be dispensed without fear or favour.

No lockdown consideration says CBN, retains rate @11.5% - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has advised the Federal Government not to consider another round of lockdown, just as it retains policy rate at 11.5 per cent, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this Tuesday, the Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said in Abuja at the end of the first MPC meeting in 2021 that his office would work with the fiscal authorities to revamp the economy by collaborating on policy implementation.

Anambra Matriarch sues Cletus Ibeto & co, demands N51.3bn - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

An Anambra State High Court Two sitting in the Nnewi judicial division, has adjourned till 12th May 2021 for hearing on a case for the demolition of buildings and land grabbing brought before it by a 104 years old matriarch, Mrs Margaret Onwuelo, and her daughters, against Chief Cletus Ibeto and 14 other defendants, reports ITREALMS.

The court is presided over by Justice Dennis Maduechesi.

ITREALMS gathered that Matriarch Margaret
is seeking the court to award her over N51,352,400,000 in damages and cost of litigation.

Anambra mourns Oscar Onwudiwe, president Aka Ikenga - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Anambra State Government is mourning the passage of Chief Oscar Mbanefo Onwudiwe, President of Aka Ikenga, reports ITREALMS

The Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment in the state, Mr. C Don Adinuba, disclosed this to ITREALMS in a press statement and said, Anambra received with sadness news of the the influential think tank of Igbo professionals and scholars in Lagos.

R. E. S. T. R. U. C. T. U. R. E: A broken dream - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The broken dream Nigeria
Not yet, don't open that
Door further to hurt and hurt
Race door hurts and consumes
Under Tribe cover hurts
Beyond our collective and
Uncontrollable imagination past.

Records show how Yugoslavia
Learned not, Soviet Union saw not
Armenia with eyes closed plunged
Into dark moments of history before
Them were many pretenses of jockers
Converged in ignorance of purity.

National question and quest for restructuring in Nigeria - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Introduction
To paraphrase the historian, mathematician, journalist, and public intellectual, Edwin Madunagu, every political history has its significant dates, landmarks or turning points.

In Nigeria’s political history, for instance, landmarks would include October 1, 1960, (the day Nigeria gained independence from Britain), January 15, 1966, (when the first of what would become a tradition of military coups occurred), July 6, 1967, (the official start of the 30-month Nigeria-Biafra war) and January 15, 1970, (the official end of the civil war).

Sunday Igboho: How we put out fire says Oyo Fire Service - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Oyo State Fire and Safety Services has stated that its men were able to timeously arrest the fire incident at the Soka, Ibadan home of Mr. Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho at the early hours of Tuesday, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement available to ITREALMS and signed by the agency's Director of Operations, Engr. Adeleke Ismail, showed that the fire outbreak was reported to it at exactly 3.20 a.m. through a telephone call from the scene of the fire.

Buhari sacks service chiefs, appoints Major-General Leo Irabor, CDS - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Nigerian President, General Muhammadu Buhari, retired, has finally sacked the service chiefs led by General Abayomi Olonisakin since 2015, with immediate effect, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this to ITREALMS, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina, made this known in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon.

Eviction notice: Sunday Igboho home torched by arsonists - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!


The home of raising Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho has been torched by unknown persons in early hours of Tuesday, reports ITREALMS.

Also, ITREALMS that a trending video online showed the house situated at Soka area of Oluloye Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State was burnt by arsonist yet to be identified.

S/West-Miyetti Allah meeting: Forget my support, Makinde tells advocates of jungle justice - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has said that his government would not try to solve the insecurity challenges in his state by backing those bent on taking laws into their hands or carrying out jungle justice against perceived wrongdoers, reports ITREALMS.

CNN’s Inside Africa meets Nigeria’s Techpreneurs - ITREALMS

Sponsored@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

On this week’s Inside Africa, CNN International showcases Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit, meeting four start-up stars who are improving the world from Africa’s largest tech hub.

Firstly, the programme meets Olatunbosun “Bosun” Tijani, the brains behind one of Africa’s biggest networks of tech talent. Tijani founded the Co-Creation (CC) Hub in 2010 as a meeting place for innovators in the heart of Lagos. He speaks about his inspiration, “Science and technology can leapfrog development across Africa and there are so many smart people on this continent, we just need to build a platform that will enable them to create.”

War against terror: FG making progress, neutralizes 158 criminals - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The Federal Government (FG) has declared its making progress in the war against terror and banditry, just as the Nigerian Armed Forces have neutralized 158 criminal elements country-wide, reports ITREALMS.

Making this known to ITREALMS on Monday, was the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Abuja, saying that since the beginning of this year, which is barely three weeks old, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have neutralized 158 criminal elements across the country.

Secretary-General names Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond Tech Envoy - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres has named Mr. Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond of Chile as his Envoy on Technology, reports ITREALMS.

He made this disclosure at the weekend saying that his office took into account the growing prominence of technology issues and the recognition that the United Nations must enhance its efforts on digital cooperation and global connectivity, the Envoy will lead the implementation of the Secretary-General’s Roadmap on Digital Cooperation in close consultation with Member States, the technology industry, civil society and other stakeholders. The Envoy will complement ongoing technology related efforts in relevant bodies and entities within the United Nations system.

Marginalised African communities: PIN calls for digital inclusion on education - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has called for digital inclusion of marginalized communities in Africa, as the world celebrates the International Day of Education (IDE) themed "Recover and Revitalize Education for the COVID-19 Generation," reports ITREALMS.

ITREALMS gathered that IDE was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in recognition of the importance of education as well as the need to ensure everyone has equitable quality education at all levels and access to lifelong learning opportunities that help them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to access opportunities, participate fully in and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of society.

Owoseni on Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa areas: 51 suspects on trial for kidnapping, other offences - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

A delegation of Oyo State Government officials and the new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko, on Sunday, toured the trouble spots of Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun areas of the state where they conducted on-the-spot assessment of the tension-soaked communities.

The Commissioner of Police, who led senior Police officers including Deputy Commissioners of Police and Mobile Police Commanders on a tour of Igangan, Tede and Ago Are communities sued for peace, while also declaring the readiness of the Police to embark on a thorough investigation to ensure justice for victims of kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and other crimes.

Lenovo outstrips other OEMs, dominates global PC shipments - ITREALMS

Sponsored@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Lenovo, has continued to astound market watchers, dominating worldwide PC shipments on the back of a rise in demand. 

The demand is fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic which has seen more schools and students embracing online learning. Also, with more companies and corporate organisations the world over still asking their employees to work remotely, the demand for personal computers (PCs) has soared in recent months.

Uncovered! Plot to scuttle East-West road project - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

Rivers State-based advocacy group, Citizens Quest For Truth Initiative (CQ4TI) has disclosed it uncovered plots to scuttle the work on the East-West road project, reports ITREALMS.

This road, ITREALMS gathered had its contractors recently returned to site, and some self-styled community leaders are busy plan to mess with the developmental strides of the President Mohammadu Buhari's administration in the region.

2020 telecoms sector: A potent industry proving it’s worth - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

"Great leaders don't set out to be a leader ... they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role. Always about the goal," - Lisa Haisha.

The above quote seems to summarize the leadership role of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) notwithstanding odds.

90-yrs later: KGS to celebrate Khalil Gibran - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The Khalil Gibran Society (KGS), with its Africa regional office in Nigeria in conjunction with the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) and the Gibran National Committee (GNC) in Lebanon are set to commemorate 90 years of Khalil Gibran’s death with Poetry and Art Anthology.

This was contained in a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, KGS Africa regional Coordinator who is also one of the organizers of the project.

Fayemi mourns Gambo Jimeta - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has expressed his condolences to the family of former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta who passed on Thursday, aged 83, reports ITREALMS.

Jimeta was the Inspector General of Police between 1986 and 1990 and later served as National Security Adviser.

Goodnight Ben Bright: A Tribute from OOPF - ITREALMS

Tribute@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

For 52 years you lived among us as a colleague, media professional, husband, father, kinsman.

But today we bid you farewell, farewell to a place there will be no more suffering, no more troubles. We bid you farewell to a place of eternal rest after five years in which you fought kidney failure like a warrior.

Polaris Bank offers loan to SMEs - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The Polaris Bank has introduced a cash flow lending product for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) tagged; Polaris Business Loan, reports ITREALMS.

The facility offers both existing and new SME customers of the Bank the opportunity to access quick loans for stock replacement, equipment finance, working capital and business expansion to sustain and scale up in the business. This forms part of the lender's continuous efforts to support the growth of small and medium scale businesses.

COVID-19: Prof. Ibidapo-Obe family debunks video - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The family of late former Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe has debunked that the party video in circulation was not the source of his death, which was also linked to coronavirus complications, reports ITREALMS.

The family in a press statement available to ITREALMS and issued by Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, cousin to the late Professor, said the circulated video was mischievously put on social media by the authors, adding that, the party being referred to was attended years back before emergence of coronavirus.

EXCLUSIVE: NCC to unveil new Strategic Management Vision - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would in the coming week soon unveil a new Strategic Management Vision (SMV), also known as Strategic Management Plan (SMP), ITREALMS can reveal.

EVC, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta

ITREALMS recalls that NCC had in 2003 introduced a five-year Strategic Management Plan (SMP), just as the last was SMP 2014 which ran through December 2018.

Year 2020 and Economic Outlook of 2021 - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

Everyone agrees that 2020 was a peculiar year. Economies across the globe experienced turbulent economic challenges. In Nigeria, following two consecutive quarters (Q2, 2020 and Q3, 2020) of negative growth, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) officially announced that the country’s economy technically entered a recession.

The recession has been characterized as the worst in four decades and second in five years. But beyond the low employment, low consumption and investment spending, economic agents have had to also grapple with another macroeconomic accomplice – the unduly rise in commodity prices in the face of a recession. Figures from the NBS confirms that between June and October alone inflation rose from 12.56% to 14.2% and there are expectations that it will climb higher.

Akesan Market enters second phase in Oyo - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The infrastructure built out in Akesan Market in Oyo town has entered the second phase, just as Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa Road was inspected by the Executive Governor of the state, Engr. Seyi Makinde, reports ITREALMS.

Makinde had  on Thursday inspected the two on-going infrastructure projects where he expressed satisfaction with the quality of the works being done by the contractors.

IGP Gambo Jimeta is dead, Buhari mourns - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta is dead, reports ITREALMS.

The family of the former IGP announced his passage on Thursday evening.

IRENA endorses Forum on Energy Transition - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA’s) members overwhelmingly approved the establishment of a new, vision-building Global High-Level Forum on Energy Transition, reports ITREALMS.

This, ITREALMS gathered would avail using IRENA’s knowledge and convening powers to centre-stage energy transitions at the heart of an effective post-COVID recovery. The decision concludes the Agency’s annual Assembly which brought together over 2000 participants from members and partners in a virtual meeting from 18 - 21 January.

CPS to Lagos Council: Don't leave digital space for nonprofessionals - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Gboyega Akosile, has advised professional media practitioners in the country, specially members of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) not to shy away from digital space, reports ITREALMS

"The digital space must not be left for non-professionals," he declared.

AfCFTA: Future of Sports and Entertainment in United Africa - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

Friday, January 1st, 2021 marked the start of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

In ratifying the agreement, 34 African countries have created the largest free trade zone in the world by country participation. 

COVID-19 vaccines: NGF berates Yahaya Bello, insists - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has berated the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over his public rejection of Covid-19 vaccines, reports ITREALMS.

*Bello recently with some women without face mask

Chairman of NGF and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, distanced the forum from Bello, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja after the forum first virtual meeting for 2021.

Cross-border remittance: Lycaremit, Wari partner - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

Global platform for digital financial services, Wari has entered into a partnership with Lycaremit to users cross border access to the remittance solutions across 30 African countries, reports ITREALMS.

This, ITREALMS gathered will benefit from Wari’s highly secure network to access low-cost fund transfers across 30 African countries, Europe, Russia, and the Middle East; Services will be available online immediately, via WhatsApp Messenger and via a mobile app which is to be launched imminently.

Revealed: Nigeria has 53,460 telecom towers from 3G, 4G - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The number of third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) base transceiver stations (BTS) otherwise known as telecom towers deployed in Nigeria has increased from 30,000 to 53,460 while Fibre Optic Transmission cables expanded from 47,000km to 54,725km in the last five years, reports ITREALMS.

Making this revelation in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chaiman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the resultant effect is improved broadband/telecoms service delivery to Nigerians.

Africa, world’s next business frontier says Adesina - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! 

The African Development Bank, President Akinwumi A. Adesina has said that Africa remained fertile ground for investment, but much hinged on the continent’s ability to boost its healthcare sector, reports ITREALMS.

Adesina gave this insight Wednesday during the Africa Investment Conference, a virtual one-day event organized by the UK Department for International Trade, which brought together UK and African business and government leaders to discuss investment and partnership opportunities. Four sectors were under the spotlight: sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, financial and professional services, and agriculture and agri-tech.

As part of the conference, Emma Wade-Smith, Her Majesty’s UK Trade Commissioner for Africa, joined Adesina in a fireside chat on the theme “Building back better – utilizing UK private sector strengths and values, and business-to-business opportunities working with UK government and others going forward.”

Africa still possessed the same fundamentals that had driven the continent’s phenomenal growth over the past decade, Adesina said. Participants heard that the continent offered ample opportunities in terms of natural resources, vast tracts of arable land, and a young and rapidly urbanizing population. The potential presented by the newly launched African Continental Free Trade Area was also highlighted.

“The fundamentals in those phenomenal growth rates in Africa are still there…Africa still leads in terms of ease of doing business…It’s very exciting, the digital explosion that you see in Africa today,” Adesina said, listing among others the tide of mergers and acquisitions among African firms.

Africa’s economy shrank by 2.1% in 2020 and is expected to grow by 3.4% in 2021 as the global economy recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During their exchange, Wade-Smith tapped Adesina’s views on the impact of vaccines on Africa’s economic outlook. Adesina said for him the issue was long-term.

Wade-Smith said she was heartened to learn that 10 of the fastest-growing economies were still in Africa, adding that there was not enough awareness of how much innovation was happening in the region. She said there was an opportunity to blend African and UK innovation. “I’ve been struck by how many opportunities there are,” Wade-Smith said.

Africa has a mere 365 pharmaceutical companies, compared to 7,000 in China and 11,000 in India, as individual countries with comparable population sizes.

British investors were urged to pay attention to Africa. “That’s where the next frontier is,” Adesina said.

Other participants included UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Minister for Africa James Duddridge, Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone, as well as business leaders from Standard Bank, pharmaceuticals firm AstraZeneca and mobile operator Vodacom.

Johnson earlier told the conference that although “many things have changed” since last year, “there is one thing I can tell you that has not changed: that is my ambition for the UK to be Africa’s investment partner.”

The conference follows last year’s successful UK-Africa Investment Summit, hosted in London by the Prime Minister, where 27 trade and investment deals worth £6.5 billion and commitments valued at £8.9 billion were announced. At the time, Africa was home to eight of the world’s 15 fastest-growing economies amid a groundswell of optimism about its economic upswing.