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NIGCOMSAT begins FG’s internet connectivity project across 774 LGAs

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Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd., has begun the Federal Government’s internet connectivity project across 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs)

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Thursday and signed by the Head of Media Relations Unit of NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Mr Stephen Kwande.

Kwande said that NIGCOMSAT commenced the VSAT installation project in 579 LGAs via satellite coverage leveraging the ku-band network asset of NigComSat-1R for the Federal Government’s project.

He said the phase one of the project had been rolled out and was expected to cover 40 local government area council offices across eight states in the country.

According to him, these include Borno, Cross River, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Ogun, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Kwande quoted the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, as saying that the portable inverter system with solar panel intended to provide uninterrupted power supply using green energy solution had been delivered.

Egerton-Idehen said members of the installation team were already deployed, adding that the project installation was kicked off March 5, 2024 in Kabba-Bunu of Kogi.

The managing director stated that Kogi state remained the first state to benefit from the project, covering five local government areas of the state.

According to her, the project is aligning with the ministry’s strategic blueprint and a significant step in achieving President’s mandate to deliver efficient public service to Nigerians at the local government level.

The NIGCOMSAT boss said the apart from the five local government areas allocated to Kogi in the first instance, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani had added another five local government areas.

She said this increased the total number from 40 to 45 to be covered in the phase one of the project in the country.

“Even though only five LGAs were initially marked down for coverage in the first phase of the project execution in Kogi state, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has directed the addition of five other local government secretariats.

“This brings the total number of LGAs to be covered in the first phase from 40 to 45. The first five local government areas to cover are Kabba/Bunu, Lokoja, Okehi, Bassa and Okene local government areas.”

She stated that the additional five local government approved by the minister were Adavi, Ajaokuta, Kogi, Mopamuro and Dekina LGAs

“In Kwara state, the following local government areas are to be covered are: Ilorin West, Offa, Irepodun, Ilorin South and Kaiama local government areas.

” And for Imo state, the following LGAs are Ikeduru, Oru East Ihitte/Uboma, Orsu, and Oguta local government areas of the state,” NIGCOMSAT boss said.

She stated that in Zamfara state, NIGCOMSAT Ltd would take four local government areas which were Anka, Birnin Magaji, Maru, and Zumi, adding that Galaxy Backbone was to cover Bungudu local government area.

NIGCOMSAT’s ambition, according to the managing director, is to complete the project in recorded time and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the benefits of inclusivity at the local government areas across the country.

Infotech

May Day: Glo salutes Nigerian workers

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Digital telecommuni cations solutions provider, Globacom, has saluted Nigerian workers as the country observes this year’s edition of the International Workers’ Day. The company enjoined them to rededicate themselves to excellence so as to take Nigeria to the next level.

In a solidarity message released on Tuesday, Globacom lauded the resilient spirit of workers in spite of present challenges. It urged them to use the opportunity of the Workers’ Day to reflect on how their contributions can build a better and more vibrant society.

“We salute Nigerian workers on this day and commend them for the hard work, commitment, resourcefulness and industry which are essential for the growth of the economy of any nation,” Globacom said, and urged them not to rest on their oars.

The company noted that the story of Nigeria cannot be complete without the huge contributions of workers, both in the public and private sectors.

The International Labour Day is observed annually on May 1 to recognise the contributions of workers all over the world. It is also used to promote a fairer and more sustainable future for all by advocating for workers’ rights.

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Abaranje fire: Company sues for calm, assures victims of healthcare support

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By our reporter

Carville Integrated Ventures Limited, a leading telecoms facility management services provider, has appealed for calm following the recent fire incident at Abaranje Base Station.

The company manages base stations on behalf of Airtel Nigeria.

In a statement, the Management of Carville noted that the incident occurred during maintenance operations on a leaking part of a diesel tank, resulting in injuries to some individuals from the local community who forcefully gained unauthorised access into the facility hosting the base station during the maintenance work.

The company however sympathised with the victims while promising to provide healthcare support to them.

“The management of Carville Integrated Ventures, extends her condolences to the affected individuals and their families, stating, ‘Our hearts go out to those injured in the unfortunate incident. We are committed to providing support and assistance during their recovery process.’

“We stand by our commitment to the communities we serve, and we will continue to prioritize their welfare in all our operations.”

“Furthermore, Carville appeals to community leaders and members to cooperate with the company in implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

“Safety is our top priority,” the management affirmed. “We urge everyone to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the well-being of all.”

“Carville is working closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement necessary measures to prevent recurrence,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Airtel Nigeria has also in a statement sympathised with the victims of the fire incident.

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Digital identity: FG, Bill Gates partner to harmonise database

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By our reporter

The Federal Government and Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Mr. Bill Gates are in talks to develop a system that will help Nigeria harmonise her identity system database.

The Microsoft Founder made this known when he met with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.

According to Gates, “We are working with Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitisation. Before you came into office, there were a few things attempted in identity management. But they have been very scattered. There have been multiple identification systems.

“Now, there is a plan to take that technology called MOSIP and use it for this identification platform so that people can get digital benefits. We are providing support for that, and we can provide more support.

“With MOSIP ID, there is potential application in all government payment programmes. It helps with payment efficiency and bank accounts, and eventually, when everyone is using that, it makes tax collection easier. That benefit will take a few years. However, there will be more bank accounts, more financial inclusion, and effective government payment programmes,” the Former Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft said.

Mr. Gates said Nigeria has the capacity to manage this system and related-technological systems as the nation brims with talented youths.

“The last time I went to the Microsoft office in Lagos, I saw the amazing work that they were doing and how they were growing their operations. So, you have a lot of Nigerian talents to manage these systems,” he said.

Responding, President Tinubu noted that his administration is investing in technology that is tailored towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government and accelerating public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people.

Emphasising his unwavering commitment to deliver reliable technology that will support a national consumer credit system and many other critical new government interventions for all Nigerians, the President said resistance is often expected when efforts are made to strengthen systems and forestall malfeasance.

“Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity. We have been working hard on improving technology.”

“There is always the initial resistance. Corruption, self-interest, and fraudulent activity will always be an enemy, but when you bend that curve, you will receive the benefit. The nation will receive the benefit,” the President said.

The President also stated that he is proud of Nigeria’s youths noting that they encourage him to continue to press his reform efforts forward for their future prosperity.

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