Environment
Obasanjo Urges Creation of Conducive Environment for Investments
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a more conducive environment in Nigeria to attract substantial foreign investments. Speaking at an exaugural lecture and book launch in Lagos on Tuesday, Obasanjo highlighted the need for the right mindset and policies to foster economic growth.
The event, which celebrated the release of “The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution Through A Journalist’s Lens” by Adedayo Oketola, a former editor of Punch, also provided a platform for Obasanjo to reflect on the growth of the telecommunications industry during his administration.
Recalling the early days of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, Obasanjo shared that the country struggled to provide just 500,000 telephone lines despite significant investments in infrastructure. He credited the eventual success of the mobile revolution, which saw the entry of major players like MTN, Glo, and Airtel, to the creation of a favorable investment climate.
“The money to develop Nigeria is out there, but it will only come in if the right environment is created,” Obasanjo emphasized.
Telecom Sector Challenges
Also at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, highlighted the state’s achievements in laying fiber optic cables to improve internet connectivity. He stressed the importance of technology in the state’s growth, noting that young innovators in Lagos are using tech to address everyday challenges.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, pointed out a significant challenge in the telecommunications sector—vandalism of infrastructure. He urged the public to help protect telecom assets, as such vandalism affects everyone. Maida also mentioned that the NCC is reviewing its licensing regime to align with global standards.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), stressed the importance of linking the National Identification Number (NIN) with Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards for a robust digital economy. He also addressed economic challenges and the protection of industry investments, noting that vandalism of infrastructure remains a critical issue.
Adebayo welcomed a new law signed by President Bola Tinubu, which penalizes the vandalism of telecom infrastructure, a move expected to provide more security for the sector’s investments.
Reflections on Journalism
Oketola, whose career at Punch is drawing to a close, delivered an exaugural lecture titled “Print Journalism in Peril: Challenging Times for Newspaper Editors.” He expressed concerns over the print media’s struggle to generate revenue, exacerbated by the rise of social media and misinformation. However, he affirmed that print media still holds integrity, serving as a corrective measure against misinformation through investigative journalism and fact-checking.
Oketola called for the review of outdated business models in print media to adapt to the changing landscape of news consumption.
In her goodwill message, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi, founder of the Love of Christ Generation Church, encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and pray for a better economic future.
The Lagos State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the death of a 20-year-old female staff and injuries to 13 others following a gas explosion at a fast food restaurant in the Ajah area of the state.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on July 19, at No. 5 Spring Garden Estate, Orchid Road, Ajah.
According to a police sources, the restaurant, owned by one Uchechukwu Godwill Villason, was gutted by fire caused by a suspected gas leak, leading to a massive explosion and subsequent inferno.
A police source at the Lagos State Command said: “Thirteen staff members sustained varying degrees of burns during the incident and were immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Gbagada, for medical treatment.”
Tragically, one of the victims, identified as Kingsley Promise, a 20-year-old female and native of Akwa Ibom State, succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
Police detectives from the division visited the scene for documentation and evidence collection. The affected hospital was also visited, where the deceased’s body and the condition of the injured victims were assessed.
The remains of the deceased have been evacuated to the Mainland General Hospital morgue, Yaba, for autopsy, while investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
The command advised business owners handling gas-powered appliances to ensure regular maintenance and safety checks to avert similar tragedies.
By: Ali Musa Biu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, received former President Muhammadu Buhari who was in the state to commiserate with the people and government over the 10th of September flood disaster.
Parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surrounding local government areas were struck by a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed many properties.
President Buhari who was out of the country when the flood disaster occurred earlier sent a high powered delegation to commiserate with the government and made a N20m donation to the state relief fund.
Making his remarks during the visit, Buhari said, “When this disaster happened, having been governor in Borno during my military career, I could hardly imagine such disaster. I was out of the country, all I could do was to send people to come and sympathise with you.”
In their separate remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, expressed gratitude to the former President for the visit.
The former president was accompanied by the ex-Secretary to the federal government, Boss Mustapha, Engr. Sulaiman Adamu, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Prof. Isa Pantami, Engr. Aliyu Mamman, Garba Shehu, Emeka Nwajiuba, Musa Haro Danmadami among other associates.
By: Ali Musa Biu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, received former President Muhammadu Buhari who was in the state to commiserate with the people and government over the 10th of September flood disaster.
Parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surrounding local government areas were struck by a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed many properties.
President Buhari who was out of the country when the flood disaster occurred earlier sent a high powered delegation to commiserate with the government and made a N20m donation to the state relief fund.
Making his remarks during the visit, Buhari said, “When this disaster happened, having been governor in Borno during my military career, I could hardly imagine such disaster. I was out of the country, all I could do was to send people to come and sympathise with you.”
In their separate remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, expressed gratitude to the former President for the visit.
The former president was accompanied by the ex-Secretary to the federal government, Boss Mustapha, Engr. Sulaiman Adamu, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Prof. Isa Pantami, Engr. Aliyu Mamman, Garba Shehu, Emeka Nwajiuba, Musa Haro Danmadami among other associates.
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