News
NCC, a worthy telecom regulator – CJN
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has pronounced the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), a worthy telecom regulator in Nigeria for its dedicated efforts in promoting awareness and knowledge of Information Communications Technologies (ICT), among the judiciary in particular, and the Nigerian public.

The CJN who is the Chairman, Board of Governors of the NJI, spoke in an opening remark at the 2023 edition of NCC-hosted annual workshop for judges on telecommunications issues, which began in Kano on Monday (today).

Justice Ariwoola said that information technology and telecommunication services have surpassed the conventional method of court service delivery, as the use of the Internet is becoming a prominent feature of this era with innovative and interactive influences on the public, hence the crucial nature of the workshop.
Addressing the theme of the workshop, “The Adjudication Path in a Digital Era,” the CJN said it strikes a chord with the current realities that judicial officers face technologies that has fundamentally transformed how they communicate, access information and conduct legal proceedings.
“We are obliged to embrace this transformation while ensuring that doing justice remains at the forefront of our efforts,” he said.
The CJN and other Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court, Appeal Court, Federal High and States High Courts, and the NJI, were welcomed to the workshop by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who greeted them with the news that the Nigerian Communications Act,(NCA) 2003, is currently undergoing a fundamental review to update its provisions.
The nation’s number one judiciary officer explained that the workshop presents a platform where the challenges facing the judiciary by the digital revolution would be effectively discussed and that it is also an opportunity to equip the judiciary with the necessary information to deal with the digital era.
“It is also crucial to prioritize the examination of the convergence of data privacy and information security law. The enormous amount of data generated and collated in the digital realm raises critical questions regarding privacy, security, and the protection of individual rights.
“As Judicial Officers, you are responsible for carefully assessing the legal implications of data collation, storage, and utilization and by striking a harmonious balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding privacy, your Lordships would cultivate trust in the digital ecosystem while upholding individual rights” Ariwoola said.
The EVC/CEO of NCC, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the CJN and the top echelon of the judiciary for finding time to attend the workshop and promised the Commission’s resolve to deepen knowledge of the digital future on the judiciary as a very critical and indispensable arm of government.
Danbatta said the Commission is responsive to the rapid changes in the telecommunications and technology space and that NCC has taken steps to start the review of its enabling legislation, the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA, 2003) while assuring that stakeholders will get the opportunity to make input to the amendment.
Speaking on the importance of the workshop, Danbatta noted that the telecommunications sector has evolved since the NCA 2003 came into existence hence the need to be responsive in readiness to keep pace with the dynamics of technologies that will come.
The EVC noted that the workshop afforded the Commission ample opportunity to engage the Judiciary on how to adopt digital technologies in advancing the course of justice.
He said, “The communications sector, through infrastructure deployment, has continually ensured that the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government is established on a solid foundation. It has also proven to be the catalyst for entrenching the activities of both the public and private sectors in the digital space, seamlessly.
“However, we recognise that in any digital economy, the development of a complex web of commercial transactions and social interactions is inevitable. Thus, to instill societal confidence in the digital economy, at least, two things are required: a safe and effective backbone infrastructure, as well as an efficient adjudicatory mechanism, which is easily accessible in the digital space,” he stated.
The EVC said this reality informs the NCC’s steadfast partnership with the NJI to develop capacity for judges in this area, saying this would ensure that the Court, being the last hope of the common man, is firmly woven into the fabric of the digital economy.
In an interview on the sidelines of the workshop, Danbatta further stated, “We have the Nigerian Communications Act, which established the NCC in 2003, more than 20 years ago. At one time, the Chief Justice of the Federation said this Act is anachronistic, which means it is old and therefore, has to be reviewed and I assured members of the judiciary that this review is going on as we speak.
“At the appropriate time, members of the media will be invited to witness the public presentation of the reviewed NCC Act to an engagement forum with critical members of the industry as well as Nigerians, who subscribe to telecommunications services. They will have a say during the presentation of the reviewed Act to the Public.”
The NCC hosted the 2023 National Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunication Matters in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

News
Echocho begins three-day training and empowerment of youths in agriculture across Ankpa Federal Constituency [Pictorials]
The training and empowerment of youths in Agriculture in Ankpa Federal Constituency commenced on Wednesday at the conference hall of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees.

The exercise which was facilitated by the Senator representing Kogi East, Distinguished Sen Isah Jibrin (Echocho), would see to the training of youths from Ankpa Federal Constituency .

The programme designed for beneficiaries from Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro local governments aims to equip youths with essentials agricultural knowledge while providing them with capital and seedlings, facilitated by Sen Isah Jibrin (Echocho).
Declaring the training and empowerment open, Senator Isah who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aid, Alhaji Danlami Garba, called on the youths to be committed to the training in order to be self-employed.
He said, the youths should leverage on peace prevailing in Kogi East to get back to agriculture in order to sustain food security in line with the Federal Government’s agricultural policy, adding that the best form of security for any nation is food security.
According to him, the training of youths was part of his constituency projects targeted at youths because of their strength and passion for self development, stressing that the nation stand to benefit by redirecting their focus to self employment through agriculture, assuring that the training will be extended to other Federal Constituencies in few weeks.
He said: “As you undergo a three-day training, it’s an opportunity for you to delve into agricultural enterprise productively, leveraging on various government agricultural initiatives.
“Of course, Kogi East has rich history of agriculture that ocassioned the famous Afor Gam Gam, Ikanekpo in Ankpa, Bagana, Aja Abejukolo, Anyigba, Ejule, Aja Itobe, Oguma in Bassa and other markets which were highly patronised by people from adjoining States.
“It’s our collective resolve that the district would be returned to the good old days through agriculture, economic and empowerment that ensures that our youths are mobilised to farms in the forthcoming season.

News
Anambra guber: Group purchases APC Nomination Form for Ozigbo
Another governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Valentine Ozigbo has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial elections.

A group, Valiant Movement purchased the N50 million forms on his behalf in the party headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

The Movement described Ozigbo as a leader whose vision, integrity, and deep-rooted connection with the people, embody the true aspirations of Ndi Anambra.
In a statement signed by the leader of the movement, Chief Teddy Ezeike, the reason for purchasing the forms for Ozigbo is to demonstrate its resolve to ensure that transformational leadership is entrenched in Anambra State this year.
According to them, “It is a rallying cry from the streets of Onitsha to the fields of Ayamelum, from the marketplaces of Nnewi to the hills of Aguata—a call for a leader who understands our struggles, shares our dreams, and possesses the competence, character, and compassion to chart a new course for Anambra.
“Valentine is the people’s choice — a rare bridge between the grassroots and the elite, between tradition and innovation, between the Anambra of today and the Anambra of our dreams.
“A multiple-award winning global CEO, one of Nigeria’s most recognisable philantropists, an international sports promoter, and an icon for youth development and excellence, Valentine’s record speaks for itself: a corporate business leader who has demonstrated excellence, a political force who has inspired millions, and a statesman whose commitment to good governance has never wavered.
“Ozigbo is a shining beacon of hope and progress in a time when Anambra yearns for true leadership and our decision to present this form to Valentine Ozigbo is an affirmation that we will no longer accept mediocrity in leadership, that we will not settle for politics as usual, that we will not allow Anambra to be governed by anything less than the best.
“We are making a statement that we deserve more, that Ndi Anambra deserve a leader who listens, understands, and delivers, that the era of empty promises and broken systems must come to an end.
“We call on all members of the All Progressives Party (APC) and lovers of democracy, all believers in progress, and all Ndi Anambra who dream of a state that works for all to rise, unite, and join us in this mission.
“The Valiant Movement has made its choice, and we urge every son and daughter of Anambra to stand with us, to stand with Valentine Ozigbo, and to stand for a future that is bold, visionary, and unstoppable”.

News
June 1993 election annulment was ‘Nigerian coup, not Igbo coup’ – Senator Kalu faults IBB’s claims
Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election which wws won by the late business mogul, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola was a Nigerian coup and not an Igbo coup, as former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) recently portrayed.

Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu said, it was an action carried out by the Military and not Igbo, thereby faulting the narrative in IBB’s book.

“I don’t need IBB’s revelation to know that Igbos were unjustly blamed for what happened. The coup was a Nigerian coup, executed by the military. Some people failed to do their job, and unfortunately, Igbos have had to bear the brunt. That is not fair.”
The former Governor of Abia State criticised the boo,, who he said, it wasn’t detailed in naming g those who were responsible for the annulment, hence, he wanted a second edition of the book with names of those behind the annulment for Nigerians to know.
“I’m waiting for the second edition of IBB’s book because the first one did not fully capture the realities of what happened, especially concerning Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who was unfairly called names after the annulment,” he said.
Despite his criticisms, Kalu reaffirmed his respect for Babangida.
“You all know that Babangida is my master, and I will be visiting him very soon to discuss this matter. Nigerians deserve to know the names of those truly responsible for stopping the election. Not just General Sani Abacha—there were others. I was there, so I know what happened.
“IBB should name them in the second edition of his book so Nigerians can understand the full picture. People think Babangida may have omitted or altered some facts, and the truth needs to be known.”
Kalu also acknowledged that Babangida admitted that Moshood Abiola won the election, emphasizing that this should be officially recognized.
“There is no doubt that Abiola won. I believe his picture should be placed alongside those of past presidents. Even though he wasn’t sworn in, he deserves that honor.
“I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize him posthumously and swear him in. That way, his family can receive the rights and recognition given to former presidents’ families. It would be a significant step toward healing the wounds of that period.”
