My Leadership Has Brought An Unprecedented Level Of Synergy Amongst The Agencies & Parastatals Under My Purview – Pantami

The office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy said its attention has been drawn to a video currently trending on Social Media, maliciously targeting the person of Dr. Isa Ali Pantami. The three minutes and one second video which was edited from the live coverage of the commissioning of key projects of the Ministry, by the President on Thursday, 19th March 2020 was accompanied by a write up from a faceless writer, which reeks of falsehood.

In a press release on Sunday signed by the Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), she said that the President, attended the event on the invitation of the Honourable Minister and it was paramount that His Excellency’s timing be strictly adhered to, as earlier agreed at the preparatory meeting in the Presidential Villa, that all speakers at the event will; Adhere to the time allocated to them and, limit their presentations to the responsibility(ies) assigned to them. The Honourable Minister regulated the speeches of both speakers namely, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The statement read further, “By this public notice, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, hereby disclaims all misleading information surrounding the video and the write up. In the same vein, the office of the Honourable Minister, strongly debunks the allegation that, he sent some pressmen out of the premises. It was not, and it is not his role, neither was he aware of the incident at the time it took place. The original statement from the affected parties confirms this. The leadership of Dr Pantami, has brought an unprecedented level of synergy amongst the Agencies and Parastatals under his purview, as remarked by the President himself, at the same event.

“We therefore, urge all well meaning Nigerians, to disregard any information contrary to the true events as stated here, which took place before a crowded auditorium. The person and office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, cannot be distracted with corrupt people that are not happy with sanitizing the sector and discipline that is being established,the statement concluded.

Pres. Buhari Directs The Implementation Of Broadband Plan And The Protection Of Critical National Infrastructure

President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, has directed the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami to work with all Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Parastatals of Government towards the protection of Critical National Infrastructure. The President gave the directive at the commissioning of several projects and programmes, of the Ministry in Abuja.

In a press release on Friday 20th March 2020 signed by the Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), she said that President Buhari expressed delight at the laudable developments which he noted “will enhance the development of our National Digital Economy and support our efforts in diversifying the economy” while addressing top government functionaries and captains of industry, at the unveiling of the National Broadband plan 2020-2025, the launching of the Emergency Communications Centre and Toll Free Number 112, the commissioning of the Communications and Digital Economy Complex and the flag off of the Digital Innovation and Entreprenuership Training.

Speaking further, the President emphasized that the commissioning of the Toll Free Number 112, which will soon be deployed nationwide, “further demonstrates our resolve to keep Nigerians safe. We have taken advantage of Digital Technologies to ensure that Nigerians in distress, are only a dial away from the relevant emergency response institutions in the country”.

He disclosed that the flag- off of the Digital Nigeria Training Programme, is an initiative, that will drive innovation and entreprenuership in emerging technologies, for economic empowerment and global competitiveness.

He commended the efforts of the Honourable Minister and the Presidential Broadband Committee, for the successful development of a National Broadband Plan. He particularly commended the leadership quality of the Honourable Minister which has brought about a high level of synergy among the Parastatals under the Ministry’s purview.

In his remarks, the Chief Host and Chief Convener of the event, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami while thanking the President for the immense support enjoyed by the sector under his leadership, enjoined all Nigerians to support the digital economy Agenda of the Federal Government as a digital economy is an enabling platform capable of supporting the President’s three point Agenda of Security, Anti-corruption and Economic development, including the potential of lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty, citing the China, Imdonesia and Indian economies as examples. The Honourable Minister also commended members of the Presidential Broadband Plan Committee for being thorough, professional and timely with their assignment.

The high-powered event was attended by top government functionaries, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps and stakeholders including representatives of the leadership of the National Assembly, Ministers of FCT, Women Affairs, Defence, Police Affairs, Industry Trade and Investment, State Ministers of Education, Foreign Affairs, Education, FCT, Labour and Employment, Budget and Planning, Board Chairmen of Federal Parastatals, Service Chiefs, members of the Organised Private Sector, to mention but a few.

Digital Economy: Dr Pantami President Buhari

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami on Thursday hosted President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR during the launch and commissioning of landmark achievements attained by the Ministry under his watch; guided by the blueprint of the Next Level agenda and the mandate of the rebirth Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

The official engagements performed by President Buhari include;

1. Launched and unveiled the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025;

2. Commissioned the Communications and Digital Economy Complex;

3. Commissioned the Abuja Emergency Communication Center and

National Emergency Toll – Free Number 112 and

4. Flagged off the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training.

In his welcome address, the Honourable Minister highlighted that the programs and projects are in-line with the priorities of the Federal Government as assigned to the Ministry for implementation.

Dr. Pantami said “A digital economy is heavily reliant on the availability of cost-effective broadband. Amongst other things, this Plan aims to provide broadband for 90% of Nigerians over the next 5 years, at download rates of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas. The Plan also aims for a maximum price of N390/GB of data”.

Adding that “According to a Report by Ericsson titled "How Important Are Mobile Broadband Networks for Global Economic Development”, 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration results in approximately 0.6% to 2.8% rise in the gross domestic product (GDP).

Excerpt is the full text of the Speech of the Honourable Minister:

All Protocols duly observed.

May Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon you!

I count it a privilege and a great honour to welcome His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and our distinguished guests to this epoch-making event. Today, His Excellency will be commissioning several important programmes that act as signposts to our commitment to transform the digital landscape of our country by developing the National Digital Economy.

The following programmes are being commissioned or unveiled, as the case may be:

Launching and Unveiling of the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025);

Commissioning of the Emergency Communications Centre & Toll-Free Number ‘112’;

Flag-off of the Digital Nigeria Programme (Nigerian Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training); and

Commissioning of the Communications & Digital Economy Complex.

These programmes are in line with the revised mandate of the Ministry as a result of its redesignation as the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy by Mr President on the 17th of October 2019. The development of the National Digital Economy is anchored on the following 8 pillars:

Developmental Regulation;

Digital Literacy & Skills;

Solid Infrastructure;

Service Infrastructure;

Digital Services Development & Promotion;

Soft Infrastructure;

Digital Society & Emerging Technologies; and

Indigenous Content Development & Adoption.

The programmes also align with a number of the priorities of the Federal Government that were assigned to the Ministry for implementation. Furthermore, they also support the 3 key areas of focus of Mr President, namely economic development, anti-corruption and security.

1. Launching and Unveiling of the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025)

On assumption of office on the 21st of August, 2019, I realised that our country was without any active Broadband Plan, as the previous 2013-2018 Plan expired the previous year. Under the directives of Mr President, we inaugurated a team of experts to develop a new plan on the 16th of December, 2019. The team was Chaired by Funke Opeke. The Committee worked tirelessly to produce the Plan which will be launched and unveiled today.

I use this opportunity to thank the Chairman and members of the Committee for their patriotism, professionalism and high level of commitment. I also wish to convey our gratitude to the United Kingdom High Commission for their partnership and technical support. We would also like to thank all the development partners and institutions that gave valuable input to the Committee.

A digital economy is heavily reliant on the availability of cost-effective broadband. Amongst other things, this Plan aims to provide broadband for 90% of Nigerians over the next 5 years, at download rates of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas. The Plan also aims for a maximum price of N390/GB of data.

The implementation of the Broadband Plan will support the diversification efforts of the Federal Government. The unfortunate realities of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it imperative to build and depend on a sector of the economy that is more resilient to global economic shocks than the oil sector, which we have depended upon for years. A case in point is the sudden crash of the price of a barrel of crude oil below the $30 mark, thus creating a real challenge for our budgetary projections that were based on $57 per barrel.

The importance of broadband is further demonstrated by how it is helping to mitigate the adverse effects of the virus in many countries and sustaining their economies. For instance, citizens in many countries now have to rely on broadband for online learning, remote working, telemedicine, and so on.

Broadband is a key component of any digital economy and it is not merely for entertainment. Rather, empirical evidence has shown that it can help to significantly improve economic indices, create jobs and lift people out of extreme poverty. For example, according to a report by Ericsson titled "How Important Are Mobile Broadband Networks for Global Economic Development”, 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration results in approximately 0.6% to 2.8% rise in the gross domestic product (GDP).

Similarly, a 2018 Report by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) on “Defining and Measuring the Digital Economy”, the digital economy in the United States contributed 6.9% to the nation's GDP in 2017.

It also contributed 5.1million jobs in that year.

II. Commissioning of the Emergency Communications Centre & Toll Free Number ‘112’

The Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) and ‘112’ toll free number will instantly connect Nigerians to emergency services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The 3-digit number allows for easy recall in times of emergency.

The programme is in fulfilment of sections 107 3(a) and (b) of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003), which states that:

The Commission shall, in specific regard to emergency services, take immediate steps upon the commencement of this Act to :

(a) promote and enhance public safety through the use of a particular number which shall be designated as the universal safety and emergency assistance number for telephone services generally ; and

(b) encourage and facilitate the prompt deployment throughout Nigeria of a seamless, ubiquitous and reliable end-to-end infrastructure for emergency communications needs.

The ECC is a state-of-the-art Centre that will enable our nation’s emergency response ecosystem have real-time data with which to provide timely assistance to Nigerians during emergencies.

Each Centre has well trained and courteous call agents and a primary interconnect operator. Every call can be routed to either the Police, Fire Service, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps or Hospital Ambulance team, depending on the type of emergency.

There are currently 19 such Centres across the country, including that of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which is being commissioned today.

The ECC will support the efforts of government to ensure the security of lives and property.

III. Flag-off of the Digital Nigeria Programme (Nigerian Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training)

The Digital Nigeria Programme will provide a National Platform for improving the digital literacy of Nigerians and it will enable Nigerians from all walks of life to acquire high level digital skills. It will have a strong emphasis on Skills for Jobs. We also want to change the paradigm of the trainees from being potential employees to becoming potential employers. The programme will include Nigerians in all strata of society, such as youth, women, children, internally displaced persons, people living with disabilities, etc.

This Digital Nigeria Programme is part of the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to support the priorities of the Federal Government to actively collaborate with the private sector to create a large number of well-paying jobs for Nigerians.

It will also support in realization of Mr President’s promise to take 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.

China pulled 493.8 million people out of extreme poverty (1999-2015), India pulled out 161.7 million people out (2004-2011) and Indonesia pulled out 64.5million people (2000 - 2015). Digital technologies helped in this process, especially in India. We want to use technology to achieve a similar feat in Nigeria and we are using the Digital Nigeria Programme as a launchpad for this.

IV. Commissioning of the Communications & Digital Economy Complex

Last but not the least is the Commissioning of this world-class building as the Communications and Digital Economy Complex.

The project was initiated in September 2004 and approved by the Federal Executive Council on the 22nd of November, 2006. The building sits on an 8-hectare land and was completed and handed over to NCC in May 2007.

It was then remodelled in 2016 and the current design of the complex consists of 2 basement levels and 5 floors, making up a total of 7 levels and a roof top terrace. The building includes s a 650-seater auditorium, complete with audio/visual services. It also has offices and meeting rooms, along with indoor and outdoor sports recreational facilities. It has five 800KVA generators and three dedicated transformers connected to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The new Communications and Digital Economy will provide a good environment for high level productivity and will support our efforts to develop a National Digital Economy. It will provide a platform for the successful implementation of the projects and programmes of the Ministry across of all 8 pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy. It will also enable us drive the implementation of the priorities of the Federal Government under our supervision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I wish to sincerely thank His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for gracing this occasion in person and for his great support to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

I also want to commend the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the other parastatals under the Ministry and their teams for the successful implementation of the projects.

I thank all our esteemed partners and stakeholders for coming. The journey has only just started and I call on everyone to support us in building a Digital Nigeria for the all-round success of our dear country.

President Buhari Unveils Strategic Road Map, Commissions ICT Projects, Flags-off Digital Training

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja unveiled the National Broadband Plan 2020–2025 and commissioned the Communications and Digital Economy Complex.

He also flagged off of the Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training and launched of the Abuja Emergency Communication Centre and the National Emergency Toll-Free Number 112.

In his remarks during the Commissioning, President Buhari commended the Ministry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Presidential Committee and all stakeholders who participated in the development of the National Broadband Plan.

"I also thank the Ministry for the high level of synergy amongst the parastatals under its supervision, Buhari said.

He also emphasized that Mobile network operators need to ensure full attainment of the targets set in the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 by giving special attention to un-served and underserved areas while deploying their services.

"NCC’s Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) will go a long way in supporting our efforts to improve the security of lives and property

"I also thank the Ministry for the high level of synergy amongst the parastatals under its supervision, Buhari said.

In his remark, The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantrami said tyat Broadband penetration is key to reviving the Nigerian economy. Ten per cent broadband penetration in any country will improve its GDP by at least 4.6 per cent.

With coronavirus spreading across the globe and more people living in isolation, Pantami said the digital and information communication sector is providing alternatives for people to stay in touch and institutions to provide the needed basic life-saving services.

In his opening remark, the Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta said, the launch of these projects is a reflection of the growth and development in the ICT sector which commenced with the National Telecom Policy and the full liberalization of the telecommunications industry.

Prof. Danbatta said, "the NCC has also facilitated the establishment of the Emergency Communications Centres across the Country. The establishment of the ECCs is in line with the Commission’s mandate under section 107 of NCA 2003, to promote and enhance public safety through the use of a particular number designed as the universal safety and emergency assistance number for telephone services generally; and encourage and facilitate the prompt deployment throughout Nigeria of seamless, ubiquitous and reliable end-to-end infrastructure for emergency communication needs. 

It is in line with this mandate that the Board of the NCC, in 2006, with the endorsement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), commenced the establishment of an Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) in each of the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Consequently, the NCC allocated the Toll-Free 3-digit number ‘112’ as the Universal Emergency Communications telephone number in Nigeria. 

Through this dedicated number, members of the public can conveniently access help when in distress by simply dialling 112 from any of the networks at no cost. This toll-free number can help distressed persons access help from the Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Fire and Ambulance Services, National Emergency Management Agency.

"Today as Mr. President launches the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, it is important to mention that at the time this government came into power in 2015, broadband penetration was only 6%. Today it stands at 38.49%. We are expectant that with Government support, this will increase rapidly within the coming years. Permit me to underscore the importance of broadband penetration in economic development, as this is the main medium through which ICTs can be networked to create jobs and provide efficiency to support government and businesses. 

It is the platform on which all ICTs will operate and is key to the efficiency of the Emergency Communication Centres and the development of digital innovation. The statistics of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) also indicate that for every 10% increase in broadband, there is a corresponding GDP growth of 1.3%.

"The telecommunications industry has also continued to make internationally recognized strides in development and growth, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economy and the social transformation of Nigerians. We are pleased to state that the Telecommunications and Information Services contributed 9.2% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria in Quarter 3, 2019 with Information and Communications making a total contribution of 11.34%.  

The statistics also show an increase in teledensity, active voice subscription, active internet subscription and usage. These statistics indicate an uptake in communications services by Nigerians.

In his own remark, the Director General of NITDA,Kashifu Inuwa said, "the National emergency centre was centralised and executed to become a response centre for the nation and we are also working on bringing the NCDC on board so that you can easily contact them in emergency situations.

The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was held at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex Abuja and had in attendance, top government functionaries, key players in the ICT industry, tech entrepreneurs, tech evangelist, among others.

The Return Of The Mortal Remains Of High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs And Other Matters

445 days after he passed on December 27, 2018 the mortal remains of High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs was finally brought home, after the myriad of legal hurdles initiated by his widow, Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs to frustrate the family from taking custody of the body, were surmounted. The good news of the homecoming of the mortal remains of the late paramount chief was released today by the chief of the family, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs.

Recall, that after the Supreme Court of Ghana on February 11, 2020 dismissed the application of Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs to stop the release of the mortal remains of her husband, High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs to the family led by Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Seinye on the same day filed another matter at the High Court for orders of injunction against the removal of the body until her case against the Coroner's order for an inquest was determined.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2020, the High Court declined to grant Seinye's request to restrain the family led by Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs from taking possession of the mortal remains of her husband. This ruling enabled Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs to immediately take custody of the body of his father to the utter chagrin of Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs before she could serve the mortuary with papers of her appeal to the Court of Appeal. 

Frustrated, Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs went to town with the false story that Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs had smuggled his father's corpse to an unknown destination against the the ruling of the Ghana High Court. 

Amusingly, when on February 27, 2020 , both parties appeared again  before the same High Court Judge, Seinye's lawyers did not raise the issue of Dumo's smuggling of the corpse against the orders of the court. They didn't because they know they were only deceiving the public with the fake story. On that day, the High Court dismissed Seinye's suit to stop the inquest into her husband's sudden death.

Not done, Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs in anticipation of the unfavorable ruling by the High Court on her application against the orders of the Coroner for an inquest, instituted another suit on February 25, 2020 against the Attorney General of Ghana to cancel the "Export Permit" granted Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs to convey his father's corpse from Ghana to Nigeria.

Since February 25 and  27, 2020 when the High Court dismissed Seinye's applications to restrain the family from taking custody of the body and quash the orders of the Coroner for an inquest, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs had waited on possible actions from the Attorney General of Ghana in response to Seinye's suit. 

Having waited for almost three weeks, and not being a party to Seinye's suit against the Attorney General of Ghana, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs activated all processes, as ordered by the High Court and upheld by the Supreme Court, for the transportation of the mortal remains of his father by air from Ghana to Nigeria 

Totally deflated, Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs says that Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs had smuggled his father into Port Harcourt, wondering  "why the return of a man such as the High Chief Dr. O. B. Lulu-Briggs, who towered highly and impacted many both locally and globally, would be shrouded in secrecy and his body smuggled into town unceremoniously, rather than marked with dignified and respectable solemnities that he deserves". 

No. Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs didn't need to smuggle his father's corpse into Nigeria because he had all the legal papers to transport his father's body from Ghana to Nigeria. He brought the body by air through the airports of both countries, fulfilling all laid down regulations and protocols. Rather it was Seinye Lulu-Briggs that was alleged to have smuggled her dead husband from Port Harcourt to Accra and allegedly smuggled his corpse from the Kotoka International Airport, Accra into a mortuary without any record of such death to the Ghanian security agencies. Happily but to her total disappointment, the High Chief has been brought home finally.

Here is the same woman who in her "Terms of Settlement" submitted in the High Court in Accra insisted "That the body of the deceased High Chief be released from Transition Home on the date of the agreed burial  date to be airlifted to Nigeria". That her husband she claims to have loved during his life time, who is a Paramount Chief in Kalabari-Ijaw land, should be airlifted from Accra to Abonnema on the day of burial. What honour did she intend to accord him by such indignity? What shameless contradiction from a woman consumed by unprecedented greed?

Seinye Lulu-Briggs now intimidates media houses. Her lawyers write to newspaper houses to retract on previous publications or face legal actions. Frustrated in her losing battle against Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Seinye has shifted her legal battles against media houses and against writers.

Seinye, smacked her lips with another twisted story captioned:

"THISDAY’S APOLOGY TO WIDOW, SEINYE LULU-BRIGGS, CONFIRMATION OF DUMO AS AN UNREPENTANT PURVEYOR OF FAKE NEWS"

She says that:

"Investigative revelations by ThisDay Newspaper have vindicated Dr. Mrs Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs and eventually shown that its report of December 8, 2019 titled MORE SHOCKING REVELATIONS CONCERNING LULU-BRIGGS DEATH contained false, misleading, inaccurate and defamatory contents against her person, causing the Newspaper to retract the story in its entirety and apologizing to the innocent widow".

But in her characteristic manner of always misleading the public, Seinye Lulu-Briggs did not say that the story captioned  "More Shocking Revelations Concerning Lulu-Briggs Death” published by ThisDay newspaper on Sunday December 8, 2019, which the paper retracted, was written by a reporter of the newspaper and not by Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs or any of his associates.

For the avoidance of doubt, we hereby state unequivocally that we stand by all we have written and published from the  beginning of this unfortunate crisis that was instigated by Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs. We have no reason to retract any position that we had advanced, knowing that we always stated the truth.

Even in this onslaught against media houses, Seinye Lulu-Briggs would fail, as she has been failing and would fail to the very end.

Pantami: Pathfinder For Nigeria’s Digital Economy

By Uwa Suleiman

The Honourable Minister of Communications and first ever, of Digital Economy in Nigeria, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), is an extraordinary human being. He has earned this status by virtue of his uncommon ability to pave ways and blaze the trail in hitherto uncharted territories, His ability to visualize the future technologically, and his uncanny focus in driving us towards that future determinedly, without a shred of doubt, In spite of the enormous challenges mostly peculiar, to our climes.

In the last few years, the global focus has gradually but surely shifted from mere ICTs to more advanced Digital Economies with particular focus on Digital Skills. While the rest of the world made real progress and changed the course of history in their respective domains, we as usual, engaged in theories and rhetoric for the most part. It took the assumption of Dr Pantami into office, as a Minister of the Federal Republic under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, to actively and properly ignite the Digital Economy Agenda of Nigeria. Pantami comes with an undeniable breath of fresh air heralding the much needed change.

Last week, as I listened to my Boss make his presentation to the Federal Executive Council, his passion and conviction were not lost on anyone seated in the President’s Council Chambers. He spoke the truth as usual and it was crystal clear that the way forward was through a digitalized economy. From the moment he initiated, pursued and got the President’s approval to expand the nomenclature of the Ministry of Communications to include Digital Economy, it was obvious to the discerning mind that this was no regular public office holder.

Having legalized the establishment of the supervisory ministry properly on the 17th October 2019, he set to work immediately. By November 28th the Digital Economy Strategy document was unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari at the e-Nigeria summit. And there has been no looking back. Pantami believes that there is no dearth of potential in Nigeria and he demonstrates this conviction by engaging indigenous talent in executing his mandate. The Digital Economy Policy Strategy Document was put together by the Digital Minister himself and a few of his aides. Not a single foreign consultant was contracted to do the job, and this same document has attracted lots of global accolades and partnerships on an unprecedented level in the sector.

Global tech giant, Google’s Director of Public Policy and Emerging Markets, Doron Avni was on a working visit to the Minister’s office on February 19th. He expressly noted the similarities between Nigeria’s Digital Economy Pillars and his company’s vision, this has led to a partnership for a National Addressing System that will establish proper public addresses for every street in Nigeria. He has attracted a partnership with IBM in skill acquisition for talented Nigerians, Facebook is on board, the World Bank is involved on multiple levels. Every action, partnership, Memorandum of Understanding signed is geared towards one goal; to develop indigenous skills in technology and enhance digital literacy. The world is willing to partner with Nigeria seeing the vision, focus and level of intelligence the current leadership has brought to bear in the sector.

According to the World Bank Digital Economy Diagnostic Report, Nigeria accounts for 47% of West Africa’s population and half of the county’s population are under the age of 30. This means that we are uniquely positioned to not only reap the benefits of a Digital Economy, but actually lead the Digital Revolution in Africa, This ability to lead and conquer is the crux of the message Dr Pantami is preaching. Recently, my able Boss has been canvassing for the recognition and placement of skills over certificates. “paper qualifications can be misleading and may not count for much in this era of digital skills” he says. “For indigenous innovation to thrive, we must place emphasis on skills”. Pantami has ignited a new revolution among youths which is a driving force for technological skill acquisition and the zeal to produce employers of labour as against saturating an already groaning labour market. To this end, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy through its Agencies and parastatals in conjunction with global and local organizations have embarked on massive trainings of Nigerians across the country. Technology training centres are being established across board to facilitate access to skills.

The Academia, his constituency, is challenged to disrupt the curriculum and produce practical graduates of repute, who have the requisite skills to fit into a digital world. The response has been overwhelming as he personally takes his message to each campus; from kashere to Gombe, to Minna, to Kano to Lagos, Port Harcourt. Even to secondary schools. To listen to Dr Pantami mentor, teach and lecture these young ones about the importance of technological skills, you see a leader with a vision, a man in his elements and a true believer in the greatness of humanity. It is a given that he, more than any other youth in leadership, inspires a whole generation of Nigerians. The learned community is solidly behind one of their own, and at this rate, I humbly opine that the Nigerian Educational Curriculum is due for an overhaul streamlined within the requirements of a Digital Economy.

A Digital Economy is an enabler, capable of catapulting any aspect of our economy to any desired level. It is the platform on which a strong, durable and lasting foundation of global relevance and true economic empowerment can thrive. A digitalized economy is a transparent, progressive society that works, and it is easy to see how Dr Pantami would be drawn to such a cause considering his personality.

As the grand master of Nigeria’s Digital Economy Policy, my very thorough and realistic boss did not harbour any delusions about the challenges that came with the territory. He knew that his position as the pioneer Minister of a Digital Economy and his mission to change the status quo, would encounter both natural and man-made obstacles and he came ready. Pantami knew that to forge ahead, he would sometimes have to step out of his comfort zone and he is never one, to shy away from responsibility. Pantami sees and conducts himself as a federal minister, a nationalist, a patriot who is not restrained or confined by the artificial barriers and borders that limit productivity.

The potentially, economically crippling effects of the Right of Way (RoW) impasse between the state governors and Mobile Network Operators recently was effectively resolved in a professional and effective manner only an experienced conflict resolution expert can manage. Without further escalation of issues, he initiated and mediated in the process that saw some erstwhile aggrieved parties come to an agreement that averted a security and economic crisis. From a standpoint of a ten thousand naira rate, from the one hundred and forty five naira per linear metre, some state governors extended a total waiver as a gesture of support to building a digital economy. In a similar manner, he intervened in the face off between officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and service providers at the height of the Infrastructure maintenance crisis. Dr Pantami is currently obsessed with deploying telecommunications infrastructure across the country to greatly reduce, if not eradicate the over forty million underserved or unserved populace and to ensure the price of data is further reviewed downwards. “An increase in BroadBand penetration results in a phenomenal rise in the GDP of an economy” he enthuses. He has put in place an ambitious 5 year (2020 – 2025) broadband plan, aimed at achieving over 70% penetration as against the current 38.9%. Numerous studies have found a correlation between economic growth and broadband penetration.

With the emphasis on Digital Literacy and Skills, building a digital workforce, producing employers of labour, support and partnerships to drive indigenous innovation and a steady increase in broadband penetration, any economy will experience massive growth. He constituted a National Broadband Plan Committee, based purely on merit and proven competence, with a six week deadline that was met. The ultimate goal is to achieve about 70% penetration, but I can bet my salary that my boss has a 100% plan B agenda. Pantami is ambitious, very ambitious, extremely driven and a near perfectionist. He motivates people and brings out the best in them, indeed Ms Funke Opeke, the Committee’s Chair, would agree with me that working under his guidance is a life changing experience.

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, MCPN is truly an extraordinary human being. He embodies loyalty to authority and country as it is clear even to the blind that all his actions are geared towards achieving national goals. Leveraging on technology to fight insecurity, corruption and building a viable, stable digital economy. I read somewhere a very long time ago, that for every generation, a leader is raised for the greatness of a people. Sometimes, it is not the absence of a leader or leadership, but the ability to recognize, accept and support what has been given, is what really makes the difference.

Current statistics prove beyond every reasonable and unreasonable doubt that Nigeria has the very rare advantages of a massive youthful population, a considerable number of them being digital natives and an outstanding world of talent yet largely untapped, almost bursting at the seams. Pantami’s goal is to harness these talents, develop them, promote indigenous innovation, place this country on a technologically global pedestal that will secure the future we all dream and seek. To be left behind in this infinite tech race is to confine ourselves to a life of perpetual servitude.

The truth must be told however obvious it already is, and the truth is that the youths of Nigeria must recognize those who have demonstrated the capacity and discipline required to propel us to greatness. No silver – armour- wearing- figure, is going to pop out of the sky like spider man or voltron and perform magic, spinning webs and wielding magical swords. The youths especially, should strive to change the narrative and bring real value to the table. Technology is a leveler, it has no gender, no religion, no ethnicity, an open and infinite resource. Pantami is a unifier selflessly enabling that platform. A captain who knows his ship and steers it in very familiar waters with focus, good judgement, courage, discipline, justice and a determination to get to the desired destination safely. We need to wake up in earnest and heed this clarion call to save ourselves from perpetual obscurity and join hands with the progressive and result oriented Honourable Minister to develop our God-given resources for the good of all.

The difference between Dr Pantami and the vast majority of public office holders is implementation. Like he says; “We have a very fantastic blueprint across all sectors. But we cannot sit in our offices and expect people to comply like Angels, we must go out there, to ensure these laws are implemented. Our work is on the fields”. Believe me, most of us have never encountered a more dogged and law abiding personality like Pantami. Again, as he says, “we cannot do it alone”. Pantami’s watch word is POSSIBILITY nutured by competence and a determination to succeed. If the quest for leadership, courage, focus, resilience, intelligence, vision, youth, patriotism, selflessness, justice and worthy mentorship, has been solved by the emergence of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) what obstacles can prevent us as a people and a nation from achieving greatness?

Uwa Suleiman is spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Communications & Digital Economy.

Sylva Never Took Monies From IOC's, NDDC Or Agencies To Sponsor Elections In Bayelsa - Spokesperson

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva has denied the allegation that he took monies from IOC's, the NDDC or agencies within his ministry for the sake of the elections in Bayelsa.

Responding to the allegation by Coalition for Transparency and Democratic Leadership, the Special Assistant on Media and public affairs to Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Julius Bokoru, he challenged the Coalition to produce evidence of it's strange allegations.

On the allegation that former governor of Bayelsa state and Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva purportedly acquired a certain facility for the conduct of the recent Gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa State, Bokoru said that the allegations is by "far the pettiest and most preposterous. Comical even, if you look at it without the bile of its engineers".

Further investigation further revealed that the purported leader of the group doesn't seem to have any digital footprint save for publications that seems to suggest he was arrested by the EFCC for claiming to be a prophet and duping a victim the sum of 2.6 million naira.

See link here:

https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/3572-efcc-arraigns-fake-prophet-phd-for-alleged-n2-4million-fraud

Bokoru called on Journalists to confirm and authenticate their stories before publication as Journalism is a noble profession and there is an enormous number of Nigerians practicing it with integrity and value.

"It is shocking this story did not end at gossip blogs, where all unfounded, malicious and obviously fabricated story belong, he concluded.

It will be recalled that the Coalition for Transparency and Democratic Leadership has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the alleged $30million used by the All Progressive Congress (APC) during the 2019 Bayelsa gubernatorial election.

Pantami Inaugurates MIT- REAP Advisory Committee

…….As NITDA spearheads the government stakeholder engagement

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami has inaugurated the MIT- REAP Advisory Committee, Abuja Team.

Speaking during the inauguration on Thursday 5th March, 2020 in Abuja, Pantami said that while the focus of the Committee is officially Abuja, the aims of the project transcend the FCT and this is being done for Nigeria as a whole.

Pantami further reiterated that the learning and principles applied through REAP are transferable to any town, city, state or region of this dear nation of ours. And so it should be.

The statement read, "Permit me to take a step back in time to offer some background. I would like to say that this undertaking was inspired by the President’s fight against Poverty and his focus on Economic Development. In 2018, after a period of evaluating options on programmes that could help deepen the emerging innovativeness that we had observed among our youth; and catalyse economic growth and impact therein, a team of us decided that the REAP programme offered by MIT offered the best proven example of such. In January 2019, we decided to make the application to MIT as Team Abuja.

"Lagos had previously undergone REAP and, arguably, there have been benefits to its ecosystem; but little direct carry-over to the rest of the country. Therefore, there is an implicit aim, this time to make the effort more inclusive, even if doing the programme for Nigeria as a whole would have been too cumbersome.

"A few months later, in May, MIT accepted Abuja’s application to embark on the programme after a competitive assessment of bidding regions from all over the world.

"Abuja is joined in REAP’s 7th Cohort by teams from regions in Denmark, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan (ROC). The Lagos team had colleagues from Canada, Iceland, Peru, Spain and the UAE; attesting to the importance that the world places on creating innovation driven ecosystems, and our aspiration to operate at global best standards.

"The President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, gave his blessings and active support right from the beginning; and we remain grateful for his good guidance as we strove to achieve this. I also am to convey to you his personal best wishes to you all today.

"The main purpose of the programme is to adopt, and adapt, MIT’s proven frameworks on accelerating innovation to create localized strategies for developing and sustaining enterprises driven by innovation (IDEs). The march towards a Digital Economy, which I currently oversee, will depend on harnessing scaled innovation towards fulfilling the 8 pillars, which our national strategy is built upon.

"Although the programme emphasizes regional teams, the benefits from this undertaking invariably spread beyond local boundaries; which can only be good for Nigeria. Lagos, for example, has inspired Abuja and other cities around the country to develop fledgling innovation hubs focused around various industries, like ICT, Retail, Fintech, Construction and Agribusiness. To this end, Abuja has emerged and is indeed recognized as a Tier 2 African Innovation Hub.

"And when we look at it critically, there are virtually no limits to what sectors of the economy and society that innovation cannot touch. This is not just about the use of ICT for its sake alone, but as a potential enabler for amazing things to happen everywhere, alongside other forms of technological research and development.

"I have humbly taken up the role as Champion of the Abuja Team and have with me a talented group of people with varied but valuable backgrounds that have kept working hard towards implementing REAP for Abuja, which brings me to why we are here today.

"REAP is not, and cannot be a short-term gimmick, but actions emanating from it can begin to take root now. It is strategic and will be incorporated into our Digital Transformation plans.

"Permit me to paint this picture for you: Like most of Africa, 60% of our population is under the age of 30. 28% is under-10. Put mildly, there are not enough “regular” jobs (in government or companies) for this population if things remain the same. Though we do have a good base of SME entrepreneurship, we need to play in the new economies for they are the drivers of future job growth. It means we need to tackle bottlenecks, be they policy-based or any underlying issues and attitudes among youth, as they may be identified. It also means seeking lots of data.

"While a regular SME may employ 5 to 10 persons, a scaled-up IDE can make that number 50 or more; and they would also be quality skilled jobs, in comparison. We need to pivot towards encouraging many more of these founded by our youth. REAP advocates a structured, stakeholder driven approach to tackling innovation. The reality we find is that innovation has operated largely in silos; each stakeholder largely doing their own thing. However, by coming together we can achieve the synergies that accelerate it.

"Furthermore, we are provided with an objective set of criteria that enable us to assess our capacities for Innovation and Entrepreneurship against global benchmarks. This is critical for our capacity building efforts to ensure that we, all stakeholders, identify where best to channel our resources for best impact.

"With the induction of Abuja into REAP, we seek to develop harmonized strategies and remove identified bottlenecks; in order to catalyze innovation and the business of innovativeness. During the first workshop, for example, the team was introduced to a programme in the Boston area called MASSChallenge. A clear example of the REAP principles of stakeholder collaboration, this programme over a 5-year period has attracted, incubated and commercialised over 2,400 new innovative startup companies that attracted over $6bn in funding, generated over $3bn in revenues with sustained growth; and employed over 157,000 people; all located in the Greater Boston area. And the project has replicated in other US cities, like Austin and other countries as well. These are the sorts of numbers we would love to see emerge in various pockets around the country, to realize that we are tackling the endless socio-economic complaints that bombard us daily; that translate into gross dependency – and it is SDG compliant too.

"You all, are visionaries in your own right. Apart from your accomplishments, you represent varied professional backgrounds and geographies. Thus, your perspectives on issues can offer critical assessments, new ideas and support for any necessary changes that we need to make in our systems for the long-term good. We are depending on your vision and experience, therefore, to help us focus better and drive wider support and advocacy for the principles we have.

"For REAP to succeed, no entity can act alone. MIT requires collaboration between 5 stakeholder groups, and we here represent all those. Additionally, beyond the team itself, the implementation of REAP has required creating wider partnerships with other players within those stakeholder groups. Hence the success of REAP will be derived from the synergies and partnerships that we build out.

"The partnership emanated from building a team; and to that extent I am grateful for the presence here of my brothers, the Honourable Minister for the FCT, our Chief Host and keen supporter, my Co-Champion, The Executive Secretary PEF(M)B and the DG NITDA, whose organisations shall spearhead the government stakeholder engagement. I also look forward to bringing the REAP Framework as a basis for collaboration with arms of the Federal and State Governments; among others. Collaboration with these entities, and the private sector, will be vital.

"The private sector is very integral to REAP. Here with us in Team Abuja are members from varied business backgrounds, including entrepreneurs and financial service professionals; whose valuable experience and networks shall ensure better cross collaboration between Government, Business and Education.

"At this point, I cannot under-emphasise the importance of our Education sector as a key stakeholder. With us today is the Vice Chancellor of Nile University, which is our Education partner for REAP and who has actively supported workshops with other institutions in this cause. And to our esteemed members from other institutions, you are especially welcome. Education is important as the fundamentals of innovation; Human Capacity and Research, largely come through our institutions.

"We envisage that by implementing a sustainable approach to developing a strong pipeline of innovation, Abuja, and Nigeria, can become a formidable rival to other emergent innovation centres worldwide; in the process adding more dimensions to the economic diversification plans of government.

"Very importantly, if we do this right, local entrepreneurship will rise to a quality that attracts high levels of venture capital investment and solidifies our direct investment profile. Abuja is an attractive destination for FDI into Nigeria, and with this it can only improve further.

"As the REAP project continues over the next 2 years; and beyond, we will turn to the Advisory Board, yourselves, to tap from your wealth of knowledge, experiences, contacts and any other resource at your disposal, to help us to succeed. This also calls for your time, contacts, policy advocacy and guidance in making REAP sustainable.

"We shall aim to have Advisory Board meetings after every REAP Workshop, to ensure that the Action Phases in-between them are well mapped out and meaningful. The next Workshop shall be in June, so we will expect a meeting in July or August at the latest.

"It might also be noteworthy that Abuja has bid to host the 3rd workshop in this series to take place in January 2021. There is a lot of prestige in this and it has never been held in Africa. If we are successful in this bid (and we intend to be) all members of the Cohort and faculty from MIT will be here to see our ecosystem. It would bring needed global visibility to us. An assessment team from MIT shall be visiting in the next month or two to evaluate our readiness for that. My Dear Members, we would like you to be a part of that success.

"Today you will be familiarized with REAP and do feel free to make these meetings as interactive as you wish and we accept objective critiques that help us get better.

Pantami thanked the Committee members for accepting their role as a member of MIT- REAP Advisory Committee, Abuja Team.

The member of the Committee includes Alh. Ahmed A. Bobboi, Champion, Executive Secretary, Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board (PEF(M)B); Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Musa Ali Baba, Managing Director/ CEO, TeasyPay; Nasir Abdulqadir Yammama, Founder/ CEO, Verdant Agri-Tech; Aminu Said Ahmed, Special Projects and Innovation, Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board; Dave Uduanu, Managing Director/ CEO, Sigma Pensions Ltd; Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Keles, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria; Moses Saromi, Founder/Director, First Icon Mutual Capital Limited; Dr. Amina Sambo-Magaji, National Coordinator, Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurshp (OIIE); Halima Halilu, Talent Management Officer, Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board; Bashir Yusuf, Innovation and Industry Cluster Specialist, PSI and Abdulsalem Umar, Lead Solutions Architect at NobiPay

The MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT REAP) provides opportunities for communities around the world to engage with MIT in an evidence-based, practical approach to strengthening innovation-driven entrepreneurial (IDE) ecosystems.

MIT REAP Framework consists of a series of mechanisms to translate, convene and educate teams of regional leaders through a full 5-stakeholder approach. The MIT REAP teams address the existing system by developing a strategy to deploy new interventions to improve it.

MIT REAP achieve its mission by translating research insights into practical frameworks, convening stakeholders focused on IDE, and educating regional leaders through team-based interaction to achieve economic and social progress.

Translate research and expertise into practical frameworks, approaches and actions with widespread global application.

Convene stakeholders (corporate, risk capital, entrepreneur, university and government) from ecosystems around the world to build a community for collaboration and learning.

Educate regional innovation ecosystem leaders through team-based learning to facilitate meaningful economic and social outcomes.

Impact regions through the development of new programmatic and policy interventions that build on strengths and support weaknesses to support IDEs.