Digital Economy; Pantami Embarks On School Mentorship Visit

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami has said that many of the children in secondary schools across the country did not get the right mentorship required to determine their career in future hence visiting schools to mentor them on Digital economy.

Pantami who spoke on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Government Secondary School Garki, Abuja while delivering a lecture on “An Introduction to Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies” tutored the students on Big Data Analytics, Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, (IoT), 3D Printing, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality and new career created by Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies.

“When we talk about a Digital Economy, we are talking about potential employers, not potential employees, Pantami said.

He listed the advantages of Digital Economy to include; Creation of Jobs; Potential employers; Transparency and Ease of doing business

“In the next 20 years, some of you here will be employer of over 500,000 employees through Digital Economy. I urge you to show interest, commitment and determination in Digital Economy, Pantami said.

The students gave the Honourable Minister standing Ovation after listening to the lecture on “An Introduction to Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies”.

Speaking to Brisk News Online, the Principal of Government Secondary School Garki, Abuja, Mal Haruna Mohammed Nabayi said that the essence of the Mentorship Program is to boost the School’s ICT Center and encouraging the students to be employer of Labour after their educational career through Digital Economy which is replacing resources based economy.

He thanked the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy for making his school; Government Secondary School Garki, Abuja the first in the country to benefit from the mentorship program.

Isa Pantami: Tech Man As Terror Target – SS Analysis

Recent video of BH leader,Abubakar Shekau threatening Communication Minister ,Isa Pantami has opened up a deep gulf between moderates Islamic scholars and extremists of the classical salafi school of Islam. A major figure at the Centre of it all is Pantami,a Saudi tested scholar ,highly educated professional and deeply entrenched Islamist who is widely reputed to be a moderate in opposition to violent extremist interpretation of Islam.

As a Communication minister ,his idea of building a terrorism free nation is that of advanced application of technology.Even though he is not in charge of security or defence ,Pantami’s policy line indicates a deep sense of intelligence and counter terror.More than anybody in the Buhari government,his ideas appear to strike at the heart of increasing insecurity in the country.

It is therefore not surprising that the Bomo Haram leader mentioned him three times in his recent video,threatening the minister and making a veiled allusion to the assassination of Sheikh Jaffar ,the popular Kano preacher who was gunned down years ago. Pantami also once had an encounter with late Muhammed Yususf whose extra judicial killings ignited the Boko Haram insurgency a decade ago.

But what has Isa Pantami being doing that warrant being listed prominently as an terror target?

1. The delisting of all unregistered SIMs: This unveiled the veiled holders of phone numbers,destroy anonymity and Validate the database of telecom users.

2. New policy of telecom users not owning more than three phone lines.

3. New policy demanding users give reasons for wanting new lines.

4. New policy demanding a link among bank BVN,National identity number and telephone numbers;

5.New policy of security surveillance to ensure lawful use of telecoms facilities.

6. New sanctions on telecom operators breaching such sensitive policy measures.

7.Cleaning up the telecoms space by aggregating data base of Operators and stakeholders.

8 Open call for application of technologies as major component of the anti- terror war.

9. A strong push for data policy,cryptocurrency governance to curb terror financing.

10. A proposal for drone warfare in both intelligence gathering and even actual combat.

The interesting thing is that Pantami’s proposals are far reaching and possess the potentials to change the dynamic of the terror war. The minister who is also an Islamic preacher is placed in a position of prescribing prescription capable of decapitating extremists and purveyors of terror.

The challenge now is for the minister not to chicken out . While some of his policy measures are already in place ,some are yet to take off. His reaction which many will be watching closely is to forge ahead with requisite approvals.

As things stand in the Anti-Terror war,only a paradigm shift combining ultra tech application strategies and a new eastern model anti- terror tactics can defeat the insurgents.

The National Security Council should co-opt Pantami at its next meeting. He is a scholar of the religion whose ideology is twisted to justify terror. So he is a powerful enlightenment channel to wean many out of the extremist path. He is a communication Minister with in depth applicability knowledge of ICT in assuring,maintaining and securing national security.

Culled from Sahel Standard Magazine

“No Honeymoon, Hit The Ground Running”, Pantami Tells New NCC Board Chairman

............We shall exceed expectation – Akande

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has given the new Chairman, Board of Commissioners of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, a marching order to hit the ground running by providing necessary direction for effective regulation of the telecom industry in Nigeria.

Pantami gave the charge on Thursday 13 February 2020 during the swearing-in ceremony for Akande, who is representing the South West zone, as the Chairman of NCC Board of Commissioners, and Chief Uche Onwude, the commissioner representing the South-East zone. The event took place at the Minister’s office in Abuja.

The Minister said the NCC Board led by Akande must “hit the ground running”. The Minister, who said “there is no time for celebrations now and no time for honeymoon”, declared that “we would congratulate the NCC Board after you must have completed your tenure with resounding successes and achievements that have positive impact on Nigerians.”

The Minister emphasised the need for the NCC Board to totally sanitise the industry of improperly-registered Subscriber Identification Number (SIM) cards and to develop regulations on the number of SIM cards an individual or organisation can have at any particular time, as well as ensure seamless integration of SIM data with the national database of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Meanwhile, Prof. Akande, who spoke after the oath of office, assured of his readiness to work with other members of the Board and Management team of the Commission to exceed expectation in providing quality directions for effective regulations of the nation’s telecommunications industry.

Akande, who served as Chairman of the Board of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) before his present appointment, said there is no doubt that the NCC, as the nation’s telecom regulator, has a major role to play in the development of the Nigerian economy, especially in the area of effective regulation that can bring efficiency across sectors.

Akande is enthusiastic that the telecommunication sector will improve its contribution to the GDP and enhance the status of the security architecture of the country.

Prof. Akande said: “We want to thank everybody who has been with us since our nomination by the President in the last two months. There is no doubt that NCC has a major role to play in our national life at this time, especially in the area of security. For instance, many people on the street believe that security of lives and property will be bolstered once NCC is able to properly address issues connected to Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) registration, because we would have helped to resolve a critical percentage of our security issue significantly”.

“I know our Minister is someone, who normally sets high expectations and standards. I have worked with him at NITDA and I know he is somebody who normally expects the best from his team. To this end, I give you the commitment of the Board and management of NCC to work together to meet and exceed expectations,” he said. Akande also thanked all relatives and friends who attended the event.

Akande, a professor of political science and notable scholar of media and politics, was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari as Chairman of NCC Board on December 23, 2019. He was subsequently confirmed on February 5, 2020 by the Senate, the upper chamber of Nigeria’s federal bicameral legislature.

With the swearing-in of Akande and Onwude, NCC now has a fully-constituted Board of Commissioners as stipulated in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, and all the six geopolitical zones are represented on the Board.

While giving the Vote of Thanks, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, expressed the Commission’s gratitude to the Minister for his continuous support to the Commission and requested the Minister to kindly convey the Commission’s appreciation to the President for “ensuring that we now have the full complement of the NCC board members.”

Pantami Reiterates FG's Commitment To Strengthening Cybersecurity

• Warns against opening strange emails, using pirated software

• We have instituted Cyber Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT) - Danbatta

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has re-stated that the Federal Government is irrevocably committed to strengthening cybersecurity in the country.

Pantami gave this assurance today (13/02/2020) while delivering a keynote address at the Annual Cyber Security Conference organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. 

The conference with the theme, "Strengthening the Security and Resilience of the Nation's Communications Infrastructure" was attended by representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government, telecom companies, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) organisations, cyber security experts as well  as representatives of institutions and agencies in the security governance sector and other relevant stakeholders.

According to the Minister, the volume of money being lost to cyber criminals globally explained the  government's commitment to securing the country's national telecommunications infrastructure through necessary technical, legal and policy initiatives. 

Pantami affirmed that the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) unveiled by President Buhari on November 28, 2019, is aimed at deepening access to digital services for a more efficiently and effectively run economy. Accordingly, the Minister said the sixth of the eight pillars of the NDEPS thematically focused on 'Soft Infrastructure' is conceptualized to improve the cyber security architecture in the country.

"This Conference by the NCC is, therefore, fitting, as it aligns with the digital economy agenda of the government. So, as we deepen access to digital services in the country, I have to say that people need to know that once they are online, they are exposed to risks. For instance, just opening an email that you are not sure of the sender exposes your system and data to risks. Also, using pirated software should be avoided and we must update our software regularly to avoid being target of cyber criminals," Pantami said.

Speaking earlier, Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, said the maiden annual cyber security summit is in recognition speaks to the importance and centrality of collaborative efforts in the advancement of cyber security measures to provide precautions and protection of critical communications Infrastructure.

According to Danbatta, "the event was designed to provide a platform for discussion on developing a joint coordination for incidence response for the communication industry, introducing cyber insurance, bridging the cyber workforce gap, strengthening national cooperation, exchange of information, and development of comprehensive strategies that will address the cyber security challenges confronting the communications industry in Nigeria."

The EVC stated that in addressing cybercrimes and boosting cyber security, technical measures and appropriate legal instruments must be put in place to enhance the resilience and integrity of ICT infrastructure and also to safeguard our activities in the cyberspace.

While restating the Commission's efforts towards ensuring that the Internet is safer to use, Danbatta emphasized the role of education to mitigate the negative impacts of cybercrime. The EVC highlighted the measures being taken by the Commission as follows:

- Collaboration with relevant stakeholders to embark on a nationwide cyber security awareness.

- Establishmet of a Cyber Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT) Centre.

- Collaboration with relevant security agencies in the development of the National Cyber Security Policy;

- Development of Technical Framework for the Use of Social Media Network in Nigeria.

- Development of contents for consumer awareness and collaboration with stakeholders on the development of Data Privacy and Protection Act; and

- Carrying out a comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessment of the communications infrastructure and the industry.

The EVC also informed the audience at the conference that the Commission will soon commence a multi-stakeholder process for the development of an Industry Wide Obligation of Minimum Cyber Security Provisions which will apply to all operators. 

The plenary session of the conference was followed with four panel discussions focused on: Developing a Joint Coordination for Incidence Response for the Communications Industry; Developing Cyber Insurance Product Stream: Barriers and Incentives; and Regulating Cyber Security Service Provision; and Bridging the Cyber Workforce Gap.

Pantami Inaugurates NCC Governing Board

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has officially inaugurated the Chairman of the Governing Board of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Adeolu Akande and the Non-Executive Commissioner, Mr Uche Onwude in a brief ceremony which was held today at the Ministry's Corporate Headquarters, Abuja.

In his brief remarks, during the inauguration on Thursday 13^th February, 2020 at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja, Pantami urged the governing board members to be united, stressing that without unity, nothing can be achieved.

The Minister also pledged his full support to the board and further called on the members to always prioritize the interest of Nigeria and under no account should they compromise in their official assignment.

Dr Pantami said, "As public officials, it will be a great injustice to the Nation when we allow the platform under our supervision and regulation to be used to commit crimes".

Seinye Lulu-Briggs: This Woman Is Impossible; She Goes To Court Again!

As Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs engages in the make-believe drama on radio and national television over her so-called exoneration by the autopsy report, she files yet another application in a Ghana High Court for orders of injunction against the removal of the mortal remains of the late High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, claiming that if the body is given to the family, it would prejudice her suit against the Coroner's order for an inquest.

She actually filed this new application about 2pm on the same Tuesday 11th February, 2020, that the Supreme Court dismissed her Certiorari application and stay of execution.

She just walked down the road and filed another matter, yet she is all over the media in Nigeria, dancing and calling on the family to unite to bury her husband, as the autopsy report vindicates her.

We are constrained to ask: What is in this corpse or missing from this corpse, that the widow, Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs does not want it released to the family for burial by custom.

The Autopsy Report Says It All; What Further Proof Do We Need? Seinye Lulu-Brigg Should Stop Twisting Facts

“On arrival at the Kotoka International Airport on the same day, the family realized that the chief could not breathe properly and was heavier than normal. He was rushed to the airport clinic for medical attention, but was pronounced dead on arrival”

“DEAD ON ARRIVAL”. In spite of all the efforts to hijack the autopsy and tailor its report to preconceived conclusions, the report nevertheless states unequivocally that High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs was brought into the Ghana Airport clinic dead.

While they laboured to explain what killed the 88 years old Kalabari War Canoe Chief, they inadvertently answered the most important question: WHERE AND WHEN DID HIGH CHIEF O.B. LULU-BRIGGS DIE?

The autopsy report says that the High Chief was “dead on arrival ” which means he died before he got to Accra because the airport clinic is less than a two-minute drive from the tarmac.

FROM THE BEGINNING:

The position of Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs all along has been that, considering these intervening events:

1. That on the fateful day of December 27, 2018, High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs and other passengers, including his wife, were on board a fully loaded charter aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport, for more than five hours on the ground with the aircraft doors fully shut and the engines running. The excuse that was given by Seinye Lulu-Briggs, was that the aircraft had no landing permit to land in Accra, hence the five hours delay.

2. That one of the passengers on that flight gave a statement to the Police that at the time they arrived Accra, they could barely carry High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs out of the aircraft because he was more than twice his weight.

3. That the Medical Director at the Airport Clinic, Accra, reported that High Chief O. B. Lulu-Briggs was brought in dead. That all his vitals were not recordable, no pulse, no respiration, no blood pressure and his oxygen level was zero. And that there was some degrees of stiffness.

Based on the above, he, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, had reasonable cause to suspect that his father, High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs may have died in Port Harcourt and his corpse may have been smuggled to Ghana by his wife, Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs.

This suspicion was aggravated by the blunt refusal of Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs to release the body, the medical death certificate and mortuary receipts to him, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs who is the head of the Lulu-Briggs family and Chief mourner.

That Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, knew that if she had alerted the family about her husband’s demise while still in Port Harcourt, it would have been practically impossible for her to take possession of her husband’s mortal remains, medical death certificate and mortuary receipts. Therefore she may have smuggled her already dead or dying husband to Ghana to evade family intervention.

This was the basis for the petition to the Inspector General of Nigeria Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of High Chief. O.B. Lulu-Briggs.

It is to investigate when and where the High Chief died, not what killed the 88 years old man.

The autopsy, although conducted in total contravention of the police detectives and the Court order, states clearly in its introduction that High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs was brought in dead into Accra.

Characteristically, Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs is all over the media, brandishing the autopsy report, spending huge sums on national television, claiming that the autopsy report exonerated her of killing her husband. But she keeps sealed lips on the startling revelation that she brought her husband “dead on arrival” at the Kotoka International Airport.

Seinye Lulu-Briggs is also quiet on the Coroner’s order of September 6, 2019 for an inquest into the death of her husband which she failed to truncate when the Ghana Supreme Court on Tuesday, 11th February, 2020 threw out her application against the orders of the Coroner.