Business
FG Officially Hands Over 5G Spectrum Allocation to NCC
…As Minister, others applaud transparent auction of spectrum
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who also wears the hat of the Chairman, National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), presented the official document on the 3.5GHz spectrum allocation to the Commission at a public event which took place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Thursday, February 17, 2022.
The 5G spectrum allocation document was received by the Chairman, NCC Board of Commissioners, Prof. Adeolu Akande, and the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, on behalf of the Commission.
Speaking at the event, which also witnessed the public presentation of the National Policy on 5G Networks, a document earlier launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 25, 2022, the Minister commended the NCC leadership for ‘a transparent, fair and credible 3.5GHz spectrum auction’ conducted on December 13, 2021.
Pantami stated that the NFMC, which he chairs, has the responsibility for managing the allocation of commercial and non-commercial spectrum resources in the country while the NCC is facilitating the deployment of spectrum in the country.
Pantami also stated that the 5G network, when deployed, will bring a lot of benefits and opportunities that will engender accelerated growth and smart living in the country.
He asserted that the technology will bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities.
Earlier in his remarks, Akande appreciated the Minister for his efforts in ensuring that every clog that could hinder successful deployment of 5G services are addressed, thus paving the way for mutual understanding and trust among all stakeholders to ensure that the derivable benefits of the new technology are harnessed timely for the nation’s socio-economic development.
He said the effective implementation of the National Policy on 5G, which the Commission is driving, will help in the actualization of the national targets in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030, as well as other sectoral policies designed to enhance Nigeria’s digital culture.
The EVC of NCC, Danbatta, while expressing appreciation to the Minister and all stakeholders for the role played in the emerging 5G network policy implementation initiatives, said the collective efforts of the private sector and government support will make deployment of 5G network transform every aspect of the nation’s economy. He was optimistic that the expected transformation will be greater than what the nation witnessed with the 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G.
Recalling the diligence that attended the implementation of 5G policy by the NCC since the process started in 2019, Danbatta said Nigeria had taken proactive and meticulous steps to be among the leading players in the global digital economy.
“We have been meticulous all the way in our 5G deployment journey, from trial across selected states in the country, to review and stakeholder engagement, to approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), to the 3.5GHz spectrum auction, and up to the official launch of the national policy on 5G network by the President.
Meanwhile, eminent stakeholders and dignitaries at the event, have commended Danbatta for ensuring sterling record of transparency and accountability in the sale of the 3.5GHz Spectrum Band allocated for deployment of 5G network in Nigeria.
The stakeholders include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital economy, Mr. Bitrus Nabasu; the former Executive Secretary of the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation
(CTO), Mr. Shola Taylor; Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi; Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Plc, Prof. Muhammed Abubakar; and the Director General of National Identity Management Commission, Dr. Aliyu Aziz, among others.
Earlier in a presentation on the Benefits of 5G, Engr Shola Taylor, a former Secretary of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, declared that 5G will have far-reaching transformational impact on major sectors of the Nigerian economy, which will bring about rapid social-economic development of the country.
Business
Fidelity Bank Supports Modupe Cole Memorial School, Lagos
Fidelity Bank Supports Modupe Cole Memorial School, Lagos
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
In continuation of its drive to alleviate the impact of economic hardship and suffering among indigent Nigerians, Fidelity Bank Plc recently donated food items to Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School in Akoka, Lagos.
CAPTION:
L- R. Tolulope Rojaiye, Team Member, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc; Osho Olufunmilayo Bamidele, Vice Principal 2, Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School; and Victoria Mbonu, Class President, Intellect Nexus Inductee Class, Fidelity Bank Plc; during a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donation event executed by Fidelity Bank at Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School, Akoka, Lagos recently.
The donation which aligns with the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars of education and health, was championed by the Intellect Nexus Class of 2024 under the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP). Through this initiative, Fidelity Bank staff identify community needs, raise funds to address them, and receive matching support from the bank to implement impactful projects.
Explaining the bank’s commitment to supporting its host communities, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, noted that, “At Fidelity Bank, we recognise the symbiotic relationship we have with the communities where we operate. This informs our decision to not only provide our host communities with relevant financial services but to also impact them with developmental projects.
“We are inspired by the great work being done here at Modupe Cole Home School and our donation is a small token of appreciation for this as we aim to support the well-being of these exceptional children.”
On his part, the Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Isiaka Ajani, expressed gratitude for the bank’s consistent support noting that Fidelity Bank’s gesture is a huge encouragement to the school.
“We say thank you for the gift items that you have brought to us today, and this shows that we are not alone in the mission to provide care and education to children with special needs.
“This institution is a testament to the belief that there is ability in disability. We have children here who have passed common entrance examinations and gained admission into higher institutions despite their challenges. It is our mission to help them achieve their potential.
“The school had made effort to provide academic and vocational training programs in bead-making and hairdressing, and specialized care for residents with severe disabilities for its 476 residents, many of whom have been abandoned by their families.” He stated.
Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 255 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.
The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.
Business
Access Bank to Host Pioneering Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town
Access Bank to Host Pioneering Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Access Bank PLC is set to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference (ATC), a landmark event focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation under the theme, ‘Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’. Scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, the conference is poised to bring together the most influential voices in trade, finance, and policy to address the future of commerce across the continent.
With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81 billion annually, the conference aims to tackle the systemic challenges hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic firms. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the Conference will explore innovative solutions, sustainable trade practices, and strategies for expanding African economies into global value chains.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank PLC, emphasised the importance of the Africa Trade Conference, in addressing these pressing issues. “The Africa Trade Conference represents a crucial step in redefining Africa’s trade potential. By creating platforms for dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions, Access Bank is enabling African businesses to connect and thrive in the global economy.”
Access Bank’s presence across 24 countries globally, including 16 in Africa, provides a unique advantage in facilitating inter- and intra-African trade. The Bank’s growing network positions it as a key player in addressing trade complexities and promoting inclusive growth across the continent.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank, highlighted the broader vision of the forum, saying, “The Africa Trade Conference is a platform to not only address Africa’s trade challenges, but to champion the continent’s opportunities. Through strategic partnerships, tailored financial solutions, built on the ethos of sustainability, we are paving the way for Africa’s businesses to take their place on the global stage.”
This flagship event will convene a distinguished line-up of seasoned speakers, and top executives from leading international banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and captains of industry in Africa.
The ATC will also shine a spotlight on the transformative potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance infrastructure, and integrate African economies into global trade networks.
Furthermore, the event will explore critical themes shaping the continent’s economic future, including the transformative role of digitisation and innovation in global trade, solutions for overcoming trade barriers to enhance market access, as well as sustainable trade practices and innovative financing models, thereby providing a comprehensive roadmap for advancing Africa’s position in global commerce. Please visit https://africatradeconference.accessbankplc.com/ for more information.
Business
Union Bank Rewards 360 Customers with N21 Million in First Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Draw
Union Bank Rewards 360 Customers with N21 Million in First Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Draw
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Union Bank, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has kicked off its Save and Win Palli Promo 4campaign on a high note following the announcement of its first set of winners in its inaugural monthly draws.
The first live draw of this season, which took place at the Bank’s Head Office in Marina, Lagos, rewarded 60 customers with ₦100,000 each. Additionally, 300 other winners went home with ₦50,000 worth of gift vouchers during the inaugural live draw, which was conducted transparently and digitally under the supervision of relevant regulatory bodies. The winners cut across the nation.
Speaking at the first monthly draw, Gloria Omereonye, Union Bank’s Area Business Executive for Lagos Island 1, stated, “Union Bank is always dedicated to rewarding customers for their loyalty and financial discipline.
We are pleased that our promo has continued to achieve its noble goals of providing succour to our customers through our gifts and rewards, especially in these economically trying times, while facilitating a sustainable savings culture for future goals and objectives.”
Save & Win Palli Promo is a nationwide campaign designed to reward both new and existing customers with cash prizes. Season 4, which began in December 2024 and runs until May 2025, offers customers the opportunity to win ₦131 million in cash prizes, Motorcycles, Tricycles, Fuel Vouchers, and a star prize of ₦5 million, which will be handed out to three lucky winners at the grand finale.
Open to new and existing customers, the Save and Win Palli Promo requires participants to save a minimum of ₦10,000 and perform a minimum of five transactions monthly to qualify for draws. Monthly winners can receive ₦100,000, while quarterly draws will reward lucky savers with Motorcycles, Tricycles, and other exciting prizes.
Customers who save in multiples of ₦10,000 will increase their chances of winning.
New customers can join the promo by downloading the UnionMobile app to open an account or visiting any Union Bank branch.
Existing customers can reactivate accounts by calling the 24-hour Contact Centre at 07007007000 or visiting a branch.
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