The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), and the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, have promised to continue to drive policy initiatives that promote investment in infrastructure in the Nigerian telecom industry in order to deepen connectivity to enhance the nation’s growth and development.
The duo stated this on the sideline of the reception marking the landing of the Equiano undersea Cable System in Nigeria at the Open Access Data Centre at Lekki in Lagos. Pantami and Danbatta commended Google LLC, the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), and other investors for bringing additional bandwidth capacity into the country to drive connectivity and growth.
While Pantami was represented at the event by NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Adeleke Adewolu, Danbatta was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, Ubale Maska. Other senior management staff of the Commission at the event included the NCC’s Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil, and the Controller, NCC’s Ibadan Zonal Office, Yomi Arowosafe.
The Minister said the Federal Government, through the Ministry, will continue to drive the implementation of existing digital economy-oriented policies already put in place by the current administration. Pantami also promised an enabling environment that encourages foreign and local investment in infrastructure project such as the way Google and its co-investors have done.
Also commenting, Danbatta said the Commission’s expectations, initiatives, and vision towards increasing broadband penetration, quality of service, advancement of a digital economy, and commitment to improving national security through technological advancement, are on the priority list of its regulatory interventions.
Danbatta expressed delight that Equiano has joined the list of other submarine cables at the shores of Nigeria, including SAT3 cable, MainOne cable, Glo1 cable, ACE cable WACS cable, Dolphin by Natcom, and MTN respectively.
The EVC assured stakeholders of Commission’s commitment towards ensuring that the huge bandwidth capacity from these cables at shore in Lagos would be transmitted to different part of the country to drive robust and ubiquitous infrastructure. This is in keeping with the provisions of the digital economy policy being implemented by government in collaboration with all stakeholders.
The EVC expressed optimism that Google’s investment in the subsea cable, Equiano, will be significant in driving NCC’s ongoing implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, which aims at increasing broadband penetration to 70 per cent by 2025.
“We are hopeful that Equiano, together with earlier undersea cables in the country, will have additional landing points in the hinterlands through collaborative efforts with NCC-licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos). This will help to reduce retail data prices significantly and thereby complementing the Commission’s efforts at ensuring that affordable Internet services are available to boost Commission’s ongoing broadband policy initiatives”.
Danbatta stated and thereby helped to reiterate the objective linkages of policies and plans in the telecom ecosystem, and the national economic strategies.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also witnessed the unveiling of the Google submarine cable, underscored its centrality to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to boost job creation and contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), over the next three years.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WIOCC, Chris Wood, also described the landing of the submarine cables as a major investment in the Nigerian digital economy.
The new cable system is named after a Nigerian hero, Olaudah Equiano, who survived enslavement in the 18th century and wentcloud operators, content providers, content distribution networks and their associated ecosystems.
cloud operators, content providers, content distribution networks and their associated ecosystems.on to become a famous writer and anti-slavery activist. Besides, the triumph over challenges, which Equiano’s life symbolised, the landing of the cable in Nigeria is expected to underscore Nigeria’s leadership as a regional hub for connectivity, and thus, set to attractcloud operators, content providers, content distribution networks and their associated ecosystems.
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.
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.
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.