Headlines
Why Nigeria needs deployment of 5G Network – NCC
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), said Nigeria needs fifth generation (5G) to fully explore the benefits of digital economy.
KANO FOCUS reports that the director technical standards and network integrity in the commission Bako Wakili revealed this at a one day capacity building for media practitioners in Kano.
The workshop themed the role of the media in Nigeria’s 5G deployment was to raise awareness amongst media practitioners on 5G deployment.
He said the existing 3G and 4G cannot meet the increasing demand of high speed internet in Nigerian.
According to Wakili, the deployment of 5G technologies will consequently promote the National Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria that will improve the way Nigerians live and work.
He highlighted some of the benefits of 5G including medical doctors conducting CT scan remotely and factory using data to tweak production.
NCC sets December 10 for mock auction of the 5G
The Executive Vice/CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Garba Danbatta said the commission has fixed December 10, for Mock Auction of the 5G in preparation for the Main Auction, which will take place on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Danbatta represented by Ikechukwu Adinde, Director Public Affairs of the NCC, Danbatta announced that it is expected that the two slots to be auctioned will be picked up by successful bidders at the end of the auction on Monday, December 13, and following that, the stage will be set for the next phase of 5G roll-out commencing in 2022.
He recalled that on December 1, 2021, the Commission announced that at the close of the bid submission date of November 29, 2021, three companies, namely MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications Ltd and Airtel Networks Ltd had successfully submitted their bids in line with the requirements of the IM.
The Executive Vice chairman described media as indispensable towards the success of the 5G deployment in Nigeria.
According to him, the theme of the workshop is “5G Deployment and the Next Level of Nigeria’s Development.’’ is most apt at a time when the Commission is on full throttle to drive the implementation of the deployment of 5G, otherwise called the Fifth Generation Network, in the country following the approval of the Federal Government on September 8, 2021.
“As we progress in our journey of 5G deployment, the media has a critical role in the process by ensuring proper and adequate reportage of the programmes and activities of the Commission as it unfolds the 5G plan.
“From the programme, I can glean that the workshop will feature topics around 5G to equip you with greater insights and knowledge in order to improve your overall understanding of this very important new technology, its usage, opportunities and benefits it offers for the overall development of our socio-economic life,” Danbatta said.
He stated that Nigeria’s promising 5G Plan has the objectives of ensuring efficient assignment of spectrum for 5G deployment, creating an enabling environment for investment in the telecom industry, ensuring effective deployment of 5G to cover major urban cities by 2025, among others.
He thanked the media for the continuous support to the Commission through effective and unbiased reportage of our regulatory activities, programmes and events.
“We are, therefore, committed to continuing to explore avenues to strengthen and expand the frontiers of our partnership in this regard in order to serve the greater interests of our teeming stakeholders in the telecoms industry, particularly the telecom consumers,” he said.
In his presentation, the director public affairs Ikechukwu Adinde said GSM has revolution has greatly impacted on socioeconomic life of Nigerians.
He said so far the telecommunication sector is the most patronise services in Nigeria.
He identified some of GSM contributions including increased availability, accessibility, affordability of telecoms services, major contribution to national economic growth and unprecedented job creation across the industry.
Others are value chain, Increased efficiency in personal, business/official activities, Digital transformation across industry and verticals enabler of other sectors such as banking, media, aviation, medicine, education and agriculture.
Highlights of the event include presentation of certificates and tablets to each participant.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
