In Brief

5G Preps

2020 is just about four months away, but disruptions that will shape the form of the year are taking positions. 5G technology (fifth generation of mobile internet connectivity) is one of such disruptions, and Nigeria is making plans for the roll out. Telecommunications regulator, Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, is confident that the approval of spectrum to test 5G services will facilitate “digital revolution and digital inclusion in Nigeria.” But there are hurdles to jump over: analysts in the industry say 4G services have not been rolled out effectively. They say it’s only profitable to the user but “an economic failure” for the operators. Trade body, GSMA shares the view of the analysts: “Currently, only 44 per cent of mobile subscribers in Nigeria are using 3G technology and 4 per cent are using 4G technology, compared to over 18 per cent 4G penetration in South Africa and 16 per cent in Angola.” If we must get the best from the roll out of 5G, NCC should deepen the adoption of existing networks and design policies for data affordability and value. Required.

Tribute to Resilience

Team Nigeria’s participation at the 2019 African Games hosted by Morocco recently, follows a story of dedication and reward for hard work. Defying the odds of unequal motivation and training, the team raced to a second place finish with 127 medals (46 gold, 33 silver and 48 bronze) behind eventual winner — Egypt. Interestingly, Nigeria emerged first runner-up at Brazzaville 2015, which Egypt also won. When Africa converges on Ghana four years from now, the same old mistakes should not reoccur. Sports Minister, Sunday Dare should activate the floating of Athletes Sustenance Fund to ensure that our athletes give their best while on national assignments. This move will boost athlete’s morale and drive excellence. Upbeat.

Ambo’s Troubles

The formations of immediate past governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode rode on the path of damning back-to-back allegations of shoddy deals and financial recklessness these past weeks. First, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission raided his Ikoyi and Epe homes in search of ‘incriminating evidence’ against the backdrop of state funds traced to private bank accounts. The Lagos State House of Assembly threw another jab with the constitution of a committee to probe the purchase of 820 buses for the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) without budgetary approval. The buses were acquired in the twilight of the Ambode administration. There is a common factor in the foregoing issues: both issues are self-inflicted. Mr. Ambode hinged his administration on an opaque structure that has pitched him against the state’s lawmakers. The committee should do a thorough job with the probe in an era where sitting governors are pushing for ‘summons and arrest’ of their predecessors. Observing!

RoW Relief

Barely a week after Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state signed an executive order slashing Right of Way charges from N4,500 to N145 in the state, four more governors have taken similar steps. Governors of Imo, Plateau, and Katsina align with Ekiti while Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai has completely waived the charge applicable to laying one linear metre of fibre. Remarkably, these decisions set things up for improved broadband penetration and economic development with a direct impact on Internally Generated Revenue and Gross Domestic Product. The FCT and other governors shouldn’t slack with providing the much-needed boost to ensure players in the telecommunications sector lay critical infrastructure with ease and work towards the 70% national broadband target (due in five years) by reviewing RoW charges in their domains. Key!

Dwindling Capacity

The effects of coronavirus-induced lockdowns are hitting harder, with the latest being the rise in the country’s inflation rate. According to the Consumer Price Index April 2020 report compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics, inflation hit a two-year high rising from 12.26% in March to 12.34% in April. The troubles cut through all time to food inflations, affecting food items as Potatoes, Yam & other tubers, Fish, Bread, and Cereals, etc. It’s a ‘mutual feeling’ in the rural and urban centres — inflation currently stands at
11.73% in agrarian settlements and 13.01% in city centres. To solve the national economic emergency, we must design and follow through with proactive policies to address the disturbing cost of living and the prices of commodities. Urgent.

Rash Moves

I’m perturbed that the University of Lagos is in the news for the wrong reasons at this time. Sadly, a long-standing feud between the institution’s Pro-chancellor, Wale Babalakin and Vice-chancellor, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe is responsible for this. It doesn’t help that Babalakin and the university’s governing council proceeded with the “illegal” sacking of the Vice-chancellor over allegations of looting and misappropriation. The administrator didn’t get the chance to defend these allegations before he was ousted. This is despite the efforts made by the university’s alumni association to wade into the matter and seek peace and understanding. With this development, it becomes necessary for the minister of education to constitute a visitation panel to look into this matter and save the prestigious institution from taking further plunges into crisis. Vital.

Rising For Action

Did you spot the quietness and near aloofness in the country’s young people constituency as the 20th anniversary of the International Youth Day was marked here and elsewhere? Without mincing words, you and I know where all of the energy and attention is at this time. In fairness, there are genuine reasons for the critical population’s loss of interest in politics and governance, with the recent episodes of abuse of trust and dumbfounding corruption. But the buck stops at the youthful corner to drive the process that will “effect the real change in the country” as observed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Wednesday. Abdullahi, an ex-minister of youth and sports, believes Nigerian youth have the “unique power” to push for national transformation. I align completely with this standpoint. These views strengthen the ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’ theme picked this year. It’s about time Nigerian youth bring the energy from social media discussions to mainstream politics for a better Nigeria. Fundamental.