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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

Wednesday April 8, a few minutes to six in the evening, while putting final preparations to a three-day trip, the phone beeped. First thought; it could be an advisory from friends or family members on the need for vigilance as a result of the shenanigans perpetrated by notorious bandits on major highways across the country. How wrong! The WhatsApp message was an invite from the irrepressible, inimitable Dapo Olorunyomi – fondly called Dapsy, and Uncle Dapsy by friends, colleagues, and mentees. The carefully worded, simple looking but aesthetically beautiful card was to attend a Symposium in honour of Dr. Chido Onumah; a serial award winner, versatile journalist, rights activist, published author on his 60th birthday. Though the writer does not have any personal relationship with the celebrant, but to have Olorunyomi as the Chief Host speaks volumes about the credibility, integrity, and stewardship of Onumah.

The clash of the timings of both events – Onumah’s and the trip, was not a good discovery by the writer. Thoughts of missing out on an occasion that will see the convergence of heroes and heroines of civil society and journalism; who as true activists and professionals sacrificed selflessly for democracy and good governance in the ’80s and ’90s, was painful. Given the importance of the trip, one had to communicate to Olorunyomi reason for not attending the unique event. Though not physically present, the coverage of proceedings by national newspapers, electronic media, and numerous online media platforms was useful. Perhaps, the choice of a national discourse to celebrate an ideologue who, for over three decades has weaved every of his life odysseys on fairness, probity, justice, ethics, and morality is fitting and proper.

William Shakespeare, in one of his timeless books, ‘Hamlet’ wrote; “this above all, to thine own self be true.” Here, humanity is advised to be honest, truthful, and pursue self-dignity. Indeed, honesty with oneself provides light and equanimity. From the testimonials of people, this encapsulates Onumah; who pursues wholeheartedly whatever he believes in, and stays focused even if he is the last man standing. Conscious that honesty is a wealth that doesn’t wither with time, as it attracts respect, trust, and belief from people, he clothes himself with these virtues which brings greatness. In many ways, his attributes, activities, and contributions to life and humanity confirm Shakespeare’s words in ‘Twelfth Night’ that, “be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” No doubt, with the right attitude, hard work, and fidelity, Onumah has achieved greatness in diverse ways.

From reports, the symposium, themed, “Formation or Nation Building: Nigeria’s Quest for a Modern Federal Republic” which took place at the historical Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, was graced by many notable personalities from the media, academics, public service, and politics from far and near. Comments by many people attested to his unwavering commitment to the attainment of good governance, and unrestrained passion for national development. His loyalty to friendship and relationships were variously highlighted. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, who was the Special Guest of Honour said, “Chido is special and means a lot to me. He was part of my life at the most critical moments, and (he) went through the most difficult period with me.” His Excellency, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, who chaired the event, acknowledged Onumah’s sacrificial, and consistent contributions to the fights against military rulership, and the country’s struggles for democracy.

Generally described as a people’s man who is largely accessible, reliable, and dependable, Onumah is deeply loved for his courage, commitment, and consistency in pursuing noble causes that will improve the general well-being of the people. Imbued with an uncommon indomitable spirit, he is a perfect exemplar of true social activism built on principles, high moral standards, and selflessness – million miles different from what we have these days. Without a doubt, he remains one of the best, and has carved an enviable niche for himself as the compass for assessing activists in Nigeria. Not driven by pecuniary benefits, showmanship, and human accolades, his penchant for cross-fertilization of ideas, and public discourse; at all times geared towards ensuring national cohesion, growth, and development remains unequivocal. This may have further informed the choice of a symposium to mark his landmark birthday.

Onumah’s professional resume, human interests-driven calling, and development engagements are replete with qualitative services within the country, in Africa, Europe, and the United States of America. As a journalist, though he started out with The Guardian newspapers, Onumah, at various times was at Sentinel Magazine – late Dr. Stanley Macebuh was the Managing Director; The News Magazine; AM News; Thisday Newspapers; Weekly Insight, Ghana, as the Associate Editor; Africanews Service, Kenya; and African Observer, New York, USA. For decades, Onumah has emerged as a prominent figure, and major voice in media and information literacy.

As the Co-ordinator of the African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) – he has been able to promote media literacy to foster democracy, accountability, good governance, and combat misinformation in Africa through research,advocacy, and training programmes. To expand the frontiers of excellence, he co-founded the Media & Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) Foundation, with special emphasis on media literacy in governance and education. Through AFRICMIL, and the Yar’Adua Foundation, Onumah launched the Corruption Anonymous (CORA); a whistleblowing platform to facilitate anonymous reporting and bolster accountability in governance.

Given his passion for good governance, Onumah, through the Whistleblowing Advocacy Coalition of West Africa (WACOWA); and the Advocacy for Whistleblowers Protection Laws has covered parts of the continent. Appreciable mileage has been achieved towards regional cooperation on whistleblower protection; adopting the policy as a veritable instrument for exposing crimes; and deepening governance across Africa. Similarly, Onumah’s broad-based advocacy and activism are well documented through his involvement with numerous bodies such as the West African Human Rights Committee (WAHRC); Pan-African Alliance for Media and Information Literacy (PAMIL); Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL); Whistleblowing International Network (WIN); United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the Panos Institute, USA.

Indeed, Onumah’s decades-long involvement, contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and the emplacement of probity in the public service deserves mention. He functioned as the Head, Civil Society Unit; and Coordinator, Fix Nigeria Initiative at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), under the Chairmanship of Ribadu. He, among other things contributed to drafting templates that translated international anti-corruption laws into accessible tools for citizens; collaboration with various groups on integrity and accountability; training of journalists in investigative reporting; and workshops for judges, law enforcement agencies, and the media.

His varied contributions to the media, human rights, democracy, and good governance has earned him several local and global recognitions including the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy Awards; William C. Heine Fellowship for International Media Studies; Jerry Rogers Writing Award; and the Clement Mwale Prize for Courage. Despite his busy schedules, Onumah has authored some books including Time To Reclaim Nigeria; Nigeria Is Negotiable; and We Are All Biafrans. Many of his friends, colleagues, and associates applaud his de-tribalized credentials; described as a true nationalist. Born on the 10th of April, 1966, Onumah attended the Army Children School, Apapa; and Awori Ajeromi Grammar School, Lagos. He graduated from the University of Calabar with a B.A Philosophy. He earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Journalism, and Communications & Journalism at the University of Ontario, Canada, and the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain, respectively.

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.

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By Comrade. Amb Emmanuel Kpoharor_

To secure victory in Ughelli North, South and Udu Federal Constituency, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needs a tested, grassroots-oriented candidate who has demonstrated real capacity for mobilization, loyalty, and community impact.

As the PDP prepares for the forthcoming House of Representatives election, stakeholders across the three local government areas are calling on the party to field Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP as its candidate.

Dr. Akpodiete is widely credited with reviving the PDP in the constituency at a time when mass defections had left the party’s structure severely weakened. He reactivated dormant ward executives, bankrolled logistics for meetings, financed mobilization drives, and spearheaded reconciliation efforts that brought back aggrieved members while attracting new ones across Ughelli North, South and Udu. According to party chieftains, his swift intervention restored stability and re-established the PDP as the dominant political force in the area.

His influence goes beyond party administration. Dr. Akpodiete initiated and personally sponsored the U3 Youth, Women, and Executive Empowerment programme. The initiative has provided startup grants, vocational training, and business support to hundreds of beneficiaries in the constituency. It has been commended for reducing unemployment and boosting household incomes across the three LGAs.

To strengthen political engagement, he also floated two strategic pressure groups: the U3 Media Ambassadors and the U3 Legislators Forum. The Media Ambassadors have expanded the PDP’s message and improved voter education at the grassroots. The Legislators Forum brings together past and present PDP-aligned legislators in U3 to mentor emerging politicians, harmonize party positions, and drive community consultations. Together, the two groups have created a permanent, community-rooted campaign structure for the party.

Dr. Akpodiete’s humanitarian record through the Olotu and Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation also sets him apart. Since its establishment, the Foundation has focused on sustainable development, education, healthcare, security support, charity, social welfare, and empowerment.

Key activities of the Foundation since 2018 include:
– Annual Empowerment Programs: The Foundation conducts yearly outreach for vulnerable groups. On April 9, 2026, it held a widow empowerment program at Iwhreko Community Town Hall, Ughelli, where over 100 widows from Ughelli North, South and Udu received cash, gifts, and wrappers during the 31st remembrance of Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete. Dr. Akpodiete has pledged to sustain the program annually and extend it to other segments of society.
– Education Support: The Foundation awards scholarships and provides learning materials and school support to indigent students across the constituency to improve access to quality education.
– Healthcare Interventions: It runs medical outreaches and supports community health initiatives for underserved populations in the three LGAs. The Foundation has registered over 500 Deltans for health insurance across Delta State.
– Youth and Sports Development: The Foundation hosts an annual novelty football match in honor of Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete at Clifford Cassidy Play Ground, General Field, to discover and nurture young football talents. The 2026 second edition ended 1-1 between children and grandchildren of the late chief, with cash gifts presented to team captains. The Foundation has also trained over 700 youths in vocational and digital skills.
– Community Development and Security: The Foundation supports community projects such as water boreholes across Delta and backs security initiatives including conflict resolution capacity building and donation of security gadgets to various communities to improve safety and social cohesion.
– Recognition of Service: Through Life Achievement Awards, the Foundation celebrates individuals for outstanding service to humanity. In 2026, recipients included Olorogun Miller Uloho and Chief Morrison Obaseki Olori.

Party faithfuls maintain that Dr. Akpodiete combines loyalty, proven mobilization strength, and a verifiable humanitarian record. His work in rebuilding the PDP, empowering constituents, building enduring political structures, and sustaining philanthropy through his Foundation makes him the most electable and prepared aspirant to represent Ughelli North, South and Udu in the House of Representatives come 2027.

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By Sonny Aragba-Akpore

Nigeria’s only communications satellite, NigComSat 1R,is troubled and appears to be in a wheelchair, practically struggling for survival. Its troubles began on February 14, 2014, immediately after the removal of its pioneer Chief Executive, Timasaniyu Ahmed Rufai, in alleged questionable circumstances. His removal was ordered by the then Communications Minister, Mrs Omobola Johnson, who later appointed a team to carry out a forensic examination of the company’s books since the launch of NigComSat 1R on December 19, 2011. Johnson named Ms Abimbola Alale as Ahmed-Rufai’s replacement. Before her appointment, Alale was Executive Director (Marketing).

But not much came out of the forensic examination to date, except that the company appears to have seen better days and is swimming against the tide. ​With a bucket of troubles and an incorrigible wage bill, which is believed to be unsustainable, the Nigerian satellite is now being managed from Kashi, China, contrary to global standards, where communications satellites are usually managed locally by their operators from domestic ground stations. Strangely, the Nigerian satellite has not been a commercial success since its launch. Low patronage, very little confidence by local customers and a lack of investment by its owners, the government, may have accounted for this. But the Chinese who built it say NigComSat 1R has immense capacity for broadcasting and telecommunication services, with special potential for broadband connectivity, but local patronage is very poor.

“There is no problem with the market,” because countries like Bolivia, with TKSat-1, the country’s first communications satellite, built at an estimated cost of around $300 million, similar to NIGCOMSAT-1R, generate between $10 million and $20 million yearly.  By 2020, it had earned more than $80 million over its first four years, averaging roughly $20 million yearly.

In South Africa, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and local partners such as CubeSpace, Simera Sense, and Astrofica generate revenue from satellite-based Earth-observation data, hardware components, and downstream applications.  In 2023, these companies were part of Africa’s broader commercial space sector, which included 327 firms collectively earning US$309 million. So, what is the problem with the Nigerian satellite that has not recorded any commercial success since its launch 15 years ago? Despite denials by officials of NigComSat 1R that it was not indebted to its partners, China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), there is growing uncertainty that the satellite is swimming in troubled waters. Reports have it that managers of the satellite, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, are busy defending an $11.4 million debt owed to CGWIC for services rendered in hosting the satellite in the Kashi ground station in Xichang, China, since the ground station of NigComsat was damaged in 2019. Although NigComSat Limited denied this debt, CGWIC insists there is indeed a debt, even when no official statement says whether or not a debt was outstanding. Media reports say the debt is real.

Following the damage of the ground station in Abuja in 2019, the Kashi station in China became the main controlling station instead of playing the backup role it was initially designed forCGWIC built and launched the Satellite in Kashi on December 19, 2011 and has been working closely with its Nigerian partner, NigComsat Limited to maintain the satellite from the Karshi ground station to save the satellite from premature collapse. This help came at a cost as the NigComSat Limited entered into a management contract with CGWIC for the primary control of the satellite from Kashi in China. According to the terms of the contract, the Nigerian company was expected to pay CGWIC about $1.6m yearly for maintenance.

But as of December 2025, the Nigerian company allegedly failed to remit any payment and thus accumulated a debt of $11.4m. Several strategies adopted to recover the debt have failed to yield any meaningful results, including a letter of demand for payment and a threat to abort hosting the satellite if the debt was not paid. In a letter signed by the Director, Marketing, Africa at CGWIC, Liu Lan, the Chinese company asked the management of NigComSat Limited to inform its customers of the development because it wouldn’t guarantee the performance of the satellite should it fail to pay up the debt in 30 days.

The letter reads, “As of December 31, 2025, the total net outstanding debt owed by NIGCOMSAT to CGWIC stood at USD11,442,335.89. This figure accounts for deductions for services NIGCOMSAT has been provided by us, yet the balance remains substantially unresolved.” “Regrettably, despite our continuous provision of essential Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) services from Kashi China, no payments have been received from NIGCOMSAT Ltd. since 2019. “For the past seven years, CGWIC has deliberately delayed standard debt collection actions out of goodwill and a desire to ensure the continuity of Nigeria’s satellite operations.

“Furthermore, despite negotiations in 2023 and early 2025, in which CGWIC agreed in principle to reduce the debt, NIGCOMSAT has repeatedly failed to meet the agreed-upon conditions to make partial payments.” Therefore, CGWIC is hereby issuing a final thirty (30) day ultimatum. NIGCOMSAT is required to either make the payment of USD11,442,335.89 orprovide a formal, legally binding guarantee of payment within thirty (30) days of the date of this letter.

“If full payment or an acceptable guarantee is not provided within this 30-day window, CGWIC will suspend service on the active transponders of the NIGCOMSAT 1R”. But officials of Nigcomsat Limited denied any debt to CGWIC or any friction in that regard. These debts have been hanging since 2019 when Nigeria’s ground control infrastructure located in Obasanjo Space Centre, Lugbe, Abuja, malfunctioned due to lightning. In satellite operations, control is maintained through Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) systems that monitor the spacecraft’s health, determine its position in orbit, and send commands to adjust its orientation and orbital slot.

If the TT&C link is lost, a geostationary satellite can quickly drift out of its designated position due to gravitational and solar forces. When that happens, services such as broadcasting, internet connectivity, and military communications can be disrupted. Nigeria’s primary TT&C facility was located at the ground station in Lugbe, Abuja. CGWIC said the facility was severely damaged by lightning in 2019. “Lightning destroyed the Abuja ground station,” Liu said. “After that, they could not control the satellite, so the control was transferred to our station in Kashgar.”

The Kashgar Ground Station, also known as the Kashi Ground Station, is located in Xinchang, China. “We have controlled the satellite from 2019 until today,” Liu was quoted as explaining that the arrangement was originally allowed under a 2014 technical support agreement that established China’s ground station as a backup control facility.

But once the      Abuja system stopped functioning, CGWIC became the primary maintenance provider.
Under the 2014 agreement, Nigeria was required to pay CGWIC for both backup services and full operational control, according to Liu.  Although NIGCOMSAT declined to confirm the agreement, it admitted it had a support contract in place with the vendor but gave no details.

CGWIC officials were quoted as saying that the Primary control service alone costs more than $1 million yearly, while additional charges apply for backup operations and other technical services like equipment repair and purchase. The officials said that since 2019, the company has received no payment. “For over seven years, the unpaid fees accumulated into the $11.4 million debt now at the centre of the dispute. Despite the growing arrears, CGWIC continued providing services to avoid jeopardising the satellite. But how long this continues remains unclear, especially as the satellite gets to its terminal date.

NIGCOMSAT plans to launch two satellites in the next four years. They have named them as Nigcomsat 2A and 2B according to the Chief Executive, Jane Egerton-Idehen.

“For 2A and 2B, we have started the process. We have closed the tender and are now back into the financing and implementation stage. 2A is built to come up in 2028, and 2B for 2029.

“When they are up and running, they are expected to provide security within the borders and neighbouring countries. They will support the security agencies because data collection and intelligence in real time is important. Satellites like communication satellites allow that, irrespective of where they are,” she said.
NIGCOMSAT has been embroiled in controversy since Nigeria’s quest into space.

When it first launched into space in 2007, with NigComsat 1 and the failure that occurred just after 18 months in space, in 2008, and the replacement satellite christened Nigcomsat 1R in December 2011, Nigerians have cast doubts on the satellite. Although it has survived nearly 15 years since its return, so much mistrust has followed the company. Poor infrastructure management, fuelled by low investment and apathy in marketing the services have left the place in a near comatose. It is, however, not clear whether the company will survive when this satellite’s lifespan elapses, since there is no backup.

And the debt overhang has further diminished the status of the future of the wobbling venture. But while dismissing the story as fake news, Head, Corporate Communications at NigComsat Limited, Stephen Kwande, said:
“It is unclear where this misleading information is coming from. “We have been in touch with our business partners, the executives and representatives of CGWIC in Nigeria, and they have made it clear they are not the ones giving out such information.” According to him, the Chinese firm also expressed concern about the spread of what it described as inaccurate reports regarding the partnership. “Our relationship with our business partners, CGWIC, is not in any crisis as reported, and we continue to remain strong in our business relationship and partnership. adding that both parties recently held discussions to reaffirm their collaboration. Despite the denials, the situation of the satellite looks precarious, as any threat to the fragile existence of the satellite spells discomfort for its few patrons.

With a lifespan of 15 years since launch on December 19, 2011, by December 2026 it would elapse, and there is no backup. This makes things more complicated. So, what happens to customers using its links is a big dilemma. Denials of Nigcomsat officials appear to be tongue in cheek, as information available further shows the debt exists and remains unpaid. In a February 28, 2026, email to Jane Egerton-Idehen, the managing director of NIGCOMSAT, CGWIC noted that the outstanding debt had reached $11,442,335.89 as of December 31, 2025. “I wrote about the outstanding payment in December 2025 and did not get any feedback from NIGCOMSAT,” stated Liu Lan, CGWIC’s Head, Africa Operations, who has worked on the project since its inception.  The debt, the email noted, rose from technical control services that CGWIC continues to provide for years without payment. The denial of Nigcomsat is a clear manifest contradiction, especially when the Chief Executive is being quoted as saying she would not want to throw figures in the open space, a veiled admission of the debts.