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FG Prioritises $2bn Fibre Optic Project to Boost Connectivity

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The Federal Government has placed a high priority on a $2 billion fibre optic expansion project aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s internet infrastructure and driving economic growth.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced this at the G20 Digital Economy Group Meeting in Maceió, Brazil, on Friday.
Supported by the US Trade and Development Agency, the European Union, and other international partners, the project seeks to expand Nigeria’s fibre optic backbone from its current 35,000km to 125,000km, significantly improving access to high-speed, reliable internet.
The minister in his address stressed the importance of the project in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. He highlighted its role in promoting economic growth, fostering social inclusion, and providing access to essential services.
Dr. Tijani noted that expanding the fibre optic network will empower more Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, to participate in the global digital economy, thereby improving livelihoods and opening up new economic opportunities.
Universal and equitable access to meaningful connectivity is a cornerstone for economic development, social inclusion, and access to essential services in today’s digital age,” the minister said.
He added that this aligns with Nigeria’s goal of driving shared prosperity and diversifying the economy.
The minister also spoke on the government’s broader digital strategy, which includes digital literacy and skills development. He revealed that the Federal Government aims to ensure that 70% of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2027. To achieve this, the government has launched initiatives like the 3MTT program, described as the world’s largest technical talent acceleration initiative.
Dr. Tijani also announced the establishment of the National Broadband Alliance, a platform that brings together key stakeholders to identify sustainable ways to expand internet access across the country.
Drawing inspiration from global examples, the minister referenced how rural farmers in China have used social media platforms to bypass traditional markets, connecting directly with consumers and improving their incomes. He believes similar innovations could benefit Nigerian communities.
The minister further discussed the government’s commitment to enhancing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), a crucial aspect of its digital transformation agenda. He emphasised that DPI investments are key to building public trust by ensuring transparent, reliable, and accessible government services.
With support from the European Union and the World Bank, Nigeria has developed a digital ID system, which now includes over 90% of the adult population. This system, Dr. Tijani said, presents opportunities for integrating digital identity with government services, enabling a unified approach to citizen support during critical life events.
To streamline digital governance, the Federal Government is also pushing for new legislation aimed at eliminating silos across government agencies in the use of technology. This legislation, currently under public review, aims to create a data exchange system that enhances interoperability between agencies and strengthens Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
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Gunmen abduct Nigerian Professor, Demand N10m Ransom

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Professor John Ebeh, a senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State.

The assailants are reportedly demanding a N10 million ransom for his release.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers invaded the professor’s residence in Agbeji, a suburb of Anyigba, in Dekina Local Government Area, at about 7 p.m. on Thursday.

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According to a neighbor who identified himself as Akpai, “The hoodlums operated in a commando manner. It was swift. We noticed a car trailing him furiously; we took it as one of his friends or colleagues, not until we started hearing gunshots around his gate.”

A family source disclosed that the professor was abducted just as he was about to enter his compound.

“Professor Ebeh was almost at the gate of his house at Agbeji, on his way from the town when the incident happened.

“He had even given out a signal to his people to open the gate of his house when some people emerged suddenly from their hideout and started shooting sporadically.

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“Amidst the confusion, someone drove in furiously and blocked his car.

“Some masked people alighted from the vehicle and whisked him away at gunpoint.

“His abductors called the family on Friday night, demanding N10 million,” the source recounted.

University officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

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However, one of Professor Ebeh’s colleagues expressed shock at the development, saying, “The kidnapping (of the professor) came to us as a shock. I have just visited his family to sympathize with them.”

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Sad: Ondo SSG Is Dead

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, on Saturday died in an auto crash.

The SSG died in the crash which occurred while he was traveling from Akure, Ondo State capital, to Ibadan in Oyo State.

Confirming the incident, Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, stated that Oluwatuyi was hospitalised before he gave up the ghost.

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“Hon. Oluwatuyi was a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and implementation had a significant impact on Ondo State.

“Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available,” he added.

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Mohamed Salah confirms this season as his last season at Liverpool

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly, popularly known as Mohamed Salah, has confirmed that the 2024–2025 football season will be his last season donning the shirts of Liverpool.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Mo Salah revealed that he is eager to win this year’s English Premier League title for the Reds to sign off his eight-year stay with the Merseyside based club.

Salah reflected on Liverpool’s previous Premier League triumph in the 2019-2020 season, noting that they were unable to celebrate it as they had hoped. Salah stated that he is determined to help the team win the title this year and celebrate in a manner worthy of their remarkable achievement.

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He reflected on Liverpool’s previous Premier League triumph, noting that they were unable to celebrate it as they had hoped. Salah stated that he is determined to help the team win the title this year and celebrate in a manner worthy of their remarkable achievement.

“It’s probably because we didn’t celebrate the one we won in the way we wanted and also, coming back here too, it’s my last year in the club so you want to do something special for the city.

“We waited for that title for 30 years or so. So, to win it and it was the pandemic at that time, we didn’t really have time to celebrate it in the right way. It’s not a nice thing to do, so hopefully we can do it this year.”

“I really want to win the Premier League this season as it’s my last year at the club. I want to give something special to the City.” He said.

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Mohamed Salah’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the current season. He explained that although his agent, Ramy Abbas, and Liverpool are yet to reach any conclusive decision regarding a contract renewal, he remains focused and is not distracted by the off-field uncertainty.

“We are far away from any progress so we just need to wait and see.

“The thing in my head is ‘OK, if it’s my last six months, or last year, what do you want to see in the future? Do you want to look back and say I was concerned about the contract or I was stressed’ or do you just want to say ‘OK, I had an unbelievable season’.

“That’s in my head now. All the time now. If I feel that kind of distraction, I remind myself ‘You want to look back and you had an unbelievable season’. So that’s what I want to do.” He explained.

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He has been in electric form this term, scoring 17 goals in 18 league games, while also registering 13 assists. He has won 9 trophies with Liverpool which includes 1 EPL title, 1 FA Cup, 2 EFL Cups, 1 FA Community Shield, 1 UEFA Champions League title, 1 UEFA Super Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.

Source: Elvisanokyenews.com

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