Opinion

ABEG, WHERE IS “WHITE LION”?

Published

7 months ago

April 13, 2024

*By Tunde Olusunle*

There’s always the tendency to ascribe our failings and flailings in our developmental and democratic growth as a nation, to our amoeboid leadership recruitment process. I differ slightly though from this perspective. My contention is that prospective leaders must first be identified and groomed before they can be deployed to the various sectors we expect them to function. Tunji Olaopa’s 2022 essay titled “Nigerian Civil Service and the Trajectory of Public Administration” illuminates the evolution of Nigeria’s civil service which was inaugurated in 1954. He alludes in the paper to “a very strong and professional civil service regarded as perhaps the strongest of the colonial legacies bequeathed to Africa.” Olaopa speaks to the “quality of the officers who founded the civil service and the institutional quality of the public service itself.” He lists Nigeria’s “civil service pioneers” to include: Simeon Adebo, Jerome Udoji, Samuel Manuwa, Ahmed Talib, Abubakar Koko, Sule Katagum, Joseph Imoukhuede, Ojimiri Johnson and Fola Ejiwunmi. This generation of public servants Olaopa notes is what we now describe as the “golden age of the public service in Nigeria.”

The second generation of public administrators and civil servants who grazed the limelight between the 1960s to the early 1970s are those popularly described as “super permanent secretaries.” This is the generation of Allison Ayida, Sunday Awoniyi, Liman Ciroma, Philip Asiodu, Abdul Aziz Atta, Festus Adesanoye, Olu Falae, Solomon Akenzua, Francesca Emmanuel, Ahmed Joda, Gilbert Obiajulu Chikelu, Gray Longe, M.A. Ejueyitchie, among others. Olaopa reminds us that the actual core of this generation who were festooned with the broche of “super permanent secretaries” were so described because they were called up at a period of grave national emergency. It was during the Nigerian civil war and they were requested to avail the country their “administrative acumen, competencies and wisdom,” to steer Nigeria through the war and stabilise the polity thereafter.

Olaopa observes that beginning from the 1975 civil service purge by the Murtala Mohammed/Olusegun Obasanjo government and onwards to the era of the Ibrahim Babangida Structural Adjustment Programme, (SAP), a de-institutionalisation process had begun. The concomitant value-orientation of the inherited civil service had been damagingly eroded. He laments that his own generation of permanent secretaries came at an age when, according to him, the service “was already deeply embroiled in the dynamics of the bureau-pathology that had debilitated the civil service.” He laments that his generation of public servants was mentored by the icons of decades past who connected them to the ideals of the golden age “in terms of their passion, professionalism and knowledge-propelled zeal for service.” Such was the archetypal stuff the pioneering Nigerian civil service was made of.

I needed to lay this background to underscore the rigour, the exertion, the perspiration which typified the discovery and grooming of those who operated the levers of public administration in decades past. They were an integral part of the conceptualisation of government policies and also contributed largely to their actualization. I should equally remind us that the famous, now ancient, “fattening rooms” of the Kalabari, Efik and Ibibio in south south Nigeria admitted women in their puberty and prepared them for womanhood. Among others, they are grilled on marital etiquette, their culinary capacities improved upon even as they were tutored in acceptable social customs and comportment. They were usually admitted in facilities away from their families and could be so boarded for various lengths of time, the minimum being for one month.

Reports in recent weeks and months have alluded to the disappearance of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State from the prying lenses of the public and press. The initial rumour was that he had made himself a permanent guest of Lugard House, Lokoja, the government house of the intriguing state capital which sits at the confluence of Nigeria’s two largest rivers, the Niger and the Benue. Not satisfied with the eight full years of his despotic, even demonic over-lordship in Kogi State, he has chosen to encamp permanently within the same facility on an extended post-disengagement vacation. Elsewhere in the media, it has been suggested that Bello is now a permanent member of his successor, Usman Ododo’s convoy on all his travels. Ododo is his official shield from investigators on his trail.

After hectic, sweaty public service immersion over long spells, the tradition has been for public officers to embark on extended holidays and rest. Willie Obiano, immediate past governor of Anambra State, left for the United States on extended rest, immediately after he handed over to his successor Chukwuma Soludo in March 2022. Babatunde Fashola was chief of staff in Lagos State; governor of the state for eight years and minister under the Muhammadu Buhari regime for eight years. He served notice during his valedictory conversations that he wanted to return to be “president” of his home, after being a virtual absentee for 20 years! The practice of former governors pursuing “residency programmes” in the very same addresses where they operated from for years, is novel.

As governor of Kogi State, Bello hailed and serenaded himself, by himself with his own *oriki* whenever he had a microphone. He introduced himself with flourish as “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, the Executive Governor of Kogi State.” Humility, civility and restraint had no place in his thesaurus. He beaded himself with the moniker of “white lion” and rechristened Government House, Lokoja the “lion’s den.” Yahaya Bello apologists and boot-lickers defaced the public space with billboards celebrating their idol, throwing him in the face of a populace so mercilessly trampled upon by him. He never left people in doubt about his limitless powers as a governor cum demigod who could do whatever he wanted and get away with it.

Bello cast a permanent pall on the people of Kogi State. Mentions of his name were in cover-mouthed whispers. Remember the depiction of the former Ugandan carnivore, Idi Amin Dada in the film titled *The Rise and Fall of Idi Amin.* The character, Maliya Mungu was his undisguised hitman. Bello reportedly recruited spies in various WhatsApp groups who reported the direction of discourse to him and fed him with the names of his critics. He mutilated the payrolls of hapless civil servants and paid them preposterous percentages. Workers and pensioners dropped dead like flies during his reign, unable to cater for the basic needs of their families. By its very characteristic the economy of Kogi State is fuelled by the civil service. Staccato remittances of workers salaries was therefore going to affect the burgeoning business community in the state.

Elections were weaponised in the vilest of fashions. Bello’s goons were condemned to win every and any election “by force, by fire.” There were mortal consequences for failure. His aides moved around on election days with platoons of vagrants and policemen, scaring voters with gunshots, seizing ballot boxes and rewriting poll results. For dissenting with poll riggers in her unit, hapless woman politician, Salome Abuh was on November 18, 2019, burnt to death in her home in Ochadamu. Bello’s men reportedly dug trenches around Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s community, Ihima, all in a bid to disenfranchise her during the February 2023 senatorial election which she contested. Yahaya Bello indeed corroborated the action saying he was helping to build a security hedge around her during the election.

Yahaya Bello is the first governor I ever heard about, who launched a post-disengagement media and public relations salvage project. Some officials and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (NGE), about a month ago honoured an invitation to visit Kogi State to tour some of Bello’s so-called legacies. Curiously, for all the time the team led by the President of the NGE, Eze Anaba spent in the state, the most senior state official they encountered was the Kogi State information commissioner. They could neither meet Bello at whose instance they visited, nor his successor, Usman Ododo. I sent private notes to some of our colleagues who went on the needless voyage asking them a few questions: Apart from being herded through so-called Yahaya Bello’s achievements, did you go to the streets to find out the last time civil servants and pensioners were paid their monthly entitlements 100%? Did you check about the last time workers were promoted after writing promotion exams? Did you find out how many Permanent Secretaries own official vehicles? Did you try to obtain contract award documents about Yahaya Bello’s so-called “legacy projects?” Did you endeavour to compare with the costs of similar projects elsewhere? Did you ask for example to be driven through the “State Secretariat/House of Assembly/DSS road”? Do you know that all through his years in office, Yahaya Bello didn’t rehabilitate that all-important road?

Bello is validating the title of a classic novel by the legendary American thriller writer, James Hadley Chase. Back in 1957, Chase wrote *The Guilty Are Afraid* a blockbuster which gained global appeal and readership in its days. This is the same Bello who was showcasing his boxing skills to the world on social media, virtually calling for a match with Anthony Joshua. We have seen him working out on the treadmills too, thumping his chest as he reminded us that he will flatten Mike Tyson in a fitness contest. So why wouldn’t Bello move around freely, “flex” as we say in contemporary Nigerian lingo, the way his former contemporaries are free birds? It is uncharacteristic for the lion, king of the wild to be mirrored cringing beneath the bed of his successor.

We are indeed talking here about a “white lion,” a very rare *albinoid* species native to the *Timbavati* region in South Africa. Public discourse in recent weeks has thrown up the thesis about Bello evading arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) for the monumental heist his regime committed against Kogi State during his reign as *King Herod.* The weekend edition of *Aljazirah* newspaper of April 6 and 7, 2024, had Bello’s photograph and that of the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede with the headline: *Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello Seeks Safety in Kogi Govt House.* Bello is said to be reaching out to former first lady, Aisha Buhari, even as the EFCC is hot on his trail. The President, Bola Tinubu is said to have distanced himself from Bello’s plea to be given a soft landing in his matter.

Yahaya Bello is a very good example of the post-1975 degeneration of the public service to which Olaopa alluded. He was neither scouted for leadership nor was he trained for the job. He was reportedly an anonymous personnel of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission, (RMFAC). He reportedly made good for himself ostensibly through corrupt enrichment and floated a transport company, *Fairplus Transport* with a handful of mini vans. With this, he sold the impression of a nouveau riche to delegates to the 2015 gubernatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress, (APC). Bello emerged second behind the late governor Abubakar Audu in that contest. He was hoisted to the gubernatorial high stool courtesy of some unprecedented judicial interpretation of the constitution, upon Audu’s mysterious death before the results of the governorship election! We must revert to the leadership grooming process of the pre-independence era and its immediate aftermath to begin the sanitisation of governance and leadership. And beyond the EFCC, Bello should have his day in court to defend his appalling human rights record during his eight year sojourn in Government House, Lokoja. Hopefully, victims of his queer and insensitive governance model will have the last laugh.

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, is a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA)*

Opinion

PDP NAT’L CHAIRMANSHIP & THE DELUGE OF ENGR UTAAN’S ENDORSEMENTS

Published

1 week ago

November 13, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Sunday Bamidele

The race for who emerges as the next National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is gradually reaching a crescendo as the party is getting ready for its National Executive Committee (NEC) this month. Since the substantive PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu was suspended by his ward officials and the court subsequently upheld his removal, the Deputy Chairman North of the party, Umar Damagum has been acting in that capacity.

The North Central region of the country, particularly Benue State has made a strong and convincing case that the seat of National Chairman of the PDP should be retained in the area where Dr. Ayu hails from. This argument is backed by relevant sections of the PDP constitution.
The position of the Benue State chapter of the party is incontestable! Ayu’s term has to be completed by someone from his place.

In Benue State, a competent, proactive and dynamic young leader has emerged as the popular choice and has made a bold and irresistible bid for the job. He is Engineer Conrad Terhide Utaan, a seasoned professional Engineer, administrator and politician with a bent of integrity and excellence.

Utaan, 47, is not only competent but has youth and energy as attributes to help the PDP connect with the country’s largest voting demographic—those aged 18 to 50, who make up over 72% of the electorate.

Utaan recently held favourable consultations with the PDP Zonal Executive Committee of the North Central who appeared to have positioned him as the right candidate for the party’s national chairmanship. And what is more? – zoning and micro-zoning principles within the party also favour Utaan, thereby making him the right candidate for the role, as Benue State’s North West District deserves representation.

Utaan’s candidacy has garnered significant support, with many party faithful hoping and believing that he has what it takes to bring unity and progress to the PDP, close its ranks and return the party to the pathway of election victories.

The last few months have witnessed a flood of endorsements of Engr Utaan by different blocs in the PDP across the land. The wide acceptance of the former State Focal Person of Social Investments Programme (SIP) in Benue State began with chairmen of the PDP in the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State who unanimously endorsed Utaan as the sole nominee to replace Dr Ayu as the National Chairman of the party.
During a press conference held in Makurdi, the PDP LGA chairmen declared their collective decision to support Utaan, emphasizing that their choice reflects their commitment to ensuring that the laws of the party are upheld above individual and group interests.

“It is our considered opinion that in continuation of, and fulfillment of the decision for equity, fairness and justice, a candidate from Zone ‘B’ of Benue State be the one to replace Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman.

“And having considered the fact that there is only one aspirant from the Benue Zone ‘B’ Senatorial District in the race to replace Dr. Ayu, we take the stand that the candidate be accorded the privilege of being the SOLE NOMINEE of the PDP from Benue State to replace Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman.

“Therefore, in fulfillment of our civic duty as Chairmen of the PDP in the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue State, we individually and collectively openly and publicly today, Wednesday, 9th October, 2024, endorse that sole candidate from Benue Zone ‘B’ in the person of Engr. Conrad Terhide Utaan as the SOLE NOMINEE of the PDP in Benue State to replace Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We have taken this decision today to add force to the agitations from Benue State and from the North-Central Region for the replacement of Dr. Ayu as National Chairman”, the PDP party chairmen declared.

Similarly, the elected officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Benue North-West (Zone ‘B’) Senatorial District, rising from their Zonal Meeting held on 21st October, 2024 at the PDP State Secretariat located along Abdullahi Shelleng Road, High Level, Makurdi, issued a communique which read in parts thus:

“As provided in Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended) the replacement for Dr. Iyorchia Ayu should be made from the North-Central Geo-political Region of Nigeria, in general, and Benue State, in particular, to maintain our great party’s commitment to equity, justice, and fairness as the core principles upon which the party is founded.

“Since equity, fairness and justice cannot be fulfilled halfway, even in Benue State, the replacement of Dr. Ayu should come from the Senatorial District he hails from, which is the Benue North-West (Zone ‘B’).

“This decision of ours taken today is communicated to the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party in Benue State for necessary action and upward transmission to the appropriate organs of the party at the appropriate levels.

“It is our conviction that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party, the PDP, in upholding the principles of equity, fairness and justice, will decide in favour of Benue State and the SOLE NOMINEE from the state, Engr. Conrad Terhide Utaan, to replace Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman of the PDP”, the party officials submitted.

Another solid endorsement of Engr Utaan’s candidacy came from the Benue PDP Youth Forum (BPDPYF). The group stated unequivocally that:

“Our party needs a de-tribalized, tireless, vibrant, young, energetic, hardworking and committed member of the party from the North Central geopolitical zone of the country to pilot the affairs of the party so as to unite men and women , young and the elderly to set aside their differences, diverse interests and come together to reclaim the lost glory of our party.

“After a thorough search and retrospect, we have found a grassroot mobilizer , a man of the people, a charismatic Leader, Hon. Engr. Utaan Terhide Conrad with the desired qualities and we make bold at this juncture to endorse his candidature for the exalted position of the National Chairman of our party, the PDP .

“The decision is predicated on the fact that Engineer Utaan is well schooled, he is an all rounder, he is both the man of the youth and the elderly. He has what it takes to bring together all aggrieved members of the party to resolve all differences on a round table. He represents a true Nigerian without tribal and religious sentiments, he is humble and easy going and above all, he is loved by all”, the group concluded.

Engr Utaan’s candidacy has received a favourable appeal across the country. Only last week, a group of like-minded people wrote from Jos, Plateau State through their coordinator, Andrew Longyem, endorsing Utaan as the next PDP National Chairman. The group raised a number of strong points on why the PDP needs Utaan as the next Chairman.

Engineer Terhide Utaan is a beacon of hope and progressive change, which accounts for why he is garnering widespread support from various groups across different states. His aspiration to become the next National Chairman of the PDP is not merely a personal ambition; it is a reflection of the collective desire for a leader who embodies integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.

Conrad Utaan’s extensive background in engineering and management equips him with a unique skill set that is essential for effective political leadership. His professional journey is marked by significant achievements in both the public and private sectors, showcasing his ability to implement complex projects and navigate challenging environments. This experience translates into a profound understanding of party administration, general governance, resource management, and strategic planning—skills that are vital for steering the PDP in a direction that aligns with the aspirations of its members and the Nigerian populace.

The momentum behind Utaan’s candidacy is underscored by the endorsements he has received from various PDP groups across the country. These endorsements are not mere formalities; they signify a deep-rooted confidence in his capability to lead the party effectively. Grassroots support is crucial in politics, and Utaan’s ability to connect with party members at all levels indicates his commitment to inclusive governance. He understands the challenges faced by different demographics within the party and is poised to address their concerns through comprehensive policies that resonate with the electorate.

The Vision

I have perused Utaan’s vision for the PDP and found it quite fascinating. His blueprint for the party revolves around unity, reform, and revitalization. He recognizes the need for the party to adapt to the evolving political landscape and to re-establish its position as a formidable force in Nigerian politics. His strategy includes fostering collaboration among party members, promoting transparency, and creating a more democratic process within the party’s decision-making structures. By prioritizing these values, Utaan aims to restore public trust and encourage broader participation in the political process.

Embracing Elders’ Wisdom

Engr Utaan’s recognizes the need for a leadership approach that not only revitalizes the party but also honours its foundational values, particularly respect for elders and inclusion of party stakeholders.

One of the cornerstones of Utaan’s leadership philosophy is his profound respect for elders. He understands that the experience and insights of senior party members are invaluable.
If given the opportunity to serve, Utaan will actively seek the counsel of party elders on critical issues, thereby fostering a culture of collaboration. Utaan will not only honour their legacy but also enhance the party’s credibility and unity.

Youth Empowerment

One of Utaan’s standout qualities is his uncommon commitment to empowering the youth and women within the party and the broader society. He understands that the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its young people, and he is dedicated to providing them with the opportunities and platforms they need to thrive. Utaan’s policies will prioritize education, entrepreneurship, and mentorship programs, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. Additionally, his focus on women’s empowerment aligns with the PDP’s goals of promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the political arena.

A Champion of Unity

As Utaan embarks on this journey to become the National Chairman of the PDP, he has been calling for unity among party members. He believes that the strength of the PDP lies in its diversity and the collective efforts of its members. His leadership will focus on bridging gaps, resolving internal conflicts, and fostering a sense of belonging among all stakeholders. This approach is essential for building a resilient party capable of facing the challenges posed by the current political climate in Nigeria.

Utaan understands that the strength of the PDP lies in its diversity of voices. His administration will prioritize stakeholder engagement, ensuring that every member—be it at the state, local government, or ward level—feels represented and heard. He plans to implement regular town hall meetings and feedback sessions, creating a transparent dialogue between the leadership and party members.

By utilizing digital platforms and social media, Utaan will expand outreach, allowing for broader participation in discussions about the party’s direction. This inclusive approach will empower stakeholders to contribute ideas and solutions, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to the party’s goals.

Utaan is committed to healing any divisions within the party. He believes that a united front is essential for electoral success and effective governance. To this end, he will initiate reconciliation programmes that bring together various factions within the PDP. By promoting a culture of forgiveness and collaboration, Utaan aims to build a cohesive team that works towards common objectives.

Engineer Conrad Terhide Utaan stands out as the best candidate for the role of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. His impressive background, broad-based support, and clear vision for the future position him as the leader the party needs during this pivotal time. By choosing Utaan, the PDP can embark on a transformative journey towards unity, progress, and renewed relevance in Nigerian politics. His candidacy is not just about a leadership position; it is about a commitment to the ideals of democracy, development, and dignity for all Nigerians.

● Bamidele writes from Ibadan, Oyo State.

Opinion

Satellite to mobile services and connectivity disruption

Published

1 week ago

November 13, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Sonny Aragba-Akpore

Elon Musk’s ambition to conquer technology and everyday living got a boost early in January 2024 when his SpaceX which owns Starlink satellite communications announced that it was introducing satellite to mobile communications services across the world.

> Its plan primarily was to provide ubiquitous services around the globe and give a run for money to other mobile network operators and telecommunications companies (telcos).

With its communication satellites,Starlink introduced disruptive technologies and with satellite to mobile,the company creates further disruption in telecommunications ecosystem.

> Musk’s foray into Nigeria fetched him six licences with a full bouquet capable of operating in many spheres and first received two licences, out of the six in May 2022 .

These were for International Gateway and the Internet service provider (ISP) licences, and began to trade as Starlink Internet Services Nigeria Ltd.

> According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the International Gateway licence has a 10-year tenure, while the ISP licence runs for five years. Both licenses took effect from May 2022 and may be renewed after the expiration.

Starlink came with disruptive technologies that are already making a world of difference for consumers and we looked on as if nothing was happening. The company came prepared.

> With a total of six licenses from the NCC and various permits and approvals to flag off the business of internet services via satellite and equally signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and distribution agreements with Nigerian companies including, Technology Distribution Africa (TD),a big distributor of major technology brands and promoted by a restless technology czar ,Leo Stan Ekeh, Starlink showed it meant business.

The company didn’t stop there ,it decided to take services to even the unserved and under served communities in Nigeria and parts of Africa .

With its technology it said it will deploy nearly $30b over time for the Nigerian operations alone.

> The government is excited that with the entry of Starlink,it may achieve 70% broadband connectivity by 2025 as enshrined in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020–2025.

> Starlink,s six licenses include that for ISP, Gateway Service Provider,international Data Access (IDA),Sales and Installation Major,Gateway Earth Station and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) thus making it a mega player and a big threat to other players in the industry.

Starlink officially announced its presence in Nigeria in January 2023. The company, which initially quoted its prices in dollars at $600 for the hardware and $43 for the subscription, changed to naira upon its official announcement.

> “Starlink satellites provide Direct to Cell capabilities and ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever subscribers may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters,” it said.

“Direct to Cell works with existing long term evolution ( LTE) or fourth generation (4G ) phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data,” the company added.

In January 2024,Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched its first set of Starlink satellites to provide cell phone service anywhere in the world.

The company announced a milestone the billionaire warned can’t compete with terrestrial networks but will help plug cellular dead zones and boost global mobile connectivity.

> Six of the 21 Starlink satellites launched in January 2024 are capable of connecting directly to cell phones, SpaceX said.

“They are the firm’s first ever direct-to-cell satellites and are designed to function as “a cellphone tower in space,” according to Starlink’s website.

SpaceX said the satellites were first used to test its Direct to Cell service in the United States, where the company has partnered with T-Mobile.

Once activated, the service began to connect with ordinary, unmodified phones without the need for extra equipment so long as they are 4G LTE-compatible, a standard T-Mobile covered the “vast majority of smartphones” already on its network back in 2022.

Starlink said it plans to roll out a text messaging service using the technology later this year and broader voice, data and IoT—the network of connected devices called the internet of things—services in 2025.

Musk celebrated the successful launch and said the satellites “will allow for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth.” However, he noted there are limitations to the technology.

“While this is a great solution for locations with no cellular connectivity, it is not meaningfully competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks,” Musk said, pointing to the relatively limited bandwidth that is spread over a large area.

Starlink also notes the satellites will let users connect “wherever you can see the sky.”
It has entered a working arrangement with Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) ,a mobile network operator that has deployed services in Nigeria and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

AMN has been deploying rural base stations in Nigeria since 2018.

In 2023, AMN signed a deal with SpaceX to use Starlink’s satellite backhaul connectivity for its remote base stations in Africa.

AMN has connected over 100 rural base stations in Nigeria to Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. This has resulted in a 45% increase in traffic across these sites.

As at April 2024, AMN owned and operated more than 1,600 base stations nationwide. They increased that number to 2,000 by the end of June.

AMN’s ARN technology allows base stations to support up to five simultaneous carriers.

The combination of AMN’s ARN technology and Starlink backhaul has increased the capacity of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) without requiring changes to the BTS software.

AMN is privately owned by 18 shareholders, including founders, angel investors, a VC fund, and one strategic investor.

Starlink’s constellation is now providing satellite backhaul to over 100 of Africa Mobile Networks’ rural base stations in Nigeria.

AMN also expects to double the number of base stations plugged into Starlink’s constellation in the country by the end of the year. The operator says on average traffic has increased by 45% across all sites that have been migrated to use Low Earth Orbit (LEO) backhaul.

AMN and Starlink signed a commercial agreement to use the satellites to connect the operator’s mobile network base stations with broadband services in 2023, and in April this year the first base station to do so went live in Yebu, Nigeria.

Since then more than 100 terminals to other rural villages across the country have been hooked up, and AMN says that this means it is ‘able to unlock the full capability of the AMN Radio Node (ARN) to support the ever-increasing amounts of bandwidth and data volumes demanded by subscribers.’

The ARN is a multi-carrier and multi-technology (2G/3G/4G) radio node which can operate up to 5 simultaneous carriers in either 2G+ 3G or 2G+4G configuration, we’re told, and by using LEO backhaul in conjunction with it, AMN says it has been able to increase the BTS capacity remotely with no change to the existing BTS hardware on site.

“These numbers are particularly impressive given that prior to the installation of AMN’s base station, communities did not have access to any mobile network,” explains the release.

“The mobile connectivity AMN provides changes lives. Farmers can find information about market prices, a healthcare provider can consult with doctors in a larger town, money can be sent safely and securely into the village, and businesses can expand beyond their own community.”

Starlink aims to provide satellite internet connectivity to underserved and remote areas worldwide, where internet access has traditionally been limited or non-existent. The global network of Starlink satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is already providing a new ‘Direct to Cell‘ service to deliver a 4G mobile service to standard Smartphones.

Once the Direct To Cell service is fully up and running, the number of satellites will have increased significantly, and more powerful SpaceX V2 satellites will have been deployed. In essence, users can always access satellite internet service directly from anywhere on earth (if you’re on land, at least – for internet on the ocean, Starlink says it’s offering a dedicated separate maritime service).

The full ‘Direct to Cell’ satellite phone service is set for launch soon and should be compatible with 4G handsets by 2025.

Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones as well as IoT devices using common LTE standards. Apps and changes to phone hardware or firmware aren’t necessary to access 4G mobile text, voice, and data.

In 2024, only texting will be supported, and a year later voice and data services, as well as IoT functionality, will be added.

The technology aims to extend mobile coverage to areas where traditional cell towers are not present or are ineffective. Unlike traditional mobile networks that rely on a network of cell towers, Direct to Cell connects mobile phones directly to Starlink’s satellites in orbit.

This eliminates the need for ground infrastructure like cell towers in remote areas. It can significantly expand the coverage area of mobile networks, providing connectivity in places that were previously unreachable by standard cellular services. Mobile operators can partner with Starlink to extend coverage without having to build new infrastructure.

Starlink’s satellite network covers the entire globe, which means this technology has the potential to provide universal mobile connectivity, even in the most isolated regions. Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard. This acts like a cell phone tower in space, allowing network integration comparable to what a standard roaming partner might provide.

Compared to previous satellite telephone networks, Starlink offers two big advantages: the satellites operate closer to Earth (around 550 km as opposed to as much as 1,400 km) and SpaceX can launch larger satellites. This makes it easier for phones to connect.

However, the precise extent of the service offering and coverage in each region depends on variable such as local regulations, carrier partnerships, and ground stations. SpaceX is looking for cell phone companies to work with on selling the services and is currently already working with T-Mobile (USA), Rogers (Canada), KDDI (Japan), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), and Salt (Switzerland).

Opinion

SCOTT TOMMEY: TRIBUTE TO AN ACCOMPLISHED ENTREPRENEUR AT 54, BY EMMANUEL AJIBULU*

Published

1 week ago

November 12, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Out of God’s infinite grace and mercy, November 12 uniquely stands as one special day when Scott Tommey appears to be everyone’s attention. This is one auspicious moment when friends, business associates, employees, family members, will leave no stone unturned to make him feel special, deservedly so.

Born on November 12, 1970, the Chairman of Osmoserve Global, an indigenous company that provides Marine and Engineering services to the Oil and Gas industry, Parastatals, States, and Federal Government, an Africa’s leading business icon and a patriot with integrity that trusts and puts God first in everything he finds himself doing.

Tommey’s deep aversion for injustice, empathy for humanity, magnificent taste for good, a superb dress sense and magnanimity stands him out any day, anytime. He, like a few others has showed that the love of fellow humans is still possible, by practicing ‘live and let’s live’ as a mantra. He is self-confident but not arrogant nor reckless. His deep immersion and abiding love for people is sparkling clear.

I am yet to situate him properly whether he is Marxist, progressive, conservative, leftist, centrist, liberalist or technocrat. He is all rolled into one and much more-a humanist. He has a heavy inclination and burden for humanity. His commitment to advancing the cause of human dignity is a religion to him and as well to good governance, democracy, socio-economic advancement and the welfare of all, (wo)men regardless of religious or political creed is self-evident in all his dealings. He is passionate and compassionate to a fault and as well quite emotional. Perhaps, it is right to say he is a man of immense empathy toward fellow creatures.

Tommey, a true family man, husband of Seiyefa, is from a royal family of Tommy Ikott, Afia Nsit village in Eket Local government of Akwa Ibom State; a seasoned administrator, astute consultant and business strategist has lived a practical life sustained on hard work and the benevolence of God, his knack for helping people is a clear understanding of life as a temporal place of abode and no amount of primitive accumulation can suffice. Because of this simple yet factual understanding of life, his continued successes and fulfillment in life and especially in business and investment have continued to remain shining examples to the youths who see him as their mentor and role model uniquely worthy of emulation.

Tommey is an example in excellent inter-personal skills, emotional intelligence and has not allowed the achievements he has made so far to becloud his humanity. He is ever ready to give a listening ear and ready to help a distressed person find comfort which accounts for the steady stream of visitors to his office and home on a regular basis.

Receiving a deluge of goodwill, celebratory messages, kind words and prayers from all over the world aren’t coming by accident, but simply because he truly deserves them. The man is divinely blessed, especially when one considers that the Bible says in its book of Proverbs that “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” but Scott Tommey is one of the few blessed with both great riches and a great name. The handsome, stylish, intelligent, Nigerian philanthropist is practically ubiquitous across the African continent and in elite circles across the world, yet displaying exceptional value of humility.

Many Nigerians are thankful to God that Scott Tommey has not limited his generosity to his immediate family. His life embodies the Francis Bacon quote that says “Charity begins at home but should not end there.” For many years, he has consistently given multiple scholarships to indigent students across the country, also contributing significantly towards the security of lives and property with his generous donations. This well thought out philanthropy is to its recipients, a lifeline and a powerful pull from the rubble that their homes and lives had been reduced to.

Scott Tommey phenomenally stands out as an investor per excellence who impressively remains an embodiment of Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit. His focus, endurance and commitment to a prosperous Nigeria and indeed Africa have marked him out for greater glory. The fact that he treasures the virtue of true friendship and loyalty to any cause he believes in, gives him the cutting edge. I sincerely join his family, friends, protégés and well-wishers in thanking God for his exemplary life. It is my prayer that the Almighty God continues to bless him with robust health, more achievements and enduring happiness without regrets. Congratulations sir.

*Emmanuel Ayodele Ajibulu is a seasoned media practitioner, infopreneur, a writer, PR consultant, and publisher of veracitydesk.com an online magazine.