IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued the country’s first mobile number series to Vitel Wireless, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

In a statement, the NCC announced that the allocation of the 0712 mobile number series represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s telecom sector. The commission highlighted that the Nigerian MVNO market has traditionally been tightly regulated, with limited entry due to stringent licensing requirements. Vitel’s approval as a fully licensed MVNO, complete with its own number series, signals increased competition and innovation aimed at enhancing service accessibility.

Reacting to the development, Vitel Wireless Chairman and CEO, Kenneth Nwabueze, stated that acquiring the unique 0712 number series reflects the NCC’s confidence in the company’s vision and readiness to serve the Nigerian market.

"As part of its international expansion, Vitel has also been assigned its own international routing code by the NCC, ensuring seamless global connectivity and enabling high-quality telecommunications services," he added.

With all regulatory approvals secured, Vitel Wireless is set for a smooth market launch, promising innovative, affordable, and customer-centric services across Nigeria. The company aims to leverage advanced technology to provide tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. 

The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced Faruk Umar to six months in prison for engaging in unauthorized foreign exchange transactions.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke delivered the judgment on Wednesday following Umar’s guilty plea to charges brought against him by the EFCC.

Umar was arrested on August 26, 2024, alongside others at the Eko Hotel area of Victoria Island, Lagos, based on credible intelligence regarding illegal Bureau De Change operations. He was later arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on a one-count charge of conducting forex transactions outside the official market.

Part of the charge reads: “That you, Faruk Umar, sometime in August 2024 at Eko Hotel Area, Victoria Island, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, engaged in a foreign exchange transaction outside the official forex market, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 11(1)(a) of the National Economic Intelligence Committee Establishment Act, 1994, and punishable under Section 11(2) of the same Act.”

During the proceedings, EFCC prosecutor C.C. Okezie called investigating officer Hamisu Sanni, who testified that Umar admitted to buying and selling foreign currency without a Central Bank of Nigeria license.

"We conducted a forensic analysis of his phone, which revealed over 40 conversations related to forex transactions," Sanni told the court.

Following the submission of evidence, the prosecution urged the court to convict and sentence Umar.

Justice Aneke subsequently found him guilty, sentencing him to six months imprisonment with an option of a ₦50,000 fine payable to the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federation. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of Umar’s phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has signaled his willingness to serve Nigeria in any capacity, hinting at a possible presidential bid in 2027.

In an interview with Arise Television’s Rufai Oseni, Adesina stated that after completing his tenure at the AfDB, he would be open to serving globally, across Africa, and in his home country, Nigeria.

Adesina, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan, emphasized that his greatest satisfaction comes from transforming lives and making a meaningful impact.

When asked directly about running for Nigeria’s presidency, he reflected on his deep connection to the country, recalling his decision to retain his Nigerian citizenship despite opportunities to acquire American nationality.

“I had an opportunity to get a U.S. visa and citizenship, but I chose to keep my Nigerian passport. God did not make a mistake in making me Nigerian or African. I will live and walk as a Nigerian, and by His grace, that green passport will be respected like any other in the world,” he said.

Quoting Nigerian music star Davido’s song, Unavailable, Adesina humorously flipped the lyrics, saying, “When it comes to service, I’d ask Davido to change the song to ‘I am available, they will see me.’”

He concluded by affirming his readiness to serve wherever needed, stating, “I will be available to serve in God’s hands for anything He has planned for my life.” 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on world leaders to take an HIV test, following his decision to become the first serving UK prime minister and G7 leader to publicly undergo one on camera.

His office released footage on Monday showing him completing a rapid home test at Downing Street on Friday, as part of a nationwide initiative to promote HIV testing.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that around 4,700 people in England are living with undiagnosed HIV. Increased testing is seen as a crucial step in identifying cases and providing treatment.

In December, Starmer reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ending new HIV cases in England by 2030. A new HIV Action Plan, outlining strategies to achieve this goal, is expected later this year.

Speaking to Metro after taking the test, Starmer said, “My task now is to speak to prime ministers and leaders worldwide and encourage them to do the same in their own countries.”

He emphasized the importance of testing, stating, “If people know their status, they can access treatment, which will help us collectively achieve the goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.”

The week-long testing campaign, organized by the Terrence Higgins Trust and funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, has been running annually in England since 2012.

During the initiative, people across the country can order free HIV test kits, with options for instant results at home or laboratory analysis that also screens for syphilis. 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is currently engaged in a closed-door meeting with his former principal, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the latter’s residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Atiku arrived at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) premises at exactly 12:37 p.m., accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, alongside other notable northern political figures.

Upon arrival, the delegation was received by elder statesman Oyewole Fasawe before proceeding to a private session with Obasanjo, who had been awaiting their visit.

While the agenda of the meeting remains undisclosed as of the time of filing this report, the gathering has sparked speculation regarding potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

More details to follow… 

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has met with the immediate past Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, at his Lagos residence. The duo met on Saturday amid calls for a credible opposition to sack President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.

Kwankwaso disclosed the meeting in a post on X, saying they held talks on national issues. “This evening, I had the pleasure to visit the former Governor of Osun State and former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at his residence in Lagos. “The meeting afforded us the opportunity to engage in discussions on national politics, governance, and the future of Nigeria’s democratic landscape.”

Aregbesola, a two-term governor of Osun State, fell out with President Tinubu over the second-term governorship ambition of his successor, Gboyega Oyetola. Oyetola governed Osun State from 2018 to 2022 and lost his re-election to Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Upon losing the grip of Osun State, he was called to serve as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy under President Tinubu’s administration.

On the other hand, Kwankwaso was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections.