General
How Nigeria Can Gain from Current Low ICT Devt Index Ranking—Expert
By Dipo Olowookere
Managing Director of Halogen Security, Mr Wale Olaoye, has disclosed that Nigeria’s current disappointing ranking on the 2017 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Development Index (IDI) should serve as a wake-up call on the pressing need to exploit ICT in order to enhance the country’s economic development.
Mr Olaoye made the comments following the latest United Nations International Telecommunication Union IDI which ranked Nigeria a lowly 15th in information communication technology (ICT) development in Africa.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos today, the Halogen boss said, “I am not particularly surprised with Nigeria’s poor ICT development index considering that our economy has been in some distress in recent times and from my observation, there’s a strong relationship between the levels of economic development and ICT development of any country.
“Most countries strive for constant progress in ICT because they have full understanding of how it represents an important structural part of modern society.
“While it is common knowledge that ICT is a driver of economic development, it is disappointing that there is not enough investment in technology in key sectors such as Education, Infrastructure, Health, Agriculture, Transport, Security and others.
“These have implications, particularly in our security space, as criminals are increasingly using technology to carry out their activities. Security concerns and threats are now multi-dimensional in nature whilst the risk implications are multi-faceted,” he said.
Mr Olaoye, however, averred that it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Nigeria as a deliberate effort to drive the country’s economy through ICT would see the country reap the benefits in leaps and bounds.
“The World Economic Forum has been unequivocal in its call for developing countries to take advantage of ICT in order to boost their economies. According to the organization, some of the ways that ICT can improve any country’s economy include ‘direct job creation’, ‘contribution to GDP growth’, ‘emergence of new services and industries’, ‘workforce transformation’ and ‘business innovation’.”
“In the US alone, ICT is expected to create close to a million jobs by 2020 and that is a big deal. In order to fast track digital transformation for enterprises and citizens in Nigeria, the government should demonstrate leadership by increasing spending on ICT infrastructure,” he said.
The security expert also added that providing affordable access to broadband Internet for Nigerians should remain a priority for the government as articulated in a Broadband4All Forum initiative of 2010.
In the latest (ICT) Development Index, Nigeria was ranked 143rd globally, a striking downward shift from its 137th position in 2016, with countries like Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa, Cape Verde, Botswana, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Cote d’Ivoire, Sao Tome and Principle, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Senegal respectively all ranking higher.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
