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House of Reps Pushes For Free Internet Access In Public Schools, Airports, Others

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The Nigerian House of Representatives is championing a new initiative to provide free internet access across a range of public spaces.

A bill titled “An Act to establish the legal framework for a free internet access program in designated public areas across Nigeria and for other related purposes” was introduced for its first reading this week.

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The proposed legislation aims to extend free internet services to public schools, hospitals, government offices at all levels, secondary and tertiary institutions, rural health centers, military and paramilitary barracks, public parks, libraries, airports, seaports, and public transport terminals.

The bill, sponsored by Mr. Abubakar Kusada, who represents the Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency in Katsina State, seeks to create an environment that promotes the development of essential digital infrastructure. Kusada emphasized the need for reliable and secure internet access as a critical component in the nation-building process, adding that such access should be readily available to all citizens.

According to the proposed legislation, public internet access points will not charge users any fees, ensuring that connectivity is truly free. The bill specifies that the free internet service will be separate from the networks used for internal government operations, such as backend systems, databases, and management information systems. It also allows for technical restrictions to be implemented only when there is a significant technical risk or breach, with solutions that maintain access to be prioritized.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are named as the primary agencies responsible for overseeing the program’s implementation. Other key stakeholders include the Nigerian Satellite Communications Limited and the Nigerian Internet Group, which will play roles in advocating for and facilitating internet access.

The initiative reflects Nigeria’s recognition of the critical role that information and communications technology plays in economic development and social advancement. By expanding free internet access, the government aims to bridge the digital divide and empower citizens with the tools necessary for education, healthcare, and daily life.

 

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Rebuttal: Wigwe’s Family Responds To Inaccurate Media Reports

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Following the outbreak of stories that the Wigwe family had drawn the daggers drawn over the will of the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, it has issued clarifications.

The explanations were contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Family of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, by Emeka Wigwe.

The statement reads, “We, the family of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, wish to address a recent article titled “Family Dispute Erupts Over Estate of Late Banking Executive Herbert Wigwe” published on October 13, 2024.

“This article has unfortunately spread widely across social and national media. While we recognize the role of the press in sharing news, it is vital that such reports are based on truth and accuracy.

ALSO READ: Herbert Wigwe, Wife, Son’s Corpses Arrive Nigeria For Burial

“To clarify, at no point has Pastor Shyngle Wigwe requested 20% of the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe. Neither has there been any such request by other family members. The article’s claim that this demand contradicts Herbert’s will, is entirely false and misleading. The facts regarding the estate are already publicly available in the Probate Registry, where an affidavit clearly outlines the correct details. A simple search by your reporters would have revealed this truth.

“During this painful time of grief, our family remains united, focusing on healing and growing stronger together. We have no intention of engaging in a public defense because there are no sides to take. The only truth is that we are navigating this immense loss and will continue to do so with dignity.

“Herbert Wigwe’s legacy as a visionary banker and entrepreneur is what should be remembered. He transformed Access Bank into a national leader and devoted himself to empowering others through initiatives like The HOW Foundation, which focused on education and healthcare. These are the values that define his life and should be the focus, rather than unfounded speculation.

“We respectfully urge your publication to correct the inaccuracies in the report and to exercise greater diligence in fact-checking future stories.”

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‘Commotion Will Happen’: Rufai Oseni Dares Lawmakers To Take Public Drug Test

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In a provocative move, popular Nigerian journalist Rufai Oseni has thrown down the gauntlet, daring all members of the National Assembly to undergo public drug testing.

Oseni, known for his outspoken criticism of the political class, questioned the integrity of lawmakers, implying that many will not pass such a test.

Read Also: Nigeria Customs Foils N1.183bn Drug Smuggling Attempt At Apapa Port

Speaking on a broadcast, Oseni voiced his skepticism about the conduct of those in power, saying, “I doubt the percentage of people that will pass that drug test in that house.”

He further claimed that several politicians and their associates have been linked to drug-related activities. “Our politicians use their status as politically exposed persons to move drugs around,” he alleged.

Oseni’s comments come amid rising concerns over corruption and the behavior of public officials in Nigeria.

He urged lawmakers to submit to public drug testing and release their results to the public. “I dare all the lawmakers in the house to take a public drug test and reveal their drug records,” Oseni challenged, adding, “If they do, commotion will happen. The country will scatter.”

However, as of now, no official response has been made by members of the Senate or House of Representatives regarding the challenge.

 

 

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BREAKING: Obi Laments Collapse Of National Grid

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s 2023 election, Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the “recurring disaster” of collapse of the national grid, describing it as “a national shame”.

The former Anambra State Governor vented his frustration in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Tuesday.

He lamented thus, “This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people.”

In his view, Nigeria’s economy dropping from first to fourth in Africa could be traced “to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis, which is critical when compared to smaller economies.”

ALSO READ: Aradel Holdings Admitted To NGX’s Main Board, Boosts Market Capitalization By N3.05 Trillion

Obi wrote, “For the umpteenth time, the national grid has collapsed, plunging a huge part of the nation into darkness and exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

“This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels.

“How long must Nigerians endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society?

“This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people.

“We all know the immense importance of power supply to the transformation of our economy. Its support to SMEs, which are the engine of job creation and a major contributor to our GDP, is immeasurable.

“Today, we are the fourth largest economy in Africa, having fallen from the number one position due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis, which is critical when compared to smaller economies.

“South Africa, which is now the largest economy in Africa with a GDP of about $400 billion and 30% of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts of electricity.

Secondly, Egypt, the second largest economy with a GDP of about $350 billion and half of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts.

“Algeria, the third largest economy, with about 300B GDP and 20% of our population, generates and distributes over 50,000 megawatts of electricity.

“Nigeria, with less GDP but with more population than the 3 countries combined, generates and distributes less than 10,000 megawatts, and even that is riddled with frequent collapses and crises of failure.

“This disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit that continue to hold back our growth and potential.

“It is time for urgent, comprehensive reform. Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indices of development.

“A new Nigeria is POssible. PO.”

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