NiRA slashes price: .ng Domain Name Palliative commenced.

While the global village battle's with a pandemic, the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA) takes center-stage by opening a window of opportunity for young innovative minds and adults within and outside the country to grab their Second Level (Non-Premium) Domain Name via the shelf of any of it's Registrar's or Reseller at a fixed price.

NiRA is the registry for .ng Internet Domain Names and maintains the database of names registered in the  .ng country code Top Level Domain. 

NiRA is a  Not-for-Profit, Non-Governmental Self-Regulating body and managers of the .ng national resource, the country code Top Level Domain(ccTLD) name space in the public interest of Nigeria and global internet communities.

The hierarchical structure of the .ng Registry and the restrictions to characters and figures afford certain advantages. This gives room for the registrant to introduce new second level domains to serve specific trades or interest groups. i.e thisday.ng, akinbo.ng, etc. More so, with a TLD as .ng, Nigeria’s country code assumes a global significance for many words by coupling of the TLD with any of the vowels of the English language. i.e. Fishi.ng, Samsu.ng, etc.T

The uniqueness of the .ng ccTLD has seen firms like Google, Microsoft Domain Developers Fund taking up googli.ng; bi.ng; et cetera since the Second Level was opened up in 2012. G

With you .ng, be rest assured that your name would be available. The ease to coin a brand serves your Start-up, SME, or company the availability of a name which should market your product to the right audience, based available online search algorithm embedded for branding and geo-targeting Local Content to the Nigerian market.

Secured locally and globally, you would be supporting the full-stop to capital flight online. For an affordable price, valid for a year, simply grab your choice of domain name for N4,800.00 only. 

Apart from Vitamins E, what does Carrot have in common to with an Apple? Both carrots and apples seem like great choices: High in fiber and a satisfying crunch (😄). The .ng Domain Name is the Carrot: weight it once and you become addicted to a unique situation that should propel your products and services. With the right attitude to your marketing, you get to your altitude of expectation. 

This COVID-19 Palliative commenced today, Monday, August 24, 2020 and expires Saturday, November 21, 2020. Like "Get-Nigerian-Business-Online (GNBO), Nigeria@50 Independence Giveaway, the NiRA 2020 Palliative comes with terms and agreement: be proudly Nigerian, Creatively Dynamic and more. 

To learn more, follow NiRA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@niraworks) and enjoy it's many freebies. This is one committed, internationally respected registry with a difference...they keep working, 24/7.

Domain Names are our identity in the Cyberspace. Claims yours today.

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Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo (Otunba Local Content), is a Brand, Content and New Media Expert. He is a pioneer member of NiRA and a Trustee of African ICT Foundation (AfICTF).

Where is the Vice-President ?

VP Osinbajo continues his work this week, as he wraps up his assignment on the Economic Sustainability Committee.

By the way, this infograph captures what the VP was up to, from 1st of April up till last week Friday. 

Yesterday, he attended online church service.

God bless Nigeria!

Culled: Villa Updates.

The COVID-19 Advantage.

For every human challenge, a great mind sees the merit of the situation. Such is the crises that are faced by developing nations such as Nigeria.

It's no story that our health sector is below standard, although the enabling environment is non-existent in the country. Our experts seek asylum or life-abroad in other countries to make a living while our political system does not encourage stopping the brain -drain. Trust is missing...marking the death of patriotism.

In the face of the pandemic, it's obvious the emergency response for States and the Nation needs review. It exposes our lack of concern for statistics and defense against human and chemical warfare. While some African countries have openly accepted it, we are yet to realize that Nigeria is at War...the The global village is under the siege of a Scientifically Enhanced Virus (SEV).  While our investment in research is questionable, our drive to manage the situation is often marred by the trust between the citizen and it's leadership, both gunning for each other's throat rather than working together as one.

Infrastructure, the mechanism for institutional growth does not attract government support. The migration from rural to urban areas dwindles the available infrastructure that could have mitigated the situation. Multiple Taxation treats by local authorities, etc create a gap between the class, destroying the essence of partnership. MDA's work dependently, marring the opportunity to share and achieve a common goal.

While we accepted the strategic renaming of the former Ministry of Communications, one can feel the void by its silence over so many issues that should have taken flight since the epidemic turned pandemic. While NITDA and NCC are looking at the scene, they should be participating in the fight for the common good.  State Government hindered the viable networks that could have been erected by Service Providers, focusing on Rural Areas to promote development while parliament does not realize the need for policies to improve storage and exchange of information at affordable but secured channels. With the Communications Ministry in the lead, collaboration amongst all actors would benefit the country.

Recently, I noticed that the text messages of the NCDC were a repetition. It could have been used to guide the citizen and also generate data for monitoring and evaluating the situation, track and develop approaches to alleviate the affected citizens. Such data could have given the ease to trace and support, collaborating with different agencies to develop a *Threat Level* and *Action Plan*. With a feedback channel, it would have influenced what needs to be done, questions, and focus, all in the bid to nip the virus in the bud. It's not too late.

Recall, that it is taking the NIMC ages to simply allow automated registration. What they have online is how to use your Identification Number without a Card; No registration. We have biometric apps that could easily synch your fingerprint with such an app. Do not forget that most Nigerian Banks and Service Providers have our biometric. Over a cup of Palmwine, we could have synchronized the available data. With such data, one can monitor and devise control measures for the spread of any virus or situation. We could kick-off this strategy now since CACOVID is ready to sponsor.

With the house-to-house inspection, collaborating with various agencies and volunteer NGOs, we can access, reaffirm data and strengthen the relationship between citizen and leadership on care and support. We can map the infection flow and encourage public action on how best to flatten the curve. Using past records, we can activate all Red Cross Members and Peer Educators; passion overpay. This would present a formidable backup for any government intervention.

If we can jettison the politics, this would be our way to confirming our total strength; our near accurate population figure. This might also avail us the opportunity to generate and distribute the National Identification Card and measure other utilities that need government attention. The ease of navigation and fumigation is equal to a responsive representation. Our networks of roads and drainages can be better addressed during this period.

Recently, we got another windfall from savings by one of our past leaders. Such funds, according to global bodies, are to be spent on investing in the communal growth of a nation. This is a crisis that should bring us together, rather than divide us.

Historically, such pandemics come every twenty (20) years. I believe that this is how nurture meets nature to create a balance; we need to take advantage of it rather than lose hope. We all have a role to play. Local Content is a key ingredient in this scene; we must accept and promote what we can generate for sustainable survival.

It's a time for national rebirth. 

Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo is the Secretary to the Governing Board of the Association for Information and Communication Technology Local Content (ICTLOCA), the official industry body for Local Content Practitioners in ICT across all sectors(Oil and Had, inclusive). He writes from Ogun State.

FG Will Use BVN To Identify Poor, Vulnerable Nigerians – Humanitarian Affairs Minister

The Federal Government is set to expand the social register for palliative distribution by employing digital models including the use of Bank Verification Number (BVN).

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Farouq disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, while responding to questions at Presidential Task Force briefing on COVID-19.

She noted that this digital measure will be faster and make the distribution more effective.

“We are using other models including BVN to identify bank accounts. 

We are also using mobile phone networks to identify poor and vulnerable people in the society.

“This is going to be faster, transparent and give room for more accountability,” she said.

She added that the conditional cash transfer to poor households which is currently going on in some parts of the country is transparent and well organized.

According to the Minister, all measures have been put in place by the Federal Government to avoid duplication of households.

She also revealed that civil groups, traditional and religious leaders, among others are performing the role of identifying the poor in their communities thereby assisting the Federal Government in the distribution.

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Culled: VillaUpdates

COVID-19 Pandemic: ICPC sets up Funds Monitoring Team

ICPC in the execution of its preventive mandate in Section 6 (b)-(d) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, has set up an independent COVID-19 Funds Monitoring Team charged with the prevention of possible financial abuses that may arise in the management of the Covid-19 special intervention funds.

The Team will monitor the disbursement and utilisation of the funds, donations and other receipts mobilised towards combating the  outbreak of Covid 19 in the country.

The Team will deploy appropriate strategy to prevent incidences of corruption that may have negative impact on the efforts of government to deal effectively with the pandemic.

-VillaUpdates

#DoTheRightThing #IntegrityPays

Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission

Catholic Hospitals and Clinics to combat COVID19.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has donated a total of 435 Hospitals & Clinics to d Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to combat d  pandemic.

Arch Bishop Kaigama presented d directory of health facilities to d Chairman, PTF Mr. Boss Mustapha.

Source: VillaUpdates

NCC clears doubts over 5G, COVID-19 and Security...

In view of the recent development in which misleading materials with no proven evidence being circulated to link CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19 with 5G Technology,  it has become imperative for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide the following clarifications;

Firstly, there is no correlation between 5G Technology and COVID-19. 5G is an advancement on today's 4G technology designed to transform the world positively. 

Secondly, there is no deployment of 5G in Nigeria at the moment. The NCC back in November 2019 approved trial test for 5G for a period of three (3) months and that the trial has been concluded and installation decommissioned. 

The trial among others was to study and observe  any health or security challenges the 5G network might present. Relevant stakeholders including members of the security agencies were invited to participate during the trial. 

The NCC will continue to maintain its policy of technology neutrality and will continue to encourage Service providers to deploy the best technology that will meet the needs of the society in a secured and friendly manner. 

The following are some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is 5G?

Ans: 5G is a fifth generation of mobile technology which is an improvement of today's 4G technology with enhanced capabilities. 5G technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way we live and work. 

2. Do we have 5G network in Nigeria now?

Ans: No there is no 5G network in Nigeria at the moment.  What we had was a trial test for 3 months which has since been concluded. 

3. When are we expecting  5G in Nigeria?

Ans. No exact time frame but when conditions are right and all doubts are cleared. 

4. Do we have spectrum for 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. Yes, particularly the millimetre wave spectrum from 24GHz and above are available. 

5. Have we given out 5G spectrum to operators?

Ans. No. It will be auctioned at the appropriate time. 

6. Are there 5G deployment around the world?

Ans. Yes, in countries like South Korea,  China,  USA,  Germany and others since middle 2019.

7. Is the Radiation from 5G different from those of 2G, 3G and 4G?

Ans. No, they all belong to the same class of Non-ionizing Radiation. 

8. Who is going to Allocate spectrum for 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) Chaired by the Hon Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has the responsibility for allocating bulk spectrum for various services. 

9. Should I be concerned about 5G technology?

Ans. No, nothing to worry about. Safety and human health are top priority in the design and deployment of 5G.

10. What are the benefits of 5G?

Ans. 5G technology will transform the world by connecting everything with everybody.  It will create millions of jobs,  it will add billions of dollars to the economy (GDP) and can solve some of our problems such as insecurity and improve governance and efficiency in the society. 

11. Is 5G causing CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19?

Ans. No, there is no link what so ever between 5G and CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19. 

12. Should I ignore all the negative narratives I am hearing about 5G?

Ans. No,  but rely on information from world Standards making bodies such as WHO, ITU, IEEE and industry experts for advice when in doubt. 

13. Is there Standard limit set for Radiation from mobile devices?

Ans. Yes,  there is Radiation emission limits set by the International Commission for Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) below which the radiation is considered safe for humans. 

14. Are the mobile network operators in Nigeria conforming to the Radiation emissions limits?

Ans. Yes,  the NCC has been regularly conducting measurements of Radiation emissions from Base stations across the country and they are all well below the set limits.

15. Is 5G same as Fibre cable?

Ans. No, fibre cable is a terrestrial technology for broadband that existed for decades while 5G is a new mobile technology for enhanced quality of service as explained in Q1 above. 

16. Are there other sources of Radiation apart from mobile Base stations?

Ans. Yes, there are other sources of Radiation which include television stations,  radio broadcasts stations,  wifi and so on. They all belong to the class of Radiation considered to be safe for humans when operated below the set limits. 

17. Who owns 5G?

Ans. 5G is not owned by anybody but collection of technologies, Standards and processes agreed at the international level by Standards making bodies. 

18. Has NCC issued licenses for 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. No,  NCC has not issued any licence for 5G in Nigeria. NCC is  technology neutral as such we don't license technology but assigns spectrum to operators for deployment of any service when allocated by NFMC.

19. Why are some operators rolling out fibre during the lockdown period?

Ans. As a result of the lockdown,  the amount of voice and data usage has increased by huge amounts and there is need to expand the network to provide optimum quality of service to users sitting at home.  Telecom is also critical for information decimination during the lockdown.

SIGNED

Dr. Henry Nkemadu,

Director, Public Affairs

Nigerian Communications Commission.

05 April 2020