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Reps vow to tackle challenges in Nigeria’s telecom sector
The House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications in Nigeria has committed to offering necessary parliamentary interventions and support to address the challenges faced by the country’s telecom industry. Peter Akpatason, the committee chairman, made this assurance during a courtesy visit by the leadership and members of the National Executive Council of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in his office on Friday.
Akpatason acknowledged the significant contribution of ATCON to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP), emphasizing its crucial role in the country’s economy. As the umbrella body for all telecom service providers, he noted that ATCON contributes approximately 18 percent to the nation’s GDP.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration between the legislature and the private sector as essential drivers for growth, Akpatason promised to foster deeper working relationships with regulators and stakeholders by organizing a legislative-regulator-stakeholders’ forum.
He stressed the need for synergy between the legislature and the private sector to promote growth, innovation, and prosperity. During the visit, Tony Emoekpere, the leader of the delegation, urged the committee to establish a legislative framework and work plan to facilitate industry growth, ultimately boosting Nigeria’s economy.
It’s worth noting that the telecom sector has been negatively affected by the unremitted N120 billion Unstructured Supplementary Service Data service debt owed by commercial banks to telecom operators. In October, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, even threatened to withdraw USSD services from banks due to the outstanding debt.
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Billionaire Kidnapper ‘Evans’ Seeks Plea Bargain
Convicted billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, and his co-accused Joseph Emeka, have requested a plea bargain in their high-profile kidnapping case.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, disclosed the plea bargain request to the court on Thursday during the case’s call for re-arraignment. The case is being heard by Justice Adenike Cokers of the Ikeja High Court.
Evans and Emeka were scheduled to be re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony to wit: kidnapping, and attempted murder.
Sule informed the court, “The case was for re-arraignment, but I am aware that the defendants have applied for a plea.”
The prosecutor also noted that the plea bargain terms are being reviewed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN).
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Peruvian Gov’t Classifies Intersex, Transgender People As ‘Mentally Ill’
Peruvian Health Minister Cesar Vasquez has classified transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals as mentally ill.
On May 10, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Health Minister Cesar Vasquez, and Minister of Economy and Finance Arista Arbildo signed a decree. This decree states that transsexualism, dual-role transvestism, gender identity disorder in childhood, other gender identity disorders, and egodystonic sexual orientation are all categorized as mental health problems.
Cesar Vasquez explained that the decree was necessary for Peru’s public health services to ensure comprehensive medical attention for mental health issues.
The decree has sparked outrage among the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community, which has labeled it discriminatory.
A medical researcher at Lima’s Scientific University of the South noted that although the decree might have been well-intentioned, it shows a lack of understanding of complex LGBT issues and potentially opens the door to conversion therapy.
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EPL: Conduct massive clearout – Rooney names only player Man Utd needs
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has singled out captain Bruno Fernandes as the only senior player the club should retain at Old Trafford this summer.
Rooney urged the Red Devils to conduct a major clear-out of players during the summer transfer window.
This recommendation follows Fernandes’ key role in Manchester United’s crucial 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Speaking to Sky Sports (via United in Focus), Rooney stated:
“He is the one player with quality and fight in him. I would keep the young players and Bruno, but all the other players need to go. There has to be a massive clear-out. It’s not going to happen in one year, but over the next couple of years.”
He added, “To compete with Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, they need better players.”
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