News

FG hopes on new satellite, NigComSat-2 to revive economy

Published

11 months ago

August 16, 2024

11 Views

The Nigerian government is preparing to launch a new satellite, NigComSat-2, which is expected to significantly impact various sectors of the economy. The announcement was made by Aisha Bantam, Assistant General Manager of Communications at Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), during a capacity training session for journalists. According to Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, the Managing Director and CEO of NIGCOMSAT, the government is fully committed to this project due to its potential to advance Nigeria’s space capabilities and drive economic growth.

Although the timeline for the satellite’s launch was not disclosed, Bantam assured that it would occur as soon as possible. NigComSat-2 is anticipated to enhance NIGCOMSAT’s ability to provide high-speed communication services both within Nigeria and internationally. The satellite will support a range of applications including broadband internet, telemedicine, e-learning, and will also serve critical sectors like agriculture, security, health, and education.

Nigeria’s history with satellite technology has been challenging. The country initially invested $340 million in NigComSat-1, which was launched on May 13, 2007. Unfortunately, the satellite experienced technical failures and was de-orbited in November 2008. A replacement, NigComSat-1R, was launched on December 19, 2011, following a contract with China Great Wall Industry Corporation. This satellite is expected to continue its service until 2026.

Despite the launch of NigComSat-1R, there has been a lack of political will to follow up with additional satellites, and many government agencies and businesses have preferred foreign satellite services. This has led to underutilization of NigComSat-1R. For instance, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) opted for a foreign Eutelsat service rather than using the indigenous satellite.

However, Egerton-Idehen expressed optimism about the government’s renewed commitment to satellite technology, highlighting the importance of having backup satellites and the role they play in various critical areas. She also acknowledged the media’s crucial role in promoting the satellite communication industry and educating the public on its benefits.

Overall, the upcoming NigComSat-2 represents a significant step for Nigeria’s space and communication capabilities, aiming to address past issues and support the country’s socio-economic development.

News

Akwa Ibom: Gov. Eno increases corps members’ allowance to N20,000

Published

9 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Charles Flames

6 Views

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has approved an increment in the monthly state allowance for corps members serving in the state from N5,000 to N20,000.

Mr Eno made the announcement on Friday during the state delivery meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.The increment will take effect from Aug. 1st.

The governor said that the increment was to support the Federal Government’s N77,000 monthly allowance, toward helping corps members meet their basic needs.“

More than 10, 000 corps members are posted to Akwa Ibom annually. We must continue to encourage and support them,” Mr Eno said.

It would be recalled that the governor, last week, approved the reconstruction of the NYSC orientation camp at Ikot Itie Idung, as part of efforts to improve the welfare of corps members in the state.

(NAN)

Crime

Plateau: Military Operation Neutralizes Bandits

Published

1 day ago

July 4, 2025

Charles Flames

19 Views

Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) under Operation Lafiyan Jama’a have neutralized several bandits during joint operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A statement issued on Friday by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that the clearance operation which took place on Thursday, July 3, led to the killing of scores of bandits.

The statement reads: “In continuation of ongoing efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of criminal elements, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have sustained aggressive kinetic operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, yielding commendable outcomes.

“On 3 July, 2025, troops carried out a clearance operation in the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk Communities, located along the Plateau–Nasarawa State border.

“During the mission, contact was made with armed militias in Hokk, leading to a brief but decisive firefight. Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests.

“Troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and, though no further contact was established, have maintained control through mobile and static patrols to disrupt any regrouping attempts.

“These successful actions reaffirm the resolve of security forces to dismantle criminal syndicates and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.”