The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) on Friday, 28th November, 2025, presented the 2025 Digital Excellence Award to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to digital transformation and broadband expansion in the state.

The award was received on behalf of the Governor at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, who was accompanied by the Group Managing Director/CEO of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and President/CEO of the Africa Digital Infrastructure Company (AfDIC).

ATCON described Governor Alia’s leadership as “visionary and transformative,” noting that his digital reforms are positioning Benue as one of Nigeria’s leading subnationals in infrastructure modernization and technological innovation.

A major highlight of the Governor’s reforms is the introduction of Free Right of Way (RoW) for all telecommunications operators deploying fibre optic cables across the state, an unprecedented initiative that has attracted new investments and accelerated broadband penetration.

The Governor was also commended for convening the first Benue Telecommunications Summit, which brought together regulators, industry leaders and operators to address sectoral challenges and strengthen partnerships. ATCON said the summit has contributed to improving industry confidence and fostering a more enabling digital ecosystem in the state.

Other reforms cited include the deployment of fibre connectivity across 18 MDAs, training of 10,000 Benue youths in digital skills, the ongoing training of 40,000 civil servants on digital governance, and the establishment of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. The creation of the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management Enforcement Agency, as well as Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) as the state’s hub for digital public infrastructure were also highlighted as major steps toward building a knowledge-driven economy.

According to sources from BDIC and AfDIC, the recognition will reinforce the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment and digital inclusion, particularly through the rollout of the 23,000-youth digital skills training programme across all Local Government Areas and the partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creativity.

Officials say these initiatives will continue to expand broadband access, empower communities and support the broader socio-economic transformation of Benue State.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed its determination to drive public support for the effective implementation of the tax reforms of the federal government, whose implementation kicks off in January 2026 when the new Tax Act comes into effect.

Director General of the NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this commitment on behalf of the Agency when members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its chairman, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, paid a courtesy visit to the NOA in Abuja yesterday.

Issa-Onilu noted that technology has made it easy for mischievous persons to effortlessly spread fake news and wrong narratives about the new tax laws.

He therefore emphasised the importance of sensitising Nigerians to the benefits of the tax laws to counter the wrong narratives spread by those who are either genuinely ignorant of its provisions or those acting out of mischief and an ulterior motive to undermine the efforts of the government to improve the tax system.

The NOA DG said the new Tax Law will be beneficial to Nigerians, as it specifically addresses the issue of double taxation that companies, businesspeople, workers, individuals and investors are presently experiencing, among many other things.

The DG underscored NOA’s ability to reach wide audiences across the country with its advocacy and national enlightenment campaigns, noting that the Agency had a widespread spread of offices across the country with competent staff who regularly embark on community mobilisation and sensitisation to promote government policies and national values.

He also highlighted the ability of the NOA to work intelligently, identifying the different demographics across the country and applying the communication models appropriate to reach and appeal to each demographic.

“We have done mapping across the country for engagements with all Nigerians; that is why we can engage groups such as associations, CSOs, traders’ unions, leaders, women’s groups, youths and many others,” he said. “We do engagements with different groups across the country, and our staff are usually chosen from among the people, so the people trust them; that is part of the advantage we have.”

Malam Issa-Onilu also highlighted the extensive partnerships with media houses, which the NOA enjoyed across the country as part of its strength to communicate policies to every nook and cranny in the country. “We work with over 200 radio stations across the country and partner with 36 television stations, all put together broadcasting in about 72 local languages,” he revealed.

In addition, Issa-Onilu pointed out that the NOA was leveraging modern technology, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, to disseminate government information. “We launched our own version of ChatGPT called CLHEEAN, a special Voice/Chat Assistant where Nigerians can engage and get authentic information on all government policies,” he told the NOA guests.

Concluding, the NOA DG declared that “these are tools we have to assist and support the committee in sensitising Nigerians on the new tax laws.”

Earlier, Mr. Oyedele of the Tax Reforms Committee had revealed that his team was at the NOA to seek support for the committee in pushing out the right information about the new tax laws and countering the wrong narrative that was pervasive in the media and other public spaces.

He said, “We believe that working together with NOA will ensure the passage of accurate information to Nigerians, even to those at the grassroots, to know the benefits of the new tax laws.

“We observed that there is a lot of misinformation to people, especially those at the grassroots, including farmers, concerning the law. And the aim of such is to make them hate the government ignorantly,” he noted.

He continued: “Though we are engaging multinationals, Nigerians at different levels and from the different tribes and languages need to know the benefits they will get from the said law and support it.

“We may need to create scenarios and have farmers, students, CEOs and others to say what the reform can do for them. These can counter the wrong narratives by some content providers that are against the law,” he stated.

Oyedele is convinced that when people are sensitised and become aware of the benefits they would derive from the new tax law, they will not protest against it since it is in their best interest.

At the end of the interaction, it was agreed that a joint committee of the NOA and the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms be formed to pursue the agenda of communicating the tax reforms properly and effectively.

The highlight of the visit of the Tax Reforms Committee was the presentation of the new tax laws to the DG NOA Malam Issa-Onilu by the Tax Reforms team and the presentation of the National Value Charter plaque to the Committee Chairman, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, by the NOA leadership.

The Tax Reforms Bill was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June this year as part of efforts to simplify and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has described the death of his aunt, Madam Ogulagha-Ere Egberiwarebo Finikeme, as the loss of another mother.

According to a press release on Saturday, November 29, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, speaking at Ayamasa community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state on Saturday during her funeral, Governor Diri said, following the death of his biological mother, Madam Finikeme became mother to him.

He said she was a loving and caring woman, who prayed for not only her biological children, which included the Government House Director of Transport and Special Duties, High Chief Lucky Youbogha, but for everyone in the family, and expressed sadness that he had no one to call mother anymore.

According to him, the late matriarch, who died at the age of 78, had all the attributes of her sister, who was his biological mother, saying she would be remembered for her good deeds.

He recalled how, during his first term election campaign in 2019, he promised that the road to Ayamasa would be completed and expressed appreciation to God that vehicles now drive into the community, which hitherto could only be accessed through neighbouring Delta State.

He said, “I thank God for a day like this in Ayamasa. For us from this community, we know how it was before now.

“The immediate past governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, took the bull by the horns to start construction of the Sagbama-Ekeremor road. Part of our campaign when he went round with me in 2019 was that we would complete the road. Today, we can drive with our eyes closed to Ayamasa.

“I shed tears when I recall the burial of my late mother and how difficult it was to move to Delta State first before entering Ayamasa.

“After the passing of my mother, this woman became a mother to me. We forgot our mother was no more because, at all times, she was there for us. She was always praying for us. She showed us love.

“Mama had all the attributes of my late mother, and we will continue to remember her good works.”

Delivering a sermon, President of the House of Grace Church International, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, urged the bereaved to take solace in the fact that very soon, God will make death to cease as promised in His word.

He said Madam Finikeme had victory as she died in Christ and implored those alive to dedicate their lives to the service of God.

Present at the funeral service were the wife of the governor, Justice Patience Diri, Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and other state legislators.

Also in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, members of the state executive council, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Ebitimi Amgbare, and the President, Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani.

Others were a retired Supreme Court jurist and King of the Tuomo kingdom, Justice Francis Tabai, as well as the President of, Ijaw Youth Council, Jonathan Lokpobiri, among other dignitaries.

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has been honoured with the Award of Excellence in Capacity Building and Staff Welfare by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).

According to a press release on Saturday, November 28, 2025, signed by the NIMC Head, Corporate Communications Unit, Kayode Adegoke, the award, presented by the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASCSN, recognises Coker-Odusote’s outstanding leadership style, marked by her commitment to staff development, welfare and institutional transformation. It comes shortly after she received the Innovation Service Delivery Award from the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), acknowledging notable innovations and exemplary service under her administration.

Since assuming office, the NIMC DG has implemented a comprehensive 5-Point Agenda prioritising staff welfare and capacity building. Her tenure has seen the promotion of more than 3,000 staff, the implementation of a 25–30% salary increase approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the rollout of extensive training programmes, executive retreats and management workshops.

In line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Coker-Odusote has also overseen the distribution of over 2,500 systems to boost National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, as well as the upgrade of critical departments with modern computers and workstations. Staff welfare initiatives introduced under her watch include free staff bus services, a new staff car park and access to national food palliatives—all of which have contributed to improved morale, productivity and organisational cohesion.

Her open-door policy and collaborative engagement with labour unions have been widely commended for fostering mutual respect and effective social dialogue. The ASCSN described the award as a testament to her “rare sincerity and sensitivity to the yearnings of workers,” noting that her policies have strengthened productivity, improved working conditions and deepened cooperation within the organisation.

The honour underscores both her achievements and her ongoing commitment to driving excellence in public service delivery.