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Opinion

The Progress Needed For Connecting The Unconnected-Y.Z Ya’u

Published

4 years ago

on

 

By

Y. Z. Ya’u, CITAD

In a few weeks, the global internet community will meet at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the 17th Global Internet Governance Forum to deliberate on the progress more in extending meaningful connectivity to the billions of people across the world who have remained unconnected by last year. While a number of countries have made startling progress, Nigeria has beyond the statement of attention, there has been no substantive progress in connectivity the unconnected.

Throughout the year, both in the media and through direct contact, CITAD has engaged the government via its relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), to come up with policies on community networks so as to create the space for communities to mobilize their resources and deploy community networks as a complimentary tool for bridging the connectivity gaps in the country,

Government has repeatedly stated its commitment to address the digital divide in the country. However, declaration a lone without action, cannot solve the problem. All those in the industry agree now that no one single mode of technology rollout and ownership can fit all situation in a country. This is why all countries that have succeeded in bridging their own internal digital divide have done so through the deployment of a combination of different owner types, including private, public and community ownership, to which community networks fall.

In Nigeria, as in other countries, private sector led technology rollout has failed to address the connectivity gaps as well as affordability gaps in the country, as demonstrated by figures resulting from the work of USPF that there are still about 114 clusters of communities that are either underserved or unserved and therefore experiencing connectivity challenges. The reason that the private sector cannot address this is that most of these clusters are either sparsely populated (with poor prospects for generating or even terminating tele traffic) or they are in terrains that difficult to reach, thus needing additional expenditure over and above the normal or have people who are too poor to afford the cost of connectivity. All these situations means that these communities are not profitable and thus not attractive to investors who put their money in Mobile network operators (MNOs).

It is in response to such instances of lack of profitability that global practice has developed various methods of connectivity bridging through the establishment and utilization of universal access fund. The universal access fund in Nigeria is provided in the law establishing the Universal Access Provision Find (USPF) that is funded through a special fund accruing from a profit tax of telecommunication license operators.

Although the USPF has a latitude as to how to address both connectivity and affordability gaps, it has often hoped to do that by subsidizing commercial operators rather than empowering communities to pool their resources, endowments, skills, capital to design, deploy and managed community-owned telecommunication infrastructure.

But as experience in both Nigeria and in other countries has shown that MNOs are not attracted by one off incentive from bridging authorities. Instead, they prefer a situation in which conditions are created for sustained return on investment.

Community networks not only help communities to create solutions for themselves but also create the conditions for more profits and return on investment for MNOs. This they do, first by facilitating the insertion of excluded people into the tele-traffic chain, thereby both generating and terminating traffic for the MNOs thar could otherwise have remained suppressed, thus bringing additional income streams for them. Secondly, experience has shown that one of the reasons why MNOs do not when gravitate to the one-off incentive is the cost of overall servicing of non-profitable infrastructure and sites for which the income from them is far less than the cost of maintenance. However, where are developed community networks capital exists, MNOs are able to hand over the management of their sites and infrastructure to communities to ran and manage on profit sharing basis and risk spreading. This frees the MNOs from having to spend on overhead on unperforming sites while communities are freed from investing in infrastructure. Another benefit is that by bringing these communities to cyber space, their community development potentials are enhanced through better and improved access to education, healthcare, business and entrepreneurial activities, etc and in their fuller participation in governance processes.

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Government agencies are well aware of these. In meetings after meetings, both the minister and the leadership of NCC have expressed recognition of this and indicated their commitment to create the necessary framework for the seeding and sustenance of community networks. For example, in a meeting with a team from both CITAD and Association for Progressive Communications (APC) on 19 April 2021, the team of License Department of NCC not only expressed commitment but also requested CITAD to provide a background position paper on this and examples of policy frameworks from other countries. Both of these were done and delivered to them. Similarly, in a meeting with the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy later in September 2021, the Minister requested CITAD to submit to him a four pager on how to proceed with putting up a framework for community networks In Nigeria which CITAD did without delay. In December last year, when CITAD convened a consultative meeting of stakeholders of community networks, the Minister who delivered the Keynote Address through the Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), affirmed the need for policy and ensured that such policy was going to be developed sooner.

For the past three years, CITAD has been working with over 10 different communities which are determined to establish community networks in their communities. These communities have formed platforms that have been registered as legal entities for the purposes of establishing and running community networks in their respective communities. They have also applied for licenses from NCC to operate community networks. in absence of formal policy framework of community networks licensing by the regulator, all applicants for community licenses are treated the same as applications for normal commercial telecommunication licenses. This is not only cumbersome but also too costly the communities to meet.

We have spent over a year now trying to see how communities comply with these. We have gone through these requirements with a number of organizations, including the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Alliance for Affordable Internet as well as the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office which has been supported the development of community networks across the globe. The overwhelming conclusion that these conditions cannot allow for the seeding of community networks and that Nigeria needs to create a category of licenses for community networks so that communities could apply, obtain, run, and manage community networks licenses like in other parts of the world.

This has the advantage that government does not have to invest funds in addressing affordability and connectivity gaps in the country.

Following this hardship, we experienced in trying to meet the current requirements, CITAD along with its partners decided to launch a signature campaign to request the relevant authorities to create a non-commercial license category as an additional tier of connectivity providers and to grant such licenses to all communities that are desirous of operate community networks and meeting certain minimum conditions. the signature campaign started last week and so far over 200 representatives of different communities from all parts of the country have appended their signature.,

In this effort, the media has an important role to play in helping to amplify the voice of the unconnected to allow them to legally address their own connect challenge by themselves. In this connection, it important that Nigeria creates category of community license as part of its commitment to address the digital divide in the country. While on their surface media has may not see connection with its work and community networks, however on reflection, it will understand how difficult it is to report news and reports in areas where there is no connectivity. In other words, addressing the connectivity gaps will enhance the practice of journalism in the country as it will open up areas that can be classified as difficult to report for the media.

The key message here is tell the government that it is in the overall national interest of the country to recognize and grant these community licenses. This should be done urgently even before the formal request by the signatories to the campaign is submitted. The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy should direct for the empaneling of a committee to develop the necessary framework for regulating and licensing of community networks while the telecommunication regulator, the NCC should move from expression of commitment to actual actioning by granting provisional licenses to communities that present their formal applications for such licenses.

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Opinion

Nusuk Policy and the New Face of Hajj: How Saudi Arabia is Restoring Order, Safety and Spiritual Comfort in the Holy Cities

Published

9 hours ago

on

May 26, 2026

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By: Lamara Garba

For decades, the annual Hajj pilgrimage has remained one of the largest religious gatherings on earth, attracting millions of Muslims from every continent to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While the pilgrimage is spiritually uplifting, it has also historically come with enormous logistical challenges, including overcrowding, congestion, heat-related emergencies, and at times tragic stampedes within the holy sites.

But this year’s Hajj exercise has introduced a different reality — one defined by orderliness, effective crowd management, improved security, and a smoother spiritual experience for pilgrims. At the center of this transformation is the introduction of the Nusuk policy by the Saudi authorities, a digital regulatory framework that has significantly reduced illegal participation in Hajj and restored sanity to the holy sites.

The policy, introduced through the Nusuk digital application, ensures that only duly registered and approved pilgrims are granted access to the sacred rituals and locations associated with Hajj. From visa processing to accommodation, transportation, identification, and access to the holy sites, every pilgrim must now be fully captured within the Nusuk system.

Anyone not registered on the platform is automatically denied access to key locations including the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.

This decisive policy appears to have achieved what many observers once considered impossible — a massive reduction in overcrowding during Hajj.

For years, one of the major concerns during Hajj was the infiltration of undocumented pilgrims, especially illegal immigrants and unregistered worshippers from neighboring countries and parts of Africa. Many entered the holy cities without official Hajj permits, thereby overstretching facilities and contributing heavily to congestion around the sacred sites.

The situation often made movement difficult for genuine pilgrims who had spent huge sums of money to perform the religious obligation through approved channels.

However, this year, the story is remarkably different.

Our correspondent, who is currently participating in the pilgrimage, observed a calmer and more organized atmosphere both in Madinatul Munawwara and within the precincts of the Grand Mosque of Ka’aba.

Unlike previous years when worshippers struggled through human traffic for hours before getting access to prayer spaces or performing Tawaf around the Holy Ka’aba, pilgrims now experience relative ease in conducting their acts of worship.

In what would have seemed unimaginable in the past, this reporter was able to complete the Tawaf — the circumambulation around the Ka’aba — within just 30 minutes due to reduced congestion and improved movement coordination by Saudi officials.

The atmosphere around the Mataf area was notably less chaotic. Pilgrims moved with greater comfort, fewer physical struggles, and better concentration during prayers and supplications.

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Many pilgrims who spoke with our correspondent expressed satisfaction over the new arrangements, describing the Nusuk policy as a timely intervention that has enhanced both safety and spirituality during Hajj.

A pilgrim from Kano State, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, said the difference between this year and previous pilgrimages was “clear and undeniable.”

“In the past, people pushed one another because of overcrowding. Sometimes elderly pilgrims suffered greatly. But this year, movement is easier and security personnel are more effective because they know exactly who is authorized to be here,” he explained.

Another Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab Suleiman, described her experience in Madina as peaceful and spiritually fulfilling.

“You can now enter the mosque, pray peacefully and leave without unnecessary pressure. Before now, some people spent hours struggling just to find space. The Nusuk arrangement has brought discipline,” she stated.

A pilgrim from Ghana, Ibrahim Mustapha, also commended the Saudi authorities for what he called a “technology-driven success.”

“The authorities deserve appreciation. This system has reduced illegal entries and helped genuine pilgrims enjoy their worship. You can feel the difference immediately you arrive,” he noted.

Beyond comfort, the policy is also being viewed as a major safety achievement.

Hajj history has witnessed several unfortunate incidents linked to overcrowding and uncontrolled human movement. Managing millions of pilgrims within confined spaces under extreme temperatures has always remained a daunting responsibility for Saudi authorities.

But by tightening access through digital verification and restricting movement only to registered pilgrims, the Kingdom appears to have significantly minimized the risks associated with uncontrolled crowds.

Security personnel stationed across the holy sites now rely heavily on electronic verification systems linked to the Nusuk application. Pilgrims without valid permits are quickly identified and prevented from accessing sensitive areas.

The policy has equally improved transportation coordination, accommodation management, feeding arrangements, and emergency response services.

Observers believe the new system represents a major shift in how modern Hajj administration will be conducted in the future.

Saudi Arabia has in recent years invested heavily in digital technology, smart crowd-control systems, artificial intelligence, surveillance networks, and infrastructure expansion aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience.

The Nusuk initiative appears to be another major milestone in that direction.

Despite initial concerns in some quarters that the strict regulations could inconvenience intending pilgrims, many now believe the long-term benefits outweigh the challenges.

Religious scholars and Hajj administrators argue that preserving human life and ensuring pilgrims perform their religious obligations safely should remain the top priority.

Indeed, for many pilgrims, the reduced crowd this year has brought back the true essence of worship — devotion, reflection, patience, and spiritual connection without the constant fear of suffocation or physical struggle.

Inside the Grand Mosque, worshippers now spend more time in contemplation rather than battling human congestion. Elderly pilgrims and women especially appear to benefit from the calmer environment.

At Mina and Arafat, where overcrowding traditionally reaches alarming levels during peak Hajj periods, officials have also maintained tighter control of movement using the Nusuk verification process.

Many pilgrims interviewed described the exercise as one of the smoothest Hajj operations witnessed in recent years.

While no system is entirely perfect, the Saudi authorities appear to have demonstrated that effective technology, strict enforcement, and proper planning can substantially improve one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

As millions of Muslims continue to arrive for the sacred rites, one message is becoming increasingly clear: the era of uncontrolled and illegal Hajj participation may gradually be coming to an end.

And for genuine pilgrims seeking spiritual fulfillment in peace, safety and dignity, that may be one of the most important developments in modern Hajj administration.

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Opinion

Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo: The Young African Visionary Redefining Education, Innovation and Human Development Across Continents

Published

2 days ago

on

May 24, 2026

By

 

By Musa Abdullahi Sufi

In an era where Africa continues to search for transformational leaders capable of bridging the gaps between education, innovation, entrepreneurship and humanitarian development, one name is increasingly standing out across the continent and beyond — Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo.

From Northern Nigeria to the global academic landscape, Professor Gwarzo has emerged as a symbol of visionary leadership, educational transformation and youth-driven development. His story is not merely one of personal success; it is a remarkable movement dedicated to empowering humanity through knowledge, innovation, research, healthcare support, youth empowerment and international collaboration.

At a relatively young age, Professor Gwarzo has achieved what many institutions and governments struggle to accomplish within decades. His rapidly expanding educational, humanitarian and developmental footprints have positioned him among the most influential education reformers and social impact leaders in contemporary Africa.

Building a Pan-African Educational Revolution

The rise of Professor Gwarzo reflects the growing emergence of African-led solutions to African challenges. Through the establishment and expansion of globally oriented universities and academic institutions, he has created opportunities for thousands of students from diverse nationalities, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Among the institutions linked to his transformational vision is Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, an institution that has rapidly gained attention for promoting international standards in higher education, innovation, research and multicultural learning. The university has become a meeting point for students from across Africa and other parts of the world.

What distinguishes Professor Gwarzo’s educational philosophy is his emphasis on practical knowledge, global competitiveness, entrepreneurship and moral development. Rather than producing graduates who merely seek employment, his institutions encourage innovation, leadership and problem-solving capabilities that respond directly to modern societal challenges.

His educational investments extend beyond classrooms. They include scholarships for underprivileged students, support for female education, and promoting science and technology.

Others include youth leadership development, research partnerships, international academic collaborations and community-based development initiatives. In many ways, his work reflects the educational renaissance Africa urgently needs.

A Vision Beyond Profit

Unlike many private educational ventures driven primarily by commercial interests, Professor Gwarzo’s initiatives consistently demonstrate a deeper humanitarian philosophy. His interventions in healthcare, youth empowerment, women development and humanitarian support reveal a leadership model centered on societal transformation.

Through the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation, countless lives have reportedly benefited from educational support, healthcare interventions, water and sanitation initiatives, climate-related advocacy and empowerment programs.

His development model aligns strongly with several global development priorities, including, quality education, gender Equality, poverty reduction, youth empowerment
* Innovation and Infrastructure, good Health and Well-being and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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At a time when many African youths face unemployment, migration pressures and limited educational opportunities, Professor Gwarzo’s institutions and initiatives are creating pathways of hope and opportunity.

Why Professor Gwarzo Deserves Global Recognition

The growing calls for Professor Gwarzo to receive international recognition, including potential consideration in global record and achievement platforms such as Guinness World Records, are not without merit.

Several factors strengthen such arguments. Among them listed below;

1. Extraordinary Educational Expansion at a Young Age

Professor Gwarzo represents one of the youngest African educational entrepreneurs to establish and support multiple internationally recognized academic institutions with rapidly expanding continental influence.

The scale, speed and societal impact of these accomplishments are rare within Africa’s educational sector.

2. Cross-Continental Academic Influence

His educational and institutional collaborations continue to connect Africa with global academic communities through research partnerships, exchange programs and international learning opportunities.

This has significantly contributed to improving Africa’s visibility within global education networks.

3. Massive Human Capital Development

Thousands of students, researchers, professionals and young innovators have benefited directly and indirectly from his investments in education and development.

The long-term impact of such human capital development may continue shaping societies for generations.

4. Combining Education With Humanitarian Impact

Very few academic entrepreneurs successfully integrate education, philanthropy, healthcare advocacy, youth empowerment and innovation ecosystems simultaneously at such scale.

Professor Gwarzo’s multidimensional approach distinguishes him from conventional educational investors.

5. Promoting Africa’s Positive Global Image

At a time when global narratives about Africa often focus on conflict, poverty and instability, Professor Gwarzo’s achievements project a different story — one of innovation, excellence, resilience and transformational leadership.

His institutions are helping position Africa as a center for intellectual growth and global competitiveness.

Inspiring a New Generation of African Youths

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Professor Gwarzo’s story is the inspiration it provides to millions of young Africans.

His journey demonstrates that young Africans can build world-class institutions, v can overcome limitations, education remains the greatest investment, philanthropy and entrepreneurship can coexist and Africa can produce globally respected innovators and reformers.

In many developing societies, youths are often discouraged by economic hardship, political instability and limited opportunities. Yet Professor Gwarzo’s achievements offer a compelling counter-narrative: that transformational leadership is possible even within challenging environments.

His rise also challenges African elites, policymakers and private sector leaders to invest more aggressively in education, research, innovation and youth development.

The Future of African Transformation

Africa’s future will depend heavily on visionary individuals capable of transforming ideas into institutions and institutions into societal impact.

Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo’s expanding legacy suggests that he belongs to a new generation of African builders whose influence may extend far beyond national borders.

As global conversations increasingly focus on sustainable development, knowledge economies and youth empowerment, leaders like Professor Gwarzo may become central figures in redefining Africa’s future trajectory.

His work represents more than personal accomplishment; it reflects a broader movement toward African self-reliance, intellectual advancement and transformational development.

If sustained and expanded, his vision may continue producing ripple effects across education, innovation, healthcare and human development for decades to come.

And in the history of modern African transformation, his name may well stand among those who chose not merely to succeed personally — but to build systems capable of uplifting humanity itself.

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Opinion

Amnesty International Report and My Questions to Them

Published

3 weeks ago

on

May 7, 2026

By

Amnesty International Logo

 

– Sufyan Lawal Kabo

sefjamil3@gmail.com

 

The recent condemnation issued by Amnesty International against the Kano State Government over the alleged killing of five persons during activities surrounding the swearing in of the new Deputy Governor has continued to raise serious concerns among many observers in Kano.

 

While every responsible citizen condemns violence and the loss of innocent lives, many are asking whether Amnesty International acted professionally and fairly before rushing to issue a strong public accusation against the government of Kano State.

 

Amnesty International, can a government that has invested heavily in ending political thuggery and street violence genuinely be accused of sponsoring the same violence it is fighting to eliminate?

 

Would a government that established the Safe Corridor Kano Model, profiled thousands of repentant youths, and committed over six hundred million naira for rehabilitation, empowerment and reintegration of former thugs suddenly turn around to encourage killings and chaos?

 

Can Amnesty International deny the fact that Kano has battled political thuggery and Yan Daba violence for decades, long before the present administration came into office? And among previous administrations, which government confronted the problem more directly than the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf?

 

What political benefit would any serious government gain from encouraging violence against citizens at a time it is working to secure public trust ahead of future elections?

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Before issuing its condemnation, did Amnesty International contact the Kano State Government, the Police, DSS, Civil Defence, or any recognised security agency in Kano to verify the allegation properly? Or has social media content now become sufficient evidence for an international organisation claiming credibility and neutrality?

 

How did Amnesty International arrive at such a sensitive conclusion without presenting verifiable evidence to the public? And how sure are the people of Kano that those supplying information to the organisation are not politically biased individuals determined to damage the image of the present administration?

 

Is it professional for a respected international body to release emotionally charged reports involving deaths and violence without balanced investigation, fair hearing, or proper engagement with relevant authorities?

 

Can Amnesty International also deny the visible security efforts of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, including stronger collaboration with security agencies, community security initiatives, deployment of operational support, and consistent public warnings against political violence and hooliganism?

 

If the government’s objective was violence, why would it continue investing public resources into youth rehabilitation, anti thuggery programmes and community peace initiatives?

 

The truth remains that Kano State Government has already condemned every act of violence connected to the incident and security agencies are reportedly investigating the matter. The government has also maintained its commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice according to law.

 

Amnesty International must therefore understand that careless or poorly verified reports on sensitive matters can create unnecessary tension, damage public confidence and unfairly malign governments making visible efforts to solve difficult social problems.

Kano deserves fairness. The people deserve peace. And organisations claiming international credibility must uphold professionalism, objectivity and thorough investigation before issuing reports capable of inflaming public emotions and damaging institutional reputations.

 

Sefjamil writes from Abuja

 

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