Telecom is unarguably a household name in the contemporary global community, meaning literally that even a dummy is expected to be familiar with its existence.

Telecom is the short form of telecommunication. The term is often used in its plural form, telecommunications, because it involves many different technologies.

Telecom is the transmission of signs, signals, messages, writings, sounds and/or images via wire, radio, or optical system, among other electromagnetic systems. It enables communication to take place between two parties that are separated by a certain distance.

Telecommunication occurs when the exchange of information between two or more communication participants involves the use of technology. In other words, it is the apt use of tech effects to initiate communication between individuals situated in different localities..

It is transmitted either electrically over physical media such as cables, or via electromagnetic radiation. Suchlike transmission paths are usually divided into communication channels, which afford the advantages of multiplexing.

It’s noteworthy that there are several modern telecom devices in existence. Telecom devices are those equipment that are being used by end users through telecom networks. Telecom networks could be any such network as mobile, exchange, and dedicated networks, or point to point links.

In the present days’ societies, common examples of telecom devices are computers, fax machines, radio cum television sets, satellites, masts, transmitters, trackers, and cell phones, among others.

This piece was informed by the compelling need for the overall users of the aforementioned devices to acknowledge how best to handle, or stay around, them towards avoiding numerous dangers inherent in their respective uses and functionalities.

It’s worth noting that the continued wrong use cum handling of these devices has caused an untold harm to the human body and the society at large, although their impact on societal wellbeing and growth cannot be overemphasized.

Each of these devices comprises Electromagnetic Field (EMF) that emits Electromagnetic Rays/Radiation (EMR) while they are in use. Many people worldwide are yet to realize they are chronically exposed to something that can deteriorate their health, because EMR is invisible and odourless, and cannot be felt any anyone.

This implies that unless EMR is duly identified and remediated, it can lead to countless health complications as well as premature death. It would shock you to note that millions of individuals have already died owing to their exposure to the said effect that could best be described as a silent killer.

The hidden truth is that EMR exposure, which is reckoned to be the silent enemy endangering the lives of millions of individuals and professionals across the globe, is far worse than cigarette smoke than we could imagine. It is a proven fact and equally verifiable scientifically.

Keep in mind that all health issues would be affected to an extent by exposure to EMR, since it weakens the immune system, stresses the body and damages healthy cells. The higher the frequency of the radiation, the more damage it is likely to cause to the body.

Common diseases caused by EMR are, but not limited to, cancer, chronic fatigue, constant headache, migraine, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, chest pain, insomnia, allergies, electrosensitivity (ES), high blood pressure, brain fag, leukemia, birth defects, miscarriages, and stress.

Others include nausea, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions like burning, rashes and pain, as well as tinnitus, and erratic pulse. While the most acute exposures to harmful levels of EMR are immediately realized as burns, the health effects due to chronic or occupational exposure may not manifest for months, or even years.

Safekeeping of the cell phones in one’s trousers’ pocket can harm the person’s reproductive organs owing to the EMR being emitted by the phone, and such experience can make the person sterile if apt and drastic attention isn’t given to the victim.

People aren’t advised to keep any phone in their pockets. It is called a handset, so keep it in your hand. The truth is that EMR can penetrate through any part of the human skin, thus even when the gadget is in our hands, we should ensure that it is kept in a special pack or casing that can reduce the frequency of its radiation. We ought to be informed that the rate of the radiation depends mainly on the type and mechanism of the phone in question.

If we are at home or in the office, we ought to endeavour to keep them away from our body. For those who can engage in a chat for several hours, you really need to cut down the excesses, because you are inadvertently endangering your health. The point is that, you shouldn’t overuse the phone at a time.

The broadcasting/telephone masts mounted amidst residential settlements have caused tremendous harm to the affected residents, unknowingly to them. Wherever a mast is mounted, no one is expected to live anywhere around it. Dwellers are required to live at least a kilometer (1km) away from any mast in use. Even offices are not advised to be located near a mast.

Those working at broadcasting stations should keep off from where the FM/TV transmitter is kept, unless when they want to make some changes on the machine. This warning is invariably boldly inscribed on any transmitter and even in the manual, but several users still end up relegating the instructions to the background.

Similarly, don’t stay very close to your radio/TV set when they are in use. Aside your TV/phone screen that can damage your eyes’ retina, the EMR emitted by these gadgets is far more dangerous to health. The children must be guided in this regard.

Computers such as laptops are not left out. They are called laptops, but that doesn’t imply you are meant to place them directly on your bare skin. Place a tangible material on your laps before putting a laptop on them. The desktop shouldn’t equally have direct contact with the user’s body.

Away from body contact, towards avoiding fire outbreak, endeavour to keep those devices away from flames or flammable zones like gas cookers, filling stations and power lines, because EMR is highly inflammable.

Though these technological facts are inevitable, no one is asking you to henceforth start seeing telecom devices as your enemies; rather, you are only advised to apply reasonable caution while using them.

I expect the total number of African* unicorns to hit at least 15 by the end of 2023; India has minted 28 so far in 2021. Africa* has about 5 unicorns (companies, mainly private, valued at least $1 billion) at the moment:  Interswitch, Andela,  Flutterwave, OPay, and Wave. I expect three to join HI 2022 but in 2023, the thing will ramp up. The African economy transformation is a decades-long opportunity and the redesign will be massive.

Tekedia Capital is working hard to be part of supporting these innovators and builders.

Join me to wish Nnamdi Odumody a great birthday celebration. Nnamdi has managed our strategic partnership at Tekedia Institute excellently. The Covenant University graduate has been supremely impactful, closing most of the important linkages we have. From all of us at Tekedia Institute, we wish Nnamdi many more years of wealth, wisdom and health. On the Tekedia design, nice one there.

The last time I checked, there was obviously a serious need for governments at all levels in the Nigerian society at large to rediscover their respective natural endowments for the good of all.

As Nigeria celebrates her 61st Independence Anniversary and the citizenry wallow in uncertainties and fear of the unknown, she needn’t be reminded that time has come to embrace reality squarely

It’s not anymore news that the global community has recently suffered a colossal economic setback owing to the unexpected emergence of the dreaded Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It suffices to assert that it has become compelling for the acclaimed Africa’s giant to look inwards toward discovering her entire natural resources with a view to harnessing them for economic emancipation.

Some of the common natural resources on earth are land, water, sunlight, atmosphere, wind, coupled with animal life and vegetation. A natural resource may exist as a separate entity like fresh water and air as well as a living organism such as fish, or it might exist in an alternate form, which must be processed to obtain the required resource to include petroleum, metal, ores, and most forms of energy.

It’s noteworthy that some, including air and sunlight, can be found everywhere, and are known as ‘ubiquitous resources’. Whilst most resources only occur in restricted areas, and are referred to as ‘localized resources’.

There are very few resources that are considered inexhaustible – these are solar radiation, geothermal energy, and air, though access to pure air may not be possible. But the fact is that some of the natural endowments are practically infinite.

The vast majority of the available resources are theoretically exhaustible, which means they have a finite quantity and can be depleted if improperly managed; a good example of this is petroleum. Such finite resources require a sound policy and regulation to be implemented by the concerned government towards their preservation.

It’s pertinent to acknowledge that every man made product consists of one or two natural resources. Needless to say that everything required or used by mankind constitutes, at least, a natural resource. In most cases, some of these resources such as air and water, are directly utilized or consumed by man without processing them.

The above outlined phenomenon proves beyond doubts that humankind cannot survive or thrive successfully, as the case may be, without natural resources. This assertion is not unconnected with the reason every rational government makes frantic effort toward adequate use and preservation of the resources found within their jurisdiction.

In Nigeria, hundreds of natural resources abound, in which each state including Abuja is a beneficiary. Some of these resources are petroleum, tantalite, lead, zinc, glass-sand, copper, gemstone, crystal, oil/gas, bitumen, phosphate, gold, coal, clay, salt, gypsum, iron-ore, uranium, and limestone, in addition to sunlight, wind, land, water, vegetation and air that are ubiquitous in nature.

Some of the aforementioned substances can enable any country to massively embark on agriculture, and attain to any desired height. Nigeria does not possess just land, but a well fertile land that can produce crops in any quantity and quality. Her vegetation and atmosphere are equally invariably good enough to raise every kind of animal life, including wildlife.

Though crop and livestock farming used to be the talk of the day in the Nigerian society, it’s sad to note that currently such lucrative occupation is being relegated to the background owing to over-reliance on mono-resource, petroleum.

It’s really high time we as a people desisted from this irritating high level of dependency that has eaten deep into our socio-economic bone marrow, especially at this time the crude oil price has globally fallen.

Proper utilization of clay alone can take the country’s tourism industry, that’s presently moribund, to enviable heights. Same is applicable to the use of other similar compounds or metals that are in abundance across the federation, to include uranium, limestone, and gold.

In the same vein, it is disheartening that an essential mineral resource like coal has, over the decades, been swept under the carpet. Coal can be used to produce energy, both in the form of heat and electricity.

It’s mind-boggling to hear that a country like Nigeria that can boast of abundant sunlight, wind and what have you, is still battling on how to generate steady and reliable electricity, whilst countries like U.S.A, Russia and Germany, blessed with just limited amount of the resources, are invariably experiencing uninterruptible power supply.

Away from energy, it could be observed that our forest reserves that could produce enough timber for importation are currently wearing a pathetic physiognomy as a result of docile policies.

Indeed, Nigeria is densely endowed with various lucrative natural resources, but it’s very sad that the governments at all levels are not doing enough as regards the adequate use and conservation of the resources. Hence, this calls for drastic turnaround via deployment of genuine political will.

Now that the sale of petroleum resources is no longer booming, it’s high time we retraced our steps with a view to ensuring that each of the available resources is thoroughly harnessed for the needed economic emancipation.

In his address presented on 1st October 2021 to commemorate the country’s 61st Independence Anniversary, President Muhammadu Buhari told the citizens that Nigeria had commenced a journey to “pharmaceutical independence”. This was very cheering and pleasant to the minds of concerned and well-meaning Nigerians.

However, Nigeria’s leadership has overtime borne great and amazing ideas, but the fundamental plight remains inability to formulate powerful and reliable policies and their consequent implementation.

The government really needs to ensure adequate conservation and sustenance of these natural resources, through implementation of strict and viable policies cum laws, and their proper enforcement.

Most of these needed policies such as Land Use and Forests Reserve Acts, which were duly upheld in the past, are presently abused or overlooked in virtually all quarters within the shores of the country.

They need to be urgently revived, make apt amends where necessary, as well as introduce new ones in a bid to attain the required emancipation of the country’s economy, which is currently in a dilapidated state.

On the other hand, individuals on their parts ought to equally think outside the box with a view to diversifying their respective sources of income to avert the foreseen state of doom. The good news is that, if the needful is done henceforth, the current economic hardship will surely be regarded as a blessing in disguise in no distant time.

So, as hunger looms in the land, occasioned by the emergence of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic coupled with mismanagement of funds and lack of policy direction, the concerned authorities must take into cognizance that there’s no better time than now to act accordingly.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has secured the approval of the court to proceed with the launch of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) eNaira. The Abuja Federal High Court gave the approval on Thursday, clearing the way for the apex bank to unveil the digital currency despite the legal challenge over the name.

A suit seeking to stop the apex bank from using the name “eNaira” became known early this week, a few days to the launch of the eNaira scheduled for October 1st, which happened to be Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day anniversary.

The central bank had called the launch of eNaira off on Friday.

The suit became known on Tuesday, after a cease and desist document sent to the CBN over the use of the name eNaira, surfaced online.

The notice titled: “Infringement of Trademark & Violation of Corporate Name cease and desist Notification to the Central Bank of Nigeria,” signed by Olakule Agbebi Esq for Olakule Agbebi & Co., was sent to the apex bank, warning it to desist from using the eNaira name.

The notice, which was sent on behalf of “ENAIRA PAYMENT SOLUTIONS LIMITED (RC 508500)” said the company has been incorporated since 7th April 2004, registered in class 36 and class 42.

The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Taiwo Obayomi Taiwo, while ruling on the case tagged: ENaira Payment Solutions Limited v. Central Bank of Nigeria (FHC/ABJ/CS/113/2021), ordered that the unveiling should proceed in the national interest and economic advancement.

The plaintiff had urged the court to stop the proposed launch of the digital currency because it is a threat to his business and shows willful infringement of the eNaira trademark.

The lead counsel to CBN, D. D. Dodo (SAN), had prayed the court to strike out the Plaintiff’s Motion Exparte seeking to restrain the launch of the Defendant’s digital currency in view of its significance to the nation’s economic advancement.

While the court declined to answer the prayer of striking out the plaintiff’s Motion Exparte, it ruled that the launch of the digital currency should proceed as it will facilitate economic advancement of the country. In addition, the court expressed the view that the aggrieved company stands the chance to be adequately compensated in damages.

However, the matter, which was adjourned to October 11, 2021 for further hearing, portrays a troubling situation for the Nigerian business ecosystem. It suggests that the Nigerian government or its parastatals may obtain the courts’ blessing to infringe on business trademarks or intellectual property, as long as it is done in ‘national interest’ and for ‘economic advancement’ of the country.

For a country in need of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the CBN, by this action, is inadvertently sending a message capable of spooking potential investors.