BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for deeper collaboration, deliberate innovation, and productive interaction with the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) as well as key players across the wider industry to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Addressing participants at the 2026 NIGCOMSAT Satellite Week held in Abuja over the weekend, under the theme “Harnessing Space for an Extraordinary Nigeria,” the EVC, who was represented by Ms. Tokundo Oyeleye, noted that gatherings of this kind demonstrate the importance of joint efforts in driving national development.
He stated that the event serves as a meeting point for people and organisations whose dedication to creating a brighter future continues to shape the resilience and growth of Nigeria’s space and satellite sector. He further emphasized that satellite technology has become a vital pillar in the growth of the country’s digital infrastructure.
Maida said: “Its influence can be clearly seen in communications, national security, education, emergency response services, and overall technological advancement.
At the Nigerian Communications Commission, our core objective remains to ensure that these developments translate into real benefits by expanding access, improving service delivery, and opening up meaningful opportunities for Nigerians.
This commitment continues to shape our regulatory direction and guide our programmes. NigComSat’s role in organising this event demonstrates a common determination to position Nigeria more effectively within the global space industry.”
According to the EVC, the theme, “Harnessing Space Technology for an Extraordinary Nigeria,” captures a shared vision rooted in expertise, partnership, and continuous innovation.
“To the researchers, innovators, policymakers, engineers, and young talents in attendance, your efforts continue to influence the future of this sector.
Your commitment, knowledge, and visionary mindset remain essential to the advancement we desire. I am optimistic that the conversations and alliances built throughout this week will result in practical solutions that reinforce both our digital and space sectors.
On behalf of the Nigerian Communications Commission, I applaud NigComSat for providing a platform that promotes meaningful dialogue and solution-oriented collaboration.
We remain dedicated to supporting such initiatives with focus, determination, and unwavering confidence in Nigeria’s potential for development.
I wish everyone a successful and impactful Nigerian Satellite Week 2026. May the relationships formed here contribute to enduring progress for our nation.”
The Lagos State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs through coordinated and simultaneous operations targeting cultism and illegal arms proliferation across Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju areas of the State.
The operations resulted in the arrest of twenty-three suspected cultists, recovery of five (5) firearms and other incriminating exhibits.
During the operation in Ikorodu, four suspects were arrested following credible intelligence linking them to cult-related activities. Preliminary findings indicate links to the Buccaneers Confraternity (Sea Lords).
In Lagos Island, nine suspected cultists were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout. In Ilasan, five suspects in connection with a cult-related killing of one Emmanuel Obioson were arrested. In Okoko, one suspect with ties to the Eiye Confraternity was intercepted in possession of a firearm.
Similarly, in Ogba and Iju areas, the operations led to the arrest of four (4) suspects involved in illegal cult gatherings, assault, and other related violent crimes. Weapons used in the attacks were recovered, and victims are currently receiving medical attention.
The suspects are: Shina Wale ‘m’ 36yrs, Kehinde Kareem ‘m’ 18yrs, Mohammed Aileru ‘m’ 18yrs, Bada Mujeeb ‘m’ 18yrs, Salam Kosoko ‘m’ 30yrs, Yusuf Anjorin ‘m’ 19yrs, Quadri Abubakar ‘m’ 21yrs, Lateef Salako ‘m’ 18yrs, Fawaz Bello ‘m’ 30yrs, Oyesola Olalekan ‘m’ age 36yrs, Ubaka Justice ‘m’ age 36yrs, Emmanuel Obekpa ‘m’ age 36yrs, Sodiq Ademola ‘m’ age 36yrs, Balogun Taofeek ‘m’ 33yrs, Azeez Owolabi ‘m’ age 28yrs, Meshack Obini ‘m’ age 24yrs, Fabulous John ‘m’ age 25yrs, Promise Israel ‘m’ age 28yrs, Bright Aniedi ‘m’ age 27yrs, Familola Fikayo David ‘m’ age 24yrs, Akeem Olamilekan ‘m’ aka Magali age 43yrs, Muiz Oyedele ‘m’ age 20yrs, Hamzat Sadiq ‘n’ age 19yrs
The exhibits include: Five (5) locally made pistols, one (1) toy pistol, fifteen (15) live cartridges, three (3) expended cartridges, one (1) Police camouflage face cap, one (1) Army camouflage face cap, one (1) jack knife with the pouch.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes.
He urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information through the Command emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has officially commenced today across Nigeria, with more than 2.2 million candidates taking part in the nationwide assessment exercise.
The examination, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), began on Thursday April 16, at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide, as candidates sat for their scheduled sessions under strict supervision and updated examination guidelines.
JAMB disclosed that 2,243,816 candidates enrolled for this year’s examination, marking a 10.5 per cent rise compared to the 2.03 million candidates recorded in 2025.
To strengthen the credibility of the process, the board has introduced biometric authentication and live monitoring technology throughout the examination period.
According to JAMB, any candidate whose biometric data fails verification will be rescheduled for another date at designated centres.
Candidates were also instructed to print their examination notification slips from the official JAMB portal to confirm their exam dates, venue, and time, and to report at their centres at least one hour before their allotted session.
State-by-state registration data released by the board showed that Lagos State recorded the highest number of applicants with 381,814 candidates.
It was followed by Ogun with 137,156, Oyo with 122,662, Kaduna with 103,498, and the Federal Capital Territory with 102,961.