News

Nigeria to lead global telecoms policy as Tijani chairs ITU Council 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

April 28, 2026

Preport

“I am looking forward to leading discussions that are thoughtful, constructive and focused on impact,” he says. “At a time when technology is reshaping economies and societies at unprecedented speed, our task is to build a stronger, more responsive and future-ready ITU that works for every nation and every person.”

ITU Council focusing on critical issues shaping global technology ecosystem

Ahead of the meetings, Tijani says he has been engaging with senior ITU leadership, including Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas, to align priorities for the upcoming session.

“As I prepare to transition from my previous role as Vice Chair and start my term as Chair of the 2026 Council of the International Telecommunication Union, I have spent the last few days engaging with the ITU leadership team,” Tijani says.

Deliberations at the 2026 Council are expected to focus on critical issues shaping the global technology ecosystem, including broadband infrastructure, cybersecurity, spectrum management, interoperability standards and innovation policy.

“The Council sessions will consider priorities that will guide the Union’s next four-year strategic cycle, including inclusive and secure infrastructure, digital applications, spectrum use, global ICT interoperability and creating an enabling environment for innovation,” the Minister says.

Tijani adds that his objective is to steer practical, consensus-driven discussions that deliver measurable outcomes for member states.

Founded in 1865, the ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies, coordinating global radio spectrum, developing technical standards and advancing digital inclusion worldwide. While the Plenipotentiary Conference, next scheduled as ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), serves as its supreme decision-making body, the Council meets annually to oversee implementation of strategic and administrative priorities.

The 2026 Council session is particularly significant as it represents the final major governance platform ahead of the Union’s next leadership elections, where member states will decide on leadership positions and budgetary direction through to 2030.

Under the current cycle, discussions are anchored on the Connect 2030 Agenda, which is targeting the expansion of global connectivity and bridging the digital divide that continues to leave billions without meaningful internet access.

The agenda aligns with the ITU’s broader mandate, where governments and industry stakeholders collaborate on spectrum coordination, telecom standards and digital inclusion initiatives.

This year’s Council meeting is also convening at a critical juncture for the global ICT sector, as policymakers seek to balance rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, satellite communications, cross-border data flows and the need for resilient digital infrastructure.

Key performance targets under review include universal broadband coverage, affordable internet access, connectivity for schools and households, and expanded ownership of internet-enabled devices. Member states are also assessing progress on strengthening national cybersecurity frameworks through policies, emergency response teams and legislative instruments.

Beyond connectivity, the Council is expected to evaluate progress towards broader digital transformation goals for 2030, including closing gender, age and urban-rural digital divides, improving digital literacy, expanding internet adoption by businesses, increasing access to e-government services and leveraging ICT for climate and environmental sustainability.

Nigeria’s leadership of the 2026 ITU Council places the country at the centre of these global conversations, offering an opportunity to shape policy directions that will define the future of digital development across both emerging and advanced economies.

Health

Advocacy group urges govt to establish spinal cord injury rehabilitation facility

Published

52 minutes ago

May 20, 2026

Preport

The Spinal Cord Injuries Association Centre (SCIAN) has appealed to the Nigerian government to establish a dedicated hospital for the rehabilitation of those with spinal cord injuries.

Abdulwahab Matepo, the group’s president, spoke at a press conference on Wednesday in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.

Mr Matepo highlighted the neglect and lack of attention to rehabilitation issues in Nigeria despite the high incidence of spinal cord injuries due to road crashes, violence and other causes.

“I did my own (rehabilitation) in Germany. She (secretary) did hers in India. You have people like that. If you ask anybody who has done rehab, it’s either India, Germany, the UK, the US, or South Africa,” the disability rights advocate said.

“ There’s no simple rehab work facility for us in Nigeria.”

He noted that disability is a universal possibility that can impact any individual at any moment, highlighting the critical necessity for accessible rehabilitation services.

Spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, disrupting communication between the body and the brain. It damages the nerves in the spinal column, leading to varying degrees of permanent motor, sensory, and functional impairment.

To help survivors of violence, falls, and road traffic accidents in Nigeria regain their quality of life, comprehensive rehabilitation is essential. Such services are urgently needed to foster independence and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Government support

Mr Matepo noted that the government allocated some hectares of land to the group for the construction of a rehabilitation centre, but their involvement seems to end there.

He, however, noted that the Lagos State government has contributed by fencing the premises and landscaping, but the purpose of the land has yet to be achieved.

**The proposed land for the rehabilitation facility in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, within SCIAN premises**

According to Mr Matepo, adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury is difficult.

He noted that the absence of mental health resources and societal barriers to embracing this new reality exacerbate the risks of suicide and depression among survivors.

He explained that at the rehabilitation hospital, the spinal cord injury patients would undergo mental health, physical, occupational and vocational therapy, amongst others.

He said the physical therapy includes training in using wheelchairs and other assistive devices, which is often necessary but not always provided, while occupational therapy helps individuals learn new skills to maintain economic independence and community integration.

Mr Matepo added that mental health therapy is crucial for coping with the psychological impact of the injury, including depression, which is a significant issue amongst spinal cord injury survivors.

He also shared a personal experience of being advised to find ground-floor accommodation after he was discharged from the hospital, six months after the accident that left him wheelchair-bound.

Rehabilitation 20230 initiative, policy gap

The group’s president said that in 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a programme called ‘Rehabilitation 2030,’ and developed a tool to assess how each country is performing.

The initiative aims to recognise rehabilitation as an essential service and integrate it into the healthcare system.

“Recently, they were in Nigeria to deploy the tool, and what they found was far below expectations,” Mr Matepo said.

He noted that Nigeria lacks a rehabilitation policy and that rehabilitation is not mentioned in its health policy.

Rehabilitation centre overview

On his part, David Majekodunmi, an architect and consultant, emphasised the role of a rehabilitation centre in restoring dignity, rebuilding independence and creating hope for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

**David Majekodunmi, an architect and consultant, at the media briefing on Wednesday in Lagos**

Mr Majekodunmi noted that the proposed centre would feature a comprehensive range of facilities, including specialised spinal rehabilitation boards, physiotherapy and occupational therapy units, hydrotherapy and mobility training facilities, and vocational and skills-acquisition facilities.

News

Chelle Names Okonkwo, Osimhen in 25-Man Super Eagles Squad for Poland, Portugal Friendlies

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Preport

WhatsApp Image 2026 01 04 at 1.25.03 PM.jpeg

Head coach of the Nigeria national team, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 25-man squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in June 2026.

The Malian tactician selected a mix of established internationals and emerging talents as Nigeria continues preparations for future international competitions and qualification campaigns.

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Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo earned an invitation to the squad alongside prolific striker Victor Osimhen, who headlines the attacking options for the two high-profile encounters.

Regular Super Eagles stars including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey were also included in the squad.

The fixtures against Poland and Portugal are expected to provide important tests for Chelle as he continues to build his preferred squad and tactical identity ahead of competitive assignments.

Nigeria will take on Poland before facing Portugal in what are anticipated to be two major international friendlies against strong European opposition.

The games are also expected to offer opportunities for several fringe and new players to impress and cement regular places in the Super Eagles setup.

Super Eagles Squad for Poland, Portugal Friendlies

Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham, England)

Defenders:
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers, Scotland), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal)