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

Published

2 months 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.

News

Ekiti 2026: Re-elect Oyebanji for second term – Tinubu tells residents

Published

4 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Preport

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.

Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.

The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.

He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.

Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.

“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.

Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.

Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.

APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.

A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.

He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.

News

Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

Published

6 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Preport

Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.

Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.

Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.

During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.

The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.

His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.

Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.

The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.

For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.

Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.

With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.