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‘No research links 5G to COVID-19’, communication minister reassures

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The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami has again dismissed the fear of Nigerians, saying that he is not aware of any research linking the dreaded virus with 5G.

The minister spoke while featuring as a guest on Channels TV News programme.

Pantami, who was asked to respond to the concern of Nigerians who are worried about the safety of 5G network following the Demo trial of November 2019 in Abuja, said he is yet to see any research by any of the international and professional bodies linking 5G and COVID-19 as being speculated in some quarters.

He noted that during the Demo trial conducted on 25th November 2019 on 5G network, MTN did not use the spectrum of 5G, but did the trial using the spectrum of 4G not 5G because federal government does not acquire infrastructure for any company in telecoms.

‘‘We have always taken decision based on opinion of experts on research. We have many health and telecommunications world bodies. I am yet to see any research by any of these professional bodies like ITU and others about 5G and COVID-19. These are bodies that accommodate our experts in this field globally.

‘‘We have these professional bodies which make research on this and other related matters. During the trial I personally invited about 16 institutions and also directed NCC to invite other stakeholders. With experts we have so far, the recommendation will accommodate many experts when it comes to a matter like this.

‘‘When you want to do trial, you must involve stakeholders. During the trial based on the report that came to me from NCC, they only used the spectrum of 4G and even the spectrum of 5G is the same with radio frequency and it has not been released for anybody for 5G.’’

He insisted that there was no cause for alarm since no 5G license had been issued and advised Nigerians not be worried because no spectrum of 5G has been issued and no approval given to any operator to deploy 5G, insisting that government would only take a final decision based on experts’ recommendations.

‘‘We as a government do not speak based on speculations, but based on facts and figures and inputs from experts within the fields and not rely on speculations.

‘‘It was because of this that when the issue of COVID-19 emerged, the first thing government did was to advise people not to speak unnecessarily but to allow experts in the field to speak.’’

‘‘Because of this, Nigerians should not be worried because no licence for 5G has been issued; no spectrum of 5G has been issued; no approval given to any operator to deploy 5G.

‘‘This decision will be taken after research. We are taking our time, many countries deployed 5G in UK, Germany, South Korea, India and South Africa and Lesotho. Now Uganda and Kenya are working on deploying 5G.

‘‘In Nigeria, we know our constitution. Because of this, we are not in any way rushing until after extensive investigation, so that we will be able to come out with something tangible.’’

When asked to comment on where 5G falls within the range of iodized and non-iodized frequencies, the minister said: ‘‘During trial you can used the spectrum of one generation to test another one. The 4G, 3G and 2G have been in existence till today. During the trial, I personally did it.’’

On what was found from the trial, Pantami said federal government awaits the recommendations of a team of experts assigned to study on it and submit their findings before taking a final decision on whether to deploy issue 5G licence in Nigeria or not.

‘‘The trial has been concluded since, and the NCC has been working on the report collecting recommendations, observations, and constructive criticism from stakeholders who wish to do so. From that report, government will take a position.

‘’During the trial, we invited stakeholders, security institutions and many more. After the trial, we have given them a challenge to come up with recommendations that will guide government to take decision on whether to deploy 5G or not. That recommendations will be accommodated in the regulatory instrument to be developed by NCC.

‘‘So far, the report is yet to reach me. When the report comes to me, we will review it and make our position known and very clear and we will see it. Right now, we don’t take decisions based on speculations. As it is now, we don’t take decisions based on speculations.’’

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NEWS

Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin’s Generous Act: Donates Over 30 Million Naira to Help Alleviate Soaring Food Prices in Nigeria (Watch Video)

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Billionaire prophet and General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry in Warri, Delta State, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, has given out over N30 million in charity to reduce the current economic crisis faced by the masses.

In a viral video on social media, Fufeyin, known for his philanthropic gestures, was seen giving out wads of cash to church members to ameliorate the rising price of food items in the country.

The humanitarian effort has caught the attention of netizens, capturing the hearts of many amid the current challenging times.

Fufeyin has emerged as a beacon of hope by extending a remarkable gesture of kindness towards struggling church members even as he stressed the need for well-meaning Nigerians to help assuage the challenges of the masses.

This spontaneous and substantial donation not only alleviated immediate concerns but also underscored Fufeyin’s deep empathy for those affected by economic hardship.

The response to Fufeyin’s act of benevolence has been overwhelmingly positive, with Nigerians taking to social media platforms to commend his compassion and selflessness. Amidst a climate of economic uncertainty and rising living costs, Fufeyin’s initiative has resonated deeply, sparking discussions about the importance of generosity and communal support during trying times.

Fufeyin expressed his motivation for the donation, citing a desire to alleviate the suffering of his church members and fellow Nigerians in tangible ways.

He emphasised the necessity of collective action in addressing societal challenges and urged others, particularly those in positions of influence, to contribute towards uplifting the less fortunate.

The impact of Fufeyin’s philanthropy extends beyond financial assistance, serving as a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change when individuals leverage their resources for the greater good of all.

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Entertainment

Big Dreams, is set to release his debut Single’s , ‘Vanity & Painful On January 26th

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Delta State Born Singer, Big Dreams, is set to release his debut album,My Way ‘,’Coming Soon.

With they announcement of his two singles which are set to be released on 26 January 2024.

In the digital era of Afrobeats, the music superstar, Big Dreams, has established a name for himself thanks to a succession of great singles and collaborations.

They man of they moment has done great works, therefore this album will set a pathway to Greatness.

The musician made this announcement via his Twitter account. He characterized the album as everything he desires and all he stands for.

 

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Entertainment

Legendary singer, Kathy Brown diagnosed with stage four lung cancer

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Legendary house music singer, Kathy Brown has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer with the disease spreading to her brain.

The American singer, 63, known for songs including Turn Me Out (Turn to Sugar) and Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own) was diagnosed late last year after being admitted to ICU in her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina.

Doctors performed surgery to try and reduce swelling in Brown’s brain – with the star currently undergoing a course of radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

Kathy’s daughter Chanta Joyner has set up a GoFundMe to fund medical expenses and monthly bills for the family.

Chanta wrote: ‘As the news is only just sinking in we are already facing the harsh reality of what this means for my mother – not only the physical and medical challenges but also the many financial ones.

‘Like most artists who have devoted their careers to dance music, without being able to perform LIVE there’s little to no chance of earning an income. My mother has poured her heart and soul onto stages and dance floors all over the world for more than thirty years, and now she needs your love and support more than ever.

‘My siblings and I are going to do everything we can to take care of her, but the costs we are facing with medical expenses and monthly bills are overwhelming.

‘My mom deserves the best care and comfort that money can buy. I know that she has thousands of fans all over the world who adore her voice and her beautiful spirit.

‘Please consider contributing to assist Kathy and get her through the weeks and months ahead. The London-based record label ‘Revival’ that she has recently been working with has offered to match contributions up to $10,000.

‘Let’s show my mom that the dance music community really is an extended family who keep each other lifted not only in the good times but the hard times too. Thank you for the love, support and many messages that you have been posting and sending to Kathy. I promise you that she sees every single one, and they mean so very much to her.

Brown originally found fame as the chart-topping lead singer of the group Praxis before having US dance hits on her own.

In 1999 she climbed to #4 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart with Joy and in 2004 was the credited lead vocalist on the British act Soul Central’s Strings Of Life (Stronger On My Own), a track that samples Rhythm Is Rhythm’s 1989 House classic.

Over the years she featured on dozens of house and club singles.

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