Telecommunications giant, MTN is currently embroiled in a protracted legal battle with a former top executive, Mr. Ahmad Farroukh over the non-payment of his severance package.

The burgeoning legal battle with MTN, which still lingers more than six-years after he had exited the company is seen as a typical case that highlights the challenges some employees face when seeking fair treatment in the corporate world.

Farroukh had served MTN meritoriously and without blemish. However, his post-employment journey has taken a different course, marred by what many believe is an avoidable dispute over Farroukh’s entitled End of Service benefits had MTN been more judicious. The End of Service benefits accrued during his years with MTN and were at the time of his employment carried by Investcom, which was bought by MTN in mid-2006.

Mr. Farroukh, renowned for his illustrious career within the MTN Group for 9 years, served as the CEO of both MTN Nigeria, MTN South Africa and as Group Chief Operating Executive; managing 19 Operations, achieving remarkable milestones in growth and profitability, including the unprecedented growth of MTN Nigeria’s subscriber base from nine to forty million during his tenure. He was also the GCOE of MTN Group, superintending over 19 operations, the bulk of which, thanks to his instrumentality, were profitable. However, his glorious years of service has unexpectedly been marred by disputation.

Invariably, the bone of contention, it was learnt, revolves around Farroukh’ s claim for End of Service benefits entitled to him upon separation from MTN, which is believed to be in seven digits. It has now been six years since Farroukh initiated legal proceedings against MTN but the company is said to have engaged in delay tactics and stalling of the expeditious resolution of the case.

Many keen watchers of the case suspect that MTN’s intentions might be to deliberately prolong the case with a view to wearing Farroukh down, thereby pushing him to give up on his quest for justice or to incur exorbitant legal costs capable of deterring his pursuit for justice.

However, it was gathered that despite these obstacles, Mr. Farroukh remains resolute and finally, the court case is scheduled for October 16^th 2023. It was further revealed that his unwavering commitment to holding MTN accountable for what he believes is his rightful due has garnered attention and support from fellow employees and industry observers alike. Many view this present case as a test of whether MTN, a company that promotes fairness and champions employee rights, can live up to its public image as a responsible corporate citizen.

Mr. Farroukh’s plight raises broader questions about corporate accountability and the treatment of employees, even in successful and prominent companies. Efforts to reach Farroukh for his comments were unsuccessful at the time of going to the press. Similar attempt to reach MTN for comments was futile. But our very reliable source confirmed that neither of the warring parties is prepared to sheath the sword. As the legal battle commences, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see if justice will ultimately prevail.

The consensus among ardent followers of development in this protracted court case is that wheels of justice grind slowly but surely.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has extended the deadline for submission of applications and entries into the 2023 Talent Hunt through Hackathon to Saturday, September 30, 2023.

To this end, the deadline for application/entries into the contest, which opened on September 1, 2023, and initially closed today (September 22, 2023), has now been extended to close on the last day of September 2023.

The approval of the extension window by the Commission is to give ample time for more prospective and viable startups to tidy up their solutions in the required format for submission as well as to enable more upcoming technology entrepreneurs to participate in the competition.

The talent hunt is one of the means through which the Commission gives concrete expression to its Strategic Vision Plan 2023-2025, by encouraging the development of new technologies and indigenous content through cutting-edge research to stimulate sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria.

Consequently, the Commission had invited the Tech Hubs, and Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) in Nigeria to enroll their start-ups and their solutions in the third edition of the NCC Talent Hunt Research through a Hackathon with a focus on three (3) thematic areas such as Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance; Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities, and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.

The NCC Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon leverages Emerging Digital Technologies to facilitate the development of home-grown innovative solutions and local content development in the telecommunications sector while fostering economic growth and social advancement in Nigeria.

The competition enables the translation of novel ideas into the development of hardware/software solutions that address industry and societal challenges. The best three solutions, one from each of the three areas listed above will receive grants of N10 million each for the development of the solutions.

The Commission has set out eligibility criteria for those seeking to participate in the competition, which include that the Enterprise applying must provide a certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Enterprise must not have previously received support from the Commission, the project should have clear relevance to one of the three thematic areas above, it must provide a clear problem statement, proposed solution, and roadmap to deployment.

Other requirements include a proof of concept (which may also include technical feasibility of the idea with diagram, algorithm, existing models, or case studies; the solution must be novel with the applicant making a declarative statement on ownership of the intellectual property, the solution including prototype development shall be concluded within 6 months of receipt of the Grant and must propose a detailed commercialization plan of the prototype.

The Entry Submission format indicated that the proposal must include ideation,

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and solution, Current Sweat Equity Investment, Product-Market Fit status, Verifiable Go-to-Market status, Growth Feasibility Assurances, Maturity Model and Timeliness; and Exist time: Disaster Recovery, where applicable

All applications should be made online and must follow the stipulated entry format and there is no financial cost to participating in the competition while full control and ownership of the intellectual property of the developed solutions remain with the Commission.

The entries must be made by a Tech Hub/Innovation-Driven Enterprise that must show evidence of the relationship with the Start-up/solution being entered, a 4-page Executive summary of the project concept, a 3-5 minute video of the pilot project, names, age, contact details, passport photos and profile of all team members and the website (if available) as well as an E-mail address of the applicant.

All interested and qualified enterprises should submit requested documents in a zip folder to https://ncc.gov.ng/talenthuntresearchhackathon2023 with the subject of the mail titled “Submission from <business name>” and the zipped file named after the business.

The Commission therefore wishes to notify members of the public that the deadline for sublimation has now been extended to September 30, 2023, when the application and enjoin the startup ecosystem to note their participation.

The Nigerian government has subscribed to a free and secure Internet for Africa, which is capable of bridging the digital divide and creating innovative opportunities within the continent.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who canvassed this position at the just-concluded Africa Internet Governance Forum at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to engendering necessary collaborations and international dialogues to achieve these objectives.

The Minister, who addressed the forum virtually, said Nigeria, as the largest telecommunications market in Africa, is conscious of all the dynamics of emerging technologies around Internet usage and would continue to work with countries in Africa on different fronts to ensure that the Internet is effectively governed so its innumerable resources can be leveraged for citizens and nation’s growth.

“The need for our consistent collaboration to develop our economy collectively is preeminent in the agenda of the current administration in Nigeria. It is through this kind of forum that we can bridge the digital divides, enhance cybersecurity, ensure digital rights and foster innovation. It is, therefore, our collective duty to ensure that the Internet remains open, safe and beneficial for all,” Tijani told parliamentarians and other participants from Africa who attended the forum in Abuja.

The Minister encouraged all the stakeholders to prioritise a collaborative approach to creating policies and strategies that will shape the future of the Internet in Africa, the future that will reflect Africa’s shared values, aspirations and diversity.

Tijani specially commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other agencies that constituted the Local Organising Committee (LOG), on behalf of the Nigerian government as well as all sponsors, for a successful 2023 AfIGF. The Minister was delighted that their effective planning and dedication to driving change in Africa’s digital future is commendable.

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who, at the opening and closing ceremony of the event as well as in panel discussions, provided insights on NCC’s commitment to driving a secure Internet ecosystem in Nigeria through various regulatory initiatives. Danbatta stated that Nigeria has attained tremendous growth in broadband penetration, basic Internet usage, and voice subscriptions and recorded impressive contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The NCC CEO said that, as Nigeria hosted this year’s edition of the AfIGF, the country was focused on sharing experiences with other sister nations in Africa as well as learning from the AfIGF parliamentarians from Africa who gathered at the forum to collectively drive the frontiers of the ideals of proper utilization of Internet resources to promote socio-economic development on the African continent.

Chief of the Section on Innovation and Technology at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Dr. Mactar Seck, thanked the NCC and all entities of government that provided support and played a great role in ensuring the success of the event, said with a forum such as the AfIGF, African nations can continue to aggregate views that allow them to speak with one voice to get greater benefits for African economic development.

“I sincerely thank the EVC of the NCC, Prof. Danbatta, who is playing a great role in the development of digital technology in Nigeria. I also appreciate the AfIGF Secretary General, other sister agencies, and the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) that made the event successful,” he said.

Also speaking at the weeklong event, the Secretary of the African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance, Honourable Samuel George of Ghana, called for free Internet “that is inclusive, safe and secured for all citizens of Africa.” He said this can only be achieved through collaborative effort by coming together to build an inclusive Africa.

“For Africa to be self-sufficient, it must create an enabling environment and laws and provide digital infrastructures for young innovators to strive. This will, in turn, promote indigenous and local content development in technological development,” George said.

This year’s edition of the AfIGF with the theme: “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security and Innovation”, which took place at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, provided yet another veritable platform for African countries to discuss germane issues that will pave the way for the development of a more robust digital economy in the continent.

Meanwhile, after the event, a communique was issued detailing resolutions made at the event and concrete recommendations, based on which Danbatta urged the participants to ensure effective implementations when they return to their respective countries ahead of next year’s forum.

Before the AfIGF, which started from September 19-23, 2023, the 11th Africa School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG), took place from September 13-18, 2023 and was facilitated by the Association for Progressive Communications, the Africa Union, Research ICT Africa, the Africa Parliamentary Track and the United Nations-IGF Secretariat and the Africa Youth IGF.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in keeping with its responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources, has announced new numbering format for fixed lines.

In the process, Nigeria’s Fixed-Lines Numbering Format has changed from eight digits to 10 digits by just adding “02” prefix before existing fixed number.

The Commission hereby informs the public of the changes and also clarifies that existing numbers will continue to operate concurrently till the cut-over date of December 31, 2023. From January 1, 2024, the new numbering format beginning with “02” prefix will be operational.

In other words, the old and new number formats are allowed to run concurrently till the cut-over date (December 31, 2023). Thereafter (from January 1, 2024), the new fixed-lines format will assume full recognition across all networks.

For example, in the new order, to dial the hitherto existing number, 09461700, please dial 02094617000.

Additional examples are: For Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano’s current number format of 014630643, 094630643, 084460643 and 064460643, will now be 02014630643, 02094630643, 02084460643 and 02064460643 respectively in the new numbering format.

However, it is important to note that the change only affects the Fixed Telephone Numbers. There is NO CHANGE to the existing mobile numbering format.

The announcement is made to give expression to a key responsibility of the NCC and it is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations arm supervising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

HP Inc. has unveiled groundbreaking findings from its first HP Work Relationship Index, a comprehensive study that explores employees’ relationships with work around the world.

The study, which surveyed more than 15,600 respondents across various industries in 12 countries, reveals the world’s relationship with work is at a breaking point – and its effects are pervasive.

“There is a huge opportunity to strengthen the world’s relationship with work in ways that are both good for people and good for business,” said Enrique Lores, President and CEO, HP Inc.

“As leaders, we must always reject the false choice between productivity and happiness. The most successful companies are built on cultures that enable employees to excel in their careers while thriving outside of work.”

The study analysed 50+ aspects of people’s relationships with work, including the role of work in their lives, their skills, abilities, tools and workspaces, and their expectations of leadership.

The study also examined the impact work has on employee well-being, productivity, engagement and culture. Through this, HP developed its Work Relationship Index, which is a measure of the world’s relationship with work to be tracked over time. It found that just 27% of knowledge workers currently have a healthy relationship with work.

Unhealthy Relationships with Work Are Impacting Employees’ Mental, Emotional, and Physical Well-being 

In this first-of-its-kind study, HP engaged with business leaders, IT decision makers, and knowledge workers to gain insights into the factors that drive meaningful, productive, and purposeful work experiences. The findings spotlight the negative impacts an unhealthy relationship with work has on an employee’s life and an employer’s business.

When employees are not happy with their relationship with work, it takes a toll on business:

Morale and Engagement: Knowledge workers report less productivity (34%), more disengagement at work (39%) and greater feelings of disconnection (38%). 

Retention: Even when employees feel neutral about their relationship with work, more than 71% consider leaving the company. When they’re not happy at all, that number rises to 91%.  

Unhealthy relationships with work can impact employees’ well-being:

Mental: More than half (55%) of these employees struggle with their self-worth and mental health, reporting low self-esteem and feeling like they are a failure.

Emotional: These issues naturally affect other aspects of their lives, with 45% noting that their personal relationships with friends and family suffer, and more than half (59%) are too drained to pursue their personal passions.

Physical: Mental and emotional health can make it harder to maintain physical well-being. 62% of employees report trouble with maintaining healthy eating, working out and getting sufficient sleep.  

Identifying the Drivers Behind a Healthy Relationship with Work 

Employees’ expectations of work have changed significantly, particularly over the past two-to-three years, according to nearly 60% of respondents. Fifty-seven percent surveyed noted their expectations of how they are treated at work and in the workplace also have increased.

The research examined more than 50 factors contributing to a healthy relationship with work, identifying six core drivers that represent critical focus areas – and key imperatives – for business leaders, and comprise the Index that will be tracked over time.

1. Fulfillment: Employees yearn for purpose, empowerment, and genuine connection to their work, but just 29% of knowledge workers currently experience these aspects consistently. To adapt to evolving workforce expectations, businesses must prioritize employee fulfillment through increased voice and agency.
2. Leadership: New ways of working demand new leadership styles, according to 68% of business leaders; yet only one in five workers feel leaders have evolved their leadership styles accordingly.  Cultivating emotional intelligence and transparent, empathetic leadership is crucial for today’s workplace.
3. People-centricity:Only 25% of knowledge workers consistently receive the respect and value they feel they deserve, and even fewer are experiencing the flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance they seek. To address this, leaders must put visible emphasis on putting people first and placing their teams at the center of decision-making.
4. Skills:While 70% of knowledge workers value strong power and technical skills, only 31% feel consistently confident in their proficiency in either. ‘Best-practice’ businesses have an opportunity to gain a vital skills-development and employee engagement edge by investing in holistic training and support.
5. Tools: Today’s workers want a say in the technology and tools their employer provides –and want that technology to be inclusive.However, confidence that companies will implement the right tools to support hybrid work is low, at just 25%. No longer just a utility, the technology portfolio is emerging as an important driver of employee engagement, as well as connection and enablement.
6. Workspace:Knowledge workers want a seamless experience as they move between work locations – and a choice in where they work each day. Effective hybrid workspaces, easy transitions, flexibility and autonomy will be pivotal in demonstrating trust in employees and fostering a positive work experience.

Trust and Emotional Connection Are Now Key in Attracting and Retaining Workers  

The Work Relationship Index shows that this is a pivotal time to redefine the world’s relationships with work. Greater trust and emotional connection in the workplace were strong and recurring themes across the six core drivers.

Almost three in four business leaders acknowledge that emotionally intelligent leadership is the only way a leader can be successful going forward. Significantly, the study found that emotional intelligence – and increased trust and agency – hold considerable weight with employees: 83% say they’re willing to earn less money to find an employer that values these factors.

Strong workplace culture: Knowledge workers would take an 11% pay cut to work somewhere with empathetic, emotionally intelligent leadership, and above-average employee engagement and fulfillment.

Flexibility: The same group would give up 13% of their salary to work somewhere that lets them work where or when they want.

9mobile has announced the appointment of John Vasikaran as its Chief Operations Officer.  Vasikaran is joining a reinvigorated leadership team as part of the strong commitment by the board and management to aggressively repositions for growth and transformation.

He brings to 9mobile a wealth of experience, with more than 20 years in the African telecommunications industry. In his role as Chief Operations Officer, he will provide strategic leadership for the operations across Technical, IT, Sales, Commercial Planning, Customer Care, Marketing Communications, and PMO in line with the current trends and EMTS’ strategic vision.

His most recent role was Director of Business Development and Sales for Ribbon Communications, which provides software, IP, and optical networking solutions for service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure sectors. There, he played a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation.

On the appointment of the new Chief Operations Officer, 9mobile CEO Juergen Peschel stated:

“We are thrilled to welcome Vasikaran to the 9mobile family. His extensive experience, especially in Nigeria and Africa, makes him the ideal leader to steer our operations in line with current industry trends and our strategic vision. We believe that with his addition, 9mobile will continue to provide world-class services to our valued customers.”

Speaking on his appointment, Vasikaran said:

“It gives me great joy to join 9mobile, a visionary brand and trailblazer in the telecommunications industry. I look forward to working with the team towards maintaining its position as a leading telecommunications provider in Nigeria, and also seeking new ways to drive growth and meet the evolving needs of our customers while staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the telecommunications sector”.

Educated at prestigious institutions, Vasikaran holds a Master’s in Business Analytics with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Harvard Business School, USA.

He also possesses a Master of Business Administration degree with a dual focus on Finance and Marketing, a Master of Social Sciences degree in Industrial Psychology, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree, all earned at Loyola College, Chennai, India.