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Can WiFi 6 ignite a new industry story?
By Okoh Aihe
THE Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies which held in Lagos on September 19, 2024, as a precursor to the coming of WIFI 6, has animated industry discussions on the beautiful shape of things to come.
It is a new world out there and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, with necessary approvals from the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, has planned to formally introduce the technology to the nation but not before following its long laid down procedure of public consultation.
The forum was themed: “The Use of GHz (5925-7125)MHz for WiFi 6 and IMT applications in Nigeria”.
Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, ECTS, who stood in for Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, of the NCC, called the gathering a tradition which provides a platform for the regulator to consult with operators, investors, customers and other relevant stakeholders to examine, share and constructively exchange ideas to ensure optimal utilisation of the benefits of the spectrum to achieve regulatory excellence and operational efficiency.
There was so much to talk about, especially the significance of the deploying WiFi 6 in the lower band 6GHz Spectrum Band, specifically between the range 5925 and 6425 MHz. WiFi 6 represents a quantum leap in wireless technology as it offers the opportunity to support more devices with faster speed and greater reliability.
The regulator told its audience that the development is “particularly very strategic in a world increasingly dominated by the Internet of Things, IoT, where everything, from smart homes to advanced industrial systems, depends on robust wireless connectivity. The deployment in the lower 6GHz is not just about faster Internet, it’s about enabling the next generation of technological innovation and economic growth.”
What the regulator was putting on offer was like a trophy torch from WRC-23. The continent, in taking a long view at future technologies, prepared hard for the conference and was rewarded even beyond measures. There was literally a battle between WiFi and IMT with the earlier enjoying a clear victory which also meant victory for the continent to introduce WiFi 6 for extensive use.
“Prior to the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference, African Telecommunications Union, ATU, had already concluded its decision on the 6GHz Spectrum Band and recommended that administrations in Africa adopt the lower 6GHz for WIFi-6 applications. This decision was taken to WRC-23 and at the end of the day, Africa came out victorious,” Oshadami said.
This writer was told that the band is for unlicensed use, meaning that users don’t have to obtain licences from, or pay any licence fee to the regulator, except to follow the laid down regulations just to ensure discipline in operations and avoid chaos and arbitrariness. Its introduction is expected to excite the industry and activate greater connectivity.
Nigeria is not alone in this journey or let me say the Africa Region has only tried to secure something that has facilitated connectivity in other parts of the world. For instance, the United States Federal Communications Commission, FCC, approved the opening of the 6-GHz band for unlicensed use in the United States in April 2020.
The move demands that the FCC frees1200 MHz bandwidth for use by WiFi 6E devices, which feature an extra radio that lets them communicate in the 6-GHz band. The 6-GHz offers more than twice as much WiFi bandwidth as the 5-GHz band. The FCC plan is to encourage wireless innovation and support smart homes and offices and expanding the Internet of Things, IoT.
Other countries and regulatory bodies already delivering 6GHz unlicensed spectrum to their residents, according to a CISCO report, include Chile, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Without doubt, this is a good company to keep. And I am sure the stakeholders who gathered in Lagos will already be looking forward to how they can deploy WiFi 6 spectrum to change the story of their world. I will not try to compare the rate and level of connectivity in any of the countries listed above. However, NCC seems pumped up to want to change the level of connectivity, and even quality of networks with its latest move.
An industry source explained that there will be more Internet connectivity which may even profit the mobile operators. When there is congestion on the network, the source explained, the operators will simply offload on the WiFi. Besides, there will be wider availability of Internet for the ordinary folks, even as it will be much easier for people to deploy WiFi in parks and other public places.
Making a compelling case for WiFi in an article, Connecting to the Future with 6GHz WiFi, published in September, 2023, Alex Roytblat, Vice President, Worldwide Regulatory Affairs, WiFi Alliance, wrote: “The significance of Wi-Fi will only increase with the next generation of wireless connectivity, as future use cases will require computational resources and connectivity that are hundreds, if not thousands, times faster than current International Mobile Telecommunications, IMT, applications.
“Next-generation connectivity will command immersive experiences such as virtual, augmented, and extended-reality, VR/AR/XR, wearable tech, artificial intelligence, AI, telehealth, industrial automation, the Internet of Things, IoT, and 3D-video,” he said.
While Roytblat submitted that the 6GHz WiFi was already delivering real socio-economic benefits in many countries; he also observed that the diverse and growing product ecosystem for 6 GHz Wi-Fi fits perfectly with broadband objectives in developed and developing countries — and without disrupting incumbent operations.
The NCC obviously will enjoy this point of view.
WiFi connectivity has more to do with speed, reliability and cost; the regulator has said that this will come at no cost but just regulations to enable responsible behaviour from users.
For the industry people who are used to paying for nearly everything they get from the regulator, including services, this may sound like strange music. Gbenga Adebayo, the ALTON President, told this writer within the week, that WiFi 6 is a positive development for the industry. It presents a win-win situation where everybody benefits as it will impact easy deployment, availability and service cost, even as more and more devices get connected. It is obviously a good turn for the industry, he observed.
The taste of the pudding, they say, is in the eating. So, NCC, when is WiFi 6 coming on stream? Our much maligned younger generation will be interested in the answer. Or will this be another story of Waiting for Godot?
By Nicolas Leighton
In the journey of building a successful business, many entrepreneurs find themselves wearing every hat-juggling sales, operations, customer service, and beyond. But as the business grows, so does the need for a team and with it, a new challenge emerges :learning to let go.
For many business owners, delegation feels like a risk. There’s a fear that employees won’t meet the high standards set by the founder-often for good reason. After all, no one is likely to match the owner’s passion or commitment. But real growth demands more than personal efforts’, it requires a team that not only supports the vision but is empowered to help drive it forward.
The secret to successful delegation lies not in simply offloading tasks, but in transforming team members into strategic contributors. Here’s how smart entrepreneurs are doing it.
Share the vision – and the “Why” Behind it
Leadership is more than issuing directives ‘, it’s about aligning everyone with a common purpose. Business owners must go beyond surface – level goals and communicate the deeper mission that drives their decisions. When teams understand the purpose behind the work and see how their roles fit into the broader vision – they become more invested in the outcome.
One way to do this is through transparency. Sharing key business data, including Financials and performance metrics can foster trust and give employees context for their efforts. It shifts their perspective from executing tasks to being part of a bigger journey
Empower, Don’t Micromanage
Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of micromanagement, believing it’s the only way to maintain quality. But micromanaging stiles innovation and undermines trust. Instead of assigning isolated tasks,business leaders should hand over full processes or projects, allowing team members to take ownership from start to finish.
Delegation should be outcome – based – focused on the result rather than the method.
This approach gives employees the freedom to make decisions within clear boundaries. For example, managers might be empowered to approve expenses up to a certain limit, encouraging initiative without losing oversight.
Equally important is preventing “reverse delegation”, where problems are handed back up to the owner. Instead, leaders should encourage solution – oriented thinking, promoting staff to propose answers rather than than rely on top – down problem – solving.
Incentivize Impact
Passion can’t be expected without purpose – and a paycheck alone rarely ignites high engagement. Motivation a team means understanding what drives them individually. While financial incentives like bonuses or profit-sharing can be effective , non-monetary rewards such as flexible work hours, additional time off or professional growth opportunities can be equally compelling.
Each employee is different. and it’s the leader’s job to identify what motivates their team and align incentives with company goals.
Build a Culture of Feedback
Delegation is a dynamic skill that improves over time through open dialogue. When expectations aren’t met, it’s often due to unclear instructions or lack of resources – not incompetence. Rather than abandoning delegation after one poor result, leaders should establish regular feedback loops. Constructive conversation helps clarify expectations and refine processes for better outcomes.
Ultimately, delegation isn’t just a management tactic – it’s a leadership necessity. It takes practice, patience, and sometimes outside support. Working with a business coach can provide the perspective and strategies needed to delegate effectively and lead with confidence.
In today’s fast – moving business world, the most successful entrepreneurs aren’t those who do it all themselves – they’re the ones who build teams capable of thinking and acting with ownership. When done right, delegation doesn’t just lighten the load – it multiplie the impact.
By Prof. Benedict Binebai
Oporoza, sacred heart of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, pulsates with ancient rhythms and whispers of the past. This hallowed town, steeped in mystique, beckons travellers to partake in its vibrant traditions and customs. As a cultural lodestar, Oporoza draws seekers of knowledge and wisdom, offering a glimpse into the soul of the Gbaramatu people.
Born from the ashes of military invasion, Oporoza stands as a testament to the resilience of a community that refused to be silenced. Its people, driven by a fierce determination to resist political oppression, economic exploitation, and environmental degradation, rose from the ruins to reclaim their heritage and rebuild their lives.
Right now, at the Amaseikumor Festival, the air is alive with the beat of drums, the sway of traditional dance, and the warmth of hospitality. Visitors are enveloped in a world of artisanal splendour, where local crafts and cuisine weave a tale of resilience and creativity. The Gbaramatu Kingdom’s heritage reveals the community’s unyielding spirit, a symphony of myth and legend that echoes through the ages of history and culture.
At the Oporoza sacred spaces, history and myth converge, revealing the mysteries of a people bound to their land and traditions. The town’s cultural gravity warps time and space, drawing all who enter into its orbit of wonder and discovery. As a keeper of ancient tales and customs, Oporoza stands sentinel, guarding the essence of the Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Leadership and Legacy
At the heart of Oporoza’s resurgence is High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, a prince of the esteemed Okenrenkoko ruling house of Gbaramatu As a spiritual master of the revered ancient Agadagba status, Chief Ekpemupolo embodies the wisdom, strength, and charisma that have guided his people through generations.
His leadership has been instrumental in fostering prosperity, peace, and cultural revival in Oporoza. Through his vision and dedication, the community has experienced a renaissance with a renewed focus on traditional values, arts, and heritage.
As a symbol of hope and resilience, Chief Ekpemupolo’s legacy continues to inspire and unite the people of Gbaramatu, ensuring the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage endures for generations to come.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Chief Government Ekpemupolo’s vision for the annual cultural festival strongly expresses his deep love for Ijaw tradition and identity. By celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, he aims to spiritually reconnect with the past, honouring the ancestors and traditions that have shaped the community.
Through this magnus opus, Chief Ekpemupolo seeks to share the values of Ijaw tradition with the world, promoting love, kindness, and oneness. The festival transcends revenue generation, focusing on cultural exchange, education, and mutual understanding.
It’s an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to experience the vibrant culture of the Gbaramatu Kingdom. By taking Ijaw tradition to the global arena, Chief Ekpemupolo’s initiative fosters greater appreciation and respect for the community’s heritage.
The festival becomes a platform for intercultural dialogue, enriching both the local community and global audiences. Through this celebration, Chief Ekpemupolo’s vision of love, kindness, and oneness resonates worldwide.
May Oporoza’s cultural flame continue to burn bright, illuminating the path for generations to come, and may its people forever thrive, their heritage, a beacon of hope and identity in a rapidly changing world.
By Prof. Benedict Binebai
As the celestial drums of the gods beat in harmony with the rhythmic waves of the Niger Delta, the Amaseikumor Fiesta awakens, summoning all from the four cardinal po8nts to witness the grandeur of Gbaramatu’s rich cultural heritage! Come and behold the majestic procession of colourful masquerades, the symbolic embodiment of the ancestral spirits that guard the kingdom.
The Amaseikumor fiesta is here again, Immerse yourself in the splendour of Gbaramatu and the ijaw nation. a resplendent celebration of Gbaramatu’s rich cultural heritage!
Come and witness the majestic procession of colourful masquerades, the rhythmic cadence of traditional drums, and the vibrant display of ancestral worship.
Be moved by the primal essence of the Ijaw course through your veins as you revel in the grandeur of this ancient kingdom.
Do not hesitate to be present to unveil the mystique ofAmaseikumor Festival by stepping into the enchanting realms of Festival, where the veil and physical realms of spiritual worlds is lifted!
You will marvel at the elaborate rituals, the symbolic dances, and the reverent homage paid to the gods of the land. As the festival’s primal energy courses through the air, you will be transported to a world of ancient wisdom, mystical power, and timeless beauty.
Get ready to be electrified by Amaseikumor Oge, Gbaramatu’s most screened and anticipated cultural extravaganza! This spectacular celebration is a symphony of colours, sounds, and rhythms that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. From the pulsating beats of the drums to the dazzling display of traditional attire, every moment of this festival is an aesthetic and spiritual establishment of the indomitable spirit and creative genius of the Gbaramatu people.
Join the legendary journey of discovery of Amaseikumor Festival where the ancient traditions and mystical energies of Gbaramatu await your arrival!. As you navigate the festival’s vibrant landscape, you will encounter a rich fabric of cultural practices, time-honoured rituals, and warm hospitality. The rise and fall of the pleasant sea waves, the pacific wind, and the melody of earthly sounds are erected to welcome you. Whether you are a curious traveller, a cultural enthusiast, a prince of tourism or simply a seeker of new experiences, this festival promises to be an unforgettable journey of discovery and enchantment.