Chief Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, an aspirant for the Ondo North Senatorial District, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pa Erastus Oludolapo Akeju, a respected elder statesman and former Commissioner for Works in Ondo State.

The death of Pa Akeju marks the loss of a prominent political figure whose contributions to governance and public infrastructure helped shape development in the state over several decades.

In a statement, Ajipe described the late politician as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to Ondo State remained unwavering throughout his life.

“Pa Akeju’s wealth of experience, wise counsel, and exemplary leadership earned him the respect and admiration of generations of leaders and citizens alike,” Ajipe said.

“Ondo State has indeed lost one of its finest patriots whose legacy will continue to inspire many.”

Why His Death Matters

Pa Akeju was widely known in political circles for his service as Commissioner for Works, a role in which he contributed to infrastructure development across Ondo State.

Beyond his time in office, he remained active in civic and political affairs, offering guidance and mentorship to younger leaders and maintaining a strong interest in the state’s development.

Political observers say the passing of elder statesmen such as Akeju represents the loss of institutional memory and experience at a time when many states are seeking to balance continuity with generational leadership transition.

Legacy of Public Service

Ajipe noted that the late politician’s contributions extended beyond government appointments.

According to him, Akeju’s commitment to public service, integrity, and community development earned him widespread respect among political stakeholders and ordinary citizens.

“The political icon’s remarkable contributions to public infrastructure and his continued civic engagement have left an indelible mark on Ondo State’s development trajectory,” the statement said.

His influence, supporters say, can still be seen in infrastructure projects and governance initiatives that benefited communities across the state.

Condolences to Family and Ondo People

Ajipe extended condolences to the Akeju family, friends, associates, and residents of Ondo State mourning the elder statesman.

“I pray that Almighty God grants the family the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss, and that He comforts everyone mourning this great statesman. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

Industry and Public Perspective

Political analysts note that tributes from emerging and established leaders alike reflect the impact Pa Akeju had across different generations of Ondo politics.

Residents and stakeholders are expected to remember him for his role in public administration, infrastructure development, and his reputation as a voice of experience in state affairs.

What Next?

Details regarding funeral arrangements and official memorial activities are expected to be announced by the family and relevant stakeholders in the coming days.

As tributes continue to pour in, many political leaders and community groups are likely to reflect on Pa Akeju’s contributions to governance and development in Ondo State.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that mobile network operators are planning to deploy more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites across the country as part of efforts to improve network quality, expand broadband access and support Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

The announcement was contained in a communiqué issued after the 109th meeting of the NCC Governing Board held on May 25, 2026.

The Board said the planned infrastructure rollout forms part of ongoing investments by telecommunications operators to improve network coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of service experienced by consumers nationwide.

According to the communiqué, more than 5,000 of the planned sites have already been completed, representing over 40% of the targeted rollout.

The Board also noted that fibre connectivity has been extended to more than 700 network sites, while infrastructure-sharing companies have upgraded equipment across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to strengthen network resilience and service reliability.

Why It Matters

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has become a critical driver of economic growth, digital innovation, financial inclusion and government services.

With data consumption continuing to rise rapidly, industry stakeholders have repeatedly warned that existing infrastructure may struggle to meet future demand without significant investment.

The NCC said expanded network infrastructure is expected to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, enhance service quality and support the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy through digital transformation.

More Than 75 Million Subscribers Receive Compensation

The Board reviewed the implementation of consumer-focused directives requiring mobile network operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor quality of service in locations where regulatory standards were not met.

According to the NCC, full compliance with the directive has resulted in compensation being offered to more than 75 million affected subscribers.

The Commission said it is continuing efforts to independently validate operators’ claims and ensure that all eligible consumers receive the compensation due to them.

The Board also encouraged subscribers to continue engaging with the regulator on service quality issues.

“Full compliance with the Commission’s directive has resulted in compensation being offered to over 75 million affected subscribers.”

Fibre Expansion Key to Future Connectivity

The NCC Board accepted a report on data consumption trends and observed that increasing demand for internet services is being constrained by limited infrastructure capacity, heavy dependence on mobile internet connectivity and duplication of assets.

The Board noted significant growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) adoption, with subscriber numbers rising from 84,141 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 subscribers by the following quarter.

According to the Commission, broader access to wholesale fibre infrastructure and expanded metropolitan fibre networks will help connect more homes and businesses to fixed broadband services.

The regulator believes this approach could lower long-term connectivity costs, improve network resilience and create conditions for more affordable retail data services.

“Expanded metropolitan fibre networks will enable more homes, buildings and businesses to connect to fixed broadband services.”

NCC Raises Alarm Over Telecom Infrastructure Vandalism

The Board also expressed concern over persistent vandalism and damage to telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major challenge affecting industry growth.

The Commission acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to safeguard telecom assets following their designation as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

However, the Board said stronger collaboration among government agencies, operators and industry stakeholders would be needed to improve infrastructure protection.

It also revealed plans to explore the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to strengthen security across the sector.

Free Access to Educational Platforms Under Consideration

The NCC said it is working with industry stakeholders to develop a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content.

If implemented, the initiative would allow users to access selected educational resources without consuming data, potentially improving digital inclusion and reducing barriers to learning.

The Board said the proposal is aimed at bridging the urban-rural digital divide and improving educational outcomes across the country.

Digital Bridge Institute to Be Repositioned

The Board also reviewed the status of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the telecommunications sector’s training and capacity-building institution.

It identified governance gaps following the expiration of the tenure of the DBI Board Chairman and some board members.

To strengthen governance and reposition the institution, the NCC approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the Commission, as Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board.

The Board also approved the appointment of Engr. Abraham Oshadami and Ms. Rimini Makama as interim members of the governing board.

What Happens Next?

The NCC said it remains committed to building a sustainable and inclusive communications sector capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions.

According to the Board, priorities such as quality of service, network resilience, consumer protection, transparency, fair competition and market discipline will continue to guide regulatory actions.

As data consumption grows and digital services become increasingly important to businesses and households, the success of these initiatives could significantly influence the future of connectivity and economic development in Nigeria.

Arts journalists have been challenged to embrace artificial intelligence responsibly, strengthen ethical reporting standards and play a more active role in documenting Africa’s cultural history during a two-day international workshop held in Lagos.

The workshop, titled “New Narratives and Singular Communication in Arts Journalism: The Museo del Prado Experience,” took place on June 10 and 11 at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art.

It was organised by the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University and the Spanish Embassy in Abuja, in collaboration with Casa Africa’s #PeriodismoÁfrica programme and the Museo del Prado.

The event brought together journalists, academics, artists, museum professionals and media experts to examine the future of cultural journalism in an era increasingly shaped by technology, globalisation and digital media.

Why Arts Journalism Matters

One of the key sessions, led by art historian Dr Jess Castellote, explored the structure of Nigeria’s art ecosystem and the influential role journalists play within it.

The presentation examined how artists, museums, collectors, curators, galleries, critics and government institutions collectively shape the art market.

However, Castellote argued that journalists occupy a particularly powerful position because they influence which artists gain visibility, recognition and long-term historical relevance.

He noted that media coverage often determines whose stories are preserved and whose contributions risk being forgotten.

According to the presentation, the Nigerian art market faces challenges including limited institutional infrastructure, fragmented markets and a heavy dependence on private collectors rather than public museums.

Participants were reminded that arts journalism goes beyond reporting exhibitions and events; it contributes directly to the historical record that future generations will use to understand contemporary culture.

AI Creates New Opportunities — And New Risks

A practicum session on digital tools and artificial intelligence, led by Dr Nwachukwu Egunike, focused on how journalists can responsibly integrate AI into their work.

Research presented during the session found that most African newsrooms have yet to adopt AI technologies on a large scale.

The study, which examined journalists in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and The Gambia, identified concerns about job displacement, editorial independence and the loss of cultural nuance in AI-generated content.

Participants heard that journalists now face a dual responsibility: producing stories while also understanding and interpreting the algorithms increasingly influencing news production.

Dr Egunike argued that AI should complement rather than replace human judgement.

The session highlighted tensions between efficiency and ethics, automation and editorial voice, and the dominance of Western-trained AI models versus local cultural realities.

Among the recommendations were transparency in AI use, disclosure of AI-assisted content and greater emphasis on identity-driven journalism rooted in local knowledge and experience.

Journalists Are ‘Makers of History’

A panel discussion featuring Dr Ike Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Sunshine Alaibe of Art Report Africa and artist Wale Alimi examined ethics and responsibility in cultural journalism.

The panelists agreed that arts journalists serve as custodians of history.

Reflecting on the long-term impact of media coverage, Alaibe said: “You are makers of history.”

She stressed that future researchers, artists and cultural practitioners will rely on today’s reporting to understand how the art world evolved.

The discussion repeatedly returned to concerns about superficial reporting and the growing pressure to prioritise clicks over substance.

Dr Obiaya argued that cultural journalism should provide context rather than simply describe events.

“It’s not enough to say people are trying out fantastic outfits and they look beautiful. That doesn’t say anything. It’s an insult to that festival because it’s much more than that,” he said.

The panel also addressed the risk of misrepresenting artists’ work.

Wale Alimi urged journalists to spend more time understanding artists and their creative processes before publishing stories.

“I don’t think any journalist should write about an artist without understanding the work process,” he said.

He warned that reliance on gallery statements without independent research often leads to misunderstandings and inaccurate narratives.

Balancing Ethics and Commercial Pressures

Another major theme was the challenge of maintaining editorial independence in Nigeria’s relatively small and interconnected art industry.

Panelists acknowledged that journalists often navigate relationships with galleries, collectors and artists while still being expected to provide objective coverage.

Alaibe argued that critical journalism is necessary for the sector’s growth and maturity.

“We are inviting writers who have audacity to tell the story as it is,” she said, adding that accountability remains essential for a healthy cultural ecosystem.

The discussion also explored new business models for arts journalism, including reader-supported subscriptions and independent publishing platforms that reduce dependence on promotional content.

Museo del Prado Shares Lessons in Digital Storytelling

A highlight of the workshop was a case study from Spain’s Museo del Prado, presented by Carlos Chaguaceda and Jean Tussell.

The presentation examined how one of the world’s most respected museums has transformed its communication strategy through social media and digital engagement.

According to the speakers, the museum’s philosophy combines “repetition and surprise” — consistent content that builds audience loyalty alongside creative campaigns designed to generate widespread attention.

One example involved inviting the King of Spain to participate in the museum’s 1,000th Instagram Live broadcast, a move that generated extensive media coverage.

Another campaign successfully used social media to locate a painting that had been missing for two decades.

The presenters argued that successful communication should extend beyond an organisation’s own platforms.

“Any action we put on our social media should achieve relevance outside our social media because if not, we are not doing good communication,” Chaguaceda said.

The museum also highlighted the importance of authenticity in brand collaborations, noting that partnerships are only pursued when they align with institutional values and historical narratives.

Casa Africa Pushes for Better Coverage of Africa

Representatives of Casa Africa outlined ongoing efforts to improve international reporting on African issues and challenge persistent stereotypes in Western media.

The organisation runs journalism training programmes across Africa covering subjects such as climate change, health reporting, gender-based violence, digital security, misinformation and election coverage.

Casa Africa also monitors daily international media coverage of Africa and shares curated information with journalists and diplomatic missions.

Its objective is to encourage reporting that reflects the continent’s complexity and diversity rather than focusing predominantly on conflict and humanitarian crises.

What Happens Next?

The workshop concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between journalists, artists, museums and educational institutions.

Participants agreed that arts journalism must evolve alongside technology while remaining committed to truth, context and cultural understanding.

As artificial intelligence, digital platforms and global audiences reshape media landscapes, speakers argued that journalists have an even greater responsibility to document culture accurately and preserve the stories that will define future generations’ understanding of Africa’s creative industries.