Finland has officially ended an era in telecommunications, switching off its final landline telephone network nearly 150 years after fixed-line services were first introduced.   According to TheCable, citing developments in Finland, telecom operator Elisa ended its landline service on Tuesday with a symbolic final call between the company’s chief executive officer, Topi Manner, and Jarkko Saarimäki, head of Finland’s communications and transport agency. During the call, the two reflected on the role landline telephones once played in everyday life. Manner recalled living in London as a teenager during the 1980s, when he would arrange a weekly call home so his family would be available to answer. The conversation ended with the Finnish farewell “kuulemiin”, meaning “speak later”. Finland’s landline network dates back to the 1880s and became a key part of the country’s communications infrastructure. By the 1960s, Finland ranked seventh in Europe for landline subscriptions, with household connections reaching their highest levels in the early 1990s. The rapid rise of mobile phones, however, led to a steady decline in landline use. Finland, the home of mobile phone pioneer Nokia, became one of the world’s earliest adopters of mobile technology, accelerating the shift to wireless communication. Most major telecom operators began phasing out landline services from 2019, while another provider stopped supporting fixed-line networks earlier this year. Elisa said it had not sold new landline subscriptions for several years because customers had increasingly embraced digital and mobile services. The company said private customers can retain their existing landline numbers by transferring them to mobile-based subscriptions. It also said it would work with business customers to provide suitable replacement communication solutions. The shutdown marks the end of one of the world’s longest-running national landline networks and reflects the continued global transition towards mobile and digital communications.

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has defended the acquisition of 1,000 hectares of land in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area, for a proposed solar factory and power station, saying the project is in the public interest and will go ahead despite opposition from some residents.   Speaking during a meeting with members of the Dikko community, Bago said his administration had held several consultations before deciding to acquire the land and denied allegations that the government was acting unfairly. According to the governor, the solar project is intended to promote development and improve economic opportunities in the area. Compensation and replacement land promised Bago assured affected landowners that the state government would provide replacement land equal in size to any acquired property, alongside monetary compensation. He said the compensation package was designed to ensure fairness and maintained that the government had fulfilled its obligations to affected residents. Governor urges residents to embrace development The governor appealed to residents to move beyond sentimental attachment to the land, arguing that the investment would transform Dikko into a thriving economic hub. Drawing comparisons with the development of the Federal Capital Territory, he said communities often make sacrifices for major infrastructure projects and predicted that improved economic activity would significantly increase property values in Dikko. Bago also suggested that the town could attract residents and businesses from Abuja once the solar factory and power station become operational. Farmers seek protection for livelihoods Responding on behalf of the community, Garba Tagwai expressed support for initiatives aimed at promoting development and ensuring the project’s success. However, the Chairman of the Dikko Farmers Association appealed to the government to consider the impact on local farmers, noting that the affected farmlands are the primary source of income for many families, particularly unemployed youths. He urged the government to safeguard the interests of those whose livelihoods would be affected by the land acquisition.

Gunmen have abducted a pastor, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, and two members of his congregation from his residence in Benue State.   According to Punch Newspapers, the victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday at the NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State. In a statement issued by the Executive Committee of the NKST Church, the church confirmed that Rev. Gbinde and the two worshippers were taken from the pastor’s residence. The church described the incident as tragic and called on its members, clergy and supporters to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted victims. It also appealed to security agencies, the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible for the attack. The church urged both governments to adopt more proactive measures to tackle kidnapping and worsening insecurity, stressing the need to prevent such crimes rather than only responding after they occur. The Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident as of the time the report was published by Punch Newspapers.