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NCC, NIPOST explore areas of collaboration
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) have met to discuss key areas of collaborations between the two agencies towards strengthening delivery of their respective mandates and synergising to advance the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government.
This was the highlight of deliberations during a courtesy visit by senior management officials of NIPOST, to the Commission to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership between the two agencies.
Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Dambatta, who received the NIPOST team led by the Postmaster-General of the Federation, Dr. Ismail Adewusi on Wednesday, said engendering close collaboration and engagement between government agencies remains NCC’s priority.
Prof. Dambatta told the NIPOST delegation that the Commission was committed to fostering synergy and strategic collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of federal and state government, especially with those sister agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy such as NIPOST.
According to him, “This meeting which held at the request of NIPOST is very important as synergy between sister agencies of the government is part of the mandate which the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has been championing toward deepening truly digital economy in Nigeria.”
While affirming that one of the mandates of NIPOST is to deepen access to certain government services in all the 774 local government areas in the country, Mr Dambatta expressed the Commission’s readiness to support NIPOST with resilient telecom infrastructure that allows the postal agency to jointly contribute to increasing access to financial inclusion in the country.
Prof. Dambatta recalled that, the NCC is actively in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce the number of Nigerians without access to financial services or not more than 20 percent.
“The idea is to raise the financial inclusion penetration from below 60 per cent to 80 percent by end of 2020. That is the target of the Federal Government and all agencies in the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy are expected to work together, more than ever before, towards deepening the frontier of digital services across Nigeria,” Mr Dambatta said.
Internet connectivity in the rural areas
Earlier in his remark, the Postmaster-General of NIPOST, Dr. Ismail Adewusi, explained that the purpose of the courtesy visit to the Commission was “to strengthen the relationship between both agencies.”
Dr. Adewusi noted that the vision for NIPOST by the Federal Government “is to ensure that it continues to play the role of universal service postage as well as offering auxiliary services such as transportation logistics and financial services.”
He emphasised that NIPOST is part of the active agencies pushing the frontiers of the Financial Inclusion Strategy 2018 of the CBN for the country.
He also stated that NIPOST has been playing more active roles in taking millions of Nigerians in rural communities out of poverty.
According to Dr. Adewusi, the collaboration with the NCC with regard to internet connectivity and broadband penetration is necessary especially in the rural areas where internet access is limited.
Accordingly, he said that both agencies can work together to expand access to the internet, particularly in the rural communities where NIPOST has existing infrastructure.
Dr. Adewusi, therefore, sought collaboration on the provision of access to affordable Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services such as e-government and other e-services to the under served and un-served areas of the country, through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, KACCIMA, has said it is making plans to name a proposed Trade and Convention centre after the President/CE, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
“The new Council of KACCIMA plans to name the centre, Aliko Dangote Trade and Convention Centre after its completion in 3 years’ time,”
KANO FOCUS reports that the President of KACCIMA, Garba Imam, made the pronouncement in Kano on the sideline of the ongoing 44th Kano International Trade Fair edition themed, ‘Economic Diversification, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’
Dangote Industries, DIL, is a major sponsor of the 2023 fair.
Imam told newsmen that Mr. Dangote has contributed enormously to economic development of Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan Africa through his highly acclaimed Conglomerate.
“Nigerians are now waiting eagerly for Dangote Refinery for a sigh of relief.
“By partnering Dangote, we hope to drive economic development of Kano and restore its past glory as the largest commercial hub in Northern Nigeria.
“Apart from infrastructure development, the new Council of KACCIMA is also working with the Nigeria Gas project- the gas pipeline from Obajana, to Kano, Katsina and Maradi to know how Kano Industries would benefit.
As well as Kano, KADUNA railway line because it will reduce freight of raw materials and other products.
Imam said that the major concern of the Chamber is to drive economic growth and manufacturing rebound following the collapse of many factories in Kano state.
Imam disclosed further that the project was approved by the Kano state government in 2021.
He expressed the belief that Dangote, as a son of the soil will impact its execution and implementation and assist KACCIMA achieve self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering Qur’anic recitation competitions among students and bolstering Islamic education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed this commitment during the opening ceremony of 38th annual Qur’anic recitation competition held at the Conference Hall of the School for Arabic Studies in Kano.
Represented by the State Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, Governor Yusuf emphasized that his administration considers the enhancement of Islamic education, particularly Qur’anic recitation and memorization across all educational levels, as a pivotal responsibility.
Highlighting Kano’s longstanding prominence in national and international Qur’anic recitation, Gov. Yusuf noted the state’s continuous leadership in this realm.
The State Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, represented by Director of Arabic Education and Islamic Studies, Alhaji Bashir Mu’azu, announced the government’s plan to construct toilets and implement solar systems in Tsangaya schools across the state.
Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, represented by Wazirin Kano Alhaji Sa’adu Shehu Gidado, lauded the state government and the organizers of the Qur’anic recitation competition.
He commended their unwavering dedication to uplifting the sanctity of the Holy Qur’an, citing the competition as a testament to their commitment.
The Emir emphasized the competition’s profound impact on engaging youth in the study and memorization of the Holy Qur’an.
Acting Chairman of the Kano State Qur’anic and Islamiyya Schools Management Board, Comrade Bala Baba Sha’aibu, expressed gratitude for the state government’s sponsorship of the Qur’anic recitation competitions.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved with immediate effect, the appointment of Alhaji Abdullahi Musa as the new Head of Civil Service.
KANO FOCUS reports that The appointment followed the recent voluntary resignation of the former Head of Service, Alhaji Usman Bala Mni who was retained by the present administration from its inception in May, 2023.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Sanusi Bature Dawakintofa said the new Head of Service is a seasoned civil servant who served in various government Ministries, departments and agencies in Kano for over three decades.
An indigene of Kiru Local Government area, Abdullahi Musa served as the Permanent Secretary Kano Government House, Council Affairs Directorate, Administration and General Services of Cabinet Office, Ministry of Special Duties, and Servicom Directorate.
He is a graduate of BSc. International Relations from prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and bagged a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from Bayero University, Kano and another Masters degree in Strategy and Security Administration from Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
Governor Abba Kabir urged the new Head of Civil Service of the state to discharge his responsibility within the confines of the civil service rules and regulations.
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