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COVID-19: Dambatta pays surprise visits to Kano, Kaduna emergency communications centres

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NCC EVC Profile Picture

Nasiru Yusuf

In a bid to ensure that the toll-free 3-digit National Emergency Number, 112, is being put to effective use in this critical time of Coronavirus pandemic, and national objective of enhancing security of lives and properties, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, paid surprise visits to the Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) in Kano and Kaduna on Sunday.

Prof. Dambatta’s visits were informed by his realization that, with Coronavirus spreading across the globe and more people living in isolation, the NCC’s 112 toll-free number could play a crucial role of providing effective alternatives for people to reach out to relevant agencies with a view to securing help in times of emergency.

During his visits to the two centres, Prof. Dambatta had extensive interactions with the personnel on ground, as he asked various questions bordering on the in-coming call traffic volume and how the calls are effectively dispatched to various emergency response agencies (ERA) connected to the centres for prompt response, especially the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC).

He also took his time to find out if the centres were facing any challenges that needed to be addressed for their optimum efficiencies and effectiveness towards delivering on their mandates.

The EVC urged the personnel on duty at the two ECCs to see their work as national assignments on saving the lives of fellow Nigerians in terms of emergencies.

“As you all area aware, the country in on lockdown in Lagos, Ogun States and FCT, and I will therefore enjoin you to always ensure you don’t miss any call that comes into the centre. You will also be expected to ensure prompt dispatch of calls received to the relevant emergency response agencies, so that there is no any dereliction of duty that will result in loss of lives and property to our fellow Nigerians, who may even be our close relatives,” Mr Dambatta urged the excited personnel.

The NCC boss advised the personnel to observe sanitary measures like hand washing and social distancing at the centres.

In both Kaduna and Kano centres, the managers told the EVC that they had been receiving coronavirus-related calls.

The personnel also appreciated the visits of the EVC to the centres which they variously described as ‘a morale booster’, ‘a good regulatory oversight’ and ‘an encouragement’ for them to be more committed to their assigned roles at the emergency communications centres.

As NCC project mandated in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, the implementation of the ECC got a boost when Danbatta became the country’s telecoms regulator-in-chief in 2015.

Till date, 18 of the centres have been built and are operational in all 17 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Each of the ECCs is equipped with 11 Workstations (10 for call taking and one for the Supervisor); a server system that receives and processes 112-calls from members of the public and then dispatches the calls to the appropriate Agency that has responsibility to attend to the specific emergency.

Facilities in the ECC also include power supply mix consisting of public power supply from the national grid, two (2) units of 100KVA generators; and two (2) units of 20KVA UPS powered by 160 units of 100AH inverter batteries and a 10KVA UPS powered by 16 units of 100AH inverter batteries; and six dispatch workstations for the Response Agencies.

The significance of the ECC project was underscored by President Muhammadu Buhari, on March 19, 2020, when unveiled the 112 National Emergency Number and ECC for the FCT, describing it as a project that will complement the Federal Government’s efforts enhancing the security of lives and property in the country.

Presently, states, relevant agencies of governments and individuals Nigerians are making use of the 112 Number to seek help during emergencies, and more importantly, at this critical time when government is working round-the-clock to curtail the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

In December last year, the NCC and Mr Dambatta received separate awards of ‘Corporate Social responsibility Award in Security and Emergency Management’ and ‘Nigeria’s Goodwill Ambassador for Security and Emergency Management’ respectively during first-ever Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA 2019) held in Abuja by the Emergency Digest, in conjunction with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC).

The Commission also got inducted into the membership of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) in February, 2020, in recognitions of the critical role the ECC is playing in securing safety of lives and properties of Nigerians.

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Kano govt reintroduces waste bins in public transport

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

 

The Kano State Government has introduced waste disposal bins in the state’s public transport system to ensure a cleaner environment.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative targets placing waste bins in Tricycles, buses, and at strategic points in the state, such as markets, bus stops, and motor parks.

 

Kano Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim, unveiled the initiative on Monday in a ceremony titled

 

“Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.”

 

Dahir while speaking at the event stressed the importance of a clean and healthy environment in the state.

Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim flagging off the campaign

He stressed that the bins were put in place by the Kano State government for proper trashing of waste for a healthy society.

 

“These bins are designed to help commuters dispose of trash responsibly while on the move,” he said.

Street Sweepers on duty

 

“The government is taking a firm stance against littering and we are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”

 

He called on transport workers, traders, and residents to ensure their environment is clean as the government has provided the waste bins for proper disposal.

Female Street Sweepers on duty

“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to raise awareness and foster a culture of cleanliness,” he said.

 

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Gov Yusuf to distribute free uniform to primary school pupils 

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to flag-off the distribution of school uniforms for Primary 1 pupils across the state on Monday 13th January 2025 as part of the administration’s commitment to addressing the problem of out-of-school children in the state.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that an estimated number of over 789,000 male and female pupils in 7,092 public schools across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state are to receive sets of uniforms under the program.

 

A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Sunday by commissioner of information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the initiative is aimed at promoting school enrollment and ensuring that every child of school age is given the opportunity to access quality education, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.

 

The statement added that in addition, the gesture will support indigent parents who may face financial challenges in meeting the educational needs of their children and further demonstrates that education remains the cornerstone of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration’s agenda for even development across the state.

 

“By prioritizing the needs of young learners, the government seeks to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society.

 

“The official launch event will take place by 1:00 pm at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf personally overseeing the distribution process,” the statement concluded.

 

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Emirate tussle: Kano Govt urges security, others to obey Court of Appeal ruling

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

 

 

 

The Kano state governent has urged all relevant individuals and bodies within and outside Nigeria, to abide with the recent ruling of the Federal Court of Appeal in respect of the ongoing litigation which the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the position of the Governor Abba Yusuf led administration on the recent ruling was made known Saturday, by Isa Dederi, Kano commissioner for justice, and attorney ‘General, held at a world press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, in Kano.

 

The commissioner said: “On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.

 

“The verdict overturns earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions.

 

“This ruling reaffirms the government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to due process in our efforts to modernize traditional structures while preserving the cultural heritage of Kano State. The judgment further clarifies the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, underscoring the constitutional boundaries of the courts in such affairs.

 

“The decision by the appellate court to void previous Judgments that questioned the state’s lawful appointments underscores the correctness of our actions and strengthens our resolve to continue reforms for equitable representation and inclusive governance.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions, pronouncements, and orders made by the Federal High Court Kano have been quashed and set aside by the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the law enacted by the Kano state House of Assembly relating to Emirates and all actions taken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to that law have been fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.

 

“We extend our appreciation to the Judiciary for upholding the principles of Justice and fairness. The Kano State Government remains committed to working with traditional institutions, ensuring harmony, and fostering development across all emirates.

 

“We urge all parties to respect the court’s Judgment and join hands with the government to promote peace, unity, and progress in our beloved state. Let us continue to prioritize the collective good of Kano State above all individual interests.”

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