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AYA applauds NCC boss Dambatta over achievements
Nasiru Yusuf
The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), a socio-cultural Northern group in Nigeria, has rated Prof. Umar Garba Dambatta high in his stewardship as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission since 2015.
The group made this known in a statement issued in Abuja at the weekend, where it adjudged Dambatta’s performance as having more strategically positioned the NCC to be at the forefront of accelerating socio-economic development of the country.
In the statement, signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Danlami, the group said it has undertaken an assessment of Danbatta’s achievements since his appointment as the EVC of NCC on August 4, 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequently confirmed on November 25, 2015 by the Senate, for a five-year term in office at the first instance, subject to renewal for a second term by the President in line with the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003.
Mr Danladi highlighted the key achievements of Danbatta, which, he said, have further consolidated the growth already recorded in the industry and prepared a more fertile ground for the country to experience accelerated socio-economic development leveraging telecoms platforms.
According to him, “Through his 8-Point Agenda, as a five-year clear roadmap for his first term, Danbatta has ensured more Nigerians are now connected on 3G and 4G with over 72 million Nigerians on these broadband networks. Also, he pioneered the trial 5G network in 2019, which are future frontiers in digital communications. Danbatta also introduced the 2442 Do-Not-Disturb (DND) short code 2016 to tackle the menace of unsolicited telemarketing for the citizens.
“Also, the Commission, under Danbatta, issued a direction to service providers on Data Roll-Over, enabling consumers to roll over unused data for period of time, ranging from 1 day to 7 days, depending on the data plan, among other consumer- centric directives.”
The youth group said another portion of the agenda that stood out was how Danbatta revolutionised stakeholder engagement. “From Ogun State, where Danbatta used his clout to ensure 47 base stations were immediately unsealed by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, to Kano State, where over N200 million was waived on levies, to Kogi State, where where 120 base station sites were reopened in 2018, Danbatta energy and proactive strategy are in display,” the AYA Speaker said.
Speaking further, the youth group said in the area of strategic collaboration, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Danbatta and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CNB), Godwin Emefiele, with a view to boosting mobile money service penetration and financial inclusion in the country has also struck a chord. “With this development, there’s permeating optimism that the country will be able to deepen the inclusion to 80 per cent by 2020.”
Nonetheless, the AYA said that the inter-agency partnership between the two giant regulators has also born another fruit, saving a major service provider, 9mobile, from imminent collapse while Danbatta has also ensured the successful listing of telecoms companies, MTN and Airtel on the Nigerians Stock Exchange (NSE) making Nigerians to have ownership shares in the companies.
“Under his leadership, as NCC boss, Professor Danbatta ensured the completion of Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country to promote and enhance public safety through a toll-free, three-digit number, ‘112’, as the Universal Emergency Communications telephone number in Nigeria,” he said, adding that “the toll-free number can help distressed persons access help from the Police, Road Safety Corps, Civil Defence Corps, Fire and Ambulance Services and emergency responders.”
Mr Danlami also noted that Dambatta has introduced many regulatory frameworks such as the E-waste Regulations, Commercial Satellite Regulations, Disaster Recovery Guidelines, VAS Aggregator Licence Framework, and National Roaming Framework, which is still being worked on, among several others.
Mr Danlami also maintained that in the last five years, access to telecoms service has increased from around 150 million to 186 million; Internet subscribers increased from about 80 million to close to 130 million; broadband penetration rose from six per cent to close to 40 percent.
He noted that telecoms contributions to gross domestic product (GDP) has also increased from 8 percent to 11 percent, quality of service has improved, cases of unsolicited text messages have been curtailed while many initiatives have been put in place under Danbatta for adequate consumer protection.
“For us at AYA, we are happy that Danbatta is contributing immensely to socio-economic development of Nigeria in all spheres. Aside his leadership qualities and sagacity, he is an embodiment of humility and an epitome of good leadership. He was born to make the world a great place and he has lived up to that assignment at NCC.
“In terms of staff welfare and development, he has written his name in Gold. We are confident that posterity will forever recognise him as major contributor to the growth of Nigeria’s economy through effective and innovative regulation of the digital ecosystem to propel overall national development,” he said in the statement.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced his decision to embark on the construction of a new bridge in the town of Imawa, located within Kura Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawkin Tofa on Friday said the initiative is aimed at mitigating the frequent accidents that have plagued the area, particularly along the busy Kano-Zaria express way where such incidents have become all too common.
The decision to build the bridge follows a tragic accident in which a driver struck and killed three people, causing widespread devastation in the community.
The incident occurred shortly after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers, when a vehicle veered out of control and struck seven pedestrians.
Sadly, three of the victims succumbed to their injuries, while the other four sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Governor Yusuf expressed his deep condolences to the families affected by this tragic event and emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure improvement to prevent further loss of life.
The construction of the bridge is expected to enhance road safety, ease traffic flow, and provide a safer passage for both pedestrians and motorists in the area.
“The Kano State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, and this project represents a significant step toward achieving that goal.”
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially reopened the Kano State Driving Institute, reinstating its academic and practical programme after eight years of neglect under the previous administration.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawkin Tofa on Friday.
Originally established during Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s second term as part of a broader strategic transport ecosystem, the institute was designed to produce professional and licensed drivers equipped with state-of-the-art training.
Unfortunately, the facility was shut down for the entirety of the last administration’s eight-year tenure, leaving it in a state of disrepair.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony, where 250 youths were offered enrollment forms, Governor Yusuf expressed his dismay over the impact of the institute’s prolonged closure.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the centre, aiming to restore it as a premier institution for professional driver training and licensing.
“The Institute was conceived to create job opportunities for our youth, it was established by Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to enhance road safety and provide young people with the skills to become professional drivers.” He said.
“Unfortunately, the previous administration abandoned it for eight years, causing significant harm to our youth who could have benefited from this initiative.” He added.”
Governor Yusuf further highlighted that the revitalized institute will not only teach safe driving but also contribute to reducing road accidents and boosting the state’s transportation sector.
He called on stakeholders in the transportation industry to support the institute by providing employment opportunities for its graduates.
He also assured that his administration would provide all necessary resources to ensure the institute’s success and urged the newly enrolled 250 youths to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing the importance of responsibility and dedication in their training.
According to the governor, the reopening marks a new beginning for the Kano State Driving Institute, positioning it as a key player in the professional development of the state’s transportation workforce.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The government has introduced new guidelines for fee increment.
Kano State Government has prohibited private and voluntary schools from arbitrarily increasing fees and forcing parents to purchase materials directly from the schools.
KANO FOCUS reports that Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institution’s Board( KSPVIB,) Comrade Baba Abubakar Umar, gave the warning in an interview with journalists.
The Executive Secretary said that some schools have been taking advantage of parents through hidden charges and exorbitant fees.
He said to address this issue, the board has introduced new guidelines.
According to him, “Schools must convene a Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) meeting to discuss any fee increments”.
He also stated that school must then write to the board seeking approval for the increase, attaching the attendance sheet from the PTA meeting.
He added that”At least two-thirds of parents must be present at the PTA meeting”
Comrade Abubakar dated that, the board has received complaints from parents who were charged excessive fees or amounts different from what was initially agreed upon.
He therefore disclosed that despite the current economic situation, schools must be realistic and fair in their charges.
“The board will work with relevant authorities to prosecute schools that operate illegally or evade taxes”
He however maintained that the board is committed to ensuring that schools provide safe learning environments and employ qualified teachers.
“Parents are encouraged to report any schools with substandard teaching or unsafe conditions”
Comrade Abubakar emphasised that, new census forms will be distributed to private and voluntary schools to ensure accurate data collection and effective monitoring. Saying that the board remains open to dialogue and discussions with schools willing to comply with the law.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to education, allocating 30% of the state’s budget to the sector and declaring a state of emergency.
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