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NCC chairs broadband implementation committee

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Nasiru Yusuf

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been tasked to lead the team that will ensure effective monitoring and steering of the overall implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020-2025.

Kano Focus reports that this followed the designation of NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services,  Ubale Maska, as the Chairman of the newly-inaugurated Broadband Implementation Steering Committee (BISC) by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami.

Mr Pantami inaugurated the inter-agency and multi-sectoral committee in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister said the mandate of the Committee, which will have its secretariat in NCC, is to ensure “effective monitoring for implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP), 2020- 2025.”

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The Minister said the inauguration of the committee is part of the ongoing journey for a Digital Nigeria, which had received a boost since his assumption of office in August, 2019.

“The journey started with the approval for the transformation of the ministry and its parastatals in October, 2019 from mere ICT institutions to digital economy institutions by the President.

“This was followed by the unveiling of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) in November, 2019 and the development of a new NBP 2020-2025, which was launched by the President in March 19, 2020,” he said.

Mr Pantami added that all the efforts were meant to put Nigeria on the global digital economy map, supported by robust broadband infrastructure.

He noted that under the NDEPS, Solid Infrastructure component, which is the 3rd pillar, will provide the bedrock for the realization of the country’s digital economy vision.

“In the new National Broadband Plan, there are many targets, principal of which are to cover 90% of Nigerian population with broadband access and 70% broadband penetration by 2025.

“We also plan to achieve a broadband speed of 25 megabits per second (mbps) in urban areas and 10 mbps in rural areas by the end of implementation of the new Broadband plan,” Pantami said.

He said the implementation of the new NBP had started fully and is resulting in the increase in broadband penetration currently at 40.14%, up from 35.10% in August, 2019.

The Minister added the ICT industry contributed 14.07% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2020.

He noted that increased broadband penetration will help Nigeria to achieve increased GDP growth.

The Minister, however, explained that problems of Right of Way, protection for telecom infrastructure and multiple taxations, which are critical to fast-track broadband infrastructure deployment and penetration, are being addressed from all fronts.

He added that the efforts are already yielding positive results with the engagement of relevant stakeholders including state governments and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta commended the Minister inaugurating the committee and promised the support of the Commission towards realization of the mandate of the Committee.

The Chairman of the Committee, Engr. Maska, also assured the Minister of the Committee members’ readiness to deliver on the assignment.

The Committee draws membership from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and agencies under its supervision, Including the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), World Bank, Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), among others.

 

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Kwankwaso mourns former Radio Kano, ARTV boss Adamu Getso

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Ibrahim Khalil

 

Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed sadness over the death of former Managing Director of Radio Kano and Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, in a condolence message posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, described the late Getso as a seasoned broadcaster and accomplished media professional whose contributions to public communication and media development left a lasting impact on Kano State.

 

The former governor recalled that Getso served with distinction as Managing Director of ARTV and later as Managing Director of Radio Kano during his two tenures as governor of the state.

 

According to Kwankwaso, the deceased played a significant role in advancing public information dissemination and strengthening the media sector in Kano.

 

“His immense contributions to public communication, media development, and the overall progress of Kano State will be remembered for generations,” he stated.

 

Kwankwaso extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Getso community in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the government and people of Kano State, and members of the media profession.

 

He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late media administrator, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

 

Adamu Getso, a respected broadcaster and administrator, served in key leadership positions within Kano State-owned media organisations and was widely acknowledged for his contributions to the growth of broadcasting in the state. His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders, journalists, and members of the public.

 

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Governor Yusuf Mourns Former CTV 67 Managing Director, Adamu Getso

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, now known as the Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), between 2000 and 2003, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

 

Governor Yusuf described the late Getso as a distinguished broadcaster, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of journalism, public enlightenment, and the promotion of societal values through the media.

 

According to the governor, the deceased was widely respected for his honesty, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service, qualities that earned him admiration from colleagues, government officials, and members of the public.

 

The governor recalled that after his appointment as Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, Getso served as the Managing Director of Radio Kano, between 2011 and 2015.

 

During his tenure, the late media administrator made significant contributions to the growth and development of television broadcasting in Kano State, Governor Yusuf noted.

 

He further stated that Getso later served as Managing Director of Radio Kano from 2011 to 2015, where he provided exemplary leadership and implemented reforms that strengthened the station’s position as one of the leading public broadcasting organisations in Northern Nigeria.

 

On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of Radio Kano and ARTV, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the wider media community.

 

The governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the death of Adamu Getso has been described by many as a significant loss to the media industry in Kano State and Nigeria at large, given his decades of service and contributions to the development of broadcasting.

 

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NNPC donates MRI machine to Dala orthopaedic hospital

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Limited, has donated a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano State, in a move aimed at improving access to advanced diagnostic healthcare services.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the MRI system was commissioned and officially handed over during a ceremony held at the hospital premises in Kano on Thursday.

 

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Andy Odeh, the intervention is part of the company’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical services across Nigeria.

 

The statement noted that the facility would significantly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic, neurological, trauma-related, musculoskeletal, and gynaecological conditions.

 

Before the donation, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced challenges, including long-distance travel, lengthy waiting periods, and delays in treatment due to limited availability and high costs.

 

Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, represented by the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said the donation aligns with the company’s broader objective of contributing to national healthcare development.

 

“At NNPC Limited, we are intentional about ensuring that our social investments are impactful, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities we serve. Through the NNPC Foundation, we will continue to implement interventions that create measurable social value across Nigeria,” she said.

 

Arukwe described the intervention as timely, noting that it would help address challenges associated with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited medical equipment, and the growing demand for specialised medical services.

 

Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services of NNPC Limited, Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, represented by the Executive Director, Programme Management at the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Rose Okonkwo, said the company remained committed to improving the lives of Nigerians beyond its core oil and gas operations.

 

She said the donation reflected NNPC Limited’s determination to deliver sustainable and impactful interventions, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.

 

“By this intervention, NNPC Limited aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life of the people of Kano State, the North-West region, and all Nigerians who depend on the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, for specialised medical care,” she stated.

 

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, commended the NNPC Foundation for the donation, describing it as a major milestone in improving healthcare services through early and accurate diagnosis.

 

He noted that access to advanced diagnostic equipment would contribute significantly to better patient outcomes and improved healthcare delivery in the state and beyond.

 

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Dr. Isa Nurudeen, expressed appreciation to NNPC Limited for the intervention.

 

He said the MRI machine would have a transformative impact on the hospital’s operations and significantly improve the quality of specialised healthcare services offered to patients.

 

The event was attended by officials of NNPC Limited, management and staff of the hospital, government representatives, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

 

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