Headlines
Stakeholder engagements key to broadband implementation – Danbatta
Nasiru Yusuf
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Umar Danbatta, says government is putting greater emphasis on continuous engagement of different stakeholders to secure their buy-in towards achieving the targets of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025.
Kano Focus reports that Mr Danbatta stated this at the first stakeholder consultation with telecommunication industry players on the implementation of the new national broadband plan held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services and Chairman, Broadband Implementation Steering Committee (BISC), Ubale Maska, Mr Danbatta said the Ministry and its agencies, as well as the industry must work together towards the attainment of the set goals.
At the event, which is the second of the multi-stakeholder consultation process by the BISC, Danbatta noted that the 30 percent broadband targets set in the previous NNBP 2013-2018 were met and surpassed due to “our collective efforts, policy direction, regulation and financial commitment by industry players.”
He said there were, however, some targets that were not met in the previous plan because of various challenges that are presently being addressed.
“The NNBP 2020-2025 has, once again, identified initiatives to be implemented by different stakeholders in order to achieve the set objectives of the plan. The importance of broadband to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), socio-economic development, and especially the digital economy, cannot be over-emphasized,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chairman of BISC, Usman Abdullahi, said the forum was to avail the industry players and representatives of government a veritable platform to collaborate, and discuss ways to accelerate broadband implementation for sustainable development of the telecommunications sector and advancement of the digital economy.
Project Director, BISC, Abubakar Maina, made a presentation providing information to stakeholders on previous and new targets, timelines, milestones, strategic pillars, initiatives in the pillars, as well as governance structure in the new broadband plan.
The forum was well attended by industry operators, especially the Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) both physically and virtually, who gave useful inputs for steering the course of implementation of the new broadband plan to success.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari unveiled the new broadband plan on March 19 2020, following the development of the plan by a committee, set up by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami on December 16, 2019.
As a follow-up, on July 9, 2020, the Minister, inaugurated the BISC, which is primarily saddled with the responsibility of ensuring effective monitoring of the implementation of the new broadband plan.
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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