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NCC takes consumer outreach Programme to University of Abuja
Nasiru Yusuf
Following the re-structuring and re-branding of its existing consumer outreach programmes, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has held the maiden edition of the Campus Conversation at the University of Abuja.
KANO FOCUS reports that Campus Conversation is featured as an important part of NCC’s new Telecom Consumer Conversation (TCC).
Speaking at the event, which held at the Main Campus of the University of Abuja at the weekend, NCC’s Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Efosa Idehen, said the Commission, as a consumer-centric regulator, has always been at the forefront of protecting the interest of the consumers.
He said the Commission has, over the years, embarked on many initiatives and programmes to deliver on its consumer protection mandate, as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003 and in line with other subsidiary legislations, guidelines, directions and determinations, in order to proactively address consumer concerns.
Idehen stated that, as a modified outreach programme, Campus Conversation takes life from NCC’s consumer protection and empowerment agenda as stipulated in the Commission’s Strategic Management and Vision Plans, as well as extant policies and well-conceived decisions of Management.
The objective of the Conversation is to ensure that the telecom consumers on university campuses are adequately informed and educated on their rights and privileges to acquire knowledge they require to take informed decision and protect themselves from unwholesome practices from service providers.
“Essentially, this maiden edition of our Campus Conversation is kicking off here at the University of Abuja today, as part of our strategic effort at creating awareness among the university students on their rights and obligations as telecoms consumers, as well as sensitising them on the many initiatives of the Commission designed to enhance consumer protection and empowerment,” Idehen said.
At the event, the NCC team led by Idehen, took turns to educate the campus community on Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration, the Benefits of National Identity Number (NIN)-SIM Integration, Cybersecurity and related online protection issues, among other initiatives of the NCC.
Participants were also enlightened on the various consumer-centric activities of NCC such as the NCC Consumer Complaint Toll-free Number 622; the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Short Code 2442 instituted to manage unsolicited messages; the National Emergency Toll-free Number 112 which every citizen is expected to know and use during emergencies. Over twenty Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs) where 112 calls are received and escalated, have been constructed by the NCC and operational in different states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Other Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials printed in bookmarks, handbills and stickers were distributed. The IECs cover a wide-range of topics on consumer concerns, including Consumer Bill of Rights, Complaints Management Process, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), SIM Registration, Obligations of Telecom Service Providers and the Consumers, and Tips on Managing Data Usage.
The event provided a rare opportunity to the students and other members of the University community to interface with the Commission. The NCC team responded to questions and comments relating to the participants’ experience with telecom services.
The Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, who was represented at the forum by the University’s Head of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, Evans Ashigwuike, commended the NCC for the elaborate enlightenment programme hosted in the university community, which he described as highly beneficial to the students.
Na’Allah assured the Commission that the University will ensure that students, who attended the Consumer Conversation pass the knowledge gained and the IEC materials circulated by NCC to their fellow students for effective knowledge-sharing and education.
The TCC, now segmented and targeted at different consumer groups, comprises: The Village Square Dialogue, The Telecom Public Sphere, The Professionals’ Dialogue, Campus Conversation, Market Conversation and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Sensitization.
Aside the TCC, other strategic outreach programmes of the Commission, delivered through its Consumer Affairs Bureau, include Consumer Telecom Town Halls on Radio, a phone-in radio dialogic programme to educate consumers at the grassroots; Telecom and The Citizen, a bi-monthly Twitter Live Chat targeting telecom consumers that are active on the social media; and Telecom TV Dialogue, a monthly television-based discourse on topical telecom issues.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed a team of senior officers to the Kano Sector Command to sensitise personnel on discipline, professionalism and improved operational efficiency.
KANO FOCUS reports that the team, led by Assistant Corps Marshal Mohammed Hafiz Tarauni, is expected to engage officers and men of the command on strengthening command and control mechanisms during field operations.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC Kano Sector Command, CRC Abdullahi Labaran.
According to the statement, the sensitisation programme is scheduled to take place at the Special Marshal Conference Hall and forms part of the corps’ ongoing efforts to reinforce discipline and enhance operational effectiveness among personnel.
“The programme will focus on maintaining high standards of discipline, professionalism and effective coordination in the discharge of duties,” the statement said.
It added that the engagement would also strengthen command structures within the sector command to ensure improved operational performance and efficient service delivery.
The statement further noted that the initiative is part of the corps’ continuous commitment to building a disciplined, responsive and result-oriented workforce capable of delivering on its mandate of ensuring safer roads across the country.
Labaran urged personnel of the command to actively participate in the programme, describing it as an opportunity to interact with senior officers, share experiences and receive guidance on best operational practices.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A high-powered delegation from the Kano State Government is currently in Lisbon, Portugal, on a study tour as part of preparations for the proposed Kano Light Rail Project.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation is led by the Commissioner for Transportation, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, alongside the Chairman of the Kano Line Resuscitation Committee, Hon. Alhaji Saeed Abdullahi Shuaibu.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ibrahim Ado Sabari, Information Officer of Kano Line.
According to the statement, the team is engaging with leading transport and engineering institutions, including Mota-Engil and MTS – Metro Transportes do Sul, in Lisbon and Almada to gain technical insights into rail infrastructure development.
The study tour is part of the Kano State Government’s efforts under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to establish a modern rail network within Kano metropolis and surrounding areas.
The proposed Kano Light Rail Project is aimed at improving urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion and stimulating socio-economic development across the state.
Officials from the Kano State Ministry of Transport and Kano Line are expected to study rail operations, maintenance systems, safety standards and sustainable transport financing models during the visit.
The delegation is also exploring opportunities for technical partnerships, knowledge exchange and possible investment collaborations to ensure the long-term efficiency and sustainability of the project.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of N1 trillion for the establishment of the Kano Light Rail Project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
When completed, the project is expected to connect major residential, commercial and industrial hubs within Kano metropolis, create employment opportunities, facilitate trade and improve access to key urban centres.
The Kano State Government said it remains committed to delivering a modern, reliable and efficient rail transport system that meets international standards and addresses the growing transportation needs of residents.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Alhaji Aliyu Lawan, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta, has congratulated Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa on his election as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
In a congratulatory message shared via Facebook, Lawan described Doguwa’s emergence as well deserved and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party effectively in the state.
He also extended his congratulations to other executive members elected alongside Doguwa into various party offices, noting that their emergence reflects the trust and confidence reposed in them by party members and stakeholders across Kano State.
According to him, the development is a clear testament to the dedication, loyalty and commitment of the newly elected leaders to the unity, stability and progress of the party.
Lawan further prayed that Allah grants the new chairman and his team wisdom, strength and foresight as they assume the responsibility of steering the affairs of the APC in Kano State.
He expressed optimism that the new leadership would promote harmony, inclusiveness and effective leadership within the party, while bringing renewed vigour, unity and success to the APC in the state and beyond.
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