Headlines
Why Nigeria needs deployment of 5G Network – NCC
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), said Nigeria needs fifth generation (5G) to fully explore the benefits of digital economy.
KANO FOCUS reports that the director technical standards and network integrity in the commission Bako Wakili revealed this at a one day capacity building for media practitioners in Kano.
The workshop themed the role of the media in Nigeria’s 5G deployment was to raise awareness amongst media practitioners on 5G deployment.
He said the existing 3G and 4G cannot meet the increasing demand of high speed internet in Nigerian.
According to Wakili, the deployment of 5G technologies will consequently promote the National Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria that will improve the way Nigerians live and work.
He highlighted some of the benefits of 5G including medical doctors conducting CT scan remotely and factory using data to tweak production.
NCC sets December 10 for mock auction of the 5G
The Executive Vice/CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Garba Danbatta said the commission has fixed December 10, for Mock Auction of the 5G in preparation for the Main Auction, which will take place on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Danbatta represented by Ikechukwu Adinde, Director Public Affairs of the NCC, Danbatta announced that it is expected that the two slots to be auctioned will be picked up by successful bidders at the end of the auction on Monday, December 13, and following that, the stage will be set for the next phase of 5G roll-out commencing in 2022.
He recalled that on December 1, 2021, the Commission announced that at the close of the bid submission date of November 29, 2021, three companies, namely MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications Ltd and Airtel Networks Ltd had successfully submitted their bids in line with the requirements of the IM.
The Executive Vice chairman described media as indispensable towards the success of the 5G deployment in Nigeria.
According to him, the theme of the workshop is “5G Deployment and the Next Level of Nigeria’s Development.’’ is most apt at a time when the Commission is on full throttle to drive the implementation of the deployment of 5G, otherwise called the Fifth Generation Network, in the country following the approval of the Federal Government on September 8, 2021.
“As we progress in our journey of 5G deployment, the media has a critical role in the process by ensuring proper and adequate reportage of the programmes and activities of the Commission as it unfolds the 5G plan.
“From the programme, I can glean that the workshop will feature topics around 5G to equip you with greater insights and knowledge in order to improve your overall understanding of this very important new technology, its usage, opportunities and benefits it offers for the overall development of our socio-economic life,” Danbatta said.
He stated that Nigeria’s promising 5G Plan has the objectives of ensuring efficient assignment of spectrum for 5G deployment, creating an enabling environment for investment in the telecom industry, ensuring effective deployment of 5G to cover major urban cities by 2025, among others.
He thanked the media for the continuous support to the Commission through effective and unbiased reportage of our regulatory activities, programmes and events.
“We are, therefore, committed to continuing to explore avenues to strengthen and expand the frontiers of our partnership in this regard in order to serve the greater interests of our teeming stakeholders in the telecoms industry, particularly the telecom consumers,” he said.
In his presentation, the director public affairs Ikechukwu Adinde said GSM has revolution has greatly impacted on socioeconomic life of Nigerians.
He said so far the telecommunication sector is the most patronise services in Nigeria.
He identified some of GSM contributions including increased availability, accessibility, affordability of telecoms services, major contribution to national economic growth and unprecedented job creation across the industry.
Others are value chain, Increased efficiency in personal, business/official activities, Digital transformation across industry and verticals enabler of other sectors such as banking, media, aviation, medicine, education and agriculture.
Highlights of the event include presentation of certificates and tablets to each participant.
Headlines
Dabo’s resignation triggers wave of defections from APC in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Headlines
Five Kano Pillars Amputee Players Invited to Special Eagles Camp Ahead of World Cup
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
Headlines
Former NPA MD Aminu Dabo resigns as APC caucus chairman in Dambatta
Ibrahim Khalil
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Aminu Dabo, has resigned as the party’s caucus chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area and withdrawn his membership of the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dabo, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), announced his resignation in a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Dambatta Gabas Ward.
In the letter, personally signed by him, Dabo said he took the decision after careful consideration of personal reasons and his future endeavours.
He confirmed his resignation during a telephone conversation from Abuja on Wednesday, saying he had formally submitted the letter to the appropriate party officials in Dambatta for necessary action.
“I remain grateful for the cordial relationship I enjoyed and appreciative of the experience gained during my time of service,” he said.
The former NPA managing director also thanked the party’s leadership for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him to contribute to its development and progress during his membership.
“I sincerely appreciate the support and opportunity I have received from the party leadership,” he added.
A statement issued by Abdullahi Othman, Media and Publicity Aide to Dabo Dabo, said the former NPA MD did not disclose further details about his reasons for leaving the APC in the resignation letter.
