Headlines
5G: NCC Organises Capacity Building for Media Executives in Kano, Lagos
Nasiru Yusuf
Ahead of the anticipated 2022 rollout of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has organised capacity building workshops for media executives in the northern and southern divides of the country, as part of efforts to support their continuous professional development critical stakeholders in the telecommunications industry.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshops, which took place in Kano and Lagos recently with the theme: “5G Deployment and the Next Level of Nigeria’s Development,’ provided an avenue for media stakeholders to have better knowledge and understanding of the potentials of the new technology.
These workshops, in turn, are expected to position the journalists to be able to accurately report issues around 5G, through explanatory, incisive, analytical, and evidence-based reportage, while also being able to clarify misconceptions and misinformation on the new technology.
Through the workshops, the Commission believes the journalists will be able to focus on how 5G will impact different sectors of the economy, including agriculture, e-commerce, e-banking, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), education, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, security, entertainment including the music and movie industries and other aspects of Digital Nigeria.
Speaking at the two workshops, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta, in his opening address, said the theme of the workshops was most apt at a time when the Commission is on full throttle to drive the implementation of 5G deployment in the country, following the approval of the Federal Government on September 8, 2021.
Delivering his address at the Kano and Lagos workshops through the Director Public Affairs, NCC, Ikechukwu Adinde and the Head, Online Media, NCC, Omoniyi Ibietan respectively, Danbatta, said the workshops were organised to equip the media stakeholders with greater insights and knowledge around 5G in order to improve their overall understanding of the new technology, its usage, opportunities and the benefits it offers for the overall development of Nigeria’s socio-economic life.
Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde
“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 Deployment Plan of the Federal Government,” he said in his opening address.
The EVC said 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.
“In line with the objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2025 for a Digital Nigeria, and the positioning of Nigeria as an early adopter of digital technology in the growing global digital economy, the successful and timely deployment of 5G is crucial and it is expected that the roll-out of the 5G will be carried out in phases beginning with major cities in the country, where there is need for high-quality broadband,” Danbatta said.
The Commission also made technical presentations to journalists at the workshops focusing on how the Commission is setting the stage for 5G journey, in terms of requirements, deployment, use cases, and possible challenges which it is working with relevant stakeholders to tackle for effective implementation of 5G Deployment Plan for Nigeria.
While NCC’s Director, Technical Standard and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil, made the technical presentation to media stakeholders at the Kano workshop, the NCC’s Head, Fixed Network and Converged Services, Tony Ikemefuna, handled the delivery of the presentation at the Lagos workshop.
Engr. Bako Wakil
During the technical sessions in Kano and Lagos, the media stakeholders were adequately informed on 5G characteristics such as enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency and speed, explaining to them that 5G will facilitate several emerging technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT), Machine-to-Machine communication, among others.
The media professionals also used the opportunity to ask various questions and clarify conflicting issues bordering on security and health implications of 5G deployment.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, a magistrate in Kano State, has been recommended for appointment as a judge of the Kano State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
KANO FOCUS reports that Hassan is among four judicial officers from Kano State recommended for elevation to the High Court bench out of 28 candidates selected nationwide.
The other nominees are Halima Yahuza Ahmad, Abdullahi Abdulsalam Bature and Musa Ibrahim Umar.
The NJC disclosed the recommendations in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, following its consideration of candidates for judicial appointments across the country.
The council said all recommended candidates were expected to be sworn in by their respective state governors without delay.
Hassan’s recommendation follows her years of service in the Kano State judiciary, where she has reportedly distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism and careful handling of cases.
She has been commended for her commitment to judicial ethics, diligence and fairness in the discharge of her responsibilities, achievements that contributed to her career progression within the judiciary.
Her elevation is part of a broader development in the Kano State judiciary, with four magistrates from the state successfully scaling the selection process for appointment to the High Court.
The four nominees were reportedly assessed during the selection exercise and demonstrated strong professional competence, while their service records were found to be free of adverse remarks.
Their recommendation marks a significant step in their judicial careers and is expected to strengthen the judicial workforce in Kano State upon their formal appointment.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) says it has tracked nearly 1,000 education projects across the state as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the education sector.
KANO FOCUS the coalition’s Co-Chair, Dr Auwalu Halilu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement and Project Monitoring.
Dr Halilu said K-SAFE had monitored projects in more than six local government areas, covering interventions implemented by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano State Senior Secondary Education Management Board and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
He explained that the monitoring exercise involved physical inspections and documentation of projects through photographs, videos and geographical locations.
According to him, reports of the findings had been submitted to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), highlighting projects that met required standards and those requiring further attention.
He cited Rimin Gado Local Government Area, where the coalition tracked more than 80 education projects, adding that it planned to extend the exercise to all 44 local government areas of the state.
The K-SAFE Co-Chair said the visit was aimed at presenting the coalition’s activities to the ministry and exploring areas of collaboration in procurement and project monitoring.
He called for the inclusion of civil society organisations in procurement and monitoring processes, particularly tender board activities and field inspections, to strengthen independent oversight and provide them with firsthand information on government projects.
Dr Halilu also requested the ministry’s support in organising capacity-building programmes for civil society organisations on procurement procedures, due process, project standardisation, monitoring and evaluation.
He said such training would enhance civil society organisations’ understanding of procurement regulations and the technical requirements guiding project implementation.
Responding, the Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring, Dr Nura Iro Ma’aji, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the coalition’s contributions to supporting the state government’s efforts in the education sector.
He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with K-SAFE through information sharing and other relevant engagements to strengthen accountability and ensure compliance with due process.
“From our side, we are ready to work together because we know what they have been doing to support Kano State Government in the education sector,” he said.
Dr Halilu further disclosed that the coalition and its partner organisations had carried out the monitoring exercise without financial sponsorship, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to sustaining engagement with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and the media to strengthen oversight of education projects across Kano State.
Ibrahim Khalil
Government Secondary School (GSS) Army Day Bukavu has emerged champion in both the male and female categories of the maiden Kano State Secondary Schools Tug of War Competition.
KANO FOCUS reports that the school clinched the double victory at the competition, which ended on Wednesday at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari, Kano.
Governors College finished as runners-up in the male category, while Government Girls College (GGC) Kano secured second position in the female category.
The competition was organised by the Kano State Tug of War Association in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kano State Sports Commission.
The maiden championship brought together secondary school students to promote teamwork, discipline, unity and sportsmanship, while raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Jamilu Uba Adamu, described the competition as a successful initiative that had achieved its objectives.
He commended the Ministry of Education, Sports Commission, NDLEA, Gongoni Company Limited and MAGZO Pharmaceutical for supporting the event, particularly through the provision of T-shirts and Pocari Sweat drinks.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Bashir Muhammad Sulaiman, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to developing grassroots and school sports.
He said the initiative would help identify and nurture young sporting talents across the state.
The closing ceremony was attended by a member of the Kano State Football Association Board, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, representatives of the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, the Sports Commission and other stakeholders in the sports sector.
The organisers congratulated the winning schools and commended all participating institutions and partners for contributing to the success of the maiden edition.
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, three others recommended for appointment as Kano high court judges
K-SAFE tracks nearly 1,000 education projects in Kano, seeks procurement monitoring role
GSS Army Day Bukavu Wins Maiden Kano Secondary Schools Tug of War Championship
Gov Yusuf Nominates Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakintofa as Commissioner
One Year Without Baba: A Son’s Tribute to Alhaji Yusuf Hassan
Indonesian scholar proposes waqf model to reform almajiri education in Nigeria
Veteran NTA manager Dahiru Biso loses wife at 58
Two suspected bandits killed, N10m ransom recovered in Kano
Gov Yusuf Joins APC Leaders at Kaduna Presidential Campaign Flag-Off as Kano Delegation Draws Attention
