News
NCC Bags Best Public Sector Regulator Award

Nasiru Yusuf
In recognition of the diligence, thoroughness, stakeholder inclusiveness, and the superlative outcome that attended the auction of the processes towards the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been conferred with an award of excellence as the “Public Sector Regulator of the Year 2021.”
KANO FOCUS reports that the award was conferred Neptune Network Nigeria Limited, which organised the conferment ceremony concurrently with the launch of the Lami Fatima Babare Cervical Cancer Awareness Foundation. The event took place at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers Abuja, on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
Speaking at the award ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer, Neptune Network Nigeria Limited, Hassan Gimba, said aside the recognition of NCC’s pioneering regulatory role in leading the processes for 5G deployment in Nigeria in the West African subregion, the Commission was adjudged winner of the award based on its historic auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum in preparation for the deployment of 5G services which will become operational in the second half of this year.

According to Gimba, the spectrum auction was not only competitive, it was thoroughly, painstakingly and successfully completed with the final bid ending at a price 30 per cent higher ($273.6 million) than the initial offer of $197.4 million. “This is not only historically remarkable in terms of organisation, it is commendable because it brought substantial revenue to the coffers of Federal Government to enhance socio-economic development of other sectors in Nigeria”, Gimba asserted.
Other reasons cited by the organisers of the event for considering the Commission worthy of the award, include the recognition of its various regulatory efforts and strategic initiatives that have resulted in impressive contribution of the telecommunications industry to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This has helped to lift the country out of recession and bolstered national economic recovery strategies.
The conferment of the award was also premised on the remarkable role the Commission has been playing in cybersecurity awareness campaign focused on informing, educating and protecting the teeming telecom consumers from falling victim to the wiles of cyber criminals. The organisers particularly placed on record the establishment by the NCC of the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), the telecom industry’s sectoral watchdog for cyber threats. The Neptune Network, said it was gratified by the regular alerts to telecoms consumers on any novel cyber threats which were based on the works of CSIRT and the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), the national centre for the coordination of incident response and mitigation strategies for cyber threats.
Gimba commended the Commission under the leadership of Prof. Umar Danbatta, its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for creating an enabling environment for competition to thrive among operators in the industry and its unwavering commitment in expanding the nation’s frontiers of growth and development through accelerating broadband infrastructure deployment.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Commission, in the full glare of other eminent Nigerians, including the representative of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who was knighted as Governor of the Year, the NCC’s Head of Online Media, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, thanked the Management of Neptune Network Nigeria Limited for the recognition. He stated that the Commission will not rest on its oars because the award has boosted NCC’s determination to work even more, within the framework of its mandate, for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
“On behalf of the Board and Management of the Commission led by our inspiring Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, I convey the gratitude of Commission to the organisers of this event and thank them for this special recognition. The Commission treasures this gesture and sees it as another wake-up call to do more in the effort to unleash the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy,” Ibietan said.

Headlines
Kano SSG assumes duty, pledges to operate open door policy

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The newly appointed Secretary to the State Government of Kano State, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim has assumed office on Monday.
KANO FOCUS reports that his arrival ignited jubilations and enthusiastic reception by entire staff of the Cabinet Office.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Monday by information officer cabinet office, Musa Tanko said some associates as well as other well wishers assembled at the cabinet office to welcome the new SSG.

The statement added that the staff described Ibrahim’s appointment as a homecoming, owing to the fact that he had served in the office in different capacities.
Receiving the SSG on behalf of the Cabinet Office community, the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA) Directorate, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Jalo, expressed delight for the appointment and stated that the choice of Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim was a welcome development and highly befitting.
He further stated that, the SSG knows the terrain of the job very well and expressed hope that Kano State is heading towards positive turn around at the state engine room and bringing the divident of democracy to the general public.
In a similar development, members of the Payroll Standing Committee led by their Deputy Chairman, Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo, paid a solidarity visit to the newly appointed SSG, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim.
Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo stated that, immediately after the announcement, both conventional and social media platforms were agog with praises and well wishes were flowing in from different angles. This alone was a clear indication, that the appointment was well deserved.
He added that, this was part of the reason the committee members took the lead to celebrate the SSG. He pray to God to guide him to succeed in the newly assigned task.
Expressing his appreciation for the visit, the SSG stated that he has made a vow to Governor Yusuf, that he will put in his best to serve the state.
He also revealed that “Anybody or groups with meaningful ideas to further develop our dear state is welcome.” he assured that, he would operate an open door policy which has been his guiding principle during his civil service career.
“I am profoundly gratitude to Almighty Allah. As I appreciate His Excellentcy, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for reposing his confidence in me. To serve the state in this capacity. And I promise not to disappoint him,” he concluded.

News
Dala community commends Gov Yusuf for appointing Waiya as commissioner

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kan Tudu Community in Dala local government area of Kano state has applauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for appointing Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya as commissioner of information and internal affairs.

KANO FOCUS reports that elders, youth, women groups as well as politicians in the community gathered on Sunday evening to honor the commissioner for his well deserved appointment.
Alhaji Dayyabu Maiturare, the chairman NNPP in Dala local government, commended the foresight of Governor Yusuf for appointing the right person as the government spokesperson.
On this part, Kan Tudu ward chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Alhaji Abdulkadir Danladi Nasidi said, the event was organized to express appreciation to Governor Yusuf for appointing their Son into his cabinet.
He said Waiya is known in Kano and beyond for his struggle to protect the interest of the common man, and demonstrated capacity to represent his people.
Responding, Waiya expressed gratitude to Kan Tudu Community for honoring him, assuring that he will contribute his quota to provide development programme including youth empowerment and job creation through a foundation.
He assured of Governor Yusuf and national leader of the NNPP Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of unshakable support from Dala local government area.
The commissioner asked his constituents to direct his critics who are saying he is not a politician, to the house of Alhaji Uba Jigo, his political mentor.
The event was attended by representatives of business community, women, academics, youth groups, politicians among others.

News
GSS Garko class 88 holds AGM, appoints Sabo Isa Garko interim chair

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Class 1988 of Government Secondary School Garko has appointed Alhaji Sabo Isa Garko as the interim leader of the association for one year, pending the election of the new executive members.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Garko was elected on Saturday during its annual reunion held at the main conference hall of Rumfa College, Kano.
The gathering brought together former classmates of the association to reconnect, reflect on shared experiences and discuss the future of the association.
Garko’s leadership is expected to guide the association through this transitional period, ensuring continuity and progress in its activities.
In his address Garko pledged to bond members and give a purposeful leadership within his interim period of leadership.
The event featured discussions on key initiatives to strengthen the bond among members, contributing positively to the Alma matter.
The reunion also provided a platform for members to deliberate on future engagements and community development programs.
The association appreciates the efforts of all attendees and looks forward to continued unity and progress.
