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Danbatta Applauds Pantami’s Appointment as WISIS Chair
Nasiru Yusuf
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has congratulated the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, on his appointment as the Chairman of the 2022 World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
KANO FOCUS reports that Danbatta described the choice of the Minister as chair of the Forum as a worthy recognition of Nigeria’s leadership role in the global digital economy ecosystem, noting that Nigeria has continued to hold a front-row seat in the promotion of information and communication technology (ICT) as a driving force for national development since the assumption of office of the Minister.
“On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission, I want to express our profound delight and congratulations to the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, on his well-deserved appointment by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to chair this year’s WSIS Forum”, Danbatta stated.
“The appointment did not surprise us at NCC, given the important role the Hon. Minister has been playing in driving fundamental digital economy policies, being implemented by agencies under his supervision, in order to boost the diversification policy of the Federal Government,” the EVC said.
“We are, therefore, happy to associate with the Minister on this feat, as it means greater recognition for Nigeria. The appointment is an indication that the world has continued to take notice of the giant strides of Nigeria’s digital economy under the supervision of the Minister.
The NCC will continue to do everything within its regulatory mandate to further support the Federal Government’s drive for ubiquitous, affordable and accessible digital services across all nooks and crannies of the country,” Danbatta said.
Following consultations with various stakeholders, the ITU recently notified the Minister via a letter, of his appointment as the 2022 WSIS Chairman.
The ITU is orgainsing the WSIS 2022 Forum in collaboration with other agencies with the United Nations with a focus on “ICTs for Well-Being, Inclusion and Resilience: WSIS Cooperation for Accelerating Progress on the SDGs”.
As has been noted elsewhere, the appointment of Prof. Pantami has given Nigeria, and indeed, the African continent, the unique role of coordinating the activities of the WSIS in its 20th year, following the WSIS Phase I meeting which took place in 2003.
The WSIS Forum 2022, which will be attended by several high-level stakeholders, including Cabinet Ministers from ITU countries, will serve as a key platform to discuss the role of ICTs as a means to bolster the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals targets.
The discourse will take place in the context of the mechanism for follow-up and review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UNGA Resolution A/70/1).
The WSIS Forum also provides an opportunity to track the achievements of WSIS Action Lines in collaboration with the UN Agencies involved and provides information and analysis on the implementation of WSIS Action Lines since 2005.
The Forum aims at enhancing cooperation, partnership, innovation, exchange of experiences and good practices in ICTs for sustainable development across the world.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Vice President, Architect Muhammad Namadi Sambo, has commended the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his bold decision to declare a state of emergency on education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sambo, who paid a condolence visit to Governor Yusuf over the death of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, expressed admiration for the administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
“As an architect, I am particularly passionate about the ongoing rehabilitation and beautification of the Kano Government House,” Sambo noted.
“I was very happy and have been looking forward to the opportunity to commend you in person.”
He described the Governor’s efforts as “giant strides,” adding that the infrastructural transformation under the Yusuf-led administration is evident across Kano.
“Mr. Governor, you are doing well,” the former Vice President added. “I have been following the news, and on my arrival to Kano, I personally noticed the impressive infrastructural developments everywhere. You have effectively turned the Government House into a construction site.”
Governor Yusuf thanked the former Vice President for his visit and words of encouragement, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring Kano’s glory through purposeful governance and people-oriented projects.
His Excellency Namadi Sambo was in cimpany of Chairman Unity Bank, former Director General of NEMA Muhammad Sani Sidi and a host of others.
In another development, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello led another powerful delegation to condole with the Governor and the good people of Kano over the death of late Alhaji Amunu Dantata.
The former Governor of Niger state was accompanied by Sen. Bashir Garba Lado, Sen. Muhammad Ibn Na’Allah, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Abacha among others.
The Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has organized a sensitization workshop for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) clubs in 50 secondary schools across Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that that ten students, who were selected from each participating school, received the training on understanding GBV, preventive measures, and appropriate actions to take when faced with such situations.
Speaking at the closing of the training on Friday, Bashir Kabir Rabi’u, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) officer of the AGILE Project in Kano State, said the workshop was aimed at raising awareness among female students on how to recognize and avoid GBV, as well as how to respond effectively if it occurs.
“This workshop brought together 50 school-based clubs established to fight GBV.
“We trained 10 students from each school to equip them with knowledge about gender-based violence,” he stated.
Rabi’u noted that the awareness campaign is part of efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
He explained that the AGILE Project, which is supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Education, facilitated the program.
In her remarks, the Principal of Kukar Bulikiya Girls Secondary School, Hannatu Ado Gwaram, commended the AGILE program for organizing the training.
She pledged that the school would continue sensitizing students on ways to avoid becoming victims of GBV.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event also featured drama presentations and educative plays aimed at driving home the message of gender-based violence prevention.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Partnership For Learning For All in Nigeria (PLANE) in collaboration with Kano state government has commenced a 5-day workshop to develop a 2026-2028 Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) aimed at enhancing quality education.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop brings together stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Budget and Planning, Finance, Development Partners, and Civil Society Organisations.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner of Education Dr Ali Haruna Makoda said Kano State Government has allocated 31.5% of its 2025 budget to boost quality education in the state.
According to him the budgetary allocation is part of a strategic plan to achieve quality education through due process and implementation.
Dr. Makoda emphasised the importance of strategic planning and implementation in achieving better results in the education sector.
He urged participants to implement what they would learn for the betterment of the state education sector.
Participants at the occasion
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Education Reforms, Haladu Mohammed, explained that the workshop would create a solid foundation for a 3-year education plan to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the state.
This initiative demonstrates the Kano State Government’s commitment to improving the education sector, aligning with its recent efforts to enhance education quality.
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