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Pantami woos State Governors on broadband, Obaseki shares experience
Nasiru Yusuf
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Thursday in Abuja, told a gathering designed for State Governors that the potentials of broadband are so enormous that if made available for their citizens, will be the best gift for their economic emancipation.
KANO FOCUS reports that Pantami told the state governors and their representatives and other industry stakeholders at the maiden edition of Broadband Technical Awareness Forum for Governors (BTAF), organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, gave an impressive report card about what he has already achieved with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the education sector, and many other sectors of the Edo State economy.
Pantami stated that greater support and collaboration will be required from the State governors towards addressing challenges to broadband infrastructure deployment by the telecom companies, which are expected to deploy required infrastructure to provide broadband services in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
“This is because, more than ever before, our security, economic and educational development rely on having state-based broadband structure and framework that will articulate the key targets in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, and this is the essence of this forum today,” he said.
According to the Minister, access to broadband is globally recognized today as a necessity and not luxury and that explains Federal Government’s decision to develop broadband plans aimed at deepening in-country connectivity to enhance socio-economic development.
The Minister who established correlates between broadband penetration and growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), stated that countries with high density of broadband network have higher GDP per capital for the citizens. He said the steady growth in broadband penetration over the years in Nigeria is directly reflecting on the economic growth of the country.
Gov. Obaseki, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of other state governors and listed efforts made by state governments in encouraging broadband infrastructure deployment, assured stakeholders of the readiness and willingness of the state governments to work more with the Federal Government but emphasized the need for increased open dialogue and trust between the States and the Federal Government.
Representatives of other state governors also expressed their determination to co-operate more with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the NCC and other telecoms companies to facilitate deployment of fibre infrastructure which they believe would improve the socio-economic lives of citizens.
Chairman, Board of Commissioners at NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande, had in his remarks, said Nigeria deserves to be in tune as the world goes digital in all spheres, as we cannot afford to lag in being among the countries leveraging broadband for socio-economic development.
“We recognize the fact that Nigeria is a nation with federating units. Hence, it would be difficult to achieve faster and desired broadband penetration level without effective collaboration with the state governors,” he said. Akande particularly emphasised the centrality of synergy to tackle all challenges undermining broadband deployment, particularly multiple taxation, right of way (RoW), denial of access to telecoms sites for maintenance, vandalism, insecurity, among others” the Chairman of NCC Board of Commissioners said.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, in his own submission, said the objective of the event was to seek better understanding and rich resolutions to all issues affecting faster broadband deployment. He reminded participants that, “though we are making gradual progress towards our target, but this forum will provide us with deeper insights on how to address identified challenges to broadband deployment.”
At the event attended by over 170 delegates and following discussion at the technical panel session, severa lresolutions were made towards ensuring accessible, available, and affordable broadband services that will support the overall socio-economic development in the country. A key decision taken at the forum is the urgent need to establish State Broadband Coordinating Council, as a Sub-National Structure at the state level which is urgently required to enhance the accomplishment of the objectives of the NNBP.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced his decision to embark on the construction of a new bridge in the town of Imawa, located within Kura Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawkin Tofa on Friday said the initiative is aimed at mitigating the frequent accidents that have plagued the area, particularly along the busy Kano-Zaria express way where such incidents have become all too common.
The decision to build the bridge follows a tragic accident in which a driver struck and killed three people, causing widespread devastation in the community.
The incident occurred shortly after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers, when a vehicle veered out of control and struck seven pedestrians.
Sadly, three of the victims succumbed to their injuries, while the other four sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Governor Yusuf expressed his deep condolences to the families affected by this tragic event and emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure improvement to prevent further loss of life.
The construction of the bridge is expected to enhance road safety, ease traffic flow, and provide a safer passage for both pedestrians and motorists in the area.
“The Kano State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, and this project represents a significant step toward achieving that goal.”
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially reopened the Kano State Driving Institute, reinstating its academic and practical programme after eight years of neglect under the previous administration.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawkin Tofa on Friday.
Originally established during Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s second term as part of a broader strategic transport ecosystem, the institute was designed to produce professional and licensed drivers equipped with state-of-the-art training.
Unfortunately, the facility was shut down for the entirety of the last administration’s eight-year tenure, leaving it in a state of disrepair.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony, where 250 youths were offered enrollment forms, Governor Yusuf expressed his dismay over the impact of the institute’s prolonged closure.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the centre, aiming to restore it as a premier institution for professional driver training and licensing.
“The Institute was conceived to create job opportunities for our youth, it was established by Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to enhance road safety and provide young people with the skills to become professional drivers.” He said.
“Unfortunately, the previous administration abandoned it for eight years, causing significant harm to our youth who could have benefited from this initiative.” He added.”
Governor Yusuf further highlighted that the revitalized institute will not only teach safe driving but also contribute to reducing road accidents and boosting the state’s transportation sector.
He called on stakeholders in the transportation industry to support the institute by providing employment opportunities for its graduates.
He also assured that his administration would provide all necessary resources to ensure the institute’s success and urged the newly enrolled 250 youths to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing the importance of responsibility and dedication in their training.
According to the governor, the reopening marks a new beginning for the Kano State Driving Institute, positioning it as a key player in the professional development of the state’s transportation workforce.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The government has introduced new guidelines for fee increment.
Kano State Government has prohibited private and voluntary schools from arbitrarily increasing fees and forcing parents to purchase materials directly from the schools.
KANO FOCUS reports that Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institution’s Board( KSPVIB,) Comrade Baba Abubakar Umar, gave the warning in an interview with journalists.
The Executive Secretary said that some schools have been taking advantage of parents through hidden charges and exorbitant fees.
He said to address this issue, the board has introduced new guidelines.
According to him, “Schools must convene a Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) meeting to discuss any fee increments”.
He also stated that school must then write to the board seeking approval for the increase, attaching the attendance sheet from the PTA meeting.
He added that”At least two-thirds of parents must be present at the PTA meeting”
Comrade Abubakar dated that, the board has received complaints from parents who were charged excessive fees or amounts different from what was initially agreed upon.
He therefore disclosed that despite the current economic situation, schools must be realistic and fair in their charges.
“The board will work with relevant authorities to prosecute schools that operate illegally or evade taxes”
He however maintained that the board is committed to ensuring that schools provide safe learning environments and employ qualified teachers.
“Parents are encouraged to report any schools with substandard teaching or unsafe conditions”
Comrade Abubakar emphasised that, new census forms will be distributed to private and voluntary schools to ensure accurate data collection and effective monitoring. Saying that the board remains open to dialogue and discussions with schools willing to comply with the law.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to education, allocating 30% of the state’s budget to the sector and declaring a state of emergency.
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