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CJN Pronounces NCC Worthy Telecom Regulator

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has pronounced the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), a worthy telecom regulator in Nigeria for its dedicated efforts in promoting awareness and knowledge of Information Communications Technologies (ICT), among the judiciary in particular, and the Nigerian public.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the CJN who is the Chairman, Board of Governors of the NJI, spoke in an opening remark at the 2023 edition of NCC-hosted annual workshop for judges on telecommunications issues, which began in Kano on Monday.

 

Justice Ariwoola said that information technology and telecommunication services have surpassed the conventional method of court service delivery, as the use of the Internet is becoming a prominent feature of this era with innovative and interactive influences on the public, hence the crucial nature of the workshop.

 

Addressing the theme of the workshop, “The Adjudication Path in a Digital Era,” the CJN said it strikes a chord with the current realities that judicial officers face technologies that has fundamentally transformed how they communicate, access information and conduct legal proceedings.

 

“We are obliged to embrace this transformation while ensuring that doing justice remains at the forefront of our efforts,” he said.

 

The CJN and other Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court, Appeal Court, Federal High and States High Courts, and the NJI, were welcomed to the workshop by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who greeted them with the news that the Nigerian Communications Act,(NCA) 2003, is currently undergoing a fundamental review to update its provisions.

 

The nation’s number one judiciary officer explained that the workshop presents a platform where the challenges facing the judiciary by the digital revolution would be effectively discussed and that it is also an opportunity to equip the judiciary with the necessary information to deal with the digital era.

 

“It is also crucial to prioritize the examination of the convergence of data privacy and information security law. The enormous amount of data generated and collated in the digital realm raises critical questions regarding privacy, security, and the protection of individual rights.

 

“As Judicial Officers, you are responsible for carefully assessing the legal implications of data collation, storage, and utilization and by striking a harmonious balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding privacy, your Lordships would cultivate trust in the digital ecosystem while upholding individual rights” Ariwoola said.

 

The EVC/CEO of NCC, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the CJN and the top echelon of the judiciary for finding time to attend the workshop and promised the Commission’s resolve to deepen knowledge of the digital future on the judiciary as a very critical and indispensable arm of government.

 

Danbatta said the Commission is responsive to the rapid changes in the telecommunications and technology space and that NCC has taken steps to start the review of its enabling legislation, the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA, 2003) while assuring that stakeholders will get the opportunity to make input to the amendment.

 

Speaking on the importance of the workshop, Danbatta noted that the telecommunications sector has evolved since the NCA 2003 came into existence hence the need to be responsive in readiness to keep pace with the dynamics of technologies that will come.

 

The EVC noted that the workshop afforded the Commission ample opportunity to engage the Judiciary on how to adopt digital technologies in advancing the course of justice.

 

He said, “The communications sector, through infrastructure deployment, has continually ensured that the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government is established on a solid foundation. It has also proven to be the catalyst for entrenching the activities of both the public and private sectors in the digital space, seamlessly.

 

“However, we recognise that in any digital economy, the development of a complex web of commercial transactions and social interactions is inevitable. Thus, to instill societal confidence in the digital economy, at least, two things are required: a safe and effective backbone infrastructure, as well as an efficient adjudicatory mechanism, which is easily accessible in the digital space,” he stated.

 

The EVC said this reality informs the NCC’s steadfast partnership with the NJI to develop capacity for judges in this area, saying this would ensure that the Court, being the last hope of the common man, is firmly woven into the fabric of the digital economy.

 

In an interview on the sidelines of the workshop, Danbatta further stated, “We have the Nigerian Communications Act, which established the NCC in 2003, more than 20 years ago. At one time, the Chief Justice of the Federation said this Act is anachronistic, which means it is old and therefore, has to be reviewed and I assured members of the judiciary that this review is going on as we speak.

 

“At the appropriate time, members of the media will be invited to witness the public presentation of the reviewed NCC Act to an engagement forum with critical members of the industry as well as Nigerians, who subscribe to telecommunications services. They will have a say during the presentation of the reviewed Act to the Public.”

 

The NCC hosted the 2023 National Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunication Matters in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

 

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Abba Kabir Yusuf appoints heads of ARTV, SUBEB, 8 others

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Mustapha Adamu Indabawa

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of Mustapha Adamu Indabawa as the new Managing Director of Kano state-owned Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV) and Yusuf Kabir Gaya, Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s chief press secretary Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Wednesday.

Yusuf Kabir Gaya

According to the statement,the Governor had also approved the appointment of Hon. Salisu A. Kabo, Director General, Youth Empowerment, Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, Director General, Debt Management Office, and Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar, Director General, KAN-INVEST.

Others appointed by the Governor are:Yusuf Kabir Gaya, Hamisu Dogon Nama, Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Market,Abdulkadir B. Hussain, Managing Director, Sabon Gari Market and Dr. Kabiru Sani Magashi, Acting Managing Director, KASCO.

The rest are: Aminu Aminu Mai-Famfo, Deputy Managing Director, KASCO and Engr. Abubakar Sadiq J. Deputy Managing Director, Kano Line.

The statement said the appointments which were with immediate effect, were made “pursuant to the quest of placing appropriate hands to improve good governance.”

It added that the Governor charged the appointees to use their wealth of experience in the discharge of their engagements so as to diligently serve the people of the state and justify the confidence reposed in them.

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Takutaha: Kano Govt declares Wednesday public holiday

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People at Dala Hill celebrating Takutaha. © Raibiu Biyora.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared wednesday, October 4, as Public Holiday in commoration of the birth of the noble prophet of Allah, Muhammad Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

KANO FOCUS reports that the declaration was contained in a statement issued by the commissioner of information and internal affairs Alhaji Baba Halilu Dantiye in the early hours of Wednesday.

Takutaha celebration

The Governor urged the people of the state to use occassion to reflect on the teachings of our noble Prophet and imbibe them in their daily affairs.

He also urged the people to pray pervently for peace and prosperity to reign in Kano and Nigeria at large.

 

He prayed to Allah to see us through this tough period and bless us with bumper havest in this rainy season and the coming dry farming season.

 

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Kano Govt seals Reach clinic for breach of rules

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

 

The Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA) has sealed off a health facility, Reach Clinic for noncompliance with the law establishing the agency and standard operation guidelines.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Director General of the Agency, Prof. Salisu Ahmad announced the sealing off of the facility after leading the enforcement on the clinic situated in Gyadi-Gyadi quarters in Kano metropolis.

In a statement by the Information Officer, Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Director General said the facility was sealed off because it was opened before completing the documentation and guidelines laid down by the PHIMA, necessary for opening any private health institution.

The statement reads, “The DG stated that the information the clinic presented to the Agency was totally contrary with the record they have in possession regarding the hospital when they were invited for discussion.

“He noted with dismay the fact that the staff names the Reach clinic submitted to the PHIMA as their registered staff were not even in the state so much that some are no longer working with the clinic.

“Unfortunately, the doctors we got working at the time of our arrival at the hospital were not the ones whose names were given to us. In view of this, we deem it pertinent to close the clinic until they abide by all the rules and standard operation guidelines because they are not even permitted to start operations.

“He recalled that the law of the PHIMA that empowers it to oversee activities of the private health institutions has stipulated it that, for any centre to be opened, it must come to the Agency to complete the required documentation regarding its staff and the activities it is going to undertake.

“The DG added that with all these, such a centre wouldn’t be allowed to start operation until when the Agency goes and examine as well as assess the information submitted to them and become satisfied with.

“Reach clinic just go ahead and open the hospital without our permission despite the lapses they have. That is why we sealed off the clinic. It will remain closed until we are given the genuine information that we require and become convince with.

“The DG pointed out that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is much concern with the health of the people of the state, maintaining that the Governor is so committed and determined to see that the healthcare system is robust and standardized.

“He noted that since coming on board, His Excellency is being up and doing towards fulfilling the promises he made on health sector and the commitment is yielding positive results as people can attest to.

“If our amiable Governor can deny himself sleep in the night and goes out supervising health facilities what of us he entrusted to steer the wheel of healthcare system of the state? We must also not relent. We must work hard to complement to this noble effort of our leader.

“On this note, I want to call on private health institutions in the state to ensure they are operating in accordance with the standard guidelines and laws establishing the PHIMA. We will surely not hesitate to close any clinic that fails to follow due process.”

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