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NCC, REA Sign Agreement to Expand Digital Infrastructure with Renewable Energy
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of digital infrastructure across Nigeria by integrating renewable energy into telecommunications networks.
KANO FOCUS reports that the agreement was signed during the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop held at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium in Mbora, Abuja, on Friday.
The workshop, themed *”Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria,”* brought together government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers and development partners to discuss strategies for expanding connectivity through sustainable energy solutions.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, described the partnership as a major step towards achieving inclusive digital connectivity and energy access.
He said reliable electricity and digital connectivity are interdependent and essential for building an inclusive and productive economy.
“Reliable electricity and digital connectivity are not two separate development goals. They are mutually reinforcing foundations of the same objective that produces an inclusive and productive economy,” Mr Oshadami said.
According to him, communities without stable electricity struggle to sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while those without digital connectivity cannot fully benefit from electrification projects.
He explained that the partnership provides a framework for aligning telecommunications and rural electrification programmes through coordinated planning, shared infrastructure and renewable energy solutions.
Under the agreement, the REA will provide geospatial data on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will share information on current and planned projects under the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
Mr Oshadami said the collaboration would enable both agencies to identify areas lacking electricity and telecommunications services and coordinate interventions more effectively.
He added that the partnership would also explore the use of REA’s off-grid renewable energy projects to power telecommunications infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites.
According to him, the agencies will also examine opportunities to co-locate telecommunications infrastructure on REA-developed energy facilities where technically feasible, a move expected to reduce deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate connectivity in underserved communities.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, represented by the Executive Director of Technical Services, Umar Abdullahi Umar, said Nigeria’s digital economy depends on reliable energy infrastructure.
He noted that renewable energy mini-grids provide a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered telecommunications sites.
“Reliable power and universal connectivity are not competing priorities. They are the same priority, approached from two directions. Where we deliver them together, the cost of each falls and the reach of both extends,” he said.
The workshop also featured presentations by the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee on geospatial analysis, pilot projects and implementation strategies, as well as panel discussions on financing models, regulatory issues and infrastructure planning.
Mr Oshadami urged stakeholders to move beyond expressions of support by identifying practical financing mechanisms, viable commercial models and regulatory measures capable of translating the partnership into sustainable, large-scale projects.
The NCC said the agreement would strengthen collaboration between the two agencies in support of the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development agenda by improving infrastructure planning, expanding broadband access, promoting renewable energy adoption in telecommunications and delivering resilient digital infrastructure nationwide.
Ibrahim Khalil
Darul Arkam Millatu Ibrahim Group of Schools has honoured its pioneer principal, Malam Mu’az Suleiman Sa’id, for his dedicated service and contribution to the establishment and development of the school.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sa’id disclosed this in a post on his Facebook account on Thursday, following a special ceremony organised by the school in his honour.
According to him, the event, held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, featured the presentation of an Award of Appreciation in recognition of his service as the first principal of Darul Arkam Millatu Ibrahim, Zawaciki.
The award plaque described Sa’id as having demonstrated “dedicated service, pioneering leadership and invaluable contribution” to the establishment and development of the school from the 2018/2019 to the 2025/2026 academic session.
Malam Mu’az Suleiman Sa’id said he served in the position for six years and some months.
Expressing appreciation for the recognition, Sa’id thanked the Director of Darul Arkam Millatu Ibrahim Group of Schools, Malam Bashir Aliyu Umar, PhD, whom he described as a father figure and a generous elder, as well as other school administrators and teachers.
Malam Bashir Aliyu Umar, PhD,
He prayed for the continued bond between him and the school management and for Allah to accept the contributions made towards the development of the institution.
Malam Mu’az Suleiman Sa’id also prayed for forgiveness for any shortcomings recorded during his service and expressed humility over the commendation.
He quoted a Qur’anic verse which states: “Indeed, We do not allow the reward of those who do good to be lost.”
He further prayed: “O Allah, do not hold me accountable for what they say, forgive me for what they do not know, and make me better than what they think of me.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Kano State Chapter, has elected Hassan Ibrahim Gama as its new State Coordinator.
KANO FOCUS reports that Gama emerged unopposed during the coalition’s 2026 state election, which was described as peaceful and transparent.
The election was conducted by an election committee chaired by Dr. Auwalu Halilu, who said the exercise marked another milestone in strengthening the coalition’s leadership and its commitment to promoting inclusive and quality education in Kano State.
Other officers elected are Mahdi Abdullahi, Deputy Coordinator; Sunusi Hashim, Secretary; Dr. Abubakar I. Hassan, Assistant Secretary; Ghazali I. U., PRO I; Abdulbaki Mohd, PRO II; and Muhammad Abdullahi, PRO III.
Others are Garba Hamma Dikko, Provost; Rukayya Abdulrahman, Financial Secretary; Saratu Maigida, Treasurer; and Suleiman Zubair, Auditor.
Halilu expressed appreciation to the CSACEFA National Secretariat, represented at the election by its Policy Advisor, Mrs Ordinaka, for the guidance and support provided throughout the electoral process.
He also commended members of the election committee, CSACEFA Kano members and other stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the exercise.
The election committee chairman congratulated the newly elected leadership and urged them to build on the achievements of the coalition by strengthening civil society participation, advocacy, accountability and strategic partnerships.
He tasked the new executives with working towards improving education service delivery and advancing the Education for All agenda in Kano State.
The former Kano State Coordinator of CSACEFA, Prof. Muhammad Bello Shitu, and the Kano State Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Alhaji Tijjani Haladu Baraya, were among the dignitaries who supervised the conduct of the election.
Nura Abdullahi
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called for the repositioning of Home Economics education as a strategic tool for innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation and sustainable development in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor made the call at the opening of the 52nd Annual National Conference and Workshop of the Home Economics Teachers Association of Nigeria (HETAN), held in Kano.
In a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government Musa Tanko the governor, said the conference theme, “Repositioning Home Economics Education for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” was timely and aligned with the country’s aspiration to build a skilled, self-reliant and economically empowered population.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, said Home Economics had evolved beyond traditional household management to encompass food and nutrition, fashion, textiles, hospitality, family resource management and entrepreneurship.
Yusuf urged stakeholders to reposition the discipline from being viewed merely as an academic subject to a practical platform for skills development, innovation, enterprise and wealth creation.
He stressed that graduates should be equipped not only to seek employment but also to create jobs.
The governor also called for the integration of digital technology, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and modern production techniques into Home Economics education.
According to him, technical skills must be complemented with entrepreneurship, branding, financial management, digital marketing and access to markets to enable graduates turn their knowledge into viable businesses.
He urged HETAN to strengthen collaboration among educational institutions, industries, financial institutions, government agencies and development partners to provide modern equipment, practical training, mentorship, internships and opportunities for young people.
On environmental sustainability, Yusuf said Home Economics could provide practical solutions to challenges such as food waste, environmental degradation, rising household costs and climate change.
He identified responsible consumption, recycling, energy conservation, sustainable food practices and environmentally friendly production as areas where the discipline could contribute to sustainable development.
The governor also called for urgent and collective action against drug addiction among young people, describing the menace as a serious threat to the nation’s future.
He said the challenge required coordinated efforts involving government, families, schools and society.
Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives promoting skills acquisition, employability, entrepreneurship and innovation.
He noted that Kano’s longstanding traditions of commerce, craftsmanship, textile production, tailoring and food processing provided a strong foundation for linking education with modern enterprise and technology.
He charged participants to go beyond adopting resolutions and develop practical strategies capable of producing measurable impacts in schools, communities and the wider Nigerian economy.
Earlier, the National President of HETAN, Mrs Onothoja Evelyn, commended the Kano State Government for providing a hospitable environment for participants from across the country.
She said HETAN had grown beyond an association focused solely on teaching Home Economics, noting its relevance to hospitality, healthcare, fashion, food and beverages, entrepreneurship and the general wellbeing of society.
Evelyn said the conference theme and sub-themes were selected to address contemporary challenges, proffer solutions and contribute to policy formulation suited to Nigeria’s peculiar needs.
The conference also featured a welcome address by the Chairperson of HETAN, Kano Chapter, Hajiya Halima Abubakar.
Among dignitaries at the event were the Accountant General of Kano State, Hajiya Jamila Magaji Abdullahi, who represented the First Lady of Kano State; the Permanent Secretary, Kano Educational Resource Department, Hajiya Rabi Inuwa Hussain; Dr Zainab Shehu Hussain; and HETAN executives from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The conference is expected to strengthen professional collaboration and generate practical ideas for repositioning Home Economics education as a catalyst for skills development, entrepreneurship, job creation, improved livelihoods and sustainable national development.
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