News
NCC commits to bridging digital gender divide
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to bridging growing gender-oriented digital divide to accelerate inclusive economic prosperity for all Nigerian citizens.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta who restated this commitment in Lagos at the 2022 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS), Thursday, where he was conferred with the ‘Icon of Digital Revolution Award’ for his role in stimulating digital connectivity in Nigeria, said promotion of gender equality is a major component of ICT development.
He noted that the gender dimensions of ICT, manifests in access and use; capacity-building opportunities; employment and potential for empowerment, and that all these dimensions need to be explicitly identified and addressed, to leverage on technology and communication as powerful catalysts for political, economic, and social empowerment of women, and the promotion of gender equality.
Speaking to the theme of the event, “Reskilling Women and Girls to Thrive in the Digital Economy”, Danbatta, who was represented by NCC’s Head, Digital Media Management, Nafisa Usman Rugga, said the theme resonates deeply with the drive by the Federal Government to ensure an all-inclusive digital economy that drives the strategic vision plan of the Commission.
He expressed his appreciation to organizers, Techlife Media and Communications Limited, a Lagos-based media organisation, for the iconic recognition for his contribution to Nigeria’s digital progression which is an encouragement that he would dedicate to the entire NCC team of professionals that are dedicated to the digital revolution in the country.
Danbatta commended the organization for holding forth its annual gathering that pivots discussions on promotion of digital access, skills and knowledge among the women and girls in Nigeria.
Danbatta indicated that one of the ways through which the Commission strives to achieve an inclusive growth, is through increased digital connectivity to all, regardless of gender and other accidental circumstances, and that the Commission has continued to play a front-seat role in driving the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-2030; the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025; and related policies aimed at deepening connectivity for all citizens, thereby bridging digital gender disparity.
“The NCC has put in the front burner the need to expose girls and young women to more opportunities in the digital ecosystem, in line with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) resolution 70, which advocates gender mainstreaming and promotion of gender equality, as well as the empowerment of women through information and communications technology (ICT), and we are fully committed to this,”, Danbatta said.
The organizers, while justifying the reason for conferring the award on Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator, stated that after“ reviewing the criteria set for the award, we reckon that Prof. Danbatta deserves the award for blazing the trail in accelerating digital revolution in Nigeria, especially with the historic auction of 3.5 GHz spectrum in a fair, transparent, and credible manner, and considering the various initiatives embarked upon by the Commission under his leadership, to inspire girls and women to play active roles in the evolving global digital economy,”.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted Nigerians of the outbreak of meningitis in thirteen states of the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 13 states prone to meningitis according to the agency are; parts of Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno states.
The agency in its meningitis and heat stress watch released on Friday, stated that some parts of the country would also experience heat stress.
For meningitis, the agency stated: “There is an increased chance of outbreak of Meningococcal meningitis over the country.
This prospect is heightened with the fresh dust haze that came into the country early hours of 11th of April. Areas most prone to the outbreak includes Parts of Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno States.
The agency while stating that the most vulnerable groups include infants, young children, the aged, and those with weak immune systems, advised them to get vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly and avoid close contact with those affected.
It called on relevant bodies responsible for public health to take note of the alert and take necessary preventive actions.
“This is coming after three consecutive days of rainfall over the country. Maximum temperatures over the north are within 40 ℃ . Clear skies and moisture will aid this heat and attendant discomfort.
“Discomfort levels should be highest over parts of Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Benue states including the Federal Capital Territory”.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A top-level team set up by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf left Kano on Thursday to probe the recent killings in Uromi, Edo State.
KANO FOCUS reports that the group, led by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, aims to find facts and build peace.
Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor’s spokesperson, released a statement listing key members.
These include the Emir of Rano, Mohammad Isa Umar; Commissioners for Religious Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties, and Women Affairs; plus the Chairman of Bunkure Local Government Area, among others.
Before leaving Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Gwarzo spoke about their goals. “Our mandate is clear — to investigate, to consult, and to recommend sustainable solutions. This is not just a fact-finding mission, but a peace-building initiative aimed at restoring confidence and preventing further violence,” he said.
The killings last month sparked tension in Uromi. The team plans a week-long visit to meet Edo State Governor, security heads, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to ease unrest and seek answers.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Malam Ibrahim Zubair, a respected academic and dedicated public servant, who passed away recently.
KANO FOCUS reports that Malam Ibrahim Zubair was a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Northwest University, Kano, Centre Officer at Dawakin Tofa and prominent member of the Kwankwasiyya Scholars Assembly.
In a condolence message signed by his spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa the Governor described the late lecturer as a humble, hardworking, and principled individual who dedicated his life to teaching, mentorship, and community development.
“Kano has lost one of its finest intellectuals, a man who inspired many young minds and contributed significantly to our educational system,” the statement read.
The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues, students, and the entire academic community.
He prayed to Allah to forgive Malam Ibrahim Zubair’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and students, who described him as an approachable and passionate teacher, known for his depth of knowledge and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
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