Headlines
NCC partners Sweden on ICT capacity building, improved broadband
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has received the Swedish Ambassador to ECOWAS, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria, Mr. Carl Grans at NCC Head Office with discussions centering on how the country can enhance Information and Communication Technology (ICT), capacity development and broadband penetration in Nigeria.
This is in line with the commission’s 8-Point Agenda, one of the pillars which focuses on strategic collaborations and partnership towards accelerating digital access and skills development in the country.
While receiving the Ambassador and team, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Dambatta, said the meeting was at the instance of the Commission, based on the Commission’s assessment of the offer for capacity development and focus of the Swedish Programme for ICT Development in Emerging Regions (SPIDER)–a dedicated programme instituted to provide capacity building in emerging markets.
L-R: Senior Officer, Public Affairs Department, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Hamzat Shuni; Principal manager, Special Duties, NCC, Ibrahim Galadima; Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NCC, Usman Malah; Swedish Ambassador to Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) – Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria, Mr. Carl Grans; EVC/CEO, NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta; Director, Government and Industry Relations, Ericsson, Mr. Peter Ogundele; Deputy Director, Special Duties, NCC, Mr. Chukwuma Azikiwe; and Assistant Director, Special Duties, NCC, Mr. Babagana Digima during the visit of the Swedish Ambassador to the Commission.
Professor Dambatta said that the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) had earlier trained some Nigerians. Thus, Danbatta stated that further collaboration to build capabilities of Nigerians on ICT will increase human resources and capacity in the ICT sector towards deepening broadband penetration.
The EVC stated that further capacity building of Nigerians on ICT tools and skills will start with agencies in the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE) in the context of train-the-trainer arrangement, and the beneficiaries in the agencies will proceed to train other Nigerians.
Professor Dambatta thanked the Swedish government for the capacity building programmes and reiterated that one of the priorities of the Nigerian Government is to facilitate the migration of millions of Nigerians out of poverty traps through ICT capacity development, skills acquisition and effectively driving the digital economy processes.
“We hope that the Embassy will continue to facilitate this kind of intervention to NCC and other agencies of government in Nigeria and Africa, and we also hope to benefit from the wealth of experience especially of Sweden, being a leading broadband market,” the EVC said.
Responding to the EVC, Ambassador Carl Michael Grans said: “5G technology and Internet of Things (IoT) are crucial to transforming the industry and production in a way that can’t really be seen yet, but a digital revolution is really imminent worldwide”.
Mr Grans also acknowledged that Nigeria is ready for the digital revolution considering the approval given to conduct 5G tests recently.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A high-powered delegation from the Kano State Government is currently in Lisbon, Portugal, on a study tour as part of preparations for the proposed Kano Light Rail Project.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation is led by the Commissioner for Transportation, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, alongside the Chairman of the Kano Line Resuscitation Committee, Hon. Alhaji Saeed Abdullahi Shuaibu.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ibrahim Ado Sabari, Information Officer of Kano Line.
According to the statement, the team is engaging with leading transport and engineering institutions, including Mota-Engil and MTS – Metro Transportes do Sul, in Lisbon and Almada to gain technical insights into rail infrastructure development.
The study tour is part of the Kano State Government’s efforts under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to establish a modern rail network within Kano metropolis and surrounding areas.
The proposed Kano Light Rail Project is aimed at improving urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion and stimulating socio-economic development across the state.
Officials from the Kano State Ministry of Transport and Kano Line are expected to study rail operations, maintenance systems, safety standards and sustainable transport financing models during the visit.
The delegation is also exploring opportunities for technical partnerships, knowledge exchange and possible investment collaborations to ensure the long-term efficiency and sustainability of the project.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of N1 trillion for the establishment of the Kano Light Rail Project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
When completed, the project is expected to connect major residential, commercial and industrial hubs within Kano metropolis, create employment opportunities, facilitate trade and improve access to key urban centres.
The Kano State Government said it remains committed to delivering a modern, reliable and efficient rail transport system that meets international standards and addresses the growing transportation needs of residents.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Alhaji Aliyu Lawan, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta, has congratulated Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa on his election as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
In a congratulatory message shared via Facebook, Lawan described Doguwa’s emergence as well deserved and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party effectively in the state.
He also extended his congratulations to other executive members elected alongside Doguwa into various party offices, noting that their emergence reflects the trust and confidence reposed in them by party members and stakeholders across Kano State.
According to him, the development is a clear testament to the dedication, loyalty and commitment of the newly elected leaders to the unity, stability and progress of the party.
Lawan further prayed that Allah grants the new chairman and his team wisdom, strength and foresight as they assume the responsibility of steering the affairs of the APC in Kano State.
He expressed optimism that the new leadership would promote harmony, inclusiveness and effective leadership within the party, while bringing renewed vigour, unity and success to the APC in the state and beyond.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State House of Assembly has issued a notice of impeachment to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
KANO FOCUS reports the notice followed the presentation of a report by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, during plenary on Wednesday. The sitting was presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Isma’il Falgore.
While presenting the report, the Majority Leader explained that the action was taken in line with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines the procedure for the impeachment of a governor or deputy governor.
According to him, the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 members of the Assembly.
He further stated that once the notice is formally served on the deputy governor, he will have 14 days to respond to the allegations contained in the document.
The development marks the beginning of the constitutional process that could lead to the impeachment of the deputy governor if the procedure continues as stipulated by law.
FRSC deploys senior officers to Kano for sensitisation on discipline, operational efficiency
Kano Govt delegation visits Portugal on study tour for light rail project
Majidadin Dambatta congratulates Doguwa on emergence as Kano APC chairman
Kano Assembly issues impeachment notice to Deputy Governor Gwarzo
Gov. Yusuf mourns former Kano finance commissioner, Prof. Dandago
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
Kano Police announce movement restrictions ahead of assembly by-elections
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
