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COVID-19: NCC, Danbatta receive awards for keeping Nigerians connected
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and its Executive Vice Chairman, Umar Garba Danbatta have received awards recognizing their role in keeping Nigerians and businesses connected since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
Kano Focus reports that two non-governmental organizations presented the awards to both the NCC and the EVC.
The by Wheel of Hope Human Rights Foundation (WHHRF) presented ‘Human Rights Telecoms Defender’ for the EVC and ‘Human Rights Guard’ for the NCC.
Also, the Youth Coalition against Corruption (YOCAC) presented the ‘Icon of a Greater Nigeria’ award to the EVC.
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Both the WHHRF and YOCAC adduced similar reasons for finding the EVC and NCC deserving of the recognitions.
Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Ikeckukwu Adinde received the awards on behalf of the EVC.
Mr Adinde appreciated the organizations for their gestures.
“On behalf of the EVC and Chief Executive of NCC, we thank you for these recognitions.
“These latest awards will add to the long list of laurels in the NCC’s kitty.
“There are many initiatives by the Commission, to ensure increased connectivity, improved quality of service and consumer rights protection.” Mr Adinde said.
He also restated the NCC’s commitment to consumer-centric initiatives that promote digital inclusion and advance the digital economy vision of the government.
In his remarks, Chairman, WHHRF, Jide Abdulazeez, said the Foundation recognizes “the leading role the Commission has been playing in sustaining access to telecoms services throughout the period of the lockdown, following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mr Abdulazeez also noted the role of NCC in making the 112 Emergency Number available to Nigerians to report COVID-19-related cases and other emergencies; as well as its efforts in consistently protecting the rights and privileges of telecoms consumers, through effective resolutions of service-related complaints.
In the same vein, the National Coordinator, YOCAC, Dahiru Umaru, said, “the Icon of Greater Nigeria Award conferred on the EVC recognizes his leadership qualities and achievements which have engendered quality regulatory supervision of the telecoms industry by ensuring that telecom consumers are not unduly shortchanged, especially during the critical stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mr Umaru said NCC has been contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy by ensuring robust telecom infrastructure.
He said this makes it possible for Nigerians to leverage social media and other digital platforms to express their views against corrupt practices in order to ensure good governance in the country.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Sports Commission has congratulated Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya on his redeployment as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commission described the redeployment as a welcome development, reflecting the confidence reposed in Waiya’s leadership ability, administrative experience and commitment to public service.
In a statement issued on Saturday, by the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Zulfa’at Abubakar Rano, the Chairman of the Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, expressed confidence that Waiya would bring his wealth of experience to bear on youth and sports development in the state.
Waiya was previously the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs before his redeployment in the minor cabinet reshuffle announced by the governor.
Babangida said the new commissioner’s experience in public service, communication, policy implementation and stakeholder engagement would contribute to advancing the ministry’s objectives and strengthening the sports sector.
He also pledged the commission’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry to promote grassroots sports, identify and nurture emerging talents, empower young people and improve Kano’s competitiveness in national and international sporting activities.
The chairman stressed that effective collaboration between the ministry and the commission would be crucial to achieving sustainable growth in the sports sector and creating more opportunities for youth participation and development.
He wished Waiya a successful tenure, expressing optimism that his appointment would bring innovation and further progress to youth and sports development in Kano State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in six newly appointed commissioners, three advisers and 19 permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ceremony followed the confirmation of the six commissioner nominees by the Kano State House of Assembly on October 26, 2026, after completing the legislative screening process.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u (retd.), assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi Dala, Investment; Prof. Sani Lawan Manunfashi, Higher Education; Muktar Ishaq Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba Mustapha, Special Duties.
In a related development, the governor announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the redeployment of two commissioners to different ministries.
Under the new arrangement, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Similarly, Hamza Kachaco has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle leaves the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, vacant pending further decisions by the state government.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the appointments and redeployments are aimed at strengthening government institutions, improving administrative efficiency and repositioning key ministries for effective service delivery.
The governor urged the new appointees to demonstrate dedication, integrity and commitment to their responsibilities, stressing the need to prioritise public interest and contribute to the development of the state.
He also charged them to work collaboratively in advancing his administration’s development agenda and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Gov Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.
Ibrahim Khalil
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redeployed the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as part of a cabinet reshuffle involving eight ministries.
KANO FOCUS reports that under the new arrangement, Waiya moves from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youths and Sports, while Hon. Hamza Safyanu Kachako has been transferred from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle also assigns new commissioners to several ministries.
Hon. Yushau Soja has been assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security, while Hon. Idris Garba Mustapha will oversee the Ministry of Special Duties.
Similarly, Hon. Muntari Ishaq Yakasai has been assigned to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi Dala will head the Ministry of Commerce.
Other appointments include Hon. Ibrahim Tsanyawa as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Prof. Sani Lawal as Commissioner for Higher Education.
The reshuffle affects eight ministries, with the changes involving both new portfolio assignments and the redeployment of serving commissioners.
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