… Refurbishing two computer centres
The Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC) has advanced plans to enhance connectivity,
access in Edo State, reports ITRealms.
This, ITRealms gathered is coming as NCC is to improve access to
telecoms infrastructure and provide citizens of Edo State with world class
telecoms and ICT facilities, spanning the refurbishing of two computer centres
in tertiary institutions.
Disclosing this during a meeting between the Executive Governor
of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the NCC, led by the Commission’s Executive
Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Mr Sunday Dare, at NCC
headquarters, Wednesday, Dare commended the forward-looking policies of the
Governor and assured him of the NCC’s readiness to support the achievement of
the ICT aspirations of the State through the deployment of fiber infrastructure
under the Commission’s InfraCo project and interventions by the Universal
Service Provision Fund.
He noted that the NCC is aggressively driving accessibility to
telecoms networks at all nooks and crannies of the Federation. He however
regretted that situation with multiple taxation and regulation in some States
of the Federation is counter-productive for the States – this is because they
end up losing substantial revenues and developmental opportunities which could
have been stimulated with the presence of telecoms infrastructure. He assured
the Governor that NCC is keen to partner Edo State to achieve win-win solutions
in the overall interests of the good people of Edo State.
In his remarks, the Governor noted that the Edo State Government
is focused on exploring non-oil resources and has therefore articulated
developmental priorities focusing on creating a sense of order (participative,
accountable and open governance); and a sense of security, safety and stability
necessary to attract requisite investments to develop the State. Since its
developmental goals relies on the seamless availability of telecoms/ICT
infrastructure, Edo State is passionate about the need to attract robust
telecoms infrastructure to drive manufacturing, education and other
socio-economic activities. As an example of the State’s forward-looking
approach, the Governor noted that Edo State has always made provision for
shared fiber ducts in its road projects and looks forward to engaging with NCC
and operators to agree on fiber deployment projects and routes as necessary.
During the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the USPF, Mr
Ayuba Shuaibu confirmed that the USPF has evaluated and agreed to support the
College of Education in Benin City and the Institute of Continuing Education in
Abudu, Edo State with a grant to establish a computer laboratory and provide
Optic Fiber Connectivity to the institutions.
The Governor thanked the USPF for the gesture and emphasized
that the State is committed to the deployment of technology solutions to
enhance basic education delivery, skills development and economic opportunities
for its citizens. Mr Dare assured the Governor of NCC’s support in this regard.
The parties therefore agreed to explore opportunities for
partnership in the deployment of telecoms infrastructure in Edo State in a
manner that supports the State’s developmental objectives and provides citizens
with access to fast, efficient and effective telecoms service whilst
affording necessary protection for telecoms infrastructure in the State.
Chuks Egbune/GEE
ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!
