Wednesday, February 19, 2025
26.9 C
Lagos

Telecom Infrastructure Critical to Successful 2023 Elections – Danbatta

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, has said telecom infrastructure is very critical to successful 2023 elections, therefore, every Nigerian in every community should join hands in protecting it for the benefit of the country.

Danbatta, who was special guest at the 6th Edition of the Annual Conference of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Lagos at the weekend, with focus on the forthcoming election and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu in attendance, said with the planned transmission of election data and results riding on telecom infrastructure, there was need to ensure the fidelity of the transmission systems to enhance the credibility of such data.

“If telecom infrastructure is vandalised or damaged, it would create problem in the area of the data transmission during election; citizens will find it difficult to use their phones to seamlessly communicate and the journalists too might find it difficult in being able to access their web platforms to disseminate necessary information which members of the public require to make informed decisions at every point in time,” he said.

Danbatta recalled that, over the years, the telecoms sector has continued to face destabilising situations arising from negative attitudes and actions of hostile communities; theft of diesel, batteries, and power generators from telecom base stations; digging up and cutting of fibre optic cables by construction workers; indiscriminate sealing/locking-up of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites by state governments, other governmental and community stakeholders; as well as other disruptive activities which must be decisively tackled.

While reiterating the importance of telecommunications in all aspects of human lives, including the forthcoming election and other national activities and programmes, Danbatta said that without telecom infrastructure, it will be difficult to communicate with family and friends over long distances or conducting banking, insurance, or accessing government and other social services, including education, entertainment, and other essentials services that enhance quality of life.

“This means that telecom infrastructure is important, and we must all ensure that we guard and protect those critical national infrastructural assets now, during the upcoming elections and thereafter. So, every citizen in Nigeria must take responsibility for the protection of telecom facilities for the benefits to all,” Danbatta said.

He enjoined GOCOP members to use their credible media platforms and enviable experiences to collaborate with the NCC in creating greater awareness and public enlightenment on the need to protect telecoms infrastructure.

At the event, which was chaired by the Founder, Centre for Alternative Policy Perspectives and Strategy (CAPPS), Dr. Umar Ardo; with other personalities including former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase; Regional Director Ford Foundation, Dr. Chidi Aniagolu-Okoye; and distinguished members of GOCOP, most of who are senior media professionals, Danbatta commended GOCOP members for their contributions in the promotion of awareness of derivable benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through their online platforms.

“The NCC would like to commend the leadership and entire members of GOCOP for the good work you are doing in your professional practice of disseminating timely and accurate information to Nigerians to enable citizens to take inform decisions,” he said.

spot_img
spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

NCDMB Chief Visits Samsung, Africoat, Insists on Patronage of Local Facilities

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board...

Engr Jimi Onanuga Honoured at 93rd Anniversary of ICOBA

Engineer Jimi Onanuga (left) received Prestigious Service to ICOBA...

NCDMB, Starzs Gas, Upbeat about Industrialisation at Ceremony for Integrated CNG Project

General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Nigerian Content...

Cairo Ojougboh: Family Marks One Year Memorial with Charity Outreach

Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, wife of the Late Dr. Cairo...

Let the DISCOs Die for Nigerians to Have Light

By Michael Owhoko, Ph.D The unending darkness permeating Nigeria today,...

Topics

Stanbic IBTC Partners BATN Foundation on Agriculture at Lagos Farm Fair

The Lagos Farm Fair implemented by the British American...

Dotun Adesua Symposium Paves Way for Nigeria’s Creative Industry Advancement

L - R: President and Chairman, Governing Council of...

Nigeria Ranks 127 in WEF 2016-2017 Global Competitiveness Report

Mauritius remains Africa’s most competitive nation (45th worldwide), World...

Standard Chartered Bank Commits $75bn Towards SDGs

Standard Chartered Bank has announced new business targets for...

NCDMB, Petroleum Commission Ghana Begin Technical Co-operation

In furtherance of its long-standing support to African oil...

SUZUKI: The Emerging Driving Brand in Nigeria

Over the years, the Suzuki Brand of Motor Models...

iStore Unveils latest Apple iPad Pro Product

"As the home of everything Apple, iStore is proud...

Shycocan, World’s First Virus Attenuation Device Now in Nigeria, Partners Nestar

Shycocan Corporation, in partnership with Nestar Corporate Services Limited,...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img