…NITRA urges Commission to institute awards for hardworking journalist
By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, on Thursday acknowledged that Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is unarguably the most vibrant sector in Nigerian economy.
The robustness, according to him, demands that the media be adequately battle-proofed with copious knowledge and understanding of the intricate issues and development arising from the dizzying growth of the sector.
He cited for instance; recent development thrown up by the lack of understanding of the International Termination Rate (ITR) metrics for voice services which led to Court action with some IDAs though being amicably resolved by the National Assembly (NASS).
This is coming even as Danbatta, tasked members of NITRA to ask questions on NCC activities that is hindering the flow of effective reportage.
He added that it has become expedient that ICT reporters be brought up to speed with the fast pace ongoing developments also within the sector for enhanced and well-informed reportage of the industry to Nigerians.
The EVC who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, made the disclosure at the capacity building workshop for members of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), Abuja branch at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
I would like to say that NCC recognizes that NITRA is such an important organ within the media space especially in terms of the role that you play in covering the telecommunications sector and particularly the regulatory activities of the Commission, adding: “We appreciate you for that.”
According to him, the honing and interactive exercise amplifies a continuation of the Commission’s age-long tradition of maintaining strong and mutually beneficial relationships with the media as our partners, particularly NITRA.
“I would like to use this occasion to appreciate your contributions to the visibility of the Commission as well as the development of the Nigerian telecom sector.
“Let me be quick to mention that the NCC recognizes the importance of NITRA as a strategic ally, and this accounts for why we have on several occasions provided capacity building and skill development programme for members of NITRA with the aim of providing the platform for equipping you as our critically stakeholders and partners from the media with the knowledge and skill required to do your jobs effectively, efficiently and in the most professional manner.
He reiterates that the communications sector, which the NCC regulates, is arguably the most dynamic and vibrant sector of the Nigerian economy, adding that the Commission believes this demands that our media partners are brought up to speed with recent developments for enhanced and well-informed reportage of this important industry.
According to him, there is need for sustained support as NCC discharges its mandate of regulating this dynamic sector for the benefit of Nigerians and the economy cannot be over-emphasized.
“The implication of this meeting, therefore, is to further impress on your consciousness that the fate of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, especially as it relates to the work that you do will continue to be squarely placed on your shoulders and capable hands.
“So, I want to use this opportunity to call on NITRA and all its members to remain supportive of NCC’s programmes, activities and initiatives.
“We urge you to continue to demonstrate the enthusiasm and professionalism which have become the hallmark of your relationship and which have underpinned your factual reportage by your members over the years.
“On our part as a Commission and responsible organization, we will continue to work with members of your association to accomplish your goals and objectives which have defined our shared interests in building the telecom sector for the greater good of Nigeria.” He said.
The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), the New National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), the NCC Strategic Management Plan (2020-2024), creation of the Digital Economy Department, as well as the Nigeria Office for Developing the Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), he said all underscore the policy directions of the Federal Government.
Danbatta, said NCC is therefore expected to drive aggressively working with the supervising ministry and other relevant industry stakeholders to extend the frontiers of digital economy for Nigerians, explaining that it is expected that NITRA saddled with the responsibility of covering the activities of this sector will play a critical role in putting to the public domain the achievement of the NCC.
At this juncture, let me once again, use this opportunity to reiterate the Commission’s resolve in ensuring that Nigerians and all those living in Nigeria are carried along on the Commission’s journey to build Nigeria’s digital economy of our dream, and the Media are critical stakeholders.
In a remark, the President of NITRA, Mr. Blessing Olaifa, represented by the Secretary of the association, Mr. Emmanuel Elebeke, expressed profound gratitude to NCC for the capacity development workshop.
He acknowledged the beneficial mutual relationship between both organisations over the years, urging that it should be sustained.
He commended NCC for churning out consistent policies, programmes and regulatory framework that has positioned the Commission as a pacesetter in the committee of regulators in Africa and globally.
According to him, the just concluded successful auctioning of the spectrum auction won by the 2 telecommunications operators will further boost and deepen ICT penetration across the country.
“We also to point out your consistency in granting financial award to universities and research institutions across the country as this has helped to encourage innovation in the country which has led to growth in the sector with the boost of about 6 6 submarine cables.
“The association commends the NCC boss for successful piloting WATRA until recently when he handed the baton to his Guinean Guinea counterpart, following his bouquet of achievements.
According to him, the donation of computers and other ICT devices to NGOs and schools has contributed to the deepening ICT penetration.
He added that the institution of awards to hardworking reporters in the sector will encourage developmental journalism and investigative reportage, explaining that the media will not relent in its avowed duty of educating and informing Nigerians on the activities of the Commission.