AfICTA Presents the NCC EVC with the "AfICTA Chairman's Award 2020"
The AfICTA - Africa ICT Alliance delegation led by Its Nigerian Coordinator, Mr. Inye Kemabonta on Thursday 25th February paid a courtesy visit to the (EVC) Executive Vice Chairman of the (NCC) Nigerian Communication Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbata, and on behalf of AfICTA Vice Chairman for West Africa, presented the EVC with the AfICTA Chairman's Award 2020.
The meeting was opened with the national prayer (2nd Stanza of the National Anthem) followed by a brief introduction of the NCC officials and AfICTA delegates. The EVC Prof. Umar Garba Danbata was on another emergency assignment and ably represented by Ms. Grace Ojougboh, the Head Online Media and Special Publication Unit.
Ms. Grace welcomed AfICTA delegates and expressed that the commission is much open to collaborations that would enhance Nigeria's digital economy pursuit. She expressed how interesting and laudable the commission found AfICTA's Vision "…to fulfill the promise of the digital age for everyone in Africa" which informed their decision to collaborate with the last AfICTA Summit. She added that AfICTA complements what NCC does which is ensuring there is available, affordable, and accessible broadband in the nook and cranny of Nigeria.
Responding to what AfICTA stands for and the reason for the meeting, the (SPO) Snr. Programme Officer of AfICTA gave brief background information about AfICTA on how it was envisioned by Dr. Jimson Olufuye and formed with 5 other concerned members from different nations in Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Tunisia, and the Gambia). He added that today, AfICTA has grown from 6 member nations to over 34 nations, with her vision at the front burner, engaging relevant stakeholders toward its fulfillment. The reason for the meeting according to the (SPO) is the presentation of the AfICTA Chairman's award to the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission, Prof Umar Garba Danbata which is in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards the success of AfICTA Summit 2020.
Prior to the award presentation, Mr. Inye Kemabonta added that AfICTA represents the interest of businesses in Africa, AfICTA is giving voice to businesses whose enterprises are impacted by Govt Policies and Regulations and ensuring proper consumption of government regulations in a manner that helps businesses to grow and in turn grow the economy. He lauded NCC on its plan for deeper broadband penetration and achievement in the last decade, calling for more collaborations and engagement. He thereafter presented the Award.
Appreciating AfICTA for the award bestowment on Prof. Umar Garba Danbata, Ms. Grace Ojougboh iterated that it is indeed a well-deserved recognition considering the feat accomplishment in the past 5 years under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Garba Danbata which brought about an increase in the broadband penetration from 6% to about 45%, with an increase in subscriber from 150 million to about 200 million. More words of appreciation from Ms. Nafisa Rugga and the meeting was brought to a close.
Frm L-R: Ms. Nit Dimka, Ms. Arinola Akinyemi, Mr. Inye Kemabonta, Ms. Grace Ojougboh, Ms. Nafisa Rugga, Oyeyemi Kayode
