Zamfara Governor secures ICT Hub centres from Abuja
The Governor of Zamfara State, Hon. Bello Mohammed Mutawalle, has secured three ICT Hub centres from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy Abuja, to be established in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement sent to The DEFENDER by Yusuf Idris Gusau, the Director General Media, Public Enlightenment and Communication in the Government House, Gusau, the state capital.
The development, according to Gusau, followed a courtesy visit the Governor paid to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Isah Pantami in his office in Abuja on Thursday.
“The Governor requested the Minister to support his administration’s efforts in the fight against Banditry, Kidnapping and Cattle rustling through ICT integration in the State.
“He further noted that ICT Integration has now become one of the major ways of Securing life and properties of the citizens which is globally accepted and recognized,” the statement said.
According to the goveenor, apart from security, ICT is also being considered as one of the major economic drivers of the 21st century and Zamfara State needs to be included in all the federal ICT Projects that will be sited in some states for the purpose of revamping the state economy.
Matawalle requested the Minister for inclusion of Zamfara State in the implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Projects through
Provision and allocation of Toll-Free numbers to support his government’s effort in fighting insecurity.
He maintained that availability of telecommunication connectivity, quality of service and outreach of telecommunication services in the state will help in combatting crimes in the State.
He further requested the Minister to
Consider the inclusion of Zamfara State in Federal Government’s Initiatives in the area of ICT Infrastructure which includes Rural Broadband Initiative (RUBI); Community Resource Centres (CRC); National Broadband Policy; E- accessibility project and E-health (Telemedicine);
Short-Term and Long-Term Capacity Building Training Program for Youths and Civil Servants.
The Governor also requested for establishment of physical ICT Hubs across the three senatorial zones which was immediately accepted and approved by the Minister.
Matawalle appreciated the the Minister’s patriotism and self confidence in supporting all positive minded governments in making Nigeria great.
Responding, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Isah Pantamin commended the Governor for restoring the state’s lost glory of peace and unity.
He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to support the State with more technological and new innovations Digitally in order to end the Security challenges facing the country.
He directed for the Immediate inclusion of Zamfara State in all federal Government ICT Projects.
The Governor was accompanied by the Commissioners of Special Duties and Science and Technology, Honourable Muhammad Maiturare Sadiq and Honourable Lawal Abubakar Badarawa.
Others include, Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Dr. Bashir Mohammed Maru, Permanent Secretary office of the Executive Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Jaafar Maradun, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Lawali Umar and Special Adviser on Media Honourable Zailani Bappa among others.
