The Secretary of the USPF, Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, commended the ITU and UK-FCDO for their collaboration to enhance rural connectivity in Nigeria. The Industry Engagement Session highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in addressing digital divides. Key figures such as Minister Tijani and NCC Executive Vice Chairman Maida reaffirmed commitments to improving digital access. The session set a foundation for future cooperative efforts.
Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), praised the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO) for their efforts to improve rural connectivity in Nigeria. This acknowledgment occurred during an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session held in Lagos, which aimed to extend network access to underserved communities.
The stakeholders’ session saw participation from prominent figures, including Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Permanent Secretary Faruk Yabo; and Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC. Telecommunications executives and representatives from trade associations and development partners also attended, underscoring the event’s significance.
During the meeting, Tijani conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to fostering digital inclusion and connectivity throughout Nigeria, emphasizing that this expansion is vital for socio-economic transformation. Maida likewise reiterated the NCC’s commitment to facilitating USPF projects through regulatory measures to expedite digital infrastructure deployment.
Arowosafe reaffirmed USPF’s dedication to inclusive connectivity and highlighted the collaborative effort required to mitigate Nigeria’s digital divide. He pointed out that the workshop’s theme, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” reflected a commitment to expanding digital access in line with strategic governmental initiatives.
He stated, “Together, we have the power to create sustainable and inclusive pathways to ensure no community is left behind.” Arowosafe added that partnerships among various stakeholders would enable the development of customized solutions for connectivity challenges.
Prior to the session, the USPF conducted a survey to gather insights from stakeholders, which informed panel discussions. Arowosafe noted that the event created an opportunity for constructive dialogue on Nigeria’s connectivity issues, encouraging all participants to leverage their expertise for impactful solutions.
“This event marks the beginning of a collective journey toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria,” Arowosafe concluded, expressing optimism for future collaboration.
In summary, the USPF Secretary, Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, acknowledged the impactful partnership between the ITU and UK-FCDO in enhancing rural connectivity in Nigeria. The Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to bridge the digital divide and improve connectivity. Moving forward, the commitment to inclusive digital access reflects a collective ambition to drive socio-economic development throughout the nation.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
