Uncategorized
DSO: Driving Nigeria to digital economy
By Abubakar Yusuf
The grand launch of the second phase of Digital Switch Over, DSO powered by the National Broadcasting Commission NBC, will come to life in Lagos on April 29, and is expected to move gradually to Kano and River State, Port Harcourt before the end of the year, as part of the strategic drive of the government agency, not only to move broadcasting industry into the digital world, but side by side the economy of Nigeria.
This is at the backdrop of the management of NBC’s efforts since 2016 that led to initial launch of the first phase in some major cities in Nigeria, that started from Jos the Plateau state capital, along with others.
But to keep abreast with the mandate of the International Telecomunication Union, ITU and in line with the earlier mandate of the digiteam set up in 2012, the need for a wholistic action became imperative.
Therefore, significantly, the recent moves by the NBC leadership to roll out in phases and gradually to the entire country between now and 2022 tentatively, could be likened to an adage that says ‘starting a project is not the ultimate, but the wisdom and temerity to finish an assignment is desiring’, a goal that is being achieved by the current management under the erudite scholar, communication expert and leadeship of Ag. Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Professor Armstrong Aduku Augustine Idachaba.
In its drive to actualise the global mandate of ITU, domesticated by the efforts of digiteam in Nigeria towards realising the Digital Switch On geared towards joining the global front, not only in the area of broadcast communications, but by implications other sectors of Nigeria as a continent.
Aside the restoration of global confidence on the management towards actualising its set goals, the vote of confidence both from the executive and legislative arm of government in Nigeria due largely to the transparent approach and fiscal discipline restored in the agency of government was an additional emboldment, towards driving the Digital Switch On to a logical conclusion.
This had resulted into the release of a whopping 9.4 Billon to offset the financial commitment of NBC to its contractors by government, and the pronouncements of the National Assembly on the self sustaining strides of the NBC, inspite of the global financial downturn.
The outcome of the new realistic time table was a well thought out efforts of the management of NBC, parent ministry, the technical partners and inter ministerial committees that swung into action to ensure the seamless connection of the country’s broadcast organisation into the world’s technological breakthroughs.
This positive development did not live out both the major and other stakeholders in the broadcast industry through awareness, seminars, symposiums, workshops and talkshops, as well as other outlets to keep abreast with the new approach towards realising the Digital Switch On in Nigeria.
This planned launch was in the pipeline not minding other unforseen circumstances that had occured, arising from the global recession both in first and second phase, the global health challenges of COVID-19 in first, second and its third wave, that resulted in the lockdown, and the crises of Endsars under the guise of seeking for good governance by Nigerian youths amidst protests.
To nip in the bud several unforseen circumstances that hovered Nigeria’s space, concerted decision was taken by the NBC to contain the multiple crises that arised both from the pandemic and civil unrest, with the commercial nerves of Nigeria like Lagos, Port-Harcourt and lately Kano negativety affected.
The administrative decision of the leadeship of NBC restored sanity,peace not only to these states,but the entire country as clampdown on broadcast medium and quack professionals whose intentions was to cash in on the global pandemic, through adverts and sales of fake and adulterated drugs, that could be used to treat the new global ailement.
The readiness of these commercial nerve states of Nigeria beginning from Lagos,the economic and industrial capital of Nigeria,to Kano,the commercial hub of Nigeria and River State, Port-Harcourt as one of the leading oil producing states to key into the Digital Switch On, is nothing but a growing concern that the new platform will affect positively the Nigeria economy.
This is also on the premise of creating a robust economy through immediate job opportunities not only to the technical and commercial team due for engagements, but as information remained a virile tool for economic advancement, since the Digital Switch On will attract multiple economic development and growth through its new technical know-how.
This is coming on the primacy of stabilising the broadcast stations and outlets that largely depended on the old analogue and obsolete system, that had retarded not only global competition, but local performances in all ramifications.
No doubt, Lagos State and by extension the millions of its citizens will take advantage of the launch of Digital Switch Over DSO, to improve on both economic, social and infrastructural development that will herald the launch of the second phase of the new broadcast technology on Thursday April 29.
This euphoria will be closely followed in the same trend in Kano with its chunk of populace and River State, Port Harcourt, that doubles as the depth of industrial, multi nationals and diverse economic interests.
For NBC current leadership, it is going to be mission accomplished, particularly coming at a time when Nigeria and other countries of the world, desire an unusual outlet like DSO, to improve on the economic, infrastructural and social upliftment, as well as gainful employment outlets for its teeming citizens.
I have been watching with keen interest the evolving political drama, drama, yes, I call it drama, in Kogi State and where the season film is going and when it will end. Many a time, the gladiators in the state throw brick bats at one another and in the process, the pebbles hit innocent standby constituents.
Of particular worrisome trend is the recent outburst by the Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan accusing, Honourable Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the honourable Minister of Steel Development of low performance, the accusation that is uncalled for and to say the least, unwarranted.
Not only that, the Senator also accused the Minister of veering into the areas that are not directly under his supervision. She mischievously advised the Honourable Minister to limit and concentrate himself more on wooing foreign and local investors in the area of steel development and utilization, citing Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mills as an example.
The Senator also deliberately forgot that there should and must be synergy between the ministry and all the agencies under it. if she still does not know this, she should go for orientation or briefs on her legislative matters vis a vis her oversight functions.
If the Senator does not know, let her be told that the Hon. Minister is a polished politician and a seasoned technocrat who has brought into the fore his vast background in life in the way and manner he has been discharging his duties as a minister holding one of the most sensitive ministries in the country.
Before the Senator graduates and bags her Pull Him Down Syndrome (PHD) from the University of Malice and Hate, she should know that the lane she is travelling in her political journey is not profitable nor rewarding at all. Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu is a forward looking Nigerian who would not want to be distracted from his professed determination to leave his job better than, he met it.
We have heard enough political mayhem in Kogi in recent past, let no one foist another crisis on the state through reckless, unrefined, and putrid comments. It will be recalled that mid last year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did a minor reshuffle in his cabinet, the President found the Honourable Minister fit and proper just as he was given a clean bill to continue with his good job in the ministry.
As the year 2027 inches by, Senator Natasha should for goodness sake stay on her lane and stop meandering into other lanes in order to keep Kogi clean of clashes. Not only this, she should train her tongue to avoid unnecessary vituperation. It should be noted as well that nobody has monopoly of verbal attack against other people, let the Senator check herself so that she will not be getting stones back as she throws pebbles.
A word is enough for the wise.
Concerned people and leaders of thought in Kogi State should call the Senator to order. It is high time she knew that Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu is a tree planted by the Almighty Allah that cannot be uprooted by any mortal. political differences or affiliations must not blindfold individuals from reality on ground.
Fading politicians who don’t have reputation must not besmear those who have pretty pedigree and want to keep it.
Musa Wada, a public affairs analyst sent this piece from Abuja
Uncategorized
Open letter to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo Usman over achievements in one year
I am writing this open letter to you to commend you for your excellent performances so far in your short stay in office as the governor of our dear state. Indeed your performance so far has vindicated those of us who even before your assumption of office stayed true to our believe that you are our best foot forward to make our state greater.
You have not disappointed us so far because even your greatest critics and political opponents would not disagree with the majority views in the state that indeed Kogi state is working. Your leadership has brought within a short time to the state developments in all its physicality. I can say with pride that your administration is now regarded as the end to an era of bad governance to the beginning of an era where the people count first and this is justified by your policies and programmes implemented to bring succour to our people. The prompt payments of salaries and pensions to civil servants and retirees of the state government and your social welfare targeted at making the aged live comfortably in their old age and your programmes for youth development are a testament that your administration is for the people,by the people and of the people of Kogi state.
I commend you for making sure that peace justice and development is not an exclusive development for any particular zone of the state but for all. I want you to continue in your great effort of uniting our state with your all inclusive deliverance of democratic dividends to all the parts of the state this is because in history no state has achieved sustainable development without a leader with vision,strategic plan and compassion for all its people.
We have seen so far that your administration is the very testament to the type of leadership we have all yearned for in the state. I commend you also for not going after any political opponent because you know that your performance will indeed silence them all and I believe you shall overcome because a pessimist is a well informed optimist.
Thank you for giving us the hope that our state is going to be great again under your administration. We are confident that going forward more developments will come to our state by your inspiring leadership.
Long live the governor of Kogi state.
Long live Kogi state,
Long live the Federal republic of Nigeria.
Hon John Lawal
Coordinator Tinubu support team
Uncategorized
OPEN LETTER TO THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF SPECIAL DUTIES AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMENDING HIM FOR HIS PERFORMANCE AND STERLING LEADERSHIP QUALITIES IN OFFICE IN THE LAST ONE YEAR
We are writing this open letter to you patriotically commending you for your excellent performances and your sterling leadership qualities which has transformed and reformed your Ministry by changing its narratives for the best in the last one year of your tenure as the Minister of special duties and intergovernmental Affairs.
We have in our determination to peer review the performances of the appointees of our renewed hope President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu especially the Minister’s found your leadership of the Ministry so inspiring because it translated into making the Ministry one of the best ran Ministries, departments and agencies of government in this dispensation for which we are very proud. We also commend you for not blowing your trumpet but instead allowing your work to speak for you in all its ramifications. The agencies and departments under your Ministry are now known to be working assiduously in fulfilling it’s mandates by the launching of the strategic plans document which is already by your body language and leadership being implemented religiously.
You are indeed the pride of your people, the Gbagi’s nation in the political scene because you have shown that your leadership and political leitmotives is to work hard at all time to bring about positive changes in your areas of authority and this is exemplified by the performance of the National lottery trust fund which is now visible in the lives of the citizens by it’s excellent interventions in critical areas of needs in all part of the country, the Nigerian lottery regulatory commission which is working very hard in the issuances of licenses to deserving agents thereby increasing the revenue to the federal government from the proceeds of gaming and the National lottery trust fund that is today a strong institutions regulating the lottery sector of the country.
We commend you for your leadership which deals in hope.
Finally, going forward we are assured of more excellent performances from you especially as in this part of the world it is known that “the day that would be good is known from it’s mornings”. Your performance so far has justified the reason why our President who is known to be a great recruiter of leaders recruited you for this assignment. We thank you for being your people’s pride. Accept our congratulations.
Yours sincerely
Hon John Lawal
Coordinator Tinubu support team
……aa
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