USPF Secretary Lauds ITU and UK-FCDO for Enhancing Rural Connectivity in Nigeria
Mr. Yomi Arowosafe of USPF praised ITU and UK-FCDO for their efforts to improve rural connectivity in Nigeria during an engagement session in Lagos. Key stakeholders, including government officials and industry leaders, discussed the significance of collaboration in addressing connectivity challenges. The session emphasized inclusivity and innovative solutions necessary for sustainable digital access, aligning with national strategic priorities.
Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, the Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has lauded the partnership between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO) in enhancing rural connectivity in Nigeria. He conveyed his appreciation during a recent Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session in Lagos, which aimed to extend network connectivity to underprivileged communities.
The session gathered prominent stakeholders, including Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Faruk Yabo, Permanent Secretary; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC; and leaders from telecommunications firms and ICT commissioners. This collaboration epitomizes a collective effort towards addressing connectivity challenges across Nigeria in pursuit of socio-economic development.
During the session, Dr. Tijani reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to policies that promote digital inclusion and connectivity. He asserted that enhancing digital access is pivotal for transforming Nigeria’s economic landscape. Dr. Maida also expressed the NCC’s resolve to support USPF initiatives through effective regulations that expedite the essential digital infrastructure necessary for developmental priorities.
Arowosafe remarked on the significance of the engagement session, emphasizing USPF’s commitment to fostering inclusive connectivity. The presence of key stakeholders was indicative of the collaboration required to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide. The session’s theme, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” aligned with strategic government initiatives to expand digital access.
He stated, “Together, we have the power to create sustainable and inclusive pathways to ensure no community is left behind. Achieving this requires strong partnerships among the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), development partners and community leaders. By sharing insights and resources, we can design tailored solutions that address both immediate and long-term connectivity challenges.”
Prior to the session, the USPF collected stakeholder feedback to refine panel discussions, enabling identification of strategies for improving collaboration, capacity building, and financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable rural connectivity. The event served as a robust platform for dialogue and solutions to enhance the digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
Arowosafe concluded, “This event marks the beginning of a collective journey toward a more connected, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. USPF is proud to lead this effort, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together.”
The collaborative efforts by the ITU and UK-FCDO, commended by Mr. Yomi Arowosafe of USPF, aim to enhance rural connectivity in Nigeria, bridging the digital divide. The engagement session facilitated dialogue among key stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in fostering inclusive connectivity. Moving forward, strategic initiatives will focus on sustainable solutions that benefit underprivileged communities and bolster economic development across the nation.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
