The USPF Secretary, Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, praised the collaboration between ITU and UK-FCDO for improving rural connectivity in Nigeria at a recent stakeholder session. The event, attended by key government and industry officials, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in bridging the digital divide. Participants discussed strategies for enhancing digital access and addressing connectivity challenges.
Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) under Nigeria’s Communications Commission (NCC), praised the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO) for their collaborative efforts to enhance rural connectivity and support socio-economic development in Nigeria. This commendation occurred during an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session in Lagos, aimed at extending network connectivity to underserved communities.
The session, co-organized by USPF, UK-FCDO, and ITU, gathered important stakeholders including Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and other executives from telecommunications firms and government bodies. Dr. Tijani reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion through policies that enhance connectivity, recognizing its critical role in transforming Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, assured participants of the commission’s support for USPF initiatives by implementing effective regulations that fast-track the deployment of digital infrastructure in line with the government’s priorities. Arowosafe emphasized the significance of collaboration among stakeholders to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and noted that the session’s theme illustrated the government’s dedication to expanding digital access.
He stated, “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.” This sentiment reflects the goal of fostering inclusive connectivity.
Prior to the engagement, the USPF collected stakeholder input via questionnaires to guide the discussions. Arowosafe explained that the feedback was crucial in identifying strategies for improving collaboration, enhancing security, and exploring innovative funding for sustainable rural connectivity. The session served as a platform for constructive dialogue to address Nigeria’s connectivity issues.
Arowosafe concluded by stating, “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.”
In summary, the engagement session organized by USPF, ITU, and UK-FCDO showcased a collaborative effort aimed at improving rural connectivity in Nigeria. Key figures from the government and telecommunications industry emphasized the importance of partnerships in enhancing digital access. The event laid the groundwork for continuous dialogue and innovative solutions to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, ultimately contributing to the nation’s socio-economic growth.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
