In order to curb insecurity in Zamfara state, Governor Bello Muhammad has secured the establishment of three Information and Communication Technology, ICT, hubs from the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
A statement by the Director General Media, Public Enlightenment and Communication, Yusuf Idris Gusau made available to Ashenewsonline on Friday said the development was sequel to the governor’s visit to the Minister, Dr. Ali Isah Pantami at his office in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Governor requested the Ministry to support his administration’s efforts in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling and other forms of criminality, through ICT integration.
He noted that ICT integration had now become one of the major ways of securing lives and properties of the citizens, which is globally accepted and recognized.
Governor Muhammad posited that apart from security, ICT was also considered as one of the major economic drivers of the 21st century and “Zamfara state needs to be included in all the Federal government’s ICT projects that will be sited across the states for the purpose of revamping the state economy.
He requested the Minister for inclusion 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.
“The 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: 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.
The governor appreciated the Minister’s patriotism and self confidence in supporting all positive minded governments in making Nigeria great.
Responding, Pantami commended the Governor for restoring the state’s lost glory of peace and unity.
He also reiterated federal government’s commitment to support the state with more technological and new innovations, in order to end the security challenges facing the country.
He directed for the immediate inclusion of Zamfara in all federal government ICT projects.
The Governor was accompanied by the Commissioners of Special Duties and Science and Technology, Muhammad Maiturare Sadiq and Honourable Lawal Abubakar Badarawa, respectively.
Others were 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, Zailani Bappa, among others.
