The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has received the Platinum Award of the Nigeria Academy of Engineering (NAEng.) as a reward for his leadership and NCC’s contributions as the nation’s telecom regulator and the development and growth of engineering profession in the technological and economic development of the country.
According to a statement, by the NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka on Sunday, Danbatta was given the award at the 2023 Annual Technology Dinner of the Academy, by the former Director General (DG) of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Vincent Maduka at the weekend in Lagos.
In his remark, President of the Academy, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, said NCC deserved the award as it has done the profession proud in its telecom regulatory process and promotion of engineering as shown in its strong support for the NAEng.
Presenting the award to Danbatta, Maduka said,“Prof.Danbatta has contributed immensely to the sustainability of all initiatives of the professional body, just as his role to the development of engineering profession in general is being felt in Nigeria, through his effective regulation of the telecommunications sector.”
Receiving the award, Danbatta who is a professor of electrical and electronics engineering and a member of Council, and a fellow of NAEng, expressed appreciation to the institute for considering the Commission worthy of the award.
He dedicated the award to the ‘hardworking and diligent staff of the NCC who, he said, have continued to demonstrate commitment to supporting his vision to promote regulatory excellence toward sustaining growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
He said, “I could not have done the good work you credited me with, without the support and cooperation of NCC staff and we are delighted that the public is watching, listening and observing what we are doing and a testimony to this fact is the platinum category award we have just been given by the apex engineering body in the country,” the EVC stated.
“I want to assure the public that the NCC will do whatever it can, within its mandates, to bring out impactful initiatives that will drive the digital transformation process that will ultimately make telecom services pervasive and affordable to all parts of the country.”
He said, some of the initiatives of the Commission have struck a rhythm in the socio-economic development of the nation.
According to him, some of the initiatives include; targetin Nigerian youths across the country by the Commission training them and providing them with laptops, and other equipments that can make them have access the internet and develop their skills and earn a living.
Danbatta assured of the Commission’s commitment to driving digital connectivity aimed at bridging extant clusters of access gaps in Nigeria.
He added, “We have a target of 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP). We are around 50 per cent currently and I can assure you that we are hopeful that we will achieve and surpass that target”.
The Nigerian Academy of Engineering was established to pursue excellence in science, technology and engineering as well as provide a national platform for experts to harness their experiences and insights and make input into public and private technical policy.
