For the greater welfare of Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has vowed a deeper relationship with the National Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) to strengthen the telecom sector and deepen the digital economy.
Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, delivered the guarantee at a capacity-building event for NITRA in Abuja on Thursday.
“The NCC is expected to work with our supervising ministry and other relevant industry stakeholders to extend the frontiers of the digital economy for Nigerians.”
“It is expected that you will play a critical role in putting into the public domain the achievements of the NCC in this respect.
“Let me once again use this opportunity to reiterate the commission’s resolve to ensure that Nigerians and all those living in the country are carried along on the journey to build Nigeria’s digital economy of our dream; the media are critical stakeholders,” he said.
Adinde said that the NCC was committed to maintaining the age-old tradition of a mutually beneficial relationship with the media.
He appreciated the contributions of the media to the visibility of the commission and the development of the telecommunication sector.
He added that the training aimed to equip NITRA with the knowledge and skills required to do their jobs effectively and professionally.
He, however, urged NITRA to continue to demonstrate professionalism, which has informed factual reportage by its members over the years.
Earlier, NITRA President, Abuja chapter, Mr. Blessing Olaifa, represented by the Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Elebeke, thanked NCC for organizing the programme, adding that their relationship had been very cordial and spanning many years.
Olaifa also commended the organization for producing progressive policies and regulations that have positioned NCC as a pace-setter in Africa.
“Fresh in our minds is the recent 5G spectrum auction won by MTN and Mafab Communications, which has been receiving accolades even from the international community.
“Nigeria today boasts of six submarine cables with more to come, courtesy of NCC’s visionary management and quality regulation, “he said.
Olaifa appealed to the commission to institute an Information and Communication Technology award to encourage journalists to up their game.
The NITRA, founded in November 2013, is guided by the principle of enhancing ICT development in Nigeria and ensuring the welfare of its members through skills/professional development and economic growth.
With a membership that cuts across all segments of the media, some of its aims and objectives are to guide, protect, and monitor ICT activities and reportage in print, electronic, and online media platforms.
To develop the sector through reportage and programs in partnership with stakeholders; and to promote ICT development through seminars, workshops, training and capacity building, conferences, awards, and others as may be deemed fit.
