Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently disclosed that more than 1,500 COVID-19-related calls were received and processed through NCC’s Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) during the peak of the pandemic in Nigeria.
Prof. Danbatta revealed this while speaking at the ECC commissioning in Owerri, Imo State during the weekend by Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami., he Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
Sen. Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of the State hosted the event, which saw in attendance, Prof. Adeolu Akande, the Chairman, NCC Board of Commissioners; Mr Kashifu Inuwa Ibrahim, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Chief Uche Onwude, NCC Board Member and other dignitaries.
In a statement, the EVC noted, “During the total lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ECCs played a remarkable role by providing a platform for members of the public to seek lifesaving information or support and reporting COVID-19 related cases by dialling ‘112’ from any of the networks. I am happy to report to you that over 1,500 COVID-19-related calls were received and processed by the ECCs in the peak of the pandemic.”
Prof. Danbatta said the ECC project, equipped with necessary Information Technology (IT) tools and personnel, is a one-stop-shop that enables members of the public to get access to help from any response agency while stating that the centre aims at enabling the security of lives and property of the citizens.
The EVC listed the agencies which include the:
- Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC)
- National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
- Nigeria Police (NPF)
- Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Fire and Ambulance Services
- All affiliate State Emergency Management Agencies
Restating the NCC’s commitment to operationalise the ECCs throughout the 36 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Prof. Danbatta stated that 19 ECCs have been activated till date.
Among the beneficiary states include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross-River, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau States and FCT.
Stating further, the EVC said, “We have no doubt that, if put to maximum use, and kept functional at all times, the ECC facilities will serve to complement the State Government’s efforts at enhancing the security of lives and property of citizens,”.
The Minister, during the tour, expressed his appreciation to Imo State Government for lending the necessary support to the Commission in facilitating the successful implementation of the ECC project.
In his speech, Dr. Isa Pantami assured of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to supporting more initiatives aimed at achieving the tripartite agenda of the President which focuses on addressing security issues, improving the economy and curbing corruption.
The Minister noted that the Nigerian economy will reap enormous benefits from the effective implementation of more Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-driven projects across the country.
Sen. Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State, thanked the Minister and the NCC for the Emergency Communications Centres initiative, which he said has enhanced the security of lives and property in the State.
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L-R: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Chairman, NCC Board of Commissioners, Prof. Adeolu Akande; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and Executive Governor, Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, during the commissioning of the NCC’s Emergency Commissioning Centre in Imo State recently.
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