From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
In a bid to ensure adequate knowledge and understanding of the 5G Technology and to also ensure quality reportage, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has organized a one-day capacity building workshop for Editors in the Nigerian Digital ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said Nigeria’s 5G plan among others has the objective of ensuring efficient management of spectrum for 5G deployment, creating an enabling environment for investment in the Telecom industry, ensuring effective deployment of 5G to cover major urban cities by 2025, among others.
The workshop took place at The Sojourner by Genesis Hotel, Ikeja GRA on Thursday, December 9, 2021.
Danbatta, who was represented by the commission’s Head of Online Media, Dr. Niyi Ibietan, expressed his appreciation of the theme of the workshop “The workshop is part of the efforts to support continuous professional development of this very important stakeholder (The Media) within the Telecommunications Industry, I understand that the theme of this workshop is 5G Technology and the Next Level of Nigeria’s Development, such a theme is most apt at a time when the commission is on full throttle to join the implementation of the deployment of 5G, otherwise called the Fifth Generation Network in the country following the approval of the Federal Government on September 8, 2021.
“As we progress in our journey of 5G deployment, the media has a critical role in the process by ensuring proper and adequate reporting of programmes and activities of the commission as it unfolds the 5G plan. From the programme I can glean that the workshop will feature topics around 5G to equip you with greater insight and knowledge in order to improve your overall understanding of this very important new technology, its usage, opportunities and benefits it offers for the overall development of our social economic life in line with the objectives of the national digital economic policy and strategy 2020-2030 for digital Nigeria and the positioning of Nigeria as an early adopter of digital technology in the growing global digital economy. The successful and timely deployment of 5G is very crucial,” Danbatta stated.
He said in view of its characteristics such as enhanced mobile broadband, ultra reliable low latency and speed, 5G is expected to facilitate several emerging technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), machine to machine communication, among, and said these and more of the many features and benefits of the new technology will be discussed at this workshop.
He added that the rollout will be carried out in phases “It is expected that the rollout of 5G will be carried out in phases, beginning with major cities in the country where there is need for high quality broadband.”
Danbatta stated MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communication Limited and Airtel Networks limited have successfully submitted their bids in line with the requirements of the Information Memorandum, adding that on Friday December 10, the commission will carry out a mock auction of the 5G, that is tomorrow in preparation of the auction which will take place on Monday, December 13, 2021, in Abuja.According to Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, in his paper “20 Years of GSM Revolution in Nigeria,” the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is working assiduously with the NCC, the licensees and other industry stakeholders.
He said this is to jointly address the focal challenges and many others, towards sustaining Nigeria’s status as one of the fastest-growing telecoms markets in the world and to ensure consistent growth of the Nigeria’s digital economy.
He said “Nigeria needs to maintain its leadership position in the digital drive and this is one of the reasons why the Commission is engaging with you as one of the strategic partners in the industry, as we express our commitment to advancing the digital transformation for the overall benefits of our beloved country.
He said the last 20 years have been eventful; the next 20 years will be greater through collective efforts as stakeholders in the Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Ken Ugbechie, Editor-in-Chief, Political EconomistNG and Executive Secretary, Africa Telecom Development Initiative said that ahead of the anticipated January 2022 rollout of 5G, the media should be buzzing with Explainers and Analyses on how 5G will impact agriculture, ecommerce, e-banking, ICT, education, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, security, entertainment including the music and movie industries and other aspects of Digital Nigeria.
“As Editors, news managers and reporters, we should provoke discourses and reports that highlight how farmers can leverage 5G technology to increase their yield by first getting the right seedlings. Adopting appropriate farming methods as recommended by experts will lead to good harvest. The media should explain to the farmer, the agronomists, agric extension officers, the off-takers and every other player in the value chain how 5G technology can help them optimize their performance and efficiency,” he said.
