.Edo govt, NCC partner on job creation, broadband penetration
Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured of his administration’s readiness to deliver a comprehensive water infrastructure that would serve the water need of all Edo people and residents.
Obaseki gave the assurance in commemoration of the World Water Day marked every March 22, by the United Nations and its partner institutions across the world.
The governor said that the bill to establish an urban water corporation in the state, which has passed third reading at the State House of Assembly, would set up the necessary structures and institutions to provide for and manage the provision of potable water, among other related issues.
He also said that there was an urgent need to tackle flooding and erosion because of the adverse effects they pose to the environment and in displacing families and businesses, while urging citizens to develop an effective water management culture.
The governor said that the state government was tackling flooding and erosion by constructing channels to drain the water in urban areas and also by ensuring that new roads are fitted with drains.
According to him, “On a day like this, it is important to get everyone to realise that we face threat from flooding and erosion. As a government, we have initiated moves to tackle these head-on by constructing the needed infrastructure to guard against disasters.
“At the same time, we are also building water infrastructure to areas of the state that have difficulty in accessing potable water. Some of these projects are ongoing and we intend to even do more in the coming months.”
Noting that the World Water Day is an occasion to reflect on how well the country has fared in providing potable water to underserved communities, he pledged to commit more resources to meet the water needs of people in these communities, provide access to clean water and increase awareness on the need for water management.
He added that this year’s theme for the day, “Nature for Water,” speaks to the need of utilising natural means to prevent erosion, flooding and drought, calling for effort by the government and civil society actors in ensuring that water-related issues are placed on the front burner and that solutions to these issues do not alter the environment.
According to the UN, “Environmental damage, together with climate change, is driving the water-related crises we see around the world. Floods, drought and water pollution are all made worse by degraded vegetation, soil, rivers and lakes.”
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration was ready to partner the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on job creation for youths in the state.
Obaseki disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the NCC Corporate Headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The governor said, “My administration is also seeking collaboration with the NCC to boost broadband penetration in Edo State. We are expanding areas we can deploy Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve broadband penetration in the state.
He explained that his administration was ready to work with the NCC and other stakeholders in the telecommunication industry to support service providers and other investors in the state, noting, “This collaboration will assist service providers in Edo State to extend their services to the remotest towns and communities.
“The key driver of our vision to transform Edo State is to deploy ICT infrastructure and knowledge to enhance economic growth and prosperity for Edo people. My administration is focused on the use of technology and provision of telecommunication infrastructure to create jobs for youths.
“Part of the vision is to engage youths in productive ventures and provide employment opportunities for them. We are also exploring ways to deploy the use of ICT to engage youths. Our aim is to discourage youths from engaging in human and drug trafficking.”
Obaseki also said that the state government would work with the NCC to address the challenges faced by the telecommunication industry in the state and assured, “My administration will work with the NCC to resolve several issues confronting stakeholders in the state which include; the right of way for telecommunication infrastructure, multiple taxation and regulation.”
He added that the state government will work with telecommunication operators in the state to resolve conflicts with members of local communities to allow operators access to infrastructure within safety and other regulations.”
Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Sunday Dare, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, assured Obaseki of the commitment of the commission to partnering with Edo State Government.
