- As Pantami commissions Imo ECC
No fewer than1, 500 COVID-19-related calls were received and processed through the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) in the peak of the pandemic in the country, NCC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has said.
Danbatta, who said this during commissioning of the ECC in Owerri, Imo State at the weekend by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, insisted that 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.”
He went on: “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.”
However, Danbatta said the ECC’s project, already equipped with necessary Information Technology (IT) tools and personnel was a one-stop shop through which the public would access help from any response agency as the centre was essentially aimed at enhancing the security of lives and property of the citizens.
Specifically, he listed the response agencies to include the Nigeria Police (NPF), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire and Ambulance Services, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and all its affiliate State Emergency Management Agencies, among others.
While restating the Commission’s commitment to ECCs in the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Dabatta said 19 ECCs had been activated as the beneficiary states included Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Plateau, Enugu, Benue, Akwa-Ibom, Cross-River, Oyo, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Adamawa, Kogi, Anambra and Imo States and FCT.
Speaking during the tour of the ECC facilities, the Minister, however, thanked the state government for giving necessary support to the NCC with a view to facilitating successful implementation of the project which had brought succour to Imo State’s residents.
He assured residents of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to support more initiatives aimed at achieving tripartite agenda of the President which focused on addressing security issues, improving the economy and curbing corruption.
Also, the Minister noted that the country’s economy would reap huge benefits from effective implementation of more Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-driven projects across the country.
Meanwhile, Uzodimma thanked the Minister and the NCC for the ECC initiative, which he said has enhanced security of lives and property in the State.
At the event hosted by Uzodimma were the NCC Chairman Board of Commissioners, Prof. Adeolu Akande; Chief Uche Onwude, NCC Board member; Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), among other dignitaries.
