This is to cover the length and breath of Damaturu, the state capital. The commissioning which held last weekend in Damaturu has made the state the first in the whole of Africa to deploy and experience the height of 21st century information and communication technology backbone for effective governance with the commissioning the comprehensive digital network.
The Digital Network comprises the latest WIMAX technology, ICT Resource Centre and Computer Ownership scheme for all civil servants in the state. With the deployment of WIMAX known as World technology, Interoperability for Microwave Access’ WIMAX was facilitated by Zinox Technologies Limited and GAAT Investments.
‘WiMAX’ broadband wireless access technology enables cable modem service, telephone digital subscriber line (DSL) or T1/E1 service. It has a broad range of applications and makes broadband Internet access and Voice over Internet Access (VoIP) telephony services possible. It also enables Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and is a backhaul for WiFi hotspots, mobile telephone service and mobile emergency response services.
The deployment of the technology Yobe will help ensure that educational institutions, homes, offices, businesses etc in the state can now connect to the internet at less than 70% of the cost of connecting to the internet in other states in Nigeria. The resource center built by Zinox Technologies and its facilities will help ensure that the people enjoy complimentary free telephony on the Network. The WIMAX backbone infrastructure deployed will make Yobe, the only state in Nigeria that can adopt e-Learning, e-Governance, Tele – medicine, Video conferencing, Wireless Security amongst many other possibilities on this backbone. THISDAY also gathered that the Yobe State Government is also in talks with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to facilitate a massive e-learning human capacity building drive in the state, premised on its’ new WiMAX driven communications infrastructure
The ICT Resource centre is a well furnished modern facility equipped with many wireless Computers from Zinox with multimedia tools to navigate even the most naïve student through different course contents to become a world class professional in few months. This facility is meant to train from the Governor to the least educated civil servant in the state to become ICT compliant in the state’s effort to build a knowledge economy. The location and furnishing differentiates it from many sub-standard facilities provided in different parts of the country.
The Computer Ownership Scheme for civil servants was also launched with great excitement with hundreds of Zinox desktops and laptops.
Governor of Yobe state, Engineer Mamman Ali, in his remarks at the occasion announced compulsory free training and certifications for all civil servants and thereafter all unemployed graduates in the state.
He promised to extend these facilities to every local Government in the state within the next four month. The governor also announced a 30 per cent subsidy on the prices of Zinox computers for all civil servants in the state effectively redeeming his campaign promise to the citizens of the state during electioneering campaigns. He assured all present that his word is his bond and that his leadership will change the thinking in the state and move it to the next level so that his people could feel the impact of economic independence.
The Governor approved free 30-day internet usage to all who wish to connect to the network amongst other concessions while assuring all that every local government will soon start enjoying this digital experience.
He thanked the management and board of Zinox for deploying all the facilities and said as an Engineer he had an idea of the demand on their resources in such a short period but assured them that he was proud of them as a Nigerian company that has continued to deliver latest technologies where other foreign companies have failed.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Zinox, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, who was present at the commissioning with his Executive Management, thanked the Governor and the state for giving them the opportunity to enhance the Nigeria digital values in the eyes of the world.
He assured that the emergence of Zinox in Africa is gradually domesticating technology as no nation can claim to be independent without technology independence.
He praised the Governor for the courage to move the state to the next but cost effective level and assured him that today Yobe State is the most investment friendly state in Nigeria.
Also commenting on the Wimax activation, an indigene of the state and an Abuja based consultant – Dr. S. Ibrahim who spoke to journalists after the commissioning said he was one of those who were against the emergence of ANPP government in the state because it has not offered much to citizens for the eight years of the past administration.
He said had been forced to have a rethink by the deployment of these facilities, adding that this is the first time a government was completing projects on time and without making so much noise about it.
“I am hooked to the network for the last 96 hours that I arrived here and I am fulfilled in touch with the world”, he said.
The Minister of State for Information and Communication –Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande in his comments described the robust digital facilities and programme provided as highly complimentary to the vision of the Federal Government to build world class capacity that will defend Nigeria as an Independent nation capable of leading the world soon.
He restated that what Governor Mamman Ali has done today will be appreciated more by the people of Yobe state in a few years as Yobe state indigenes shall soon become corporate leaders in the emerging knowledge economy.
Nakande congratulated the Governor and people of Yobe state for building a model state for other states to emulate in such a short period of the new administration. He also praised the technical ingenuity of Zinox Technologies who did not only deploy the facilities but did it in such a short period of time. This shows that Nigeria companies are building the right capacities at the right time. The commissioning was witnessed by Governor Mamman Ali, members of his executive council, civil servants, traditional rulers and citizens of the state.
Autor(en)/Author(s): Efem Nkanga
Quelle/Source: This Day, 21.11.2007