Danbatta conferred with ‘Regulator of the Year Award’ for leadership excellence

*Vanguard Newspaper Limited, organisers of the event, confer the 2022 ‘Regulator of the Year Award’ on Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO, the Nigerian Communications Commission, for how his initiatives strengthened the telecoms sector as a major contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, and telecoms investment inflows from $36billion in 2015 to over $70 billion 2022

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was decorated with the 2022 ‘Regulator of the Year Award’ at the prestigious 11th Edition of the Vanguard Personality of the Year Award at the weekend in Lagos.

ConsumerConnect reports the glamorous ceremony held Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted men and women who were honoured for distinguishing themselves as achievers in their various fields of endeavours.

The award was conferred on Prof. Danbatta in recognition of the EVC/CEO’s effective regulatory achievements through cutting-edge initiatives, especially during his first five years in office during which Nigeria’s telecoms sector has shown spectacular landmarks.

According to Vanguard Newspaper Limited, the organisers of the event, the NCC Executive Vice-Chairman’s initiatives strengthened the role of the telecommunications sector as a major contributor to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as telecoms investment inflows from $36 billion 2015 to over $70 billion 2022.

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Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, as well noted that Danbatta spearheaded a campaign to improve Nigeria’s Broadband infrastructure penetration from the paltry five percent at the time of his appointment to about 30 percent 2018.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission further said the EVC/CEO is currently among those leading the charge for the realisation of the new National Broadband penetration target of 70 percent by 2025 since his reappointment in office in 2020.

While presenting the award, Chief Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, said Danbatta was eminently qualified and deserving of the distinct recognition conferred upon him at the event.

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Other eminent Nigerians, who have distinguished themselves in service to humanity in the private and public sectors of the economy were conferred with various categories of awards at the event.

These personalities include Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, who won the ‘Personality of the Year Award’.

READ: NCC’s Umar Danbatta Receives ‘Award For Exemplary Leadership In Public Service’

Other awardees include Kwara State Governor Abdulraham Abdulrazaq and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who were present and decorated; and Mohammed Bello Koko, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, who won the ‘Public Sector Icon of the Year’.

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro while Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel was represented by Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Distinguished guests at the event were the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande; the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management of the NCC, Adeleke Adewolu; some other members of the Board as well as Management and Staff of the Commission.