The Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS) has decorated Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta, with the award of Fellowship of the Nigeria Institute of Labour (NIL).
The award, under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment was in recognition of the contribution of the NCC EVC/CEO to the national workforce.
The conferment ceremony, held recently in Abuja, was part of the series of events marking the 40 Anniversary/Founders Day of the Institute.
Director-General of the Institute, Isa Aremu, said Danbatta was recognised for his exemplary contributions and that of team to the betterment of the Commission and the national workforce.
These were contained in a press release by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Rueben Muoka.
Director, Human Capital and Administration, Usman Malah, who is driving the effectiveness of the workforce at NCC was also honoured with a fellowship, alongside Danbatta.
Speaking at the event, Danbatta, represented by Malah, underscored the significance of collectively supporting initiatives.
He noted that the initiatives are enhancing the well-being of Nigerian workers through increased access to affordable telecom services.
The NCC EVC/CEO said only through a digitally skilled and informed workforce can Nigeria fast-track national productivity and development, alongside other initiatives being put in place by the Federal Government.
Danbatta said the Commission would ensure affordable and ubiquitous telecom services to improve daily activities of the Nigerian workers.
Danbatta expressed gratitude for the recognition to him and Malah. He assured of his continued support to empowering NCC staff in improving skills, education and sundry capacity-building activities.
He also promised to continue stimulating the deployment of robust broadband infrastructure for bolstering job creation for Nigerians and improving national productivity.
The MINILS DG, Aremu, commended the Commission for promoting the deployment of telecoms services to improve productivity and efficiency across different sectors of the economy.
“We have witnessed the amazing transformation in terms of broadband penetration, internet subscribers and many other achievements recorded under the leadership of Professor Danbatta as the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC.
“We have also witnessed how the telecom sector, regulated by the Commission he leads, have improved national productivity,” Aremu said.
The DG of MINILS said the NCC EVC/CEO has played a pivotal role in transforming and advancing the nation’s digital space.
He acknowledged that Danbatta’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and creating employment opportunities in the telecoms sector has earned him accolades nationwide.
Fellowships of the NIL were also conferred on other Chief Executives and Heads of Human Resources divisions of some government agencies at the event.
The anniversary not only celebrated the events of the past, but also set the stage for a brighter future, showcasing the importance of fair labour practices, knowledge and continued collaboration between various government agencies.
Aside from the new Fellowship of NIL, Danbatta is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Renewable and Alternative Energy Society.
The NCC EVC/CEO is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, and the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.