Already, the government has inaugurated a committee to fashion out the modalities for the roadmap as well as how it will be effectively implemented.
Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, who inaugurated the Broadband Council said it would help the government to implement a roadmap for a national broadband plan. A statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Mrs. Efem Nkanga, said the Council is made up of 19 members and will be chaired by the Minister.
This Board comprises Engr Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman Openmedia Group, Mr Jim Ovia; Chairman of Visafone, Dr Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Ms Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer, Main One Cable Company, Engr Titi Omo-Ettu, Managing Consultant, Telecom Answers Associates, Engr Gbenga Adebayo-Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications, Mr Ademola Aladekomo ; President, Nigeria Computer Society.
Others are Mr Bayo Banjo-President Nigeria Internet Group, Mr Lanre Ajayi-President, Association of Telecommunication Companies in Nigeria, Mr Abdullahi Maikano-Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund, Mrs Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, Country Manager, Google Global Services Nigeria Limited, Mr. Junaid Dikko-Director, Etisalat, Mr. Mohammed Rudman,Chief Executive Officer, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Mr. Ayoola Oke-Managing Partner, Ayoola Babatunde Oke & Co, Engr John Ayodele, Ministry of Communication Technology, Mr Emmanuel Onyeje, Microsoft and Mr. Jinmi Sonuga, principal consultant-Business Unusual Limited.
Members will work on implementation modalities for the newly developed and approved Nigerian National Broadband plan for the period of 2013 – 2018.The inauguration of the Broadband council represents an important and significant milestone in the implementation roadmap of the national broadband plan.
‘‘The terms of reference of the Broadband Council include providing periodic reports on the progress of the plan, facilitating the coordination and collaboration of the various stakeholders during plan implementation, ensuring that relevant agencies, institutions, and the general public are actively engaged.
Where necessary the Council shall be highlighting adjustment areas where needed in the execution of the strategy and roadmap,’’ Nkanga said. She also disclosed that the Broadband Council has both institutional, government and individual representation. Google and Microsoft represent a small section of the international partners strongly positioned to advance the broadband agenda. The government institutions that have the direct mandate to deliver broadband to the country are also included namely the Ministry, NCC, USPF and NITDA.
Sunnewsonline.com