In recognition of the critical role it has been playing in keeping Nigerians and businesses connected since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and its Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, have received the ‘Human Rights Telecoms Defender’and ‘Human Rights Guard’ awards respectively. The awards were presented by the Wheel of Hope Human Rights Foundation (WHHRF), a frontline Nigerian Non-Governmental Organisation. Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikeckukwu Adinde, who received the awards on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman, appreciated the organisation for its gesture, noting that the awards will serve as an encouragement to the Commission to continue to strengthen effective, fair and transparent regulation of the telecommunications industry. Similarly, the NCC Boss was also presented the ‘Icon of a Greater Nigeria’ award by the Youth Coalition Against Corruption (YOCAC), a coalition of Nigerian youths from all walks of life. According to them, the Commission has been contributing immensely to the growth of the Nigerian economy by ensuring a robust telecom infrastructure, making it possible for Nigerians to leverage social media and other digital platforms to ventilate their views against corrupt practices in order to ensure good governance in the country.
