Former communications minister receives encomiums for transformative policies

Nigeria’s immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has been extolled for his leadership role and innovative policies in the country’s digital transformation.

The governors of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Gombe State, Yahaya Inuwa and Nasarawa State, Sule Abdullahi, who gave the commendations, reiterated Pantami’s contributions in the areas of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the deployment of digital assets to address the challenges facing the country.

They all spoke in Abuja at the launch and public presentation of the book titled “A Scholar’s Journey Navigating the Academia,” authored by Prof. Pantami.

The book chronicled his journey in public service and his scholarly contributions to ICT and the digital economy.

A Scholar’s Journey by Sheikh @ProfIsaPantami ✨✨

It’s official. pic.twitter.com/DHT0M42bXw

— Boss Mustapha Z. (@__yellows) January 24, 2024

Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum who chaired the occasion said policies introduced during Pantami’s stewardship as Minister of Communications Digital Economy through his Innovation and deployment of digital assets to address contemporary challenges and urged the present administration to consolidate on the gains.

Zulum noted that the ICT sector witnessed an unprecedented turnaround and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), asserting that it enabled the government to earn enormous revenues from the non-oil sector.

He applauded Pantami’s dedication to public service, saying some of the challenges facing the country, especially in the areas of security and economic growth can be addressed with ICT and digital assets already in place.

The Governor of his home state, Gombe, Yahaya Inuwa said he is a pride to Gombe and that his life story shows that whoever is determined and hardworking, given the right opportunity, can attain any height in the country.

“He rose from the Almajiri school to become a professor. That means that one could rise to be the best from wherever, at least with proper attention and concern is shown and the proper things are done,” Governor Inuwa stated

Also Read: Identity Day: Pantami bags Best Performing Digital Minister Award

Governor Sule Abdullahi praised the former minister’s advocacy for prioritizing skills above certificates as a solution to unemployment and poverty.

He noted that “when the Governor of Gombe said you (Pantami) are a pride of Gombe, I think you are a pride of Africa. You have used your wealth of experience, commitment and dedication to impact both governance and the nation’s digital economy.”

The Keynote Speaker, former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, stressed the need for Nigerians to be knowledgeable about artificial intelligence (AI).

“Given where we are today with the rapid penetration of the internet and the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). This shows that interesting times still lie ahead of us for human civilization. I encourage us to read about AI and keep an eye on that development,” he emphasized.

He also spoke about the personality of the author, whom he said he got to know as a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.

“I got to know Professor Pantami as my colleague in the Federal Executive Council, where he served as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy from 2019-2023. His passion and attention to detail are very well known. He desired to have every T and I crossed and doted in every document, and it was almost annoying for some people. But our memorandum and cabinet records were undoubtedly better off in terms of accuracy. He was Mr. Compliance for a good cause,” he said.

The book reviewer, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, the former Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), said, “The book will be a great asset to the young generation and those who want to achieve great strides in the technology and digital economy space.”

The event was attended by Former Governor of Ekiti State, Fayemi Kayode; Former Gombe State Governor, Senator Danjuma Goje, Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa, Former Ministers of Justice, Abubakar Malami, former Minister of Aviation, Femi  Fani Kayode, former Minister of state for budget and national planning, Clem Agba; and former minister of aviation, Femi Kayode,

Other dignitaries at the event were the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, former Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, former Army Spokesman, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman rtd, member of the Academia, and public and private industry players, among others.