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By Osasome C.O, Nana Theresa Timothy and Elisha Chebwawaza Gideon
Governor Abdullahi Sule Wins Dual ICT Honors for Advancing Digital Governance and Broadband Expansion
Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, has been honoured with two major ICT awards in Abuja—one from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and another from the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON)—recognizing his leadership in digital governance, broadband expansion, and the creation of a pro-investment technology ecosystem.
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IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit: Recognizing Leaders Driving Digital Inclusion
Governor Sule, represented by Hon. John DW Mamman, Commissioner for Education, was presented with the award during the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) Europe, Middle East & Africa Summit 2025, held from November 27–28 at Baze University, Abuja.
The summit convened global technology leaders, international development institutions, researchers, telecom CEOs, and policymakers to accelerate efforts toward universal digital access. Hosted by IEEE—the world’s largest professional technical organization with over 423,000 members in 160+ countries—the 2025 summit focused on “Connecting the Unconnected: Bridging Digital Frontiers.”
Discussions addressed the urgent need to close the connectivity gap for the 2.9 billion people worldwide still without meaningful internet access. The event featured eight strategic tracks, covering:
- Universal connectivity infrastructure
- Rural broadband innovations
- Sustainable financing
- Cybersecurity
- Digital policy frameworks
- Energy solutions for connectivity
- Investment models
- Inclusive digital transformation strategies
Prominent Nigerian institutions—including NCC, NITDA, and USPF—delivered goodwill messages, while keynote remarks were made by Prof. Nentawe G. Yilwatda, APC National Chairman and renowned electrical engineer.
ATCON Honours Sule with 2025 Digital Excellence Award
A day after the IEEE recognition, Governor Sule received another major honour—the ATCON 2025 Digital Excellence Award, alongside governors from Cross River and Ogun States. ATCON highlighted Governor Sule’s contributions to:
- Broadband expansion
- Right of Way (RoW) liberalization
- ICT-driven governance
- Digital education and innovation
- Public-private sector collaboration
Haruna Sani Sani, Director General, Nasarawa Information Technology Development and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), received the award on behalf of Governor Sule.
According to ATCON President, Engr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, the award celebrates visionaries and institutions “shaping Nigeria’s digital and telecommunications landscape” while fostering dialogue on the industry’s most pressing needs.
Governor Sule’s Digital Transformation Achievements
Governor Sule said the honour is “a challenge to continuously cultivate a technology-friendly ecosystem that attracts investments into Nasarawa State,” reaffirming the state’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
Key achievements include:
1. ICT Infrastructure Development
- Establishment of the North Central Zonal National Laboratory and Skill Development Institute, Keffi.
- Progress on the Nasarawa Technology Village in Karu, designed to drive innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
2. Digital Education & Skills Training
- Integration of ICT into public school curricula, with extensive training for teachers, principals, and students.
- Donation of 25 computers to Government Science and Technical College, Bukuru.
- Establishment of the NASENI Skill Acquisition Centre, Agwada, to combat unemployment and rural-urban migration.
3. Public Sector Digital Governance
- Enforcement of ICT compliance across MDAs.
- Development of a new state ICT policy to streamline digital processes and modernize governance.
4. Digital Learning Initiatives
- Partnership with EIDU to deliver digital learning programs benefiting over 10,000 children across 139 ECD centres.
5. Youth Empowerment and Job Creation
- State-wide directive for technology training and empowerment of unemployed youth through relevant technology centres—an initiative widely praised by beneficiaries.
Positioning Nasarawa as a Digital Growth Hub
Governor Sule’s administration has prioritized science, technology, and digital innovation as catalysts for socio-economic development. His policies leverage Nasarawa’s strategic proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rich natural resources, and growing youth population to:
- Reduce unemployment
- Strengthen the innovation ecosystem
- Upgrade educational infrastructure
- Expand broadband internet
- Attract private sector investments
These achievements highlight Nasarawa’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s most progressive digital economy states.
