From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) has rejected calls to relocate the NCC IT park from Kano to Kebbi State.
The calls followed the attack on the multi-million facility by a group of protesters and troublemakers during the nationwide protest last Thursday.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Arewa Youth Assembly and co-signed by the president, of the Assembly, Dr. Aliyu Mohammed, and Secretary, Dr. Hafiz Garba respectively faulted the calls, describing them as a “calculated deception meant to mislead the good people of Kebbi state.”
“While we acknowledge the calls for increased investment in Kebbi State as valid and a welcome development, it is however crucial to consider several factors before thinking on some significant projects undertaking”.
They stated that “Relocating the park to any other State would not only increase additional costs but also cause delays, hindering the region’s progress in digital innovation. It is more realistic to make renovation on the existing foundation in Kano than starting the project all over again somewhere “.
The statement explained that “It is important to note, necessary infrastructures for the striving of investments such as Digital Innovation Park is critical, and therefore situating the facility in Kano was not a coincidence but an action which was carefully well thought and executed.”
The Arewa Youth Assembly noted that “Kano State holds historical and strategic importance as a commercial hub in Northern Nigeria, with established transportation networks, including a fully functional international airport and major road links, Kano State is therefore well-positioned to host the Digital Innovation Park. “
The group equally reasoned that “The location of Kano State, ensures accessibility and connectivity amongst all other States of the North West, which are critical to a successful operationalization of such an initiative.”
The Arewa Youth Assembly therefore appealed to “President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a matter of urgency direct the commencement of renovation work, at the NCC Digital Centre in Kano as soon as possible. Kano State, deserves to have this project, considering its population size, electoral value and strategic location.