Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) on Wednesday kicked against calls for the relocation of the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, IT park from Kano to Kebbi.
The call was sequel to the attack on the facility by hoodlums during the nationwide protest.
A statement by the Youth Assembly signed by Dr. Aliyu Mohammed, President, and Dr. Hafiz Garba, Secretary, dismissed the purported move as a “calculated deception meant to mislead the good people of Kebbi State.”
They stressed that, “while we acknowledge the call 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.
“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 a renovation on the existing foundation in Kano, than starting the project all over again somewhere.”
It explained that “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.
“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 location of Kano State, ensures accessibility and connectivity amongst all other states of the North West, which is critical to a successful operationalization of such an initiative.”
The group appealed to “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to as a matter of urgency, direct for the commencement of a 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. “