By Stellamaris Ashinze and Okuawan Offiong
The Lagos State Government (LASG) says the unveiling of the 5G network by MAFAB Communications Limited will bring Lagos closer to achieving its smart city dream.
The state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said this at the inauguration of the network on Thursday in Lagos.
The governor said the inauguration was a milestone in the nation’s telecommunications and technology journey.
Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that MAFAB earlier in the week launched the 5G network and its logo in Abuja.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the state government sincerely congratulates the chairman of the Althani Group, of which MAFAB is a subsidiary, and the event organizers on the event ushering in a new era of technology.
“Although the 5G network is relatively new to the telecom industry, MAFAB Communications Limited has recorded a milestone in the technology space with the launch of the 5G network.
“I want to congratulate the management of MAFAB Communications for working hard to deliver this next-level technology that outperforms the 4G network by a very large margin,” he said.
According to him, it is a fact that the contribution of the telecommunication industry has been a major economic driver for Lagos State in particular and for Nigeria in general.
The Governor said the telecommunications industry has contributed more than $70 billion to the economy and has helped create more than half a million jobs.
He said that the prospects of what could be achieved with the 5G network, which is the next level technology, filled him with great hopes.
“In unveiling your new logo, I want to wish you success in your operations and assure you of our strong commitment to entrenching technology in all facets of our economy,” he said.
In his welcome address, MAFAB Communications Limited Chairman and Founder Dr. Musbahu Bashir said the company made history on Tuesday by launching its 5G network in the Federal Capital Territory.
Bashir said it was logical that the next stop would be Lagos.
He said that Lagos was not only the commercial powerhouse of Nigeria, but also a prime destination for tourism, sports, entertainment and culture.
According to him, the future is now even brighter with more exciting prospects and possibilities with the digital game of Mcom 5G Network.
He said the launch of Mcom 5G ushered in immense opportunities for the country to achieve endless possibilities to enable connectivity for a digital future.
The MAFAB Chairman said that as the second operator to launch 5G in Nigeria, Mcom expected greater coverage for Nigerians and an acceleration of broadband services.
Executive Vice President of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Professor Umar Danbatta, said Nigeria had articulated policy objectives for the nationwide rollout of next-generation 5G networks and services.
The EVC was represented by Mr. Adeleke Adeolu, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management.
Danbatta said the goals were based on the understanding that widespread access to fifth-generation technologies would improve connectivity for people and businesses.
According to him, it will help improve health services, support inclusive education, foster the development of smart cities, boost agriculture, and generally catalyze the overall economic efficiency of our generation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joe Idika
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