ONDO STATE GOVT MOVES TO ENHANCE EMERGENCY RESPONSE, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH NCC AS GOV AIYEDATIWA’S AIDE, HON. WELLINGTON ADEBAWO LEADS TEAM TO COMMISSION’S HEADQUARTERS
As part of the efforts to strengthen emergency response mechanisms in Ondo State, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Response, Hon. (Prince) Wellington Oriade Adebawo, led a team to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The visit was aimed at exploring potential partnership opportunities with the NCC to enhance emergency response in the state.
Hon. Adebawo and his team were warmly received by the Head of Special Duties at the NCC, Swade Shuaibu (Ag. DSD), who commended the Ondo State government for taking proactive steps to improve emergency response. The Special Assistant said that Ondo State government continues to explore innovative ways to strengthen emergency response, hence the visit to the NCC.
He explained that the visit was anchored on the state government’s desire to enhance emergency response, particularly in the areas of emergency call services, emergency preparedness, and disaster management.
During the meeting, Hon. Adebawo outlined the state government’s proposals for partnership with the NCC. These included the activation of the 112 emergency call line in Ondo State, the establishment of an emergency call centre, tapping into the NCC’s Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) programme, and partnership to organize a summit on emergency preparedness in the state.
The Special Assistant highlighted the efforts of the Governor Aiyedatiwa-led administration in providing relief to distressed people in the state. He also acknowledged the strides of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), which is superintended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, mni. According to Hon. Adebawo, ODSEMA has been working tirelessly to manage emergency issues in the state.
In his reaction, the Acting Director of Special Duties at the NCC, Swade Shuaibu, expressed delight at the Ondo State government’s initiative to engage with the commission. He assured Hon. Adebawo and his team that the NCC would activate the 112 emergency number in the state, which would enable people to make calls during emergency situations at no cost.
Shuaibu also disclosed that the NCC owns some network provision facilities in Ondo State, but these facilities are currently not being utilized due to lack of maintenance. However, with the visit of the state government, he assured that these facilities would be revived to work for the state. He emphasized that the NCC is always open to collaboration with Ondo State.
Other top officials of the NCC present at the meeting included Rabiu Ramalan, SM/NCC; Agbo Ogbe, PM/NCC; Engr B.O Abam, SM/NCC; Teniola Akinnagbe, M/NCC; and Sadaat Aruna, DM/NCC.
Following the meeting, the Acting Director of Special Duties, Swade Shuaibu, led Hon. Adebawo and his team to the office of Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, who is the Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), NCC. The Special Assistant explained that the visit to the office was necessary because Ondo State seeks to benefit from the interventions of the office.
In his remarks, Mr. Arowosafe disclosed that the commission has established ICT centers in some secondary schools in Ondo State, including Jowiri Comprehensive High School, Ajagba, and FUTA Staff Secondary School, Akure, among others. He assured that with the visit, more ICT centers would be established in the state, and the existing ones would be well maintained.
Hon. Adebawo appreciated the management of Nigerian Communications Commission for the warm embrace and open door for collaboration. He said further that following the engagement, Ondo state is poised to benefit from the commission’s expertise and resources, ultimately leading to improved emergency response and disaster management in the state.
