In a landmark event yesterday, kakalistiq.com reports that Hon. Olusegun Olulade, the Executive Director of Customer Centricity and Marketing at Galaxy Backbone Limited, welcomed the Deputy Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Barrister Sam Ode Mni, to a significant MOU signing ceremony.
Representing the Managing Director and the leadership team of Galaxy Backbone, Hon. Olulade hosted the Deputy Governor and his delegation, which included the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Fidelis Mnyim, the Honourable Commissioner of Communications and Digital Economy, Hon Kwaghugba Amande and the CEO and Managing Director of Huawei Nigeria, Mr. Cgris Lu.
The ceremony marked the formalization of the establishment and management of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC). Deputy Governor Sam Ode expressed his admiration for the robust infrastructure and skilled workforce at Galaxy Backbone, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the collaboration between the Benue State Government and Galaxy Backbone Limited.
He elaborated on the expectations from the MOU, stating that the partnership is a vital step towards revolutionizing the digital infrastructure. He further stated that he anticipates the establishment of BDIC will enhance connectivity, improve public service delivery, and drive economic growth in Benue State. By leveraging the expertise and resources of Galaxy Backbone, he noted that the Benue State Government aims to create a digital ecosystem that fosters innovation, attracts investment, and empowers its citizens.
In his address, Hon. Olusegun Olulade, a former lawmaker representing Epe Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. He highlighted Galaxy Backbone’s commitment to ensuring an ICT-compliant Nigeria through various programs and initiatives.
“GBB is pleased to partner with Benue Digital Infrastructure Company Limited (BDIC). The vision and mandates of BDIC align very well with GBB’s strategy. Out of about 6000Km of Fiber Optic Cable deployed through the National ICT Infrastructure Backbone Project (NICTIB) implemented by Huawei, we have 113Km connecting Lafiya to Makurdi and another 152Km from Makurdi to Ugbokolo.
He added that 3 LTE sites are providing mobile connectivity for access to e-government services, strategically located at the Federal Secretariat, Benue State University, and Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He emphasized that the GBL is keen to leverage its Tier 3 Data Center in Abuja and Tier 4 Data Center in Kano to support the laudable initiative, adding that it boasts of a robust cloud infrastructure for public consumption in a cost-effective and scalable manner.
“We are open to enabling you to utilize our GBB Government Operational Security Operating Center (GBB SoC). The SoC has proven to be an effective tool for early detection and management of cyber threats in the country’s cyberspace. At GBB, we conform to ISO Standards from 27001, 20000, 9001 to 22301 including the PCIDSS to support the ICT and FinTech ecosystem in Nigeria. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of the BDIC history, and I want to assure you of our willingness to support you with the lessons we have learned so far and, most importantly, with professional advice,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a resounding commitment from both parties to work collaboratively towards the digital transformation of Benue State. The partnership between Galaxy Backbone Limited and the Benue State Government heralds a new era of technological advancement and economic development, setting a precedent for future initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainable growth.
