As part of NBRRI’s strive for a better and sustainable environment and improved infrastructure in the country, the Director-General/CEO of the Institute, Engr. Prof. Samson Duna on Thursday 10th February, 2022 led some top management staff of the institute on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Nigeria Limited, Prof. Muhammad Bello Abubakar who along side some top management staff of Galaxy Backbone joyfully received the team from NBRRI.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Prof. Duna appreciated the warm reception by the team of Galaxy Backbone and also thanked the MD for the erection of a Communication Mast by Galaxy Backbone in NBRRI’s Headquarters, Abuja. He further briefed the MD and his team what NBRRI is all about. Beginning from the establishment of NBRRI in 1978, he explained some of the innovations, R & Ds by NBRRI and the future prospects of NBRRI in boosting the country’s economy through local contents and affordability of construction materials that are of standards and durability.
Just like the popular Oliver Twist, Prof. Duna used this opportunity to demand for the erection of Communication Mast in NBRRI’s NLC, Ota office and if possible, to cover other zonal offices. Finally, he spoke on the need for collaboration in building construction and working as partners in adding its own quota to the development of the country’s economy.
With an overwhelming joy, Prof. Muhammad Bello Abubakar expressed satisfaction with the visit of NBRRI to the agency. He stated that since the establishment of Galaxy Backbone by the Federal Government in 2006, a lot of achievements have been made in trying to connect and uplift the country to a digital world and to meet up with the global realities of digitalization. He explained that the ongoing connection and erection of Communication Mast in all MDGs and States across the country has gone past the first stage and they are on the second stage; stating that before the end of the first quarter of 2023, the entire country will be digitalized and the positive impact will be felt by all.
Based on the requests by Prof. Duna, Prof. Bello graciously accepted to work towards the realization of these requests. He further stated that the area of collaboration is very important at this time. He explained that Galaxy Backbone needs NBRRI more in area of their recent plan of having digital connections as part of building plans in the planning of Housing Estates and building constructions in the country known as Smart Homes.
Finally, a tour was conducted by Prof. Bello round the facilities of Galaxy Backbone and both agencies promised to set up a collaboration team to fashion out areas of possible collaborations and way forward.