Geneva: The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Council in Geneva. The Deputy Director/Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Eunice Akro, announced this in a statement issued in Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the election occurred during the ongoing ITU Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Akro highlighted that the ITU, founded in 1865, is the oldest specialised United Nations (UN) agency responsible for information and communications technologies (ICTs). The agency is tasked with the global mandate of connecting the world through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable digital solutions, facilitating connectivity in communication networks.

Meanwhile, Tijani, in his acceptance speech, expressed delight and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to supporting the collective mission of the ITU. He emphasised prioritising key areas such as the provision of resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure and ensuring timely access to meaningful connectivity for all communities, particularly the underserved.

The minister expressed gratitude to the ITU Secretary General, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the management team, and all member states for their trust. Tijani also extended his congratulations to the ITU Chair, Ms. Cristiana Flutur of Romania, and pledged to collaborate closely with her to achieve shared goals.

He urged all members to make the ITU a symbol of inclusive innovation and trusted collaboration. Tijani noted that the world is at a defining moment due to the accelerating pace of technological change and deep structural shifts in society.

He remarked, "With this leadership position, Nigeria is poised in an enhanced capacity to shape the African continent and beyond. Yet, we are also uniquely privileged to witness the transformative power of digital technology, a force that allows us to be more introspective, inclusive, and informed as we shape the future."