In a recent interview with Channels Television, Sen. Basset Albert, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream, talked about the significant impact of former president Olusegun Obasanjo's introduction of the cellular network in Nigeria. He recalled that during the initial phase, mobile phones were extremely expensive, costing over N100,000. However, as time passed, the prices of phones dropped considerably, making them accessible even to people living in rural areas.
Sen. Albert acknowledged that new regulations often have a negative impact on the general public at first, but he emphasized that in the long run, these changes bring about benefits. He expressed a similar sentiment regarding President Tinubu's ideas, suggesting that while Nigerians might not see immediate benefits, they can expect positive outcomes over time.
To gain the respect and trust of Nigerians, Sen. Albert believed that leaders must demonstrate that they have the best interests of the people at heart. He mentioned President Tinubu's attempt to reach out to the Nigerian people and seek forgiveness, understanding the weight and suffering they may have endured. He illustrated this with a historical example, mentioning how the introduction of cellular networks led to increased accessibility, enabling even those in rural areas to own phones and enjoy the convenience of communication.
In his words, "If you want the respect of Nigerians, you have to convince them that you're looking out for their best interests." So, President Tinubu has basically apologised to the Nigerian people and asked them to forgive him. I have some idea of the weight and suffering you will bear".
As competition among network providers intensified, the efficiency of the telecommunication industry improved, resulting in positive feedback loops. Sen. Albert pointed out that this development allowed Nigerians to make free phone calls during specific hours, further benefiting the public.
Sen. Albert urged the respected audience to share their thoughts on the matter, inviting them to comment below. The interview shed light on the transformative impact of introducing cellular networks in Nigeria and emphasized the importance of considering long-term benefits when implementing new regulations or policies. President Tinubu's efforts to connect with the Nigerian people were acknowledged, recognizing the potential for positive change in the future.
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