NCC Reiterates Commitment to Deepen Innovation Ecosystem at ICT Innovation Competition
TECHDIGEST- The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta, has emphasised the organisation’s support for the growth of the innovation ecosystem. At the third annual ICT Innovation Competition and Exhibition, the chairman’s message was conveyed by the Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) of the NCC, Engr. Ubale Maska.
The theme of this year’s competition is “Utilising Indigenous Digital Solutions to Bridge the Digital Divide,” a crucial and timely topic.
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The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not, with negative impacts on social and economic development. Danbatta stressed the potential for the ICT sector to play a role in bridging the divide and driving economic growth in Nigeria by providing access, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating jobs.
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The competition focuses on three main areas: digital service development and promotion, indigenous content development and adoption, and funding digital skills building and innovation in Nigeria. The chairman encouraged participants to use this opportunity to showcase their ideas and innovations and to network and collaborate. The competition runs for three days and has attracted prominent industry leaders, including the CEO of Digital Bridge Institute and the founder of Women in Technology in Nigeria.
The chairman reminded the participants that the ICT sector has the potential to play a significant role in bridging the digital divide and driving economic development in Nigeria.
“It can do so by providing access to digital technologies and services, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating Jobs. However, to fully realize this potential, we need to ensure that the ICT sector is able to grow and develop in a sustainable way, and that it is able to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy.
“That is where this competition comes in. It provides a platform for tech enthusiasts and other stakeholders with novel ideas and tech solutions to industry and societal challenges to showcase their creative innovations and forge collaborative partnerships that can stimulate productivity, sustainability, and continuous growth in the ICT sector”.
He said the ICT Innovation Competition and Exhibition is in line with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, specifically pillars 5, 7, and 8, which focus on digital service development and promotion, digital society and emerging technologies, and indigenous content development and adoption, respectively.
Furthermore, the chairman encouraged all participants to make the most of the event by showcasing their innovative ideas and utilising the networking and collaboration opportunities provided. He expressed confidence in the success of the competition and looked forward to seeing the amazing ideas and solutions that would be presented. The three-day competition was attended by top management staff from the NCC, industry leaders, and experts in the ICT sector.
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