TECHDIGEST – The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has stated that the Federal Government’s strategic objective of bridging the digital gender gap, in line with the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), is yielding positive results toward development of digital economy in Nigeria.

Inuwa made this statement while declaring open, the ‘One-Day Free Training on Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ in Abuja, as part of activities to commemorate the 2023 International Women’s Day.

The event’s theme, “Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” was aimed at training women between the ages of 18 and 30 on Digital Marketing and 3D printing.

Represented by Dr Usman Gambo Abdullahi, Director IT Infrastructure Solutions, Inuwa noted that the policy implementation was increasingly recording success by ensuring that the digital skills training programme incorporated children, women, internally displaced persons, and the physically challenged.

READ ALSO: IWD 2023: Lagos NIPR Advocates Access to Technology, Digital Literacy for Women 

He emphasised that women are the best teachers on digital transformation and education, adding that the agency had taken many steps to drive the nation’s prosperity by boosting digital innovation for women and creating an enabling environment that maximises the potentials of all Nigerian women.
He stated that Nigeria’s female population was about 104 million, and the country had much to gain by facilitating the inclusion of women in the technological industry and bridging the digital gender divide.

“In 2021, the United Nations estimated that Nigeria’s female population was about 104 million out of its over 220 people. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria has much to gain by facilitating the inclusion of women in technological industry and bridging the digital gender divide,” he added.

Inuwa further revealed that the Agency has implemented several strategic programs and initiatives, with over 4.4 billion dollars invested in the last four years.

While describing women as the best teachers on digital transformation and education, Inuwa said, “If you are looking for an innovator and you find a woman, you have gotten one. Because the first teacher that one gets is his mother and a mother remains with us from that cradle.”

“Some of our key initiatives designed to support technology innovation are the key technology. I mean the technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Support Schemes. These have translated into the creation of a vibrant innovation ecosystem that have created over 35,000 direct jobs.

“As indicated earlier, today’s programme is part of our initiative plan as part of the agency’s efforts and celebrating this year’s international women’s day, he said.

Inuwa urged participants to make good use of their smartphones beyond answering calls and sending text messages, adding that they could use their smartphones as an office and make the best use of them to market whatever they are doing and to also get opportunities.

He also advised them to make the best use of the opportunity afforded to them by the agency during the training workshop.
Certificates of Participation were later issued to all the attendees by the Acting Director Digital Literacy and Capacity Development Department of the Agency, Dr Amina Sambo Magaji.

Aisha Yusuf Mahmoud, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the agency for giving her the opportunity to develop her skills on digital marketing.

Mahmoud said that she couldn’t thank NITDA enough for exposing her and many other young ladies to the opportunities awaiting them in the global digital business environment.

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TECHDIGEST- A cross section of international tech experts have commended the efforts of the Nigerian government in driving digital innovation, in the last few years.

They however, advocated for the use of blockchain technology to sustain the growth of the country’s digital economy sub-sector.

The experts spoke on, “Blockchain Innovation,” at the ongoing Digital Nigeria Day 2022 Conference and Exhibition, in Abuja.

READALSO: NITDA, Blockchain & FutureTech
By Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

According to Ray Sharma, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration deserves resounding commendation for the digital revolution taking place in the country.

“But the Nigerian Government, again, must make the right decision to indulge in blockchain technology, so as to attract more investments for the country,” he noted, while speaking on, “The Importance of Blockchain for Digital Transformation”.

Sharma, the General Partner of Pacer Ventures, defined blockchain as a necessary piece of digital infrastructure, saying that the core blockchain environment is thriving in Africa.

“And its adoption in Nigeria will give the country an edge in the technological advancement taking place in Africa,” he said.

The Lead of BSV Blockchain for Government Initiative Middle East, Ahmed Yousif, noted that the full deployment of blockchain in Nigeria will help to secure relevant data for all internet devices, especially the ones vulnerable to hacking.

He pleaded with the federal government to provide digital tools to young and smart Nigerians that are ready to harness the opportunities in blockchain and other tech system applications.

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TECHDIGEST – In further confirmation of its contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), has won the 2022 African Public Relations Awards Certificate of Excellence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on the 25th May, 2022.

The annual African PR award, which recognizes Superior Achievements in Branding, Reputation, and Engagement (SABRE), with a focus on engagement, credibility, and relationship building, was hosted by Provoke Media in collaboration with the African Public Relations Association (APRA).

Before winning the 2022 African PR award, NITDA was recently conferred with the prestigious “National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award” in recognition of the Agency’s high productivity, hard work, and excellence in service delivery. NITDA is the only government agency that received the National Productivity Award in the last 7 years.

READ ALSO: NITDA Shares Country’s Roadmap With Stakeholders At Dubai’s Blockchain Gathering

NITDA, with the support of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, clinched the APRA Certificate of Excellence in the Public Affairs/Government Relations category for its campaign on Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria with a book of the same title authored by Inyene Ibanga.

The campaign, Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria examined the roles of regulatory bodies in promoting the use of Information Technology (IT) in all spheres and explored ways in which the country is not left behind in the deployment of tools of technology in providing solutions to economic challenges.

The campaign undertaken by NITDA in partnership with Abuja-based multi-award-winning PR agency, Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, earned the approval of the 14-member jury comprising globally acclaimed African Communications and PR experts from different parts of the continent to win the award for excellence.

In October 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari, renamed Nigeria’s communication ministry to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, to further expand its mandate to capture the goals of digitalization of the Nigerian economy in line with the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP), one of the key agenda of the present administration.

Consequently, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), championed the initiative for awareness creation of the digital economy through the promotion of ICT, innovation, and technological tools to improve existing business processes and efficiency in products and services across all sector of the economy.

Through the support of the Minister, the campaign enhanced positive perspectives on Digital Innovation and Digital Economy and encouraged the participation of critical stakeholders, investors, and startups to key into the sector which later recorded unprecedented contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Highlighting major achievements of the sector, the Minister said that “ICT contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which stood at 13.8 percent in the second quarter of 2020, recorded an unprecedented 17.98 percent in September 2021. Its highest contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.”

While presenting the awards to the recipients, the APRA President, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okunsaya congratulated the winners for making the African continent proud by demonstrating the highest levels of creativity, integrity, and effectiveness in their various PR campaigns.

Commenting on the awards, the Chairman of the Award Jury and founder of Provoke Media, organizer of the event, Paul Holmes acknowledged that quality PR campaigns are coming from Africa.

Receiving the certificate, the spokesperson of NITDA, Mrs Hadiza Umar commended the organisers for finding the agency worthy of the award.

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TECHDIGEST – Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has commended the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for relentlessly supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

The VP made this commendation in his speech to the participants and exhibitors at the 30th edition of the MSMEs Clinic held in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Osinbajo echoed that the MSMEs Clinic served as the bridge between the Federal, State governments, and small businesses in every state by bringing all relevant regulatory agencies together in one place to help the small businesses to solve their problems.

The VP said, “The idea is similar to providing an opportunity for patients to consult doctors of mobile clinics. The aim of the MSMEs Clinic is to establish one-stop shops. All facilities are provided for small businesses to benefit from the services, with working synergy of regulatory agency which will be more readily accessible and cost-beneficial’’.

He assured participants of the federal government’s full support for the cost of the shared facilities or shop facilities with the latest equipment to relieve the financial burden for the overall benefit of youth and women.

The VP urged the MSMEs to utilise the matching order of the FG to tap into this great opportunity with relevant government agencies like NITDA, which supports MSMEs from scratch.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Ambassador Maryam Katagum, outlined the support of NITDA in small businesses by creating opportunities for them to thrive.

Katagum said: “This is imperative for increasing productivity, creating jobs, and boosting our economy. Since its inception in 2017, the MSMEs Clinic has served as an effective platform to enable government interaction with stakeholders across all sectors to ensure that all MSMEs have the supports they need to grow and flourish.

According to her, “the 30th edition was intended to provide MSMEs with critical information, regulation and additional assistance, avail businesses with immediate expert advice, as well as offer more in-depth advisory services.”

On its part, NITDA promised to continue its nationwide support to MSMEs for economic impact and growth that will help businesses to adopt digital innovation.

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TECHDIGEST – The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has assured of its continued support and collaboration with higher institutions of learning to boost Nigeria’s education sector.

It noted that constant investment in digital innovation would also engender sustainable economic growth across all sectors.

Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa stated this when the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Federal University  Dutsin Ma, Katsina State, Professor Mary Agbo, visited him on Thursday, in Abuja.

Inuwa, represented by the Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions, Dr. Abdullahi Gambo Usman, said, “the Agency will continue to interact and listen to active and vibrant higher institutions of learning with a view of discussing the challenges facing them, especially in the area of IT and Innovation.

“As the prime Agency for e-government implementation, internet governance, and overall IT development in Nigeria, NITDA is poised to actualize its mandate by providing a flourishing atmosphere in Digital space,’’ he said.

Inuwa said it is important to explore the benefits of innovation and creativity in order to bring about a functional education system for the country.

He harped on the need for mutual understanding between stakeholders and the Agency in developing Standards, Capacity building, Research, and Development.

The DG added that the IT sector played a pivotal role in getting the country’s economy out of recession, and recorded the highest growth rate in Q1 of 2020 as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

He maintained that the positive growth of IT in Nigeria, being the only double digits growth rate sector, which made it to lead in the year 2020 and Q1 of 2021, is what prompted the need to provide support and guidelines in all sectors of development and innovation to Nigerian.

Responding to the request from the visiting university, as outlined by the DVC, especially in the area of security challenges in the visualization of the Optic Fiber Cable that links the 2 campuses which were donated to the university by Prof. Pantami through the NCC.

The DG recommended some technologies that can be deployed to ensure security which includes ‘autonomous drones’ that can cut back human involvement in these often-dangerous situations. It can also help cut costs while bolstering safety at the same time.

“By using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to interpret satellite images, NITDA experts have long been able to tap into satellite images to help in preventive and response efforts,” he said.

Stating further that with the availability and quality of these images, they increasingly offer an even more valuable resource for security.

He explained that “NITDA always emphasizes on how important it is to know how to use modern technology, not just as an enabler but as a strategic design for your strategy in general which will inspire you to do more.”

Inuwa noted that the Agency’s focus is improving how things are being done using technology and innovation by creating an enabling environment and innovation ecosystem that will allow all universities to key in.

The DVC Administration, Federal University Dutsin Ma, Prof. Mary Agbo, in her remarks, noted that the university appreciated the kind gesture and laudable project from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy for the giant projects executed in the university.

Prof Agbo also appreciated and solicited further support from NITDA in capacity building and training for staff of the CBT centre of the University.

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Kashifu Tasks South-South Youths on Innovation, Entrepreneurship for Job Creation

TECHDIGEST – The Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu challenged youths from the South-south geopolitical region to utilize their God-given talents through digital innovations to become entrepreneurs and job creators.

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Dr. Salihu Abdulkareem of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, made this remark during the south-south HACKATHON challenge for young and innovative minds from the region held at the Senate Chambers of the University of Calabar.

He explained that “driving digital innovation and entrepreneurship by challenging Nigeria’s youth to create and develop solutions from inception to commercialization will, no doubt, boost the country’s economy.”

The challenge’s theme is “Innovation-Driven Ideas for addressing local challenges in Health, Government, Transportation, Financial Services and Smart city in Nigeria for Social and Economic Development.”

The DG asserted that digital innovation and entrepreneurship would help fast-track the recovery of other traditional economic sectors by supporting the provision and adoption of indigenous and tailor-made solutions for nationwide implementation of the policy through automation, intelligent processes, and ICT solutions.

He further revealed that NITDA Hackathon 2022 aims to find solutions towards building a digital Nigeria, adding that talented Nigerians are challenged to come up with clearly defined ideas and prototypes of solutions around agriculture, logistics, and security for the swift growth and development of the country.

According to Kashifu, “African continent is full of problems waiting to be solved, this presents the next biggest market worldwide. Nigeria, in particular, has a rapidly growing youthful population by which taking advantage of the market will lead to the creation of jobs, solutions, and revenue flow for the country”, he added.

The DG maintained that collective responsibility is needed to achieve the positive impacts, for which the nation yearns for solutions. He encouraged the young innovators not to relent in their various efforts towards tackling the problems bedeviling the country, saying that such solutions will go a long way in addressing development issues.

He appeals to teeming youths from the region to always showcase their talents which will serve as channels for solutions to some of the problems that require immediate panacea.

He revealed that the program also provides an avenue for young Nigerians to contribute their quota in the solution-finding and provides opportunities for creating jobs both directly and indirectly, keying into the Digital Economy policy that will facilitate the swift growth and development of the country.

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Calabar, Professor Florence Banji Obi, ably represented by Professor Idingesit Akpabio, Chairman, Committee of Deans, the University of Calabar, in her earlier remarks, appreciated NITDA for choosing the University of Calabar for the program. She commended the initiatives and the manner of their implementation across the country for the growth of our nation.

She commented that technology is changing how we do things and has fast-tracked operations processes. “Programs like this are needed to keep the young people busy solving the problems faced by the country, more so that such programs give an avenue for teeming youth to showcase their talents which will help solve those challenges,” she added.

Prof. Obi encouraged participants not to stop at solution finding after this program but to go further in actualizing what they have started, which she believes will bring about solutions to the problems faced in the country.

Winners from the pitching context received cash prizes ranging from N1.5million for the overall Winners, N1 million for the first runner-ups, and N500,000 to the second runner-ups as the 3-day event came to a close with fanfare and beautiful memories.

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TECHDIGEST – It was on August 23, 2021, that a man in a black suit walked into our office at 9.30 am. He introduced himself as the Protocol Officer in the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and announced that the Minister, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, would arrive at our office by 11.00am.

Prior to that, we had sent out invitations to the Minister and the agencies under his Ministry, to a close-knitted and private event of a book presentation in our modest conference room at PRNigeria Centre, Wuye District, Abuja

While aware of the fact that a Monday morning is usually a hectic period for many chief executive officers, we had kept our expectations moderate and hoped that at least the Minister and the CEOs of associated agencies would send representation to the event.

As we went about organising the sitting arrangement of the anticipated guests with the protocol officer, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, arrived, followed shortly by the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of cognate parastatals of the Communications Ministry.

The CEOs included Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Muhammad Abubakar of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Dr. Abimbola Alale of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz of National Identity Management Commission, (NIMC), Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi of Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) and Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu of Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)

We were flabbergasted and exhilarated in equal measure by the arrival of the minister at about a quarter to 11 a.m, before the start of the event, which is highly unusual for an official of his calibre in Nigeria. Following this, our premises became a beehive of uncommon activities.

Before that day, the last time I had met the Minister Face-to-Face was in August 2020, when I led editorial members of the Economic Confidential publication to his office for an interview. That encounter motivated one of our staff writers, Inyene Ibanga, to develop a keen interest in covering the Information Technology sector, going forward.

As a Mass Communications graduate, with a Master’s Degree in Public Relations, Ibanga not only started filing in reports on the sector but he equally wrote weekly articles on Digital Innovation, with a particular focus on activities at NITDA.

By July this year, Inyene Ibanga, who currently edits TechDigest, had developed a remarkable portfolio of published articles on the digital economy sector in Nigeria and other related developments in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain technology, Big Data, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, social media, among others.

In realising the paucity of literature on the Information Technology sector in Nigeria, the parent company of our publications, *Image Merchants Promotion (IMPR), which was declared the Most-Creative PR Agency Worldwide in 2020 (check Statista),* decided to compile and publish Ibanga’s articles into a book form entitled, Digital Innovation for Prosperity in Nigeria.

The book comprises eight chapters of 40 well-researched and articulated subjects, with the chapters of the book including, “Enhancing Start-ups”; “Strengthening Innovative Solutions”; “Managing Data for Productivity”; “Protecting Cyber Security”, and “Accessing E-Learning”. The other chapters consist of, “Promoting Digital Inclusion”; “Transforming the Way of Doing Things” and “Advancing the Digital Economy.”

Analogous issues and areas mediated upon in the book include elucidations on the smart city, smart campuses, digital transformation, disruptive technology, e-commerce, e-learning, e-tourism, fact-checking, the Industrial Internet of Things, virtual reality, augmented reality, e-voting, among others.

We were delighted, at the compilation stage of the book, when the Minister accepted to write the Foreword. And, in his recommendation, the erudite scholar and professor of cybersecurity noted that the “book will help expose its readers to the benefits of digital innovation and digital economy.”

As earlier mentioned, with the arrival of the Minister, the programme started with a welcome address by Chairman of the Board of IMPR, Dr Sule Yau Sule, who hailed the rapid development of the digital economy in Nigeria, with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) being the fastest-growing sector of the economy.

Whilst speaking in the same vein, the DG of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, who was also celebrated at the occasion for clocking two years in the saddle, expressed excitement that the well-thought-out policies, initiatives and promotion of digital innovation, as engineered by the Minister, are already yielding huge positive results.

As I reviewed the book, I informed our August visitors that the compendium explores ways in which Nigeria does not get left behind in the deployment of technology for providing solutions to economic challenges. The book also examines the roles of regulatory bodies, especially NITDA in the promotion of Information Technology across all the spheres, through the development of frameworks, standards, guidelines, regulations, and policies.

As the Special Guest of Honour, the minister commended the contributions of IMPR’s titles in constructive engagements and the media coverage of various sectors.

Pantami said: “The publications of IMPR, especially PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and TechDigest have demonstrated the quality of evidence-based journalism.”

Speaking on the book, the minister noted the author, Inyene Ibanga, as highlighting how digital innovation has led to surging economic prosperity in Nigeria, within the framework of the ground-setting and key initiatives of the Ministry of Communication with the full endorsements of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Minister, therefore, urged Nigerians to develop the habit of reading, as “Readers are leaders”, and that all noted world leaders are people who spend quality time reading.

Speaking on behalf of all other special guests at the occasion, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta praised the author and the publisher for the compendium on ICT in Nigeria, and with special reference to the significant milestones that have been attained by NITDA.

In commending the excellent synergy and rapport among the chief executives of agencies under the Ministry of Digital Economy, Mallam Yusuf Alli, one of the directors of IMPR, used the opportunity of the closing remarks at the event to also laud the rare leadership of Prof Pantami.

Mallam Alli, who is an award-winning investigative editor further stated that other ministries and agencies of government in Nigeria could learn a lot from the unity of purpose of these officials, as exemplified in their collaborations for the development of the country, alongside their humility, brilliance, intellection, and high senses of responsibility.

Days after, while the magnificence of that event still resonates, the coming together of a rich calibre of personalities to reflect on Nigeria’s digital journey so far, on a unique Monday Morning, is not only a great honour to many of us who have been toiling to produce information that enhances Nigeria’s image, but also a memory that will remain indelible in our minds for a long time to come.

To the August visitors, especially, the enviable Professor of Cybersecurity, we are indeed highly indebted for the surprise visit and kind words. As PR people, not just communicators, we cherish friendship and the sense of brotherhood through constructive engagements towards a greater nation.

Yushau A. Shuaib
Editor-in-Chief PRNigeria and Economic Confidential
www.YAShuaib.com

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TECHDIGEST – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami has dedicated a book titled, “Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria” to President Muhammad Buhari for the uncommon support given to him to serve as minister responsible for driving communication and digital Innovation in Nigeria.

The book, authored by Mr. Inyene Ibanga, was launched at the Abuja office of the Image Merchants Promotions (IMPR) Limited, the Publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential magazine.

The publication is a compilation of digital technology innovation related activities and initiatives carried out by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other agencies under the ministry of communication and digital Economy in the last one year.

Pantami, who also wrote the foreword, said the book covered significant aspects and most of the federal government initiatives in digital innovation, cyber security, digital economy and many others.

“This book Digital  Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria  is a very important book, I have glanced at it. I have the privilege to even write the foreward of the book and it is a  compilation of major  initiatives of the federal government of Nigeria under the leadership of president Muhammad Buhari, GCFR, particularly in the area of digital economy which has been cascaded into digital innovation, cyber security and many more”, he said.

The minister explained that the writer captured the impact of digital technology effectively, as the important drivers of global economy is digital economy, especially when it comes to job creation and attacking the challenge of unemployment.

He said: “A research and report of U.S bureau of economic affairs indicated that Digital Economy created jobs in US annually and averagely 1.7 percent but within the digital economy sector the growth rates is 3.7 percent up to 6.7 percent. This is to show to us that the digital economy is the best opportunity for us to create many jobs, particularly, in Nigeria where we have the challenge of unemployment”.

On his part, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA whose 2nd year in office was being celebrated, dedicated the book to his father and Dr. Pantami, assuring that the Agency will sustain and nurture the existing media partnerships and engagements with all stakeholders for mutual benefits.

The Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria, Mallam Yushau Shuaibu, who also reviewed the book, said
the book contained eights chapters with forty topics.

Yushau said the chapters included Enhancing Start-Ups; Strengthening Innovative Solutions; Managing Data for Productivity; Protecting Cybersecurity; Accessing E-Learning; Promoting Digital Inclusion; Transforming the Way of DoingThings and Advancing the Digital Economy.

The Author, Inyene Ibanga, explained that the book covered a major areas of digital technology and its power to effect change in every area of human endeavour.

According to him, the feature articles seek to showcase the ambitious initiatives and programmes developed by the IT sector regulator, NITDA, in its drive for growth of the digital economy through effective implementation of the Nigerian IT Policy.

Earlier in a welcome address,  Chairman, Board of Directors of IMPR, Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule,  appreciated Pantami and the tremendous work he has been doing since he assumed office as the Communications and Digital Economy Minister.

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TECHDIGEST – The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami has unveiled a book titled, “Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria.”

The publication is a compendium of IT-related activities and programmes carried out by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in the last one year.

The book, authored by Mr. Inyene Ibanga, was launched during a ceremony at the Abuja office of the Image Merchants Promotions (IMPR) Limited, the Publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential.

According to Pantami, the publication will provide some insights into Nigeria’s digital economy and his Ministry’s approach towards developing it.

“Mr. Inyene Ibanga discusses how digital innovation leads to economic prosperity in Nigeria, and he captures some of the key initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy,” he said.

He observed that digital innovation has led to a shift from the traditional economy into the digitalized one, and this digital transformation of the economy has led to economic prosperity in Nigeria and around the world.

As the Minister responsible for the Communications and Digital Economy sector, Dr. Pantami, noted that their policies and initiatives have utilized digital innovation, and this has led to a positive impact on the nation’s economy.

He said: “For example, in 2020, Nigeria was able to exit the COVID-19 triggered recession through the impact of digital innovation. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported in its Forth Quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Report that the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector grew at 14.70%, making it the fastest growing sector, faster than the aggregated growth rates of the second to sixth fastest growing sectors.”

The Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria who is also the Book Reviewer, Mallam Yushau A. Shuaib said the book contained eights Chapters with forty topic.

Shuaib said the Chapters included “Enhancing Start-Ups, Strenthening Innovative Solutions, Managing Data for Productivity, Protecting Cybersecurity, Accessing E-Learning, Promoting Digital Inclusion, Transforming the Way of Doing Things and Advancing the Digital Economy.”

The Author, Mr. Ibanga, explained that the book covered a major area of digital technology and its power to effect change across every sector its traverses.

According to him, the feature articles seek to showcase the ambitious initiatives and programmes developed by the IT sector regulator, NITDA, in its drive for growth of the digital economy through effective implementation of the Nigerian IT Policy.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of IMPR, Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, in his welcome remark, appreciated Pantami and the ‘amazing’ works he has been doing since he assumed office as the Communication and Digital Economy Minister.

On his part, Mall. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA whose achievements in office was being celebrated, dedicated the book to his father and Dr. Pantami, assuring that their Agency will sustain and nurture the existing media partnerships and engagements for mutual benefits.

Ibanga, a graduate of Mass Communication, and Master degree holder in Public Relations, is the Managing Editor of TechDigest.ng, a publication of the award-winning IMPR.

By PRNIgeria

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TECHDIGEST – The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has made commitment to support and collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations working within the scope of the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024), and that includes Aid for Rural Education and Access Initiative, (AREAI).

Mallam Abdullahi, director general of NITDA, made this commitment to Prince Gideon Olarewaju, chief executive director of AREAI, and some members of the organisation during a courtesy visit to NITDA headquarters in Abuja, Thursday.

Abdullahi disclosed that NITDA recently unveiled its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, saying; “The SRAP is designed as a template or map to assist the agency achieve the targeted plans through the execution of the strategic pillars,” he explained.

While elaborating further, the NITDA boss said; “SRAP is anchored on 7 strategic pillars, namely, Developmental Regulations, Digital Literacy and Skills, Digital Transformation, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Cyber Security, Emerging Technologies, and the seventh pillar is the promotion of Indigenous Content.”

He further explained that; “with the mandate and expertise from the Aid for Rural Education and Access Initiative (AREAI), there is an opportunity for Nigerian youth to position itself as a leader in terms of ICT and digital economy and digital literacy with skills and innovation.”

The DG explained that NITDA is particularly passionate about four mentioned areas of collaborate, these are: Digital literacy and skills, where we have a target of 95% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030. He said during the lockdown of COVID-19 pandemic, NITDA came up with virtual academy with an enrolment of over sixty thousand online students and beneficiaries.

The Agency is now working to upgrading it to a standard mass open online courses platform like Coursera and Edx. He said NITDA is hoping that other related institutions will key into this and start providing skills and certificate courses for our citizenry and even beyond the shores of our country.

On Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Abdullahi said NITDA is already coming up with something new that will impact knowledge to the rural communities. Thirdly, he said, is the Local Content development of which the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics is one of the centers set up as an intervention center to develop local content and upgrade the skills of our citizen.

He encouraged the AREAI to take advantage of this facility to identify talents and develop ideas in their areas of interest that will impact on the girl child education’s digital literacy and skills. He said it is a platform that the Agency has adopted to change the Nigerian trajectory through training and skill empowerment.

Mallam Abdullahi is quite optimistic that the two agencies partnership will uplift the actualisation of their similar mandates such as indigenous investors and innovation programs among others.

He later advised on the constitution of forum for discussions between NITDA and AREAI to come up with working tools to develop the idea into practicable reality.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Director of Aid for Rural Education and Access Initiative commended the NITDA for the opportunity to showcase their talent most especially in Digi-learn which is one of the smartest ways of impacting knowledge to the rural communities. He hopes that the collaboration with NITDA will be a huge advantage to AREAI in harnessing potentials and expertise in bringing more innovation to the Rural communities in digital ways.

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