07/12/2015
ACHIEVING COMPETITIVENESS, INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE ICT SECTOR: PERSPECTIVES FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT WITH INNOVATION
WELCOME ADDRESS BY DR ELIZABETH OBOT THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AT NCC STRATEGIC VISIONING WORKSHOP HELD THE LE MERIDIAN HOTEL UYO ON THE 7th of DECEMBER, 2015.
It is with my uttermost joy that I welcome you all to Akwa Ibom State, the The Executive Vice Chairman and everyone here present.
When I got the invitation from the workshop facilitator I was not only impressed by the theme -ACHIEVING COMPETITIVENESS, INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE ICT SECTOR, but elated.
There is no better time than now to awaken the drive of the people to productivity and financial independence especially in the ICT Sector as I strongly believe ICT has the capacity to drive the nation’s economy, boost development and also become a source of revenue.
Nigeria as a fast growing market in ICT and Akwa Ibom state aim at taking the lead and to become a power house for the development of ICT in Nigeria. This is evident in the plans and programs of the amiable Governor of the State Deacon Udom Emmanuel who understands that in the nearest future, ICT and Technology will be the main driver of the Nation’s economy and the journey to that future begins today.
This is why the Government of Akwa Ibom State is today laying massive ICT infrastructure for the state and engaging its youths in core ICT programs to bridge the skill gap between manpower and modern ICT solutions to be better equipped for the future.
Some of the plans and programs for ICT of this administration include:
The development of a state wide VPN infrastructure for the state that will serve as a pivot point to drive eGovernance in the State.
The development of technology incubation centers to groom state owned tech start-ups.
Youth training and certification on core ICT tools such as the just concluded program initiated by the federal Government and the on-going oracle training and certification program.
ICT fairs create awareness to modern ICT solutions.
Therefore I commend your Willingness to partner with other governmental and private bodies to further develop ICT in the state.
The advantage of the utilization of the ICT Sector cannot be over emphasized, as it cuts across all other sectors of the economy including Agriculture, Health, Education E.T.C. and has been known to attract other benefits such as:
Increase in Gross Domestic Product
Attraction of foreign investors
Creation of ICT –related jobs
New employment opportunities
Increase in Income Tax, from increased business activities.
Let me briefly highlight perspectives for youth empowerment with innovation and enterprise that can change the unemployment indices in Nigeria.
Provision of ICT Infrastructure. (Technology and Enterprise Incubators)
Creating an enabling environment for growth in implementation of skills and research for more innovative and brilliant solutions.
It is also a divine timing as this workshop was scheduled to happen in Akwa Ibom State as we have already begun various ICT Projects; some on blueprint , some in motion and some completed.
ICT Infrastructure should be prioritized and integrated as a basic infrastructure and necessity. Parastatals should have detailed infrastructure designs set up and implement it.
I propose a Technovation Hub for Nigeria, which would be a powerhouse for research, Training, Capacity Building and skill endorsement.
The Youths can be engaged with the awareness campaigns and the already enlightened ones can take advantage of the knowledge centre and build more productivity.
Youth Empowerment through Training and Government inter-agency partnerships.
The Government, at Federal, State and Local level can partner alongside development support organizations and organized private sector to enable and nurture the emergence of tech start-ups driven by the youths.
Training is a vital factor in Technology, Standardized and Professional bodies and ICT Stakeholders can partner with the Government to erect training Institutions with hands on practice and simulators of real life ICT scenarios and the possible solutions.
These can be achieved through strategic Partnerships and Mentorship also Funding through Investors, Grants and Loans.
I know you have noticed the wonderful Structures reflecting on the slides. These are Government structures that can be moved to the next level to maximize their potential through Partnership with Private entities, Government and Government Agencies.
The Proposed Technovation Hub can be integrated into some existing structures we have here in the State.
1. Ibom elibrary /Resource
The Ibom Elibrary/Resource Center has about 30 million E –resources which cuts across all disciplines, it is also a hybrid library as physical books also exist.
It is not just a library but also a resource center with a variety of services ranging from a 10-language lab , to a 350 Computer based Testing Center .
It also has an international Testing Center where ICT Certifications exams can be taken , a 20 seat Smart Class room with an interactive board , a 250 Seat Amphitheater with Video conferencing Facility and an amazing Children’s Multimedia Unit.
2. The Ibom Science and Technology park
It would be a great opportunity to take you all on a tour if time permits to enlighten you more on the operations and possibilities of Partnerships and Investment with the State Government.
Finally, Two Proofs that this Concept has worked is the Silicon Valley and Nailab Tech Hub.
Silicon Valley USA
Silicon Valley is home to hundreds of start-up and global technology companies, with Google, Apple and Facebook among the most prominent.
Nailab Tech Incubation program- Kenya
Nailab was given the responsibility of developing ICT businesses hence creating jobs and wealth which is the goals of Vision 2030. Two batches of ICT start-ups have been incubated by 2014 with the target been to incubate at least 30 start-ups across the country in 3-years.
I believe it is time to rise up and carry out our mandates, these goals are achievable as well in our great nation, as we deliberate and discuss issues in ICT during this strategic workshop, we would produce tangible strategies and solution.
I hereby declare this landmark event open.
Thank You.
Dr Elizabeth Obot
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