The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reassured more stakeholders’ engagements on leveraging emerging technologies to drive socio-economic growth and development in the country.
The director-general of NITDA, Dr Kashifu Inuwa, stated this in Sokoto during an engagement meeting with the state’s digital economy Technical Working Group (TWG) for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Inuwa, represented by the director, Zonal Operations of NITDA, Mr Babajide Ajayi, said the programme themed, “Collaboration Towards Digitalisation and Entrepreneurial Evolution,” was initiated to chart course for development and facilitate TWG’s involvement for the desired successes.
He said, “NITDA stands as a pillar of support and beacon of startups through partnerships and direct activities.”
He mentioned such efforts to include the provision of platforms for supported innovation, funding and commercialisation of talents in emerging technologies as well as fostering effective collaboration between governments, industry, academia, civil society and international entities.
In his keynote address, the zonal coordinator, Mr Kabiru Salihu, said each state was expected to develop a target based on its peculiarities on the need for internet access and services.
He explained that the Nigerian population is below average on Internet usage and emphasised the need for utilising Internet and Artificial Intelligence opportunities.
The deputy manager, Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department of NITDA, Ms Christiana Simon, made presentation on NITDA strategies, key policies and projects.
Simon said NITDA has outlined some steps the agency was taking to fully harness IoT and AI to include expanding digital literacy to rural and unserved areas, with a target of 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030.
She enjoined states to utilise the opportunities as NITDA provides the desirable support platforms in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the socio-economic development of the country.
Earlier, Sokoto State commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Alhaji Bashir Umarun-Kwabo, said the state government initiated platforms to ensure maximum productivity through digital platforms.
Umarun-Kwabo said, the state government has trained about 10,000 persons on entrepreneurship digital skills, established ICT Development Agency, Department of AI and emerging technologies and participated at national and international digital platforms.
He explained that the sector received adequate attention and support from Governor Ahmad Aliyu, which reflects the administration’s goals for growth and development.
The commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy in Kebbi state, Alhaji Ibrahim Sakaba, said the state established ICT Development Agency that regulates and promotes ICT infrastructures, digital entrepreneurship, capacity building and other policies to align with national trends.
