Over 2600 Youths have benefitted from digital Opportunities through various training in Digital skills by the Nigerian Communications Commission [NCC] across the six- geopolitical zones of the country.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, EVC/CEO NCC who was represented by the Commission’s Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Rueben Muoka, disclosed this during his Keynote Address at the ‘DIGIVATION FUTURE SUMMIT’ with the theme ‘Enabling Today’s Enterprise, Building Tomorrow’s Economy
He emphasized the need for Nigerians to acquire digital skills if they want to be relevant in the growing digital space and explore the potential opportunities that emerging technologies offer globally.
“We had 64% of the global population according to statistics with section 23 Global Review reports that a whopping 91% of users have access the internet via smart phones. That is a major highlight when we are talking about the business of the future, in areas of Artificial Intelligence [AI] as machines, data and various applications out there.
“NCC is concerned about the need for people to get educated on how emerging technologies can be used to empower individuals, organisations and societies.
“Skills give people opportunity to access the latest technology, learn new things, new ways of doing business. We believe that we’re completely using digital skills acquisition for what innovations provide.
“So, one of the digital opportunities that were provided is through Skill Initiative or creating job opportunities. They are all the skills development and employment programmes through provision of infrastructure for secondary and tertiary institutions or training of academics,’’ he said.
On the Angle of Infrastructure, the Commission is the Key driver of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan [NNBP] 2020-2025, by promoting the deployment of broadband infrastructure across the country it will facilitate the provision of building today’s business and enhancing the economy of tomorrow.
Also, with the current deployment of 5G infrastructure by the three licensees, it is adding to the measurable steps to support enterprise across the country.
A representative of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Chinedu Obi, said “There is a drive-in technology development across the world and Nigeria. But the fact is that Nigeria has to go the extra mile to ensure that the issues of infrastructure and manpower are taken seriously if we want to play competitively in the technology world,”
He highlighted some challenges that the government and stakeholders should make concerted efforts to address.
Dr Bayero Agabi, founder, DigiVation Network, and organiser of the event, said the essence of the forum is to raise the bar of technology ecosystem in Nigeria and deepen collaboration among stakeholders.
The event also had in attendance representatives of Naseni, Medallion, Galaxy Backbone, and Internet Society of Nigeria and more attendees.
COURTESY: DigiVation Network and Agency reports