NAN-H-100
Digital
By Constance Athekame
Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a Digital Literacy Programme to boost Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) development in the country.
The Minister of Communication, Mr Adebayo Shittu said this in Abuja at the 2016 AFRITEX Strategic Conference and Information Technology Exhibition on Tuesday in Abuja.
“In line with the Nigeria ICT Roadmap, I have approved the establishment of a Digital Literacy Programme and a council to oversee its implementation.
“This initiative is targeted at ensuring that Nigerian citizens become ICT literate in order to afford them the opportunity to actively participate in the digital world and the new economy thereby accelerating their socioeconomic development.
Shittu observed that one of the major challenges to growing the country’s ICT sector had been apathy for indigenous products and services.
According to him, this challenge has bedevilled the business of local information technology players in the country from hardware to software and to services and it had been the same story.
He said that the sector rigorously needed to pursue innovative avenues for funding ICT initiatives through public private partnerships.
Shittu said that further innovative ways were emerging for funding ICT development, adding that the broad mechanisms being considered now included but not limited to the following – Global Internet subsidy, privacy issuance, shared knowledge duty, attention levy.
The minister said that the theme of the conference, which is “Smart Unlimited: A key to Promoting a Digital Economy’’ could not have been more relevant.
“Especially at such a time when countries are seeking home-grown solutions to explore and exploit the potential of the Internet and ICTs to diversify their economy from natural resources.
“We all know that every economy today requires ubiquitous broadband for growth and prosperity.
“Certainly, this conference will provide an opportunity for us to reflect and contemplate how we can pursue national and continental growth by leveraging on ICTs and showcasing the level of deployment,’’ he said. (NAN)
COA/OIF/GY
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Grace Yussuf