Growth
By Constance Imasuen
Abuja, May 17, 2018 (NAN) The Association of Telecommunications Professionals of Nigeria (APTN), has called on the Federal Government to partner with stakeholders in the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) industry for economic growth in the country.
The Chairman of the association, Mr Adede Williams, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, in Abuja, to mark the 2018 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated on May 17 annually.
The 2018 World Telecom Day is themed: “Enabling the Positive Use of Artificial Intelligence for All’’.
Williams said that government should involve ICT stakeholders in implementing policies that concerned information and technology development in Nigeria.
“We also want to use this medium to call on the Nigeria government at all levels to partner with ICT industry stakeholders for effective channel on ICT related issues in the country.
“ATPN hereby calls on all the Telecommunications and Information Technology practitioners in Nigeria to join their professional colleagues across the world in celebrating the constant evolution of one of the most important factors of our lives: communication.’’
He said that the main goal of the commemoration was to highlight the value of communication and how information travels across the world.
He said that the day also aimed at increasing the awareness of the crucial nature of communication to human lives.
“To achieve their full potential, organisations such as UNESCO actively took part at the inception of day, by inviting people to engage in various activities to promote campaigns centred on ICT.’’
“Based on fundamental human rights and to raise awareness of how information and communications technology can be beneficial for societies and economies,’’ he said.
ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao in his message to mark ‘s day said every year on May 17, ITU members around the world celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
“Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is taking center stage with a lot of impact on people’s lives.
“AI’s potential power is being exploited and developed at an unprecedented speed. AI brings us many opportunities and challenges. AI will greatly change our economy and society,’’ he said.
According to Zhao, ITU in its role of specialised UN Agency for ICT services and technologies, wishes to work with academia, researchers, industries, administrations and governments, UN Agencies.
Zhao said the union would also work with other stakeholders and partners to facilitate the AI development, to bring the benefits of AI to all.
“ITU invites you to join us to celebrate WTISD 2018!’’, he said. (NAN)
COA/JTJ/GY
==========
Edited by Julius Toba Jegede/Grace Yussuf