Science & Tech
Dr Bayero Agabi, president Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD), says access to mobile connectivity is vital for economic growth.
Agabi made this known during the Nigeria Mobile Economy Summit Expo and Awards in Lagos on Thursday night.
The theme of the event was “Transforming Mobile Technologies into Economic opportunities.’’
He said that with over 198 million lines and many innovations coming to play, Nigeria had become not only a development hub but a huge and thriving mobile hub.
“The impact of mobile technology is felt in all aspects of our lives today.
“Today, we celebrate this impact with the Nigeria Mobile Economy Awards.
“For many consumers across Nigeria, the mobile phone is not just a communication device but also the primary channel to get online, as well as a vital tool to access various life-enhancing services,’’ Agabi said.
He added that technology enhances access to many essential services, including education, health and utilities.
Agabi said that it was also an enabler of business models that supports efficient and sustainable delivery of key services through mobile-based platforms such as mobile money, music, and changes to the way we do business and interact.
The Minister of Communications, Dr Adebayo Shittu, said Nigeria was poised to create affordable and reliable access to ICT services and infrastructure development through various plans and initiatives.
Shittu said they strongly believed that Nigeria cannot have any meaningful development without a commensurate level of development in mobile economy and technology.
“We as a nation must begin to see the development and use of mobile technology applications and tools as prerequisites to speedy national development.
“Therefore, from whichever way you look at it, Information and Communications Technology is very vital and pivotal for whatever any country wants to do to achieve development and growth.
“Let me add at this juncture that this optimistic view of the transformational benefits of the mobile economy is predicated on the gains observed to date from the Government’s diversification process which is hinged on ICTs.
“With government’s commitment to local content, the sector is expected to provide further opportunities for the economy to get the desired boost to enhance mobile innovation and governance in the country.
“The Ministry has been charged with developing an all-inclusive framework for harnessing ICTs in collaboration with the organized private sector in the country, which will in turn help grow the supply chain to create a thriving digital economy,’’ he said.
The minister noted that going forward the ministry’s focus would be on growing a digital economy and local content.
NAN reports that the Nigeria Mobile Economy Summit and Awards was designed to celebrate outstanding individuals and corporate organisations driving the Nigerian mobile revolutions.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was awarded icon of Nigeria’s mobile economy while Shittu got the champion of Nigeria mobile economy and ICT.
Mr Tony Ojobo, Former Director, Public Affairs, NCC was also awarded Icon of African Information Society Merit Award (AISMA) while software entrepreneur of the year went to Dr Yele Okeremi, Managing Director, Precise Financial Systems.
Outstanding contributions to the Mobile Economy went to Mr Dipo Fatokun, Director Banking and Payment System, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and champion of digital identity management went to Engr. Aliyu Aziz, Director General,NIMC.
Most innovative digital bank of the year was won by Zenith Bank while the most impactful telecom association of the year went to the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operator of Nigeria (ALTON).
Best research institute in the public sector went to The Federal Institute of Industrial Research( FIIRO); Most innovative IT solution provider was given to Pay-Per-Click(PPC) and excellence in IT capacity development went to Digital Bridge Institute (DBI). (NAN)
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