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THE National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has trained Nigerian journalists that report Information and Communications Technology, ICT. The training of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association, NITRA, was geared towards upgrading the skills and knowledge of members of the union.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, said the training was designed to enlighten the reporters on new digital skills necessary for their profession. He noted that the digital Nigeria project cannot be achieved without capacity development. He noted that ICT Journalists have a role to play.
The minister highlighted that similar training will be conducted for people living with disabilities, farmers, artisans, civil servants among others, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria launched and unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Pantami further called on media practitioners to upheld professionalism and integrity in reporting, stressing that responsible journalism is key to democracy and good governance.
He also underscored some of the achievements recorded under his leadership such as the development of the National Broadband Plan 2020–2025, protection of telecom infrastructures, addressing the challenges of Right of Way among others.
“With all sense of humility as at the time I assumed office, Broadband Penetration was at 31.5 percent. As of today in less than a year in office, Broadband Penetration stands at 40.18 percent. We have achieved an almost 10 percent increase,” he said.
On his part, Kashifu Inuwa, director-general, NITDA, said ICT was a sure way of escaping the COVID-19 pandemic and the training was important towards achieving digital economy. He said digital skills can open new opportunities because there are challenges everywhere, but less opportunity. “So when the skill you have create the opportunity, you grab it,” he said.
Blessing Olaifa, president, FCT Chapter, NITRA, commended the minister on the achievements recorded so far in his ministry. He praised the minister for being the first cabinet member to address journalists and give an account of his stewardship early this year.
– Jul. 24, 2020 @ 17:25 GMT |
Tags: NITDA trains ICT journalists on digital reporting
