Digital Economy: Nigerian Government commissions DNC project in Osun

*The Nigerian Communications Commission says the overarching objective of bridging the digital divide and providing ICT and Broadband access to the citizens is to harness benefits of the emergent digital culture, rejig governance process, and boost the digital sector of the economy

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In consonance with the overall objective of bridging the Digital Divide and providing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Broadband access to the unserved and underserved institutions and communities, the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated the Digital Nigeria Centre (DNC) project in Ilesa, Osun State.

ConsumerConnect reports Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, stated this development Friday, January 14, 2022, at the inauguration of the new digital centre, located at Ijesa Muslim Grammar School, in Ilesa.

The newly commissioned Digital Centre

The NCC EVC/CEO, represented on the occasion by Mrs. Abigael Solanke, Director of Projects Department of the telecoms regulatory Commission, restated the Federal Government’s desire to ensure Nigerian consumers harness all derivable benefits of the emergent digital culture has made it imperative to rejig the governance process in the communications and digital sector of the economy.

RELATED: NCC EVC Urges Nigerian Youths On Proper Application Of Digital Skills, ICT Tools

Danbatta disclosed the newly commissioned digital comprises four major components, including ICT Tools, power, connectivity and non-ICT Tools.

He noted the ICT Tools components are comprised of 40 Desktop computers with embedded operating systems, server, printer, projector (with remote control), high resolution scanner, and e-learning software.

The power components, Danbatta said, consist of an inverter that comes with charger, solar panels, batteries and automatic changeover.

According to the NCC Chief, the connectivity component was made up of routers, switches, firewall for network protection, modem, fibre/microwave radio or VSAT  and bandwidth for Internet connectivity.

RELATED: Pantami, Aregbesola To Inaugurate Digital Nigeria Project In Osun

He also said that the non-ICT component comprises the furniture, cabinet, and cooling systems among other equipment.

The Commission’s desire is to see that the ICT facilities at the centre are functional and put into appropriate use, he noted.

Danbatta further stated: “This Centre being commissioned here today is one of the projects being executed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

Ogbeni Aregbesola delivering his speech on the occasion as Prof. Akande (right) and other dignitaries look on

“This in line with the overall objective of bridging the Digital Divide and providing ICT and Broadband access to the unserved and underserved institutions and communities in the country.”

Digital centre designed to develop youths’ digital literacy, skills ─Ogbeni Aregbesola

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Honourable Minister for Interior, in his remarks at the event, disclosed the digital centre is an initiative aimed at developing digital skill and literacy of youths in the Ilesa community and its environs.

READ ALSO Digital Economy: Nigeria Planning Widest 5G Deployment In Africa 2022 ─Pantami

In his address titled: “Digital Skills and Literacy for Jobs and Social Inclusion”, Ogbeni Aregbesola said the thorough and timely execution of the project is significant and commendable.

He said the project prepares Nigerians in advance with digital literacy and skills for a future that will soon be driven strictly by technology, adding, some major automakers have decided to stop the production of combustion engines in the next 18 years.

The Minister also noted: “Interestingly, at least six major automakers, including Ford, Mercedes Benz, General Motors and Volvo joined the governments of 30 countries in November last year to pledge to stop the production and sales of internal combustion engine cars by 2040.

Some students of Ijesa Muslim Grammar School, Ilesa, at the event

“The implication is that even a mechanic should be ICT compliant. Any mechanic that can’t use ICT tools will find himself out of job.

“Indeed, in the next 20 years, anyone not ICT compliant may not be part of humanity again, considering that it will be impossible to function and interact with other humans.”

Ogbeni Aregebsola stated: “I will like to express my profound gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his relentless commitment in ensuring delivery of gains of democratic order to the generality of Nigerians.

READ ALSO: NCC Activating Strategic Plan For Broadband Infrastructure, All-Inclusive Digital Economy ─Danbatta

“To him, the welfare of Nigerians, especially our teaming youths remains a top priority for this administration. The continuous benefits the country has been deriving from effectively leveraging ICT to run governance more efficiently has been phenomenal,” the Minister remarked.

According to him, the DNC project is also a testament to the unwavering commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to deploying technology to better the citizens’ quality of life and experience.

Aregebsola stressed the centre would increase ICT literacy among school teachers and students while providing a platform for accessing online educational resources to enhance human development.

The Minister further stated: “It also goes to emphasise the pre-eminent role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for improving standards of living as a people.

“Globally, ICT has changed the way we live, work, interact and play,” said he.

We’re focused on promoting Nigeria Digital Economy: Pantami

In his presentation at the project commissioning in Ilesa, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, said the Federal Government was focused on advancing the digital economy across the West African country.

RELATED: Danbatta Restates NCC’s Commitment To Broadband, Consumer Protection, Digital Economy

Represented on the occasion by Prof. Adeolu Akande, Chairman, Board of Commissioners of NCC, the Minister also affirmed that the new digital centre was one of the initiatives for articulating the implementation of digital literacy and skills in Nigeria.

Pantami said: “Therefore, to thrive in the connected economy and society, the Nigerian Government is determined to ensure that digital skills for Nigerians function together with other abilities.

“Such as strong literacy and numeracy skills, critical and innovative thinking, complex problem solving, an ability to collaborate, and socio-emotional skills.”

Pantami also stated: “I want to express the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari to the good people of Osun State and to express the Federal Government’s commitment to its tripartite agenda of improving the economy, curbing corruption, and enhancing national security through effective deployment of ICT in all nooks and crannies of the country.”

Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State, also represented by Dr. Olawale Babatunde, Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, in the state, applauded the Federal Government for the digital centre initiative.

The Governor stated that Nigeria cannot be left behind by the digital revolution of the world, noting that his administration in Osun State also focuses on building a sustainable economy through e-government.

Oyetola expressed the appreciation of the Osun State Governemnt to the Federal Government for siting the DNC project in the State of the Living Spring.

Responding to the gesture of the Federal Government, Mrs. Ramota Ilesanmi, Principal of Ijesa Muslim Grammar School, commended President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for selecting the school for the project.

Mrs. Ilesanmi said the digital project would go a long way in meeting the ICT needs of not only the students, but also select residents of Ilesa city.

Kindly Share This Story