From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
Technology experts and important stakeholders from various fields of endeavour have reviewed the Anambra State Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy Framework prepared by the Anambra ICT Agency for the state.
The review, which was the first stakeholders engagement on such matter, took place at the agency’s conference hall inside the Government House, Awka.
Managing Director of the agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Agbata, said that the event was held to enable tech experts and stakeholders from various fields of endeavour to review and make relevant contributions to the draft ICT Policy Framework in order to have a comprehensive and holistic document that would aid the execution of tech initiatives in the state.
Agbata said that the move was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision targeted at making Anambra a liveable homeland and smart megacity.
“Technology is at the heart of what we want to achieve and to make it sustainable we need a policy – a holistic policy backed by executive order.
“Think of the ICT hubs in developed countries you know, they didn’t just happen. These were the result of conscious efforts by governments, driven by policies and that is what we are doing here today,” he said.
Agbata, who said that the agency’s commitment to driving the governor’s laudable vision which culminated in the need to have a state ICT Policy Framework, revealed that the draft under review incorporated the National Information Technology Development Act, Mr. Governor’s manifesto, the Transition Committee Report, Vision 2070, and the National Start-up Law, which is appropriate to be domesticated in the policy document.
He said that the document would be a blueprint for the implementation of ‘Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere’ vision of Governor Soludo. He said that the agency was willing to share the model and collaborate with other states and bodies once it is approved by the state government.
“Apart from Lagos and a few other places, we have pockets of young people doing their own things in secluded formats, not based on policy.
“Africa is quite endangered in the area of artificial intelligence, as developed countries are building multi-billion dollar industries and positioning for such investments.
“We must, therefore, begin to position the industry in the state for the curve ahead. We just want to make sure that technology thrives in Anambra, but we can’t do it alone. The Governor has given us the necessary backing and has supported us to achieve a lot.
”The Anambra ICT Agency is ready and all we ask, is that you join forces with us to create a model that other states may follow to ensure that Nigeria is a habitable place. We will make sure that enough time is allowed for more stakeholders’ input beyond here,” he stated.
The Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof. Kingsley Nwozor, commended the ICT agency for the initiative and the governor for his efforts to develop the state.
“I see a bright future for Anambra State through this workshop; with the digitization of several services for us at the university such as online payment of fees and result checking, plans for virtual classes, we anticipate working with the ICT Agency to accomplish much more.
“We want to say that COOU is ready to explore further partnerships with this agency, towards technological advancements in the state,” he said.
Also speaking, the president general of Nkpor community and the information personnel for ASATU, Chief Emeka Mbagha, said that stakeholders engagement was a good initiative.
He said that ICT was the new normal and that he was looking forward to an Anambra where people could access internet services even from leisure parks.
A cyber security expert, Mr. Arinze Okosieme, who participated virtually from the United Kingdom, lauded the efforts of the state government, driven by the ICT Agency to deepen technology in the state and pledged to support the state through the Agency in ways possible.
To further strengthen the ICT policy, as it is done globally, he also advocated for the establishment of cyber security labs and a state cyber security policy.