Nigeria’s commitment to digital inclusion took center stage at the recent 35th annual conference of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Head of Media Management Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), presented a compelling case for digital inclusion as a key driver of accessible public relations. Following his presentation, Dr. Ibietan was elected as the new Secretary-General of APRA.
Titled “Digital Inclusion as Arbiter of Accessible PR: A Case of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Dr. Ibietan’s presentation highlighted 36 key initiatives undertaken by the NCC. These initiatives extend beyond the Commission’s core regulatory mandate and demonstrate a commitment to infrastructure expansion, SME support, educational empowerment, innovation advancement, and digital skills development for Nigerian youth.
Some of the highlighted programs include:
- Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI)
- Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIEP) program
- e-PAD project for 232 institutions
- Digital Appreciation Project (DAP) for 247 secondary schools
- Digital Literacy Training for Teachers (DLT)
- Digital Integration Programme (DIP) for MSMEs
- E-Accessibility programme for persons with disabilities
Additionally, Dr. Ibietan showcased initiatives focused on youth development, such as the Nigerian Girls Can Code Competition and the Build A-Thon program. These programs provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills and gain valuable experience in the digital space.
The NCC’s investments in digital infrastructure were further emphasized. Dr. Ibietan pointed to the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) as a key driver of infrastructure projects, programs, and collaborations with stakeholders.
“These interventions have significantly improved digital literacy, narrowed the digital divide, and fostered broader participation in political, economic, and social processes,” Dr. Ibietan remarked. He further noted that Nigeria’s investments in broadband infrastructure played a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by enabling businesses and individuals to shift activities to digital platforms.
Dr. Ibietan concluded by emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication among stakeholders to ensure the efficient management and maximization of benefits from these social investments and infrastructure projects. Notably, Dr. Ibietan’s presentation was the only one at the APRA conference to showcase digital infrastructure investments by an African country, highlighting Nigeria’s leadership in this critical area.