By Mojisola Alabi
The Federal government has reiterated its commitment to spur growth within the mobile economy, and the IT sector at large, by creating the enabling policies for the private sector to thrive, in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the government.
The government made this known through the Minister of communications, Barr. Adebayor Shittu, at the Nigerian Mobile Economy Summit and Awards (NIMES) 2018, an event organised by the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD) for IT stakeholders synergy and collaboration towards a better mobile and digital economy.
Barr Adebayor Shittu stated that “The Federal government is working towards increasing the contribution of ICT to the GDP, increasing broadband penetration, and working proactively with other stakeholders to create growth in the ecosystem, in line with the focus of the current administration”.
Contributing to the Minister’s speech, was the Director General of Nigeria’s citadel of research and development, the Federal Institute of Industrial research (FIIRO), Prof. Gloria N. Elemo, represented by Dr Mrs B.O. Oyedoyin; who stated the FIIRO has continued to drive the acceleration of industrialization in Nigeria, through effective utilisation of raw materials, and upgrading of indigenous production techniques.
“FIIRO will continue to design, develop and sponsor researches and projects, train entrepreneurs, carry out technology transfer, and industrial extension services across Nigeria, though digital and innovative solutions, in line with global best practices. This we believe will accelerate the industrial development of Nigeria”, she stated.
Organisers of the summit, CECAD also presented Nigeria Mobile Economy Awards to individuals and institutions who have made laudable contributions to the development of Nigeria through the application of Information and Communication Technology.
Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu was awarded, ‘Champion of Nigeria’s Mobile Economy & ICT’, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta was awarded with ‘Icon of Nigerian Mobile Economy’ and the immediate past Director of public Affairs at the NCC, Tony Ojobo received the ‘Icon of African Information Society Merit Award. Dr. Yele Okeremi, Managing Director of Precise Financial Systems and President, Institute of Software Professionals of Nigeria received award of the ‘Software Entrepreneur of the year’, FIIRO got the ‘Best Research Institute in the Public sector, also Director Banking and Payment Services at the CBN was honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contributions to the Mobile Economy’, while Director General of the National Identity Management Commission and Engr. Aliyu Aziz received ‘Champion of Digital Identity Management’.
From the Private sector, Zenith Bank, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), PPC and Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) received Innovative Digital Bank of the year, Most Impactful Telecom Association of the year, Most Innovative IT Solution Provider and Excellence in IT Capacity Building respectively.
In Entertainment, emerging Pop star, Banny got the award for the ‘Most promising Pop artiste Online’.
Organized by the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development, CECAD, Nigeria Mobile Economy Summit (NIMES) brings together the biggest names in the mobile and digital ecosystem every year towards a synergistic effort aimed at making the most of the knowledge economy.