The Minister of State for Science Technology and Innovation in Nigeria, Chief Henry Ikoh has said that agencies under the Ministry are dealing with research and development that are all geared toward the digital economy.
Chief Ikoh who said this in Abuja, the nation’s capital, when he received a delegation of the Digital Corporation Organization noted that Collaboration in human capital development is key to attaining Industrialization in Nigeria.
The Minister stressed that the struggle to travel overseas for greener pastures would be avoided when people are gainfully employed and moved out of poverty.
“The synergy is what is required. Capacity building is key, technology transfer is what Africa and in particular Nigeria needs now. We must collaborate in all areas to make sure there is harmony in the world” he said.
Chief Ikoh emphasized that Nigeria is blessed with abundant raw materials and all that is required is a cross-fertilization of ideas to improve on digitalization and industrialization.
Partnership
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Science Technology and innovation, Mrs. Monilola Udoh said that Nigeria is open to partnerships from individuals, organizations and communities that will support the nation’s quest for a digital boost.
“For any nation to take advantage of ICT to grow the economy, to create jobs, to fight corruption and to improve security in the environment, it must embrace partnerships because no nation has it all and we need to depend on one another for mutual benefits” she said.
Mrs Udoh noted that the Ministry of Science Technology and innovation recognized ICT as the chief driver of innovation and welcomes all forms of collaboration in achieving it.
The Secretary-General of Digital Corporation Organization, Ms. Deemah Al-Yahya, stated that the visit is to reiterate the organization’s commitment to empowering the digital transformation and economic strategies of the country.
Ms. Al-Yahya revealed that Nigeria is a founding member of the organization and described that:
“Digital Corporation Organization is a Multilateral Organization that focuses on advancing the digital economy in member states. We are presently in twelve countries from different continents representing six hundred million population and two trillion dollars in GDP”.
Olusola Akintonde
