The Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikoh, has touted digitalisation as key to the desired development of any nation, including Nigeria.
Ikoh, who spoke when the secretary-general of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), Ms. Deemah Al-Yahya paid a courtesy visit to the ministry in Abuja, said digitisation and technology transfer has made the world a global village.
He pointed out that deliberate digital, human capacity-building will enhance the accelerated industrialisation of Africa, thereby creating jobs, reducing poverty as well as minimising the mass exodus of Africans to Europe in search of greener pastures.
According to Ikoh, Africa can only achieve her goals in digitisation, technology and innovation through collaboration which will enhance the cross-fertilisation of ideas necessary to compete and take her desired position among the comity of continents.
Ikoh enjoined the continent to be committed to digitisation and technology transfer for socio-economic and political freedom of Africa.
Speaking, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Monilola Udoh said that Nigeria is open to partnerships with individuals, organisations, communities and nations that will support the country’s quest for digital growth.
She further said that information communication technology (ICT) is the key driver of innovation and assured that the ministry is willing to partner with the organisation for mutual benefits
A statement by the ministry’s deputy director, press and public relations, Atuora Obed said earlier, the secretary-general of the digital cooperation organisation (DCO), Ms. Deemah Al-Yahya said that the purpose of her visit is to empower the digital transformation and economic strategies of Nigeria, as well as understand the eco-system of the country.
According to her, the organisation comprises 12 countries from different continents, representing 600 million people and $2trillion in GDP.
She went on to commend Nigeria for being one of the founding members.
