Perm Sec Urges Govt To Deploy ICT Nationwide

Permanent Secretary, Fed
eral Ministry of Communications Technology, Dr Tunji Olaopa says it is imperative for government to ensure that all Nigerians, especially those living in rural areas, have access to global standards of living.
Olopa said government could achieve this through the deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) throughout the country.
The scribe, who made the call during interview with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, added that ICT could be exploited to create more job opportunities and boost development of the country.
He said ICT was setting the pace for development and expansion of economies globally.
“Certainly, we are in the ICT age and the federal government has, in its involvement through the ministry, taken the front-line to ensure that Nigeria keys into the global development.
“As we continually evolve, we shall work persistently to set the pace for communications technology solutions.
“We have already embarked on future-oriented cutting-edge programmes and products that are market driven to meet global best standards.
“We have also invigorated all the Agencies and Departments in the Ministry to accelerate efforts to meet this goal.
“Our National Broadband Plan and Strategy aims to increase broadband penetration and accessibility across the country’’, he said.
Dr Turner Isoun, Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd. (NigComSat), said ICT experts in Nigeria were working assiduously to create more job avenues for youths. “Government investment in ICT infrastructure such as communication satellites will not be in vain.
“Lately, there have been more Nigerian ICT experts that are contributing to the development of different nations globally; here in Nigerian, we are also keying in’’, Isoun said.
Mr Chibeze Andrew, an ICT expert, called on government and other sectors to involve youths in harnessing the global ICT development opportunity.
“More youths can be trained to become experts in the ICT sector; this will enable them to be self employed.