IT Heavy Weights @ BoICT Lecturer/Awards Set Agenda for Buhari

The crème de crème in the Nigerian information technology (IT) space gathering in Lagos at the week during this year’s Beacon of Information Communication Technology (BoICT) distinguished lecturers and awards 2015, have urged the incoming government to look closely into challenges bedeviling the sector.

However, Dr. Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) reiterated Government will remain pious in the pursuit of legislative measures to protect the interests of investors and consumers alike.

In spite of the stiff competition for market share among foreign investors, home grown solution providers and potential broadband buyers in the industry, the regulator said reforms and broadband plan would not grow short of the widely acclaimed standard across sub-sectors and international best practices.

Eugene Juwah was speaking through Mr. Reuben Mouka, head of Public Affairs and Media at NCC, shortly after receiving 'Government Agency of the Year' award at BoICT awards 2015, showered encomium on private investors that have over the years contributed significantly to Nigeria's e-Commerce, digital enterprise solutions and communication and internet penetration growth.

According statistics by the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, the industry recoded close to 10% contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in 2014.

The EVC added that "The commission is hoping to catalyse the use of ICTs for different aspects of national developments and in other to achieve its mandate, we have put in place the necessary licensing and regulatory framework for the supply of telecommunication services and technology facilities."

He alluded to the fact private organizations require the best enabling environment to render greater service provisions to the undeserved and un-served areas of the country, in terms of broadband and mobile network services; expressing confidence that the new government will continue to drive the economic growth of the country by addressing the industry limitations and challenges.

The State government and distinguished private investors companies who were recipient of awards at different categories were elated noting that their efforts to the Nigeria economy project were being recognised despite obvious challenges inhibiting progress and work-flow in the country.

In a keynote address, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi, managing director and chief executive officer, VDT Communications, said that to sustain the growth level in the industry, Government is expected to prevail in three key areas.

He identified the areas to include steady power supply; stable and predictive economic indices, and encourage the banking sector who will in turn cater for the funding of enterprises.

Omoniyi added that the incoming administration must live beyond rhetoric, roll-up its sleeves and get down to work immediately after it receiving the baton of power on May 29, 2015.

According to him, VDT Communications has joined the comity of organizations that believe ICT will in the nearest future rival the oil and gas and power, owing to the enormous potentials embedded in every facet of the sector.

Earlier, Leo-Stan Ekeh, founder and group chairman of Zinox Group, said that IT is the force that will uphold the present and future economy of the nation.

He advised youths to ‘sharpen’ their skills and be ready for the next phase of information technology (IT) revolution in the country spurred by broadband.

To this, Omoniyi nodded in agreement, adding that Bitflux Communications, a brainchild of VDT communications, will by May 2015 roll out wireless broadband services that will give users unique and improved broadband usage experiences.

He explained that BitFlux Communications will be delivering service through Internet Protocol/MPLS network in three major cities which include Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ken Nwogbo, Editor-In--Chief/Chief Executive Officer, Communications Week Media Limited, publishers of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek e-newsletters and newspaper, said that efforts put by Nigerians on the global information and communications technologies map in security, education, banking and government cannot be hidden.

He cited Mr. Willie Obiano, executive governor of Anambra state, who was honoured for using ICT to tackle insecurity in the State, and has opened the State for business by using "Drone Technology for mapping purposes against crime and use of ICT in education."