Austin Okere, group managing director, Computer Warehouse Group has identified obstacles to availability of broadband internet and poor quality of service in the country’s telecommunications space.
According to him, the major roadblock to broadband penetration in the country includes ‘Right of way’ and other barriers to deployment of infrastructure, and service providers becoming moribund. “These challenges alone could frustrate the country’s’ efforts towards the journey of broadband Internet availability”.
Okere stated this as a guest speaker at the just concluded Africa Digital Forum/Awards held in Lagos recently.
Some of the solutions he proffered include solving right of way and taxation issues, closer regulations of anti-competitive practices, fiscal Incentive (Long term loan, USPF) and dealing with transmission market incongruence in prices and access amongst others.
“If these solutions are put in place it would encourage several providers into broadband delivery service which will result in the creation of more infrastructure and increase access and reduce access cost.”
He also noted that many States in the country have not embraced the power of ICT, hence the call for people to be liberated through the use of ICT, the sooner, the better for the country.
During the award session CWG emerged winners in the category of ‘ICT Conglomerate of the Year, 2012’ while, Okere, received the award for the ‘ICT Man of the Decade, 2012’ in Nigeria.
The organizers of the event said CWG was worth the conferment based on her immense contributions towards the growth and development of Information and Communications Technology, youth empowerment through ICT education and the nation building. It also rewarded and recognized innovations and excellence in ICT activities in Africa and globally.
The feat bestowed on Okere, ‘ICT Man of the Decade, 2012’ honours him as an individual that has distinguished himself in the advancement of Information and Communications Technology.
Panellists at the event included the Chairman of the occasion, former EVC of NCC and Chairman Open Media Group, Engr.(Dr) Ernest Ndukwe , supported by former Minister Of Communications, Engr. Olawale Ige, the Guest Speaker, Austin Okere, CEO Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), James Agada, MD, ExpertEdge Software (a CWG Company), and Philip Obioha , Chief Operating Officer among others.
Okere while receiving the awards said: ‘These awards represent the hard work and unreserved commitment that CWG has displayed overtime in terms of ICT development in Africa and the world at large. It is going to inspire us to keep pushing the bar when it comes to ICT in Africa.’
The ICT giant understands that effective technology solutions are the engines that drive business growth. Whether it’s helping organizations improve customer service, securing assets and information or achieving global virtue presence.
The Pan African ICT conglomerate offers a depth of business perspective and a wealth of experience that ensures that businesses in diverse sectors and industries can achieve their business goals. CWG has made several strides in the area of ICT as she recently partnered with First Bank of Nigeria to launch its Mobile Money Service (Firstmonie) .
This was done in order to bring about cost effectiveness and excellent services to First Bank customers.
Also MTN Nigeria partnered with Computer Warehouse Group Limited to innovate micro-banking software as a service (MTN XaaS) platform. Computer Warehouse Group Limited is one of the fastest growing and leading Information and Communication Technology companies in Africa today with offices in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Cameroon.