Following Oyo State’s success at the 2022 General Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital economy (NCCIDE) held in Ibadan, Oyo State has once again reaffirmed its position as a trailblazer in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
At the 11th General Meeting of NCCIDE with the theme, ‘Leveraging on Digital Technology and Innovation to drive Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Development,’ the state emerged top in all categories as Best State in Human Capital Development, Best State in e-government, Best State in digital technology infrastructure and the overall best state in Digital Technology.
The event, hosted in Kano by Governor Abba Yusuf from January 22 to 25, was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of Communications and Innovation, Dr Bosun Tijani, who chaired the meeting; the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, states council men, private dignitaries, among others.
At the meeting, Oyo State achieved the milestones, underscoring its leadership in ICT excellence. The state was honoured with three awards, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in the country’s digital landscape.
Announcing this feat, Adebayo Akande, Senior Special Adviser to the state governor on ICT, said, “I am proud to announce that for three consecutive years, Oyo State has demonstrated its leadership in ICT innovation and implementation, fostering an enabling environment for start-ups and businesses while contributing to the digital transformation in Nigeria.
“The state’s performance at the meeting has not only reaffirmed our position as a frontrunner in the digital landscape but has established a standard for other states to emulate, inspiring my team and I to double our efforts.
“I want to express my gratitude to the governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, for his continuous support, as well as every stakeholder and my team. This achievement is a result of our collective commitment to leveraging technology to the betterment of the people.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us remain focused to our mission to drive digital transformation, enhance connectivity and improve the lives of the citizens through innovative ICT solutions. I am confident that with our continued dedication and collaboration, we will achieve even greater success in the future.”
During the meeting, Tijani outlined a strategic blueprint consisting of five pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship and capital (IEC)/trade.
each crucial to the government’s mission and interconnected with others, forming the foundation of the strategy to drive economic growth and ICT development in the country.
Governor Yusuf also utilised the meeting to announce Kano State’s plans to enact a Digitisation Act for comprehensive e-governance implementation and the formulation of an ICT policy aimed at harnessing the state’s potential in the digital economy while requesting for the handing over of NCC’s digital industrial park to Kano State for effective utilization, emphasising the need for economic diversification through technological innovation.
Additionally, the SSA to the Oyo State Governor on ICT, Bayo Akande highlighted the significance of synergy between federal and state ministries, emphasising its potential to drive Nigeria towards a thriving digital economy through collaboration and innovation, including the sharing of best practices, pooling of resources for large-scale projects and alignment of strategies to ensure a unified and effective approach to digital innovation.
