Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Ibrahim Isa Pantami on Thursday led Heads and Staff of agencies under his ministry and dignitaries to the grand unveiling of the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, Abuja.
The centre is a project coordinated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) aimed at creating an innovative ecosystem based on “Work, Live, Play” concept.
Muslim News findings revealed that the Centre, which comprises of two towers, 7 and 8 floors high, will be equipped with modern, state-of-the-art facilities, including co-working space (Hackerspace/Maker space); Business Research and Innovation Space; Information Technology (IT) Museum; Media Studio, Smart Data Centre, Network Operation Centre (NOC), Smart Automation and R&D Hi-tech showrooms among others.
While welcoming guests, the Honourable Minister said the Centre will create an atmosphere that would usher in innovation-driven culture among the Nigerian populace, adding that, “It’s critical for our journey to the digital economy because it will play a huge role in creating value and prosperity among the people.
Link 🔗 👉 https://t.co/S1bptXbN9N of the full address of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, @DrIsaPantami titled "APPRECIATION TO MR PRESIDENT FOR BEING THE FATHER OF DIGITAL ECONOMY IN NIGERIA".#DigitalNigeria pic.twitter.com/f3nJjPC2t7
— Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria) February 4, 2021
As a very important initiative to the digital economy transformation agenda, he assured that the Centre would be replicated at least in the six geo-political zones of the country, beginning with the pioneering Centre in the FCT, Abuja to take it closer to the people.
According to him, ‘‘Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship are globally recognized as two prerequisites for achieving an indigenous digital economy. As such, a successful digital innovation and entrepreneurship programme will support us in the development of our digital economy and this is exactly what we want this Centre aims to achieve.
‘‘Today’s event is critical for our journey to the digital economy because in digital economy, innovation and entrepreneurship play a huge role in creating value and prosperity. That is why we are investing in this initiative.
‘‘Our journey started in October 2019, when President Muhammadu Buhari re-designated and expanded the mandate of our ministry to cover the digital economy. The speed at which we move is amazing and our achievements so far are encouraging.
‘‘Today digital economy is the fastest growing economy in Nigeria and the world in general. To sustain and consolidate the growth, we need to ignite innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital space. COVID-19 has impacted our lives in an unprecedented way, many aspects of our lives – work, education, economy, entertainment, have moved online.”
Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship are globally recognized as two prerequisites for achieving an indigenous Digital Economy.@DrIsaPantami #DigitalNigeria pic.twitter.com/8c0vr9p9vS
— Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria) February 4, 2021
The honourable minister said in building the Centre, the government was not in any way trying to undermine certificates but trying to redirect people towards soft skills which are the in-thing.
He, therefore, enjoined states and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to key into the establishment of ICT innovation and entrepreneurship parks to address unemployment and other social challenges in Nigeria.
He said this has become necessary to complement the present administration’s resolve to diversify national economy and generate employment and wealth for the country.
Dr. Pantami who listed the benefits of the Centre, argued that the economic challenges facing Nigeria provide opportunities for the people to embrace digital platforms for self-empowerment.
Pantami said: “Mr President approved the building of this Centre on the 11th of November 2020, during the Federal Executive Council meeting.
“Prior to that, I made a detailed presentation to the Council on the project and successfully answered around 22 questions in the robust debate that followed the presentation.
“The idea received the overwhelming support of the Federal Executive Council because of the huge positive impact it can have on the lives of Nigerians.”
According to Pantami, digital innovation and entrepreneurship are globally recognized as two prerequisites for achieving an indigenous digital economy.
“As such, a successful digital innovation and entrepreneurship programme will support us in the development of our digital economy and this is exactly what this Centre aims to achieve,” he added.
Pantami said the growth of the sector resulted in an increased contribution of ICT to Nigeria’s GDP at a value of 17.83% in Q2 2020, adding that broadband penetration also peaked at 45 per cent in November last year.
The Minister said, ”the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre is another giant leap towards the development of our digital economy and diversification of our country’s economy.”
