Hon. Igoin Peter Tokoni, the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation and other stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have underscored the need for collaborative efforts by government and opinion moulders in the sector to harness the potential of ICT for socio-economic growth of the region.
The stakeholders stated this at the Niger Delta Youth Parliament (NDYP) Discourse/Plenary – Convergence 2.0, with the theme: “Empowering Tomorrow: Harnessing ICT Innovations for Niger Delta’s Growth,” held on Thursday 28 November, 2024 at the Dr Embeleakpo Apere Auditorium, Niger Delta University Law Faculty, Ovom Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
According to the Niger Delta Youth Parliament(NDYP), organizers of the converge, the event orient with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s vision, as well as the mission of the Ministry of ICT Development and Digital Innovation, to build a digitally inclusive Nigeria where technology serves as a bridge to social and economic opportunity for all citizens.
In his opening remark, Rt. Hon. Ofon Daniel, Speaker of the Delta Youth Parliament expressed excitement about the event and the partnership with the office of the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation. He disclosed that the event now in its second phase is significant and critical to the development of the Niger Delta region. He noted that key element of the conference is to pull government and stakeholders together to discuss an ICT strategic plan for the region and how youths can harness the potentials in the rapidly growing sector.
Delivering his keynote address at the event, Hon. Igoin Peter Tokoni, the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, emphasised that ICT has the potential to can scale up many sectors of the economy, including education, healthcare, financial services, and agriculture, as well as enhance the quality of life in the Niger Delta region.
Sharing valuable insights on the importance of ICT and digital innovation in the Niger Delta region, Tokoni hinted that realizing these benefits requires careful consideration of the prospects, the formulation of sound policies, and addressing the accompanying challenges.
He maintained that with the advent of technology, the world is constantly changing, and the Niger Delta region must not fall behind, while stressing that through ICT innovation, the Niger Delta region can unleash its full potential and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
According to him, “As we move towards to a more digital and connected world, it is crucial for the Niger Delta region to embrace ICT and digital innovation. The region can harness the power of technology and secure a promising future for generations to come”.
Earlier in the panel discussion, young ICT stakeholders and policy makers argued that the complex challenges associated with ICT particularly in the region, cannot be solved by any single entity rather it requires partnerships, shared knowledge, and collective action that can drive the kind of growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.
Mr Asieri Odusi, Director of the Bayelsa Tech Hub, highlighted the need to promote technology career opportunities for young Niger Deltans in the world’s fastest growing sector.
He asserted that ICT provides unprecedented opportunities for young people and have the potential to empower citizens just as it reduces poverty, support economic growth, facilitate access to education, finance, agric, healthcare and protects the environment.
Asieri further emphasized the need for policy frameworks, urging government and stakeholders collaboration to create an environment conducive to innovation, research, build and ensure the region harness and benefits from the limitless potentials in ICT.
In their separate discourse, the other panelists argued that for the region to leverage ICT for development, government and key stakeholders need to comprehend the barriers to access and what homegrown solutions exist to overcome the digital divide.
They also highlighted that the information and communications technology (ICT) sector are in demand, providing promising careers for young people. While urging Niger Delta youths to grab the abundant opportunities in the sector.
The well attended programme provided an opportunity for youth leaders and other stakeholders to network, collaborate and exchange knowledge for the region’s growth and development.
Notable Niger Delta youth leaders at the event included Rt. Hon. Ofon Daniel, Speaker of the Delta Youth Parliament, Hon Ralphael Biweribo Samuel, Deputy Chief Whip and caucus chairman, Hon. Wisdom Kieribo, Coordinator of the Bayelsa Youth Alliance, Hon. Tari Okorotie, Technical Adviser to the Governor on ICT Government House, Hon. Ajikere Kinikanwo Henry, Councilor of PHALGA Ward1, among others, whose presence further reinforced the importance of youth led ICT for development initiatives particularly in the Niger Delta region.
See more photos from the event on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/p/VyUfM1BP96BGcd6w/
