The Ogun Tech Community, a coalition of technology professionals, startups, innovation hubs, and digital experts across Ogun State, has called on the state government to rename the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to the Ministry of Education and established a standalone Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Penpushing reports that President of the Ogun Tech Community Adekunle Durosinmi, made the call in a statement explaining this was in line with the government earlier promise on the development
The statement added that at the national level, Nigeria has already demonstrated leadership through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, which has driven key policies and frameworks such as the Nigeria Startup Act.
Penpushing further reports that, Durosinmi, however, pointed out that these opportunities are not being properly implemented in Ogun State because there is no dedicated ministry to champion Information Communication Technology (ICT) policies and programs.
‘Ogun State, home to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, as well as the Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity from Ogun Central, is uniquely positioned to leverage these advantages. Yet, without a Ministry of ICT, many national frameworks and opportunities risk being diverted or underutilized’, Durosinmi stated.
Penpushing also reports that the Ogun Tech Community, boss boasted that Ogun State has the innovators, the talent, and the national representation to lead Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that what is missing is the institutional structure to harness these opportunities
“Ogun State has the innovators, the talent, and the national representation to lead Nigeria’s digital economy. What is missing is the institutional structure to harness these opportunities’, he said.
‘A Ministry of ICT will allow Ogun State to align with federal initiatives, implement crucial policies like the Startup Act, and fully develop Silicon Hill—our own Silicon Valley—to nurture globally competitive tech talent’, Durosinmi added
Penpushing reports that the statement said the Ogun Tech Community believes the creation of a Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) will provide a central authority to implement Information Communication Technology-related policies and frameworks, and unlock opportunities from national digital economy programs.
The body equally added that the creation will accelerate the adoption of the Nigeria Startup Act and other tech-driven legislation, strengthen Ogun’s tech ecosystem through startups, hubs, and Information Technology (IT) professionals and position Ogun State as a digital and innovation hub in Nigeria.
‘The Ogun Tech Community urges His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, to act decisively in creating the Ministry of ICT and ensure Ogun State fully harnesses the opportunities of the digital economy’, Durosinmi emphasised.
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