Technology seed can elevate Nigeria’s economy – CCIE

Ini Billie, Uyo

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) has said the seed of technology is capable of elevating the economic development of Nigeria.

Speaking on Tuesday in Sheraton by Four Points Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, during the Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2023 on the theme: “Africa’s New Tech Destination, Director General/Chief Executive Officer, CCIE, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said the state has contributed hugely to the growth of technology in Africa.

Abdullahi who was represented by Mr Aristotle Onu, commended the Ibom Innovation Network, the community of innovators, hubs, the Akwa Ibom state government, and all organizations and stakeholders that contributed to bringing this programme to reality.

“As of 2022, the total population of Africa amounted to over 1.4 billion. According to Statista the population of the continent will increase to around 2.5 billion by 2050.

“I trust that the seed you are sowing today will grow to positively impact your environment with innovative solutions to elevate the state and Nigeria in general into a higher echelon of sustainable economic development.

“Akwa Ibom Tech Community is on the rise. The time is ripe for Akwa Ibom to transform Nigeria into Africa’s new tech destination. Akwa Ibom Arise!,” he stated.

While speaking, the President of Ibom Innovation Network, Hanson Johnson called for investment in the tech ecosystem and urged the government and other public-spirited individuals to support entrepreneurs and innovators.

He said for tech advancement to thrive, power and internet connectivity were necessary and applauded the Akwa Ibom state government for sustaining peace, saying it would help the state achieve its dream of becoming Africa’s New Tech Destination.

He expressed optimism that they would begin to reap from their technology licenses and royalties from their patent and intellectual properties soon.

“As we position to start reaping from our technology licenses, royalties from our patent and intellectual properties, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government of Akwa Ibom State for their steadfast support in our endeavours and for preserving peace in our land. We call upon them to continue this journey with us, investing in our dream to become Africa’s New Tech Destination.

“The peace that our state enjoys is a testament to our government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring a secure and conducive atmosphere for tech enthusiasts. The cost of living here is friendly and provides a unique advantage in building and growing tech startups,” he said.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rapid River Software, Mr Nick Mardon applauded the Ibom Tech community for the milestone it has reached so far.

Mardon recommended schooling, self-study, internship mentorship, and connection as approaches to strengthening the Tech development funnel while speaking on “Building a global career from your local community”.

He however identified electricity as a big problem in enabling the process and called for collaboration in handling it.

Also speaking, Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Brand Management and Marketing, Mr Raphael Edem said between 2014 and now when the first Hubs were launched, there has been remarkable progress in the tech ecosystem of the state.

Edem said the seven hubs identified nine years ago under the Ibom Innovation Network currently have a staff strength of 132, and training at least 4,229 people, adding that it has already successfully trained 15,701 people.

He stated that the network has provided both direct jobs and highly sought-after digital skills, and encouraged tech experts in the state to ensure a continuous dialogue and partnership between the state government and the tech community.

“In the ARISE Agenda, the Governor specifically states some of his strategies for the tech industry to include; promoting home-grown digital hubs, building capacity for ICT and media stakeholders as one of the easiest ways to make Akwa Ibom a tech destination is to keep people coming to the state for tech events. 

“Right now, tech activities are majorly concentrated in Uyo, and it is rightly so for obvious reasons with Eket and Ikot Ekpene coming at a distance. I believe the entire State is very fertile for the revolution. But we can start the expansion process by building the ecosystem in the form of activities around institutions like the Maritime Academy in Oron, Akwa Ibom State University in Mkpat Enin and Oruk Anam, College of Education in Nsit Ibom, and so on.

“Turning Akwa Ibom into a tech destination in Africa is achievable. Individually, the hubs in the state have done remarkably well so far. But going forward, there will be a need for multidimensional collaborations. The state government is open to partnership and ready to provide as much support as it can,” he stated.