... As ‘09-CTO opens in Lagos

The Computer, Telecommunications and Online Service (CTO) exhibition and conference, this morning opened in Lagos at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) centre, Onikan.

Senior Commercial Specialist, United States Commercial Section, Mr. Anayo Agu said the event has been scheduled to take place between May 11 - 15, 2009, and is expected to attract both US companies and Nigerians, with the theme “Growing the Market Through Partnerships in Technology.”

The CTO exhibitions and seminars, he said, are market development tools of the U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria.

“It is the largest exhibition of its kind in West Africa where local companies representing or working with U.S. manufacturers and suppliers showcase the very best of computing and telecommunications solutions available in Nigeria and the region,” he said.

Mr. Agu accompanied by the Assist Commercial Officer, Mr. Christopher Becker said, CTO 2009 would feature an all-day seminar on May 11, focusing on the theme “Growing the Market Through Partnerships in Technology,” while the exhibition and seminars are open to the public, attendees younger than 18 years old are not permitted on the exhibition floor, except on Thursday, May 14, 2009, when college and university students are permitted to attend.

Stressing that CTO seminars help policy makers, industry leaders and professionals understand global trends and to appreciate local market dynamics.

“They provide a unique platform for local and international experts to interact on critical issues, especially those related to technology diffusion, alliances and partnerships between firms, service delivery, market institutions, bilateral relations, and entrepreneurship,” he said.

In addition, CTO 2009 would help define the path Nigeria may take to prepare its citizens for enhanced professional service delivery and to plug into the global marketplace through partnership in hardware and software technology with US firms.

Responding to questions, Mr. Becker denied any form of cabal among Nigerian companies with US partners, at least, not to the knowledge of the commercial section and assured Nigerians of equal support from the government of the United States.

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