Ekeh advocates N500bn for ICT4D

Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh has advocated for a vote of N500 billion for the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT4D) in the country.

Speaking to newsmen recently, he said the aforementioned amount could be used over the next three quarters of 2012, so as to create what he described as ‘material hope for the citizens.’

This fund, he said could be channeled into provision of infrastructure for the citizenry, especially in the provision of ICT access for poor students and enable them have access to technologies and even take examination from home without having to be physically located at the four-walls of schools and mostly the universities.

Ekeh suggested that in the first quarter, a total sum of about N250 billion could be used to furnish schools, retrain those who have left school before now so as to make them competitive for the knowledge economy.

He pointed out that a key factor hindering progress of most private sector players is on capacity building.

The Zinox boss insisted that Nigerian economy must create opportunities for the poor to show what they could offer as part of their contribution to development.

Meanwhile, he called for a consolidated budget for the newly created Communications Technology Ministry.

He recalled that the year 2011 witnessed sensitization of the populace on ICT4D, which began with the use of data capturing machines by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of the electoral process.

According to him, the data capturing process involves Nigerians availing the government their records and they see it happening, hence the awareness has been created on what technology and particularly computers could do.

In addition, he said that the creation of Communications Technology Ministry by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) should be seen as a plus for the country and for the sector precisely.

Ekeh also cited an instance with the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) being managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), saying that USPF has been consistent in discharging its mandate, especially now that it’s deploying two digital libraries in each of the states of the federation.

He therefore said that the budget for ICT is not yet consolidated among the ministries and if done it would usher in a good omen for the country.

He expressed optimism that the education sector would do well if automated and backed with relevant content.

According to him, students from poor homes should be able to have access to education, because they may choose to study from home instead of going to be resident in schools, which cost additional money and still take same examinations.

He lamented that most companies collapsing today were due to lack of capacity building.

He commended the federal government for creating the Ministry of Communications Technology, adding that the broadband strategy of the ministry led by Mrs. Omobola Johnson is achievable, but there must be buy-in by the private sector under the Public-Private Partnership.

Remmy Nweke
ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D Short URLs: goo.gl, mcaf.ee, cli.gs