Speaking at the 2018 eWorld Forum with the theme: Nigeria’s
Readiness for Digital Transformation; Rudman noted, that as the wheel of change
continues to turn, ICT stakeholders must embrace the change so as to drive it
to requisite destination for the good of the society.
“Finally, as the wheel of change continues to turn, we must
work together to thrive as a society, we need to embrace change so that we
drive it, instead of being driven by it,” he declared.
Rudman who presided over the eWorld Forum 2018, pointed out
that “Digital transformation if properly harnessed can solve most of the
current socio-economic problems affecting our nation.”
Describing the theme as very important, he said, digital
transformation is a globally reoccurring subject as it affects all of mankind,
hence it is quite apt at this point in time.
Equally, he said, digital transformation is hitting the
world in a big way, as no government or business can thrive without
incorporating technology in its core strategy.
Every aspect of lives, he said, has been affected by this
transformation, some deeply while others superficially, and consequently,
governments all over the world are rapidly realizing the multiplier effect of
digital transformation to all facets of economic and social developments, thus
paving the way for embracing of digital transformation as people abandon analog
operating models in favor of digital systems.
Rudman commended the chief executive of Ajomedia Limited,
publishers of eWorld Magazine, Mr. Aaron Ukodie, said that in spite of the
numerous challenges in the country, Nigerians have recorded huge success toward
digital transformation.
“There has been unprecedented transformation in the banking
industry brought about by digitalization, for example financial transactions
involving the use and movement of physical cash are gradually declining. The
use of POS and other several simple avenues of transaction have made life very
easy to the consumers, the bank and government.
"Individuals no longer had to
embark on a trip to the bank to conduct banking business, the banks on the
other hand have less ratio of customers to attend to, in essence reduction in
the cost of banking services as well as reduction in high security and safety
risks – Remember the days of abundant bullion vans on our roads, with frequent
reports of armed robbery? Reducing the amount of cash being physically handled
ensures that CBN has less old notes to destroy and to print replacements.
Government can now have better data to understand the informal sector of the
economy which would assist in tax and general development planning,” he said.
Rudman, who is the chief executive officer of Internet
Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), emphasized that there are many relative
success stories in other key areas as well, such as education, commerce,
health, housing, employment, security, transportation, fighting corruption
etcetera, which are too numerous to elaborate here.
“We have achieved much in less than two decades, but the
journey to digital transformation is perpetual, we can’t afford to slow down,
especially with our ever-expanding population. We have to find innovative ways
to educate our young population and equip them with the right skills to handle
ever evolving job market,” Rudman submitted.
Chuks Egbune/GEE
Pix: Rudman
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