Minister urges Delta Govt. to institute ICT policy, innovation fund

The Minister of Communication, Mr Adebayo Shittu, has urged the Delta Government to institute a special fund for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy and Innovation.

Shittu made the call at the public presentation of Delta State Technology Innovation Hub and Hall of Fame in Asaba.

Okowa, receiving Mr. Adebayo Shittu and Mr. Leo Stan Rkeh in his office.

He said that instituting the ICT policy and innovation fund would enable the state to key into the Federal Government’s scheme.

The minister expressed the ministry’s commitment toward making Nigerians embrace ICT innovation, and advised the state government to train the youths, especially the females in ICT.

``I am happy that the governor of Delta State has developed a platform to assist and support ICT development and that he will drive the process through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

``To further promote the development of this ICT Hub, I will request you to initiate a state ICT development fund to drive the innovation in the state and to ensure that this hub attracts the federal innovation funding.

``I will also appeal to the governor to mandate the Ministry of Energy to give constant power supply to the hall for effective operation of the facilities.

``There is need to establish a state ICT policy, sponsor ICT competitions and awareness training for youths, women and the girl child," Shittu said.

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, said that the state ICT Innovation Hub would be driven through PPP arrangement.

Okowa said that the state government would constantly be in touch with the Federal Ministry of Communication, adding that the whole idea was geared toward diversified economy.

He applauded the minister and the Zenith Bank Plc., for donating the complex to the state government, assuring them that government would make effective use of the technology centre.

``We are trying to make the Ministry of Science and Technology in the state more relevant because we realised the potential that lies therein.

``This initiative seeks idea on sustainable development instead of leaning on oil, the innovation is critical for long term economic growth and sustainable development in both the developed and the developing world.

``It will foster regional and international competitiveness, create employment and resolve social conflicts in any giving society," Okowa said.

Okowa said that the ICT was aimed at knowledge-based economy and poverty reduction in the state.

He, therefore, called on the stakeholders to support the the initiatives so as to succeed in the state.

Okowa gave assurance that the state ICT fund would be established and that all who had made their marks in the technology sector would be recognised.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Joyce Overah, said that State Innovation Hub was a PPP initiative between the state government and Mobile Software Solutions Limited.

Overah said that the hub provided expertise on Science Technology and Innovation, ICT policies.(NAN)