The chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh has advocated
for a consolidated budget for the newly created Communications Technology
Ministry, just as he canvassed for
Reviewing the year 2011, Dr. Ekeh said that one thing that
happened in the Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector
was sensitization of the populace, 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
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