" ITREALMS: Africa must tap ICT benefits – Katang

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Africa must tap ICT benefits – Katang

Chief Executive Officer of Abuja-based Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firm, Dr. Armstrong Katang, has said that for Nigeria and Africa at large to overcome poverty and underdevelopment they must tap from various economic benefits of ICT.

Dr. Katang, who spoke in Lagos at the just ended West Africa Information Communication Technology Congress (WAFICT), noted that the country still faces a lot of infrastructural challenges that impede on the growth of ICT penetration.

He also said that government and the organised private sector must collaborate to expand ICT penetration in Nigeria and on the continent, stressing that what is at stake here is the future of the continent and Nigeria precisely.

He emphasised that the youths represent the next generation and every hand must be on the deck to ensure that plans began early for the future of the country, “If we want to be part of the global economy of the future that will thrive and survive only on ICT.”

In addition, Dr, Katang said, the mission of Alteq is to develop next generation of African leadership through creativity in using ICT.

“Nigeria and West Africa should not just be concerned about consuming technology but the ones that will be relevant to the needs of the people,” he advised.

He pointed out that the quest to create socio-economic empowerment for the future generation of Africa and Nigeria in particular through information communications technology should be the thrust of all activities.

“As an organization our firm is committed to the design, development and use of all technology that improves quality of life. We pride ourselves in offering international quality consulting services at locally competitive prices,” he said.

Recalling the theme of the WAFICT congress, “Driving West Africa Growth through ICT” he said that what it means is that both social and economic life from agriculture, education, and transportation among others must be ICT driven.

“This does not mean every individual must necessarily have a Personal Computer (PC), but the next generation must be empowered with tools and information they require to succeed in all human endeavours,” Katanga said.

He further said that part of the objective of the congress was to create a platform for the present professionals in the industry, as well as the students and youths who are the futures.

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