In this edition of Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS, veteran tech journalist REMMY NWEKE vividly details how Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's pioneering drone and digital skills program is revolutionizing capacity building across Nigeria, illuminating its potential to foster self-reliance, advance environmental sustainability, and usher in new era of tech-driven entrepreneurship nationwide.
Preamble:
In a nation where technological innovation is rapidly reshaping industries and empowering communities, a notable shift in capacity building is taking flight, quite literally.
Spearheading this transformation is Senator Natasha
Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose recent initiative to train and equip 250 young
constituents with advanced digital and technical skills, particularly in drone
technology, signals a new era for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods
across Nigeria.
Drones for environmental sustainability:
The programme, championed by the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, goes beyond traditional training, aiming to bridge critical technology and skill gaps.
The comprehensive curriculum covered a variety of in-demand areas, with 80 beneficiaries specializing in Drone Security and Environmental Sustainability/Remediation Initiatives. This forward-looking skillset is poised for wide-ranging applications across diverse sectors.
Beyond drones, the initiative also empowered 50 youths in advanced welding and fabrication techniques, another 50 in renewable energy installation, and 70 in data analytics and digital transformation, all essential for Nigeria's burgeoning digital economy.
The training sessions, methodically designed to provide participants with readily employable skills and practical tools, were held at Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's residence in Kogi Central, she emphasized the strategic vision behind these human capacity development programmes, declaring that "Our people deserve to be empowered with the very best of technology for self-reliance."
Our inspiration:
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that her decision to integrate drone technology was inspired by countries like South Africa, Egypt, Malawi, and Ethiopia, which have successfully leveraged drone innovations to drive industries such as mining, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring.
"Drone technology is the new frontier of socio-economic development not only in Africa but globally," she explained. A pivotal aspect of her initiative is the free distribution of 80 DJI Neo drones to individuals and learning institutions, a move that, in her words, "sets a new standard for Nigeria in innovative capacity-building technologies."
She further confirmed these drones comply with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations, being sub-250g in weight.
Potentials for entrepreneurship:
While drone technology is still relatively nascent in
Nigeria, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan underscored its immense potential for both
security and entrepreneurship, far exceeding its conventional uses in
photography and videography. She highlighted its expansive applications in
construction, oil and gas, agriculture, delivery services, environmental
monitoring, geographical mapping, and telecommunications.
Extending the reach of this groundbreaking initiative, the
Geology and Environmental Science departments of 10 tertiary institutions
nationwide were invited to participate in the drone technology empowerment.
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Enhancing learning:
These include the Federal College of Education, Okene;
Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara; Prince Abubakar Audu
University, Anyigba; Federal University, Lokoja; Federal Polytechnic, Idah;
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja; University of Ilorin; Bayero University, Kano;
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and Federal University of Science and
Technology, Minna. The strategic aim, Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS gathered, was to
equip these educational institutions with modern tools to enhance student
learning experiences and provide critical hands-on training in emerging
technologies.
Sources close to the Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, revealed that
this latest empowerment drive aligns with her broader commitment to regional
development, which follows closely on the heels of other significant projects
she has championed, including the recent flag-off of two smart markets in Kogi
Central, boasting a combined capacity of 160 shops, and the distribution of 700
computers to students of Abdul-Azeez Attah Memorial College, Okene (AAAMCO).
Submission:
As Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to make
significant waves in Nigeria's technological evolution, particularly in how
capacity building is approached. Her unwavering commitment to empowering her
constituents with modern technologies and innovation-driven opportunities
underscores her belief that "they deserve the best," firmly
positioning her as a pioneer in redefining human capital development for a
technologically advanced Nigeria.
This, definitely calls for emulation by other political
actors, especially at the National Assembly where they have constituency
project allocation, instead of some claypots, burial white clothes, wheel
barrows and shovels donated recently by her colleagues and political actors in other
parts of the country.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has undoubtedly demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in the face of controversy. Despite being embroiled in a highly publicized "sexgate" scandal with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which led to her suspension, she has channeled her energy into empowering her constituents and promoting technological advancement in Nigeria.
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