NITDA honours A’Ibom,Oyo states for digital compliance

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

Akwa Ibom and Oyo have been recognized by the National Information Technology Development Agency,NITDA, as the most digitally compliant states in Nigeria.

The recognition was part of activities to mark the end of the Digital Nigeria Conference 2023, hosted by the agency at the International Conference Center in Abuja.

At the ceremony,Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi said the nomination and recognition was because of the excellent strides of both states in the IT industry.

Inuwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to implementing the National Digital Economy Policy for Digital Nigeria.

He emphasized NITDA’s pivotal role in planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and regulation of Information Technology practices in Nigeria.

The event was graced by luminaries from the tech industry, including the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Communication, Senator Aliyu Bilbis.

Representing the Akwa Ibom State Government were key figures in the media and information technology departments, including the SSA on Research on Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Website and Multimedia, Engr Solomon Eyo, and the Personal Assistant on Artificial Intelligence, Mrs. Lucy Ekong.

Eyo expressed gratitude and dedicated the award to Governor Umo Eno highlighting the Governor’s vision for the state, emphasizing the creation of the ICT Directorate under Dr. Frank Ekpenyong.

“This initiative resulted in significant improvements, such as enhanced internet connectivity, the full automation of civil services, a modern state website for citizen engagement, and the use of official government emails.

“These digital advancements allow the governor to sign memos from anywhere, snowballing into the remarkable progress achieved within his first 60 days in office.”He said.

The 2023 awards highlighted not only Akwa Ibom’s achievement but also the nation’s dedication to a digitally transformed future.