SOUTH SOUTH SET AGOG WITH NITDA'S STARTUP FRIDAY
 |
| Dr. Pantami |
The project, an initiative of the Agency, executed by its subsidiary office, the Office for ICT Innovation and Entreprenuership (OIIE) is aimed at identifying and developing indigenous talent in the sector, was the first of its kind in the south-south region.
A statement issued and signed by Uwa Suleiman, Spokesman of the Agency disclosed that, the Akwa Ibom state Governor Gabriel Emmanuel Udom who was ably represented by the Commissioner of Science and Technology, Professor Nse Essien, expressed delight over the choice of the state as the beneficiary of a developmental event of its magnitude.
The governor in his welcome address, noted that; “the choice of Akwa Ibom state by NITDA for such an important project is an attestation that NITDA, and indeed the present administration, exists to serve all Nigerians, regardless of geographical locations or any challenges".
"Information Technology is the guarantee to a secure future and we are proud to be a part of this epoch making event".
"We are immensely grateful to the DG for spreading the dragnet to all he nooks and crannies of Nigeria”, he said.
While pledging the state’s support to the Agency, the governor urged the youths to take full advantage of the opportunity and leverage on the platform provided by Information Technology to empower themselves in order to be fully prepared for the future.
The governor in his welcome address, noted that; “the choice of Akwa Ibom state by NITDA for such an important project is an attestation that NITDA, and indeed the present administration, exists to serve all Nigerians, regardless of geographical locations or any challenges".
"Information Technology is the guarantee to a secure future and we are proud to be a part of this epoch making event".
"We are immensely grateful to the DG for spreading the dragnet to all he nooks and crannies of Nigeria”, he said.
While pledging the state’s support to the Agency, the governor urged the youths to take full advantage of the opportunity and leverage on the platform provided by Information Technology to empower themselves in order to be fully prepared for the future.
Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami in his remarks, disclosed that the Agency was mandated to develop, implement and regulate the IT industry in the country and that, in discharging its functions, NITDA is determined to ensure that all Nigerians, especially the youths are carried along in its empowerment agenda.
Dr. Pantami stated that the “Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship, was established by the Agency to drive programs and policies that support ICT development, develop, establish and support ICT innovation hubs, Information Technology parks and community enterprise hubs across Nigeria, while collaborating with the private and public sectors at both federal and state levels on programs that support entrepreneurship and commercialization”.
He emphasized that the Presidential Executive Orders 003 and 005, further gave impetus to the Agency’s mandate and strengthened its resolve to bridge the digital divide, establish, facilitate and support the Nigerian ICT Startup ecosystem.
Dr. Pantami stated that the “Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship, was established by the Agency to drive programs and policies that support ICT development, develop, establish and support ICT innovation hubs, Information Technology parks and community enterprise hubs across Nigeria, while collaborating with the private and public sectors at both federal and state levels on programs that support entrepreneurship and commercialization”.
He emphasized that the Presidential Executive Orders 003 and 005, further gave impetus to the Agency’s mandate and strengthened its resolve to bridge the digital divide, establish, facilitate and support the Nigerian ICT Startup ecosystem.
Ten indigenous startups pitched various IT applications they had developed over time, and were rewarded with cash prices by NITDA, to support and encourage the impressive efforts dedicated to finding IT solutions to problems peculiar to our society.
Damilola Omoyiwole who carried the day, went home with a seed fund of three hundred thousand (300,000:00) naira while the second and third positions, won by unicorn.ng and Touchable Pictures received seed funds of a hundred thousand (100,000:00) naira each.
Others went home with cash prizes of fifty thousand (50,000:00) respectively.
Aside the seed funds, they also stand to benefit from strategic partnerships, invitation to the Agency’s events, introduction to investors and a three (3) month mentorship among others.
Damilola Omoyiwole who carried the day, went home with a seed fund of three hundred thousand (300,000:00) naira while the second and third positions, won by unicorn.ng and Touchable Pictures received seed funds of a hundred thousand (100,000:00) naira each.
Others went home with cash prizes of fifty thousand (50,000:00) respectively.
Aside the seed funds, they also stand to benefit from strategic partnerships, invitation to the Agency’s events, introduction to investors and a three (3) month mentorship among others.
Dr. Isa Pantami also announced that the Agency is currently establishing a Digital Job Creation Centre in Government Secondary School, Afaha of Eket Local Government Area of the State.
National Coordinator, OIIE, Dr. Amina Sambo Magaji, while expressing her gratitude to the government and people of Akwa Ibom state for the massive turnout and support, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to the development of indigenous technologies.
National Coordinator, OIIE, Dr. Amina Sambo Magaji, while expressing her gratitude to the government and people of Akwa Ibom state for the massive turnout and support, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to the development of indigenous technologies.
It will be recalled that the Startup Friday programme had been successfully executed in various geopolitical zones including the South West, North West, North East and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event which is the first of its kind in Akwa Ibom state is the ninth edition in the series.
The event which is the first of its kind in Akwa Ibom state is the ninth edition in the series.
The impressive ceremony had in attendance, state and federal government officials, captains of industries, professionals, the academia and youths from all walks of life.
No comments:
Drop Comment