Digitalization is key to desired development: Henry Ikoh

Digitalization, according to Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, Minister of State for Science, Technology, and Innovation, is essential for any country’s intended progress, including Nigeria.

Ikoh made this statement during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja by Ms. Deemah Al-Yahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, DCO. The minister claimed that the globe has become a global village as a result of digitization and technological transfer.

He emphasised that targeted digital human capacity building will support the rapid industrialization of Africa, resulting in job creation, poverty reduction, and a reduction in the number of Africans migrating in large numbers to Europe in pursuit of better opportunities.

According to the Minister, cooperation will improve cross-fertilization of ideas, which is vital to compete and take Africa’s desired place within the community of continents. Only via collaboration will Africa be able to fulfil its goals in digitization, technology, and innovation.

Ikoh urged all African nations to support technology transfer and digitization in order to ensure the socio-economic and political independence of the continent.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, stated that Nigeria is willing to collaborate with people, groups, communities, and other countries in order to advance its pursuit of digital progress.

She went on to say that information and communication technology, or ICT, is the primary force behind innovation and emphasised that the Ministry is ready to collaborate with the Digital Cooperation Organization for the benefit of both parties.

The Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, Ms. Deemah Al-Yahya, stated earlier that the goal of her visit is to support Nigeria’s economic plans and digital transformation while also better understanding the nation’s ecosystem.

She then praised Nigeria for being one of the founding members, claiming that the organisation consists of twelve nations from several continents, representing 600 million people and two trillion dollars in GDP.