Global phone manufacturer, Nokia, in partnership with Microsoft
and Dalberg Global Development Advisors, has examined the importance of Information
and Communications Technology to the attainment of the Vision 2020.
The firms explained that the ICT sector could
impact on agriculture, job creation and the power sector in achieving vision’s
goals.
Speaking at the ‘Innovation for Vision2020 Forum,’ experts
emphasised that ICT and local innovations could be used for improving the
performance of the agriculture, entrepreneurial and energy sectors.
They also highlighted the barriers that could
affect the unleashing of creativity both within the public and private domains
for making the solutions a reality.
Microsoft’s General Manager for Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeje,
said, “It is important to build our understanding and knowledge about the power
of ICT, but only action will allow us to reach our dreams. We need to move from
policies to actionable programmes that benefit the people.”
The Manager and ICT subject expert for
Dalberg, Ms. Robin Miller, explained that the primary criteria for choosing the
agricultural, entrepreneurship and the power sectors was due to their unique
ability to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
“Nigeria is one of the fastest growing
economies in Africa with potential for global competitiveness. As such, we must
look beyond the traditional solutions and recognise ICT innovation as a
cornerstone of the country’s development,” she said.
Miller, alongside other experts, pointed out the current global
thinking about the role of technology and innovation in driving national
competitiveness, economic growth and social development.
The discussions highlighted the importance of
collaboration and demonstrated in practice how policy makers, local innovators,
academics and private sector had a role to play in reaching national
development objectives.
The forum ended with the participants presenting
their solutions and recommendations on the way forward.
The Vice-President, Corporate Relations,
Nokia, Jussi Hinkkanen, expressed satisfaction with the results of the forum. Hinkkanen
said, “Reaching of Nigeria’s Vision 2020 objectives will require collaboration
and alignment across stakeholders. The private sector is ready to contribute to
this process as we have seen today. The identified solutions showed maturity
and now we need to act on them.”
Punchng.com