The Anambra State ICT Agency on Thursday 6th July 2023, played host to relevant Stakeholders and Tech experts in and across the state in a hybrid workshop at the Agency’s conference hall in Awka.
The event was the first ever Anambra State ICT Policy Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop as key participants in various businesses and fields of expertise reviewed and contributed to the draft ICT Policy Framework, created by the State ICT Agency, to develop a comprehensive document for the execution of tech initiatives in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Anambra ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, reiterated Governor Soludo’s vision towards making Anambra a livable and smart mega city and the agency’s commitment to drive this laudable vision, which ended in the need to have a state ICT Policy framework.
He also said that the draft under review incorporated the National Information Development Technology Act, the Governor’s manifesto, the Transition Committee Report, Vision 2070, and the National start up law, which is appropriate to be domesticated in the policy document and as a collaborator, the agency is willing to share the model and collaborate with other states and bodies once it is approved by the state government.
He urged Nigerians especially Anambra State to embrace Artificial Intelligence as advanced countries are investing heavily in it.
The Dean, faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof. Kingsley Nwozor praised Governor Soludo for running a government of collaboration across fields and giving innovation the platform to thrive.
He added that COOU is ready to explore further partnerships with the agency, towards technological advancements in the state.
The president general of Nkpor Community and the information for personnel for ASATU, Chief Emeka Mbagha, said that ICT is the new normal and he looks forward to an Anambra where people can access internet services even from leisure parks.
Mr. Arinze Okosieme a cyber security expert, who participated virtually from the United Kingdom, lauded the efforts of the state government, driven by the ICT Agency to deepen technology in the state and pledged to support the state through the Agency in ways possible.
The representatives of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, ANSIPPA, the Anambra Civil Society Network, the Strategy Execution and Evaluation, SEE office, and other speakers at the event, hailed the initiative of the workshop and the ICT policy, they all pledged their support to the initiative, through their platforms.
