Anambra State ICT Agencies and Wikimedia Nigeria Collaborate to Empower Civil Society
In a remarkable collaborative effort, the Anambra State ICT Agencies joined forces with Wikimedia Nigeria user group and Wikimedia Anambra network to organize a comprehensive literacy training program for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The event, held on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023, marked a pivotal step toward enhancing digital literacy and community engagement.
Central to the initiative was the recognition of fiber optics as the bedrock of a thriving ICT sector. The ongoing endeavors spearheaded by the Soludo administration to lay down fiber optics infrastructure in both urban centers and rural areas underscore a resolute commitment to technological advancement. In this context, Agbata, a prominent voice in the discourse, emphasized the transformative role of WikiMedia. He highlighted how WikiMedia serves as an unparalleled platform, providing individuals with a global stage to partake in dialogues and share their distinctive narratives.
Agbata also shed light on the progressive strides taken by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in cultivating a dynamic ICT sector. The administration’s unwavering focus on digitization aims to bridge the divide between informal and formal sectors, fostering increased efficiency, accessibility, and inclusivity.
The President of Wikimedia Anambra Network, Dr. Ngozi Osuchukwu, an esteemed educator within the Department of Library and Information Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, emphasized the pivotal role of WikiMedia in amplifying diverse voices. Dr. Osuchukwu, who also leads the Wikimedia Anambra Network, a vital arm of the Wikimedia User Group of Nigeria, illuminated the platform’s potential to unite communities, towns, villages, and organizations through shared narratives.
Dr. Osuchukwu underscored the pressing need for active participation from Anambarains and individuals hailing from the South East. She emphasized that neglecting to contribute personal stories could result in narratives being shaped in ways that diverge from desired perspectives. The overarching goal, she elucidated, is to collectively curate and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and indigenous facets that distinguish Anambra and the broader Igbo community.
Dr. Osuchukwu directed attention to Wikivoyage’s potential to boost tourism. She highlighted its role in shedding light on captivating attractions such as Agulu Lake, Ogbunike Cave, and the majestic River Niger. Leveraging platforms like Wikivoyage, she noted, could unlock avenues for securing grants, establishing international partnerships, and fostering personal growth opportunities, including participation in conferences.
The collaborative endeavor between the Anambra State ICT Agencies, Wikimedia Nigeria user group, and Wikimedia Anambra network stands as a testament to the power of digital collaboration. As Anambra embarks on a journey toward digital empowerment, this initiative holds the promise of empowering informed citizens who can collectively shape their narratives in the vibrant digital landscape.
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