Houlin Zhao enlists Pantami’s support for engagement of sectors in the WSIS process, commends achievements in the sector

Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Mr Houlin Zhao has called on Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) to use his good office as Chairman of the World Summit on the Information Society(WSIS) to encourage the participation of other relevant sectors like education and agriculture, in the WIS process. This will enable the engagement of the global agriculture sector in the use of technologies to enhance food production and the use of emerging technologies to enhance education, among others.

Mr Zhao made the call during a meeting with the Minister at the ITU Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.

“We have tried to engage Ministers of Agriculture in various countries but we have not made the desired headway, so your excellency if you can help us enforce this strategy, it will make a difference. Nigeria occupies a very important position in Africa and the world and especially with your achievements in the ICT sector, we believe your influence will make a notable difference.”

Responding to the call, Professor Pantami while thanking the Secretary General for the confidence reposed in him by his appointment as forum chairman, assured that he will take up the challenge and ensure global participation of the relevant sectors in advancing the WSIS process across the globe.