Stakeholders in Information and Communication Technology sector have called for more synergy between the growth of digital infrastructure and literacy in the country as Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), others bagged awards for outstanding public service performance on Thursday.
The stakeholders who were speaking at the “GSM at 20 Awards and Gala celebration,” held at NAF Conference Centre Abuja, said, telecommunications technology has brought significant changes to the country and made case for more achievements.
The event themed, “20 Years Digital Revolution Powdered by GSM,” organised by DIGIVATION awarded both public and private institutions for their contributions to the growth and expansion of GSM revolution as the country moves to the Fifth Generation (5G) technologies.
Speaking on behalf of awardee, EVC NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta who was represented by Head Online Media and Special Publications NCC, Dr Omoniyi Ibietan thanked the stakeholders in the sector and the organiser of the event.
“Two decades after, we are going into the Fifth Generation revolution. We need to come together to sensitize the public on the advantage of digital technology and the benefits it holds for them,” he said.
Meanwhile, President, High Tech for Women and Youths, Dr Wunmi Hassan on her part, she called for the study of impact of GSM on women in Nigeria.
She noted that, “If every woman has a mobile phone, they can also acquire digital literacy and bring their businesses to the digital world.
“It is critical for us to demystify the digital space between women and men in STEM as technologists.”
Another panellists Dr Niran Oyekale stated that, “Although, we have evolved but we still have a long way to go. I want to see the human development in Nigeria align with the world to bridge the digital gap.”
Notable amongst the awardees were Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Integrated Internet Solutions, HD Technologies Ltd., amongst others.
NCC received the award of the Premier African Regulator; the Commission’s EVC, Prof Umar Danbatta received Regulatory Excellence award, while NCC’s Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Barr. Adeleke Adewolu received the Outstanding Digital Impact Personality award.
Also, NITDA, Head Cooperate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs Hadiza Umar received outstanding public service award.