REASONS ICT SHOULD CELEBRATE NIGERIA'S 50 YEARS – STAKEHOLDERS

By NBF News

Stakeholders in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector have fathomed reasons that the industry ought to celebrate the golden jubilee of independence of Nigeria. According to them, Nigeria is set to celebrate her golden jubilee of independence since 1960 and various sectors of the economy are gearing up to mark that event in grand style and panache and one industry that should lead the pack is the information and communications technology (ICT).

They informed newsmen that the industry is gearing up to celebrate the golden jubilee on September 30, 2010 at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos. Adding that, the event is part of the country's golden jubilee celebration, which comes to a climax on October 1, 2010.

President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) Titi Omo-Ettu noted that the Information and Communications Technology holds the ace to celebrate 50 years of post independence Nigeria.

'The bold decision taken in 1993 to liberalize the telecommunications industry was a watershed and the telecommunication industry's attainment in provision of mobile service is remarkable'.

He said for a country that went through several years of military rule during which the attempt to liberalize was difficult but went on to become a market that grew in leaps with the emergence of democracy has every reason to rejoice.

On his take, executive secretary, Africa Telecommunications Development Initiative (ADI), Kenneth Ugbeche said if there is any body who should celebrate Nigeria's golden jubilee it should be the ICT sector.

He observed that in the last decade ICT has been the major employer of labour, a major Public Relation tool for Nigeria and has helped to stabilise the country. Ugbeche further stated that even in the area of social development ICT has led, contributing in very significant way to the country's security apparatus for crime fighting and prevention.

According to the Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Wale Goodluck, ICT stands out ranking among the first three sectors in terms of the class performance of the economy and the development that has taken place in the various spectrum of the country.

Chief Executive of eWorld Magazine and co-ordinator of the ICT golden jubilee celebrations, Mr. Aaron Ukodie said it is important for the ICT industry which has been widely recognised as one of the most effective catalyst in national development to role out drums in celebration and plan ahead a more rewarding and nation impacting path.

The ICT celebrations would also witness the launch of a publication that would celebrate the remarkable roles played by key actors in the sector in the past 50 years and highlight the path of ICT development since 1960.