DG NITDA’s representative, Mr Oladejo Olawumi, Director ITIS, NITDA
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has evaluated the vital role of data in driving a sustainable digital economy. The agency emphasized the need for safe and responsible data utilization, at the just concluded 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge.
NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, who was represented by the Director of Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions Department, Mr Oladejo Olawumi, draw special attention of data sovereignty in ensuring Nigeria’s digital future. Prioritizing data security and privacy, the agency aims to foster a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits both individuals and businesses.
The event adds to the agency’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant digital community and empowering the next generation of tech leaders. The Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge was organized by NITDA, for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), showcased the talent and innovation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs.
Inuwa mentioned that the event underscores NITDA’s vision to position Nigeria as a leader in global digital economy, creating opportunities for innovators to thrive in a technological landscape. While stating that the event aligns with the agency’s pillars of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0,
“Data is the currency of the digital economy. When it comes to data, you would realize that, It’s what is driving us now and everything is all about data” he added.
While speaking at the event, he states, the importances of Robust Technological Research Ecosystem, Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, Nurture Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services of the SRAP document, he also, urged the participants to take advantage of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) in promoting their solutions.
“The Nigeria Startup Act enables you to get proper funding to develop what you want to do, and it allows you to meet with angel investors to encourage and bring what you are ideating to the limelight,” he noted.
Inuwa disclosed that “Innovation Nests” will be created by the agency in 3 states and plans to expand to 6 more by year 2024 the nests are designed to inspire creativity, featuring facilities for work, leisure, and networking with investors. While stating the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous digital innovation thrives.
“The center’s will be world-class, offers spaces to relax, collaborate, and attract global investment,” Inuwa stated. “This platform is a step towards achieving your dreams, whether you win today or not. Nigeria has the talent, NITDA is here to ensure that talent is nurtured and celebrated,” he concluded.
Ms Victoria Fabunmi in her opening remark, the National Coordinator of the ONDI, stated that the event was designed to spotlight groundbreaking ideas and foster collaboration in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
“Participants have an opportunity to showcase their ingenious ideas, as they have spent months looking through infrastructure across the country and helping us to identify areas for opportunity as well as areas for strengthening our innovation ecosystem,” she stated.
While emphasizing the agency’s commitment to advancing digital innovations through strategic initiatives, she averred that the innovation challenge aligns with the agency’s SRAP, fulfilling the Ministry’s blueprint pillars of Knowledge, Innovation, and Policy.
