IT turning young Nigerians into millionaires: Enugu Govt
The Enugu government says information technology is revolutionising the Nigerian economy and turning young techpreneurs into “millionaires.”
He disclosed this at the Enugu Tech Community and Security Town Hall Meeting held Sunday in the state.
Elvis Obi-Nwankwo, the Enugu governor’s special assistant on innovation, science and technology, disclosed that the government had created a database with more than 200 IT professionals registered.
He said technology, especially its IT component, “is currently producing young techpreneur (technology entrepreneur) millionaires.”
Obi-Nwankwo noted that the government believed that the move would help to showcase Enugu as being ready for technological incubation.
“This event is the first attempt by any governmental body in Nigeria to intentionally safeguard remote tech workers against the incessant arrest by the security agencies,” stated the Enugu official. “It is also aimed at creating an exceptional opportunity for major technology stakeholders to interact, engage and support the local technology ecosystem in Enugu state, as well as lay emphasis on the need for more partnership with the security agencies.”
The state plans to develop a standardised database to capture “all information technology professionals” in Enugu and attract indigenous Enugu state IT gurus to launch their products and services.
“Enugu is no doubt a unique technology and innovation destination, and the Enugu state government will do everything within the ambit of the law to secure Enugu as a safe haven for technology companies and remote workers in Nigeria,” he added.
The governor’s aide noted that “technology is now at the forefront of driving Nigeria’s economy,” bringing up startups, providing a lifeline for the financial sector, supplying blood to e-commerce and giving impetus to the creative industry.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu, challenged youths to use technology positively to create jobs and project ideas that enhance human capacity.
The minister, represented by Arit Etukudoh, acting director-general of Projects Development Institute (PRODA) in Enugu, noted that using internet-enabled computers had provided jobs for thousands of youths in remote areas.
Mr Onu also explained that IT had helped check youths’ restiveness and rural-urban migration.
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