*Presents one year stewardship, achievements of ICT Ministry
By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
Following his unalloyed efforts and unwavering commitment to making Ebonyi State a leading smart city in Nigeria through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the Commissioner for Information and Communication Technology, Hon. Uzor Tochukwu has applauded the exceptional roadmap to ICT innovation technology designed by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
According to the commissioner, this is in line with his campaign manifesto anchored on people’s charter of needs agenda to provide policy direction in the development and deployment of ICT and ICT related gadgets in critical sectors of the state and to develop ICT capacity as well as stimulating interest on ICT among civil servants and other Ebonyians through trainings and workshops, among others in order to digitalize the economy of Ebonyi state and provide security intelligence in line with global best practices.
The commissioner while rolling out his activities and achievements in Abakaliki after one year in office, said that the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is among the newly created Ministries by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on assumption of office on 29th of May, 2023.
He stated that before its pronouncement as a ministry, it existed as a department under the office of the governor, to drive the delivery of innovative technology solutions and support services towards ensuring that all sectors of the state are able to leverage modern ICT resources to optimize their respective functions.
According to the Commissioner, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has the following mandate in line with the Peoples Charter of Needs to provides policy direction in the development and deployment of ICT and ICT related gadgets in critical sectors of the state; to develop ICT capacity and stimulate interest on ICT among civil servants and other Ebonyians through trainings and workshops,and also to develop and coordinate e- governance plans process and strategies to ensure transparency in governance.
Others include to support and maintain all ICT infrastructure across the state and to ensure Google presence and visibility in all sectors of the economy of the state, through development and maintenance of the State official website, thereby placing the state in the world map by providing access to information through the website and MDA’s official mail address.
While recounting his achievements over one year in office,the Hon.Uzor noted that part of his achievements includes: Upgrading and Renewal of the state website (ebonyistate.gov.ng), creation of sub-domains for MDAs, installation of free internet infrastructure in selected locations within Abakaliki metropolice; security services, medical services,media, provision of technical support in government function, training and empowerment of 65 young boys and girls in ICT
He further noted that the Ministry intends to achieve the following in the coming year which includes: internet service distribution, extension of internet services, online emergency response unit,E-Governance platform, establishment of ICT Tech Hub, upgrade of ICT facilities at the EXCO chamber, education, among others.
