By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei Technologies Company, Nigeria Limited, for the Actualisation of the Kaduna State Smart City Project.
The MOU took place in Huawei Technologies office in Beijing, China and the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Huawei Technologies, Nigeria Limited Chris Lu, signed on behalf of the company.
The ceremony was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some governors, Ministers and other senior government officials who accompanied the President to China.
Governor Sani said, ” the Smart City Project is geared towards enhancing security, efficiency and transparency in public service, competitiveness, city management, and attracting talents and investments.
“The ultimate goal is the establishment of a safer and smarter Kaduna State.
“As the strategic partner of the Kaduna State Government, Huawei will provide comprehensive leading solutions and professional technical support for Kaduna State in the following areas: (i) State-Level Unified Command Center (ii) Enhanced Security (iii) Intelligent Traffic System (iv) E-Government and Office Automation (v) Smart Education (vi) Smart Healthcare (vii) ICT Talent (viii) Renewable Energy, and (ix) Public Transportation
“The Kaduna State Government and Huawei will establish a joint committee to flesh out details of the Implementation Plan, Funding Arrangement, and the Technology to be Deployed. We want to ensure that the project is deliverable, sustainable, and valuable.
“Today’s ceremony demonstrates our solid commitment to the effective and efficient use of digital and telecommunications technologies to improve Kaduna State for the benefit of our citizens and businesses. Our Administration recognizes the strategic place of ICT in driving economic growth and improving the lives of citizens.
“The Kaduna State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) has been playing a crucial role in implementing various key ICT services, e-Government solutions, and digital economy initiatives.
“In collaboration with partners, the State Government has established the Kaduna Technology City which is being upgraded to a Smart City where residents can live, work and earn. We have established a Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, first of its kind in Nigerian States using the existing ICT HUB for ICT empowerment and ICT business clinics.
“We have ramped up the implementation of our Bridging the Last Mile Initiative 2024 – 2027′ This initiative aims at increasing and achieving digital inclusion in Kaduna State. We want to ensure that our people effectively utilize digital tools to enhance their businesses and livelihoods.
“I signed into law a Bill to Make Provisions for the Development of Tech-Enabled Start- Ups in Kaduna State, and Other Related Matters, 2023. The key objective of the Law is to position Kaduna State’s startups ecosystem as the leading digital technology center in Nigeria having excellent innovators with cutting edge skills and exportable capacity.
“We are committed to the speedy implementation of the Kaduna State Smart City Project. We shall honour our obligations. This project holds the key to a more secure and prosperous Kaduna State”.
