Imo Has Set The Pace In ICT- Umeh...As Minister Hails Uzodinma Digitalization Policy

pix Caption:Hon  Iyke Umeh with the Permanent Secretary,Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy @ the Council Meeting.

Imo State has been described as one of the few states in the federation that has queued into the federal government ICT revolution.

Speaking during the

Annual Council Meeting, the Hon.Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Dr.Isa Ibrahim Pantami thanked Governor Uzodimma for his giant strides in the development of ICT, especially in the area of the state digitalization policy.

The minister who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, M.F.Istifanus. stated that the major aim of this year's meeting was  for states to deliberate on how to overcome the economic and social crisis caused by COVID 19 which has disrupted lives.

He noted that the theme "Leveraging the Digital Economy Policies and Strategies for Economic Recovery in a Covid 19 Era and Beyond" is very apt and a step in the right direction considering the impact of the pandemic and government's stance in achieving a globally competitive economy with digital technologies.

While expressing confidence that the outcome of the council shall be vigorously pursued by the ministry and government at large, he noted that all crucial interactions by states represents our collective drive to evolve a workable synergy and re-position the country towards realizing the vision of a digital Nigeria.

Earlier in his address, the commissioner for Science and Technology, Engr.Ikechukwu Umeh re echoed that for Nigeria to solve the problems of the various aspects of her economy, notably education, health, taxation, commerce& industry, agriculture, tourism, and skill acquisition, technology must be embraced.

The commissioner noted that in Imo state, a Road Map Committee has been inaugurated with the sole responsibility to formulate policies and guidelines that will help to actualize the mandate of the Governor to digitalize the state.

Umeh further stated that Governor Uzodimma on assumption of office demonstrated his resolve to digitalize the state by reducing the right of way fee from 4500 to 145 per meter in expectance that internet access will get to all parts of the state. 

The governor did not stop there, Umeh said, "He equally converted the first lady's office to Imo Data Center to enhance security, transparency, stimulate economic growth and automation of governance which shows his love and passion for ICT.

Umeh prayed to the minister and heads of other agencies under the ministry to complement His Excellency's effort in digitalizing the state by equipping the 1000 capacity ICT Centre built by Governor Uzodimma but not yet equipped.