FutureMap Workshop: NITDA Boss Underscores Role of Technology In Achieving Prosperity
By Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has highlighted artificial intelligence(AI’s) practical applications and suggested government services, such as land and birth certificate registration, among others, could benefit from digital transformation, reducing bureaucratic stress for citizens.
According to a heads-up obtained by our correspondent, from the Director of Corporate Communications & External Relations at NITDA, Hajia Hadiza Umar, Mallam Abdullahi stated the foregoing at the FutureMap Workshop put together by Future Map Foundation in collaboration with NITDA, Jigawa State, Huawei, Cosmopolitan University, and Open School Initiative in Dutse, Jigawa State, north west, Nigeria yesterday.
Highlighting the transformative role of technology and self-learning in boosting productivity, Abdullahi disclosed how artificial intelligence (AI) was being used at NITDA to enhance operational efficiency by streamlining processes and managing complex tasks.
While emphasizing the importance of adopting a strategic mindset and integrating technology into everyday workflows, the NITDA boss urged participants to start with small changes in their own offices and inspire others to adopt strategic approaches to problem-solving.
He noted that effective service delivery started with individual commitment and grew into collective action.
In a goodwill message at the event, Chinese tech giant, Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Huawei’s Representative, who joined virtually Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore emphasized the company’s vision to empower individuals and communities with digital skills.
According to Dr. Fafore, in partnership with stakeholders, Huawei aimed to bridge the digital divide, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhanced employability among young Nigerians.
She said the initiative was part of Huawei’s efforts to develop a robust tech ecosystem in Nigeria, ensuring that no region was left behind in the journey towards technological advancement.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Technical Adviser to the Governor of Jigawa State on ICT and Digital Economy, Dr. Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya, highlighted the untapped potential of local human capital and the importance of strategic policies in fostering growth and innovation.
Dr. Kanya underscored the commitment of the state government, NITDA and other stakeholders in fostering innovation and empowering local communities through technology, positioning Jigawa as a potential hub for tech-driven development.
Other guests at the workshop stressed the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement in the rapidly evolving digital landscape even as they called for a collaborative effort to create a technologically advanced and efficient work environment in Jigawa.
