Hon. Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh (left) Exchanging Pleasantry with the Secretary-General Digital Corporation Organization (DOC) Her Excellency, Ms. Deemah Al-yahya, during a Courtesy Visit by the Secretary-General to the Hon. Minister in Abuja

The Minister of State for Science Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikoh has called for capacity building in the areas of research and development to boost the nation’s digital economy

The Minister also revealed that agencies under the Ministry are handling researches that will contribute immensely to the nation’s digital economy.

The Minister who stated this in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Digital Corporation Organization, DCO also noted that collaboration in human capital development is key to attaining Industrialization in Nigeria.

Chief Ikoh said with human capacity building, the struggle to travel overseas for greener pastures would be avoided if people are gainfully employed and moved out of poverty.

He said “synergy and capacity building are the key requirements. And that technology transfer is what Africa and Nigeria in particular needs now. We must collaborate in all areas to make sure there is harmony in the world”.

The Minister expressed concern over the fact that all that is required to improve digitalization and industrialization is a cross-fertilization of ideas because Nigeria as a country is blessed with abundant resources.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Monilola Udoh stated that Nigeria is open to partnerships from individuals, organizations, and communities that will support the nation’s quest for a digital boost.

“For any nation to take advantage of ICT to grow the economy, to create jobs, to fight corruption, and to improve security in the environment, it must embrace partnerships because no nation has it all and we need to depend on one another for mutual benefits,” she said.

Mrs. Udoh noted that the Ministry of Science Technology and innovation recognized ICT as the driver of innovation and welcomes all forms of collaboration in achieving it.

The Secretary-General of Digital Corporation Organization, Ms. Deemah Al-Yahya, explained that the visit is to reiterate the organization’s commitment to empowering the digital transformation and economic strategies of the country, adding that Nigeria is a founding member of the organization.

According to him, “Digital Corporation Organization is a Multilateral Organization that focuses on advancing the digital economy in member states and they are presented in twelve countries from different continents representing six hundred million population and two trillion dollars in GDP”.