… Center to domicile in DBI
The South Korean delegation on Monday, 15th April 2024 arrived in Nigeria for the full implementation of the Information Access Centre (IAC).
Recalled that during the 9th Global ICT Leadership Forum which took place in Seoul, Republic of Korea in November 2023, the Digital Bridge Institute, DBI was given the right to host the Information Access Centre (IAC) by the National Information Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea.
Earlier in the year 2023, a delegation from NIA came to DBI for a facility assessment tour and found DBI worthy of using it as an Information Access Centre. After a painstaking and rigorous selection process which was supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Ministry of Finance, and further participation of the DBI at the 9th Global ICT Leadership Forum led to the approval of DBI to house the Information Access Centre (IAC).
IAC aims to create multi-functional facilities which include an ICT Training Lab, Internet Lounge, Video Conference Room, and Administrative Office to offer a wide range of opportunities for ICT enablement and to bring them into the Information Society. In this regard, NIA is to equip DBI training facilities and make it a global Information Access Centre.
The Executive Principal, of the Department of Global ICT Cooperation/ Global ICT Project Team, Mr. Un Jong, JI, and the Senior Manager, of the Department of Global ICT Cooperation/Global Digital Transformation Team, Mr. Kim Dohum a South Korean delegation welcomed into Nigeria by the management of DBI.
Representing the DBI President/CEO at the meeting between the South Korean delegation and DBI was the Group Head of Corporate Services, Ms. Viola Askia-Usoro who conveyed the PDBI’s goodwill message and his full support for the actualization of the IAC project in DBI. She stated that DBI was approved as an Information Access Centre at the 9th Global ICT Leadership Forum held in Seoul, South Korea, in 2023 while appreciating the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and DBI’s parent body Nigerian Communications Commission NCC for their supports towards ensuring that IAC is situated in DBI.
The Executive Principal, NIA. Mr. Un Jong Ji, on behalf of his team, appreciated the DBI officials for the warm reception during their visit. He stressed further that their 4-day visit would allow them to familiarize themselves with the operations of the Institute and foster closer ties between the South Korean Government and Nigeria. Mr. Jong Ji stated that the IAC project is fully backed by the South Korean government and thus received the endorsement of all the stakeholders in the ICT industry across the board.
The Group Head of Research Innovation and Consultancy, DBI, Dr. Paulinus Ugwoke expressed his happiness that the IAC project, which was established three years ago, had come to fruition. He appreciated all the relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and South Korea who helped to actualize the approval of IAC in Nigeria to be domiciled at DBI adding that Nigeria has a very large population where youth can acquire relevant skills for gainful employment. He stressed further that, Artificial Intelligence could also be deployed in agriculture to contribute immensely to the country’s GDP.
After the familiarization between South Korean delegates and DBI, both teams paid a courtesy visit to the parent body for DBI, the Nigerian Communication Commission at its Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, 17th April 2024 as they were received by the Executive Commissioner Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Engr Abraham Oshadami.
A step further, on Thursday, 18th April 2024, the DBI team led South Korean delegates on a courtesy visit to the office of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani who, upon assumption of office, in October 2023 has rolled out a roadmap titled “Accelerating our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency -A Strategic Plan for the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy”.
“The vision of the Honourable Minister was to facilitate universal, ubiquitous, and cost-effective access to communications infrastructure throughout the country, Promote the utilization of ICT in all spheres of life to optimize the communications infrastructure – digital content creation, domestic software applications, and the delivery of private and public services over the Internet, Promote and facilitate the development of the ICT industry and increase the contribution of the ICT industry to GDP and Utilise ICT to drive transparency in governance and improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of public service delivery in Nigeria.”
The Honourable Minister warmly welcomed the South Korean delegation and promised to support their project with the Artificial Intelligence Development Centre (AIDC) which his ministry has been championing.
Both courtesy visits to the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communication Commission centered on processes and procedures for smooth and hitch-free implementation of the Information Access Centre.
The DBI team was led by Ms. Viola Askia-Usoro, the Group Head. Corporate Services Representing the PDBI, Ms. Tonia Ansa-Otudor, the Institute Secretary/Legal Adviser, Dr. Paulinus Ugwoke Group Head of Research Innovation and Consultancy, Mrs. Okere Peace Head of Finance and Account, Mrs. Nwoche Ngozi Group Head Learning and Development, Mr. Akin Ogunlade Head, Public Affairs Department, and Mr. Ohia Omiri from Institute Secretariat.
Signed:
Akin Ogunlade
Head, Public Affairs Unit
