Excitement as NITDA establishes job creation centre in Akwa Ibom

The National Information Technology Development Agency is set to establish a Digital Job Centre in Akwa Ibom as part of measures to create jobs opportunities for the unemployed youths in the state.

Dr. Isa Pantami the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, made the disclosure at the 9th edition of Startup event for Akwa Ibom youths in Uyo on Saturday.

According to Dr. Pantami: “To encourage and boost the ICT ecosystem in Akwa-Ibom, NITDA is setting up a Digital Job Centre at the Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket, Eket LGA, Akwa-Ibom State.

Speaking on the StartUp programme was conceptualized to encourage every Nigerian to look inward in tackling Nigeria’s economic problems.

“We are aware of the harsh conditions in securing white collar jobs in the country, so it has become apparent for the government to focus more in building technology entrepreneurs.

“A developed indigenous ICT ecosystem would help the country to diversify its economy from oil.

“Data is the new oil. With the two-local content related Presidential Orders, we need to focus on locally produced innovations for our local market.

“NITDA intends to encourage and support ICT entrepreneurship and promote it as an attractive career option for the youth.”
The agency boss further thanked the governor of the state, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for the good works he is doing in ensuring that youths are given the best in the state.

Commending NITDA’s choice of the state for the initiative, Governor Emmanuel Udom, represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Professor Nse Essien pledged the state’s support to the agency.

“The choice of Akwa Ibom State by NITDA for such an important project shows that NITDA and the present administration exist to serve all Nigerians regardless of geographical location.

Information technology is the assurance of a secure future and we are grateful to the agency for spreading the dragnet to all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.”

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was established in 2001 to implement the National Policy on Information Technology. Later, an act of parliament was passed in 2007 which further empowers NITDA to regulate the IT sector in general.