#WeekInReview: Full Week Recap of Activities of the Honourable Minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani

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Posted on:

March 17, 2024

INTRO

Last week, the Honourable Minister was the keynote speaker at the second edition of the #DevsInGovernment where discussions focused on the importance of data exchange in government.

He also participated in a series of productive engagements with partners aimed at expanding Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure to facilitate digital inclusion, encourage innovation, and boost productivity in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.

FOCUS AREAS THIS WEEK

Broadband Connectivity: Recognised as a key factor for accelerated growth and development, Dr. Tijani held several engagements with partners and stakeholders towards expanding broadband infrastructure unserved and underserved communities. We must find new and innovative models for delivering broadband connectivity beyond tracking economic activities, as this is the way to address the challenge of non-consumption.
Digital Public Infrastructure: The Honourable Minister was keynote speaker at the well-attended second edition of the #DevsInGovernment event where he outlined the benefits of data exchange in government. This followed a workshop with heads of agencies in the Ministry which was facilitated by a number of partners on our DPI journey.

TIMELINE OF ENGAGEMENTS

Monday:

Dr. Tijani started the week by presiding over a workshop and co-creation session with all heads of agencies under the Ministry, including the Director of ICT, Mr. Samuel Okoye and Director eGov, Mr. Abdulhameed Dauda. The workshop was to formulate a comprehensive plan and design framework for Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) journey, outlining strategies, initial priorities, key outcomes, and partnerships for successful implementation.
The workshop which took place in Nairobi, Kenya was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Co-Develop and Centre for DPI.

Tuesday:

The Honourable Minister was in Lagos to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of NXTRA, Airtel’s first data centre in Nigeria. There, he spoke about the importance of investment in technology infrastructure while appreciating Airtel for its contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. Notable personalities at the event include the Governor of Lagos, H.E Babajide Sanwoolu and the Founder/Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, CFR.

Wednesday:

Dr. Tijani hosted a delegation from Globacom led by its Executive Vice Chairman, Bella Disu. At the meeting, he stressed the importance of the telecommunications sector to Nigeria’s overall economy and appreciated Globacom’s contribution to the sector. The Honourable Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to raising the quality of service and providing support to deepen broadband infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians.
Following this meeting, he attended the weekly Federal Executive council (FEC) meeting presided over by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He later met with ATC Africa delegation to discuss areas of support and collaboration as it relates to the Knowledge and Infrastructure pillars of the Honourable Minister’s Strategic Blueprint. The delegation outlined their plans to collaborate with NigComSat to deploy rural connectivity solutions for unserved and underserved communities in Nigeria. The ATC Africa team was led by its CEO, Marek Busfy.
Dr. Tijani featured on NTA Network News primetime where he spoke about the key pillars of his Strategic Blueprint, 3 Million Technical Talent (#3MTT) programme, Project 774 LG Connectivity, #DevsInGovernment initiative, and much more.

Last week, the Honourable Minister focused on the Infrastructure and Innovation pillar objectives of his Strategic Blueprint, as he held engagements with key partners and stakeholders such as Globacom, Airtel, and ATC Africa aimed at further expanding Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure and encouraging innovation in the area of data exchange across government institutions.

Thursday:

The Honourable Minister met with representatives of the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) led by its Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Sher. They highlighted their work in building digital infrastructure in Nigeria – especially in Lagos and Abuja – while also considering the viability of expanding operations to Port Harcourt. Dr. Tijani stated the need to explore workable models of delivering broadband connectivity across Nigeria beyond tracking economic activities, as this is the way to solve the issue of non-consumption. Both parties agreed that operators must work together to innovate towards ensuring adequate consumption.
Dr. Tijani met with a delegation from NIPOST Transport and Logistics Services Limited (NITRALS) and NIPOST Properties and Development to discuss strategic plans towards ensuring effective and efficient service delivery to the people. The teams were led by Oluyemi Oni, Chief Executive Officer, NITRALS and Prof. Yusuf Maiwada Bashir, Chief Executive Officer, NIPOST Property.
He later attended the second edition of DevsInGovernment event themed, ‘Data in Government: Navigating the Path to Achieving Data Exchange’. There, he emphasised the need for data exchange among government agencies to save cost and deliver quality service to the people. The event had a panel session which featured Adeniran Adeyemi, Statistician General and Chief Executive Officer, National Bureau of Statistics and Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NPDC).

Friday:

Dr. Tijani met with Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, to discuss areas of collaboration as it relates to youth capacity development. She commended the Honourable Minister on progress made in the #3MTT programme and other initiatives carried out by the Ministry.
The Honourable Minister hosted, in his office, students and management of Veritas University led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Ichoku. The University had emerged victorious in the 3rd Edition of the annual ATU Africa Innovation Challenge 2023 which took place in Nairobi, Kenya. Its entry, which was the development of Smart Irrigation Systems (SIS) aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and mitigating food shortages, won the $20,000 top prize.
Dr. Tijani had a follow-up meeting with Williams Nicholas, Head ICT Operations, African Development Bank (AfDB) and Uyoyo Edosio, Principal ICT, Principal and Innovation Expert, African Development Bank (AfDB), to further discuss areas of support for the Ministry geared at achieving set goals. Both parties agreed to engage further in the coming weeks.
He later featured exclusively on TVC News Politics Tonight to discuss the progress of his Ministry’s strategic plans and initiatives towards achieving the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The programme was anchored by Olajumoke Olatunji.

Posted on:

March 17, 2024