Imo Sate

DIGITAL SME SIGNS AGREEMENT TO DRIVE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN NIGERIA’S REGION: A STEP TO EMPOWER INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA.

Leave a Comment / Human Development, Imo Sate, Opportunity / IMDEEG

PRESS RELEASE DIGITAL SME has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Imo State Government, Nigeria which seeks to promote the uptake of advanced digital solutions and skills in Imo State. The agreement centres on key actions in the areas of knowledge sharing and skills development, with specific planning of mentoring programmes and digital skills training. It marks an additional step in DIGITAL SME’s commitment to empowering SME innovators to lead digital transformation in Imo State and beyond, championing a human-centric approach to technology and standards globally. The Memorandum of Understanding between DIGITAL SME and Imo State Government, Nigeria seeks to further the development of digital competencies through international cooperation, as outlined in the Africa-EU Partnership. DIGITAL SME and Imo State Government, Nigeria will seek to complement each other’s digital ecosystems, specifically through activities under three main pillars: a freelancing programme, a mentorship programme, and digital skills training. “This partnership with the Imo State Government, Nigeria will open up more opportunities for European digital SMEs, who will be able to benefit from insights into tech market dynamics in West Africa and access to local talent. Cooperation between SMEs from like-minded regions is essential for building an inclusive and innovative digital economy that benefits everyone, and this is just the beginning of our worldwide collaboration efforts” — DIGITAL SME President Dr Oliver Grün. “ This collaborative partnership with the European Digital SME Alliance will foster innovation and entrepreneurship while creating new market opportunities for Startups and innovators in Imo State” — Dr Chimezie Amadi, The Honourable Commissioner, for Digital Economy And E-Government, Government Imo State, Nigeria. The Freelancing Programme will allow European companies to access a talent pool of digital professionals from Imo State, while providing these professionals with opportunities for professional development. This initiative seeks to contribute to the socio-economic conditions of local communities in Imo State, and will prioritise making these opportunities available to local female workforce. The Mentoring Programme will link European businesses with young people in the Imo State, providing them with insights on digital careers and knowledge necessary to succeed in the national and international markets. In this way, the participating businesses will gain an insight into the challenges faced in emerging markets (Africa and Nigeria specifically), facilitating internationalisation opportunities. Digital skills training is recognised as a means of increasing the quality of life in Imo State by equipping young people with relevant digital skills that can connect them to new job opportunities arising from the global digital economy. To this end, DIGITAL SME will share best practices on upskilling and reskilling young people interested in working in the digital sector, and through a “train the trainer” approach, support the creation of a Digital Skills training hub. The Government of the Imo State will oversee the dissemination of the knowledge acquired from these exchanges through organising local trainings on digital skills. Additionally, DIGITAL SME and the Imo State Government, Nigeria commit to enhancing each other’s research and innovation capacity through participating in international cooperation projects, and exploring new opportunities for further cooperation in the areas identified in the Africa-EU Partnership, in particular with regard to digital transformation. This agreement is an additional step by DIGITAL SME in collaborating with international partners, as part of DIGITAL SME’s commitment to support efforts to establish a productive dialogue with public and private stakeholders and advance a democratic and human-centred approach to technology and ICT standards around the world. For any media inquiry on this matter, please contact:· Lucas Asmelash, Communication Manager, DIGITAL SME Alliance: l.asmelash@digitalsme.eu· Sandra Opara, Communication Assistant, Imo State Government Nigeria: sandraopara.mdeeg@gmail.com

DIGITAL SME SIGNS AGREEMENT TO DRIVE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN NIGERIA’S REGION: A STEP TO EMPOWER INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA. Read More »

IWD, IMO MINISTRY ADVOCATES GREATER DIGITAL INCLUSION

Leave a Comment / Imo Sate, Opportunity, People / IMDEEG

IMO State Digital Economy and E-Government has advocated greater inclusion within the digital landscape. The Commissioner designate, Dr Chimezie Amadi, while celebrating the International Women’s Day (IWD) at the weekend, expressed excitement that young, tech-savvy women, for the first time, joined other women in the state to mark the IWD. The Commissioner noted the event as the first time in the history of Imo where young, promising women, who have identified with technology, decided to converge and join women world over to celebrate IWD, sending a bold statement to the world that Imo women were ready to take over the tech space. It was at the prestigious 3R Digital Learning Centre that the ministry marked the event that celebrated women’s achievements in technology. With a main theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and a sub-theme, ‘Women Elevate through Tech: Bridging Boundaries and Inspiring Inclusion’, the event recognised the pivotal role of women in driving technological innovation and fostering an inclusive digital society. Analysing the theme of the event, he underscored the contribution of women in the tech space and their groundbreaking inventions and contributions in technology.The Executive Director, Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), Mrs Martha Alade, who was the special guest of honour, gave her insightful keynote speech via Zoom. Speakers at the event, including Nneoma Ukpabi form Nollywood; and the Director-General (DG) of Imo Data Centre, Mr Terrace Onyejiaku, in their contribution emphasized the importance of gender diversity and inclusion in the digital economy. There were engaging panel discussions on topics such as ‘Tech journeys: Breaking Barriers and Biases’, featuring successful women in tech, who have overcome barriers and made significant contributions. They shared their experiences, challenges and insights on how technology empowered them. Panellist’s included Justina Nwokedi, a project and community manager/digital training expert; poet and a graduate of the SkillUpImo programme, Judith Chinomso; and senior software engineer and volunteer for developer community, Ndubuisi Onyeamanam. The second panel discussion moderated by the IWD Program Cordinator and founder Admington; Prisca Amaefule, led the discussion on ‘Emerging Technologies and how to inspire Women inclusion’, experts shared insights on raising awareness of emerging technology tools and leveraging technology to maximise results Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics expert, Dr Ijeoma Emeagi; Managing Director, Nora Alfred, IT Consultant and author of Novice To Pro, Chidinma Ezeonyeasi; and Co-founder, Codeant Technology Hub, Mr Chidi Duru were on the ground to analyse the theme and give specialist advice. The event provided opportunity for attendees to connect, collaborate and build supportive networks within the tech community. Sandra OparaPRO

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INNOVATIVE BRILLIANCE UNLEASHED AT BUILD-A-THON 2024 IN IMO STATE

Leave a Comment / Human Development, Imo Sate, Skillup Imo / IMDEEG

NEWS RELEASE The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy joins forces with Imo State Ministries for a groundbreaking digital empowerment initiative. In concert with the Imo State Digital Agenda, the Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, in collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government and the Ministry of Education, organized the much-anticipated Build-a-Thon 2024.The four-day event, held from the 22nd to the 25th of January 2024 at the prestigious Landmark Event Centre in Imo State, showcased the innovative prowess of 500 talented students from secondary schools across the state. The Build-a-Thon, an immersion program where children are exposed to embedded and other emerging technologies, is aimed at empowering the next generation of techies and equipping them with future-proof skills that will make them relevant players in the global emerging digital economy. Unleashing their power of creativity, it is designed to develop their innovative spirit, making them developers of solutions that will usher in sustainable development in the economy. In his welcome address, the immediate past Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, stressed that digital skills have become a lifesaving skill and an economic enhancement skill in high demand globally. “Once you can deploy the potential God has given you, unleash your creativity, and use the tools before you, you will become the next Mark Zuckerberg from Imo State, Nigeria. Our governor, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma, who understands that technology is the future, became the first to establish the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government. With this trailblazing approach, we are hopeful that the best innovations will come from you, thereby placing Imo as the digital skills hub of Africa’’. Earlier in his speech, the immediate past commissioner of education, Prof. John Cliff Chike Nwadike, also enjoined the students to use the invaluable opportunity before them to transform their lives and the nation as a whole. Following the inauguration, the participants dove into a series of hands-on challenges designed to test their skills in coding, app development, and other digital disciplines. Mentors and industry experts provided guidance, offering valuable insights and encouragement to the budding innovators. The Landmark Event Center buzzed with excitement as teams of students collaborated, brainstormed, and brought their ideas to life. The atmosphere was charged with the spirit of competition as the young minds raced against the clock to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. At the end of the intense and exhilarating event, projects constructed by the students were: Biometric attendance register, street lights, solar towers and panels, Smart doors, Speed boats, Fire alarm systems, virus-detecting robots, Digital radios, Rechargeable generators, rechargeable power batteries, traffic lights, Emergency response systems, Cyclone arcades, etc. Winners emerged in 15 categories: Best Overall Project, Most Innovative Project, Most Creative Project, Best Use of Technology, Most Sustainable Project, Most Collaborative Project, Best Project Presentation, Best Documentation, Future Innovators, Community Impact, The Audience Choice, Raspberry Pi Mastery, NCC Award for Innovation and Creativity, the Best Problem-Solving Project, and the Most Adaptable Project. Comprehensive secondary school Avu emerged as the champion of Build-a-Thon 2024 as the school with the best overall project. The ceremony concluded with an awards presentation. Build-a-Thon 2024 not only showcased the immense talent and potential of Imo State’s youths but also underscored the federal government’s commitment to nurturing a digitally literate and innovative society by engaging other States and other sub-nationals’ structures for a backward integration strategy imperative for project objective realization. The Imo State Build-a-Thon 2024 was organized by the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy and partnered with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the Nigerian Communications Commission. Sandra Opara.P.R.OMinistry of Digital Economy and E-Government

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Senator Hope Uzodinma and Dr Chimezie Anadi

UZODINMA’S DIGITAL CORONETS

Leave a Comment / Dr Chimezie Amadi, Imo Sate, Senator Hope Uzodinma / IMDEEG

Last month, Imo took an enviable throttlehold on the nation’s digital and e-government space. It fantastically won the best state award on Information Communication Technology human capacity development instituted by the Presidency through its Bureau of Public Service Reforms. Besides, the State Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government, Dr Chimezie Amadi was also honoured with Distinguished Govtech Trailblazers Award for his pioneering role in developing human capital in the digital economy The two awards, the first of their kind, having just made their debut were essentially initiated to motivate state goverments, other public institutions and public servants to advance the reform and remake of the public service for enhanced service delivery through digital transformation. The far-reaching and distinctive success recorded by SkillupImo, Governor Hope Uzodinma’s pet project attracted the awards. Apart from the two awards bagged last month in Abuja, the SkillupImo project has over the months eminently shown to be a signature award spinner. Only in July this year both Governor Uzodinma and Dr Amadi were adored in Lagos with awards on account of the huge success that has trailed the high-tech pet scheme Many believe that these awards are revolutionary in many ways. One, they have manifestly redrafted Imo into the national hall of fame as one of the key successful states in the country especially in the area of globalized digital sector. Two, the awards have in no small way put the administration of Senator Hope Uzodinma on a profoundly positive national burner thereby reinforcing the government’s success story. Three, the awards have potentially and largely brightened the Imo narratives, government reputation and public perception Dr Amadi, Imo Commissioner for Digital Economy and e-Government who is on the driver’s seat of the scheme corroborates: “These remarkable achievements are testaments to the unwavering dedication, innovations and passion that flow through the veins of our great state. Imo is shinning bright on the national stage and it’s an incredible moment of pride for all of us”. Dr. Amadi is right. These awards are vivid manifestations of the achievements of Governor Uzodinma in the state. They not only boost the government’s positive image but essentially reinforce its pride at the national front However, SkillupImo which provided the basis for the awards is one of Governor Uzodinma’s major strides to domesticate digital economy in Imo in order to develop human capital options. The framework according to the Commissioner is to create digital enterpreneurs and impresarios desired to scale down unemployment rate and improve the state economy. In concept, strategic plan, content and management shrewdness, the scheme is evidently well-resourced and results oriented. This perhaps accounts for the chain of attainments, awards and honours the scheme has inherently attracted to the state. Describing the scheme as pillar of strength, Governor Uzodinma’s vision is to use the scheme to transform the state digitally by harnessing the power of technology to drive the economy, service, progress and development In Quantifiable and concrete terms, the mission of Governor Uzodinma noted Dr Amadi is to use the scheme to “upskill, reskill and train 300,000 Imo youths to acquire the 4th Industrial Revolution expertise needed to fit into the evolving digital world”. The intrinsic goal apparently is to make Imo youths and indeed Imolites the centre-point of digitalization towards stimulating all-inclusive and proactive approach in the use of technology in the state. Experts believe that this innovative approach will not only make Imo the technology hub of the nation but provoke wealth creation desirable for Imo economic growth The Indian and Silicon Valley in Northern California, US experiences are germane here. Both are the known centres of digitalization and innovation in the world. They achieved it through well-planned high-tech and innovation roadmap as Governor Uzodinma has currently set out in the state. India, for instance commenced its digital program in 2015. Akin to Imo India focused on transforming the country into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge-based economy. Today, it’s a huge success story Silicon Valley however has a longer history than India. But then government’s vision, roadmap and positive regulations as being witnessed at present in Imo made Silicon Valley world’s largest high-tech destination. It’s reputed to have the leading start-up ecosystem in digital ventures and innovations globally and employed about a million information technology workers With proper planning, robust navigation and functional execution the Indian and Silicon Valley examples can ultimately be replicated in Imo. Interestingly, the Commissioner noted that the digital scheme would be undertaken in phases for efficiency and enhanced results. No fewer than 20,000 Imo youths according to him have so far passed through the programme designed to empower the participants and Imolites digitally for greater wealth creation and improved livelihoods

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Senetor Hope Uzodinma wins innovative governor of the year

Uzodimma beats Edo, Lagos, Kogi govs to Innovative Digital Governor award

IMO DEPUTY SPEAKER LENDS SUPPORT TO THE UZODINMA’S DIGITAL INITIATIVE.

SkillUpImo: Sure, we are not in Imo to joke

Leave a Comment / Imo Sate, Senator Hope Uzodinma / sandra Opara

When Governor Hope Uzodimma of ImoState, through his Chief Press Secretary(CPS) and Special Adviser (Media),Oguwike Nwachuku, started the now popular “we are not in Imo to joke” refrain, many dismissed it as one of those political statements from the ruling class. Three years down the line, the mantra has started resonating, to the extent of becoming a word on the marble, as the Shared Prosperity Administration in the Eastern Heartland takes on ambitious projects. One of those projects stood out: the SkillUplmoProject under the Ministry of Digital Economyand E-Government.In 2022, when Uzodimma mooted this project, he started shopping for a capable hand to realise it. His search landed him at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where he poached a brilliant young man, Dr. ChimezieAmadi, on whose care he put the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government.Dr. Amadi, with over 20 years experience in telecommunications regulation, worked in several departments and served in various management committees at the NCC,chief of which is the National Broadband Committee,where he played a keyrole in the development of the Open Access Model for ubiquitous broadband deployment in Nigeria,which laid the foundation for the country’s bourgeoning digital economy. Coupled with his impressive educational attainment and experience, Amadi attended several training programmes in the prestigious United States Telecommunications Institute (USTTI) in Washington DC on ‘5G: The Path to Next Generation’;’Digital Transformation: Unlocking the Potential of IoT;’Enabling the Pull Value of Wireless Technology: Game Changing Technology For the Digital Age’and’Ethics Intelligence’among others. While in NCC, he was renowned for his initiatives that birthed a new paradigm in acado-industrial relations and the commission’s strategic institutional interventions in Nigeria’ tech startup ecosystem.According to the technocrat-turned-commissioner, the broader objectives of the project are to train 300,000 Imolites, over the next three years(100,000 each year), connect 60 per cent of the graduands to high-paying jobs, as well as empower 40 per cent to be bosses, becoming tech entrepreneurs and launching their own companies,among others. He noted that with the over-arching target of upskilling, reskilling and training of Imo youths to acquire the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) or Industry 4.0- skill-set needed to align with the digital age, the initiative is in line with the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA), mapped to last from 2022 to 2026, to make the state the digital skills hub of Africa, thereby curbing unemployment. The training of the first batch of 100,000 youțhs is in progress. Each batch is divided into cohorts. As Cohort 1 graduated 5,000 techpreneurs in February 2023, plans for Cohort 2 started in earnest, almost immediately.Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof.Isa Pantami, was in Owerri as Special Guest of Honour at the graduation of 5,000 youths from Cohort 1. At the event, the minister described the programme as a shift from creating job employees to producing job creators. He encouraged Ndi Imo to leverage the digital revolution to build a knowledge-based economy like the United States of America, China and Japan,whose economies are driven more by digital innovation and economy than natural resources. Commending the governor, who he said deserves to be called “The Digital Governor”, Pantami challenged Imo youths to invest in critical thinking and take advantage of the programme for the emergence of another Mark Zuckerberg from the state. The scheme is poised to address one of the critical challenges with respect to youth unemployment, which the country is facing, as Imo has positioned itself to join the Federal Government to tackle unemployment through the digltal skill acquisition scheme. It is gratifying to the state government that the graduands who came in with little or no experience in digital technology have been equipped with skills in Digital Marketing, Web and App Development, Content Creation, Basic Data Analytics, Graphics Design, Phone and other digital devices repairs, programming, cyber security,among others and they are set to utilise the skills forvpersonal economic development and that of the society. Already partnering Zinox Group, the state plans to partner Cisco, Huawel, Microsoft and other techcompanies, as well as the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) for certification and value optimisation, as the programme will cover various shades of digitalskills. Unlike in Cohort 1, Pre-Admission Assessment was conducted for Cohort 2 to sieve the huge size of prospective trainees and ensure that only committed learners are admitted. Amadi said: “A lot was learnt in the course of managing Cohort 1, so introduction of Pre-Admission Assessment is one of the ways the government intends to improve the processes to meet the programme’s objective and achieveresults.” Going by the extent of work done with respect to process re-engineering, Cohort 2 promises an enhanced learning experience for both learners and instructors. Governor Uzodimma, the commissioner said, places high premium on the project due to its potential of achieving the triple objectives of positioning the state as the digital skills hub ofAfrica, tackling youth unemployment, as well as diversifying and building the state’s digital economy. For Cohort 2, admission of successful applicants started on March 29, while orientation for new intakes held on March31.Four additional learning centres have been established to complement the existing centres at the Ministry of Digital Economyand E-Government’s office, Imo State University (IMSU) and Alvan lkoku College of Education to enhance access to digitalskills learning for youths across the state.The additional centres include Federal Polytechnic,Nekede, Imo Polytechnic, Omuma, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, and K.O.Mbadiwe University,Ideato. For Uzodimma, more of such engaging programmes will help to eradicate banditry and other forms of insecurity in the state, as more youths will be gainfully engaged. Verily, the governor and his team are not in lmo to joke; they are for serious business of governance.

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The impact of Cohort 2 SkillUpImo training for 15,000 Imo youths

Leave a Comment / Imo Sate, Skillup Imo / sandra Opara

The Imo State Governor, Sen.Hope Uzodimma has flagged- off the second edition of the SKILLUPImo digital training programme, Cohort 2 for 15,000 Imo youths, reiterating his administration’s irrevocable commitment to laying a solid foundation for youths to deploy their acquired digital skills anywhere they go and excel accordingly. Launching the programme at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Thursday, May 4, 2023, the Governor emphasized that the welfare of youths is central to the prosperity agenda of his government, as they represent the present and future generation of Imo State. He disclosed that the success recorded with the first edition, Cohort 1, had come to the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari, the multinational national companies such as Coca Cola and others. For example, he said Imo State has attracted a grant of a million dollars ($1m) from CocaCola as a result of the investment in digital economy and that the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is poised to support the programme and ensure graduation and proper equipping of the trainees. Governor Uzodimma recalled that 5000 youths were trained and graduated in Cohort 1, empowered with laptops and other start-up kits based on their chosen areas of specialization. He noted that the step to achieving the target of graduating100,000 youths in digital skills can only be realised with the encouragement of participants. The Governor said: “Today we are flagging off 15,000 young men and women with plans at top gear to ensure that we shall achieve before the end of this year, 100,000milestone within our implementation programme. To this end,1 have directed the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government to explore necessary collaborations considered expedient to ensure increased access to SKILL-UPImo programme for all Imo State residents and citizens.”On graduation, not only will we give you start up kits but also Professional Certificates” “Learn the Course, acquire the knowledge and then leave the rest to my government,” he charged them, saying “this will enable you contribute to the economic development of Nigeria and the world at large.” “The programme will help to engender peace because by the time the 100,000 youths are removed from the unemployment market, Imo State will be safe, Nigeria will be safe and the economy will improve,” he added.The Governor said the Skill-Up Programme has nothing to do with political party, zone or where one comes from hence he appealed to the youths to convince their parents to allow them acquire the necessary skills for their future. He commended the efforts of the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government and the Resource Persons for their commitment to the success of the programme and for a job welldone. Earlier, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr.Chimezie Amadi said the objective of the training programme is to train 300,000 youths in the space of three years, graduating 100,000 each year. He revealed that apart from the five learning centres in use, five more have been added to increase access to the training programme as directed by Governor Uzodimma and assured that “the mandate to train 100,000 each year will be realised by his Ministry.” He listed the extra centres to include Imo State Polytechnic Omuma, K,O Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, College of Health Sciences, Amaigbo, Claretian University Nekede, and University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo. Some of the beneficiaries of Cohort 1 who graduated last month shared their experiences and gains from the training. Miss Chioma Onuoha, Mr.Cletus Munachimso, and Mr.Chuks Godwin, individually thanked Governor Uzodimma for the life changing experience they got from the training programme. They said the training had positioned them to be earning money from their skills.

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