Nigeria showcases digital social iivestments in Abidjan

Nigeria's strides in digital social investments were prominently displayed at the 35th annual conference of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) presented various initiatives aimed at digital inclusion and infrastructure expansion during the event from May 13th to 17th, 2024.

Aminu Maida

Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, the Head of Media Management Relations at the NCC, delivered a presentation titled “Digital Inclusion as Arbiter of Accessible PR: A Case of the Nigerian Communications Commission.” His presentation highlighted 36 initiatives by the NCC that promote infrastructure growth, support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), empower educational institutions, drive innovation, and enhance the digital skills of Nigerian youths. Following the conference, Ibietan was elected Secretary-General of APRA.

Key initiatives showcased included the Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI), Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIEP) programme, the e-PAD project for 232 institutions, Digital Appreciation Project (DAP) for 247 secondary schools, Digital Literacy Training for Teachers (DLT), and the Digital Integration Programme (DIP) for MSMEs. Additionally, the E-Accessibility programme supports persons with disabilities, and other initiatives like the Nigerian Girls Can Code Competition and the Build A-Thon foster digital skills and innovation among young people.

Further, Ibietan mentioned the Tertiary Institutions Digital Centre (TIDC) for 250 institutions, 2,291 Digital Nigeria Centers (DNC) offering online/offline educational resources, Local Application and Content Deployment programme, and up to 72 Rural Broadband Initiative projects. These efforts, facilitated by the NCC and its special purpose vehicle, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), have significantly advanced digital infrastructure and collaboration with stakeholders in Nigeria.

“These interventions have significantly increased digital literacy, reduced the digital divide, and facilitated greater participation in political, economic, and social processes, enhancing digital public relations in Nigeria,” Ibietan remarked.

Ibietan's presentation stood out among the 20 papers presented at the APRA Conference, uniquely highlighting a country’s digital infrastructure investments. The conference, themed “One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide,” featured many discussions emphasizing the importance of robust broadband infrastructure for advancing digital culture across Africa.

Digital inclusion, Ibietan stressed, is crucial for enabling individuals and groups to access and participate fully in the digital society, utilizing information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as the internet, computers, and mobile devices. He noted that digital inclusion involves not only access to technology but also the skills, knowledge, and resources to use them effectively.

“Digital inclusion promotes social and economic opportunities, enhances civic engagement, supports education and lifelong learning, fosters digital literacy and skills development, encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, and helps bridge the digital divide, reducing inequalities,” Ibietan asserted.

He highlighted the critical role of digital infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed Nigeria to adapt quickly to the challenges posed by the outbreak by moving social and economic activities to digital platforms.

In conclusion, Ibietan recommended ongoing communication among stakeholders to ensure the efficient management and optimal benefits of social investment and infrastructural projects.