Leveraging Technology for Economic Growth: A Path to Prosperity for Nigeria.

Leveraging Technology for Economic Growth: A Path to Prosperity for Nigeria.
By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi

In recent years, Nigeria has shown significant progress and potential in various sectors, but the nation still faces several challenges that hinder its economic growth. To address these issues, Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James, a Public Relations Specialist, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to embrace technology as a driving force for solving Nigeria's problems and boosting its economy. This article delves into the myriad ways technology can pave the path to prosperity for Nigeria.

• Digital Infrastructure: Developing robust digital infrastructure is paramount to enhancing economic growth. Investing in high-speed internet, fiber-optic networks, and expanding broadband coverage will allow businesses to operate more efficiently and attract foreign investors. Improved connectivity will also enable the proliferation of e-commerce and digital services, contributing to increased trade and revenue generation.

• E-Government and Governance: Implementing e-government solutions can streamline bureaucratic processes, reduce corruption, and enhance citizen engagement. Digital platforms for tax collection, public services, and governance will create transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the administration, fostering investor confidence and encouraging business development.

• Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Supporting tech startups and entrepreneurs through grants, subsidies, and favorable policies can stimulate innovation. Encouraging research and development in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and new industries, further driving the economy.

• Education and Skill Development: Investing in technology-focused education and skill development programs will equip the Nigerian workforce with the necessary expertise to meet the demands of the digital era. This will lead to a more competent and adaptable workforce, attracting global companies seeking skilled talent and stimulating job creation.

• Agriculture and Agri-Tech: Agriculture plays a vital role in Nigeria's economy. Leveraging technology in agriculture through precision farming, drones, IoT devices, and data analytics can boost productivity, optimize resource utilization, and enhance food security. Additionally, agri-tech innovations can open up opportunities for value-added processing and export, strengthening the nation's agricultural sector.

• Financial Inclusion and Fintech: Promoting financial inclusion through digital payment systems, mobile banking, and fintech solutions can empower the unbanked and underbanked populations. This inclusion can facilitate small and medium-sized enterprises' access to credit, leading to more investments and increased economic activity.

• Renewable Energy: Adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower can reduce dependency on fossil fuels and alleviate energy shortages. Technology-driven initiatives in the renewable energy sector will create jobs, improve energy security, and mitigate the impact of climate change, setting the stage for sustainable economic growth.

• Smart Cities and Infrastructure: Developing smart cities with integrated technology solutions can optimize resource utilization, improve urban planning, and enhance the overall quality of life. Advanced infrastructure, such as smart transportation and waste management systems, can lead to cost savings and environmental benefits.

In Conclusion, Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture, with technology offering unparalleled opportunities to tackle the nation's challenges and bolster economic growth. Embracing technology across various sectors will promote innovation, job creation, and increased productivity, leading to a more prosperous and sustainable Nigeria. By following the advice of Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can pave the way for a future where technology transforms the Nigerian economy into a global force to be reckoned with.

Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James is a Public Relations Specialist, Writer, Content Creator and Journalist, born and raised in Ise-Ekiti, Ise/Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He can be reached through: Akinwumiolamide09@gmail.com, 09068215955

EKiti State Polytechnic Celebrates 3rd Matriculation Ceremony at Isan-Ekiti Campus.

EKiti State Polytechnic Celebrates 3rd Matriculation Ceremony at Isan-Ekiti Campus.

By: Olamide Akinwumi.

In a momentous occasion that marked the dawn of a new academic voyage, EKiti State Polytechnic (EKSPOLY) illuminated the Isan-Ekiti campus with its 3rd Matriculation Ceremony today, Friday, 4th August 2023. Adorned in their dignified academic regalia, the recently welcomed students radiated eagerness and exhilaration as they solemnly undertook their oaths of matriculation.

The roots of the Polytechnic trace back to 2014 when it emerged as the College of Technical and Commercial Agriculture in Isan-Ekiti, an initiative championed by the Government of Ekiti-State under the leadership of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi. The institution was intended to foster mid-level skilled manpower in the Agricultural sector, although this trajectory was disrupted during the subsequent Administration.

The College's official journey commenced in September 2019 when it evolved into a full-fledged Polytechnic, facilitated by the appointment of its inaugural Rector, Professor Johnson Kayode Adesodun, and the pioneering Registrar, Mr. Joseph Akin Olugbenga Olorunsola.

Today's Matriculation Ceremony stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of EKSPOLY. As the fresh scholars embark on this chapter of their academic odyssey, the Polytechnic shines as a beacon of knowledge, promising to shape their futures and contribute to the growth of the region and beyond.

EKITI COMMENCES DE-SILTATION OF DRAINAGES TO TACKLE FLOODING.

EKITI COMMENCES DE-SILTATION OF DRAINAGES TO TACKLE FLOODING.

The Ekiti State Government has commenced the de-siltation of major rivers and drainages across Ado Local Government and Local Council Development Areas to allow for free flow of water and check flooding.

The General Manager, State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Mr. Kayode Adunmo, disclosed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji gave approval for the dredging of waterways as well as removing the silt from drainages in Ekiti State

He further said Governor Oyebanji demanded that the agency in charge should patronize the local labourers in the state in order for them to have input in government of the day.

He reiterated Oyebanji's belief in empowering the youth to reduce unemployment and the removing of the silt would be 200 meters for each labour in the state.

In her speech, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso, lauded Governor Oyebanji for the promise made to run an inclusive government that will allow citizens to participate fully in governance.

The governor's aide assured Ekiti citizens that flooding would become a thing of history if people endeavour to follow the established guidelines to properly dispose their refuse.

Mrs. Omotoso warned the residents of Ado local government to desist from dumping refuse in waterways, adding that enforcement would take effect immediately after the removal of silt from drainages.

She commended all the Local Government Chairmen in Ado local government and local council development areas for supporting the current administration in developing the state. 

The Chairman Ado local Government, Chief Bosun Osaloni who spoke on behalf of other chairmen appreciated Governor Oyebanji for the golden opportunity availed them to have input in his administration.

He appealed to the labourers to be diligent and dedicated to their work when the opportunity comes to them to be part of the beneficiaries of such programme.

EKSG To Embrace Organic Farming Method for Rural Development, Food Security.

EKSG To Embrace Organic Farming Method for Rural Development, Food Security.

As part of his administration’s efforts to improve agriculture and food security, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said that government would adopt and utilize opportunities in organic system of farming for rural development, and sustainable agricultural practice in the state.

The Governor stated this in Ado Ekiti  recently while playing host to a team from the Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) championing organic farming, led by the Bishop of Ekiti Catholic Diocese, Bishop Felix Ajakaye.

Governor Oyebanji explained that embracing organic methods of farming would go a long way in boosting food production, improve the standard of living, and ensure that the people live long and healthy while the environment will become cleaner.

The Governor, who also lauded various contributions of the Catholic diocese to the socio economic development of the State, said a team of the government will sit with the NGO  to brainstorm and  agree on a road map towards providing necessary equipment and how best to utilize organic farming to advance the state agricultural sector.

“I must thank Bishop Ajakaye for once again leading from the front and the Catholic diocese for always coming up with initiatives to assist us as a government and as people because if we are able to organize ourselves, we will live well, longer and there will be less stress on medical facilities and the environment will become much  cleaner.

"But we need a lot of work to do to bring our people to that point and to do this we have to be extremely deliberate because most of the health hazard we have today is self-inflicted because we don’t eat right, we don’t live well and we overlook a lot of things maybe because of culture, environment or ignorance". 

Earlier in his remark, Reverend Father Emmanuel Akingbade, who spoke on behalf the NGO said the purpose of the meeting was to inform the Governor about the campaign for organic agriculture as a key life saver and to seek Ekiti State government support in using the method to encourage rural development, self-transformations and sustainable agricultural practice.

Rev Akingbade who said the NGO is out to launch the organic farming campaign for production of healthy food items in right quality and quantity at affordable prices in Ekiti State, added that practice of organic agriculture would reduce impact of synthetic chemicals in our environment.

INSECURITY: AJONI LCDA EQUIPS LOCAL SECURITY NETWORK.

INSECURITY: AJONI LCDA EQUIPS LOCAL SECURITY NETWORK.

Sequel to reported  incidences of insecurity in the area, Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, has equipped the local security network codenamed Eradicate Bandits At the Borders of Rural Ajoni Communities (EBBORAC) established  to ward off cases of killings and Kidnappings in the area.

This was based on the recommendations of the security and intelligence committee composed by the chairman of the council,  Prince Michael Ogungbemi, which advised that the body should be empowered and strengthened to live up to expectations of the people.

The security personell drawn were from Local & Village Hunters (LVH), Oodua people's Congress (OPC) and Vigilante Group of Nigeria,VGN recruited under the Ajoni Local Security Network code named OPERATION EBBORAC.

Ogungbemi, in a statement on Wednesday in Ayedun Ekiti, stated that OPERATION EBBORAC was saddled with the responsibility of  providing three security assignment of patrolling, surveliance and intelligence gathering in order to eradicate bandits along Ekiti, Kogi & Kwara border.

Some of the materials donated  included:  security jackets, leventis booths and brand new motorcycles. The council boss stresses that the  support for the local security outfits would reinforce  their efforts in forest combing and quick response to any security threat at the borders and forest in Ajoni territories.

"The Nigeria police who were saddled with the sole responsibility of maintaining internal security has been working in tandem with Ajoni Local Security Network to combat criminalities like banditry and kidnapping activities within the territory of Ajoni LCDA.

"We are of the firm believe that these materials will help in smoothening the  mobility and rapid response to crime situations in our council".

Prince Ogungbemi saluted Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji  administration, for providing the funding of these local security outfits and for his regular support towards the progress, growth and development of the LCDA."

He commended the bravery, and excellent services of the Ikole DPO Khanjallo, Area Command, men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the entire local security team in ensuring peace, safety and tranquility for the past 10 months with no banditry and kidnapping activities carried out from the hands of the dreadful, evil criminals around Ajoni borders and forest.

Meanwhile, Ogungbemi has  announced the appointment of Chief Adebayo Odeyemi as the new Coordinator/General Commanding Officer for OPERATION EBBORAC.

He said Odeyemi, popularly known as IWIN will coordinate, monitor and report the activities of Ajoni Local Security Network with a charge to ensure zero level to criminalities around the borders and forest of Ajoni territories.

He added that Odeyemi will be working closely with the already existing decentralized chains of command from the commandants of LVH~ Akogun Kehinde, OPC~Oodua Samuel Ajayi and VGN~Timothy Ogungbemi to synergised and strategise the fortification of the entire territory.

Other line officers are the 17 routes commandant's to monitor the flash points known as red zones to avert insecurity.

In their response, operatives of the OPERATION EBBORAC were excited and grateful for this noble and wonderful gestures from the Executive Chairman of the LCDA.

They promised to  return to their duty posts with more vigour and motivation to eradicate banditry and kidnapping working more closely with the Nigerian Police to maintain peace and saftey of the borders and forests in Ajoni territories.

Hon. Ojuawo gives Stewardship of his activities at the Green Chambers.

Hon. Ojuawo gives Stewardship of his activities at the Green Chambers.

The House of Representatives Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon (AVM rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi has given an  account of his days at the green Chamber before the house went on recess on 27th July 2023.

Speaking on his engagements and activities from Inauguration day, Hon Ojuawo said 'the house was inaugurated on 13th of June 2023 by proclamation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

With the election of presiding officers, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abass PhD and Hon Benjamin Kalu as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

 'Equally, the selection of principal officers was announced to the house by Mr Speaker, the leader of the House, deputy leader and rest of officers were named. The pronouncement of principal officers set the house ready for proper legislative business.

On Tuesday, 4th July 2023, I moved a motion on needs for inclusion of leadership training at our schools right from primary school to tertiary institutions for our youth to be responsive, take ownership and responsibility in every of there actions and undertakings. I canverssed that if leadership training is introduced into our curriculum, it will prepare our teeming youth for future challenges in their field of endeavours, they will see creativity, challenges and innovations as part of the journey to success not as albatross.

Leadership Training will give confidence, patriotism and commitment to the Nigerian project with values of  integrity imbibed in the course of training.

Similarly, On Tuesday, 11th July 2023, I represented a bill on the establishment of Federal College of Agriculture, Ise Ekiti, earlier presented by Senator Abiodun Olujimi that was not assented to by the last administration though there was ambiguity on town name with bill called Ise/Orun this I have corrected in the bill and other area that needs to be worked upon was done before presentation at the green chamber.

The Establishement of a Federal college of Agriculture in Ekiti will further help our youths  to embrace Agriculture as also a means to wealth, beyond feeding of families.

The school will enable our youth to see agricultural value chain, job creation, preservation of environment, economic growth and development of Ekiti state through agric innovation, breeding processes and various farm mechanisation that will take Ekiti state's agricultural  produce to the next level.

This will guarantee our position as a major food basket of the nation, he emphasised.

On the  27th July 2023, house committees were announced by Mr Speaker, And I was made Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Air Force before the house adjourned for 6weeks recess', Ojuawo concluded

Conclusively, he confirmed the screening of his aides by National Assembly and they have since resumed work immediately with him. 

He also promised to present  more bills and motions that will help his people when the house resumes after summer recess.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

"Captain Sunday Adebomi Takes Initiative: Plans Palliatives for 1,000 Families Amid Economic Hardship in Ekiti".

"Captain Sunday Adebomi Takes Initiative: Plans Palliatives for 1,000 Families Amid Economic Hardship in Ekiti".

In Pic: Captain Sunday Adebomi (retd).

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Captain Sunday Adebomi (retd) has concluded arrangements to support about 1000  families, particularly widows with palliatives to cushioning the effect of the current economic hardship.

Adebomi, a former Governorship aspirant in a statement  made available to journalists in Ise-Ekiti said the current situation in the country called for concerted efforts of all and sundry.

The Ise-Ekiti born politician explained that part of his arrangements was to reach out to  50 people in each of the 16 Local Government areas of the Ekiti State.

The former chairman of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that governor Biodun Oyebanji was working round the clock to ensure that live become less cumbersome for the people, likewise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, so I think they  needed people to support them in this onerous task. Which is why I am coming out to take up the challenge.

He said nothing would be too small to support the poor masses in this challenging moments.

Captain Adebomi clarified that  even though the party would be involved in the planning, the beneficiaries would be drawn from a wide spectrum of interests, stressing that the focus shall be the have not.

Speaking on the modality, Adebomi said, he intends to visit two Local Governments per week where the beneficiaries would be given the  Cash gifts

According to him, while the State and Federal Government are also strategizing on how to cushion the negative effects of fuel subsidy removal, all hands must be on the deck to rescue Nigerians from  the current pains.

”I am not a rich man but when you look at the current situation, particularly as it affects the masses, one must think about how to support the government, to bring succour to the masses.

“It is against this backdrop  that I have decided to reach out to atleast 1000 people across the state in my own  little way. My plan is to select 50 people in each Local Government, mostly widows and support them with cash gifts.

”We have  gotten to the point where every well-to-do Nigerians must come up with different economic interventions as palliatives. It is true that we are all feeling the pains but some people are feeling it more. So  it is responsibility of some of us who have more than others to share a  little from what we have, so that we cannot reduce this social tension in the land.

“Let me use this opportunity to call on spirited Nigerians to come out and assist the people in whatever way. We cannot sit back and be waiting for government’s palliatives alone. The fact remains that government alone cannot solve the current challenges unless we support it, Adebomi reiterated."