By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, Maiduguri)
Engr Kabir Ahmed Wanori, the executive secretary of Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency, BICTDA, has said that the state is racing towards digital transformation as a result of several transformative projects and programs they have implemented in just a year.
He said this on Monday in a press briefing at BICTDA’s headquarters, Maiduguri, to mark the agency’s first year anniversary.
Within the period, Wanori said that the agency has made remarkable achievements in several areas such as, Digital Literacy and Skills Development, Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations, Cybersecurity and Public Awareness among others.
Also, the BICTDA boss said that another major achievement is the agency’s contribution during last year’s flood disaster.
He explained that through Humanitarian Tech Innovation, the agency has provided digital support to facilitate the rescue of stranded people in various locations in Maiduguri.
‘The Agency during the recent unfortunate flood disaster have immediately deployed a live saving apps “the Borno Rescue Management System (BRMS)” a tracking technology to track those trapped in the flood and forwarded to SEMA for execution. With the devise, we have rescued about 100 stranded persons during the 2024 flood crisis, showcasing the life-saving potential of the technology,’ Wanori said.
Also, Wanori recalled BICTDA’s triumph when it emerges as the 1st runner-up in Digital Technology Human Capital Development at the 12th National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, NCCIDE, less than 10 months after its establishment.
Within the year, he disclosed that 22 Digital Literacy Centers were established across Borno, with 14 fully equipped and eight nearing completion, noting that the centers provide free access to 100 unit computers, internet, and structured training programs, targeting underserved communities in both urban and rural areas, as well as local government staffs.
He said that about 4,000 people have benefited from BICTDA’s digital skills programs, including about 2,000 from in-person training and over 1500 trainees from online courses through partnerships with global tech leaders.
Wanori highlighted some engagements with their partners in the bid to leverage collective expertise, build trust and promote sustainable development in the ICT sector.
He said that BICTDA has partnered with Google via Midthe Gap foundation, Cisco via IOM, the International Organization for Migration, IOM to integrate globally recognized digital literacy curricula into their training programs.
‘Our collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has enabled us to adopt the “Digital Literacy for All” (DL4All) program, ensuring inclusive access to foundational ICT skills for women, host communities, and rural populations at large,’ he said.
On Cyber Security, the ES said that they have conducted statewide campaigns for cybersecurity and cybercrime to educate citizens on cyber threats, safe online practices, and reporting mechanisms.
This he noted, has drastically reduced vulnerability to scams and data breaches, fostering trust in digital services in Borno.
On infrastructure development, Wanori said the agency has, in collaboration with NigComSat and federal Ministry of Communication Innovation and Digital Economy, installed 12 satellite broadband internet system across 5 Local Government Areas, LGAs, including conflict-affected zones, and 7 Digital Literacy Centers across the states, bringing high-speed internet to remote areas to enabling e-learning and other e-services.
On Youth Empowerment and Institutional Collaboration, he said over 100 Industrial Training Fund, ITF students have received hands-on training in software development, cybersecurity, and ICT governance.
Similarly, he noted that ‘our collaboration with MAXITON technologies has incubated 30 secondary school students and a hackathon while the Nigeria Computer Society and Nigerian Society of Engineers is also yielding positive results.’
As part of its national and global stakeholder engagement, BICTDA said it has participated in over 20 workshops and stakeholders’ engagement sessions across the nation.
Wanori however noted that despite the achievements recorded so far, the agency is aware of the challenges ahead, assuring continues commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of its digital initiatives and infrastructure, secure timely funding, and address public perception concerns.
He equally expressed gratitude to the state governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, for his support to the agency.
‘Our modest achievements are a testament to the His Excellency’s vision and commitment to leveraging technology to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens, and this vision perfectly aligns with his 25-year strategic plan and 10-pack agenda focused on human capital development through digital transformation,’ he added.
