Akpabio Vows To Revolutionize ICT In AK

The State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has reiterated his intention to work with the Nigeria Computer Society, South-South Zone to revolutionize the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in Akwa Ibom State.
Chief Akpabio gave this indication while declaring open the First Ever Zonal Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society in Uyo.
The Governor who was represented at the occasion by the Commissiner for Science and Technology, Mr. Samuel Efanga said the administration is poised to lay a solid foundation for the acquisition of ICT knowledge by the people of the state through the provision of necessary infrastructure and training of the people.
He maintained that his Government is giving priority attention to ICT, with the establishment of the E-Library in the State, sponsorship of training programme on ICT and the introduction of Computer Education in Schools, adding that over 450 unemployed graduates have been trained in the various ICT skills with majority of them gainfully employed.
Chief Akpabio applauded the bold step of the Nigeria Computer Society for hosting their conference in Akwa Ibom State and also thanked them for the conferment of Award of the Digital Governor General in Nigeria on him.
Speaking on the theme “A Nation in Circles: ICT to Rescue,” a former Military Administrator of Niger State, Brig. Gen. Cletus Emein (rtd) said that with patriotic concern and the proper use of ICT, Nigeria may break away from being a Nation in circles to attain a befitting height and status not only for its peace loving and hard working citizens but also in the continental and global setting of humanity, thereby putting an end to government promises without fulfillment.
The Chairman of the occasion and 1st Vice President of Nigeria Computer Society, Dr. David Adewummi commended the government of Chief Godswill Akpabio for the construction of the magnificent airport, provision of good road networks, construction of under ground drainage and operation of free and compulsory education in the state.
Dr. Adewummi also thanked the State Government for providing assistance in facilitating a successful zonal conference and the priority attention given to ICT Development in the state.
Giving the synopsis of computer development in Nigeria, Atuekong Don Etiebet lauded Governor Akpabio’s Administration for supporting so many Akwa Ibom students in different disciplinary training abroad in areas of Science and Technology, and called on Nigerians to appreciate the importance of computer for the reduction of pressure and crime as well as increased productivity.
Atuekong Etiebet observed that application of computer came into prominence in the Nigerian workforce in 1974 while the Computer Association was formally inaugurated in Nigeria in 1978 with him as the First National Treasurer to ensure that users of Computers operate under certain ethics and guidelines devoid of fear.
Earlier, the South-South Zonal Coordinator, of the Society, Dr. Vincent Ele Asor said the choice of Uyo for the hosting of their First Ever Zonal Conference in Nigeria was because of its metropolitan area network and Governor Akpabio’s drive to make all the State Civil Servants in the State Computer literate before the end of 2012.
Dr. Asor also stated that Akwa Ibom State has produced the best Computer Scientists of our times with Atuekong Don Etiebet, being the First Manufacturer of Computer in Nigeria called OBODEX and Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem of Tele Don International among others.
In appreciation of the pioneering effort of Atuekong Don Etiebet in ICT Development in Nigeria, the Nigeria Computer Society, South-South Zone instituted a yearly school quiz competition known as Atuekong Etiebet School Quiz Competition, in his honour.
Reacting, Atuekong Don Etiebet thanked the Local Organizing committee of the Conference for the honour done him and promised to donate One Million Naira every year through Obot Etiebet Foundation for Nigeria Computer Society for the running of the foundation named after him.
Highlights of the occasion included presentation of an Award of Excellence to the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio for his immense contribution to the ICT development in the State. Others who bag awards were Atuekong Don Etiebet, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Sir Sunday Udo Akpan, Prof. Edet Amana, Prof. Zsolt Lipcey and Mr. Samuel Efanga among others.