Innovation and Good Environment can boost Youth Involvement in Technology

THE Nigeria Computer Society has identified the need for government to ensure that the country’s business environment becomes more conducive this year, especially to stimulate youths involvement in software development.

The Chairman, Publicity and Events Committee, NCS, Mr. Jide Awe, in an interview at the weekend on the roadmap for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry in 2013, advised young and talented Nigerians to develop huge interest in technology.

As such, he urged ICT stakeholders to organise meaningful youth innovation activities, career development programmes, empowerment/entrepreneurship programmes, competitions and awards to recognise and support promising young achievers in the IT industry.

This, he said, would boost interest in the IT profession and entrepreneurship among the youths in 2012.

“In 2013, promotion of software development, youth innovation and entrepreneurship, local content development, ICT-enabled job creation and e-government should be the highest priority. Creativity is also required in providing support and access to capital to ICT businesses in a considerable and widespread manner,” he said. Guardian

Awe also called on the government to improve the operating environment in order to stimulate growth in the industry.

According to him, poor operating environment affected ICT operators negatively and tasked the Federal Government on issues such as cost of doing business, poor power supply, security, public-private sector interaction and multi-stakeholder involvement in strategy/policy formulation.

Awe also reiterated that broadband strategy must be developed to address last mile connectivity as well as improve access for underserved/unserved communities.

“An effective infrastructure sharing policy that improves availability and cost holds promise for improving broadband penetration,” he said.