The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to host the maiden edition of Digital Awareness and Sensitisation Forum on Nov. 13 to strengthen policy and innovation for a digital future.
The Head, Public Affairs, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Ukoha, the programme is with the theme, “Leaving No One Behind: Digital Assets, Equity, and Empowerment”.
She said that the forum would facilitate a conducive environment to build infrastructure for innovation and inclusion, and lay a solid foundation for bridging gaps between policy and infrastructure for national development.
She said that the programme would bring together industry experts, policymakers, and community stakeholders to brainstorm on practical solutions for bridging the digital divide.
“It will also delibrate on how it can be harnessed to empower underserved communities, drive equity and promote national development,” she said.
Ukoha said that sessions at the inaugural forum would focus on designing inclusive digital policies, promoting accessible infrastructure deployment, developing adaptive digital literacy programmes and advocating for affordability and accessibility in digital services.
“Africa has the world’s youngest population, with 60 per cent under the age of 25.
“With Nigeria’s great contribution to that figure, the NCC recognises this for the asset that it is and is dedicated to leverage the untapped potential of this demography while including the rest of the populace.
“In addition to NCC’s commitment to ensuring the safety of over 140 million Internet users, this sensitisation is designed to highlight the importance of inclusive participation in Nigeria’s digital economy,” she said.
She said that the Digital Awareness and Sensitisation Forum is a collaborative effort of the industry and stakeholders
She listed the stakes to include the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
“There is also the Association of Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ATCON) FintechNGR, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Terra Industries, Association of Nigerian Inventors (ANI), Secondary Education Board (SEB), Nigerian University Commission (NUC),
“Others are Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONWAD), Imose Technologies and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE),” she said.
Ukoha said that the event would feature panel discussions, exhibitions by innovators, fintech organisations and students.
She said that it would create the environment to showcase innovations that reflect the creativity and potential of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
“The event will be livestreamed via a dedicated portal at scf.ncc.gov.ng, ensuring nationwide access and participation,” she said (NAN)