Imo Govt Restates Commitment on Advancement of Science & Technology

Imo State Government led by Governor Emeka Ihedioha has expressed its readiness to the advancement of Science and Technology in the state.

This was stated by the Commissioner for Technology and Development, Mr Meekam Mgbenwelu while interacting with newsmen at the State Secretariat, Owerri, on Tuesday.

Mgbenwelu who had worked with Google, Microsoft and other International Information and Communication Technology, ICT firms in the past, added that he is working hard to bring his experience to bear in the rebuilding process of the state.

The Commissioner said some achievements of the PDP led administration includes the training of Two hundred and fifty (250) students of the Imo State University on computer programming and coding among others.

He reflected that the feat was gained via effective collaboration with the nine (9) tertiary institutions in the state, maintaining that the ministry was carrying out a structural assessment of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre built by the past administration so as to ascertain its habitability and avoid exposing Imo residents to possible mishaps.

He stressed that the current administration was already partnering Google, Microsoft, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and private individuals in a bid to assemble ideas for rebuilding the state.

He further assured that ICT centres in all 27 LGAs of the state would be revamped through the ministry’s department of End User Support and Advisory Services .

According to him, the move would effectively computerize departments, ministries and agencies of government for smoother running of day to day activities of government.

”We already conducted a demographic research into the youths of our state because they are more ICT inclined than any other age group.

”With the figures we have, we already know what to expect in terms of equipment that will be enough to serve our target audience in the 27 ICT centres and our proposed electronic library.

” 250 students have been trained on computer programming and coding. They will be graduating on 14th September and they will also form part of our workforce across various centres.

” Through healthy partnerships with international ICT firms, we are equally directing attention to rural areas because the rebuild Imo agenda of the governor is also targeted at the people in the grassroots level ”, he said.

Mgbenwelu however called on Imo residents to remain proactive in supporting government policies for the overall good of the state.

…NAN