Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says effective deployment of emerging information technologies can fast track the diversification of the nation’s economy.

Mbah said this Wednesday while inaugurating the South-East Zonal Office of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Enugu.

Nigeria’s economy is largely dependent on the oil sector with agriculture, industry and service sectors also making significant contributions according to National Bureau Statistics records.

The governor said that there was compelling need to diversify the economy, expressing optimism that investment into the Information Technology space would do the magic.

He said that opening NITDA office in Enugu would open more horizons for the Nigerian youths and move the country closer to the dream of diversifying its economic streams.

“It is an opportunity for our teeming youths to have a platform to improve themselves to lifelong skills that will prepare them for the dynamic global world space today and tomorrow.

“The need and urgency to diversify our economy, both at national and sub-national levels, has never been more compelling than now.

“There are few sectors that hold the opportunities for us to accomplish that like the Information Technology space,” he said.

He said that merely having the opportunities without bringing them to fruition would not bring about the desired economic results.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said that the Enugu Zonal Office would serve as a permanent bridge between national policy and local talents.

Tijani said that inauguration of the NITDA Regional Office in Enugu meant the establishment of a permanent bridge between national policy and local potential.

According to him, this in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to reposition Nigeria’s economic fortunes.

“It is a strategic move under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu- a commitment to decentralising opportunity, deepening inclusion, and unlocking the full power of Nigeria’s digital economy across every region.

“By placing NITDA closer to the people right here in the South-East, we are saying clearly that no region should have to wait for innovation to reach them.

“Innovation must grow with them,” he said.

The minister explained that the NITDA office would serve as an engine room for digital skills development, through programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.

“There will be support for startups and indigenous tech solutions.

“There will also be regulatory advisory to help businesses thrive within the frameworks that protect Nigerians,” he said. (NAN) 

 The police on Thursday arraigned a 45-year-old man, Muritala Akinniyi before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court Ibadan over an alleged car theft.

Akinniyi, whose address was not stated, was charged with conspiracy and theft, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Insp Olagoke Adegbenro told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Feb.

He alleged that the defendant and others at large stole a Toyota Corolla car worth N1.85 million, belonging to one Sylvester Guobadia.

He said the offences contravened Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Olasinmibo Sanusi-Zubair granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until July 15, for hearing. (NAN)

Chinese tech giant Huawei on Thursday said that the first line of its personal computers (PCs) powered by HarmonyOS operating system would be launched on May 19.

The upcoming release would mark a significant expansion of Huawei’s HarmonyOS ecosystem, which already powers its smartphones and tablets.

By launching computers equipped with the country’s first homegrown operating system for the general public, Huawei seeks to challenge the long-standing dominance of Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s macOS in the PC market.

Huawei’s HarmonyOS-powered computers are the result of five years of research and development.

The company emphasised that the system incorporates strong security features, including a dedicated security chip for encryption, secure access mechanisms and encrypted data sharing.

“The new computers would enable seamless interaction across Huawei devices, allowing users to control and move between the screens of their phones, tablets and computers with a keyboard and mouse.

“HarmonyOS-powered computers support connectivity with over 1,000 external devices and currently have more than 150 dedicated PC applications and over 300 ecosystem-compatible applications,” it said.

HarmonyOS, or Hongmeng in Chinese, is an open-source operating system designed for various devices and scenarios, including intelligent screens, tablets, wearables and cars.

It was first launched in August 2019.

Analysts said that Huawei would have to work harder to attract users in the initial periods, as the mainstream Windows and macOS operating systems offer more mature applications. (Xinhua/NAN)