Okowa Commissions E-Government Academy

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The Delta State government has advocated a paradigm shift from dependence on revenue from oil to revenue from knowledge-based development.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, dropped the hint at the public presentation of the Delta State Innovation Hub (DS-HUB) and commissioning of Innovation Hall of Fame and the E-Government Academy in Asaba the State capital.

An elated Governor Okowa commended ICT experts for their interest in partnering with his administration to develop an innovation hub and create job opportunities.

“Delta State Innovation Hub – from Oil to Knowledge-based Development is important in our state because, innovation is critical for long-term economic growth and sustainable development in both developed and the developing world.

“In moving away from oil to a knowledge-based development, there is a comprehensive economic development blueprint and strategy to build technologically based skill capacities, support and empower entrepreneurs, generate new employment model for our youth, create wealth and reduce poverty,” the Governor said.

Guests who spoke at the occasion lauded the state government’s initiative in diversifying its economy through ICT, pledging to support the initiative and provide the platform for the growth of ICT in the state.

He specifically, called for sponsorship to enable the state establish a Delta State Innovation Development Fund – IDF; encourage all youths to acquire computer skills and encourage e-governance and digital literacy skills in the civil service and other institutions.

The Director-General of DS-HUB, Mr Chris Uwaje, performed Induction of Pioneer members into the Technology Innovation Hall of Fame, which included Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The Innovation hub aligns with Governor Okowa’s SMART agenda and the DG reiterates, “DS-HUB is a unique knowledge factory with an enabling environment specially designed for originating innovation, building inno-passion, developing creativity and promoting information sharing for building functional new knowledge for the delivery of all-inclusive technology solutions and support services.”

Communications Minister, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, was accompanied by leading names in Information Communication Technology (ICT) world to Asaba for the programme.

They included Leo Stan Ekeh of Zenox Computers, Ms Funke Opeke of Mainone, Prof. Pat Utomi, and Prof. Sola Aderounmu.