If we must start driving technology in the South East, then all hands must be on deck. This time, it will not be a pocket of individual initiatives here and there, but a properly coordinated plan of action for the South East.
The truth is that the economies of the future will be built on technology and the time to start is now. We just have to start somewhere, and those who have access to our respective leaders should understand that less economically viable states are doing something about technology development for their youths.
Maybe we are waiting for somebody to champion the course; I must say that to some extent that is already happening. In my little way by God’s I have realized that South Easterners could make headways if we rub minds together.
This is my 4th year writing a weekly column; I have not written an article that has received as much feedback as “Digital Transformation and Wheel Barrow Pushing” –
The feedback has been remarkable and far reaching with elder statesmen, the academia, policy makers, politicians, start-ups and the youths, all contributing to the discourse. The question that has been on everyone’s lip is; where and how do we start?
In other words, the reactions, so far, is a good enough sign that some of our people understand the importance of this unique, but fast-paced industry.
Suggested Read: GSMA Releases Report on the Mobile Industry’s Impact in Achieving SDGs
All Hands Must be on Deck
My position on this subject is we must work collaboratively to make things happen. Considering the level of concerns and reactions from the issue raised, I firmly believe that we all have a role to play.
Personally, I have a part to play, I am in the media and by the grace of God, and as a voice reaching out to a minimum of 10 million people weekly via TV, Radio, Online, and Print. I aim to increase the number of my radio listeners in the South East outside Umuahia, where I am currently working with Family Love FM through the support of the Group CEO, Multimesh Group, Godfrey Ohuabunwa.
Each week, we use these platforms that God has given us to pass on various tech tips and give advice to my followers, listeners and viewers on how to be more productive using smartphones. Why they should consider taking their businesses from the analog to the digital level or why they should try to find out what their young kids do online with a view to stemming them from accessing pornographic sites that are gradually eating deep into our society, etc.
These are samples of some of the content we push out weekly to a minimum of 10 million people across TV, Radio, Print, and Online. I will, however, like to push out more of these tech content to more South Eastern cities. There is a lot that can be achieved through mass media, which is my primary turf.
I am Positioned to Make this Happen
I look forward to playing a regional role starting with getting my radio show syndicated in some other interested South Eastern cities. However, feel free to reach out if you have any suggestions whatsoever, or if you believe it is something you want to see happen in your city.
“CFA you have to consider producing your radio show in Igbo language and other key languages because, technology must be taken to the grassroots for it to be all encompassing.” DG, Delta State ICT Hub, Chris Uwaje once said to me:
A great suggestion that I will work towards when the requisite foundations are laid and necessary support extracted from the interested States Ministries of Education.
Onitsha or Aba can be a Starting Point
Considering the level of creativity and wealth of knowledge in these cities where there are big markets, I think and suggest we can start from there. I have always said, “the process and act of taking the various businesses in Onitsha or Aba online, will not only create jobs but will help these traders increase revenue and become more efficient.”
Let’s Start Identifying Stars from our Zone
Let’s start appreciating the stars we have in South East, and intensify efforts in spotting a star.
I remember the Publisher, Political Economist, Ken Ugbechie, saying to me at a forum shortly after I received my last award.
“CFA, in less than five years; I must say that you have done pretty well running simultaneous platforms on TV, Radio, Print and Online. If you were a guy from the South West, you would get so much support from the South West that you won’t believe the growth“. He concluded by encouraging me to stay focused and keep my eye on the ball.
He certainly does have a point. May I state that as at today, I have received the most support from the southwest, which is great because we are all Nigerians, but at the end of the day, it is important to make sure points clear, and one of them is that South East leaders and elders need to do more.
Conclusion
Let’s start today and build our future, the future of our generation; technology is the future.
