Media stakeholders launch foundation to promote ICT skills acquisition for Nigerian youths

A group of media stakeholders, with focus on information and communication technology (ICT), has launched a foundation, Cloud Network Foundation (CNF), to promote advocacy and skills acquisition in Nigeria.

The organisation, comprising the “first 11 in information communication and technology (ICT) journalism in Nigeria”, is focused on enhancing advocacy for skills acquisition among youths through local content in ICT.

The practitioners, according to a statement on Sunday, said policy direction and implementation have accorded little attention to local content, adding that skills building for youths to excel in the ICT ecosystem has also been neglected.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Abimbola Tooki, chairman of the foundation, said Nigeria has many unexploited potentials.

“We can move from a consuming nation to a producing one in a few years in the ICT ecosystem, and over 20 million of our youths can be lifted out of poverty every year if they have the right information, guidance, enabling environment and skills at their disposal if we take the right steps,” Tooki said.

The Cloud Network Foundation (CNF) aims to “give a powerful voice” to stakeholders in the media, businesses, community and government on the relevance of ICT in economic and national development.

On his part, Pedro Aganbi, vice-chairman of the foundation, asked stakeholders in the media to support the foundation on promoting an effective ICT industry in the country.

Aganbi said all government tiers would be able to partner towards addressing poverty if ICT infrastructure is introduced into public service to improve growth-oriented policies.

He said the foundation will ensure that all operators carry out their duties of delivering quality services and enabling friendly environment for Nigerians.

During the meeting, the foundation elected other executive members of the foundation, including Olubayo Abiodun as secretary, Ufuoma Emuophedaro as treasurer, and Ayo Makinde as publicity secretary.

Other members of thr CNF include Aaron Ukodie, Mkpe Abang, Bayero Agabi, Bunmi Idowu, Enyi Moses, Ken Nwogbo, Shina Badaru, Biyi Fasoyin, Tayo Adewusi, and Biodun Ajiboye.

“The CNF stated that it will also work with educational institutions at all levels in advancing the usage and adoption of ICT in learning and educational endeavours, and providing an effective voice for stakeholders in the media, business community and government on the benefits of ICT in economic growth and national development,” the statement reads.

“It will also promote research in diverse segments of ICT, develop professionals in ICT Journalism, and promote multidisciplinary collaboration and interdisciplinary initiatives on ICT to foster creation, usage and sharing of knowledge in the fields of ICT for national development.

“Cloud Network Foundation has an active online presence, with a dedicated website (cloudnetwork.ng), Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.”