By Our Guest
Prio to his swearing in to office, the newly Governor of Jigawa State had a meeting with HP and Microsoft company on the need for close Partnership for assisting the state to reap the advantage of Information Technology to tackle socio economic challenges militating the state over the year
The meeting has rised the hope of the general public of having new opportunities for their libration from the shackles of abject poverty, social and other Economic challenges, pave ways for their growth and development.
However, the public have Ally fears in their discussion about the partnership going by the history of the state and third world political system.
Jigawa State was the first state in Nigeria to subscribed the Information Technology (IT) and included it in education and Development agenda about 23 years back, It established first IT college and Broadband for effective Data and Internet service to fastracke the comprehensive policy that cover all the 27 local government area of the state.
Under the Initial policy, IT centres were established in all the 27 local government area, for students, teachers, policy makers, business people, Alarammas/ Almajiri, women groups training, to ensure every one was carried along in IT skills.
The main tergets then was to achievement e-Governance and e- Economy but unfortunately failed due to lack of unity, political wills, sincerity among the leaders and program managers. Today Jigawa is left behind by many states who copy the idea from the module.
According to his inaugural speech, Governor Namadi came up with agenda for ” Greater Jigawa” and there is no doubt to achieve this, a priority must be given to IT transformation in a present day.
Jigawa State need stronger Collaborations in areas such as digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and software development, to tap into the expertise of these industry leaders to drive it’s digital transformation initiatives. This will enable the state to enhance public services, improve efficiency, income and create a conducive environment for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Empowering the Workforce:
Governor Namadi’s engagement with HP and Microsoft will certainly opens doors to empowering the workforce in Jigawa State. These companies have a wealth of experience in providing training and capacity-building programs.
By leveraging their resources and expertise, Jigawa State can equip its citizens with valuable skills in information technology, digital literacy, and software development. This would not only enhance employability but also create a pool of talented professionals who can contribute to the growth of local industries and attract investment opportunities.
Collaboration with global technology leaders like HP and Microsoft presented a unique opportunity for attracting local and foreign investors to the state, this would lead to creating more jobs and infrastructural development that are Key to achieving ” Greater Jigawa”.
The infusion of capital and expertise from these collaborations can accelerate establishment of technology-driven industries, economic diversification that could position Jigawa State as a hub for innovation and digital transformation.
Governor Namadi’s engagement with HP and Microsoft holds the potential to revolutionize governance and service delivery in Jigawa State. By leveraging the companies’ expertise in digital solutions, the state can streamline administrative processes, automate service delivery systems, and improve citizen engagement through e-governance platforms.
This will result in greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government operations, ultimately leading to improved public services and citizen satisfaction.
Other components and benefits of the collaboration included:
1. Integrated Solutions:
This collaboration can enable governments to develop comprehensive, integrated solutions that address their specific needs. Microsoft’s software capabilities, such as operating systems and productivity tools, can be seamlessly integrated with HP’s hardware offerings, including servers, workstations, and networking equipment. This integration can enhance overall system performance, reliability, and compatibility, leading to improved service delivery and operational efficiency.
2. Digital Transformation and Modernization: Governments can leverage the collaboration between Microsoft and HP to drive their digital transformation and modernization initiatives. By combining Microsoft’s advanced cloud computing technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilities with HP’s infrastructure solutions, governments can accelerate the adoption of digital services, streamline processes, and enhance citizen experiences. This collaboration can enable governments to build sustainable , secure, and resilient IT environments, facilitating the digitization of public services, automation of administrative tasks, and the implementation of smart city initiatives.
3. Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Collaboration with Microsoft and HP can strengthen governments’ cybersecurity posture and data protection measures. Microsoft offers robust security solutions, threat intelligence, and expertise in safeguarding against cyber threats. HP provides security-focused hardware solutions, including secure servers, endpoint devices, and printing solutions. By working together, governments can benefit from comprehensive security frameworks, advanced encryption, secure identity management, and proactive threat detection and response capabilities. This collaboration can help governments protect critical infrastructure, safeguard sensitive data, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
4. Sustainable and Green Solutions: Collaboration with Microsoft and HP can support governments’ efforts in adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Both companies have committed to reducing their environmental impact and offer solutions designed with sustainability in mind. Governments can leverage this collaboration to implement energy-efficient data centers, optimize power consumption, and promote the use of eco-friendly technologies. This collaboration can contribute to reducing carbon footprints, minimizing e-waste, and achieving environmental sustainability goals.
5. Capacity Building and Training: Collaborating with Microsoft and HP can provide governments with opportunities for capacity building and training initiatives. Both companies offer educational programs, certifications, and resources to enhance technical skills and knowledge. Governments can leverage these programs to upskill their workforce, improve IT capabilities, and promote digital literacy among their citizens.
Governor Umar A Namadi’s meeting with HP and Microsoft marks a significant milestone in Jigawa State’s journey towards economic and technological development. transform the state’s landscape, empowering its workforce, attracting investment, and enhancing governance for a prosperous and “Greater Jigawa”
The Jigawa publics have no doubt about the commitment of the two giant international companies but their fear is for the state leaders to repeat the past mistake.
We do hope Governor Umar Namadi will avoid the past mistakes and prove the trust and the confidence people have on him
May Almighty God help and guide all.
- Hashim
2021 USA IVLP Alumni