Young innovators want political participation of experts in technology.
The Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN), on Saturday called on stakeholders in the technology ecosystem to participate in political processes and governance to ensure development of the sector.
Founder of the group, Mr Andrew Abu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, in Abuja.
Abu said that when players in the ecosystem were involved, they would not complain over the outcome of wrong processes affecting the development of the sector.
“We encourage tech players to register and get their Permanent Voter Cards as it is a show of commitment to building a greater Nigeria.
“Until we all are involved, we do not have a right to complain on the outcome of any government,” he said.
Abu however, said there was need for more civil society organisations to focus on technology for the purpose of advocacy.
He recalled that the organisation recently held a one-day Tech Community discourse at the University of Jos, with the theme “Tech and Governance; the 2023 Perspective”, aimed at driving home the need for even participation of technology stakeholders.
Mr David Daser, Director-General of the Plateau ICT Development Agency, had said at the discourse that there should be a blend between technology and governance, with emphasis on effective collaboration between the ecosystem and government.
Alkso Dr Nentawe Gurindima, a lecturer with the Computer Science Department of the university, stressed the need for greater commitment to the ecosystem from the government.
Mr Theodore Longji, the Chief Executive Officer of nHub, an IT company, stated the need for collaboration of IT hubs and the focus on innovations that provide solutions to the country’s challenges.
Longji advised young tech-preneurs to devote more time to solutions on challenges around them saying it was the best way to make impact.
Mrs Hauwa Atiku, Founder, Hauwa Atiku Uwais Foundation, commended women who played significant roles in the development of technology ecosystem, and encouraged younger women to get involved in technology which rules the world.