Com. Science, Technology & Innovation Prof. Goselle Nanjul Hosted Tech Hangout in Jos
By: our reporter:
In a bit to celebrate the milestone achievements recorded in the Ministry in 2024, the Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Goselle Obed Nanjul hosted the Tech HangOut in Jos, Nigeria on 24/12/2024.The Hangout which took place at the Crispan hotel in Jos brought together Tech enthusiasts in Plateau State and beyond.
Participants at the Hangout included Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Secretary to the Government of Plateau State -Arch. Samuel N. Jatau, members of the Plateau State Executive Council, the DG of Digital Bridge Institute -Mr David Oluwadaser, the DG of PICTDA- - Mr. Dominic Datong, Tech Guru/special guest- Professor Tolu Arogunmati from the USA, members of the Plateau Tech Companies (PLATECH), members of PLASNET, winners/ambassadors of the Plateau State Hackathon project, academia, philanthropist and inventors across Plateau State.
In his welcoming address and flag off of the Hangout, the Honourable Commissioner, Professor Goselle Obed Nanjul welcomed participants and appreciated the great support, efforts and push by His Excellency Barrister Caleb Mutfwang to see that Plateau State is at the forefront of technological advancement in Nigeria. He gave a flash back to the challenges hitherto confronting the ministry and the achievements made so far under governor Caleb Mutfwang. In particular, he stated that in terms of Human capital development, tech infrastructure and e-governance, that the efforts already put in place could catapult Plateau State to her dream of becoming the silicon valley of Nigeria. He thanked participants for defying the frenzy towards the preparation for Christmas and converging to navigate a new path to great success for Plateau State. He seized the opportunity to inform the gathering of the success story of the Plateau State Hackathon Project and the winners who are now the ambassadors of the Plateau State Hackathon project.
In his speech, Governor Caleb Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a solid foundation for the Tech Industry in Plateau State.
He expressed this resolve to signing the Executive Order on zero Right of Way to encourage the ease of laying of fiber optics across every nook and crannies of Plateau State.
In his words, GCM declared that the year 2025 was going to be the year of the Tech eco-system in Plateau State ". He cited many steps already taken to that effect and the dedication of the whole of the eight storey Standard building in Jos to host both national & international organizations to boost the visibility of Plateau State, encourage job creation and boost the state's revenue base.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang commended the efforts of the plateau state ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in their efforts to change the narratives in the ministry.
"I must congratulate the Honourable Commissioner and the Plateau State ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and also to PICTDA- for taking the bull by the horns to ensuring that they congregate Tech stakeholders within and outside Plateau State in the past one year and to ensure the state benefit immensely from the digital landscape. If there is anytime we must put our hands on the plow, desist from working in silos and catapult Plateau State to enviable heights in the Tech eco-system, the "Time is Now" the Governor remarked.
The Governor highlighted Plateau State's unique strengths in the Tech eco-system to include the state's cold weather, vast human resources, and expertise, which he believes had positioned the state as a key player in the Tech eco-system.
The Special Guest of the Hangout Prof. Tolu Arogunmati gave highlights on the possible ways and means Nigeria could become Tech Giant. He emphasized on the need for Nigerians to believe in their local contents and utilized the peculiarities of their environment to their advantage. He assured the Governor of his full support to ensure Plateau State benefits from all available opportunities at his disposal.
Speaking on their trajectory in the Tech world, contributions and achievements recorded, the panel of discussants which included the DG/CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute- Mr David Oluwadaser, the DG of PICTDA-Mr Datong Dominic and Professor Tolu Arogunmati gave insights on their years of sowing in the Tech industry, the challenges confronted and their success stories.
Their individual stories motivated the participants and spurred them to want to venture more into the Tech world.
Nanswa Kumswa For C-3 Media Team