Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos –– The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to advancing Africa’s digital and creative economy in Nigeria. He made this known at the ReImagine Africa Conference and Exhibition in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the theme: “Generation Africa, Redefining Global Narratives and Opportunities”, Ogbe, who was represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile, highlighted the importance of technology, research, and development in shaping Africa’s economic future.
He commended the ingenuity of the young developers and reaffirmed NCDMB’s commitment to supporting research and innovation. He emphasized the Board’s $50 million Nigerian Content Research & Development Fund, which facilitates local innovation by funding basic research, endowing professorial chairs, and commercializing groundbreaking ideas.
Ogbe stressed that Africa is moving beyond being a consumer of technology to becoming a creator of innovative solutions. “It is worthy of note that strategic investments in digital infrastructure, research, and innovation will empower the continent to play a leading role in the global technological landscape,” he said.
Speaking on how the Board is promoting innovation among youth, he mentioned that the NCDMB sponsored Science and Technology Innovation Challenge, STIC, provides funding, mentorship, and incubation support to emerging tech startups. He noted that the Board has also invested in multiple technology hubs and hackathons to accelerate digital growth.
The ReImagine Africa Conference is hosted by Hilda Dokubo and features a showcase of cutting-edge ideas designed to enhance learning and innovation for young people and adults.
A key highlight was the participation of students from a previous hackathon, who presented project updates. Among them was a group of young innovators developing an app designed to assist with census data collection, underscoring the impact of homegrown technology solutions.
