The 4th Edition of the Capacity Building of Community Based Organization Workshop themed: “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption, Utilization & Sustainability”, organized by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) held in 2 batches Northern & Southern Region.
The Northern region workshop held on 1st – 2nd July, 2024 at the Amiingo Hotel, Kano, Kano State while the Southern region held on 11th – 12th July, 2024 at the Ibadan Business School, GRA Bodija, Ibadan - Oyo State
The workshop which aimed at discussing the challenges faced by Digital Nigeria Centers (DNCs) operators in each zone of the federation; build capacity and enhance the knowledge of DNCs operators/managers in essential concepts and best practices for center operations; develop innovative strategies to mobilize ongoing support and resources for DNCs/CRCs until it reaches optimal functionality and sustainability; and educate stakeholders about the activities of the USPF gathered over 250 participants from both regions.
Other topics discussed are: ICT Tools for e-Business and Collaboration, Global Trends and Rural Inclusion Strategies, Promoting Digital Economy in Nigeria: USPF Initiatives in Enabling Access, Promotion of Universal Access and Connectivity for rural, unserved and underserved areas.
The Secretary, USPF - Mr. Yomi Arowosafe in his opening speech at Workshop stated the USPF as a major contributor to the National development in rural, unserved and underserved areas of the Country, to the President’s Eight Priority Areas, the Honorable Minister – Federal Ministry of Communication Innovation and Digital Economy Strategic Blueprint and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Strategic Focus Areas.
He encouraged beneficiaries of the USPF Initiatives/intervention projects to make deliberate efforts in ensuring projects within their domain are well protected to meet its purpose and sustained for as long as possible. The workshop stimulates the all-inclusiveness in achieving the objectives of CRC and DNC programmes to a successful end.
The USPF will continue to pursue it’s mandate to continuing to make ICTs Available, Accessible and Affordable in the rural, underserved and unserved areas in Nigeria including ICT access for people living with disabilities.
The workshop gathered over 250 participants from beneficiary Schools, Digital Nigeria Centres (DNC) Operators, Community Based Organizations, DNC Desk officers, Tech Hubs, relevant government agencies and officials in providing valuable lessons towards acceleration of the USPF growth in areas of the 3 aspects of Universal Service Provision which is Availability, Accessibility & Affordability.
