Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has urged Nigerians to leverage the digital space to foster economic growth and increase the country’s Gross domestic product (GDP).
He made this call at a virtual technology forum, whose aim was to ensure Nigerians optimize their potentials and maximize the opportunity provided by digital technology.
Speaking at the seventh Mike Omotosho Annual Lecture, Obaseki, said with the kind of disadvantage the country faces, the digital economy has to be a key leveler to aid the economic development process.
His words: “Since 2020, the world has centrally changed; this new economy has become a lot more remarkable and significant. The majority of Nigerians deliberately participate in the digital economy through the use of the telephone. With the smartphone penetration and other electronic devices, the digital economy and its activities create millions of dollars for countries and the economy globally and this is what we now refer to as the new economy.
“The very medium of our interaction today is digital and it is based on technology that has been accelerated as a result of the restrictions we found ourselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has affected several businesses globally and locally and created tons of jobs. One of the few areas of significant growth witnessed since 2020 is the area of technology.”
The convener, Dr. Mike Omotosho, said digital transformation is altering all major sectors and it shows that people can be efficient with the use of technology.
“The sky is the limit as long as we do it right. I said this because digital solutions can have a transformation effect on the economy. To do it right, we need to be intentional, we need to work closely with stakeholders, compile the detailed list of what is available, put it down so that it will not be too overwhelming, and ensure the content is easily available to all and sundry,” he said.
