By Praise Chinecherem
Anambra ICT Agency has called on stakeholders in the internet business to join hands with government to make the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) in the State a reality.
MD/CEO of the Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata made the call during a one-day workshop for various Internet Service Providers and Higher Educational Institutions in the state as well as representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The stakeholders’ interactive session which was in collaboration with Anambra State Government, had as its primary focus discussions around possibility, prospects and benefits of establishing and connecting to an Internet Exchange Point (IXPN) in the state.
Agbata while declaring the event open, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in reducing internet traffic, urging stakeholders to take pursuit of their commitment to enhancing the internet ecosystem in Nigeria seriously.
“We want all in the internet business to join hands with the Anambra government to make the establishment of an IXP in the State a reality,” he said.
The CEO of IXPN, Muhammed Rudman described access to information as critical to growing internet ecosystem in the State to ensure more people have affordable access internet.
He said, “I’m passionate about Nigeria and ready to do things differently. The world has evolved from the first industrial revolution when coal was used before the discovery of petrol and electricity.
“Suddenly, the information age came and Technology companies became the number one globally, leading to the fourth industrial revolution with Artificial intelligence and its attendant huge impact.
“Unfortunately, Africa has lagged behind amidst these industrial revolution. We’ve not really tapped into it. The problem is education.
“Our leaders are not really investing in education because it’s the foundation. Because their tenures are mostly four years and while pursuing reelection, they feel investing in education is a waste of time.
“For me, I see Internet and technology as twin access to information. That’s why I’m into what I’m doing and reason we’re involved higher institution. There are institutions that are hundred percent online. It’s now called walls off.”
The workshop outlined the role of an Internet Exchange Point, including the attraction of content providers, cost reduction, and improved connectivity, as well as the pivotal role of IXPN as cornerstone for improving the internet ecosystem in Anambra State.
