Grace Ene
Anambra State ICT Agency in collaboration with the Wikimedia Nigeria User Group and the Anambra Network started up a training for their staffs to fully understand how to optimize digital skills.
The goal of the workshop, which took place in the Agency’s conference room at the State Government House in Awka, was to equip participants with the fundamental digital skills they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving technological space.
Representatives of various civil society organizations from across the state participated, and they underwent a series of interactions, presentations, and practical sessions aimed at improving their digital proficiency and encouraging efficient use of online resources.
The MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, stated in his opening remarks that this idea originated from his experience working as a journalist, techpreneur, and supporter of start-ups. He mentioned that one of the platforms that helped him back then was Wikipedia.
“We strongly believe that the South East needs a stronger voice on Wikipedia, which is why we are holding this event.”
I am even happier that Wikimedia Nigeria User Group has an Anambra network because it is a very strong network. Utilizing the platform effectively can enhance brands’ visibility in countless ways.
“If we do not tell our stories, nobody will. We have lots of successful people in various fields of expertise in Anambra but they are not well known. Instead, what thrives in the digital space, are few negative stories that account for less than 20 percent of things that happen in the state.
“That is why we must not allow them tell our stories to others’’.
“I hope that the participants will gain a lot of knowledge that they can use to propagate the works they are doing. I thank the Wikimedia group for being here to advise us on how to best put these articles out there because one of the benefits of Wikipedia is that once your infrastructure is made publicly available, it puts you on the map of the entire world.
“Technology isn’t just about Lagos; other places need to be up to date with this expertise and I hope they can use it accurately.”
We owe it to Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to work with him to make Anambra a hospitable and prosperous state.
So let’s work together, he said, “collaborate together, and let’s make a difference.”
Dr. Ngozi Osuchukwu, the head of the Wikimedia User Group for the Anambra Network, explained that the training will, among other things, give the organizations the proper visibility, which will open up opportunities for fantastic partnerships that will strengthen the various initiatives that the Civil Society Organizations are pursuing in their various communities.
“Civil Society Organizations in Anambra work hard in their communities, but their contributions and effects are not widely known. We decided to collaborate with the State ICT Agency in order to start telling our stories correctly, just like our competitors in the western part of the nation, she said.
Dr. Osuchukwu also emphasized how Wikimedia platforms improve the spirit of research.
“Anyone can edit Wikipedia articles for free as long as they abide by the rules.”
In addition to adding to the body of knowledge, she continued, “by updating existing Wikipedia articles with factual and referential information, you also create opportunities for grants and scholarship opportunities.”
Dr. Osuchukwu praised the collaboration with the state ICT Agency as being particularly fruitful in fostering efficient technology adoption in their work.
The event’s main highlights included advice on internet safety, the use of AI tools to create content, and free Wikipedia editing processes to increase wealth creation.
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