The Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Hon. Ogbiede Ifaluyi-Isibor has said Edo State Government is close to sealing a deal with MTN, Nigeria to help drive down the cost of internet connectivity for businesses in the tech space and for the State’s over 1 million MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).
Hon. Ifaluyi-Isibor made this known at a C-level stakeholder’s engagement meeting with some MTN top Executives and representatives of Tech startups and MSMES in his office in Benin City to co-create sustainable solutions to the issues that bother businesses in the Tech ecosystem.
The Commissioner stated that, a reduction in the cost of data connectivity will reduce overhead costs for many businesses, improve productivity, efficiency, digital marketing capacity, promote commerce and the overall business outlook of MSMEs in the State, adding that cheaper and more readily available data can be obtained by business owners through registration at https://bit.ly/EdoMSMEProfiling.
Responding, the Senior Manager, MTN-NG, Mr. Akinbulejo Onabolu said MTN is proud to be associated with the Edo State Government, describing the State as being in the forefront in technological advancement. He added that MTN will create a special package to make start-up internet connectivity better in value and coverage.
Speaking on behalf of the representatives of Tech Start-Ups, a Certified I.C.S.S Trainer, Facilitator, and Coach (TFC). Mr. Osayi Tres Omokaro expressed his displeasure over the cost of purchasing internet for the Tech Campus, soliciting a better package from MTN-NG.
Founder, Manager – Sachets Business Services, Osunbor Ehimwenma Oyemwen, on behalf of the MSMEs, said she had more virtual clients than physical ones, hence the need for an improved internet connectivity, however appealing for a special data bundle package for MSMEs in the State.
The Permanent Secretary, ministry of digital Economy Science and Technology MS Yuwa Naps, reiterated the fact that the ministry will collaborate with the relevant agencies in the area of training and other aspects
She also gave the vote of thanks, appreciating the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Business Trade and Cooperative, Mrs. Bose Igbinobaro, D.G. John Odigie Oyengun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Mrs. Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, MD, ICTA, Goodluck Igbinedion, GIZ, Policy Advisor-SEDIN Mr. Osahon Okoh, MTN-Ng, Tech start-ups and MSMEs.
