Microsoft collaborates Nokia on agricultural innovations

By Chris Alu

Microsoft Nigeria and Nokia are collaborating in order to fan up agricultural and educational transformations Forum 2014 to be hosted by Cross Rivers State Government.

The 2014 Innovation Forum organized by Microsoft and Nokia will hold in partnership with Dahlberg, a global development advisors, in order to brainstorm and agree initial action plans on how innovation and technology solution can be deployed within the two sectors of the economy.

The forum, scheduled for April 11 at the Tinapa Lakeside Hotel Calabar, will look at ICT innovation in Education and Agriculture as key drivers for the country’s development and at state level, with a special focus on Cross River State.

It would also provide a great platform for public-private partnerships across the widest number of stakeholders including governments, businesses, academia, civil society and local entrepreneurs.

Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Odo Effiong, special adviser to the Cross Rivers State Governor on ICT, described the State as delighted to host the forum, adding that the administration has been focusing on other sectors, particularly ICT as means to end excess dependence on oil.

According to him, the choice areas-agriculture and education, was timely, highlighting that 70% of the State population are mostly farmers and are expected to benefit from solutions expected to be unleashed at the Forum. “We want to see how technology can be used to change the mentality of our people and reposition farmers in the State, who make about 70% of the population. We are excited partner Nokia, Microsoft and other stakeholders who are interested in using ICT to better the worth of the rural dwellers as well.

Also Mr. Chuma Ukeagu, director, Public Sector, Microsoft Nigeria, said that the platform-Innovation Forum should be viewed from its national relevance as issues discussed revolve round e-health, e-governance, agriculture, education, among others.

Mr. Olumide Balogun, senior product manager, Nokia West Africa, said that the Mobile devices company described the Innovation Forum 2014 as invention inclined.

He added, it is an opportunity to reach out to the software developers’ community, aiding them to articulate solutions capable of re-inventing the primary economic sectors to be focused on during the Forum.

Also, Ijeoma Abazie, head, corporate Affairs, Microsoft Nigeria, said at least 12 developers are expected to make presentations on solutions to galvanize education and agricultural sectors in the State and Nigeria in general.

She said, some of the developers have already demonstrated and implemented such solutions in other few States.