Mr Kafishu Abdullahi, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has challenged researchers, professionals, among others to come up with `tailor fitted solutions’ to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Abdullahi spoke on Friday in Abuja at an online event `COVID-19: Hackathon,’ also called `Hack the Crisis in Nigeria.’
Abdullahi in his keynote address, `COVID-19: Nigeria’s status and update,’ said beyond the health crisis, the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak, has also demonstrated to be a socio-economic scourge.
“The post COVID-19 era will have an economy shaped by new habits, policies and regulations based on reduced close-contact interaction.
“Ten shifts will happen in many fronts: geopolitics, human behaviour, industry dynamics, macro economics, regulation and technology among others, ’’ he said.
The NITDA director general explained that the shifts had already begun, especially in the area of technology, adding that digital technology in particular would take the lead henceforth.
He said the country was already experiencing it as there were restricted travels, limited gatherings and that remote working was in vogue.
“And here we are running an online event to turn things around,’’ Abdullahi said.
According to him, economic managers around the world are already taking swift and holistic measures to forestall a recession.
He said it was clear that more needs to be done, particularly in Nigeria, to guarantee a return to normalcy.
Abdullahi said that Nigeria could not afford to be a layback at this time and while waiting for vaccine to be developed by scientists, Nigerians possess profound intellect and competencies to tackle COVID-19.
He assured that the Federal Government, together with relevant ministries, would work together.
Dr Rose Gidado, Lead Strategic Partnerships, Hack the Crisis Nigeria, in her welcome address, said that the event was aimed at creating awareness, preventing and reducing the incidence of infections.
She said other aims were to support the management of infections as well as flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection through a Hackathon project.
She disclosed that the Hackathon project was a three- day exclusive online innovation event, to inspire and spur every citizen of Nigeria, especially the youths, in thinking of real solutions to curbing the crisis.
She said the project was supported by Global Stakeholders, such as Accelerate Estonia, Garage 48 Estoniaand, the National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA).
Others include the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) and other experts.
Gidado, also Country Coordinator, Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa, Nigeria chapter, as well as Deputy Director, NABDA, said all hands must be on deck to win the fight against the disease.
“The winning teams at the event will get the opportunity to present their solutions to investors, philanthropic funds and policymakers to effect a positive change needed in the crisis,’’ she said.
Speaking on behalf of Prof. Zoakah, President of the Epidemiological Society of Nigeria, Gidado commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for efforts made so far in containing the virus.
NAN reports that the event was organised by the 100 Women in Tech Nigeria, in collaboration with stakeholders in the technology and health sectors within and outside Nigeria.
The platform was initiated to enable women in the technology industry have visibility, influence and representation in Nigeria through creation of awards.
Particularly, it was designed to receive innovative ideas and solutions to COVID-19 in Nigeria which are prototypal within 48 hours.
