C'River ICT Development Bill Scales Second Reading
Mark IDRAH
Cross River Information and Communication Technology Development Agency Bill has scaled through second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
The bill which is sponsored by member representing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, Hon. Okon Owuna is to provide for the development, management and regulation of the practice of information communication technology in the State.
According to Hon. Owuna who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Public Affairs, the bill is to provide a legal framework for an Agency which shall be a corporate body with powers to, enter into contracts, incur obligations and facilitate investments in the State ICT market for the provision and supply of ICT services equipment and facilities.
He expressed optimism that the agency would create awareness and opportunities, find solutions, new developments and policies, advocate for increased ICT usage among citizens with the objective of catalyzing social economic development.
According to Hon. Owuna, ICT rules the world and it is the driving force that improves decision-making, enhances social well-being and narrows the digital space.
Hon. Stanley Nsemo, Hon. Linus Bassey, and Hon. Egbe Abeng , of Calabar Municipal, Akpabuyo and Obubra state constituencies respectively who co-sponsored the bill, in their various contributions enumerated the advantages of the bill and prayed the House to support it.
Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Abi state constituency, Hon. Davies Etta commended the sponsors, acknowledging the advantages of ICT snd said when passed into law, it will be of emmence benefits to the State.
Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem enumerated the merits of the bill and promised a speedy passage, while referring it to the Committee on ICT for further legislative actions.
