The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its dedication to utilizing technology as a means to bolster national security.
Dr. Salihu Dasuki, the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy, made this announcement in Ibadan on Thursday.
During the launch of ‘YardCode’, an innovative ICT-driven addressing application, Dasuki emphasized the government’s renewed efforts to combat the country’s security dilemmas through technology-based solutions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that YardCode, crafted by Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), represents a novel digital location platform that harnesses community-driven geo-data for Nigeria.
Speaking virtually, Dasuki commended the initiative, asserting that the YardCode application would significantly enhance communication and coordination during emergencies.
He highlighted that efficient communication and coordination are vital for expeditious responses to security threats.
Dasuki thus concluded that the FG’s resolve to employ ICT in addressing insecurity remains steadfast.
“YardCode is not merely an application; it signifies a paradigm shift in our approach to community challenges,” he stated.
“By leveraging technology, we can cultivate a safer environment for all Nigerians. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to national security.”
“The incorporation of ICT within our security frameworks will empower us to respond more adeptly to threats and ensure a secure future for citizens,” he continued.
“We are optimistic that the launch of YardCode will address the deficiencies in our addressing system and bolster the overall security landscape of Nigeria,” he added.
In a related statement, the Surveyor General of the Federation, Mr. Abduganiyu Adebomehin, acknowledged insecurity as a pervasive hindrance to the nation’s advancement.
He pointed out the deficiencies of the existing PostCode System and stressed the urgent need for a more precise, flexible, and universally accessible geo-coding solution.
Adebomehin stated that the introduction of YardCode, which provides a unique, permanent identifier for every square meter of the nation, is not merely a modification but a transformative evolution and genuine game-changer.
“This pioneering innovation holds extensive and transformative potential across various sectors, facilitating effective governance, seamless public service delivery, rapid emergency response, strategic infrastructure planning, and precise demographic data collection,” he remarked.
Adebomehin further lauded RAIN for its creativity, dedication, and relentless commitment to utilizing avant-garde technology for national progress.
He emphasized that the potential advantages are both vast and unquestionable.
Earlier, the Lead Developer and Founder of RAIN, Dr. Olusola Ayoola, noted that the application would serve as Nigeria’s digital addressing compass.
This, he asserted, would assign a unique name to every location in the country.
“Nigeria is not merely emulating technology from other nations; we are engineering our own solutions,” he affirmed.
“YardCode is the first system of its kind that operates independently of the internet and is tailored for African conditions, covering the entirety of Nigeria instantaneously.”
“We are establishing a model for West Africa and beyond,” he concluded.
He remarked that every business owner, farmer, and citizen now possesses an address that connects them to the global economy.
“We are transitioning from a Nigeria where addresses pose challenges to a Nigeria where addresses offer solutions; from confusion to clarity, and from grappling with directions to leading the world in location technology,” he stated.
Ayoola extended gratitude to the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for his unwavering support of technological innovations within Nigeria.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Bayo Akande, the Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on ICT and E-Governance, pledged the Oyo State Government’s support for this transformative initiative. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Source link: Nannews.ng.
