The newly appointed Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim, yesterday said the immediate past acting DG, Dr. Vincent Olatunji still have an integral role to play at NITDA.
Pantami stated this in his inaugural address to the management and staff of NITDA at its corporate headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, the handover note he received from Olatunji last week, has availed him of the understanding of the Agency’s activities, adding that he would keep in touch with the immediate past acting DG for clarification where necessary.
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“The handover notes have given me some insights into what is on the ground here. In the next few days and weeks, I would like to meet with departmental and unit heads, individually and collectively, for a better appreciation of where the agency is today and what challenges lie ahead of it,” he said.
Speaking further, Pantami urged the staff of the federal government agency, saddled with the responsibility of IT capacity building in Nigeria to always display integrity, expertise, professionalism and commitments to duty. He revealed that his administration would introduce special reward for productivity.
“In order to encourage productivity and motivate honest, ethical, hardworking members of staff, I will move staff welfare to the front burner, and introduce special awards for best performance,” he said.
Describing the Agency as a very strategic agency, Dr Pantami stated that, NITDA it one of the most knowledge based government institution that requires a harmonious blend of knowledge and creativity, adding that its mandates has placed on it a huge responsibility and from which so much is expected.
”Clearly, the agency is crucial to the technological aspiration and the development of our country in this ruthless competitive global world where we can’t afford the luxury to lag behind. This is particularly true in these challenging economic times when our country dearly needs ICT in its bid to diversify its economy.”
He remarked that he would strive to demonstrate both in word and action that all Nigeria is my constituency, adding he would not indulge in corruption and favoritism.
The DG reiterated his intention to work with the staff as a team; he sought for advice, prayers and cooperation of all staff I order to realize the mission and vision of the Agency. He advised them to rededicate their energies and creativity toward moving the Agency forward.
While urging the staff to always employ the official channel of communication, he assured them of his open door policy to suggestions, ideas and observation. “I am receptive to new ideas and suggestions. Most importantly, however, I want your single-minded commitment to ensure the success of NITDA and by extension the creation of a modern, IT-driven Nigerian society, Dr. Pantami added.
He has, however promised to continue with the all good projects of the Agency and consolidate on the past achievement of his predecessors noting that
“I am glad to continue with all the good projects of the agency as long as they meet irreducible minimums in due process, and conform to the law that established the agency. Where projects violate due process or impose needless burdens on the core mission of the agency, they will be reviewed in the interest of the nation.