Imo State Government on Monday signed an agreement with US-MAC that will facilitate the full realisation of the potentials of Imo Digital City, an initiative of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The agreement with the United States-based digital marketing company, the governor said at the signing ceremony in his office at Government House, Owerri, will add impetus and help expedite the realisation of his administration’s quest for a digital economy for Imo State, which he said was on already on course.
Uzodimma explained that his administration has, since its inception, striven towards creating a digital economy that can empower Imo youths and create over 300,000 jobs through the Skill-Up Imo Programme.
The programme, he said, has graduated 40,000 youths, most of them gainfully employed, while some others have started their own businesses.
In addition to the agreement with US-MAC, the governor said the state was equally partnering with other well-known companies and organizations like Cisco, Microsoft, Zinox Technologies, Konga, SP, and European Union Digital SME Alliance for the purpose of turning the Imo economy around and making the state the economic base and technology hub of Nigeria.
Uzodimma equally noted that the state has an agreement with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to create 1,000 jobs annually for the state.
“What we intend to do is to enable multinational companies and global organisations to partner with Imo State Government in our determination to create jobs, curb youth restiveness, and provide economic prosperity for our youths. We are gradually moving towards realising the dream of a new Imo,” he said.
The governor thanked the partners and urged the management team of US-MAC to be committed in keeping the terms of the agreement, promising not to disappoint their own expectations as a government.
The leader of the delegation and Managing Director of US-MAC, Mr. Chris Burry, signed the agreement on behalf of the company, while the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, signed for the government.
Mr Burry expressed delight with the partnership.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr Mrs Irene Chima, and other political appointees.
