Huawei, a global information and communications technology company, has pledged to render all the needed support for the digitalization of Lagos State.
Terrence Wu, the Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria Limited made the promise during the Art of Technology Lagos 5.0 held at Landmark Event Centre yesterday with the theme “The Creative Economy and a Digital Lagos”.
Wu said the firm was committed to achieving a fully connected and digitally inclusive Nigeria by boosting ICT infrastructure with quality and innovative solutions tailored to local needs and equipping the youth with ICT knowledge and skills.
He said digitalization creates social, economic, industrial, and business value.
According to him, a digital government is a service-oriented government that is more efficient and promotes the development of a peaceful and inclusive society.
“Transition to a digital government is set to facilitate the achievement of two SDGs, namely SDG 10 – ‘Reduced Inequalities’ and SDG 16 – ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’. In addition, digital technology can improve people’s lives by driving long-term, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, promoting productive employment, and enabling people to do their jobs more effectively, which is closely related to SDG 3 – Good Health and well-being,” he said.
He added: “Thankfully, in such an era of rapid digital iteration, the Federal Ministry of Communications of Nigeria and the State Government of Lagos have issued policies and initiatives to address this digital era. It is these policies and initiatives that support the “digital public foundation” of Nigeria and the State Government of Lagos.
“In this digital public foundation, emerging technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain are constantly fermenting and bred.
“At the same time, these emerging technologies are constantly changing existing industries and giving rise to innovative enterprises and new economies. An innovative economic track is quietly taking shape and expanding rapidly, leading Nigeria and Lagos state governments to a better future.
“Next, I would like to share with you how cloud computing, 8K/VR, and digital humans bring new efficiency, new experience, and new evolution to the media industry.
“In the first case, we all know that special effects shots of movies require 3D modeling, editing, rendering, and asset management. MacroGraph used Huawei’s public cloud computing service to produce special effects shots for science fiction movies wandering the earth. They found that what used to take a week to render now takes only one day, greatly improving efficiency.
“In the second case, there is a program called Dance Storm in China, which uses the Flying Cat + VR technology to realize the function of its own perspective, and distributes it to traditional TV, mobile phones, and computers through the video platform. Users can use naked eyes or devices to reflect VR vision, and can also choose their own viewing angle, bringing new experiences to users.
“The program also gained ratings: Top 3 views, 530+ million hits, an average conversion rate of members: 10.79% effect.
“The third case is how to create new content to attract audiences in the era of media content explosion. China’s Hunan TV station uses Huawei Cloud Virtual Human Solution technology to deliver top digital human IP within four weeks, achieving rapid innovation in new content scenarios.
“There is an ancient Chinese saying, ‘A single tree does not make a forest, a single string does not make a sound’.”
In today’s digital era, this is particularly important. Huawei needs to work with its partners and enterprises to leverage the advantages of Huawei’s digital foundation.
“We will work together to help digital innovation in Nigeria and Lagos, help Lagos’ “THEMES+” strategy, consolidate the “digital public foundation” of Nigeria and Lagos, and work with partners to create a bright future for the ‘innovative economy and digital Lagos,” he said.
Meanwhile, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor, said the State Government is implementing the deployment of a 6,000km of Fibre Metro Network connection across the state.