It is imperative for Africa to utilize the platform provided by digitalization to leapfrog into the future of technology, says Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Speaking at the end of the 6th African Digital TV Development Seminar, in Beijing, China, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that digital migration in broadcasting is irreversible and unstoppable, hence Nigeria and the entire African continent must join the global digitalization train so as not to be left behind, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Adeyemi.

He said a successful transition would spin off benefits far beyond broadcasting, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent, adding that a timely and successful Digital Switch Over (DSO) would put many of the country’s youths to work, provide the platform for their creativity to blossom, ensure technology transfer and create opportunities far beyond what anyone can fathom at the moment.

The minister also said it was in realization of the far-reaching benefits of the DSO that African Ministers in charge of Information and Communication, who attended the forum, have agreed on the need for a continental synergy and the sharing of experiences in order to facilitate a successful switchover across the continent.

He said a situation in which only two African nations have so far successfully digitalized their broadcast industry does not augur well for the continent, hence the decision by the ministers to work together to fast-track the switch over project.