The Edo State government has launched Nigeria’s First Open Portal in Benin City, achieving a huge feat to the Nigeria’s efforts towards stepping up in the Information Technology (IT) sector.

According to the Chief Press Secretary of the state, Peter Okhiria, who disclosed this, Edo State will become the first state government in Nigeria and the first sub-national government in Africa, to launch an Open Data Portal, joining over 200 governments worldwide that are currently pursuing Open Data.

He stated that the Open Data is part of activities marking the 2013 Edo State Technology Day with the theme “Fostering Governance with Technology”.

He explain that the upcoming event will set a platform for leaders and participants in the technology sector from states across Nigeria, to showcase products and innovations and to highlight IT initiatives of governments and companies.

Okhiria however noted that the Open Data would have the potential to generate innovative applications and services that would create new economic opportunities and jobs.