A teams of IBM volunteers to help Nigerian public, private and educational organisations in the area of information and communications technology in order to compete favourably in the global marketplace, has arrived the country.

A statement by the company on Monday said the team, which comprised information technology and related professionals, would embark on a month-long programme of corporate citizenship in the country.

Based in Cross River State, the professionals will help to provide small businesses, educational institutions and non-profit organisations in emerging markets with sophisticated ICT, business consulting and development skills to help improve local conditions and foster job creation.

The statement said, ”These are top employees from around the world representing IT, research, marketing, finance, and business development. The employees will work pro bono with local organisations and businesses on projects that intersect business, technology and society.

They will work in supporting the Cross River University of Technology with the design and development of its IT infrastructure as well as with the training of staff in the use of statistical and data analysis software.

”They will also work in assisting the state in the development of an Information and Communications Technology strategy as well as work with the Ministry of Agriculture in strengthening the planning, research and statistics for the government department and help to provide training for the Ministry‘s management.”

The statement also quoted the President of the Citizens Development Corporation, a Washington-based consultant who is partnering with IBM in the initiative across Africa, Mr. Deidre White, as saying, ”The IBM teams are having a profound impact on the region by bringing highly valued skills on local projects and helping to transfer those skills to emerging centres of business across Africa.