“Digital contributes to all other sectors development”
After joining NADIF in 2011 as an IT engineer,Valentin BOUBEBE MEMIAGHE works in the Engineering and Networks Department (END). In an interview with our editorial team, he argues that digital contributes to all other sectors development.
In which Department are you officing and what’s your job about?
I’m responsible for the Administrative Data Center in the Energy and Environment Unit at the Engineering and Networks Department (END). My job is to manage all Gabonese Administration,available energy infrastructure in technical premises in general, and to ensure the smooth running and IT equipment electrical availability in the data center in particular.
What is your background?
I’m a technical engineer in industrial computing and maintenance.
How did you join NADIF?
I was recruited by the GDIS (General Department of IT services) and in 2011 by decree 212 when NADIF was created, with the stipulation to take over assets and liabilities of the former Department, thus, I found myself among the first NADIF recruits.
What activities have you been involved in during your NADIF career?
I worked as a maintenance technician in the Microcomputer Maintenance Office of the Installation and Maintenance Department, formerly (NSED) Networks, Security and Engineering Department.
At FBD (Frequencies and Broadcasting Department) in the Broadcasting Unit , I worked as head of the transmissions office. As well as providing live broadcasting of national events such as the 17 August parade, I had to maintain and ensure the proper functioning of the TV/FM sites.
Today , as responsible for the Administrative Data Center, ensuring proper working of IT equipment in the data center and available energy infrastructure in technical premises is my duty.
What is your job today and how does it impact NADIF Or Gabon in general?
I’m lucky to have a multidisciplinary background: I used to be an IT and industrial IT maintainer, but now I work in the electrical sector. My job, which consists of managing all Gabonese Administration,available energy infrastructure in technical premises, has an impact on the energy performance of the IT infrastructures built by NADIF on behalf of the state. This includes :
- The quality, availability and energy efficiency of the IT equipment installed on our technical premises;
- Maintenance and monitoring of electrical equipment and installations to ensure the smooth running of government applications such as the Single Reference File (SRF), Government Messaging, e-solde, KEWA, etc. In short, all government applications.
What challenges have you been facing at NADIF?
There are many, but I can mention three: first is the high-speed wireless network (administrative WiMax) installation, then the presentation of this network at the 19th Internet Policy Conference at the Afrinic19 meeting in Abidjan on 2013, and finally the live broadcasting of the independence celebrations, the cultural parade on the SENAT esplanade and the military parade on the seaside boulevard.
What do you mean by digital in Gabon today?
Beyond the sector itself, I think digital is the sector that contributes to the development of all other sectors (medical, transport, construction, etc.).
What aspect of your job is more interesting for you?
The practical side is the most interesting.
What really pleases you at NADIF?
For me It’s my colleagues’ professionalism and perseverance in the face of technical difficulties we often encounter in the field. They always end by finding an appropriate solution .
Do you have any anecdotes from all these years that you’d like to share with us?
It was 17 August and we were 20 minutes from the military parade. We were in charge of the live broadcast. Just as we were to announce the parade starting, a bug occurred on our satellite uplink amplifier! That was the day I saw men sweating in the rain and we all cried out to GOD for help!