Isaiah Onwuanumba:
Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has announced that it will honour Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun, Mr. Aniekan Etiebet among others in its 2017 National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) taking place 30th November in Lagos.
President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof Adesola Aderounmu said this at a press conference, adding that Honorary Fellowship will be conferred on the Managing Director of Data Sciences, Mr. Aniekan Etiebet for his dedication and exemplary service to Information Technology (IT) growth and development in Nigeria, and “I urge you to join NCS to celebrate the champions who are using technology to change society for good”.
According to him, governor Amosun has demonstrated remarkable commitment and development in IT in his state that is worthy of emulation for other states in the country, adding that he has personally observe it.
He added that in line with the advocacy efforts of NCS to achieve sustainable development in Nigeria through IT, NCS promotes excellence and significant impact.
“Annually the Nigeria Computer Society recognizes, celebrates and rewards outstanding excellence and exceptional contributions in the Information Technology field through the unique national platform NITMA provides. Our focus as a society is progress for the sector in particular and for the nation as a whole. As the acknowledged professional authority facilitating the development of an inclusive, globally competitive, prosperous and knowledge-based Nigeria, NCS is committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding hard work and excellence in accelerating IT development.”
The President explained that in choosing the awards, the key areas and issues affecting growth in the sector and society are addressed. For all awards, key criteria include IT specialisations, NCS standards and global best practices.
Professional fellowships will be conferred on members of NCS who are recognized as authorities in their field of computing and have distinguished themselves through significant contribution to the growth of Information Technology through their professional expertise and activities. Honorary Fellowship will be conferred on the Managing Director of Data Sciences, Mr. Aniekan Etiebet for his dedication and exemplary service to IT growth and development in Nigeria.
The IT Personality Year Award also known as the NCS President’s award will acknowledge and celebrate individuals that have excelled in our tech sector during the year. In 2017, nominees for this most prestigious award are: Mr. Amos Emmanuel – Chief Software Architect/Chairman, Programos Software Group, Dr. Isaias Barreto da Rosa – Commissioner for Telecommunications & Information Technologies, ECOWAS, Mr. Tope Aladenusi – Chief Strategy Officer & Cyber Security Leader, Deloitte West Africa, Mr. Valentine Obi – Group Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact Global and Dr. Yele Okeremi – Chief Executive Officer, Precise Financial Systems Ltd.
NCS said voting is currently going on for the IT personality of the year award and is being validated by Accenture.
Other individuals and organizations will be recognized and honoured with Special Recognition Awards for their undeniable and huge contributions in the IT and related areas.
The amazing Mr Jim Ovia has again funded scholarship awards this year, just like he did last year, to 35 students studying Computer and IT related courses in Nigeria Universities. In line with his commitment at the 2015 NITMA event, he committed N15.75million to the scheme in 2016 and now again in 2017. The entire NCS membership is grateful for his kind, noble and generous heart. His dedication to IT education and human capital is undeniable and worthy of emulation. May God continue to keep and bless him.
The Interest Groups of NCS will also present their awards within their areas. Long service awards will be given to NCS Secretariat staff who have meet the requirements and demonstrated diligence and commitment in carrying out their functions.
IT is critical to enabling economic recovery and growth as well as achieving sustainable development. All who desire progress should work with NCS to recognize, honour and reward those that are doing great work. The society not just NCS should reward them for their impact, service and untiring efforts.
We must encourage those in our environment who are using their knowledge, creativity and resourcefulness to develop local tech solutions that are so essential to the drive for socio economic, growth, recovery and development. NCS calls on you to celebrate them because this is about progress and the future of our nation. The NITMA event is a strong and purposeful indication of our commitment to celebrating talent and highlighting the innovation, excellence, vision, and dedication of individuals and organizations within the IT industry and community.
Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is the umbrella association of IT professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria’s tech sector. I welcome you as friends and partners, who are jointly working towards advancing and accelerating IT development in Nigeria.
