IT association honours former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governor of Rivers State, Liyel Imoke and Jim Ovia.
The Nigeria Computer Society, NCS, said it would confer honorary fellowships on former President Olusegun Obasanjo and two others for their contributions to the growth of Information Technology, IT, in Nigeria.
The two others are the Cross Rivers Governor, Liyel Imoke, and Visafone Chairman, Jim Ovia.
The President of the Society, Demola Aladekomo, told newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday that the three would be honoured at the National Information Technology Merit Awards, NITMA, day on December 14.
He said Mr. Obasanjo is being honoured for accelerating the development of the Information and Communication Technology, ICT, sector while in office.
“His vision and unparalleled passion for the development of the ICT sector led to the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, and Galaxy Backbone.
“His vision led to the launching of SAT 3 by the Nigeria Communications Satellite, the establishment of the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Computerise Nigeria project,” he said.
Mr. Aladekomo said that the deregulation and liberalisation of telecommunications services embarked on by the Obasanjo administration touched the lives of every Nigerian in a revolutionary manner.
He said Mr. Obasanjo’s transformation of the sector, not only created jobs in significant numbers across the country, but more importantly, made communication easier and possible for all Nigerians.
The NCS President said that Mr. Ovia, the founder of Zenith Bank, introduced a great deal of technology-driven innovations into the Nigerian banking industry.
He said Mr. Ovia led several IT related initiatives such as the Nigerian Software Development Initiative, NSDI, the National Information Technology Advisory Committee, NITAC and the National Broadcasting Committee.
“He is in addition the founder of the Youth Empowerment/ICT Foundation which focuses on improving the socio-economic welfare of Nigerian youths by inspiring and motivating them to embrace ICT,” the IT expert said.
As regards Mr. Imoke, Mr. Aladekomo said the former implemented technology projects that have improved education, public service delivery and job creation.
“He is the engine behind the establishment of the world class knowledge cluster known as the Tinapa Knowledge City,” he said.
Mr. Aladekomo said that by conferring the fellowships, the NCS would be highlighting the importance of recognising and celebrating those who contributed tremendously towards the development and deployment of IT in Nigeria.
“We need to start building heroes because our nation is drifting, our youths need role models, especially in ICT,” he said.
The NCS President said that NITMA creates competition in the industry, encourages innovation and rewards creativity as industry players strove to be outstanding in the areas of specialisation.
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