NCS SPURS INNOVATION, COMPETITION AT NITMA 2012

By Emeka Aginam
By the time the just concluded National Information Technology Merit Award, (NITMA) was drawing to a close, it became obvious among IT practitioners that the Nigerian Computer Society, (NCS) is committed to healthy competition and innovation in the IT sector.

Also known as the President's Award, NCS members voted online for their choice for Information Technology's most prestigious award. Accenture, acknowledged for its world class auditing services, confirmed the transparency and credibility of the voting process for the IT personality of the year award.

Mr. Aladekomo
At the award ceremony that honoured many individuals including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State and Mr. Jim Ovia, founder of Zenith Bank PLC, who have all contributed immensely to the growth of IT in Nigeria, NCS highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating individuals and organizations that have contributed tremendously towards the development and deployment of Information Technology in Nigeria.

Earlier in his address, the NCS President, Sir. Demola Aladekomo told the gathering that the award was in line with the association's strategy of celebrating heroes in the sector to stimulate outstanding performances that would drive real, inclusive development and transformation in Nigeria through IT.

NCS, he said, was committed to celebrating talent and promoting the excellence, leadership, vision, and commitment of individuals and organizations within the IT industry and community. After a transparent voting, Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, Country Manager, Google Nigeria won the '2012 Information Technology Personality of Year' (the most outstanding IT contributor for 2012). Professional fellowships were conferred on ten new fellows which included EVC, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah.

Meanwhile, Chief Don Etiebet was conferred with the award of 'Best Software Entrepreneur of the Year 2012' by ISPON even as the Federal University of Technology, Minna also won the ISPON National Software award for Tertiary Institutions.

Also speaking the event, the Governor of Osun state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola while accepting to host 2013 NCS conference commended NCS for its developmental role in IT He outlined innovative technology based initiatives of the Osun state government, inviting NCS and other IT stakeholders to partner.