NCS to Confer Honorary Fellowships On Obasanjo, Others

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) said it would confer honorary fellowships on former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; and Founder of Visafone, Mr. Jim Ovia, at the upcoming National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) ceremony scheduled to hold December 14, 2012 in Lagos.
During the ceremony, deserving individuals who have distinguished themselves with exceptional achievement and service that has accelerated Information Technology (IT) development in Nigeria, will be honoured with Honorary Fellowships.
NCS President, Mr. Demola Aladekomo said the “association appreciates and recognises the immense contributions of Olusegun Obasanjo, Liyel Imoke and Jim Ovia for their immense contributions to the growth of IT in Nigeria.”
He said that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector experienced accelerated development during Obasanjo’s tenure as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His vision and unparallel passion for the development of the ICT sector led to the establishment of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone, launching of SAT 1 by Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), and the establishment of Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), among others.
He explained that the deregulation and liberalisation of telecommunications services embarked on by the Obasanjo administration touched the life of every Nigerian in a revolutionary manner, and that his transformation of the sector did not only create jobs across the country, but also made communications easy and possible for all Nigerians.
Founder of Visafone and Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, introduced a great deal of technology driven innovations into the Nigerian banking industry. Being the first President of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), he brought a lot of technology innovations to the IT sector.
He founded the Youth Empowerment / ICT Foundation, which focuses on improving the socio-economic welfare of Nigerian youths by inspiring and motivating them to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Imoke has advanced technology development not only in his state, but in the South-South region and nationally. Through his leadership, the state implemented technology projects that have improved education, public service delivery and job creation. He is current driver of Tinapa Knowledge City (TKC), which was established by his predecessor, Donald Duke.
NCS said it would appreciate the distinguished individuals who are personalities of no mean calibre in Nigeria’s society. “They richly deserve the honour of Honorary Fellow awards of our great society in recognition of their outstanding contributions to IT development in Nigeria,” Aladekomo said.