Ispon Decorates Ndukwe, Flags off 2012 Software Competition

The Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (Ispon) has finalized arrangements to stage the second National Software Competition billed to take place in Calabar, Cross River State. In view of this, the National Executive Council and members have decided to unveil Dr. Ernest Anene Ndukwe as the “Distinguished Knowledge Ambassador” as part of programmes lined up to commence this year’s Competition.

Ispon is the apex body of computer software and related services industry in Nigeria.

It was formed in 1999 with the primary objective of being a catalyst for the growth of the software-driven IT industry in Nigeria.

And specifically set up to facilitate business and trade in software and related services and to encourage the advancement of research in software technology.

Through the National Software Competition (NSC) progamme, a software development-based competition for the young minds of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, non-profit organization is set to uncover Software Development Talents in the country.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Chris Uwaje, Ispon’s president said that the choice of Ndukwe as “Distinguished Knowledge Ambassador” was born out of his contribution to IT in Nigeria and will serve as a motivator to the youths participating on the competition.

For his interest and contributions to the development of IT industry in Nigeria, Ndukwe, is referred to as the father of modern Nigeria telecom sector.

He was the former executive vice-chairman and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), among other responsibilities he shoulders in the country and beyond.

He is currently the Chairman of the Openmedia Group and the President of the Centre for Infrastructure Policy and Advancement, CIPA.

He is also the chairman of an NGO focused on encouraging and facilitating self employment for the youth. The IT icon will be unveiled as “Distinguished Knowledge Ambassador” on July 23, 2012 by Ispon.

On the National Software Competition, Uwaje said it was, “informed by the strategic imperative to anchor Nigeria’s aspirations for global competitiveness in the Knowledge Economy on building capacity in knowledge industries such as software.

“With 60% of Nigeria’s population under 30 years of age, Ispon believes that the dream of Vision 20:2020 is realizable only by accelerated efforts to build and unlock the innovation capabilities of our youth, who have propelled Nigeria over just 4 years to becoming the 10th largest internet user base in the world with 43m users (Internet World Stats at http://www.internetworldstats.com/top20.htm, August 2011)”.

The Competition with formidable sponsorship is expected to attract thousands of youths.