Jack, NITDA DG Leads Other Guests to NITMA 2014

Mr. Peter Jack, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), will be Chief Host at the 2014 National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA) organized by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS).

In addition, a new innovation at this year’s NITMA 2014 will be the presentation of the first set of Special Recognition Awards to individuals and organizations advancing Nigeria’s digital agenda.

The DG, NITDA’s presence is in keeping with the agency’s mandate of fostering the development and growth of IT in Nigeria, and is particularly in line with the upcoming review of Nigeria’s National ICT Strategic Plan being coordinated by NITDA.

Fifty-four (54) years after independence, Nigeria has witnessed growth in the Information Technology industry and profession.

But a lot still has to be done. Digital advancement is an ongoing process.

There are still issues hindering technology growth. Sustained progress and overcoming challenges comes from recognizing and celebrating those who are reshaping the nation with digital technologies.

According to Jide Awe, chairman, Publicity and Events Committee at Nigeria Computer Society, the NITDA DG as NITMA Chief Host is quite fitting as the Special Recognition Awards will be presented by NCS to those who have been outstanding over the years in generating jobs, growing the economy and driving investment in Nigeria through IT.

He said that innovation enjoyed in Nigeria is driven by those growing technology and introducing creative practices in all sectors towards creating Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

“Considering the analogue past the nation is gradually emerging from, the efforts and achievements of champions of Information Technology deserve to be acknowledged.

“NCS is proud of professionals and organizations in Nigeria doing the extraordinary in network services, software, cloud services, e-payment, online commerce, mobile apps, etc. Despite challenges in the environment, these are the faces of local content. Honour of outstanding contributions encourages and inspires similar achievements. In creating a culture of tech excellence essential for true independence, NITMA is the national platform.

“54 years after flag independence, there can be no real independence without prioritizing the digital agenda. NCS is committed to encouraging, supporting and celebrating IT practitioners, entrepreneurs and organizations creating a more competitive and fruitful Nigeria. NITDA promotes and regulates IT in Nigeria for sustainable development.

“The presence of Mr. Peter Jack, DG, NITDA as NITMA Chief Host sends a strong message that the growth of Nigeria’s IT industry and profession is a top national priority. A functioning, purposeful, growing and sustainable IT Sector is at the heart of the nation that is truly independent. Recognition or its lack will impact on Nigeria’s ability to succeed in the global digital economy,” he said.

NITMA 2014 is a platform NCS uses to emphasize the importance of excellence in information technology.

“For NCS and the entire IT community, NITMA is not just an award ceremony; it is about genuine independence, it is about shaping Nigeria’s future,” Awe noted.