Telecom
NCS Makes Case for Digital Inclusion, Announces Date for National Conference
Professor Adesola Aderounmu, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has underscored the need for Digital Inclusion in Nigeria.
Aderounmu, expressed this at a press conference to announce its 27th National Conference scheduled to hold at International Conference Centre University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th July, 2018, with the theme “Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies”.
Aderounmu stated, “In line with our emphasis on innovation we will be adopting various approaches through this most unique gathering of IT academia, industry and thought leaders to address challenges and highlight opportunities related to building a digital, prosperous and INCLUSIVE Nigeria that leverages on information technology to achieve Sustainable Development”.
According to him, “NCS is preparing for the best ever conference and has assembled an impressive line-up of leading researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, industry experts, thought leaders, international scholars and subject matter experts as speakers and resource persons to share their extensive knowledge and experience on the theme and sub themes.
“Their experiences and expert opinions will be of immense benefit to attendees.”
He noted that, the conference will focus on important issues related to the theme and sub themes such as: Poverty Eradication and Job Creation in the rural Economy. Internet and Broadband for All, e-agriculture, e-health, e-education for inclusion: Software and Local Content.
Other sub-themes include, Digital Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Tech Startup, SME and Youth Enterpreneurship. E-Voting and Election Management. New Technologies for Economic Growth and Diversification. Digital Literacy, Knowledge Culture and Human Capital Development. Policy and Regulatory Framework. E-government, Citizen Engagement and Open Government. Fintech, e-Commerce and Financial Inclusion. Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Innovative Collaboration and partnership. Cyber security: Awareness, Threat, Protection and Digital Rights. Innovation for the Elderly, Internally Displaced Persons and the Vulnerable.
Aderounmu said “the strategic and transformatory role of IT in the economy and society is well recognized.
“In the fast paced digital era, there is a need for strategic actions and innovative practices to ensure the nation is competitive, engaged and prosperous.
“The opportunities tech creates for employment generation, efficient and accountable governance, wealth creation and social development cannot be underestimated.
“NCS cautions that as we invest in technology, we must not widen existing divides in society.
“The sustainability of our efforts requires inclusion.
“The excluded, the vulnerable, the rural populace all need to be part of the digital revolution for Nigeria to fulfill its immense potential.
“For example, can we really have e-government if the majority of citizens lack access to digital infrastructure and fall short in terms of required digital skills?
“Through this conference, NCS and its members will again seize the initiative and play a major role setting the National Digital Inclusion Agenda.
“The multi-stakeholder forum will highlight challenges, opportunities and strategies.
“Networking avenues will be provided to share innovative ideas and research possibilities, examine existing interventions and create new initiatives and practical projects.”
According to Aderounmu, the conference comprises plenary, parallel and technical sessions, networking meetings, panel discussions and special focus forums.
He stated that highlights include: Plenary and Parallel Sessions, Technical Sessions, Seminars, Research Consortium, Induction of New Members, Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Platform, Exhibition and Products Launch, Social Media Masterclass, Mentor-Mentee forum, NITDA session, National IT Competitions, Fellows’ Forum and Annual General Meeting.
High profile dignitaries are expected to grace the event from government, private and educational sectors, as well as from the international and global IT environment, and they include President Mohammadu Buhari, Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of Nigeria as the Guest of Honour, while Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu and Director General of NITDA will be in attendance.
Aderounmu, expressed that the highlight of this year’s conference is the NCS President Award for Distinguished personalities in IT industry with outstanding Contribution to the growth of IT in Nigeria.
Notable dignitaries to be honoured and recognized are: Governor of Oyo State – Senator Abiola Ajimobi and His wife Mrs Florence Ajimobi; and Governor of Gombe State , Alh (Dr.) Ibrahim Hasan Dankwambo.
Confirmed Guest Speakers include Ms Funke Opeke, Founder and CEO of MainOne; Mr. Oluwafunminiyi Ajao, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on ICT, among others.
Specifically, topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Fintech, Financial Inclusion, eGovernment, Broadband, Disruptive Technologies, Fourth Industrial Revolution and e-Voting will be covered as they relate to the conference theme.
“In line with the conference theme, NCS calls for practical action in all facets of the economy and society.
“We have always been committed to advance the interests of its esteemed members, the IT Industry and Profession and the Nation as a whole.
“#DigitalInclusion2018 offers amazing possibilities and opportunities.
“NCS is committed to Digital Inclusion and is certain that the outcomes will boost National Digital inclusion in all ramifications.
“It will provide the best and most appropriate answers to Nigeria’s IT Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies,” Aderounmu added.
NCS is the umbrella body of all IT professionals and organizations in Nigeria, with more than 20,000 members and major interest groups (ISPON, ITAN, ISPAN, NiWIIT, ITSSP, AITP, NITPCS). Also inclusive of one hundred thousand Student body (NACOSS).
Nigeria is set to receive telecommunications equipment and fibre optic infrastructure worth $3 billion in June 2025, according to Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Speaking during a panel session at the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) organised by the World Bank, Tijani revealed that the equipment valued at $1 billion was expected to arrive in the country by mid-2025.
He added that an additional $2 billion worth of fibre optic cables would soon be delivered to boost Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.
According to him, the initiative aims to significantly enhance communication services across the country and bridge the connectivity gap.
Tijani also noted that a pilot phase targeting over 20 million Nigerians who currently lack access to any form of telecommunications would soon be launched.
The Nigeria Development Update (NDU) is a bi-annual World Bank report that assesses the country’s recent economic and social developments, policy directions, and provides recommendations to address emerging challenges.
Legend Internet Plc has launched FTTR by Legend — Nigeria’s first Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) service, redefining the standard for broadband connectivity across homes and businesses.
“Being listed on NGX is just the beginning, With FTTR by Legend, we are building the infrastructure of the future, today — not just to improve connectivity, but to transform how people live, work, and create”, said Aisha Abdulaziz, CEO of Legend Internet Plc.
This groundbreaking innovation was deployed by Legend, with strategic technology support from global telecommunications leader- Huawei. The result is a seamless digital experience that meets the demands of modern living.
The launch of FTTR follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Legend Internet and Huawei Technologies.
“Our collaboration with Huawei reflects our commitment to global standards and local innovation. Unlike traditional broadband that stops at the router, FTTR by Legend brings pure fibre into every room, offering zero lag, full-house coverage, and the performance needed for smart homes, remote work, creators, and tech-forward enterprises.
The collaboration is aimed at accelerating broadband infrastructure development, enhancing local capacity, and positioning Nigeria as a digital leader in Africa. Huawei brings decades of R&D in fibre optic and smart home technology to support Legend in deploying this state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Coming on the heels of its recent listing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited(NGX), Legend Internet PLC shows no signs of slowing down. The company is celebrating its public debut with a landmark product — one that delivers ultra-high-speed fibre into every room of a building, enabling uninterrupted, gigabit-speed internet at all times.
Legend Internet’s entry into fibre-to-the-room solutions is part of a broader ambition to close the digital divide in Nigeria. While FTTR by Legend is currently being offered exclusively to high-end residences, the company plans to scale and democratize access through complementary solutions over time. This aligns with Legend’s dual-market approach.
In broadband, Legend leverages fibre optics to deliver ultra-high-speed internet directly to consumers, with a focus on reliability, speed, and innovation. In fintech, the company is expanding last-mile payment infrastructure and delivering secure, scalable tools including wallets, merchant solutions, and digital financial platforms for everyday use.
Legend’s mission is clear: to power Nigeria’s digital future — through cutting-edge technology, bold thinking, and local-first execution.
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a bold step toward accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended the policy’s prioritization of locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement.
He said the directive would empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by giving them the necessary support to thrive.
“With Mr. President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines in favor of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” Mr. Halilu said.
“Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”
Describing the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” Mr. Halilu noted that NASENI has long championed local content through its own initiatives.
He highlighted products developed by the agency, ranging from Nigerian-assembled vehicles and energy systems to smart irrigation tools and electronic devices, as evidence of the quality and competitiveness of local manufacturing.
He further referenced NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings held across the country, aimed at driving awareness and understanding of consumer attitudes toward local products.
These forums bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to identify challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.
“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Mr. Halilu stated. “But this is also a call to action for local producers.
“It is not enough to enjoy policy support, quality and standards must never be compromised.
“We must deliver products that compete favourably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.”
NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure, has been engaging stakeholders across states including Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.
President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritize local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.
Mr. Halilu concluded by affirming NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge: “We have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers.
“They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialization powered by Nigerian solutions.”
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