Nigeria can tackle Terrorism with ICT – Aderounmu

Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, president, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS),  has said that NCS and its members can play a major role in improving the state of security nationwide, by combating terrorism, enhancing public service delivery and accountability and boosting job creation.

Aderounmu, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Lagos recently to announce the upcoming 26th NCS National Conference with the theme, “Information Technology for National Safety and Security”, slated for July 19-21, 2016, in Abuja, said that security is one of the most critical issues in Nigeria.

According to him, in the 21st century, nations invest in information technology as the key enabler for national security, adding that NCS has always advocated that the usage of IT in security needs to be improved through more widespread adoption of IT professionalism in the private and public sectors.

He said the conference would provide a multi-stakeholder forum to examine pertinent considerations in achieving IT-enabled security to advance and achieve sustainable development, adding that engagement opportunities would be explored during the conference to present and develop effective strategies, creative approaches and practical solutions.

He added: “NCS is preparing for the best 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. Attendees would benefit greatly from their knowledge and insights.

“A new and most exciting feature and highlight at this year’s conference is the Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Platform (YIEP), which has been endorsed by the global IFIP International Young ICT Group. NCS is committed to shaping the future of IT in Nigeria and has introduced YIEP to harness the ideas, energies, freshness and strengths of the youth as a dynamic, innovative and future oriented approach to enhance security, job creation, health, education and overall prosperity.”

He explained that the conference would focus on important issues related to the theme and sub themes such as: National Database –Integral to National Security, Information Technology and the National Security Strategy, Universal Broadband Access – the Security Imperative, Information Technology as an Indispensable Security Tool – Terrorism in Focus, Smart Governance and Anti-Corruption through Information Technology, National Security Dimension of Youth Innovation and Software Development, Cybercrime, Cyberwarfare and CyberSecurity, Digital Human Capital Requirements in the 21st Century and Social, Mobile, Analytics (Big Data) and Cloud Computing (SMAC).

Babachir David Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)  is Guest of Honour, while Barrister Adebayo Shittu, minister of Communication, is the Keynote Speaker.

With the technology and innovation expertise, insights and thought leadership that will abound, he said NCS is certain that the outcomes would boost National Safety and Security in Nigeria. It will provide the best and most modern answers to Nigeria’s security challenges.