Osun Bubbles as NCS’ 11th Conference Kicks off Today

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS’) Conference – arguably the premier and most influential yearly event for the IT Industry and Professionals in Nigeria begins today at the Royal Park Hotel Iloko- Ijesa, State of Osun, Nigeria and ICT professionals in Nigeria are in high spirit.

NCS is the umbrella body of all IT professionals and organizations in Nigeria, with more than 17,000 members and major interest groups (ISPON, ITAN, ISPAN and NiWIIT).

Sir Demola Aladekomo, president, NCS highlighting the importance of the unique gathering that runs till Friday,  July 26, said high profile dignitaries expected to grace the event include: Arch Namadi Sambo, Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria who is special guest of Honour, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, minister of Communication Technology who is the keynote speaker and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, governor, State of Osun is chief host.

“NCS is set to advance the cause of governance and security through technology at this conference. Participants can expect fresh ideas, experience, expertise, partnerships, debate, enthusiasm, direction and influence – the hallmark of NCS conferences. NCS has assembled an impressive list of speakers that will speak straight to the national and international audiences on the critical issues that need to be addressed,” he said.

Confirmed guest speakers at the conference include: Ajamu Wesley, CTO & Vice President SWG, Africa & Middle East, IBM Software Group will speak on: “Promoting Smart Government & Social Security through Information; Mr. Bankole Olubamise, CEO, Development Information Network (DevNet) will speak on: “e-Government for Leadership and Policy Makers – Imperatives for Nation Building”; Mr. Olubamise, ICT policy development consultant and Dr. Adedayo Adetoye, a Research Fellow, Cyber Security Centre, University of Oxford, UK will present on: “Resolving and Managing Regional and Global Conflicts: The Role of Information Technology”.

Others include: Dr. Adedayo Adetoye from the University of Birmingham, UK, and specialised in Secure Information Flow; Ayanda A. Dlamini, Business Development Manager, LGR Telecommunication (Pty) Ltd will present on: “African mobility outlook in the context of e-Governance”; Ayanda Dlamini, Business Development Manager at LGR Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd; Patience Akpan-Obong, Associate Professor, Government, Arizona State University, USA will speak on “Social Impact on Information Technology”; Dr. Patience Akpan-Obong, an associate professor of Science, Technology and Society at Arizona State University; Femi Williams, deputy MD, Chams Plc will speak on: “E-government Automation Processes: Challenges and Benefits” andZachariah Tanko, Assistant Professor, Computer Networking and Information Security, Champlain College, Burlington, VT. USA will speak on “Digital Evidences and its Role in Crime Detection”.

Aladekomo, NCS’ president also explained the choice of the conference theme is "e-Government and National Security".

“Security and Good governance are developmental issues that are ever more central to the survival and progress of the nation. Few societal challenges today deserve more attention. New approaches are however required. NCS has always been at the forefront of new innovative engagements and the adoption of cutting edge solutions.

“The ICT sector now serves as the biggest engine of growth in all spheres of life, and NCS is committed to facilitating the deployment of Digital and Internet based technologies to not only to drive improvements but to change how government works and how national security is defined, organized and delivered,” he said.

The conference comprises plenary, parallel and technical sessions, networking meetings, panel discussions and special focus forums. Interactive engagement will be used to facilitate learning and networking – critical is the promotion of innovation and global best practices in addressing the national priorities of smart governance and security.

Issues receive attention include governance automation, improving public service delivery, closing skills gaps, Public-key Infrastructure (PKI), ICT sector capacity, identity management, digital culture for governance, privacy, research approaches, legislation, policy making, youth innovation, etc.

The event aims to highlight existing initiatives, challenges, solutions, new opportunities and critical success factors. With the most significant footprints in the academic, social and governmental communities, NCS builds thought leadership through emphasis on relevance and significance in using IT to enable inclusive and sustainable development. For 2013, Governance and National Security is the focus.

“NCS is committed to advancing the interests of its esteemed members, the IT Industry and Profession and the Nation as a whole. NCS calls on all to make the conference a highly relevant, inspiring and unforgettable event. NCS Osun 2013 beckons,” Aladekomo said.