Innovation takes centre stage at NCS conference

Information Technology innovation will take the centre stage at the 26th national conference of the Nigeria Computer Society, which will hold in Abuja, according to the NCS.

The theme of the conference is ‘Information Technology for National Safety and Security’.

The NCS said that the theme aligned with the security priority of the Federal Government, and stated that it was happy with successes recorded by the defence authorities of Nigeria.

The NCS President, Prof. Sola Aderounmu, said, “However, through the conference, the NCS is calling for the application of innovative IT tools and strategies for improved effectiveness and performance in all aspects of national security (border security, military, cybersecurity, policing, etc).”

Aderounmu said that the National Information Technology Development Agency, under the leadership of the Acting Director-General, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, had announced that it would host a plenary session during the 2016 NCS conference.

“The agency responsible for fostering the development and growth of IT in Nigeria will use the session during this high-profile event to focus on the role of ICT innovation in diversifying the Nigerian economy’,” the NCS president said.

He said that with emphasis on promoting IT innovation and creativity, the NITDA would use the session to highlight issues, challenges and experiences during the innovation process.

“Geared towards the advancement of the NITDA‘s mandate, the conference will additionally be informed of measures, interventions and strategies the NITDA has put in place to enable job creation and wealth creation through IT.

“In a strategic collaboration with the NCS, the NITDA is hosting the plenary session during the NCS annual conference to create awareness about innovation development opportunities and to enrich and expand the innovation ecosystem,” Aderounmu added.

It was gathered that the Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Platform had also been introduced in line with the spirit of innovation.

The NCS said it would use the platform to promote youth innovation and entrepreneurship in IT as an important and most promising component of national security.

The YIP aims to enable and foster youth innovation and entrepreneurship IT for sustainable development.

Aderounmu said, “The YIEP is indicative of the NCS’s commitment to the future of the tech industry and the growth of an inclusive digital Nigeria and a commitment to the youth and future of Nigeria.”