The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) umbrella body of IT professionals in Nigeria, has announced plans to launch an innovation development fund to support tech startups in the country. The Society said it is targeting to raise a sum of N50 million as an initial fund at its forthcoming National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA).
The President of the NCS, Prof Adesina Sodiya, disclosed this today at a press conference to announce preparations for this year’s edition of NITMA, which is scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 18, at the Muson Centre in Lagos. According to him, the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh would be the chief launcher of the fund.
He noted that the fund is to support young Nigerians with innovative ideas to ensure that they are able to develop their ideas to the solutions stage. He observed that Nigeria is blessed with many talents who can develop solutions to address every challenge in Nigeria, adding that what they need is support and a conducive environment to thrive.
On NITMA 2021, Sodiya said that five categories of awards would be presented at the event, which include Digital Governor of the Year Award; IT Personality of the Year Award; IT Gold Merit of the Year Award; IT Company of the Year Award; and Youth Innovator of the Year Award. He added that professional fellowships would also be conferred on members of NCS who are recognised as authorities in their field of computing and have distinguished themselves through significant contribution to the growth of Information Technology through their professional expertise and activities.
“This year we are having the highest number of conferees in the history of NCS, fifty-one (51). Amongst the conferees is the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamsat. Honourary Fellowship will be conferred on distinguished personalities for their dedication and exemplary service to IT growth and development in Nigeria. The honourary fellowship awardees are Dr. Bayero Garba Agabi, founder of DigiVation Network, Mr. Kayode Sobajo, founder/Chairman /CEO, HIIT PLC, and Tim. Akano, MD/CEO, New Horizons Plc,” he disclosed
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