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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.
As the world marks International Youth Day, attention once again turns to the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for work, financial independence, and adulthood.
In Nigeria, the urgency is clear. According to UNICEF, about 7% of young people aged 15–24 possess basic ICT skills, highlighting a wider gap in the skills required to participate effectively in an increasingly digital economy.
At the same time, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, continues to prioritize skills development, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
For PalmPay, youth empowerment goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is an investment in the people who will shape Nigeria’s workforce, businesses and economy.
This belief is reflected in initiatives focused on financial literacy, employability, digital skills and access to opportunities.
Through its Graduate Trainee Programme, PalmPay provides young graduates with opportunities to gain workplace experience, develop professional skills and build careers in a fast-evolving industry.
The investment also extends to financial education. Through its NYSC Financial Literacy Programme, PalmPay brings practical financial education to young Nigerians at an important transition point, helping Corps members develop better habits around saving, spending, budgeting and protecting their money.
For young women, Purple Woman provides another pathway to economic empowerment, creating opportunities for internships, learning and professional development while supporting greater female participation in the technology sector.
Speaking on the importance of youth empowerment, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s young population is one of its greatest assets, but unlocking its potential requires access to the right skills, knowledge and opportunities. At PalmPay, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.”
These initiatives reflect a broader belief that youth empowerment is most meaningful when young people are given the knowledge, exposure and opportunities to apply what they learn.
A graduate given workplace exposure today can become tomorrow’s business leader. A Corps member who develops sound financial habits can carry those lessons into their career and personal life. A young woman given access to professional opportunities can gain the confidence, experience, and networks to create opportunities for others.
Investing in young people is a great strategy for building a stronger, more productive, and more inclusive economy.
This International Youth Day, PalmPay reaffirms its commitment to investing in young Nigerians and contributing to a broader national ambition where the young population is not just counted, but equipped, employed, empowered, and positioned to lead.
Mobility technology company, Moove has raised $250 million in a Series C funding round at a valuation of $2.1 billion, reaching unicorn status.
The startup will deploy the fresh capital to build out autonomous vehicle infrastructure, expand fleet ownership, construct robotics-focused “Nests” for charging and maintenance, and grow its autonomous workforce from 150 to 500 by year-end.
The company plans to enter additional global markets, reflecting a strategy to build the operational infrastructure required for large-scale autonomous transportation rather than simply supplying vehicles.
Led by Mubadala Investment Company and co-led by Woven Capital, Toyota’s Growth Fund, and Ion Pacific, the round also included new investors BlueCrest Capital Management, Sona Asset Management and The Raptor Group, alongside existing backers BlackRock, MUFG, Franklin Templeton and Uber.
“Autonomous mobility is becoming an infrastructure race requiring fleets, charging systems, maintenance, data infrastructure and continuous city-level operations,” said Ladi Delano, co-founder, co-CEO and advisory board chairman of Moove.
Founded in Lagos in 2020, Moove has grown into a global mobility platform employing about 3,300 people across 29 cities in 13 countries, operating approximately 42,000 vehicles and reaching $420 million in annualised recurring revenue.
It has expanded organically and through acquisitions, including Kovi in Brazil and Tokyo Taxi in Japan. Moove also operates autonomous vehicle fleets in partnership with Waymo in Phoenix and Miami, with London expected to join its footprint.
The $2.1 billion valuation places Moove among Africa’s small group of tech unicorns, alongside Flutterwave, OPay, Moniepoint, Andela, Chipper Cash, Wave, Tyme, MNT-Halan and Interswitch.
The $250 million round is the largest single funding deal announced by an African startup this year, though EV mobility firm Spiro raised $270 million cumulatively across two separate rounds.
Heirs Life Assurance, the specialist life insurance company of Heirs Insurance Group, has appointed Pastor Jerry Eze as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective August 10, 2026.
L – R: Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance; Pastor Jerry Eze, incoming director, Heirs Life Assurance
The appointment reinforces Heirs Life Assurance’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and accelerating insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education, and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one percent – among the lowest globally – highlighting the need to expand financial protection and build greater public trust in insurance.
As Heirs Life continues to pursue its mission of making insurance accessible to every Nigerian, Eze’s appointment brings a unique perspective on community engagement, value-based leadership, and broad societal impact.
Pastor Jerry Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, a growing multinational ministry with 34 branches across West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and North America.
He is also the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), one of the world’s largest digital prayer platforms, reaching millions of people daily. Through his ministry and humanitarian initiatives, he has become one of Africa’s most influential voices, championing hope, compassion, and community transformation.
Beyond ministry, Eze is the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-led philanthropy where he provides housing support and grants to vulnerable and underserved communities.
In 2026, he announced N1billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, further advancing enterprise development and economic opportunity.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Jerry Eze built a career in development communications, serving as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank HIV/AIDS programme and with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Abia State University and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Speaking about the appointment, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance, said: “Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities.
“As we continue our mission to democratise access to insurance, his insight will help strengthen consumer trust, deepen financial inclusion, and reinforce our commitment to protecting the financial future of millions of Nigerians.
“We are delighted to welcome him to the Board of Heirs Life Assurance and the broader family of Heirs Insurance Group.”
Commenting on his appointment, Pastor Jerry Eze said: “I am honoured to join the Board of Heirs Life Assurance at a defining moment for the insurance industry. Financial security empowers individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and resilience.
“I look forward to working with the Board and Management to advance the company’s mission of making insurance more accessible, relevant, and impactful for every Nigerian.”
Heirs Life Assurance has become one of Nigeria’s leading specialist life insurance companies, ranking 7th on the Financial Times list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.
It is one of the three insurance businesses of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents.
Combining an omni-channel digital presence with physical branches spread across the country, Heirs Life continues to redefine life insurance through innovation, customer-centric solutions, and a commitment to making financial protection accessible to every Nigerian.
Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs Life Assurance, Heirs General Insurance, and Heirs Insurance Brokers, collectively serves over 3 million people directly and indirectly.
The Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.
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