Professor Adesola Aderounmu, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has underscored the need for Digital Inclusion in Nigeria.

Aderounmu, expressed this at a press conference to announce its 27th National Conference scheduled to hold at International Conference Centre University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th July, 2018, with the theme “Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies”.

Aderounmu stated, “In line with our emphasis on innovation we will be adopting various approaches through this most unique gathering of IT academia, industry and thought leaders to address challenges and highlight opportunities related to building a digital, prosperous and INCLUSIVE Nigeria that leverages on information technology to achieve Sustainable Development”.

According to him, “NCS is preparing for the best ever conference 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.

“Their experiences and expert opinions will be of immense benefit to attendees.”

He noted that, the conference will focus on important issues related to the theme and sub themes such as: Poverty Eradication and Job Creation in the rural Economy. Internet and Broadband for All, e-agriculture, e-health, e-education for inclusion: Software and Local Content.

Other sub-themes include, Digital Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Tech Startup, SME and Youth Enterpreneurship. E-Voting and Election Management. New Technologies for Economic Growth and Diversification. Digital Literacy, Knowledge Culture and Human Capital Development. Policy and Regulatory Framework. E-government, Citizen Engagement and Open Government. Fintech, e-Commerce and Financial Inclusion. Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Innovative Collaboration and partnership. Cyber security: Awareness, Threat, Protection and Digital Rights. Innovation for the Elderly, Internally Displaced Persons and the Vulnerable.

Aderounmu said “the strategic and transformatory role of IT in the economy and society is well recognized.

“In the fast paced digital era, there is a need for strategic actions and innovative practices to ensure the nation is competitive, engaged and prosperous.
“The opportunities tech creates for employment generation, efficient and accountable governance, wealth creation and social development cannot be underestimated.

“NCS cautions that as we invest in technology, we must not widen existing divides in society.

“The sustainability of our efforts requires inclusion.

“The excluded, the vulnerable, the rural populace all need to be part of the digital revolution for Nigeria to fulfill its immense potential.

“For example, can we really have e-government if the majority of citizens lack access to digital infrastructure and fall short in terms of required digital skills?

“Through this conference, NCS and its members will again seize the initiative and play a major role setting the National Digital Inclusion Agenda.

“The multi-stakeholder forum will highlight challenges, opportunities and strategies.

“Networking avenues will be provided to share innovative ideas and research possibilities, examine existing interventions and create new initiatives and practical projects.”

According to Aderounmu, the conference comprises plenary, parallel and technical sessions, networking meetings, panel discussions and special focus forums.

He stated that highlights include: Plenary and Parallel Sessions, Technical Sessions, Seminars, Research Consortium, Induction of New Members, Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Platform, Exhibition and Products Launch, Social Media Masterclass, Mentor-Mentee forum, NITDA session, National IT Competitions, Fellows’ Forum and Annual General Meeting.

High profile dignitaries are expected to grace the event from government, private and educational sectors, as well as from the international and global IT environment, and they include President Mohammadu Buhari, Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of Nigeria as the Guest of Honour, while Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu and Director General of NITDA will be in attendance.

Aderounmu, expressed that the highlight of this year’s conference is the NCS President Award for Distinguished personalities in IT industry with outstanding Contribution to the growth of IT in Nigeria.

Notable dignitaries to be honoured and recognized are: Governor of Oyo State – Senator Abiola Ajimobi and His wife Mrs Florence Ajimobi; and Governor of Gombe State , Alh (Dr.) Ibrahim Hasan Dankwambo.

Confirmed Guest Speakers include Ms Funke Opeke, Founder and CEO of MainOne; Mr. Oluwafunminiyi Ajao, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on ICT, among others.

Specifically, topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Fintech, Financial Inclusion, eGovernment, Broadband, Disruptive Technologies, Fourth Industrial Revolution and e-Voting will be covered as they relate to the conference theme.

“In line with the conference theme, NCS calls for practical action in all facets of the economy and society.

“We have always been committed to advance the interests of its esteemed members, the IT Industry and Profession and the Nation as a whole.

“#DigitalInclusion2018 offers amazing possibilities and opportunities.

“NCS is committed to Digital Inclusion and is certain that the outcomes will boost National Digital inclusion in all ramifications.

“It will provide the best and most appropriate answers to Nigeria’s IT Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies,” Aderounmu added.

NCS is the umbrella body of all IT professionals and organizations in Nigeria, with more than 20,000 members and major interest groups (ISPON, ITAN, ISPAN, NiWIIT, ITSSP, AITP, NITPCS). Also inclusive of one hundred thousand Student body (NACOSS).