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NITMA 2021: NCS Reaffirms Commitment to Reward Excellence, Sets to Launch N50m Innovative Development Fund

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L-R: Iyiola Ayoola Executive Secretary, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and Professor Adesina Sodiya, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) during a press conference on Monday, in Ikeja, Lagos.
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In line with its advocacy efforts to achieve sustainable development, and promote digital economy in Nigeria through Information Technology, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), an umbrella association of IT professionals has reemphasised its commitement to recognizes, celebrates, and rewards outstanding excellence and exceptional contributions in the Information Technology field at this years Annual Nigerian Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA), scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 18, 2021.

L-R: Iyiola Ayoola Executive Secretary, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and Professor Adesina Sodiya, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) during a press conference on Monday, in Ikeja, Lagos.

Professor Adesina Sodiya, President of NCS, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference at the national headquarters of the advocacy group, in Ikeja, Lagos.

Professor Sodiya also revealed that the society will be unveiling a N50million Innovative Development Fund, designed to encourage those in IT environment who are using their knowledge, creativity and resourcefulness to develop local tech solutions.

Speaking on the focus of the award, Sodiya disclosed that the focus of NCS as a society is progress for the sector and for the nation.

“Our focus as a society is progress for the sector and for the nation. As the acknowledged professional authority facilitating the development of an inclusive, globally competitive, prosperous, and knowledge-based digital economy in Nigeria, NCS is committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding hard work and excellence in accelerating IT development.”

Sodiya further revealed the key sectors to benefit from the award saying “In choosing the awards, the key areas and issues affecting growth in the sector and society are addressed. For all awards, key criteria include IT specialisations, NCS standards and global best practices.”

He said that the highlight of activities at the award 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; Youth Innovator of the Year Award and Professional & Honorary Fellowship Conferment.

Under the IT Gold Merit Award, NCS has the following for honour, they include Mr. Kashifu A. Inuwa, DG/CEO National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Dr. Bashir Jimoh, DG/CEO, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their innovative ideas towards moving IT to the next level.

He also disclosed that there will also be Professional Fellowship, saying “The Professional fellowships will be conferred on members of NCS who are recognized 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 annals of NCS, fifty-one (51). Amongst the conferees is the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamsat.

“We must encourage those in our environment who are using their knowledge, creativity and resourcefulness to develop local tech solutions that are so essential to the drive for socio economic, growth, recovery and development.

“NCS calls on you to celebrate them because this is about progress and the future of our nation.

“The NITMA event is a strong and purposeful indication of our commitment to celebrating talent and highlighting the innovation, excellence, vision, and dedication of individuals and organizations within the IT industry and community”.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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MTN Nigeria Non-Executive Director Mazen Mroue Quits to Focus on Group Role

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Mazen Mroue, a non-executive director at MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, has resigned effective February 27, 2026, to prioritise other responsibilities within the MTN Group, the company announced in a Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) filing.

MTN Nigeria Non-Executive Director Mazen Mroue Quits to Focus on Group Role

MTN Nigeria

 

The notice, signed by company secretary Uto Ukpanah, stated: “This is to enable Mr. Mroue to focus on other priorities within MTN Group Limited. The Board wishes to express its appreciation to Mr. Mroue for his immense service to MTN Nigeria and wishes him success in his future endeavours.”

Mroue joined MTN Nigeria’s board on June 1, 2022, bringing over 28 years of telecom experience. A veteran MTN executive, he previously served as CEO of MTN Uganda and MTN Liberia, non-executive director at MTN Cyprus, and held leadership roles at MTN Ghana.

Since February 2022, he has been MTN Group’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, overseeing technology strategy and governance. Earlier, as MTN Nigeria’s COO from August 2018 to January 2022, he also sat on the MTN Nigeria Foundation board.

The exit follows MTN Nigeria’s stellar 2025 results, posting a ₦1.70 trillion profit before tax—reversing a ₦550.3 billion loss in 2024 driven by forex woes—marking one of the telco’s strongest rebounds.


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Google Adds Yorùbá, Hausa to AI Search, Boosting Access for Millions of Nigerians

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Google has rolled out support for Yorùbá and Hausa languages in its AI-powered Search features—AI Overviews and AI Mode—enabling millions of Nigerians to get quick answers, summaries, and conversational web exploration in their mother tongues.

Google Adds Yorùbá, Hausa to AI Search, Boosting Access for Millions of Nigerians

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The update forms part of Google’s push to cover 13 African languages, including Afrikaans, Akan, Amharic, Kinyarwanda, Afaan Oromoo, Somali, Sesotho, Kiswahili, Setswana, Wolof, and isiZulu, selected based on high search activity across the continent.

Now, a Kano student can ask complex questions in Hausa, while an Ibadan trader seeks business tips in Yorùbá—both receiving culturally nuanced AI responses via text or voice on Android, iOS, or web.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s West Africa Communications Manager, said: “Building truly global Search requires nuanced local understanding. With Gemini-powered AI, we’ve made advanced capabilities relevant in Yorùbá and Hausa, so Nigerians converse naturally with Search in their mother tongues.”

To use: Open the Google app, tap AI Mode, and query in Hausa or Yorùbá for personalised guidance—breaking language barriers and making technology reflect Nigeria’s diverse identity.


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MultiChoice Shuts Down Showmax After 11 Years Amid Streaming Wars

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MultiChoice is closing its continental streaming platform Showmax after 11 years, notifying subscribers Thursday of the board’s decision to discontinue the service in the near future to refocus on sustainable digital offerings.

MultiChoice Shuts Down Showmax After 11 Years Amid Streaming Wars

MultiChoice

The email assured no immediate disruption: “You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time.” Showmax, launched in South Africa in 2015 and expanded across Africa, offered movies, series, documentaries, and sports to rival Netflix and others amid rising online entertainment demand.

The shutdown follows Canal+’s approved takeover of MultiChoice last year, with the French giant offering ZAR 125 per share for remaining stakes.

The deal mandates HDP ownership boosts, local content investment, and splitting MultiChoice’s SA broadcasting arm into an independent entity to meet regulations.

MultiChoice prioritised subscribers during the transition, promising advance notice on timelines.

Showmax’s exit signals consolidation pressures in Africa’s cut-throat streaming market, where global players dominate despite local content strengths.


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