NiTEX-08 expects 50 firms

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), has announced the date for its rebranded Nigeria Information Technology Exhibition (NITEX 2008), just as over 50 firms are being expected to take part.

NCS President, Prof. Charles Uwadia said that NITEX formerly known as the Nigeria Software Expo (NISE) would hold next month, November, between Thursday 20 and Saturday 22, at the Event Centre, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos.

According to him, the changing of NISE to NITEX was a strategic move to expand the scope of the event to accommodate other value added services in relation with the software industry.

Uwadia also said that on NITEX-08, NCS is collaborating with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Prof. Uwadia accompanied at the press conference by the NCS chairman on Publicity, Mr. Tajudeen Ejalonibu, chairman, NITEX 2008, Mr. Salisu Afolabi, Executive Secretary, NCS, Mr. Ejide Oladunmoye and a member of the executive, Mr. Adebayo Adegbiji as well as a the corporate communications officer at the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Mr. Idowu Olusile, stressed that NITEX has been structure to be an all-embracing platform exhibition for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) developers, especially by bringing all the components of ICT together.

This, he said, would help stakeholders in the ICT sector to understand themselves and know where and when they can play complementary role.

“NITEX 2008 is set to showcase latest tends, strategies and technologies that can be used to enhance national development,” he declared.

As said by him, it serves as yet another opportunity for professionals to interact, network and be abreast of latest technology in the industry.

Also speaking, the chairman of NITEX-08, Mr. Afolabi noted that given the crucial role Information Technology (IT) is playing and will continue to play in national socio-economic and technological development of Nigeria and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), “it has become imperative for all stakeholders to partner and be stronger in moving the industry forward,” hence the expansion of NISE.

He equally said that an estimated 50 firms are billed to take part in the three-day event across core ICT and SMEs.

“But as at Monday, more than 20 has confirmed participation. Hopefully, we shall have our hands full,” he said.

NITDA, he said, is partnering with NCS in pursuit of its mandate to drive the development and growth of IT companies and institutions in the country.

Explaining the partnership with SMEDAN which he described as very strategic, Afolabi pointed out that this is more so considering the fact that most IT companies in the country are in the range of small and medium scale enterprises.

“This exhibition is expected to showcase various IT products and services in the country especially those manufactured or assembled in Nigeria. Software companies are also expected in their numbers to showcase various indigenous software developed by Nigerians,” he said.


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