NITMA’24: Over 45 personalities conferred with NCS fellows - ITREALMS

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… As Leo-Stan Ekeh emerges Elite Leader in IT Growth

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) through its 2024 Nigerian Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) at the weekend conferred fellowships to some members and distinguished Nigerians, which came in two folds, namely professional and honourary, reports ITREALMS.

These include some 39 professional fellows and seven honourary fellows, just as the Chairman, Zinox Technologies Group, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh emerged the Elite Leader’s IT Growth and Development awardee.

Some of the benefactors for the professional fellowships include Engr. Johnson Toyin Oke, Engr. Theophilus Tingir, Engr. Charles Emembolu, Mrs. Joy Onyinye Duru, Dr. Robinson Mbato, Mrs. Dije Musa Umar, Mrs. Osayimwen Bose Lilian, Mr. Oyelere Mayowa Ademola, OluwaFolakemi Etomi, Hajara Idris, Mr. Moses Babalola Ayoola, who is currently the Chief Information Officer (Retail Business) at Access Bank Plc, as well as Benjamin Zoyong Jang, Alhaji Mohammed Baba Alhassan,.

Others for professional fellowship were Mohammed Abdulsalam, Dr. Jimoh Olawale Rasaki, Professor Abdulsalam Ya'u Gital, Mr. Martins Amos, Mrs Obaro A. Emma-Osiebe, Mr. Monsuru Atanda Oke, Funmilola Victoria Omojola, Gospel Nature Iwor-Elebra, Prof. (Mrs) Abimbola Adebisi Baale, Prof. Prince Oghenekaro Asagba, Grace Ebere Egenti, Mrs. Toyin Deborah Asonibare, Prof. Benjamin Segun Aribisala, Dr. Prince Onebieni Ana, and the Group Managing Director/CEO, Xpress Payment Solutions Limited, Dr. (Mrs) Markie Idowu.

Also among the professional fellows inducted this year were Professor Victor Eshiet Ekong, Mr. Samuel Bamidele Adu, Ugochukwu Odimba, Daniel Inusa Yakmut, Aderonke Favour-Bethy Thompson, Idris Isah Sule, Dr. Daniel Matthias, Dr. Olumide Simeon Ogunnusi, Dr. Kingsley Chibuzor Aguoru, Snr, and Engr. (Dr.) Victor Korede Owa.

Equally, honourary fellowships were conferred on Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Di rector-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, His Royal Highness, Sir Barrister David Serena-Dokubo Spiff, Engr. (Mrs.) Ibilola Kasunmu is a Permanent Secretary in the Lagos

State Government, HRH Mohammed Hamim Nuhu Sanusi and the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

ITREALMS gathered that there were three nominees for the IT Personality of the year, namely Dr. Ademola Olaide Adenubi, Mr Adewale Salami, and Dr. Robinson Mbato.

NITMA 2024 equally have nominees in Cybersecurity Advocate of the year, including Mr. Emmanuel Obongha Okoi, Dr Robinson Tombari Sibe, and Segun H. Olugbile Amb (Hon.), while on the Tech Mentor of the year award got nominees which comprised of Mr. Charles Omordia, Mr. Jide Awe, Ms Khadijat Ladoja, and Mrs Nihinlola (Lola) Adeyemi.

This is coming as the Chairman, Zinox Technologies Group, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh emerged the Elite Leader’s IT Growth and Development awardee, whereas, CWG Plc, Sidmach and Archive Global Management Limited were nominees in the IT Company category of the year.

NITMA further honoured some eminent elders and pioneers with awards, namely Atu-Ekong Donatus Obot Etiebet, Mr. Tunde Ezichi, Arc Bishop (Prof.) Dada Akinde, Alhaji Ladi Ogunneye, Dr Chris Nwannenna, Dr. Isaac Adeola Odeyemi, and Prof. Joshua O.A. Ayeni.

Whereas the IT Gold Merit award, went to the Executive Governor of Rivers State, HE Siminalayi Fubara, while Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu emerged the Outstanding Member of the year even as the Jim Ovia Foundation was honoured with NGO with Immense Contribution award and Mr. Moses Olugoke Akinpelu went home with the Long Service and Retirement prize.

Speaking on the awards, the chairperson, publicity, events and trade services at NCS, Mrs Shulammite Ilebiyi said that the recipients of 2024 awards are selfless pioneers, honourable elders, elite leaders, outstanding members, and young innovators - individuals who dared to dream, who worked relentlessly, and who turned vision into reality.

“Their dedication and commitment have not only advanced technological boundaries but have also inspired others to aim higher, think bigger, and work smarter. This year has again proven to be a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration resulting in giant strides, outstanding achievements, creativity, good governance, pursuit of greater possibilities and excellence and of course the cause for this celebration,” she said.

The induction of the fellows was largely conducted by the Provost, College of Fellows, Mrs Veronica Ola Owolabi in close collaboration of the NCS President, Dr. Muhammed Sirajo Aliyu.

Chuks Egbune/DoP