News
ISPON calls for deliberate policy to encourage indigenous software, IT sector
… Country needs regulatory framework that will not stifle technology growth – Dr. Omobola Johnson
BY: Justice Godfry
A critical look at Information Technology as a field of endeavor reveals that the most important ingredient for a successful (IT) industry is intellectual capital or knowledge and training of the population in the IT field.
Moreover, there are several ways a nation could catalyze its IT ecosystem to achieve success and become self-reliant and ultimately be a net contributor to the IT economy of the world.
To this end, the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) believes that there is need for deliberate policy to boost the morale of indigenous software developers and grow the IT sector in general.
Speakers at the Institute’s Presidential Dinner held in Lagos on Friday, April 26, 2019, unanimously agree that IT ecosystem should be for the country, the ingredients to having viable IT economy and how to create sustainable IT Ecosystem
The former Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, who delivered the keynote paper at the dinner with the theme: “Having An Inclusive IT Ecosystem”, said many have questioned at international fora whether the African Digital Transformation drive was a hype or a reality, but insisted that the drive remained a reality for African countries, especially for Nigeria.
She however urged the federal government of Nigeria to come up with better policy and regulatory framework that will not stifle technology growth in the country.
According to Johnson, “Nigerian government must focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to drive Information and Communications Technology (ICT) education that will boost digital transformation in Nigeria.
“Software stakeholders must collaborate with government to design specific training on ICT for young Nigerian startups and government must do everything possible to grow the country’s infrastructure in order to facilitate national development.”
Citing China and India that have become strong forces for global technology development, Johnson challenged ISPON to form a formidable force that would promote inclusive IT ecosystem for the country.
The President of ISPON, Dr. Yele Okeremi, decried that since the days of the oil boom, the fate of the Nigerian economy became tied to the international price of crude oil: The economy became buoyant when international oil prices rose and went into slowdown and even recessions once the international price of crude fell or Nigeria became unable to meet up with its production quota.
“The petroleum industry itself became overly focused on the mere extraction of crude without any value added.
“The country has become over-dependent on trading in primary goods with consequent implications on employment, wealth creation and wealth distribution. It is a known fact in scholarly circles that economies that operate in such manner end up exporting its prosperity and in turn import poverty from other countries”.
Where We Should Be
From the aforementioned facts, Okeremi suggested that it is now necessary for Nigeria to take a second look at its economic recovery strategy if it is to achieve results and sustain such results.
“It is considered prudent for societies and economies to encourage the creation of complex businesses, which create an environment for its citizens to get engaged in meaningful work.
“It is in the light of this that I seek to present an inclusive Information Technology ecosystem as a potential to lift the country out of its current economic challenges”.
IT Ecosystem
He said that a critical look at Information Technology as a field of endeavor reveals that the most important ingredient for a successful Information Technology industry is intellectual capital or knowledge and training of the population in the IT field.
“IT, particularly the software field can be pursued effectively by countries that have a favorable age demographics, with a good youth population and a sound education”, the ISPON president said.
He further proposed what the IT ecosystem should be for the country, the ingredients to having viable IT economy and how to create sustainable IT Ecosystem using the success of the Silicon Valley as a bench mark.
“As the name implies, an ecosystem is a self-sustaining system where all its participants create some form of value that is consumed by some other members and all the players operate in a symbiotic manner.
Inclusiveness – the Weapon
“There are several ways that a nation could catalyze its IT ecosystem to achieve success and become self-reliant and ultimately be a net contributor to the IT economy of the world. For a country like Nigeria that has a high propensity for technology consumption and a suitable age demographics, Nigeria can borrow a leaf from countries like China that catalyzed their industry on the premises of local consumption. In other words, the country needs to come up with a deliberate policy to encourage the mantra of producing what it consumes and consume what it produces”.
He said that the ability to achieve this is quite simple by following the money and studying which areas the country consumes the most technology products.
“The country has every right to begin a simple policy of import substitution. This will ensure the practitioners in the country are automatically provided domestic market access”, he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, is under intense interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of ₦5.7 billion paid by the Enugu State Government for an ₦11 billion contract.
Ogundele, who had earlier been declared wanted, turned himself in to EFCC Abuja headquarters and was grilled for more than 10 hours on Tuesday. His personal and company accounts have been frozen, and his passport seized to restrict his movement.
According to investigators, Ogundele convinced the state to release 50% of the contract sum—₦5.7 billion—after promising speedy delivery. However, state officials allege that work done so far is worth no more than ₦750 million, accusing him of abandoning the project.
The Enugu State Government’s petition triggered EFCC’s probe, which may see Ogundele spend more time in custody as investigations continue.
In a tearful online video, Ogundele denied any wrongdoing, framing the matter as a contractual dispute: “I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive. This is between my company and the Enugu State Government. It’s not criminality.”
…Unveils Selection Panel
The Nigeria Digital PR Summit has officially opened nominations for the second Nigeria Digital PR Awards, a prestigious platform that recognizes excellence, innovation, and impact in digital public relations across Nigeria.
Honourees will take the spotlight at the Nigeria Digital PR Awards Gala; a premium evening celebrating the individuals, organizations, and campaigns that defined digital PR in the past year, marking the 10th Nigeria Digital PR Summit. Adding flair to the night is the Digital PR Fashion Runway; a bold fusion of fashion, technology, and communications that promises an unforgettable experience.
This year, 19 award categories will honour campaigns across four classes including Campaign Excellence Awards, Sector Excellence Awards, Innovation and Technology Awards, and Individual & Professional Excellence Awards.
The Summit also unveiled a three-member Selection Panel responsible for reviewing entries and shortlisting winners.
The panel is chaired by the Founder and CEO, Fernhill Digital Consulting, Datari Ladejo, and includes the former Senior Business Program Manager, MarComms, Africa Development Center (ADC – West), Microsoft, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade; and Founder/Lead Partner, PuzzleCraft PR and Communications, Beatrice Okpara.
Nominations are open to agencies, corporate communication teams, NGOs, startups, and individual practitioners whose work has delivered measurable results and demonstrated creativity in leveraging digital platforms.
Nominations run from September 1 – 8, 2025. Shortlisted nominees will be announced during the Awards Gala on October 16, 2025, at the Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island. For entry guidelines and submission details, visit: https://forms.gle/cM2oFQTnSSqL51EC9.
Founder, Nigeria Digital PR Summit, Segun McMedal, said, “We are excited to launch this year’s call for nominations and to welcome such distinguished professionals to the Selection Panel. This panel reflects the breadth of expertise driving digital communication in Nigeria, and its stewardship will ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process.”
The seven categories in the Campaign Excellence Awards include Best Overall Digital PR Campaign, Best Brand Advocacy Campaign, Best Crisis Communication in Private Organisations, Best Crisis Communication in Government, Best Public Affairs Campaign, Youth Impact Award for Social Change, Outstanding Influencer Collaboration, and Best Use of Content Marketing.
Categories in the Sector Excellence Awards include Excellence in Public Service Digital Campaign, Digital PR Excellence in Telecom Services, Digital PR Excellence in Financial Services, and Sustainability and ESG Communication Excellence.
The Innovation and Technology Awards category include Innovative Use of Technology in PR, Best Digital Engagement with Citizens, Outstanding Digital Customer Experience, and Creative Use of Short-Form Video in PR. The Individual and Professional Excellence Awards include Emerging Digital PR Professional of the Year and Digital PR Professional of the Year.
A District Court in Finland has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Simon Ekpa, a self-declared leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, following his conviction on terrorism-related charges.
Ekpa was arrested on November 21, 2024, by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), triggering a broad inquiry into his alleged activities, including incitement of violence via social media and involvement in unrest across Nigeria’s southeastern region.
According to the court ruling, Ekpa was found guilty of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and for supporting a terrorist organization. His conduct, which spanned from August 2021 to November 2024, included the provision of weapons, explosives, and ammunition to armed groups, along with using his social media platforms to mobilize violence.
Adding to his conviction, Ekpa was found guilty of aggravated tax fraud and violations of attorneys’ regulations, further compounding the severity of the charges.
This verdict marks a significant move by Finnish and international authorities to counter separatist agitation linked to the Biafra independence movement, underscoring the criminality of inciting violence across borders.
One Nigeria: How Governor Mbah is Leading the Azikiwe Dream
Young Artists Chase Dreams at Next Afrobeats Star Lagos Auditions
Sahara Leaders Named in African Energy Chamber’s ‘20 Under 40’ Rising Stars List
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
We Do Not Accept Refugee Application Directly From People – Canadian Govt.
-
Spotlight4 days agoSahara Leaders Named in African Energy Chamber’s ‘20 Under 40’ Rising Stars List
-
Finance4 days ago
Dangote Cement Pays Over N3.3 Trillion in Dividends to Shareholders in 15 Years
-
GRLife5 days ago
A Heartfelt Farewell to My Dear Friend, Solomon Arase
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Young Artists Chase Dreams at Next Afrobeats Star Lagos Auditions
-
GROpinion3 days ago
One Nigeria: How Governor Mbah is Leading the Azikiwe Dream
-
GR Diary5 days ago
Lagos Mainland Trade Fair: Entrepreneurs gain export skills
-
Politics5 days ago
A Memo to the Nigerian Senate, Judiciary and Fellow Citizens | By Obiageli Oby Ezekwesili
-
GRTech5 days ago
Sophos Releases State of Ransomware in Education report
