Date: 2023-09-29

The Kwara State Chapter of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology (BIT) on Tuesday, with the aim of fostering collaboration and discussing critical initiatives in the tech sector. Led by Engr. Taofik Abdulkareem, the Chairman of the Kwara State Chapter, the NCS delegation met with the recently appointed Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Mrs. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun.

During the courtesy visit, Engr. Abdulkareem outlined the core mission of the Nigeria Computer Society, which revolves around advancing and promoting education and practice in computing and information technology for the benefit of all. He also highlighted several notable activities and initiatives carried out by the Kwara Chapter, including the Information Technology Whizkids Competition for secondary school students, participation in NITDA's stakeholders' engagement, and active involvement in the last National Conference in Bauchi State. Additionally, Engr. Abdulkareem mentioned a proposed Hackathon for tertiary institutions' students in Kwara State and other related projects.

The Chairman of the Kwara Chapter, Engr. Abdulkareem, presented a series of suggestions to the Kwara State Government and the Ministry of BIT aimed at bolstering digital literacy, supporting tech startups, and improving the overall information technology infrastructure in the state. These recommendations included the establishment of Directorates for Innovation, Startups, and Technology within the Ministry of BIT, the domestication of The Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), the creation of an ICT Development Agency in Kwara, and a call for tailored policies for startups, distinct from those designed for SMEs. Engr. Abdulkareem also proposed lobbying for the establishment of NITDA's North-Central Zonal office in Kwara State.

Expressing enthusiasm for collaboration, Engr. Abdulkareem, who is also the CEO of Plat Technologies Limited, conveyed NCS Kwara's readiness to work alongside the Ministry of BIT to promote digital inclusion, foster innovation hubs, and create an environment conducive to technology-driven businesses.

In response, Mrs. Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, expressed her appreciation for the courtesy visit by the Nigeria Computer Society, Kwara State Chapter. She underscored the vital role of technology in business growth and affirmed the commitment of Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman-led government to support the tech sector in Kwara State. The Commissioner stated her Ministry's preparedness to collaborate and partner with NCS to further enhance the technology ecosystem in Kwara State.

The NCS delegation consisted of notable members, including Dr. James K. Ayeni (Secretary), Mr. Ahmed Abiodun Taofik (Kwara PRO and HOD Computer Science Department at Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies), Mrs. Obisesan (Financial Secretary and HOD Computer Science at Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin), Dr. Falilat Ajao (Treasurer and lecturer in the Computer Science Department at Kwara State University, Malete), Mr. Bolakale Zakariyah (Director at COMSIT, Unilorin, and Chapter Ex officio), Dr. Ishaq Mope Rafiu (Director ICT KWASU), Mr. Habeeb Amao (Director E-Learning, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin), Mrs. Hassanat Bello (Director, Center for Digital Economy, Kwara State University, Malete), and Hajia Sefinat Thanni (Director, DCIT, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin).

Representing the Ministry of BIT were the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mary Adeosun, the Director PFS, Mr. Tunde Thomas Amos, and the PRO, Mrs. Taibat Baba Adam.

The courtesy call concluded with the presentation of gifts from the Nigeria Computer Society to the Honourable Commissioner and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.