Information Technology (IT) experts have stressed the need for improved handshake among stakeholders to drive the nation’s smart economy forward.
They spoke at the recent Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference 2024, themed “Technological Innovation for a Smart Economy,” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, emphasizing that government should engage professionals on IT related projects to curb the level of project failures in the systems.
Dr. Aliyu Sirajo, president of NCS, welcomed attendees and encouraged participants to seek new insights and connections to foster a smarter economy.
Prof. Mike Hinchey, Director of IEEE Region 8; Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and other notable speakers discussed “Innovations in Software for Smart Economy.”
Earlier in her opening remarks, Professor Adebukola Onashoga, chairman of Conferences, NCS, emphasized the theme as a call to action and expressed gratitude to all partners, executive members, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
The conference was a success, with 1092 new members, 53 corporate bodies inducted into the NCS, including Michael Edafe, who won the Prof. Stella C. Chiemeke’s Prize for Best Research in Doctoral Consortium.
The conference also featured a cybersecurity awareness session, which included an online quiz and rewards for participants.
The conference emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders and intentional strategy development to ensure sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Heloisa Candello, Manager of the IBM Responsible Tech Group, discussed “Artificial Intelligence, Responsibility, and Social Impacts: A Human-Centered Approach to Conversational User Interfaces.”
Mr. Odutola Oluwatoyin, Relationship Manager at NIBSS, presented on “Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities in the FinTech Ecosystem.”
Prof. Victor Ekong discussed: “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Financial Services,” identifying key drivers such as smartphone adoption and the acceleration of online transactions due to COVID-19.
Chief Babajide Apata, CTO/Co-founder of Gird Finance, presented on “Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Transforming National Financial Systems.”
The conference featured a doctoral consortium where four doctoral candidates, including Peter Godfrey Obike and Adeola Kolawole, presented their research, receiving valuable feedback from both academic and industry perspectives.
The conference also featured a Business, Youth, and Entrepreneurship Session sponsored by Oracle Corporation.
Simeon Oyebola, Adaranijo Adedoyin, and Solomon Yateghtegh shared insights on empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Mr. Olunide Coker from NIRA stressed the need for adoption of .ng domain name identity.
The conference was formally closed with a conference dinner hosted by Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State Governor, setting the stage for future advancements in Nigeria’s digital economy and the need to eliminate quackery in the IT professions, while Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, chairman, Senate Committee on ICT & Cybercrime, charged the state government and other stakeholders to driving the economy with technology and equally provision of hubs within the states.
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