Bringing together experts from government, academia, and the technology ecosystem to push forward digital transformation in the state, the event took place at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa, Ikeja.

Themed “Partnering Lagos State Government to Advance the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda through Technology, Skills, Innovation, and Inclusive Digital Growth” the Forum focused on how technology can support the state government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda.

Dr Adesina Adewale, chairman of NCSLagos, said stronger collaboration between government, professional bodies and industry is key to building a sustainable digital economy.

He listed the forum’s priority areas to include digital skills development, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, cybersecurity, growth of the startup ecosystem, and the use of technology to improve public service delivery.

Adewale said one of the key outcomes of the meeting was a joint commitment to strengthen cooperation between NCS Lagos and the Lagos State Government, particularly in areas of innovation and capacity building.

He also announced the creation of the NCS Lagos Youth Skills and Startup Development Committee, to be chaired by Prof. Chika-Yinka Banjo.

The committee will work with the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) to support youth development and startup growth.

(Mrs.) Ibilola Kasunmu, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Engr. said the state plans to establish a Science Experience Centre where young students can gain early exposure to emerging technologies.

She explained that the centre will run structured programmes covering areas such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, giving students hands-on experience.

She stressed the importance of introducing technology education early, noting that the future workforce must be prepared from a young age.

Kasunmu also called for a review of how Computer Science is taught, suggesting it should be broken into specialised areas like AI, robotics and cybersecurity to better equip students with practical skills.

She added that the ministry will continue to support innovation by encouraging and funding startups in tertiary institutions, including the University of Lagos.

During a panel session, Director of ICT at the Ministry of Finance, Mrs Oluwabunmi Onafowokan, said broadband access, digital inclusion and accessibility must be prioritised in any IT framework to ensure balanced growth.

Also speaking, Mr Lateef Alani, LASRIC’s lead coordinator and head of e-Government/PMO Unit, highlighted the council’s role in funding startups and helping technology-driven businesses scale within Lagos.

In her remarks, Prof. Chika-Yinka Banjo pointed to ongoing work in artificial intelligence and robotics at the University of Lagos as a sign of Nigeria’s growing capacity in advanced technologies.

Meanwhile, Mr Jide Awe, the managing director of Jidaw Systems Limited, said improving digital systems goes beyond functionality, stressing the need for efficiency, proper optimisation and stakeholder engagement.

NCS Lagos said it will continue to provide leadership in technology development and support the state government’s drive to build a competitive digital economy.

The Nigeria Computer Society Lagos Chapter (NCS Lagos) is a professional body for computing and IT practitioners in Lagos, focused on promoting capacity development, innovation and industry standards.

The Nigeria Computer Society Lagos Chapter (NCSLAGOS) is the premier professional body for computing and information technology practitioners in Lagos State, dedicated to promoting excellence, capacity development, and innovation within the technology ecosystem.

The Stakeholders Forum is themed:

“Partnering Lagos State Government to Advance the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda through Technology, Skills, Innovation, and Inclusive Digital Growth”.

The Forum will convene policymakers, technology professionals, academia, innovation hubs, startups, and industry leaders to deepen structured collaboration in support of Lagos State’s development priorities under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

As part of the engagement, a high-level panel session will address the sub-theme:

“Bridging Government and Tech Professionals: Driving Inclusive Innovation for a Unified Digital Lagos.”

Speaking ahead of the Forum, Dr. ADESINA Adewale, the chairman of NCSLAGOS, noted that the initiative reflects the Society’s commitment to aligning professional expertise with government priorities.

“Technology is a critical enabler of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda. This Forum provides a structured platform for government and the professional technology community to collaboratively design practical pathways for sustainable digital transformation and inclusive growth,” he stated.

Discussions at the Forum will focus on:

• Strengthening institutional collaboration between government and tech professionals
• Integrating smart city initiatives into a cohesive digital ecosystem
• Enhancing indigenous ICT participation in public sector projects
• Expanding broadband access and digital inclusion
• Building digital competencies across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies
• Strengthening cybersecurity, data governance, and public trust
• Strengthening youth engagement in technology and entrepreneurship

Dr. Adesina Adewale, emphasized that the Forum is designed as a solution-oriented engagement aimed at generating measurable outcomes and structured follow-through.

A communiqué outlining key resolutions and next steps will be issued at the conclusion of the Forum.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, 5th March 2026
• Time: 10am
• Venue: Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference Room Secretariat Alausa Ikeja Lagos

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Adewale expressed deep gratitude to members, past leaders, and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as a collective victory for the Lagos technology community.

“This moment is not about me, it is about all of us,” he said. “It is about the collective strength of a community that believes in innovation, professionalism, and service.”

He paid special tribute to past chairmen of the Chapter, particularly the immediate past Chairman, Mr. Olakunle Oladipupo, for laying a strong foundation of growth.

Dr. Adewale also commended the electoral committee for ensuring a transparent and credible election, describing the Lagos Chapter as “a model of digital democracy and professional integrity.”

Dr. Adewale, who will lead the Chapter alongside newly elected EXCO members, called for unity and collaboration, urging his team to “harmonize ideas and elevate the Chapter beyond every previous benchmark.”

A Bold Agenda for NCS Lagos

Unveiling his vision, Dr. Adewale outlined a strategic agenda aimed at transforming NCS Lagos into the most innovative, vibrant, and ethically grounded technology community in Nigeria.

His priorities include:

1. Youth Empowerment & Talent Acceleration

The Chairman emphasized the importance of grooming the next generation of technology leaders by creating structured pathways for NACOS members, young professionals, and budding innovators.

2. Digital Capacity Building

The Chapter will increase its focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Web3, and Data Governance, positioning Lagos as a digital competence hub.

3. Database & Secretariat Modernization

Dr. Adewale promised a complete overhaul of membership records and communication systems to make them transparent, streamlined, and fully digitized.

4. Stronger Industry Collaboration

NCS Lagos will deepen partnerships with government agencies, private sector players, and academic institutions to create more opportunities for professionals and contribute to the growth of Lagos State’s digital economy.

5. Professional Ethics & Good Governance

He pledged to uphold the highest ethical standards, stressing that accountability and integrity must remain foundational to the Society’s leadership.

“A New Era for Digital Lagos”

Declaring the start of “a new era,” Dr. Adewale said the Chapter would move from ideas to visible impact, ensuring members are active participants in shaping the future of the tech profession.

“A Greater NCS Lagos is here,” he declared. “Together, we will expand the bridge, reinforce the bridge, and walk boldly into the future of digital Lagos.”

He concluded with a reaffirmation of service, humility, and commitment, adding: “Eko ò ní bàjé! God bless NCS Lagos.”