By Stellamaris Ashinze

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) on Monday said that the governor of Edo state Godwin Obaseki and Uba Sani of Kaduna have been nominated for the National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA)

The president of NCS, Dr. Muhammad Aliyu , who made the disclosure at the Pre NITMA Press briefing in Lagos said the award which was not limited to the digital governor of the year was also aimed at celebrating and honoring excellence.

Aliyu said that NCS annually recognises, rewards outstanding excellence, contributions of individuals, state governments and institutions in the acceleration of Informations Technology development .

He added that they also recognise accelerated contributions in Information Technology development in Nigeria and the diaspora through a unique national platform NITMA.

According to him, before the approval of nominees for the governors, inspection and investigation were carried out on the nominated states.

“This is done because NCS Is the acknowledged professional authority advocating the development of an inclusive, globally competitive, prosperous, and knowledge-based Nigeria.

"With the Digital Governor of the year award, NCS wishes to recognise outstanding governors that are making enormous investments in Information Technology.

‘’Many nominations were received for this category, after review by the screening committee following some laid down guidelines, the following governors were selected to compete for the award.

‘’The Executive governor of Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki, also the executive governor of Kaduna state, Uba Sani’’, he said.

According to the him, NCS as an objective Society allows the selection process to be IT driven by opinion poll through online voting.

The president said that Planning Committee would only collate polls and put forth the order of scores and announce the winners in each category.

Aliyu said that NITMA would also witness the conferment of the most prestigious Professional Fellowship on deserving members of NCS who are recognized as authorities and have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the growth of Information Technology.

He said that Honorary Fellowship would also be conferred on some individuals who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary service and commitment to IT growth in Nigeria.

The president while reacting to questions acknowledged the contribution of the state chapters in the growth of NCS saying the national body will be nothing without a strong synergy with the state.

Also , the Deputy President, Dr Charles Onyeukwu called for active participation of members through registration for the ceremony coming in on Nov. 23.

He said such registration would enable adequate planning.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the other category of awards include IT Personality of the Year Award, IT Gold Merit Award of the year, IT Company of the year award, Technology Innovation Bank award of the Year among others