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Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide, House of Representative member, representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency, who is also the Chairman House of Reps Committee on IT and Cyber Security, has expressed excitement over his recognition by the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), describing the honour as a validation of his decades-long commitment to technology and national development.
Olajide, speaking with newsmen at the National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, after being conferred with an Honorary Fellowship, said that the award reinforces his sense of belonging to a prestigious professional body that represents all areas of information technology in the country.
According to him, despite practising in the United States for decades, he had never encountered a central IT body as broad and coordinated as the NCS, noting that Nigeria has an institution it can proudly showcase to the world.
The lawmaker, who described himself as a technologist before becoming a politician, said he is eager to contribute more to the growth of technology in Nigeria and looks forward to “many more wins” for the sector.
On the growing concerns around cybersecurity, he said information has become “the next gold,” making its protection a national priority.
He explained that the House is currently working on two separate legislations—a cybercrime bill and a cybersecurity bill.
He said that while the cybercrime bill focuses on responding to offences already committed, the cybersecurity bill takes a proactive approach to safeguarding data and ensuring safe social and business interactions online.
He pointed out that the rise of artificial intelligence has introduced new challenges that require stronger cybersecurity frameworks.
He also disclosed that the Digital Economy Bill has been laid before the House and has passed public hearing. Once enacted, he said, the law will facilitate the digitalisation of all aspects of government operations and open up new job opportunities for Nigeria’s youthful population.
Expressing optimism about the future, he said he was excited to be back in Nigeria after many years abroad and to be part of the “new evolution” shaping the country’s technological advancement.
Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), in his welcome address said that the event is not just to reflect on the milestones the association have achieved but also to honour the exceptional individuals who have distinguished themselves through their remarkable contributions to the shared goals and the broader society.
“Our award night is a moment to shine a spotlight on the brilliance, creativity, innovation and hardwork that define the spirit of our association.
Tonight we celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in their respective roles, setting a new standards of excellence for us all to emulate.
As we applaud the achievement of tonight’s honourees, let us also recommit ourselves to the principles and aspirations that unite us as a community,” he said.
Shulammite Ayobami Ilebiyi, Chairman of the organizing committee – Publicity, Event, and Trade Services while speaking about the award said that the journey of NITMA began with a clear purpose to build a culture that recognizes merit, encourage innovation, and promotes professionalism in the practice of Information Technology in Nigeria.
She said over the years the awards have evolved from modest industry gathering into one of the most respected and credible honours within Nigeria’s ICT landscape.
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