On Thursday, 1st February 2018, the Internet Society (ISOC), Nigeria Chapter, hosted a special event tagged “Shaping Tomorrow” at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Main Auditorium, Maitama, Abuja. The event was to reintroduce the society, inaugurate its new Executive Council and unveil the 2018 Plan of Action of the local chapter.
The ISOC elections, which held in the last quarter of 2017, had Mr. Adewole Ajao, emerge as the President and Mr. Iniobong Eka emerge as the Vice President. ISOC Nigeria advocates that all should get involved in the choice of the “pathways that lead to our digital future”.
ISOC Nigeria Chapter acknowledges that the Internet tends to transform lives within a short span of time and also cautions on the negative aspects of “fake news”, “human rights and privacy concerns”, “misinformation”, “cyberwarfare”, “denial of service attacks”, etc.
I participated in the program and was quite pleased with the proceedings and the outlined plans of the organization. I highly recommend the involvement of all in the Internet Society.
On Monday, the 5th February 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari, signed the Executive Order to improve local content in Science, Engineering and Technology procurement.
The Executive Order should promote the application of science, technology and innovation towards achieving the nation’s development goals across all sectors of the economy. All procurement authorities are expected to give preference to Nigerian firms and companies in the award of contracts, in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007. Of course where the local expertise is lacking, we can bridge the gap by bringing in the expertise and plan for the knowledge transfer to Nigerians. You can read the official press release from the State House at: https://statehouse.gov.ng/news/press-release-president-buhari-signs-executive-order-to-improve-local-content-in-science-engineering-and-technology-procurement/ You can also read the Executive order at:
http://statehouse.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/PRESIDENTIAL-EXECUTIVE-ORDER-5.compressed.pdf
I am convinced that Nigeria is on the right path to determining and managing its future in the digital realm. Nigeria is filled with intelligent and productive people. We cannot continue to depend on imported software and products. We must give more Nigerians the needed opportunities to excel and bring forth their creativity and innovativeness.
Lastly, We are at the verge of conducting the first public Online Auction of .ng Domain Names. Five premium .ng domain names would be up for auction within the next few weeks. Interested parties are expected to work closely with their preferred Accredited Registrar. More details will be given in the course of time. We enjoin all to participate actively in the auction process.
I remain at your service.
Rev’d Sunday Folayan
President, NIRA Executive Board