The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has bestowed on the Founder of Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr. Austin Okere its Presidential award for his immense contribution towards the promotion and sustainability of Information and Communications Technology in Nigeria.
The umbrella body of all IT professionals in Nigeria added that the award is in recognition of Okere’s invaluable contribution to the Society, as well as the enhancement of professionalism in Nigeria. Presenting the award to him at the at the NCS annual conference held in Abuja recently, Mr. Iyiola Ayoola, the acting Executive Secretary of the NCS, stressed that the special Presidential Award, which was created to reward notable Individuals was given to Okere because he has created a niche for himself in the IT industry by promoting the teaching, usage, development and application of Information Technology for human capacity development and economic growth in Nigeria.
“Okere has proven to be a role model to so many youths in the country’ s ICT industry, which various statistics show is contributing close to 10 per cent to Nigeria’ s GDP. His passionate energy towards growing IT in Nigeria cannot be overlooked,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Okere expressed appreciation to the NCS for the honour of the recognition and dedicated the award to his colleagues and other stakeholders at CWG Plc.
“Today I feel very connected to the saying ‘if I stand tall, it is because I am standing on the shoulders of giants.’ It resonates very deeply when I consider the strong team that I have been blessed to work with,” he said.
The NCS’s Presidential Award adds to Okere’s robust roll of recognitions and awards. The CWG boss was named the ICT Personality of the year and a fellow by the NCS in 2014.