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Raheem Akingbolu

Member representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, popularly known as OdidiOmo has been conferred with the prestigious Professional Fellowship of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) at the 2025 National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) held in Lagos.

The lawmaker, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, received the honour in recognition of his long-standing contributions to technology development, digital innovation, and legislative leadership in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Hon. Olajide expressed deep gratitude and described the honour as both humbling and fulfilling.

“First of all, let me say thank you to the Nigerian Computer Society. I have a passion for technology, that’s all I’ve done all my life. I’m proud to say I’m a technologist before I became a politician,” he said.

Reflecting on his decades-long career in the United States before returning to Nigeria to serve in public office, he noted that the NCS remains one of the few truly unified professional technology bodies in the world.

“Funny enough, I practiced in the United States for decades, and there’s no central body like this. Nigeria actually has a body we can showcase to the world — one that encompasses all areas of information technology. So I’m super excited to be part of this body and contribute to growing technology in Nigeria,” OdidiOmo added.

As Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Hon. Olajide highlighted the urgent need to modernise Nigeria’s approach to digital protection in an era where data has become the world’s most valuable resource.

“Cybersecurity is one major issue we must pay attention to. Whether we like it or not, the next gold is information,” he said.

According to him, the House is already working on two critical pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening the nation’s digital framework; the Cybercrime Bill, a reactive law dealing with crimes that have already been committed; and the Cybersecurity Bill, a proactive law focused on prevention, protection, and safeguarding citizens, businesses, and government institutions online.

“The cybersecurity bill is about how we protect data and how people interact socially and in business online. Doing business on the internet comes with major challenges, and our job is to provide the right framework,” he explained.

Hon. Olajide emphasised that once these laws are finalised and passed, they will pave the way for a fully digitalised Nigerian government, enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

“Once this bill is passed, it means all aspects of Nigeria will be digitalised. Government will be digitalised,” he assured.

In his remarks, the President of the NCS, Dr. Mohammed Sirajo Aliyu, said they gathered not only to honour exceptional individuals but also to celebrate those who have made remarkable contributions to the association’s shared goals and to society at large.

“Our award night is a moment to shine a spotlight on the brilliance, creativity, innovation, and hard work that define the spirit of our association. Tonight, we celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in their respective roles, setting new standards of excellence for us all to emulate,” he explained.