CGN Congratulates Minister Bosun Tijani on His Election as ITU Council Vice Chair

 

CGN CONGRATULATES MINISTER BOSUN TIJANI ON HIS ELECTION AS ITU COUNCIL VICE CHAIR

 

The Computer Guild of Nigeria (CGN Technologies) has congratulated the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, on his historic election as Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for the year 2025. The election, which took place during the Council’s session held recently in Geneva, Switzerland, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital diplomacy and international engagement in global telecommunications governance.

This congratulatory message was contained in a press statement issued by the President of CGN, Wole Adedoyin, on Monday in Ibadan. According to him, Dr. Tijani’s appointment is a well-deserved recognition of his visionary leadership, tireless commitment to technological development, and his proactive engagement with the international digital community.

Dr. Tijani’s election came after a vote of confidence by ITU Member States and was widely welcomed across global ICT stakeholders. His elevation to this prestigious position comes at a crucial moment when collaborative international action is needed to address pressing challenges such as cyber security, equitable digital access, and the development of emerging technologies.

Wole Adedoyin described Dr. Tijani as a forward-thinking leader whose expertise and progressive initiatives have already begun to transform Nigeria’s digital economy. “With this appointment,” Adedoyin stated, “Nigeria is not just participating but shaping the global ICT agenda.”

The CGN President also noted that Dr. Tijani’s international credibility, coupled with his inclusive and innovation-driven policies back home, made him a natural choice for the role. “He is not only representing Nigeria but the collective aspirations of developing nations striving to close the digital divide,” Adedoyin added.

The Computer Guild of Nigeria expressed confidence that Dr. Tijani would use his new position to champion inclusive digital growth, promote international cooperation on innovation, and secure favorable policies that benefit African and global ICT ecosystems.

CGN urged other stakeholders in Nigeria’s tech space to rally behind the Honourable Minister as he embarks on this critical global assignment. The Guild emphasized that Dr. Tijani’s success would translate into expanded opportunities for local innovators, startups, and tech-driven enterprises in the country.

This election also reaffirms Nigeria’s growing reputation as a continental ICT powerhouse, as well as the nation’s capability to contribute meaningfully to global conversations on digital infrastructure, data governance, and innovation policy.

The Computer Guild of Nigeria concluded by reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Honourable Minister and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy in their efforts to build a smarter, more connected, and digitally inclusive Nigeria.

 

CGN Rejects Remita Suspension, Demands Reinstatement

 

CGN REJECTS REMITA SUSPENSION, DEMANDS REINSTATEMENT

 

The Computer Guild of Nigeria (CGN) has strongly condemned the recent suspension of Remita, an indigenous payment solution, from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Government (FG). This was contained in a press release issued by the President of the Guild, Wole Adedoyin, who described the decision as a setback for Nigeria’s financial technology sector and a discouragement to indigenous innovation.

According to the statement, the suspension of Remita raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to promoting local technology solutions and reducing dependence on foreign financial systems. CGN emphasized that Remita has played a critical role in ensuring the seamless operation of the TSA, improving financial transparency, and blocking revenue leakages in public finance management.

The Guild noted that Remita, developed by a Nigerian company, has proven to be a reliable and efficient platform for electronic payment processing, facilitating billions of naira in government transactions. Its suspension, therefore, could disrupt financial operations and undermine the progress made in digital payment systems within the public sector.

Wole Adedoyin urged the Federal Government to reconsider its decision and provide clear justifications for the suspension. He further called for a transparent review process to determine any possible concerns with the system rather than outrightly sidelining a homegrown technological solution that has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s financial sector.

The statement further criticized the government’s inconsistent policies on technology adoption, arguing that the lack of support for indigenous solutions weakens Nigeria’s digital economy. CGN warned that such actions might discourage future investments in the local tech industry, thereby stifling innovation and economic growth.

Additionally, the Guild expressed worries that this suspension might pave the way for foreign payment solutions to dominate the financial system, leading to capital flight and increased dependence on external providers. CGN stressed that indigenous technological platforms should be strengthened rather than being arbitrarily suspended or abandoned.

CGN also called on the National Assembly and relevant regulatory agencies to intervene and ensure that due process is followed in decisions affecting critical financial technology services. The Guild reiterated the need for a policy framework that protects and promotes indigenous technology solutions while maintaining high standards of accountability and efficiency.

While acknowledging the government’s right to regulate financial transactions, CGN emphasized that any policy changes affecting essential financial services should be based on clear, transparent, and fair assessments. The Guild maintained that Nigeria must prioritize local content development in the technology sector to achieve sustainable economic progress.

 

Computer Guild of Nigeria Greets Prof. Nike Osofisan at 75

 

COMPUTER GUILD OF NIGERIA GREETS PROF. NIKE OSOFISAN AT 75

 

The Computer Guild of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Mrs. Nike Osofisan, the first Nigerian woman to hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science, as she celebrates her 75th birthday.

The Guild commended her groundbreaking contributions to the field of Computer Science and lauded her trailblazing achievements, which have inspired countless women in technology and academia.

This special congratulatory message was conveyed through a press statement issued by the President of the Computer Guild of Nigeria in Ibadan on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, which coincides with Prof. Osofisan’s milestone birthday. The Guild acknowledged her remarkable legacy and pioneering role as a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of Computer Science.

Professor Adenike Osofisan, born on March 11, 1950, is widely recognized for her pioneering work in data mining and knowledge management. In 1989, she made history as the first Nigerian woman to obtain a Ph.D. in Computer Science, a feat that opened doors for many young women to follow in her footsteps. Over the years, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing technology in Nigeria and beyond.

In 2006, Prof. Osofisan reached another historic milestone when she became a full professor at the University of Ibadan. Her promotion made her the first African woman to hold such a position in the field of Computer Science, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer and a role model for generations of women in academia and technology.

Throughout her illustrious career, Prof. Osofisan has been recognized with numerous fellowships and honors, including from the Nigeria Institute of Management (1997), the Computer Association of Nigeria (1998), and the Nigeria Computer Society (2014, life member). Her leadership extends beyond academia, as she served as the pioneer president of Nigeria Women in Information Technology (2003) and made history again by becoming the first female president and chairman of the governing council of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria from 2005 to 2009.

In addition to her many professional accolades, Prof. Osofisan was inducted into the prestigious Nigeria Women Hall of Fame on June 10, 2019, in recognition of her immense contributions to technology, academia, and the empowerment of women in Nigeria.

The Computer Guild of Nigeria joined the nation in celebrating her exceptional achievements and contributions to the advancement of Computer Science in Africa.

As the Guild celebrates Prof. Osofisan’s 75th birthday, they expressed their deepest gratitude for her pioneering work, which has left an indelible mark on the academic and professional landscape of Computer Science. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scholars, particularly women, to break barriers and excel in the world of technology.

 

Computer Guild of Nigeria Mourns Gbolahan Awonuga, President of ICTLOCA

 

COMPUTER GUILD OF NIGERIA MOURNS GBOLAHAN AWONUGA, PRESIDENT OF ICTLOCA

 

The Computer Guild of Nigeria (CGN) has expressed profound sorrow over the untimely death of Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, the President of the Association for Information and Communication Technology on Local Content (ICTLOCA) and the Executive Secretary of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). His demise, which occurred recently, has sent shockwaves through the technology and telecommunications sectors, leaving a significant void.

The Guild’s condolence message was conveyed in a press statement issued by its President, Wole Adedoyin, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Mr. Awonuga was a tireless advocate for the growth and development of the ICT and telecommunications industries in Nigeria. He dedicated much of his career to advancing local content in these sectors. As the President of ICTLOCA, he worked relentlessly to promote the inclusion of indigenous solutions, creating a platform for local businesses to thrive in the global technology ecosystem. His commitment to empowering local talent and pushing for policies that supported the growth of homegrown technologies was unparalleled.

In his role at ALTON, Awonuga played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between regulatory bodies, operators, and stakeholders in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. His leadership facilitated constructive discussions that led to the growth and expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across Nigeria. Under his stewardship, both ALTON and ICTLOCA made significant advancements in advocating for policies that were progressive and in the best interests of the Nigerian people.

Members of the Computer Guild of Nigeria, along with professionals from various technology sectors, have paid heartfelt tributes to Awonuga, remembering him not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his unwavering dedication to the betterment of the country’s ICT landscape. He was regarded as a mentor to many, always ready to share knowledge and offer guidance to the younger generation of ICT professionals. His wisdom and leadership will undoubtedly be missed.

The CGN extended its condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of the late Gbolahan Awonuga. His death is considered not just a loss to his immediate family but to the broader Nigerian technology and telecom communities, which benefited greatly from his work and vision. His contributions will forever remain a part of the legacy he leaves behind.

As the nation comes to terms with this tragic loss, the CGN stands in solidarity with the Association for Information and Communication Technology on Local Content (ICTLOCA), ALTON, and all other organizations that were privileged to work with Awonuga. The CGN calls on all members of the ICT and telecommunications sectors to honor his legacy by continuing his work in advocating for innovation, local content development, and the advancement of the sector.

The Computer Guild of Nigeria will forever remember Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga as a true pioneer whose passion for Nigeria’s ICT and telecom industries was only rivaled by his dedication to community service. May his soul rest in peace.