Season 2 NCS scholarship: Jim Ovia fulfills support, doles out N15.75m

ITREALMS:

In fulfillment of his pledge to support the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) scholarship programme, the chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Jim Ovia has doled out the sum of N15.75 million for the season 2, reports ITRealms.

Confirming this to ITRealms in Lagos, the President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and organisers of NITMA, President, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, said, again that Mr. Ovia, has funded scholarship awards this year, just like he did last year.

According to him, the scholarship would be awarded to some 35 students studying Computer and Information Technology (IT) related courses in Nigeria Universities.

“In line with his commitment at the 2015 NITMA event, he committed N15.75million to the scheme in 2016 and now again in 2017,” NCS President said.

He also said that Ovia, a former President of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) has shown dedication to the progressive of NCS and moreso, the youths who are going to be leaders in the IT industry in the near future.

Prof. Aderounmu expressed gratitude from the entire NCS membership for his kind, noble and generous heart.

“His dedication to IT education and human capital is undeniable and worthy of emulation. May God continue to keep and bless him,” he said.

Further, NCS president, revealed to ITRealms that the interest groups of society would be using the forthcoming Nigeria IT Merit Award (NITMA) scheduled at MUSON Centre, Onikan-Lagos, to also present their awards within their areas.

Just as long service awards will be given to NCS Secretariat staff who have meet the requirements and demonstrated diligence and commitment in carrying out their functions.

“IT is critical to enabling economic recovery and growth as well as achieving sustainable development. All who desire progress should work with NCS to recognize, honour and reward those that are doing great work. The society not just NCS should reward them for their impact, service and untiring efforts,” he said.

NCS, he said, must encourage those in the IT environment who are using their knowledge, creativity and resourcefulness to develop local technology solutions that are so essential to the drive for socio economic, growth, recovery and development.

“NCS calls on you to celebrate them because this is about progress and the future of our nation. The NITMA event is a strong and purposeful indication of our commitment to celebrating talent and highlighting the innovation, excellence, vision, and dedication of individuals and organizations within the IT industry and community,” Prof. Aderounmu said.

Even as he said, NCS appreciates all its members and strategic partners who have been supporting the realization of the NCS mission and vision.

“The media comes in for special mention. You are to be saluted for your interest and commitment to this most worthy cause,” NCS president said.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Pix: NCS President, Prof. Aderounmu and Mr. Jim Ovia

Season 2: Be a Millionaire with Skye Bank goes to Owerri for draws

ITRealms:

The season 2 of the Reach for the Skye Millionaire reward promo is headed to the capital of Imo State, Owerri for its upcoming draw, reports ITRealms.

Scheduled to hold on Thursday, 30^thMarch, 2017 in Owerri, Imo State, ITRealms reports that the exercise aligned with Skype Bank’s effort in encouraging savings culture and rewarding loyal customers.

ITRealms recalls that already the first millionaire, Olusola Olusegun Ezekiel, emerged at the first draw of the Season II which took place on February 16^th, 2017 in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Skye Bank's Group Head of Retail Banking, Ndubuisi Osakwe explained that to participate in the draw, customers are encouraged to open any Skye savings account and make a minimum deposit of N10,000 over a 30day period.

“If however you already own a Skye savings account, with additional deposit of N10,000 minimum, you increase your chances of becoming the next millionaire. The more you save, the better your chances of emerging a millionaire,” he said.

ITRealms also reports that up for grabs are monthly cash prizes of N100,000 for 10 customers; N50,000 for 10 customers and N20,000 for 20 loyal customers.

“There will also be free gift of recharge cards for the first 200 dormant accounts re-activated on a monthly basis,” part of a press statement to ITRealms read.

Skye bank has used the ‘Reach for the Skye Millionaire reward promo initiative to change lives, accelerate employment generation and develop indigenous entrepreneurs; while encouraging savings culture among Nigerians.

According to Skye Bank's Group Head of Retail Banking, Ndubuisi Osakwe, the reward promo was instituted by the Bank to encourage savings culture, especially amongst the mass market segment.

"As a bank, we are committed to continually satisfy the needs of our customers; as well as empower and encourage savings culture in them, through rewards like this and also provide opportunities for them to establish small businesses with limited capital provided.

“The reward focuses on retail banking that is anchored on the premise of building a long lasting relationship with our customers based on trust; as well as supporting the financial inclusion drive of the CBN meant to bring a lot more people into the financial system and the formal economy,” Osakwe said.

ITRealms recalls that ‘Reach for the Skye is a year-long promo, with series of monthly raffle draws during which more and more winners will continue to emerge.’

The promo which was endorsed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, usually have at least a representative of the Commission present during the draws in order to ensure transparency in all processes.

Ayo Midele/GEE 

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Season 2: Winners @Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Students Essay Competition receive prizes

ITRealms:

The Nigerian youth-friendly telecommunications company, Etisalat, has again affirmed its commitment to the development of the education sector and youth empowerment in the country by rewarding winners of the 2016 edition of the Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Students’ Essay Competition, reports ITRealms.

The three Season 2 winners include Odonoekuma Onyebuchi Ekuma, a fourth-year medical student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State, Henry Monday Oguns, a 500-level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Benin, Edo State and Egwe Tochukwu Christopher, a fourth year Law student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

Onyebuchi Ekuma who emerged the star-prize winner of the contest was rewarded with a laptop computer and free internet access, courtesy Etisalat Nigeria whilst Henry Oguns and Egwe Christopher who were the first and second runners up respectively went home with a tablet device and a mobile phone also by the sponsors, Etisalat Nigeria with accompanying data access.

The trio came tops in the Etisalat-sponsored essay competition with the theme, ‘Internet Governance for Development: Creating Opportunities for All Nigerians’, organised by DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA).

Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony in Lagos on Friday, Head, Environmental Compliance and Public Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Oluseyi Osunsedo, said the Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Students’ Essay Competition was one of the various platforms through which Etisalat promotes education and supports youth development in Nigeria.

“This competition is part of the annual Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development as well as the Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable. As a youth-friendly company, we at Etisalat are pleased to create and support platforms that contribute to the development of Nigeria’s education sector and the empowerment of the Nigerian youth,” she said.

Osunsedo also said that Etisalat drive is to continue to support the development of education in Nigeria.

“This collaboration with DigitalSENSE Africa is a proof of our commitment to supporting the dreams of Nigerian youths, and helping them to actualize their potentials. Etisalat will continue to provide innovative products and services, a reliable network as well as cutting edge solutions to our subscribers of which the youth are a critical segment,” she said.

Lead Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa, Remmy Nweke, thanked Etisalat for its continued sponsorship of the competition which Season 2 just concluded. He also said the competition, aims to help the youth to explore opportunities on the internet, is open to students between ages 18 and 30. 

Nweke added that a total of 171 entries received for 2016 edition were assessed based on the understanding of the topic, ability to localize it, the presentation, and strict adherence to 600-word count limit.

As part of steps for further motivate the youth to aim for higher heights, Ekuma’s winning essay will be published in ITRealms and he will participate in the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum as Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Student Ambassador.

“I have a special interest in the use of Internet and Information Technology. When I graduate, I plan to take a postgraduate course in Information Technology that relates to medical science. The essay competition is a good initiative. Etisalat and DigitalSENSE should continue to leverage it to reach more Nigerian students”, Ekuma said.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Pix: L-R: Judge, Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Students Essay Competition, Yetunde Johnson; Lead Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa, Remmy Nweke; Winner, Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Students Essay Competition, Odonoekuma Onyebuchi and Head, Environmental Compliance and Public Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Oluseyi Osunsedo at the Prize Presentation of the Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Students Essay Competition in Lagos.

Etisalat sponsored kiddies show returns for season 2

ITRealms:

The Etisalat Nigeria supported children television show series ‘Kids Say the Darndest Things’ powered by Cliqlite, has returned for season 2, reports ITRealms.

The Season 2 auditions, ITRealms gathered would hold on Saturday, 28th May 2016 at the Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos.

Head, Events & Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani, the company’s association with the show for a second season is a platform for children to express themselves and give them a voice.  This season, the focus is to encourage parents to allow their talented children to shine as stars. 

“At Etisalat are committed to reaching different segments of our customer base using relevant channels and initiatives. With Kids Say the Darndest Things, we are connecting with Nigerian children and their parents and providing a platform to see life from the eye of the Nigerian child.  The intelligence of children in this digital era is beyond what we had in the past, and as an innovative brand, we want to work together with these children and their parents to help discover their smart, witty and humorous sides as well as enable them shine. “

The maiden edition of the show was hosted by actor, producer, Disc Jockey and America's favorite sidekick on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Tony Okungbowa. Okungbowa starred in, and produced the film, "Mother of George", "Restless City" and the soon to be released, “Echo Park” which was an official selection at the Los Angeles Film fest 2014.

The television show, which has enjoyed popularity and rave reviews in various markets like Australia, Singapore, India and Italy, was launched in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2015, with the original format adapted to the Nigerian market. The theme of the show is “Let Your Little Star Shine Bright”.

Parents are required to register by sending their child’s full name and age to 39603 using their Etisalat lines.

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