By Emeka Aginam

While endorsing the National Software Conference and Competition organized by the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), in partnership with the Government of Cross River State, the United Nations has plugged the the low hanging technology fruits in the Nigerian national software development Initiatives.

The capacity building event with the theme “Software Strategies for Retooling the Workforce” and enrich our national software engineering framework is sponsored by Mainone, NEXIM Bank, NITDA, NCC, ZINOX, 21st Century Limited, among others.

Speaking to IT Journalists at the weekend to unfold plans for the conference, the President of ISPON, Chris Uwaje said that Prof. Emeritus Tapio Varis from the United Nation who will lead speakers at the event will speak on “Technology, Culture and Learning in the Age of Disruption and Creativity”

The participation of UN/UNESCO in the conference, according to ISPON President has clearly shown that Nigerian software can compete in the international market.

According to Uwaje, software is undoubtedly acknowledged as the backbone for 21st century national development and wealth creation as well as for national peace, security and global competitiveness.

He said that software is the key to responding to the complex challenges and sustainable development and national survivability in the emerging Information Society.

The significance of this conference, he added is better understood within the context of Nigeria’s continental and global position, her ICT achievement and global e-readiness status.

“It is hoped that by exposing the issues, establishing the strategic relevance of the sub-sector in meeting the challenge of national growth and prosperity; and providing a continuous platform for interaction and articulation of industry’s needs amongst a diverse target audience, a specific momentum can be built to create an enabling environment for the growth of Software Nigeria. ISPON has, without any fear of contradiction, raised the bar of the Software Development in Nigeria.