Director General NITDA  Bags Forbes CEO Award

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA Kashifu Inuwa has won the 2022 ‘Foreign Investment Network, FIN-Forbes Outstanding Corporate Governance CEO’.

Inuwa was announced as the winner at a virtual award ceremony over the weekend, organised by the Forbes magazine in conjunction with the Foreign Investment Network.

The annual event sets out to recognise distinguished Africans of their outstanding performances and track records in governance and businesses which have made far reaching impacts in the lives of Africans and the world at large.

Reading the citation, a Global AI Strategist and Innovator, Dalith Steiger described Inuwa as a versatile IT professional, strategist and transformation manager with experience spanning 16 years in private and public sectors.

“A graduate of Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Inuwa  is a thoroughbred IT professional and the first Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) in Nigeria’s public sector.

“He is also a Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT Sloan – trained strategist and has participated in various Leadership and Management courses in Harvard University, Cambridge University, and IMD Business School, Switzerland, among others.

“Following professional stints at Galaxy Backbone Limited, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and sterling performance as the Technical Assistant to the then DG, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Inuwa  as DG of NITDA in August 2019”, Steiger added.

While appreciating FIN and Forbes for the recognition, Inuwa noted that NITDA has worked tirelessly to adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance.

“We have implemented robust processes and systems to ensure that our operations are transparent, accountable, and in line with our mission and core values”, he emphasised.

The NITDA Boss said  that he has always believed that good corporate governance was essential to the success and sustainability of any organisation which he says helps to create transparency and accountability culture that fosters trust and confidence among stakeholders.

Corporate Governance

Inuwa maintained that NITDA was working tirelessly to ensure adherence to the highest standards of corporate governance which has led to the implementation of robust processes and systems that ensures transparent operations and accountability which are in alignment with the mission and core values of the Agency.

While acknowledging the contributions of his colleagues at NITDA for their hard work and dedication to the mission of the Agency, he noted that without their support and commitments “we will not be able to achieve the level of success that we have achieved.”

Inuwa equally commended the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami for his guidance, mentorship and unwavering support he is getting from him.

He promised to continue striving to maintain the highest standard of corporate governance because “it is an honour to be recognised by such a reputable and respected organisation for doing so.”

In his welcome remark, Mark Furlong, the President of Forbes Best of Africa Custom stated that the Award which began 15 years ago is to recognise and showcase the successful businesses and economies that exist in Africa continent.

He said, “It has been my personal mission to bring the success, growth and opportunity of modern African author to many United States’ executive investors and Chief Executive Officer. Our message of Africa’s success is the truth and we believe that the stories would be well told by African change agents who work tirelessly to ensure better future for the continent.”

Confidence Okwuchi