The Nigerian Information Technology ecosystem converged at the Muson Centre’s Agip Hall on Thursday to celebrate a rare double milestone: the 79th birthday of industry veteran Mr. Samuel Babatunde Amamchukwu (SBA) Ezichi, and the public presentation of his landmark twin volumes, “Here ‘IT’ Is: A History of Information Technology in Nigeria (1960–2020).”
Speaking at the unveiling, a representative of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) noted, “The Board is proud to identify with this project, and we will be ensuring this record finds its way into the right strategic hands and our library.”
A Repository of National Intelligence
The distinguished presenter and Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, officially unveiled the books, describing the work as an essential “repository of national intelligence.” This sentiment was echoed by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, who noted that the publication strengthens the institutional memory required for future innovators.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the author’s biography by Dr. Chris Nwannenna, a past President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS). Dr. Nwannenna provided an intimate and technical account of Mr. Ezichi’s journey from his formative years as a young physicist to becoming a global systems engineering leader with IBM.
Six Decades of Service Recognized
The author, Mr. SBA Ezichi, a former Country Systems Engineering Manager for IBM Nigeria and the inaugural President and Chairman-in-Council of the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN), was formally recognized from the podium for his six decades of service to the profession and the nation.
Organizers acknowledged NIRA as a pivotal stakeholder in the ecosystem, noting that the Board’s support would facilitate the distribution of these volumes to key research and digital archival centers across the federation.
A Gathering of Industry Titans
The high-powered event featured a keynote address by the Very Reverend Prof. Koyin Ajayi, SAN, and was attended by a significant delegation from the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), even as the book was reviewed by Dr. Akinyele Okeremi.
Tributes were paid by General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.), who described the author as a “bridge-builder” for the nation. The gathering also featured major industry voices including Chief Chris Uwaje, popularly known as the “Oracle” of the Nigerian IT industry; Prof. Charles Uwadia, past President of CPN; and Chief Don Etiebet, a former Petroleum Minister.
Other notable figures in attendance included Ademola Aladekomo of Chams Group; John Abaro of SystemSpecs Ltd; and former Minister of Communications, Mr. Frank Nweke, Jnr.
A Family Affair
The celebration was graced by the author’s wife of over 50 years, Mrs. Loretta Ezichi, and their children, underscoring the family support that has underpinned his long and distinguished career.
The event concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting and a special musical tribute of “My Way,” honoring a man whose career transitioned from “classroom chalk to boardroom strategy.”
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