Adopt healthy eating and exercise to tackle sedentary lifestyle- Abdul Rahim charges IT Professionals, others

Techies hangout 1.0  was a gathering of the Crème de la Crème in ICT and other fields as the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) recently had a hangout at Ibadan. The program brought together dignitaries  from different reputable public and private Universities and other Institutions in the State and Nigeria in general.

Dignitaries at the monumental event included the first lady Professor of Computer Science in Africa and Immediate Past Provost NCS College of Fellows, Prof. Adenike Osofisan and TPL Adedayo A. Ayorinde, the Permanent Secretary,( General Administration), Oyo State who was the Chairman of the august event.

The Guest Speaker, Dr (Mrs.) Abdur Rahim Z.F, a Cosultant Obstertrician and Gynaecologist at  Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital emphasized the importance of healthy living to national growth and development stressing that IT professionals must take personal responsibilities for their health and be intentional in living a healthy life despite their sedentary way of life.

According to Abdul Rahim, the topic ‘“Healthy Living: Hacks and Sedentary Lifestyle of IT Professionals” is apt as there are many avoidable disease conditions that are linked with sedentary lifestyle. In her words : ”Healthy eating is a crucial ingredient in maintaining your wellness and staying healthy. Both the types of food we eat, and the amounts of food we eat are important when it comes to health”

Speaking further, Abdul Rahim charged the IT professionals to be intentonal in ensuring healthy diet ”healthy diet helps to protect against malnutrition in all its forms, as well as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.” she emphasised.

The maiden edition of Techies’ Hangout v 1.0 has been described as being very successful as it brought IT professionals together in a relaxed environment to socialize, network and exchange notes. This is bearing in mind that  ICT Experts are very busy people who can work 24/7 round the clock and they rarely have time for social lives because their offices are not limited to any physical structure of buildings.

In  his opening speech, TPL Adedayo Ayorinde who was the Chairman of the occasion appreciated Oyo State chapter of NCS for the initiative and welcomed the IT Professionals to the seat of Power of the State. He alluded to the fact that NCS’ aim and objectives is to advance and promote Computing /Information Technology Education and practice for the benefit of various Stakeholders.

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Ayorinde asserted that the Oyo State Government as a major stakeholder has benefitted immensely from ICT. In his words, : Our achievements as a state would not have been possible without ICT. We have recorded giant strides  such as: using digital technology to revolutionize the State Internally Generated System, effective tax  administration, payment of Salaries and pensions improvement and efficient service delivery by a great percentage such as : C of O Registration, Oyo State Web Portal, Oyo State job portal, Telemedicine application and the ongoing resident registration program.’’

Speaking further, Ayorinde affirmed that Oyo State won the best state in ICT Infrastructure Development because the present Administration in the State has deployed ICT to her benefits.

In her remarks, Prof Osofisan who was recently appointed as the Professor Extraordinarius from UNISA, South Africa, applauded the organizers of the program and encouraged members to use IT resources for their benefits while engaging in physical exercises.

The National President, Prof. Adesina Sodiya  charged the members in the state to start preparing for the Annual National Conference coming up in Bauchi from 7^th-10^th August this year. He advised the state chapter to be more visible in their state activities and scale up from just being a full member to fellows of NCS while emphasizing the need to increase the membership strength.

The South/ West Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Bukola Onashoga appealed to the State Government to work closely with NCS Oyo State Chapter to drive the benefits of information technology. According to Onashoga, : ‘people must be equipped through training and reskilling to make use of the tools and take advantage of it for entrepreneurship, employment and e-inclusion’’.

The NCS State Chairman, Dr. Christopher Oyeleye appreciated all members who contributed to the success of the program especially the planning committee led by Mr. Babatunde Bamgbade.

Bamgbade had earlier on commended the efforts of IT Experts who made it possible for people to interact during the global total lockdown of the Covid-19 Epidemic, such as having Virtual Conferences, lectures, examinations, meetings and so on.

Other highlights of the program included drinking and dancing competition.

Techies 1.0 ended with a resolution to make it a yearly program starting from late 2023.