The Founder, Computer Warehouse Group (CWG Plc), Mr. Austin Okere, has been inducted as an honorary fellow of the Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa in the maiden induction and investiture ceremony of the institute, held in Lagos.
The IIM-Africa Honorary Fellow membership is the most prestigious award that the institute confers on individuals in recognition of their accomplishments and their contribution to the growth of the nation. Okere’s nomination was very well received across the industry, as he has contributed exceptionally in Information Technology and entrepreneurial development in Africa.
The event also featured the induction of practitioners in Information Management as new members of the institute. The event was underscored by a presentation by Professor Alegbeleye Oluwabunmi, titled “The Dawn of a New Era in Information management in Africa”.
The IIM is a body of professionals in the field of information management, with the mandate of improving professionalism in the field through mobilizing, training and inspiring practitioners using the tools of synergy and certification.
According to the President of the Institute’s Governing Board, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, “sound policy, clear standards, competence, certification, research and effective processes are all aspects of first class records and information management, and are pillars upon which the institute aims at empowering professionals globally.”
This conferment adds to the repertoire of Mr. Okere’s awards and recognitions both on the national and international stage. In the recent past, he was inducted into the African Digital Awards Hall of fame, an award given to individuals who have excelled in their fields of endeavor. He also received a certificate of achievement as a “Master entrepreneur”, from Ernst and Young, as a finalist in the Master Entrepreneur of the year award category in 2013.
In 2010, Mr. Okere was named the “Outstanding ICT personality of the decade” by ICT watch Africa Digital Network, for his contribution to the growth of the Technology industry in Africa. Similarly, Technology Africa recognized him as the “ICT personality for the year 2011”.
He is currently an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Columbia Business School, New York, where he teaches young minds and aspiring entrepreneurs the rudiments of leadership and the secrets of successful entrepreneurship. This he had done alongside renowned authors and illustrious entrepreneurs such as Steve Blank and Bob Dorf, co-authors of the widely successful book, the Start-up Owner’s Manual.
Among recipients of the honorary award were former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, the governors of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola; Akwa-Ibom, Godswill Akpabio; Ogun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Kano, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Others were Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Managing Director of Daar Communications limited, Mr. Labaran Maku, Honourable minister for information, and Mr. Chris Onyemenam, Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
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