25 September 2007
Lagos — TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE marshals the selling points of a computer guru, Augustine Omilo, who is one of the country's foremost Information Technologists.
Augustine Omilo, the Managing Director of Management System Associates is regarded by his close associates as Godfather of Information Technology.
An author, newspaper columnist and public speaker, Omilo's life is a classic example of a situation in which God gave a vision and made available the necessary provision for the actualization of the vision. He wanted to be a lawyer but through divine direction, he found himself in the Information Technology world, where according to him, he truly and wholly belong.
It was a journey that began 26 years ago when information technology was quite new in the country. At that time Omilo was battling to secure admission into the university of Lagos to study law and at the same time struggling for admission into the federal polytechnic, Ilaro, to study Business Administration as a fall-back in case the university admission failed to click.
Before any of the admissions could materialize, Omilo found himself as a trainee in computer operator under ICL, one of the world's largest computer manufacturers. He later changed to computer operator and at the end of the two-year-course, moved from the Operation Department of the Nigeria Ports Authority where he was a clerk, to computer department. Next was his enrolment with the Institute of Data Processing Management (IDPM) London and working experiences in various companies including Centinel Computer Hardware where he served as Head of Operation and Training. Thereafter, he established his own computer company, Management Systems Associates. It is an outfit that focus on IT training, inculcating diverse indepth skills on people as well as opening new frontiers in the acquisition of computer education.
Omilo believes that if the IT sector is fully developed in Nigeria, it will be the largest employer of labour in the country. His company engages in the packaging of seminars, workshops, symposium and other activities designed to enhance IT development.
"I have a pact with IT development in Nigeria. It is pact that strives to expand our understanding and appreciation of IT in all its ramifications", he said.
As part of this enhancement, Omilo engages in the publication of books, some of which highlights the engineering aspect of computer development.
Being a prolific author, he argues that "If billions of naira can be spent on football and music stars, it will not be out of place to spare some to assist good authors publish their books so that they can go round. It is difficult to believe that although people call me from places such as Abeokuta and Sapele, inquiring on how to get my books, we cannot send the books across because we do not have enough to go round. I once photocopied the manuscripts of my book, "Computer Engineering without stress", to some readers because I could not publish. All the same, we are not relenting, for where there is a will, there must be a way".
His advise to youths is that, "Money is good but it should not be the only force driving you. Seek a job which you enjoy doing and do it with joy, meeting other people's needs and money will seek you.
Again, you must understand that money is not the only yardstick for measuring success. The battle of life is between you and yourself. So do what successful people did and you too will succeed. Also, you should read books that will help discover and develop your potentials."
According to Mr. Omilo, patience is a virtue everyone ought to imbibe. "Without patience, you can not go far in life. Our young men are going into armed robbery and 419 because of impatience. In fact, stealing and such other vices are direct results of one's admission of failure in life. The plan of God is superior to that of the wisest man on earth. So, the best thing is to keep working according to His plans. If that means that you must be in a village, so be it, because if you try to do thing or to be in a place first because others are doing same the result may be disastrous."
The IT industry according to Omilo generates significant percentage of employment opportunities in the country.
"Look at the number of people that are into computing, telephoning etc in all spheres. The numbers is enourmous and intimidating. All developed economies of the world are fully information technology-driven and therefore, Nigeria can't afford to be left behind if it desires to attain enviable economic height.
He pointed out that IT aids virtually all other sectors of the economy. There is no profession you could mention today that is not thriving to be IT compliant because it will enhance performance and development.
Omilo disclosed that his main hobby is reading and writing and that he also loves good music.
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