Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) through its information, communication, technology and telecommunications (ICTEL) expo, is leading the conversation on the prospects of the fourth industrial revolution in Nigeria.
According to the chamber, the 2019 ICTEL expo, with the theme, “Fourth industrial revolution: The Nigerian story,” is appropriate and timely, not just because it is contemporary and topical, but because Nigeria and Africa seem to be slow in coming to terms with the far-reaching implications of the fourth industrial revolution – characterised by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres, collectively referred to as cyber-physical systems.
This year’s ICTEL Expo 2019 will focus majorly on inspiring and providing aspiring entrepreneurs, tech start-ups and thousands of unemployed Nigerians with unique opportunities in line with the realities and implications of the fourth industrial revolution.
Briefing the press on plans for the upcoming expo, Babatunde Ruwase, president, LCCI, said the 2019 ICTEL Expo was providing another great opportunity to influence national discourse on the culture of enterprise in Nigeria from an ICT positive perspective.
“We must celebrate our achievers. This Expo will therefore provide the required inspiration, which many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) need in their quest for improved performance. It is providing aspiring entrepreneurs, tech start-ups, and thousands of unemployed Nigerians another unique opportunity for an enriching learning experience, capacity building, mentoring, connecting with investors and employers of labour,” Ruwase said.
The fourth industrial revolution is a topical issue Nigerians and Africans as a whole is not taking seriously, which may have far-reaching implications in the country and Africa in general, he said.
The LCCI president urged governments at all levels to rise up to the challenges of increasing technological revolution “if our dream for a truly great nation can be realised.”
Gabriel Idahosa, vice president/chairman, trade promotion board, LCCI, decried the slow pace of technological advancement in Nigeria and Africa, saying we were at the risk of being left behind by the fourth industrial revolution if these challenges are not addressed.
He stated that Nigeria with its teeming youth population should brace up and take its position as the most populous country in Africa, if we want to be part of the fourth industrial revolution.
“It is no news that the developed countries are investing heavily in the fourth industrial revolution”.
“Africa, indeed, Nigeria is far behind. Industrial experts have submitted that of all the regions worldwide, Africa is at a great risk of being left far behind by the fourth industrial revolution.”
Also speaking, Gbolahan Awonuga, executive secretary, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), said, “Nigeria, with its position in Africa and the population of its youths, needs to brace up.
“Technology is reshaping our world in an unimaginable manner. We have seen massive use of Robots, Biotechnology, Artificial intelligence and related technologies.
“Their impact on people, business, workplace and government is felt in all aspects of daily life.
“As business people, and in fact, a leading chamber of commerce in Sub Sahara Africa, our goal is to prepare stakeholders in the Nigerian economy for the emerging realities of the impact of the fourth industrial revolution.”
