Techplus conference 2016 revives Nigeria’s tech space

As developments in technology continue to redefine the way people live, connect, communicate and transact around the world and Africa, experts at the Techplus 2016 conference reinforced the key role Nigeria needs to play in Africa’s highly anticipated technology revolution.

 The conference, held recently in Lagos with the theme,  ‘A Connected World’, drew technology professionals and heads of organisations from different industries across Nigeria and around Africa.

 Omobola Johnson, chairperson of Alliance for Affordable Internet, she urged for increased investments in quality education for young people and sustained skills acquisition and training for workers and managers, noting the profound effects a tech revolution will have on the economic development of Nigeria and the African continent.  

 Technology, she said, has become a key driver to development because technological revolutions underpin economic advances, improvements in business, health systems, education and infrastructure.

“The technological revolutions of the 21st century are emerging from entirely new sectors, based on micro-processors, telecommunications, bio-technology and nano-technology. Products are transforming business practices across the economy as well as the lives of all who have access to their effects. 

“The most remarkable breakthroughs will come from the interaction of insights and applications arising when these technologies converge,” said Johnson.

 The conference was also an opportunity for the government to reiterate its commitment in bringing about the enabling environment for technological development. Afolabi Imuokhuede, senior special assistant to the President on Job Creation/Youth Employment, who stood in for the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, stressed that service delivery and technology are the differentiators between countries that are able to tackle poverty effectively by growing and developing their economies and those that cannot.

“Innovation is the primary driver of technological growth and drives higher living standards. As an engine of growth, the potential of technology is endless,” said Imuokhuede.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government has developed a blueprint to leverage the Smart City initiative of the Lagos State government and is coming up with other initiatives to promote technology appreciation and adoption to an appreciable level with the multiplier effect on the economy.

A leader in the telecommunication sector, a key private segment, Linda Saint-Nwafor, chief enterprise business officer, MTN Nigeria, highlighted the need for the Techplus conference. According to her, the conference was a gathering to debate, interact and share ideas that will benefit everyone.

For the organisers of the conference represented by Tunji Adeyinka, managing director of Connect Marketing, Techplus came at the right time.

FRANK ELEANYA