The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has called for a powerful synergy between technology and creativity to shape Nigeria’s digital future.
The call was made at the recent Tech Convergence 1.0 conference and exhibition, themed “Innovating Nigeria’s Digital Future Through Tech & Creativity” in Lagos.
Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, the president of NiRA made this call while emphasizing the importance of names and numbers in the digital economy, highlighting the role of domain names and IP addresses.
He underscored the potential of technology and creativity to drive innovation and solve complex problems.
“Nigeria is a nation brimming with untapped creative potential and technological talent. Together, we can unlock new possibilities and position Nigeria as a global leader in digital innovation,” he noted.
Nodding in agreement with Mr. Akinsanya, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman, Engr. Ifeanyi Frank Ogochukwu, described the Tech Convergence 1.0 conference as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
“The importance of fostering collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts to drive the nation’s digital future must be highlighted,” he stressed at the conference, which attracted participants from both the public and the private sector.
According to the LOC Chairman, fostering collaboration between tech experts and creative minds can develop innovative products and services that cater to the diverse needs of the Nigerian market.
“For instance, Nigerian artisans can use e-commerce platforms powered by .ng domains to showcase their work to a global audience,” he added.
Also, the importance of working together to promote digital inclusion and economic growth was highlighted by Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Chairperson of NiRA’s Board of Trustees in her goodwill message.
“Creativity, fueled by cultural uniqueness and entrepreneurial spirit, can drive tech solutions that address our country’s most pressing needs. We believe that through platforms like The Tech Convergence 1.0 we can inspire groundbreaking solutions and empower the next generation of tech leaders and creative thinkers,” said Odusote.
While reaffirming NiRA’s commitment to nurturing a thriving digital ecosystem in Nigeria and inspiring the next generation of tech leaders and creative thinkers through platforms like Tech Convergence, Mrs.
Odusote highlighted the potential benefits of merging collaboration and creativity, envisioning a future where youth across the country can access quality education through cutting-edge tech solutions, and creative industries leverage technology to tell authentic Nigerian stories, enriching global digital content in a secure environment.
On the fireside chat anchored by Peter Oluka, editor of Techeconomy on Day 2, Mr. Olatubosun Alake Commissioner, Innovation, Science & Technology, Lagos State, acknowledged that technology has gone through transformations and that there is an aspect of the tech underpins everything – Transportation, Healthcare, Education, Commerce.
He said the State government, for instance, has put the Automated Number Plate Recognition Camera (ANPRC) in use now in Lagos. And in the next few weeks we will include Red Light cameras, among others.
The commissioner who spoke on the Handshake between the private and public sectors, revealed that the economy of Lagos is more that 81% private sector led, therefore the government cannot do anything without the Private Sector.
The event had 3 panel sessions, 3 Masterclass sessions that cut across topics that focus on the DNS Industry, Digital Content and Emerging Trends in the Tech & Creative Space.
There were also special messages from Mohammed Rudman, CEO of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Mr. Ade Shoyinka, president, Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) and Mr. Destiny Amana, president Nigeria Internet Group.
By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, NiRA is paving the way for a more innovative and inclusive digital future for Nigeria.
