Top personalities driving growth in Nigeria’s digital economy were honored at the Knowhow Media Presentation of awards to the 50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s digital economy held this week in Lagos.
The event, themed “Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy,” brought together key players from the private sector, government, and technology. The award ceremony recognized individuals driving excellence in Nigeria’s digital space in 2025.
During the keynote address, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue state, represented by his deputy, Samuel Ode, appreciated the organizer for the recognition while emphasizing the pivotal role of digital transformation in the Nigerian economy.
Citing recent reports, he highlighted the significant role the digital economy plays in the country’s development, he stated that the contribution of technology to Nigeria’s GDP more than doubled that of the oil and gas industry in 2024.
Alia highlighted the launch of Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Headquarters Agency, the digitization of cabinet processes through the Benue Executive Council Management Systems, and training youths on digital skills as part of the state’s achievement in utilizing technology and the development of human capital.
Speaking on the pivotal role digital empowerment plays in the country and the Benue state government’s contribution to this development, Hyacinth Alia, stated:
“It pleases me to inform you here that the Benue state Governor signed an executive order for zero right of way for hardware optics development within our software sector.
“Nigeria’s greatness will not be measured by the quality of oil barrels in export, but by how many youths it empowers through digital skills, how many rural communities it will connect, and how inclusive its digital economy can become.”
During the panel session, panelists stressed the need for the establishment of more data centers in the country to enhance the quality of service delivery while stressing that collaboration is pivotal to driving digital transformation in Nigeria, as this boosts access to capital for financing projects while driving policies that encourage private sector participation.
Among the 50 recognized personalities are Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue state; Engr. Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty; Evelyn Lewis, CEO of SBTS Nigeria Limited; Oluwaseun Dania, founder, Alpha-Geek; Happiness Obiora, CEO, Tizel Cybersecurity; Ayowande Adalemo, Founder of Wave5Wireless Limited; Professor Obadare Peter Adewale, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode Limited; Dr. Krishnan Ranganath (“Dr Krish”), regional executive, West Africa at Africa Data Centres, amongst others.
An initiative of Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, the 50MVPs recognition is a high-profile offshoot of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC), a decade-old platform promoting dialogue and advancement in West Africa’s tech ecosystem.
