The award is part of the 2025 edition of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC), which brings together stakeholders from the technology and policy sectors. Organised by Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, the event recognises individuals making key contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Ochugbua was honoured alongside public and private sector leaders who are playing strategic roles in innovation, policy development, and infrastructure within the digital space.

The conference also featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode.

The address, titled “Redefining Nigeria’s Economic Future: Benue State and the Rise of the Digital Economy,” outlined the state’s approach to leveraging digital tools for development.

Governor Alia’s digital economy initiatives were acknowledged during the event. Since assuming office, his administration has prioritised the sector as a core component of his seven-point agenda.

“This recognition is not just a personal milestone—it validates our collective journey in Benue to build a future driven by innovation, inclusion, and digital opportunity,” the governor stated.

Reacting to the recognition, Linda Ochugbua expressed appreciation and reflected on the importance of digital inclusion and innovation:

“Being named one of the 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy is an incredible honour. It’s a reminder of the work ahead to make digital access more inclusive. This recognition is not mine alone; it reflects the dedication of my team and speaks to the power of collaboration.”

The “50 Most Valuable Personalities” (50MVPs) initiative aims to spotlight individuals contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s evolving digital space. The awards also serve as a platform for reflection on ongoing challenges and new opportunities.

“This event provides a platform for dialogue, recognition, and strategic insight on shaping Nigeria’s digital future,” said Olusegun Oruame, vice chairman/CEO of Knowhow Media, during his welcome remarks.

Engr. Nnamani is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. He has played a key role in bridging the digital divide by integrating technologies for practical solutions.

Under his leadership, Digital Realty, formerly Medallion Communications’ data center in Lagos has become the most interconnected facility in West Africa, serving as a major peering point for the region.

According to the organizers, Nnamani’s inclusion on the list was a testament to his unwavering commitment and substantial contributions to fostering innovation within African tech ecosystems.

Segun Oruame, Vice-Chairman of KnowHow Media, stated at the ceremony that Nnamani was recognized for his “contributions and impacts on the Nigerian ICT landscape, which have in so many ways significantly propelled Nigeria’s digital economy forward.”

This recognition was swiftly followed by the ICT Growth Impact Award in Data Centre Infrastructure, presented to him at Africa’s Beacon of ICT (ABoICT) Merit and Leadership Awards, organized by Nigeria Communications Week.

Nigeria Communications Week highlighted Nnamani’s instrumental role in establishing telecom and ICT infrastructure across numerous African countries, including Ghana, Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, and Angola.

In a brief statement, Nnamani expressed his gratitude to industry players, especially the media, for the accolades.

He dedicated the awards to the entire Digital Realty team for their support and pledged to continue working diligently for the industry’s sustained growth.

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.

This exclusive industry recognition event celebrates top influencers, innovators, and policy shapers driving transformation across Nigeria’s digital landscape.

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.

The business forum will convene key stakeholders including regulators, leaders from Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, and representatives from state governments.

Previous editions have featured notable speakers such as Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC); and Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty.”

According to organizers, the 50MVPs recognizes corporate leaders and change-makers who exhibit vision, resilience, influence, and strategic contributions to Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

“The 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy is more than a recognition; it’s a celebration of the digital revolutionaries shaping Nigeria’s future,” said Dr. Sola Afolabi, chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee and Chairman of Baobab Think.

A New Era of Recognition: Consolidating Progress and Tackling New Challenges

Held under the theme “Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy”, the 2025 edition will feature:

• Industry Conversations on the evolving landscape of Nigeria’s digital economy.
• Insights on emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and blockchain.
• The launch of the Nigeria Digital Economy Special Report 2025.
• The Exclusive 50MVPs Industry Business Lunch, a CEOs’ gathering that fosters collaboration between public and private sector leaders.

Prominent participants expected at the event include regulators, tech CEOs, startup founders, policy influencers, and state government representatives.

Selection Criteria and Impact

The rigorous selection process for the 50MVPs is anchored on four pillars:

1. Innovation & Vision
2. Impact & Influence
3. Leadership & Contribution
4. Sustainability & Future Prospects

This year’s list celebrates individuals committed to:

• Enabling ICT policy development,
• Supporting youth-led innovation,
• Promoting governance through technology, and
• Creating sustainable digital ecosystems.

“The 2025 Recognition focuses on leaders building bridges between tech innovation and national development,” said Olusegun Oruame, executive vice chairman, Knowhow Media.

Legacy and Industry Support

The 50 Most Valuable Personalities – 50MVPs – initiative builds on the success of previous recognitions like the Nigeria Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers, further institutionalizing the acknowledgment of excellence in the Nigerian tech space. The event is industry-backed, receiving support from key partners, ministries, agencies, and corporate entities within the ICT and innovation ecosystem.

Since 2007, IT Edge News.Africa has remained a trusted voice in Africa’s digital and technology sector, highlighting critical trends, personalities, and policy directions shaping the continent’s tech-driven future.