The forum with the broad theme: ‘Governance,  Policy,  Innovation and Future Economy’ which was held at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel,  GRA Ikeja Lagos on Thursday 22nd August,  2024 was part of event to commemorate DigiVation at 25th anniversary.

The Lead Speaker at the event Tim Akano, managing director and chief executive officer New Horizons, a global renowned training and capacity building organisation set the tone for the conversation.

Akano gave insights to Nigeria and indeed Africa’s urgent need to rework its priorities to move from the era of natural resources to knowledge resources through research, development and implementation.

“In fact, time is against us to meet up with the rest of the progressive world,  China, Singapore,  India, the United States of America and a host of Western economies have made significant progress in their quest to strategically reap the benefits of innovation with consistent policy approach,  structured implementation plans and visionary leadership ” he stated.

Akano added that today’s educational curriculum in Nigeria was unsuitable to the future of work or a sustainable economy given the obvious lacuna that makes it hyper theoretical and unsuitable for the presen digital revolution sweeping across the modern world.

The Moderator of the Panel Session Hilary Damissah brought to the fore his analytical media depth on the topic: “Leveraging Policy and Governance to Accelerate Innovation for a Sustainable Future” he interrogated the speakers and extracted their thoughts on the subject matter eliciting very enriching conversation.

In his submission, Peter Ukeme of Xpress Payment Solutions stated that innovation was only possible where policy remains consistent and regulatory apparatus of government is designed not to stiffle innovative solutions and services.

On his part, Timothy Ajayi who represented the Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research  Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr Jumai Adamu Tutuwa argued that building a sustainable future is dependent on better funding of Research and Development with practical commitment to execution and crucial linkages between the town and gown which represents the industry and the academic institutions.

“Nigeria doesn’t lack policies for development, the biggest challenge is implementation and continuity of good ones while we also need to wholistically avoid replicating models from other parts of the world with specific and careful consideration for our peculiar environment,” he concluded.

While sharing his views, veteran Nollywood actor and Panelist at the Summit, Yemi Solade, submitted that the invasion of technology has made everyone a part of the new media.

He cited how social media can earn a person a job, fame and skills overnight through content creations and the likes.

Even in the movie industry, Mr Yemi examined how the days of manual marketing became eroded and movies are now being marketed directly through the aid of social media.

He submitted that, ‘the future economy is here to stay and is driven mainly by the youths or the GenZs as a lot of Nigerians are no longer waiting for the government.

However, he expressed reservations in some aspects ‘My fear is the erosion of culture as being engineered by the GenZs, most of them lack respect for elders, for constituted authorities, for royalties and even for clergies,’ Mr Solade stated.

He blamed the attitude decadence of Youths on the family unit, especially for parents who do not have tangible time for parenting their wards.

Notwithstanding, Mr Solade appraised and encouraged youths who have used Social Media to become better persons and urged others who are not getting it right to learn from those who are getting it right.

Adding his voice from the United States, a virtual speaker and innovator Engr Fisayo, founder of eSMint called for concerted efforts for Nigeria and Africa to develop solutions reflecting our uniqueness with global market and appeal.

It noted that it was the only way the continent can stand tall rather than just being a consumer centric people.

In his conclusion, Hilary Damissah the project coordinator reiterated the importance of the event adding that sub-saharan Africa faces critical challenges for digital development, including underdeveloped digital infrastructure, lack of assessable and affordable connectivity, a wide digital gender gap, lack of requisite skills for digitally enabled economy and adequate regulatory and policy environment.

He expressed optimism that critical to tackling these issues and challenges was the need to driving policies that will shape the future.

DigiVation Future Summit is a multi sectoral event that brings together people from diverse background to discuss issues reshaping today and future economies.

He stressed this in his welcome address at the Digivation Future Summit 2024, themed: “Governance, Innovation, People and Future Economy” which was held in Lagos on Thursday.

In his statement, Dr Agabi drew attention to what he called ‘social media influence on Africa and whether it should be moderated or regulated.’

He explained that we have all seen the impacts and effects of social media becoming a platform for Africans to demystify her dark continent narrative, empowering thousands through its economics, creating jobs for many and opening many to the world.

Despite its huge advantages, Dr Agabi pinpointed the hazards in closing our eyes to the ills of social media which has proven to be the best time-wasting platform, creating anti-social generation and negatively influencing Africa’s culture.

On this, he said, ‘I will state that its time for Nigeria to moderate her social media space. If this is not done, give it a short time and the social media space will regulate our lives. From our food, values, culture and governance, social media will regulate us if we don’t manage it now.’ he warned.

Dr Agabi explained that the event also features Africa’s premier and most iconic Enterprise and digital award AFRICA DIGITAL and ENTERPRISE AWARD, which is for deserving individuals, organizations and initiatives driving Africa’s development both in the public and private sectors.

‘DigiVation Global Network, the parent organization, has organized events across Africa, the Middle East and also partnered major events in Europe and America. DIGIVATION also organizes Nigerian Women Digital Conference which is a program for women and girls.’ he disclosed.

However, the Executive Secretary/CEO, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Abiodun Ajiboye called Nigerians to preserve the Nation’s cultural identity while leveraging digital technology, during the presentation of his keynote speech at the event.

Otunba Biodun’s speech titled: “Preserving Cultural Identity in the Digital Age: Navigating Globalization and Technology in Nigeria” expressed that the transformation of our value systems and languages in Nigeria has been significantly influenced by globalization, a process that began with British colonialism.

He stated, ‘Our legal system, for instance, is a reflection of this colonial legacy. The laws we abide by are rooted in British norms, not reflective of our indigenous cultures. We must ask ourselves: How did countries like China, India and even Japan, who were also colonized or conquered, manage to lead the technological revolution without losing their cultural identities?’ he said.

To counter this, the NICO boss highlighted that Nigerians must consciously revive their original cultural values, ensuring that they define their institutions and guide the future of content creation in Nigeria. Also, that Digital technology should be harnessed to enhance cultural development and preservation, promoting innovation that aligns with the country’s traditions and practices.

Otunba reiterated NICO’s mission in exploring the connections between culture and technology. ‘We are committed to developing technological content within the context of our diverse cultures, paving the way for socio-economic growth across sectors.’ he said.

He further noted that Embracing globalization and digital technology does not mean abandoning the Nigerian cultural values. ‘On the contrary, it means reworking our engagement with globalization and using technology to advance our cultural heritage,’ he added.

While speaking to press men, Mr Yemi Solade, a veteran actor and panelist at the summit,  submitted that the invasion of technology has made everyone a part of the media.

He cited how social media can earn a person a job, Fame and skills overnight through content creations and the likes. Even in the movie industry, Mr Yemi examined how the days of manual marketing became eroded and movies are now being marketed personally through the aid of social media.

He expressed, ‘The future economy is here and only driven by the youths. The old generation has to open up to learn from the GenZs. Nigerians are no longer waiting for the government. We started Nollywood in 1918 without Government assistance and today it’s part of the highest employer of labor in the country. The youths of Nigeria should be applauded, though some are just mentally lazy.

He continued, ‘My fear is the erosion of culture as being engineered by the GenZs, most of them lack respect for elders, for constituted authorities, for royalties and even for clergies,” Mr Solade stated.

He blamed the attitude decadence of Youths on the family unit, especially for parents who do not have tangible time for parenting their wards.

Notwithstanding, Mr Solade appraised and encouraged youths who have used Social Media to become better persons and urged others who are not getting it right to learn from those who are getting it right.

In a statement in Lagos, Bayero emphasized that the summit scheduled to be held on the 22nd of August 2024 at the prestigious Radison Blu Hotel in Ikeja-Lagos will focus on three key pillars: governance, people and innovation.

“This year’s DFS promises a diverse gathering of African leaders and changemakers from finance, governance, politics, technology, and business. Attendees can expect a platform for learning, networking, and fostering connections across industries,” he said in the statement.

According to him, a new highlight for 2024 is the Digivation Future Award, a pan-African recognition program celebrating individuals making significant contributions to Africa’s growth and development. Award categories encompass technology, business, politics, enterprise and governance.

Also, the summit will delve into the impact of emerging technologies on governance, skills development, and navigating the digital landscape. Experts will lead discussions on how to best leverage technology for a prosperous future.

The DFS serves as a meeting point for thought leaders, political leaders, businesses, innovators, regulators, content creators, and the drivers of the new economy.

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss roadmaps for Africa’s future, brainstorm solutions and share best practices.

Organized by Digivation Network, a company with over two decades of experience, the DFS boasts a unique distinction.

It’s the only platform to win the prestigious UNECA award twice for content and research excellence, solidifying its position as a leading African tech platform.

This, Dr. Agabi underscores the summit’s mission: to convene African thought leaders to explore how the continent can actively participate in shaping the global landscape and secure a prosperous future for its citizens.

As West Africa’s most influential business, governance, and technology event, the DFS promises an expansive lineup of speakers, panel discussions, presentations, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into industry trends, best practices, and actionable takeaways to guide their endeavours.

Some such Governors are Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, including the National Information Technology Development Agency.

While speaking at the DigiVation Future Summit 2022, organised by Digivation Networks in Lagos, these Governors and organisations highlighted some of the activities they carried out in their own state to make sure the digital economy flies.

With the theme: ‘Future Now’ they emphasise the need for digital skills.

According to Mr. Olatubosun Alake, SA Innovation and Tech to the Lagos State Governor, who represented the Lagos State, to drive a digital economy, a collaboration between the private and the government in an effort to have pervasive broadband that can be leveraged by Nigerians across the country is needed.

He said that is why Lagos State is building infrastructure across the state to encourage investment that will ultimately bring connectivity. “Lagos State is aware of what it means to have a digital economy, as a result, we are investing in infrastructure and human capital,” he said.

On his part, the Nasarawa State Governor disclosed the state he governs has already keyed into the Digital Economy by making sure all the state’s activities are carried out leveraging digital platforms.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Director, Strategic Communications Office of the State, Mal. Yakubu Lamai, noted that Nigeria is presently doing well in terms of digital preparedness.

“Judging by the position we occupied some years ago, it will be safe to say we are gradually moving forward digitally as a country,” he said, arguing that the government has been able to galvanise its youthful generation to embrace technology, which is return creating jobs and wealth for many Nigerians.

For the Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), digital skills remained, even as it is predicted that 60% of the global GDP will be digitized by 2022 and that over the next decade, digital platforms will be used to create close to 70% of the value.

Inuwa, who was represented at the DigiVation Future Summit 2022 by Dr. Aristotole Onumo, Director, Corporate Planning and Strategy at NITDA, said this is why NITDA in collaboration with other stakeholders is working to have the majority of citizens in Nigeria acquire more specialized digital competencies.

“As a government agency mandated to build IT capacity for Nigerians, we have been conducting a series of Digital Skills capacity building for both the literate and non-ICT professions. This is because we know the future of works depends largely on digital skills,” he said.

Also alluding to NITDA’s position, Mr. Tim Akano, Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons, said when citizens are digitally literate, they can better reap the benefits of the digital economy by gaining access to more, better and safer information ranging from e-government services, commercial products and news, as well engage with the wider community.

He believes that digital literacy cannot take place except there is a collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“A concerted effort is required to equip the young teeming youth population with digital skills as this is likely to play a particularly important role in sharing the prosperity promised by the digital economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bayero Agabi, President of Digivation Network has urged stakeholders in the tech ecosystem to collaborate to develop the tech talent industry in the aspiration of making Nigeria the Digital talent hub of Africa in line with her global recognition as one of the most vibrant tech ecosystems in Africa.

He noted that tech innovations are already impacting lives in different ways and patterns. Meaning, that only the strong with modern skills and knowledge for the future will survive not those with minerals in the soil.

“As a country, we need to prepare and massively embrace technology, and innovation and ensure those who drive our political process are pro-digital.  This is the only way we can key into the future we so desired,” he said.

The DigiVation Future Summit 2022, was anchored on three major areas; Governance, Innovation and People. A platform to articulate issues about the millennials and future generation with a mind towards building a better tomorrow.