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.

The honour was bestowed on Oluwaseun Dania, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Tradefada, a leading digital currency exchange in Lagos, South-West Nigeria at a One Day Industry Colloquium/Lunch/Recognition Ceremony, which KnowHow Media organized.

According to Olusegun Oruame, vice-chairman of KnowHow Media, Oluwaseun was ranked among the 50 Most Valuable Personalities (MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy through an impartial selection process that focuses on his innovation and vision, which have introduced groundbreaking innovations, transformative ideas and visionary strategies in the digital space.

Other criteria for breaking into the ranking include Oluwaseun’s impact and influence, which have made a tangible difference, positively impacting the digital economy, society and inspiring others.

“We look at your leadership skills, which we believe have contributed significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Thus, we have singled out individuals like you whose contributions exhibit sustainability, scalability and a vision for the future of the digital economy in Nigeria,” said Oruame while handling the recognition plaque to Seun.

In his reaction, Oluwaseun Dania remarked: “I am deeply honoured to be acknowledged among such distinguished individuals contributing to the advancement of Nigeria’s digital economy. This recognition is not only a personal achievement but a reflection of our collective efforts to innovate and drive transformative change within the digital landscape.”

Mr. Dania underscored the significance of collaboration in the sector, stating,

“This momentous occasion serves as a compelling call to action for increased cooperation among industry players. We must foster an environment where emerging innovators are supported and acknowledged, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable digital economy. Our focus should be on overcoming the existing challenges through unity, thereby enabling us to harness the full potential of digital technologies for the betterment of our society and the economy at large.”

He further emphasized the responsibility that comes with such recognition, adding,

“As we celebrate this achievement, let us also reaffirm our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, driving innovation and contributing to the development of a robust digital economy in Nigeria. Together, with a shared vision and collaborative effort, we can achieve remarkable milestones and create a lasting impact.”

Concluding his response, Oluwaseun Dania reiterated his dedication to not only sustaining but elevating his contributions to the sector.

“I am inspired by this honour to continue our work with even greater determination. We will persist in our efforts to innovate, inspire, and impact the digital economy positively. I look forward to working alongside my peers, the government, and all stakeholders to craft a future that embraces technology for economic growth and societal well-being,” he said.

Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital of over 20 million people ranked recently ahead Dubai and other major cities as the 19th Best City to visit in the World by the renowned British Media and Hospitality Company, Time Out.

The ‘50 MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy’ underscores the challenges and progress in one of Africa’s most exciting transformative journeys into the New Economy, said Dr. Sola Afolabi, chairman of the Nomination Team for 2024, who is also the Chairman of Baobab Think.

Part of the official statement reads:

“Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, cybersecurity threats, regulatory hurdles, and the digital divide between urban and rural areas, Nigeria’s digital economy is experiencing pulsating growth and transformation. This remarkable progress is fuelled by advancements in technology, internet connectivity, and innovation.

“With a population exceeding 200 million people and a youthful demographic, Nigeria presents a vast opportunity-market for digital products and services.

The 2024 ’50 MVPs’ have demonstrated their commitment to seizing these opportunities through innovation, dogged entrepreneurship, and remarkable dedication to pushing the levers for the right policies, investments, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“Across subsectors such as Mobile Connectivity, E-commerce, Fintech Innovation, Tech Hubs and Startups, and Government Initiatives, the 2024 MVPs have played a pivotal role in heightening the potential of Nigeria’s digital economy in a robust manner. We are delighted to celebrate them, believing that history will always remember this moment and remember them as unique achievers.”

This year’s event builds on more than a decade of industry gathering under the auspices of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) and last year’s hosting of Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers which focused more on the institutions that have enabled Nigeria’s digital economy.

The 2024 assembly is recognising individual’s commitment to fostering an inspiring leadership for sustainability of the sector.

The tied-in One Day Industry Colloquium, Industry Lunch and Recognition Ceremony will feature a key presentation on “Nigeria’s Digital Economy and Building Synergy across Sectors and Stakeholders to Expand Opportunities for Young People”  and a  Conversations on “Enabling the Pipe in the Digital Economy for Job Placements to Ensure Life After Capacity Training.”

According to Olusegun Oruame, the CEO of Knowhow Media, “the gathering shines the light on the pioneers, the disrupters, and the young Turks in a way that uniquely narrates Nigeria’s bolstering strides in the last decades in spite of frightening challenges; and most  importantly, who and what’s coming next.”

Knowhow Media is an industry-supported partners’ event led by Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, one of the continent’s major tech publications, published since 2007.