Speaking at the Lagos Business School (LBS) Breakfast Club on the theme, “From Telco to Techno,” Dinesh Balsingh, said the telecommunications industry is evolving beyond connectivity to become the foundation for enterprise transformation and the country’s digital economy.

Balsingh explained that while previous generations of mobile technology connected people through voice, internet access, and mobile broadband, the future lies in intelligent ecosystems powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), satellite connectivity, and integrated enterprise solutions.

“The role of telecommunications has fundamentally changed. Businesses are no longer asking only for connectivity; they want solutions that improve productivity, strengthen security, and accelerate digital transformation. That is the journey Airtel is leading. We are evolving from a telecommunications company into a technology partner that helps organisations unlock growth and create long-term value,” he said.

Noting that value is no longer measured by the volume of data consumed but by the business outcomes technology delivers, he highlighted a key shift in telecommunications to AI-powered customer protections, industry-specific digital solutions, IoT platforms, and hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks that extend reliable connectivity to underserved communities and remote business locations.

“Technology should do more than connect people. It should protect them, simplify operations, and help businesses make better decisions. Investments are now focused on building smarter, more resilient digital infrastructure that supports organisations across every sector of the economy.”

He added that sectors including retail, education, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and oil and gas increasingly require integrated digital solutions that combine connectivity with cloud services, intelligent networking, surveillance, automation, and data analytics.

Balsingh also urged business leaders to rethink their digital priorities, noting that future competitiveness will depend on how connected, intelligent, secure, automated, and resilient their organisations become.

“The organisations that will lead the next decade are those that invest today in intelligent digital infrastructure. Our customers are no longer buying connectivity alone. They are investing in productivity, intelligence, and digital transformation.”

The session, which also featured the IMF Resident Representative for Nigeria, Christian Ebeke, formed part of the Lagos Business School Breakfast Club, a platform that brings together business executives and industry leaders to examine emerging trends shaping the future of enterprise and economic development.

Airtel Nigeria’s participation reinforced its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation by enabling businesses with innovative technologies that improve efficiency, strengthen resilience, and unlock new opportunities for growth across the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

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Scheduled for Tuesday, 23 September 2025, this year’s event is themed “Financing Resilience: Digital innovation and AI for climate-smart communities.”

The hybrid summit will be held at the prestigious Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, ensuring global accessibility and participation from international stakeholders.

The Sustainable Finance Summit 2.0 represents the definitive platform for understanding and shaping the future of finance and climate resilience in the digital age. As a comprehensive engagement, the summit targets a diverse ecosystem of participants, including financial sector professionals, C-suite executives seeking to understand emerging sustainable finance opportunities, technology and AI innovators, policymakers and regulators, corporate leaders, academic community including researchers and students advancing knowledge in sustainable finance, media and civil society, journalists and NGO representatives amplifying sustainable finance awareness.

For Investors: Discovery of new sustainable investment opportunities, understanding of climate risk assessment tools, and connection with innovative fintech startups and for Regulators: Platform for policy dialogue, exposure to international best practices, and collaboration opportunities with private sector leaders.

The Sustainable Finance Summit 2.0 emphasises meaningful dialogue and active participation, through interactive panel discussions with industry thought leaders; Live Q&A sessions fostering direct engagement between speakers and attendees; Networking sessions designed to facilitate strategic partnerships; and Case study presentations showcasing successful sustainable finance implementations and demonstrations of AI-powered climate solutions.

While anchored in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, the summit’s hybrid format enables international participation, reflecting the global nature of climate finance challenges and solutions.

The event positions Nigeria as a leading voice in sustainable finance across Africa and internationally.

Registration link is here.

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Analysing the role of journalists in ensuring accountability, transparency, and development in Nigeria, the event opened with Dr. Peter Bamkole, PAU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), noting the importance of reliable and trustworthy reporting. 

He stated, “Truthful narratives promote constructive engagement instead of negativity.”

The panel of media professionals, including Magnus Onyibe (Public Policy Analyst and Author), Fisayo Soyombo (Founder, Foundation for Investigative Journalism), Sherriff Quadry (Broadcast Journalist, Nigeria Info), Margaret Agada-Mba (Lecturer, PAU), and Jonathan James Lyamgohn (Media Consultant), spoke on the multifaceted challenges of journalism in Nigeria. 

Moderated by Onyinyechi Aderibigbe (Nigeria Info) and Elizabeth Musa (Business Day), the panellists discussed how journalists must serve as watchdogs, acting as agents of change and intermediaries between the government and the public.

Sheriff Quadry reiterated the difficulty faced by Nigerian journalists. “Even when you know your ethics and are committed to your responsibilities, it’s often an uphill battle to do your job,” he said. 

This challenge, Quadry noted, is compounded by the perception among public officials that they are not to be questioned or scrutinised. Journalists, therefore, must exhibit extraordinary resilience and sacrifice to ensure they fulfil their role as custodians of truth.

A valid point raised by Fisayo Soyombo was the tendency of appointed officials to view media reportage as an attempt to undermine their success. “It takes more than courage,” he said, “it requires a strong commitment to education, sacrifice, and a deep sense of responsibility to overcome the complex sector of Nigerian governance.”

He argued that the solution to harassment is “more journalism,” and stressed that the journalist’s core duty is uncovering the truth.

Margaret Agada-Mba raised a question about whether the government sees the media as partners in national development. She argued that effective media engagement could be very useful in driving societal progress.

Despite these challenges, the importance of the media in nation-building was reiterated throughout the discussion, exploring how effective media engagement can drive positive societal change. 

Jonathan James Lyamgohn spoke on the importance of maintaining respect, patriotism, and press independence while engaging with the government. He reminded the audience that journalists are the “fourth estate of the realm” and that “our ultimate employer is the people.” 

This perspective highlighted the responsibility journalists hold in shaping public opinion and holding power to account.

He argued that while there must be room for constructive criticism, journalists must also be mindful of the broader implications of their reporting. A delicate balance must be maintained between transparency and the potential harm that can come from misrepresenting sensitive issues, particularly in a diverse society like Nigeria.

Magnus Onyibe further advised journalists to uphold integrity when collaborating with government bodies, stressing that this balance is essential for safeguarding press freedom while enabling constructive dialogue. 

Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun added that cultural sensitivities should not hinder press freedom, reminding journalists of their role as truth-tellers and the importance of mentoring future generations.

Negative reportage should not be sensationalised, but presented with care to avoid escalating tensions or public unrest.

The Role of Digital Technology and Fact-Checking

The conversation shifted to the impact of digital technology on journalism. It was noted that the rise of digital platforms and social media has disrupted traditional journalism, often leading to the spread of misinformation. 

This has further complicated the job of professional journalists, who now face competition from unregulated sources of information. Citizen journalism is on the rise, but it comes with its own set of risks. The public often cannot distinguish between trained journalists and those who simply present news without verifying facts.

In this context, the importance of fact-checking was stressed. Speakers urged journalists to take extra care in verifying information, particularly in the fast-changing digital world where false news can spread rapidly.

“It’s important that news organisations invest in fact-checking mechanisms, because once misinformation is out there, the damage is often irreversible.”

As the event drew to a close, there was a consensus on the need for the media to maintain its role as a gatekeeper of information while being mindful of the powerful influence it holds over public opinion. “We must be transparent and honest, but also sensitive to the context in which we operate,” Quadry said. 

“Journalists in Nigeria cannot afford to operate without caution, especially given the nature of our political and social environment.”

In Nigeria, where the line between critique and defamation can be blurred, journalists must continue to act as the voice of the people while scaling the complexities of reporting in a politically charged atmosphere. 

The PAU Media Roundtable called for a resuscitated focus on constructive media engagement that supports national development while holding those in power accountable.

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At a breakfast session hosted by the Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University on June 5, 2024, leading voices in the private sector gathered to discuss the theme “Telecom Sector: The Fulcrum for Economic Dynamism in Nigeria.”

Keynote speaker Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company, emphasized the telecom sector’s critical role in driving economic growth, innovation, and productivity across various industries.

Rewane, in his presentation titled, “Nigerian Economy on the Brink, Adapt or Collapse?” highlighted the sector’s challenges, including rising inflation, high operating costs, limited access to foreign exchange, regulatory burdens, multiple taxations, and state and local government extortion.

He stressed that these challenges are threatening the sector’s growth and development, citing MTN’s reported loss in 2023 financial year.

The expert’s comments align with telecom operators’ push for cost-reflective tariffs, which they deem necessary due to adverse economic headwinds.

Rewane emphasized that the current situation is having a detrimental impact on the sector’s growth and development, warning that the revenue potential from telecoms may start falling, leading to a ripple effect on other sectors.

“Big push theory posits that growth in one sector can stimulate growth in others through backward and forward linkages. The telecom sector has both forward and backward linkages to various sectors. This linkage to other sectors is vital for economic growth, innovation, and productivity across various industries making it a key enabler and driver of development in modern economies. If the telecom industry collapses, all other sectors will follow”, he added.

Other notable speakers, including Prof. Ali Bongo, echoed Rewane’s sentiments, stressing the need for government support and deregulation to ensure the sector’s survival.

They highlighted the sector’s growth potential, citing its 8% outperformance of GDP growth rate between 2019 and 2023.

The event examined the telecom sector’s critical role in Nigeria’s economic growth and development, with stakeholders urging the government to provide support and create an enabling environment for the sector’s growth.

As the telecom sector continues to face numerous challenges, experts warn that its decline could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s economic dynamism.

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The event brought together diverse range of traditional entrepreneurs, startup founders, industry experts and thought leaders for a transformative experience of learning, earning, networking, and collaboration.

At the Trade Lenda Fair, a plethora of products, services, and innovative solutions across various industries were showcased. The exhibitors came from across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Kwara state, reflecting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and creativity that defines SMEs in Nigeria.

One of the key highlights of the event was the keynote address by the Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who shared his journey of entrepreneurship from 1979 till date. 

Several masterclasses were conducted by industry leaders and subject-matter experts within the SME ecosystem in Nigeria. These in-depth workshops on starting, financing, marketing and systems development provided participants with actionable insights, practical strategies, and knowledge essential for driving their business growth and adapting to evolving market trends.

The panel sessions, another feature of the event, was facilitated by notable SME brands and SMEs enablers who shared their stories, expertise, valuable insights and perspectives on subjects such as starting, scaling, digitalizing and leveraging interventions. The deep dive conversations served as interactive dialogue, sparking new ideas and approaches that have the potential to reshape the SME landscape.

Another high point was the award of prizes to the tune of N5 million to the top five winners of the pitch competition. The first prize winner (Posh Meals) also won an all-expense trip to Qatar.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and outcome of the Trade Lenda Fair,” said Adeshina Adewumi, CEO, Trade Lenda and Convener of the Trade Lenda Fair.

“The event provided a unique opportunity for SMEs to connect, learn, and collaborate. The masterclasses and panel sessions, in particular, empowered attendees with the knowledge and inspiration needed to elevate their businesses to new heights.”

He further added that “the success of Trade Lenda Fair can be attributed to the unwavering support of our sponsors: Providus, Eazipay, RedCloud, Paystack and our partners Techeconomy, Credo, Baobab+, Lagos Business School, Shuttlers, Niteon, Changera, Money Africa, LSETF, TechNext, TechCabal and TechPoint. Their collective enthusiasm and dedication have created an environment of innovation and growth, contributing to the event’s impact on the SME ecosystem.”

The Trade Lenda Fair has set a new benchmark for facilitating meaningful interactions, fostering learning, and igniting inspiration within the SME community in Nigeria. As the curtains draw on this year’s event, the organizers look forward to building on this success and continuing to empower SMEs with opportunities and solutions that propel them towards prosperity.

More about Trade Lenda

It is Nigeria’s premier digital lending fintech brand and the Trade Lenda Fair is an annual flagship platform that brings together SMEs, industry experts, and stakeholders to showcase their offerings, share knowledge, and foster collaboration., the event aims to empower SMEs with the tools, insights, and connections needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

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Themed “Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Africa’s Transformation”, the event was held at the Best Western (BWC) Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos and was graced by the presence of Mrs. Ijeoma Ubosi, Founder and CEO of Kontessa Group, a leading premium fashion and lifestyle retail group in Nigeria, who delivered a thought-provoking keynote address on leadership and innovation in the business world.

Mrs. Ubosi obtained a Pharmacy degree from the University of Bath, United Kingdom and has attended several entrepreneurship and innovation courses at the London School of Economics and the Lagos Business School, among others. Mrs. Ubosi is an investor and advisor to numerous technology startups such as MTEch, Kamdora and 440.ng.

In addition to the keynote address, the dinner also featured networking opportunities with other members of the Executive MBA class and other business leaders in attendance.

Awards were presented to deserving faculty and non-faculty members, including Prof. Akintola Owolabi, a Professor of Cost and Management Accounting, who was conferred the Most Outstanding Faculty award, and Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and LBS Professor of Corporate Governance who received the Most Engaging Faculty award.

Other highlights of the evening included the conferment of the Most Impactful EMBA 26 executive award on Dr. Ezekiel Oseni, Chief Risk Officer at the Bank of Industry, for his contribution to the Lagos Business School and the EMBA 26 cohort.

Mrs. Debby Lawson, Executive Director of Fastizers Food and Confectionary, was also recognized with the Entrepreneur Award for her innovative approach to business.

The purpose of the annual dinner, according to Ms. Olubunmi Abejirin, the Cohort President, is to collectively recognize all those who have contributed to the academic and professional growth of the Cohort. “The dinner gives us an opportunity to lend our voice to emphasize the power of Entrepreneurship to positively change the business and economic landscape of Nigeria and Africa as a whole, while creating a networking event for three cohorts of the Executive MBA.”

The event was supported by the Lagos Business School (LBS), the Bank of Industry, MeritAbode Limited; MainOne (An Equinix Company), and Africa Fintech Foundry.

Overall, the event was a celebration of the achievements and contributions of the EMBA 26 class, and a testament to the strong sense of community and collaboration that exists within the Lagos Business School.

The Lagos Business School (LBS) is committed to providing its students with a world-class education that equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s global economy.

This dinner is just one example of the many opportunities that the school offers its students to learn from and connect with industry leaders.

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