The highly anticipated elections concluded yesterday with the emergence of a new leadership team poised to champion industry standards, foster innovation, and drive widespread adoption of blockchain technology across the country.

The newly elected executives, who will officially assume their roles in January 2026, represent a blend of legal, financial, and technical expertise critical for navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Leading the charge is Mela Claude-Ake, a lawyer, who has been elected the President of SiBAN to succeed the outgoing President, Obinna Iwuno, whose tenure was marked by significant achievements, including facilitating crucial reforms and forging strategic partnerships with regulators and other critical stakeholders in the digital asset industry. Mr. Iwuno will formally hand over the reins to the new council in January 2026.

Other elected to the executive council are:

• Chimene Chinah – Vice President 1, in charge of Blockchain education and adoption;
• Oroke Cornelius – Vice President 2, membership, strategic partnerships, and funding; and
• Ayo Shonibare – Vice President 3, in charge of policy, regulation, and ethics.

Others are

• Ugochukwu Peters – Vice President 4 in charge of digital asset operations and capital markets,
• Mbene Vivian – Chief strategy officer in charge of projects and incubation,
• Olufunmilayo Tugbobo as Financial Secretary/Chief Financial Officer, and
• Chiemeka David Ohajionu as chief communications officer.

The newly elected council’s structure reflects SiBAN’s commitment to addressing key pillars of the blockchain ecosystem: from grassroots education and fostering innovation through projects, to establishing robust regulatory frameworks.

In his acceptance speech, Mela Claude-Ake emphasized the vital role SiBAN plays in shaping the future of finance and technology in Nigeria.

“The trust placed in this new council is not one we take lightly. We inherit a great foundation built by the outgoing team. Our mission now is to accelerate. We stand at a critical juncture where the potential of blockchain to revolutionize every sector, from finance and governance to supply chain, is undeniable.

This new council will focus relentlessly on advancing smart, collaborative regulation, democratizing blockchain education, and protecting the interests of all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria remains a leader in the African digital economy space,” he assured.

He added that he is humbled by the opportunity to be the face of one of Nigeria’s youngest and most promising sectors, blockchain tech.

“As a tech enthusiast I am excited at the possibilities. The ecosystem needs careful nurturing by the government. My administration will be focused on building new bridges for the blockchain sector internationally and domestically, establishing trust with the public and unifying the sector. I enjoin all blockchain stakeholders in Nigeria, connected to Nigeria or of Nigerian heritage to join hands together with my administration in building the industry of our dreams.”

The industry now looks forward to the handover ceremony in January 2026 and the initiatives the new SiBAN leadership will unveil to solidify the association’s role as a catalyst for innovation and a respected partner to the Nigerian government.

The high-level engagement sought to gather insights for developing a balanced and forward-looking national framework for cryptocurrency and digital asset regulation in the country, even as the meeting underscores the legislature’s commitment to addressing both the security risks and the economic potential of Nigeria’s booming digital finance sector.

Olufemi Bamisile, the chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Cryptocurrency, strongly advocated for a significant downward review of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) minimum capital requirement of up to ₦1 billion for cryptocurrency exchanges.

He grounded his stance in the need for regulations to protect investors without strangling innovation, arguing that Nigeria’s threshold is far higher than global norms, such as the European Union’s MiCA framework. Bamisile specifically addressed a critical inconsistency, noting that most Nigerian crypto firms do not hold customer funds but only manage the underlying technology.

He stressed that subjecting these pure technology-focused firms to the same high capital and insurance standards as those that hold investors’ funds is unfair and a view shared by various stakeholders, including investors and consumer groups.

This entire regulatory effort, which also saw remarks from the representative of Speaker of the House of Representative, Usman Kumo on the clear need for a robust framework, was driven by concerns over consumer protection and national security, as Bamisile highlighted the significant deficiency of many Nigerian Fintechs in providing robust consumer protection, warning that current widespread scams could ultimately compromise financial stability and national security.

The Committee’s recommendations center on ensuring that regulations open doors, not close them, acknowledging that high barriers, such as the ₦1 billion capital requirement, would simply export our brightest minds as young entrepreneurs register their businesses abroad, resulting in lost jobs, skills, and tax revenue for Nigeria.

To promote local innovation and youth empowerment, the committee is championing a Nigeria first licensing pathway using a tiered approach. Under this model, firms with smaller capital exposure would operate under mandatory mentorship and joint compliance tracking between the SEC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

As these firms grow and their capacity is proven, they would gradually graduate to higher tiers with broader responsibilities.

This strategic mode is specifically designed to keep innovation thriving within Nigeria, build trust in the system, and support the President’s vision of inclusive economic empowerment.

The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), the foremost self-regulatory body for the sector, was a key stakeholder to the session. SiBAN, led by its President Obinna Iwuno, presented a comprehensive memorandum to the Committee, chaired by Hon. Olufemi Bamisile, commending the House for its timely intervention.

The association acknowledged the Committee’s mandate to review regulatory gaps, investigate security implications, and develop a framework that protects consumers while harnessing innovation.

In its submission, SiBAN highlighted Nigeria’s position as a global leader in digital asset adoption, driven by a young and tech-savvy population.

However, it pointed out that the industry is currently hampered by a fragmented regulatory landscape, with overlapping jurisdictions among the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other agencies, creating operational uncertainty.

SiBAN stressed that a cohesive, risk-based framework is urgently needed to foster growth and address issues like fraud and money laundering.

To achieve this coherence, SiBAN proposed a series of sweeping reforms, beginning with the enactment of an act for Blockchain Technology and Digital Assets.

This proposed legislation would define and categorise digital assets, recognise blockchain as foundational infrastructure, and establish regulatory coherence across all agencies.

The association argued that this unified approach is necessary to align Nigeria with global benchmarks, such as the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and UAE’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

SiBAN noted that a National Council on Blockchain & Digital Assets should be established and situated under the Presidency, to serve as a central coordinating body to harmonise cross-agency standards, issue technical architectures, and manage a national multi-sector sandbox.

“This structure aims to ensure a single, adaptive institutional framework for rapid technological change and to prevent policy duplication,” it said.

Furthermore, the self-regulatory body advocated for a tiered licensing framework for operators differentiating between high-risk custodial services and lower-risk infrastructure providers to encourage innovation and market integrity.

It also called for local content requirements and policy incentives to protect Nigerian-owned firms from foreign dominance, reduction in the licensing fees, admittance of more operators into the Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Program, coupled with mandatory consumer protection measures like compulsory KYC, AML/CFT/CPF Compliance and dispute resolution through mechanisms such as SiBAN’s own Blockchain Dispute Resolution Panel (BDRP).

By adopting these proposals, SiBAN concluded, Nigeria could achieve significant national benefits including regulatory certainty, enhanced financial inclusion, reduced fraud, and increased job creation.

The association reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate, asserting that transitioning to a unified framework under the proposed actions would position Nigeria as a globally respected model for digital innovation governance.

But somewhere between the rise of regulation and the fear of fraud, that momentum began to fade. As the world now steps into a new era defined by crypto and blockchain, Nigeria once again stands at a crossroads, brimming with potential yet constrained by hesitation.

Across Asia, countries like China and India have turned cautious curiosity into structured leadership. China, despite its restrictions on private crypto trading, has redefined financial innovation through its digital yuan, now adopted by over 260 million users.

India went even further, transforming regulation into opportunity by building one of the world’s strongest digital finance ecosystems, processing over 10 billion transactions monthly.

While these nations are building confidence through clarity, Nigeria risks being caught in limbo. We are slowly becoming a nation of innovators without the structure to channel our brilliance.

Our true strength lies in our people, bold, creative, and determined to forge our own path. Between July 2023 and June 2024, Nigerians traded nearly $60 billion worth of crypto assets, ranking third globally in grassroots adoption.

This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a generational shift, a population that trusts digital assets more than traditional systems; using crypto for payments, remittances, and savings. The momentum is great. But, without structure it is fragile.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede recently warned of a thin line between genuine traders and fraudsters, following the arrest of over 790 suspects in Lagos linked to crypto-related scams.

This points to the fact that our problem isn’t innovation, it’s the absence of a framework that separates progress from exploitation.

Without clear regulations, even legitimate operators risk being ensnared in efforts aimed at bad players.

The Cost of Regulatory Delay

Every time Nigeria delays decisive regulation, opportunity slips away.

The crypto economy represents our next trillion-dollar opportunity, but hesitation threatens to push innovators and builders to other countries where innovation and policy move in sync.

The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) has developed a Code of Ethics for Practitioners, a framework designed to align innovation with compliance. The private sector has actively shown readiness to collaborate with regulators, not against them.

If crypto is indeed “the new oil,” as the EFCC Chairman aptly described, then it’s time we built the refinery. Crafting regulation that protects without paralysing, establishing systems that foster trust and showing leadership that acts with purpose and urgency.

The future of finance is borderless, data-driven and powered by youth. China and India, amongst other countries, are already shaping that future, and Nigeria has the same ingredients: the talent, adoption, and ambition to lead. What we lack is courage.

In the global race to define the future of finance, hesitation  is surrender. Nigeria has never been a nation that watches from the sidelines, and now, more than ever, we cannot afford to start.

About the Author

Bidemi Oke is the Chief Executive Officer of FlashChange, a fintech platform focused on secure digital asset exchange. He is an entrepreneur and vibrant leader, recognised for driving innovation and redefining access in the financial technology industry.

This milestone underscores FlashChange’s commitment to industry best practices, user protection, and responsible innovation as it continues to build trust in the evolving blockchain and digital finance ecosystem.

Speaking on the development, Bidemi Oke, CEO FlashChange, said:

“FlashChange is excited to become a member of SIBAN, as we see this as a significant step toward strengthening our role within Nigeria’s blockchain and digital asset community. For us, it’s more than a membership, it is a commitment to transparency, consumer protection, and collaborative innovation.

By joining forces with SIBAN and its diverse network of forward-thinking stakeholders, we aim to contribute to shaping policies, advancing industry standards, and driving sustainable growth in the digital finance ecosystem. We are confident that together, we can build greater trust in blockchain technology and unlock new opportunities for individuals and businesses across Nigeria and beyond.”

Also commenting, Olamide Olayiwola, chief technology officer (CTO), FlashChange, added:

“User experience drives everything we do at FlashChange. By joining SIBAN, we’re doubling down on our commitment to secure, transparent, and user-first blockchain solutions. This collaboration will fast-track innovation, raise security standards, and give Nigerians and global users access to safe, reliable, and future-proved platforms.

As a member of SIBAN, FlashChange will participate in initiatives aimed at policy advocacy, stakeholder education, and industry collaboration, further reinforcing its mission to create accessible, safe, and innovative financial solutions for Nigerians and global users.

This new alliance will leverage the combined expertise and resources of both organizations to foster innovation, drive development, and accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology across Nigeria.

The partnership comes shortly after Roqqu was welcomed into the SiBAN network as a corporate member, solidifying a joint commitment to building a more credible, transparent, and sustainable digital asset ecosystem.

The collaboration is designed to bridge the gap between rapid technological innovation and responsible adoption, while prioritizing user protection and ethical standards.

In a statement, the organizations detailed a range of initiatives to be launched as part of this collaboration, all aimed at promoting financial inclusion and responsible innovation.

Key initiatives to be carried out by the two organisations include jointly hosting events to educate both the public and industry professionals on blockchain technology, developing training programs to equip developers and the public with the skills needed to thrive in the blockchain space and actively engaging with regulators and policymakers to help shape a more informed and compliant blockchain community in Nigeria.

“We are delighted to have this collaboration. Our collective strength lies in the diversity and commitment that we both bring to the table and ultimately, contribute to the growth of the blockchain ecosystem,” said Obinna Iwuno, President of SiBAN in the statement.

Roqqu has seen remarkable growth in recent years, establishing itself as a leading force in making cryptocurrency and digital finance accessible.

With a focus on providing fast, reliable, and user-friendly services, the company has expanded its footprint beyond Nigeria into other key African markets, including Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

This expansion, along with a virtual currency license to operate in the European Economic Area (EEA), positions Roqqu as a truly international fintech company.

Reacting to the partnership, Roimot Ajiboye-Ibitoye, the chief compliance officer of Roqqu, said partnering with SiBAN is a natural step to make blockchain technology and digital finance accessible, safe, and beneficial for everyone, insisting that together, the two organisations are not just talking about blockchain adoption. Rather, actively building the frameworks, trust, and education needed for it to thrive responsibly in Nigeria.

“This collaboration represents a united front between innovators and industry advocates to create a credible, transparent, and sustainable digital asset ecosystem. By combining our expertise with SiBAN’s strong advocacy and regulatory engagement, we are setting the stage for a future where blockchain becomes a trusted driver of financial inclusion and economic growth across the globe,” he said.

This partnership highlights a shared vision between Roqqu and associations like SiBAN that play a crucial role in bridging the gap between industry innovation and responsible adoption to ensure the benefits of blockchain are accessible to a wider audience, creating a safer and more robust future for digital finance in Nigeria.

SiBAN as a body provides a platform where stakeholders can share knowledge and experiences, where companies can engage in constructive policy discussions with regulators, where communities can learn about safe, responsible participation in the blockchain space and where businesses can collaborate on solutions that serve both economic and social development goals.

Industry watchers believe that this partnership highlights a shared vision of creating a credible, transparent, and sustainable digital asset ecosystem.

By working together, Roqqu and SiBAN aim to bridge the gap between rapid technological innovation and responsible adoption, ensuring that the benefits of blockchain are accessible to a wider audience while prioritizing user protection and ethical standards.

Through a strategic partnership with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), Interstellar has unveiled the PAPSS African Currency Marketplace (PACM), a revolutionary platform poised to eliminate a long-standing $5 billion bottleneck caused by currency inconvertibility across African nations.

For SiBAN, this milestone is more than a technical achievement, it’s a powerful reflection of the innovation and leadership emerging from Nigeria’s blockchain ecosystem.

Interstellar: Driving Africa’s Financial Future with Blockchain

At the core of PACM is STARGATE, a blockchain-agnostic infrastructure developed by Interstellar, designed to enable real-time peer-to-peer exchange of local African currencies. Built with permissioned blockchain technology, STARGATE is not only secure and scalable, it’s a game-changer for businesses, SMEs, and informal traders seeking to trade affordably and seamlessly across borders.

“This innovation by Interstellar goes to the heart of what SiBAN stands for, leveraging blockchain to solve real-world problems,” said Obinna Iwuno, President of SiBAN. “Their partnership with PAPSS and the creation of PACM is a bold demonstration of how Nigerian ingenuity is shaping global conversations on financial technology and inclusion.”

Why PACM Matters

Africa’s fragmented currency systems have long posed a challenge to seamless trade within the continent.

The PACM solves this by enabling direct local currency exchanges between 19 African countries, aligned with local financial regulations, and built on Interstellar’s Bantu blockchain network.

This not only slashes transaction costs but advances the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

By doing so, Interstellar is helping unlock a more connected and self-reliant Africa, one transaction at a time.

Blockchain as a Catalyst for Africa’s Economic Renaissance

The promise of blockchain lies in its power to decentralize, democratize, and digitize economies. Across sectors, from finance to governance, its applications are already disrupting inefficiencies and driving inclusion.

SiBAN’s members, including Interstellar, are using blockchain to power cross-border payments, supply chain visibility, digital identity, and more, creating tools for sustainable development.

“Blockchain is not just code, it’s change,” said Ernest Mbenkum, CEO of Interstellar. “Being part of SiBAN’s ecosystem gives us the strength to scale our innovations and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic revival.”

SiBAN’s Role in Building Nigeria’s Blockchain Backbone

As the foremost blockchain advocacy body in Nigeria, SiBAN continues to support startups and innovators through policy advocacy, ecosystem development, and education.

With members like Interstellar leading on the continental front, SiBAN’s impact is increasingly being felt across Africa.

Their goal? To make Nigeria a global blockchain powerhouse through innovation, regulation, and collaboration.

A Call to Visionary Action

SiBAN calls on government agencies, private sector players, and tech innovators to recognize blockchain as a strategic tool for national and continental progress. With the right policies and partnerships, Nigeria can not only lead in Africa but also shape global trends in blockchain adoption.

Iwuno believes that the new US administration’s stance on cryptocurrencies, coupled with global economic trends, presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria. He argues that a strategic approach to Bitcoin can lead to significant economic benefits for the country

Such benefits, according to him include increased wealth where Nigerian traders could profit from the expected rise in cryptocurrency prices, potentially hedging against domestic inflation.

Other benefits are economic growth, which will present a thriving domestic crypto ecosystem that could generate jobs and stimulate economic activity and financial inclusion, where cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins pegged to the Naira, could provide financial services to underserved populations.

Meanwhile, to capitalize on this opportunity, Iwuno proposes several steps:

• Regulatory Clarity: The Nigerian government should provide clear and supportive regulations for the cryptocurrency industry.
• National Bitcoin Strategy:A comprehensive national strategy should be developed to guide policymaking and industry development.
• Bitcoin ETF:The Nigerian capital market could explore the possibility of launching a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).
• Stablecoin Development:The government should encourage the development of stablecoins backed by the Naira.

Iwuno’s call to action comes as the global cryptocurrency market continues to experience significant growth. With major economies embracing digital assets, Nigeria stands to benefit from early adoption and strategic planning.

On the political side is a power-grab. A small group of individuals who think they should be the lords and masters of Nigeria’s crypto space are fighting for control. They want control of SIBAN and they want control of the SIBAN presidency.

Essentially a shadow administration that runs the show from behind the scenes. For this to happen, the president has to be a puppet. What they fail to understand is that being a pioneer of a vision doesn’t necessarily mean that you must control it in perpetuity.

Succession-planning is a vital part of corporate governance. Across the world, several major organizations abound, whether they be companies, political parties, associations and even nations where the founders of these visions are alive but do not call the shots anymore and quite frankly, that’s okay.

Coming to the issue of registering SIBAN with the Corporate Affairs Commission, the detractors are doing themselves a huge disservice.

It’s both ridiculous and risky that an unincorporated body was carrying on and presenting itself as it did. I mean think about it; how do you hold high-level meetings and organise national industry conversations involving the SEC, NITDA etcetera as an unregistered body?

Legally speaking, the implications are better imagined.

How does a group present itself as the foremost industry association for the blockchain sector in Nigeria and by extension Africa but is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission? Whose bank account were the dues being paid to? How do you woo foreign investors?

How? Do you show them your WhatsApp group? Because that’s essentially what SIBAN was reduced to. A mere Whatsapp group.

Can you imagine the Nigeria Bar Association not being registered with the CAC?

The excuse about organizations with words such as “Blockchain” or “Crypto” not being accepted for registration by the CAC is weak because there are records of such organizations having been allowed to be registered by the CAC even as far back as 2018. The records are out there.

Now that the detractors are wailing, kicking and screaming can they prove by law that SIBAN has not been properly incorporated by this board of trustees? Can they prove that this incorporation exercise did not satisfy the extant corporate laws and regulations of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

If they have a good case, they should go to court and remember to sue the Corporate Affairs Commission as well.

However if they know they cannot prove it, then they should be quiet because what they are doing is simply inviting more trouble than necessary with all this brouhaha. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

It should be on record that I was invited by the president to join this board and when he extended the invitation, I was shocked, to say the least, to find out that SIBAN was yet unincorporated. I was invited because he believes I will bring some value to the association and I will.

As a lawyer and a compliance and consumer rights advocate I am personally concerned about the several sharp practices that have been happening in the blockchain sector, that have caused unwitting investors to lose millions and in turn making the entire sector appear less trustworthy.

My mission as a member of the SIBAN Board of Trustees is to help us tighten the loose ends and remove the permissive environment that has hitherto allowed sleazy fellows and shady schemes to thrive unchecked.

Personally, I believe that if any crypto practitioner wilfully puts investor funds or public funds at risk, the practitioner shouldn’t only be banned for life, they should be locked up.

SIBAN has what it takes to accelerate prosperity through blockchain and I think Obinna Iwuno and this BOT as currently constituted have the requisite skills, passion and grit to make that happen.

*Barr. Mela Claude Ake is a member, SIBAN Board Of Trustees

As Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including corruption, inefficiencies, and economic volatility, the synergy of Blockchain and AI emerges as a game changer, promising transparency, efficiency, and innovation.

Addressing Nigeria’s Challenges with Blockchain and AI

Nigeria’s economy grapples with issues such as fraud, lack of transparency, and inefficient processes. Blockchain Technology, with its decentralized and immutable ledger system, ensures data integrity and transparency, significantly reducing corruption and fraud.

AI, on the other hand, offers predictive analytics, process automation, and enhanced decision-making capabilities.

Together, these technologies can streamline government operations, enhance service delivery, and foster a more inclusive economy.

Digital Assets and Real Estate Tokenization: Shared Prosperity

One of the most promising applications of Blockchain Technology in Nigeria is the tokenization of digital assets and real estate.

By converting real estate assets into digital tokens, ownership becomes more accessible, enabling fractional ownership and democratizing investment opportunities.

This can lead to shared prosperity, as more Nigerians can participate in real estate investments previously out of their reach. The tokenization of assets also enhances liquidity and provides a secure and transparent transaction platform, attracting both local and international investors.

Join Us at the Tokenized Economy Conference

Cyberchain, Africa’s leading Web 3 and Digital Economy Aggregator, is proud to announce the Tokenized Economy Conference, set to take place on the 3rd and 4th of October at Baze University, Abuja.

This event, dedicated to promoting Blockchain adoption in Nigeria, is part of Cyberchain’s ongoing efforts, spanning over half a decade, with successful impacts in more than five states and over 20,000 Nigerians.

The conference will accommodate over 3,000 participants and feature over 30 Tech leaders from both the public and private sectors. This is a must-attend event for real estate practitioners and government executives eager to explore the transformative potential of Blockchain and AI.

“Digital Assets Tokenization, powered by Blockchain Technology, is a game changer for any organization or government that intends to elevate their businesses or the lives of their citizens, respectively. We are delighted that Cyberchain has taken the driver’s seat to bring this great opportunity to Nigerians,” says Mr. Jude Ozinegbe, Founder of Cyberchain, author of Embracing Nigeria’s Digital Economy and Blockchain Facilitator at Baze University, Abuja Nigeria.

Empowering Future Innovators

On the second day of the conference, October 4th, the Innovators Challenge, dubbed the Next-Gen Pitch Competition, will take place.

This initiative encourages university undergraduates to develop applicable Blockchain solutions, referencing the Internet Computer Protocol Blockchain, addressing real-world challenges.

The winning teams will share a prize pool of N5,000,000, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.

Mr. Adedayo Adebajo, co-founder of ICP.Hub Sahara West Africa, remarks, “We are excited to collaborate with Cyberchain to empower Nigerian youths with the relevant tech, incubation, and kick-off financial support, enabling them to look within and propose homegrown innovative solutions to the challenges peculiar to us in Nigeria and Africa. We are confident that the winners will become positive success stories in the future.”

Tokenized Economy is sponsored by Zinochrome, Hyperspace, Alphageek, ICP_Sahara, NITDA, supported by Baze University, SiBAN, CDIN, BICCON, BEAN, and numerous community partners.

Interested individuals in Abuja and environs, can register to attend this event for free at cyberchain.com.ng/register

[For sponsorship and exhibition, kindly send an email to: info@cyberchain.com.ng]

At the Chike Okoli Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the venue of the Conference, tech experts, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs converged to discuss the possibilities that abound with blockchain and other emerging technologies.

The UNIZIK Blockchain Lab and the Crypto Bootcamp Community organized the event, in recognition of the significance of Blockchain and invited tech ecosystem developers, startups, and explorers to educate students on the importance of Blockchain and ICT skills in the fast-growing global community, where virtually everything is dependent on ICT.

With its theme as ‘Opportunities in Blockchain and the Future of Web3’, the Conference sponsored by Yellow Card and CBC, has its ecosystem Partners include Stakeholders in the Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria, SiBAN, and Digital Nigeria under the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Anambra State ICT Agency under the leadership of Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata “CFA” the MD/CEO, is also partnering on the project, in furtherance of the commitment of Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to continue to enable tech appreciation events and initiatives, to ensure that Anambra State becomes a safe space for tech enthusiasts and startups to emerge and thrive.

In a presentation, Chukwuemeka Ezike, the Vice President, for Media and Publicity of SIBAN, discussed why technology matters in Africa, noting that it has become imperative, as the world sees Africa as a place to harness talents.

He further highlighted how technology has transformed career paths worldwide, shifting from traditional to contemporary IT skill careers.

“The new direction that the world is going to is one that is technology-driven. Societies are seeking to simplify complex situations and strengthen their efficiency by leveraging technology.

“This simply implies that the new generation must engage in acquiring sought-after IT skills to stay on top of their game, with the possibility of reaping subsequent benefits.

“That’s the whole idea behind this Conference- to expose the young people, in this case, students, who are at their productive ages, with the ability to innovate and create, to the possibilities that abound with Blockchain,” he said.

A co-founder of UNIZIK Blockchain Lab, John Paul, in a speech, shared the lab’s origin story and the hidden potentials of blockchain and technology in general and urged students to take advantage of the free lectures and strive to achieve from them.

The chief sponsor of the event, Yellow Card, a mobile app for trading cryptocurrencies, was represented by their marketing manager, Paolo Abamwa, who presented their app’s purpose and functionality.

At the Conference, various panel sessions were held that allowed startups, web developers, traders, tech enthusiasts, and others to discuss the potential of blockchain, crypto, and IT skills for the new generation.

These discussions revolved around the ways blockchain and crypto have impacted the participants and provided valuable solutions for students and individuals interested in pursuing careers in IT.

The event also included a lively dance competition session and a question-and-answer session hosted by Yellow Card, where students were rewarded with gifts.