Spearheading this endeavor was Tony Ajah, the Programme Director for Nigeria Innovation Summit, who emphasized the significance of hands-on experience in nurturing innovation.

Ajah explained that the Innovation Tour was a vital component of the Nigeria Innovation Summit, a unique opportunity to witness innovation in action. The tour aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. It involved visits to companies at the forefront of incubating innovation, exploring products and services, and asking direct questions that mattered. 

“One of the experiences that we give to everybody in NIS is the Nigeria Innovation Tour. The essence of that is we go to companies that are incubating innovation to deepen our conversation to see how these innovations happens. It might be a product, it might be a service. There are direct questions you might ask.”

The tour called attention to the essence of making technology accessible and understandable to everyone, echoing a philosophy adopted by Microsoft Garage: designing products not for the smartest minds, but for the simplest understanding.

“There’s something they told us at Microsoft Garage; they don’t design any product by what the smartest mind will understand, but what the dumbest person will understand,” he said.

Tech Experience Center: Where Technology Comes Alive

Kene, the Head of Tech Experience Center, shared the vision behind this cutting-edge facility. Three years ago, the Center was established to bring technology to life within Nigeria. Historically, individuals had to travel to innovation centers in the US, UK, or Dubai to experience technology firsthand. 

However, the Center aimed to change this narrative by providing a platform within Nigeria. Its goal was to inspire innovation, nurture talent, and serve as a catalyst for technological advancements.

The Center achieved this through collaborations with leading vendors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Microsoft, Dell, Cisco, HP, and Lenovo. It served as the focal point for initiatives like the Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, a venture designed to drive digitalization across various sectors in Nigeria.

Country Digital Acceleration (CDA): Digitizing Nigeria’s Future

Chukwudi Theodore, the Cisco EDGE Ambassador for Nigeria, delved into the CDA program, emphasizing its key role in digitalizing the nation.

CDA’s multifaceted approach encompasses healthcare, critical infrastructures, education, cybersecurity, and various businesses. The program aims to modernize infrastructures, enhance skills, incubate startups, create jobs, and ensure the security of digital ecosystems.

Cisco’s strategic investments in Nigeria were evident in its focus on modernizing infrastructures, fostering innovation, and incubating startups. These initiatives not only create jobs but also instill a sense of security and data privacy in the digital landscape.

Sustainable Future: Building Smart Spaces with Cisco Meraki

One of the highlights of the tour was the exploration of Cisco Meraki, a cloud-managed solution that epitomized simplicity, efficiency, and innovation. Cisco Meraki revolutionized the concept of network management by introducing cloud-based solutions. Its centralized management system enables users to control thousands of devices globally, all from a single intuitive dashboard.

Meraki’s impact is profound, especially in the aspect of sustainability. By integrating applications into Physical-Digital-Mobile (PDM) processes and leveraging IoT, Meraki facilitates smart buildings, conserving energy, reducing emissions, and optimizing operations. The system’s AI-driven capabilities enhance user experience and provides deep visibility, ensuring seamless connectivity and security.

Innovative Use Cases and Collaborations: Shaping Nigeria’s Future

The integration of Meraki into diverse sectors showcases its versatility. From asset tracking in supermarkets to slip-and-fall alarms in factories, Meraki’s applications are vast. Its ability to seamlessly collaborate with other technologies, thanks to APIs, opens doors to endless possibilities. Moreover, Cisco’s goal of nurturing startups through incubation programs emphasizes the company’s dedication to shaping Nigeria’s technological ecosystem.

Empowering Young Minds and Fostering Innovation

The Tech Experience Center is set to launch initiatives focusing on data, AI, cloud computing, security, and networking. These endeavors aim to bridge existing knowledge gaps, empower young minds, and provide essential skills training.

The Nigeria Innovation Tour reiterated the power of hands-on experience and collaboration in driving innovation. Bringing technology closer to home and inspiring minds, Nigeria’s tech landscape is thriving, thanks to initiatives and visionary leaders like those at the Tech Experience Center and Cisco. 

The journey is far from over, but the momentum generated during this tour laid the foundation for a future where Nigeria is energized on the global tech stage.

The spectacular event, which will run from 7pm till dawn, is packaged to create an atmosphere for music lovers to network and have fun, while enjoying the latest and trendy songs performed live by a popular music group – D7 Music Band.

In addition to the music fare delivered by the dexterous band, attendees would be treated to games, food and drinks, with an after-party till dawn following the live band session.

Hosted in Victoria Island, the heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital, Live Band Friday promises to be a fitting avenue for young people and the crème of the Lagos corporate circle to sit back, relax and unwind after their demanding work schedules.

Tickets for Live Band Friday have already gone on sale.

Regular ticket costs N10,000. VIP ticket costs N25,000 and a ‘Group of 5’ ticket costs N45,000. The Group of 5 ticket is a regular ticket for 5 people which comes at a discounted cost. This option helps them save N5,000 (N1,000 per head).

Tickets are available for purchase using this link here.

Live Band Friday kicked off in March 2022 as an online content published monthly on YouTube – every last Friday of the month. However, based on popular demand, the initiative is now transitioning to a physical event, with the first physical edition set to take centre stage on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 13, Idowu Martins, VI, Lagos.

‘‘There is no gaining the fact that physical and emotional stress takes a heavy toll, especially in a fast-paced cosmopolitan city like Lagos,’’ disclosed Head, Tech Experience Centre, Chidalu Ekeh. ‘‘This is why we are rolling out the physical edition of Live Band Friday as a soothing balm for Nigerians to relax, network for potential business partners and have fun while enjoying the best of trendy music.

‘‘But that’s not all.

‘‘There will be games, food and drinks for attendees and for party lovers, you can also stay back for an after-party till dawn. It promises to be fun. Tickets are already on sale and we are witnessing huge excitement already for the debut of the physical edition. Through Live Band Friday, we are adding economic value to relaxation. It is more than entertainment,’’ she concluded.

Tagged Amapiano & Vibes, the classic, love and fun event takes centre stage on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Tech Experience Centre located at 13 Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos from 6pm.

Amapiano is a hybrid of deep house, jazz and lounge music characterized by synths, airy pads and wide percussive basslines, distinguished by high-pitched piano melodies which emerged in South Africa in 2012.

In addition to treating attendees to non-stop Amapiano music and instrumentals, the hang-out event will also feature loads of other fun and exciting activities including video and board games, choice wine, food & drinks and networking opportunities.

Among the games to occupy the attention of guests at the event are FIFA 21, Mortal Kombat, Jenga, Twister, Charades, Monopoly, Chess, Scrabble, among many others.

Interestingly, the event, which starts at 6pm will offer guests the rare opportunity of experiencing a lovely and cozy ambience not just for couples but also a perfect avenue to socialise.

Tickets cost N5000 each and covers a plate of stewed goat meat (Asun), soft drinks, water, chicken & chips and varieties of unlimited wines and alcoholic drinks.

Deadline for payment is Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

Payment can be made using the Flutterwave link HERE or by transfer into the account details below:

Account Name: TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE CENTRE LTD

Account Number: 1017487774

Bank Name: Zenith Bank