The Digital Agenda Forum 2023 which was held recently with the theme “Leveraging Emerging Digital Technologies for National Development…exploring low hanging fruits,” marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of technological advancement for the prosperity of Nigeria.
Distinguished guests, industry leaders, and technological visionaries congregated at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, for conversation about how emerging technologies are reshaping economies and offering unprecedented opportunities for progress and societal enhancement.
The Digital Agenda Forum 2023 was also a platform to celebrate innovators and technology enthusiasts across various fields of endeavour.
The event had in attendance leading tech innovators from the nation’s IT space, like Tony Emaekpore, President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Bimbo Abioye, President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, Dr Agada Apochi, Group Managing Director, Unified Payments, Amos Emmanuel,, Founder, Innovationbed Africa, Femi Kalejaiye, Managing Director, Opolo, Wale Owoeye, Managing Director, Cedarview Communications, Ndidi Rita Amuchienwa, Partner Strategy Executive for EMEA, Intel and Harsh Gujarati founder C2S Innovation among others.
Dr. Agada Apochi, GMD of Unified Payments, was honoured with the prestigious “Financial Technology ICON of the Year award”, recognizing his significant contributions to the advancement of financial technology in Nigeria.
He has over 30 years of professional experience in banking and financial technology. He is a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Fellow, International Academy of Cards & Payments, Fellow, Institute of Credit Administration, Certified International Cards & Payments Professional (CICPP), Certified Associate of Capability Maturity Model Institute, Chartered Mediator and Conciliator, Barrister and Solicitor.
Tony Emoekpere was recognised with the “Outstanding Contribution to Telecom Development Award” for his long-standing consistency in the nation’s Telecommunication Industry. He is a C-Level Executive and accredited Project Manager with over 23 years experience in Telecommunications Management, ICT Service Provisioning, Infrastructure Design, Implementation, and Maintenance.
He is a graduate in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, member of the International Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and member of the Project Management Institute.
Hajia Thaibat Adeniran was awarded with “Outstanding Contribution to Insurance Tech” for her exceptional contributions to advancing insurance technology.
“Blockchain Influencer of the Year” was bestowed upon Oluseyi Akindeinde Founder Hyperspace Technologies for his profound impact in shaping the blockchain landscape. With over two decades of expertise in the technology and information security sectors, he recently dedicated a significant portion of his professional journey to understanding and addressing the security challenges within Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and Financial Transaction Systems (FTS).
He has had the privilege to share the findings of his comprehensive research work at an array of esteemed conferences and with prestigious organisations such as the NSA, CBN, ISSAN, CCIBN, CIBN, EFCC, NSE, EPPAN, and the executive councils and senior management of numerous financial institutions across Nigeria.
The awards underscore the dedication and innovation of these individuals in driving Nigeria towards a future where technology plays a transformative role in societal progress.
In his welcome address, Don Pedro Aganbi, Country Partner of Technology Africa, expressed gratitude amidst the gathering of thought leaders and innovators. He emphasized the transformative power of emerging technologies such as AI, Cloud, Blockchain, 5G, IoT, digital payments, Metaverse, Renewable Energy, robotics, and big data analytics.
“With a commitment to steer our nation toward sustainable development through strategic integration of these transformative tools, we aim to unlock the full potential of technology for the benefit of all Nigerians,” stated Don Pedro Aganbi.
The Digital Agenda Forum 2023 encapsulated a collective commitment to innovation, collaboration, and progress. It brought together luminaries and pioneers to chart a course that transcends barriers and fosters inclusivity in harnessing the potential of technology for the betterment of Nigeria.
