There are over 3 billion internet users—and over 2 billion of them have active social media accounts. Even though Nigeria still has a long way to go, the social media sector has grown tremendously. This panel highlighted the relevance and potency of digital connections in the 21-st century in helping to create huge socioeconomic breakthroughs for individuals and communities, with a special focus on Nigeria.
The discussion featured five influential professionals across sectors who have harnessed the power of technology/mobile connectivity to drive growth and socioeconomic impact in Nigeria in their respective fields/projects or endeavour. The panellists include Chioma Ukonu, John Obidi, Emmanouil Revmatas, Okechukwu Ofili and Temi Giwa-Tubosun for (social entrepreneurship, travel, education, community service and technology). They shared some highlights of their journey so far and insights to encourage youths to tap into the potentials of technology for creating more impacts in the society.
“Recycle Points NG started in my kitchen and technology has helped advocacy for my business. We have over 70 million Nigerians, let’s use digital media platforms to propagate impact” – Chioma Ukonu, C00 Recycle Points.
“I learnt about social media marketing in 2013. Nigerians are digital immigrants and digital connections isn’t secluded to a certain group of people. IT is nobody’s calling and we all have to learn and know it” – John Obidi, Online Business Coach.
“There are many Nigerians connected to mobile technology and we should be proud of this development. Samsung makes the devices but it’s the ecosystem which supplies the system. Many app developers believe developing apps is the best way to get rich quickly but that isn’t the case. ” – Emmanouil Revmatas, Director, IT & Mobile Samsung West Africa.
“Not every solution requires an app and monetising is one of the challenges of digital technology. We can all talk it but it’s important to know the real and physical impact and also ask ourselves, ‘What am I doing to contribute to the solution’ – Okechukwu Ofili, Founder, Okada Books.
“We have motor bikes which transport blood and there are many Nigerians working to solve our problems and we still need more people to join the fight. The future of this country is bright because of its own people” – Temi Giwa-Tubosun, CEO, Lifebank.