Over the years, technology has evolved from being a mere fancy vocabulary to becoming a household name, and a force to reckon with. It has become the fastest growing song on the lips of many, and it’s no wonder why a huge percentage of youths now dance to its tune.
It is often said that innovation is the mother of creativity, and initiative is the fruit of her labour.
Initiatives like Ibadan Tech Expo have been creating fine melodies to amplify the volume of technology, making it a resounding echo, for many to hear and be glad!
The Ibadan Tech Expo took the first run in spreading great awareness about Technology in 2023 with over 5000 individuals in attendance.
Yet once more, on the 28th of September, 2024, Ibadan Tech Expo pulled the second tech trigger across the brown roof city, the great city of Ibadan where tech enthusiasts, dignitaries, startups, and popular brands like Showmax, MTN and Cardify graced the occasion, with an estimate of 10,000 individuals in attendance.
Why Ibadan?
(Cocoa House, Ibadan. Photo credits: Tolu Shoot)
Ibadan, popularly referred to as the brown roof city, is the largest city in West Africa by landmass and the third most populated city in Nigeria after Lagos and Kano. According to a report released earlier this year, Ibadan currently stands as Nigeria’s 3rd largest startup ecosystem. It’s quite thrilling to see that tech initiatives like Ibadan Tech Expo are leveraging this. In a few months from now, Ibadan might just be the largest tech hub in Nigeria.
Being a land of opportunity and welfarism, Ibadan accommodates everyone, both indigenes and non-indigenes and has now become a home to several techstartups.
The Tech Expo 2024 Event
This past weekend, the Ibadan Tech Expo 2024 took Oyo State by storm, making it the biggest non-entertainment event the state has ever seen as reported by Business Verge. With a lineup of powerhouse speakers, innovative showcases, and remarkable moments, the event lived up to its reputation as the talk of the town.
Here’s a breakdown of the key moments and highlights that made this event one to remember:
Empowering the Digital Future – Beulah Adeoye’s Inspiring Keynote
(Beulah Adeoye. PC: IbadanTechExpo)
“Technology is more than a tool; it’s a catalyst for change.” These were the inspiring words of Beulah Adeoye, the keynote speaker at Ibadan Tech Expo 2024. Adeoye shared his vision for the future, urging the audience to harness tech innovations not just to create apps or websites, but to develop sustainable business models that address real-world challenges.
He didn’t stop there. In a generous move to empower local talents, Adeoye gave out laptops and cash prizes to inspire innovation and drive growth in the tech community. His words left an indelible mark on the audience: “It’s not about the next app; it’s about building ecosystems that are resilient and capable of driving economic growth.”
Hon. Akin Alabi’s Powerful Message on Marketing and Tech
(Akin Alabi. PC: IbadanTechExpo)
One of the most anticipated speakers, Hon. Akin Alabi, delved into the crucial role that marketing plays in building successful tech businesses. “Tech is a tool, but business is what sustains it,” he emphasised. Drawing parallels to tech giants like Amazon, he highlighted how brick-and-mortar operations still play a pivotal role in tech success.
Alabi also shared insights into building a sustainable business, urging tech entrepreneurs to focus on the business aspect first, then integrate the latest technology to enhance consumer experiences. His emphasis on staying adaptable in a world where the definition of tech is constantly evolving resonated deeply with the audience.
In a heartwarming moment, Hon. Akin Alabi surprised a guest from Kano with a ₦200,000 cash gift and a flight ticket—a gesture that showcased his generosity and commitment to uplifting others in the tech community.
Technological Innovation and Legislative Support – Hon. Olajide Adedeji Odidiomo’s Call for Action
(Hon. Olajide Adedeji Odidiomo)
Hon. Olajide Adedeji Odidiomo took the stage with a focus on the role of government in driving technological innovation. His speech, titled “Driving Technological Innovation: Legislative Strategies for Advancing ICT Development in Oyo State”, called for collaboration between stakeholders—from government to the private sector—to foster tech-driven economic growth.
Odidiomo stressed the importance of artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and internet governance in creating opportunities for development. He passionately advocated for digital literacy programs and joint research efforts to help position Oyo State as a leader in technology.
Challenges and Vision for the Future – Convener Hon. Balogun Danjuma
(Hon. Balogun Danjuma. PC: IbadanTechExpo)
Speaking with pride and vision, Hon. Balogun Danjuma, the convener of Ibadan Tech Expo 2024, took a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that led to the event’s success. With the support of over 1,000 volunteers and generous sponsorships, Danjuma showcased a 10-year plan to nurture the tech ecosystem in Ibadan.
However, the event’s growth came with challenges. In a candid statement on X (formerly Twitter), Danjuma acknowledged a glitch in seating arrangements due to the overwhelming number of attendees—more than 1,500 tickets sold on the day of the event alone! “We need a bigger venue,” he stated, mentioning plans to explore new spaces for future events.
Despite the challenges, the event was a massive success, capped off with awards given out to various tech organisations including, the Coding School of the Year award going to Larva Coding Academy and Oh Mobility being recognized as the Tech Brand of the Year.
Other Notable Speakers and Insights
The event also featured notable speakers such as:
– Sam Aiyesoro
– Titilope Gbadamosi
– Seun Fakorede
– Tunde Buremo
– Dr. Success Ojo
– John Alamu
Each speaker brought unique perspectives, from investment tips for tech entrepreneurs to strategies for scaling tech startups. Their collective insights reinforced one common theme: Tech is not just the future, it’s the present—and Oyo State is ready to lead the charge.
As the curtains closed on Ibadan Tech Expo 2024, one thing became clear: Ibadan’s tech scene is booming. The event showcased not only the incredible talent within the community but also the determination to make Ibadan a tech hub in Nigeria and beyond.
With leaders like Hon. Balogun Danjuma leading the troop and innovators like Beulah Adeoye and Hon. Akin Alabi inspiring the next generation, the future of tech in Oyo State looks brighter than ever.
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