This year’s edition themed “Women in Technology” focuses on how women are making an impact and influence and breaking barriers in the Tech industry. The roundtable aims to bring together women leaders, innovators, and professionals in technology across the nation to celebrate, discuss and advance the role of women in the technology sector.

Women make up 33% of the tech-related workforce (Deloitte) and sadly the representation of women in tech is less than 3 in 10 people (Anitab). Experts have therefore argued that there is need to cultivate an inclusive tech world where women have a role to play. The women in the tech ecosystem, though few, compared to their numbers, are goal getters, innovative, resilient, audacious and daring. They are breaking barriers for a sustainable future. They promote tech leadership, digital skills and advocate gender equity reform.

The roundtable will feature inspiring talks by industry leaders including the highly respected Ola Williams, CEO Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana as the keynote speaker under the distinguished chairmanship of Her Excellency Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State. Other distinguished speakers include Ogo Ofomata, Director, Airtel Business Nigeria, Temitayo Salako, Head of Marketing, Tunga, Chisom Nwokwu (Software Engineer Microsoft), Adora Nwodo, Digital Creator & Founder, Nexascale, Daniella Usiade, Petroleum Engineer, Ikeoluwa Ali-Balogun, Information Science and Media Studies and a few others yet to confirm their participation.
There will be networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and mentorship among attendees that will include key players in the technology industry, innovative business leaders, and key opinion leaders in public relations and other sectors, distinguished diplomats, publicists corporate communication executives, business development executives, entrepreneurs, and captains of industry, as well as general stakeholders within the economic and social sectors targeted by the current theme.
This auspicious event will be recognizing outstanding contributions by women in technology with the induction into the NECCI PR Roundtable Hall of Fame.

The Women in Technology Roundtable is more than just an event; it is an initiative to empower women, promote diversity, and drive innovation in the tech industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and gain insights from leading experts and stay ahead of the latest trends in technology.

According to the convener, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, “we are excited at the theme of this edition that embodies innovation and inclusion. Our main objective is to create a platform where women can share their experiences, inspire each other, and drive meaningful change in the tech industry. We would be celebrating and highlighting the giant strides of techy women”.

To confirm your participation and join us in celebrating the achievements and potential of women in technology please register using this link : Registration for the 24th Edition of the NECCI PR Roundtable (google.com). ADMISSION IS FREE.

Over two decades, NECCI PR Roundtable has become Nigeria’s leading and award-winning Public Relations Conference. The Roundtable is a representation of Public Relations professionals and their contributions to diverse sectors; confronting emerging topical issues in both economic and social spaces with a view to providing practical analysis as well as creating technologically well-designed and usable inferences and solutions. The NECCI PR Roundtable, is a think-tank, not-for-profit event, on an advocacy mission of fostering global competence through strategic communication.  More than a hundred partners have recognized this powerful channel to network, connect and engage communication experts across the country and globally.

Signed:

Nkechi Ali-Balogun
Founder/Convener
NECCI PR Roundtable

Good morning, esteemed members of the press, distinguished gospel artistes, and our honoured guests from around the globe. It is my distinct honour to extend a warm welcome to each one of you on behalf of the beautiful city of Lagos, the wonderful nation of Nigeria and the amazing continent of Africa. Welcome to the 2023 edition of The Experience.

As we stand on the verge of this significant milestone, I am reminded that every profound journey commences with a single step. Today, we find ourselves taking that step once again, entering the heart of the 18^th iteration of The Experience—a journey defined by faith, unity, collaboration, and transformative moments. The success of this journey can only be attributed to the power of The Almighty, who began and sustains what is now globally acclaimed as the biggest gathering of gospel music enthusiasts on the face of the earth.

The theme for this year, “Jesus Our Way Maker,” has deep significance viewed against the backdrop of a very tumultuous and challenging year marked by severe socio-economic hardship and insecurity in the nation Nigeria. The Experience, in more ways than one, symbolizes a beacon of hope piercing the darkness of pervasive hopelessness and feelings of desolation. We know that as our praises rise as an offering to THE ONLY ONE who can turn things around for us, His blessings will distil in divine intervention alighting like the morning dew upon us, our nation, and our shared future.

Beyond being a concert, The Experience has matured (18 being the universal age of adulthood) into a counterculture that aspires to bring Heaven down to Earth within the reach of humanity as we navigate the intricate interplay of (the) faith and culture shaping our interactions and developmental initiatives in our shared journey to great nationhood.

The time has come for the body of Christ to intentionally nurture an unrelenting commitment to the common good through persuasive media including music and film. Our local culture, adorned with excellence, holds transformative potential, seamlessly intertwining with the global cultural fabric into the balance and harmony of a kaleidoscope. In doing so, we become architects of hope and engineers of inspiration on a global scale.

Our duty extends beyond addressing symptoms; it is to transform the very cultural soil from which our narratives stem. This necessitates a collective narrative where integrity and ethical conduct prevail, yielding a harvest of prosperity for our nation.

As we gather at The Tafawa Balewa Square tonight to honour the King of glory, serenading Him in the throng will be some of the most anointed, the finest, and the best gospel artistes on the planet, including Travis Greene, Naomi Raine, Nathaniel Bassey, Sinach, Dunsin Oyekan, Donnie McClurkin, William McDowell, Ada Ehi, Tim Godfrey, Onos Ariyo, Prinx Emmanuel, Moses Bliss, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Mr M & Revelation, Tope Alabi, Timi Dakolo, The Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir accompanied by the Rock Cathedral Gospel Choir, and more. Let us embark on a collective journey that is not merely a night of exhilarating praise and worship but a catalyst for a purposeful cultural shift.

Together, let’s forge a path where Nigeria stands as a beacon of positive change instigating a cultural metamorphosis guided by faith, unity, and the unwavering belief that when praises ascend, the purpose, plans and power of God graciously descend with His abundant blessing.

May this 18th edition of The Experience be a refreshing encounter for all in His divine presence. Thank you.

Pastor Paul Adefarasin

December 8, 2023

By Timothy Oladimeji, Business Development, inDrive, Nigeria

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, mobile technology has emerged as a driving force behind economic growth, particularly in developing markets. Nigeria, with its youthful population and growing mobile penetration, presents a unique opportunity for tech businesses to harness the power of data-driven strategies. There is therefore a need to explore the critical role that non personal data plays in unlocking mobile growth for ride-hailing and the gig economy in Nigeria, and how leveraging data-driven insights can pave the way for success in this burgeoning market.

The Nigerian Mobile Revolution:

Nigeria has experienced a mobile revolution in recent years, with increasing smartphone adoption and a surge in internet connectivity. This digital transformation has opened up new avenues for businesses, and ride-hailing is poised to capitalize on this opportunity. However, simply having a mobile presence is not enough; data must drive every aspect of growth strategy.

Data-Driven Insights for Market Expansion:

Data analytics provides ride-hailling companies with invaluable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and market trends. By leveraging data, ride-hailing firms can identify emerging consumer demands, understand competitor strategies, and tailor its services to meet the unique needs of the Nigerian market. Data-driven insights enable firms to make informed decisions regarding expansion plans, resource allocation, and product development, ensuring a targeted and efficient approach.

Personalization and Customer Engagement:

In a crowded market, personalization is key to stand out and create a lasting impact. By analyzing user data, a firm can develop personalized recommendations, targeted promotions, and tailored experiences that resonate with Nigerian consumers. Leveraging data to create customer-centric experiences enhances engagement, fosters loyalty, and drives sustainable growth.

Optimizing Operations and Efficiency:

Efficiency is crucial for success in any market, and data can play a pivotal role in streamlining operations. By analyzing operational data, firms can identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and enhance resource allocation. Data-driven insights enables a firm to make data-backed decisions that reduce costs, increase productivity, and maximize overall efficiency, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.

Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Security:

Data-driven strategies are not limited to growth; they also play a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring security. In a digital ecosystem, cybersecurity is paramount. By analyzing data patterns,a firm can proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities, safeguard user data, and strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure. This instills trust among Nigerian consumers, further enhancing growth trajectory.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

Data-driven growth extends beyond internal operations. By leveraging data, this enables a firm to identify potential collaborations and partnerships within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Collaborations with local businesses, start-ups, or even government agencies can yield synergies and open up new avenues for growth. Data provides inDrive with the insights needed to identify strategic partners and establish mutually beneficial relationships.

As ride-hailing expands its presence in Nigeria, leveraging the power of data becomes imperative. By adopting a data-driven approach to mobile growth, ride-hailing can effectively navigate the complexities of the Nigerian market, optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and mitigate risks. Data-driven insights empower ridehailing to make informed decisions, deliver personalized experiences, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s mobile revolution.

In embracing the data-driven future, ride-hailing not only propels its own growth but also contributes to Nigeria’s digital transformation. By leveraging the power of data, ride-hailing can become a catalyst for progress, bridging the digital divide and empowering Nigerian consumers with innovative mobile solutions. With data as its guiding light, ride-hailing is poised to unlock unprecedented growth and make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s vibrant tech landscape.