A recent summit convened by Digivation Networks in Lagos emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to embrace digital transformation through strong internet governance, enhanced digital literacy, and comprehensive policy reforms.
The Digivation Future Summit, themed “Governance, Innovation, People and Future Economy,” brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Participants highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as underdeveloped digital infrastructure, limited internet access, and a lack of digital skills.
Dr. Bayero Agabi, Founder of Digivation Networks, acknowledged the significant challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa in digital development, including infrastructure gaps, limited connectivity, and a digital gender divide. He stressed the need to anchor policies on the principles of Governance, Innovation, and People.
The summit also discussed the double-edged sword of social media in Africa. While social media has empowered many, it has also contributed to the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, and harmful content. Unregulated social media can erode cultural values, promote anti-social behavior, and negatively impact young people.
Speakers from various sectors, including politics, governance, business, and technology, shared their insights and experiences. The summit recognized individuals and organizations for their exceptional leadership and innovation.
Tim Akano of New Horizons delivered the keynote address, focusing on the potential of well-channeled innovations to address Nigeria’s challenges. He advocated for robust internet governance frameworks and policies to support innovation, promote digital literacy, and ensure a safe and inclusive digital space.
Key recommendations from the summit included:
- Internet Governance: Establishing robust frameworks to ensure a safe, accessible, and inclusive digital space.
- Digital Literacy: Promoting digital literacy among citizens to enable effective use of information online.
- Policy Reform: Implementing policies that support innovation, protect data privacy, and promote digital inclusion.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in digital infrastructure, including broadband connectivity and renewable energy.
- Cybersecurity: Strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect against online threats.
The summit underscored the critical role of social media in shaping public discourse and fostering economic opportunities in Nigeria. However, participants warned of the potential negative consequences of unregulated social media use.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the digital age, the recommendations from the Digivation Future Summit offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous digital society.
